Today I went for a ride out to Harties with a friend.
We started at Linex Yamaha as the meeting place. There were originally going to be 5 of us on the ride, but one bailed due the weather channel saying it was going to rain today and the other two said they had gone on a long ride the day before, so weren't going to make it.
So just the two of us set off along the R512. We went over the dam, and round to the tunnel, where we stopped at Catalinos for breakfast. While we were riding over the dam wall, a brown heron type of bird almost flew into me. I am glad I didn't hit it.
I had the Bambino breakfast which is one fried egg, two rashers of bacon, a piece of toast, and a grilled tomato. My friend had a pizza. The food was great. While we were sitting minding our own business, as one does, I saw either a large mouse or a small rat tun across the floor towards the kitchen!!! OMG!!! Then I looked outside and noticed that there were at least 20 chickens running around in the parking lot. I felt like I was in the twilight zone. We could also hear the monkeys from across the road screaming. Quite an experience I have to say.
It is a very popular place with bikers and there must have been 25 bikes in the parking lot. They were very beautiful, but I still preferr mine. :)
It is also interesting to note that we saw many many bikers on the run, but hardly any waved or nodded back.
After that we went back the long way to Linex and looked at the new 2009 R1. Very nice, but it costs about 189k.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
'Crime does pay'
'Crime does pay'
http://www.news24.com/News24/MyNews24/Your_story/0,,2-2127-2128_2482960,00.html
10/03/2009 14:07 - (SA)
Adrian C, News24 User
I am writing this letter to all South Africans, especially those who feel they work really hard and do not achieve the financial goals they set for themselves.
Fellow citizens, take heart! I have found the answer for your worries. And the best of all: it is easy and it works! It can be summarised in one easy phrase: "Crime does pay".
Let me explain this statement at the hand of a little example. My wife was the victim of a smash-and-grab a few weeks ago. A pretend-beggar walked between the cars at the off ramp, asking for money and when the light turned green he smashed the window, put half his body into the car and grabbed the handbag.
After this, my traumatised pregnant wife did everything right: she drove off, we immediately cancelled all bank cards, opened a case at the SAPS, had the window fixed and got a temporary driver's licence.
It is funny how I always felt sorry for the beggars at intersections and even sometimes gave them money or food. My initial reaction, after the relief that my wife was OK, was that I felt sorry for this poor guy that he had to steal to make a living, and I hoped that he would be able to buy some food or whatever else he desperately needed with the cash that was in my wife's handbag.
Smart crooks
But these guys are much smarter than us. We always thought we had to work to make a living. He already knew the secret that I am about to share, namely that crime does pay.
In the days following the incident, we have received dozens of phone calls from the banks regarding the thousands of rands that have been spent on all the credit cards at dozens of stores all over the city.
These guys know what everybody should know, namely that the banks do not take the small effort to "hot list" a credit card when you take the effort of phoning them to cancel your cards.
Consequently, whoever has the card in his or her possession, can continue indefinitely to make purchases using the card, as long as the purchases remain a few hundred rands each, because nobody ever checks the signatures on the back of the cards, and the shops only check whether the card is stolen if the sale is higher than some floor limit.
Therefore, I encourage people to use this knowledge to their own gain. The banks, which were supposed to "hot list" the stolen cards, do not lose a cent through this, as they would simply not pay the shops for any purchases made with the stolen cards.
'Crime pays'
The consumer loses because shops increase stock prices to make up for these losses. The criminals (which seem to be including the banks) win again, and crime definitely does pay.
Everybody should supposed to know how easy it is to make crime also work for them. Maybe if everybody knew that the banks are the best assistants that violent criminals could ever find, there will be enough collective pressure on them to clean up their act and take the small effort of "hot listing" cards that are reported as stolen.
But for now, crime still pays.
-=-=-=
I sometimes feel incredibly bad for people who are obviously worse off than me, but when you hear about this sort of thing, then what do you do.
I feel sick and bad that people who genuienly want a sandwich because they are starving will now have to pay the price for those fuckers who abuse the situation.
I don't know how to proceed. Some days I still give, and some days I don't. I just hope I have the discernment to get it right most of the time...
http://www.news24.com/News24/MyNews24/Your_story/0,,2-2127-2128_2482960,00.html
10/03/2009 14:07 - (SA)
Adrian C, News24 User
I am writing this letter to all South Africans, especially those who feel they work really hard and do not achieve the financial goals they set for themselves.
Fellow citizens, take heart! I have found the answer for your worries. And the best of all: it is easy and it works! It can be summarised in one easy phrase: "Crime does pay".
Let me explain this statement at the hand of a little example. My wife was the victim of a smash-and-grab a few weeks ago. A pretend-beggar walked between the cars at the off ramp, asking for money and when the light turned green he smashed the window, put half his body into the car and grabbed the handbag.
After this, my traumatised pregnant wife did everything right: she drove off, we immediately cancelled all bank cards, opened a case at the SAPS, had the window fixed and got a temporary driver's licence.
It is funny how I always felt sorry for the beggars at intersections and even sometimes gave them money or food. My initial reaction, after the relief that my wife was OK, was that I felt sorry for this poor guy that he had to steal to make a living, and I hoped that he would be able to buy some food or whatever else he desperately needed with the cash that was in my wife's handbag.
Smart crooks
But these guys are much smarter than us. We always thought we had to work to make a living. He already knew the secret that I am about to share, namely that crime does pay.
In the days following the incident, we have received dozens of phone calls from the banks regarding the thousands of rands that have been spent on all the credit cards at dozens of stores all over the city.
These guys know what everybody should know, namely that the banks do not take the small effort to "hot list" a credit card when you take the effort of phoning them to cancel your cards.
Consequently, whoever has the card in his or her possession, can continue indefinitely to make purchases using the card, as long as the purchases remain a few hundred rands each, because nobody ever checks the signatures on the back of the cards, and the shops only check whether the card is stolen if the sale is higher than some floor limit.
Therefore, I encourage people to use this knowledge to their own gain. The banks, which were supposed to "hot list" the stolen cards, do not lose a cent through this, as they would simply not pay the shops for any purchases made with the stolen cards.
'Crime pays'
The consumer loses because shops increase stock prices to make up for these losses. The criminals (which seem to be including the banks) win again, and crime definitely does pay.
Everybody should supposed to know how easy it is to make crime also work for them. Maybe if everybody knew that the banks are the best assistants that violent criminals could ever find, there will be enough collective pressure on them to clean up their act and take the small effort of "hot listing" cards that are reported as stolen.
But for now, crime still pays.
-=-=-=
I sometimes feel incredibly bad for people who are obviously worse off than me, but when you hear about this sort of thing, then what do you do.
I feel sick and bad that people who genuienly want a sandwich because they are starving will now have to pay the price for those fuckers who abuse the situation.
I don't know how to proceed. Some days I still give, and some days I don't. I just hope I have the discernment to get it right most of the time...
Breakthrough in HIV protection
Breakthrough in HIV protection
http://www.news24.com/News24/South_Africa/Aids_Focus/0,,2-7-659_2466833,00.html
09/02/2009 16:19 - (SA)
Chatsworth - A world-wide study has found that a new vaginal product, the Pro2000, has a 30% effect on HIV in women, the Medical Research Council (MRC) said in Durban on Monday.
"For the first time since the epidemic we are seeing something that would provide an option for women to prevent infection," principal investigator Professor Gita Ramjee told journalists at the council's branch in Chatsworth.
The results of the study were also presented at an international meeting in Montreal, Canada on Monday.
The study, involving 3 099 women, was conducted between February 2005 and September 2008 in Malawi, South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe and the United States.
Ramjee said two products were tested - the Pro2000 and BufferGel.
Number of infections
During the course of the study, 194 infections occurred - 36 infections among women using Pro2000 gel, 54 infections occurred among women using the BufferGel, 51 infections occurred among participants who used the placebo gel, while 53 infections occurred among participants who used no gel.
Pro2000 was found to have a 30% effect against HIV, she said.
"... however additional evidence is needed to conclusively determine whether Pro2000 is an effective microbicide... This product has to be proven by another trial," she said.
Microbicides are substances designed to prevent or reduce the sexual transmission of HIV or other sexually transmitted infections.
"Once approved, it would be taken forward..."
A glimmer of hope
Ramjee said the outcome of the study showed there was hope.
"After working for over a decade in microbicide research, we are seeing a glimmer of hope of finding a safe and effective microbicide which could protect women and substantially reduce new HIV infections here in South Africa and globally."
Although no microbicides are approved or available for use, an effective product could provide women with an HIV prevention method which they can initiate, she said.
"This would be particularly helpful in situations where it is difficult or impossible for women to negotiate condom use with their male partners..."
Women account for half of the 33 million people living with HIV/Aids world-wide.
In sub-Saharan Africa, women account for 60% of all infected adults.
In several southern African countries, young women between the age of 15 and 24 are at least three times more likely than their male peers to be infected with HIV.
- SAPA
http://www.news24.com/News24/South_Africa/Aids_Focus/0,,2-7-659_2466833,00.html
09/02/2009 16:19 - (SA)
Chatsworth - A world-wide study has found that a new vaginal product, the Pro2000, has a 30% effect on HIV in women, the Medical Research Council (MRC) said in Durban on Monday.
"For the first time since the epidemic we are seeing something that would provide an option for women to prevent infection," principal investigator Professor Gita Ramjee told journalists at the council's branch in Chatsworth.
The results of the study were also presented at an international meeting in Montreal, Canada on Monday.
The study, involving 3 099 women, was conducted between February 2005 and September 2008 in Malawi, South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe and the United States.
Ramjee said two products were tested - the Pro2000 and BufferGel.
Number of infections
During the course of the study, 194 infections occurred - 36 infections among women using Pro2000 gel, 54 infections occurred among women using the BufferGel, 51 infections occurred among participants who used the placebo gel, while 53 infections occurred among participants who used no gel.
Pro2000 was found to have a 30% effect against HIV, she said.
"... however additional evidence is needed to conclusively determine whether Pro2000 is an effective microbicide... This product has to be proven by another trial," she said.
Microbicides are substances designed to prevent or reduce the sexual transmission of HIV or other sexually transmitted infections.
"Once approved, it would be taken forward..."
A glimmer of hope
Ramjee said the outcome of the study showed there was hope.
"After working for over a decade in microbicide research, we are seeing a glimmer of hope of finding a safe and effective microbicide which could protect women and substantially reduce new HIV infections here in South Africa and globally."
Although no microbicides are approved or available for use, an effective product could provide women with an HIV prevention method which they can initiate, she said.
"This would be particularly helpful in situations where it is difficult or impossible for women to negotiate condom use with their male partners..."
Women account for half of the 33 million people living with HIV/Aids world-wide.
In sub-Saharan Africa, women account for 60% of all infected adults.
In several southern African countries, young women between the age of 15 and 24 are at least three times more likely than their male peers to be infected with HIV.
- SAPA
It's about damn time...
http://www.news24.com/News24/South_Africa/News/0,,2-7-1442_2482399,00.html
No more fine option for some
Johannesburg - Motorists caught committing certain traffic offences in Johannesburg would be arrested on the spot rather than fined, the city's metro police said on Monday.
"This occurrence of antisocial driving behaviour has resulted in a number of accidents with a number of lives being lost," said Chief Superintendent Wayne Minnaar.
"Fines are not deterring motorists from bad behaviour on the roads, they are still insulting the law by being reckless.
"The plan has already been put into action. Just today (Monday), we arrested seven taxi drivers for offences in Hall Street, in the CBD."
Arrests would occur if motorists were caught skipping red traffic lights, driving facing oncoming traffic, passing on the shoulder lanes, using emergency lanes and disregarding pedestrians.
If caught committing these offences, the motorist would be arrested, taken to jail and would then have to appear in court.
He said that 120 metro police officers were deployed for this operation at 40 hot spots.
"Beware, if you don't adhere to the rules of the road, you will be in handcuffs," Minnaar said.
-SAPA
__________________
Oops - I better watch out...
No more fine option for some
Johannesburg - Motorists caught committing certain traffic offences in Johannesburg would be arrested on the spot rather than fined, the city's metro police said on Monday.
"This occurrence of antisocial driving behaviour has resulted in a number of accidents with a number of lives being lost," said Chief Superintendent Wayne Minnaar.
"Fines are not deterring motorists from bad behaviour on the roads, they are still insulting the law by being reckless.
"The plan has already been put into action. Just today (Monday), we arrested seven taxi drivers for offences in Hall Street, in the CBD."
Arrests would occur if motorists were caught skipping red traffic lights, driving facing oncoming traffic, passing on the shoulder lanes, using emergency lanes and disregarding pedestrians.
If caught committing these offences, the motorist would be arrested, taken to jail and would then have to appear in court.
He said that 120 metro police officers were deployed for this operation at 40 hot spots.
"Beware, if you don't adhere to the rules of the road, you will be in handcuffs," Minnaar said.
-SAPA
__________________
Oops - I better watch out...
Friday, March 06, 2009
Today I had my pins out...
I went back to the Flora clinic, which from now on will be known as the Flora or perhaps the Mayo Clinic. I am not sure why, but my Dad called it that and it stuck.
THe procedure to remove the pins was much quicker than putting them in, and I felt so much better after the anaesthetic. My hand is also feeling way better than with the pins in it. I think it was definitely time for them to come out.
I have the pins - they are exactly like sewing pins with no heads - just a bit longer. They are the same thickness, and have a sharp end. To date, they cost just under 10K each. After the removal I am sure they will almost double in price, so I am going to keep them as a reminder. Perhaps I will fashion some jewelery out of them.
If and when I do, I will post a pic here.
Now all I have to do is work my finger so the stiffness goes away. :)
THe procedure to remove the pins was much quicker than putting them in, and I felt so much better after the anaesthetic. My hand is also feeling way better than with the pins in it. I think it was definitely time for them to come out.
I have the pins - they are exactly like sewing pins with no heads - just a bit longer. They are the same thickness, and have a sharp end. To date, they cost just under 10K each. After the removal I am sure they will almost double in price, so I am going to keep them as a reminder. Perhaps I will fashion some jewelery out of them.
If and when I do, I will post a pic here.
Now all I have to do is work my finger so the stiffness goes away. :)
Wednesday, March 04, 2009
Zoo Biscuits
I remember Zoo biscuits from when i was little. They were the coolest.
I bought a packet the other day, and I have to say I am sad. The colours are not the same, and the animals are not nearly the same.
Of the 12 in the pack, I got 7 squiggly squirrels, 1 dolphin, 1 bear, 2 flying things, and 1 indescribable thing.
What do you suppose it is meant to be?
I bought a packet the other day, and I have to say I am sad. The colours are not the same, and the animals are not nearly the same.
Of the 12 in the pack, I got 7 squiggly squirrels, 1 dolphin, 1 bear, 2 flying things, and 1 indescribable thing.
What do you suppose it is meant to be?
Rain
I have several things to say about the rain.
I sleep very well when it rains. So well that I often sleep right through my alarm.
People drive like idiots when it rains.
It takes a lot longer to get home when it rains.
There are often beautiful rainbows after the rain. I love rainbows.
The ground smells great after the rain.
The sky somehow looks prettier after it has rained.
Peace.
Idiots who can't speak English
Go here: http://www.techradar.com/news/internet/7-cool-projects-from-yahoo-rese (sorry I can't seem to get it to insert as a link), and see if you can spot the dumb mistake.
The proof is not in the fucking pudding. It never has been, and it never will be. The proof of the pudding is in the eating thereof, which may be archaic, but that is the actual saying. Oh, and here's another one: for crying out loud in a bucket. WTF?
I refuse to have my language systematically changed just because some fuckwits can't use apostrophes. They place them at random on words like DVDs and PCs, and can't spell. They can't pronounce words properly, and can't even use idioms. Idiots more like.
And what's up with JC Engelbrecht? "Welcome to de wedder". For Fuck's Sake.
Let's have First language news readers, and reporters, and weathermen.
Bring back Graham Hart, and fuck off all you ignorant people who can't use no English proper. Sic. You make me SICK.
The proof is not in the fucking pudding. It never has been, and it never will be. The proof of the pudding is in the eating thereof, which may be archaic, but that is the actual saying. Oh, and here's another one: for crying out loud in a bucket. WTF?
I refuse to have my language systematically changed just because some fuckwits can't use apostrophes. They place them at random on words like DVDs and PCs, and can't spell. They can't pronounce words properly, and can't even use idioms. Idiots more like.
And what's up with JC Engelbrecht? "Welcome to de wedder". For Fuck's Sake.
Let's have First language news readers, and reporters, and weathermen.
Bring back Graham Hart, and fuck off all you ignorant people who can't use no English proper. Sic. You make me SICK.
Tuesday, March 03, 2009
Damn gadgets...
Well, I tried to add a visitor thingy to show where people are from who visit my blog. And surprise surprise, it is isn't working. how unusual... Not
Monday, March 02, 2009
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