tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9390117475364905392023-11-16T02:55:21.534-08:00Blogging; The way of the new WorldAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00604923555126776194noreply@blogger.comBlogger26125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-939011747536490539.post-11564172624359309212016-11-17T02:56:00.000-08:002016-11-17T02:56:05.154-08:00Climate Change versus Employment<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-ZA; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b>Climate change is not a new phenomenon.</b> It is a
weather condition that has been taking part in cycles over the millennia; and
by all accounts, the next cycle has been 50 thousand years in the making.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-ZA; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The bottom line is that climate change is a natural
ecological event that is going to happen irrespective of humanity’s effort to
stave it off; stave being the operative word.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-ZA; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Global-warming is another kettle of fish altogether:
besides it being a natural ecological occurrence that takes place every-so
years, it is also an occurrence that is aggravated by human consumption and industrial
activity.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-ZA; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">On the natural side, volcanic activity, solar
radiation and the earth’s cyclic movement through the Galaxy/Universe, et al, all
play a role in keeping the environmental scales in fine equilibrium, or not.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-ZA; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">On the human side, industrial growth, human green-house
gas generation and fossil fuel usage all contribute to upsetting the fragile
balance that encompasses the environment, atmosphere and the way the eco system
deals with these eventualities.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-ZA; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Although the Industrial Age is lauded and praised for
much of the technological development that is being experienced today, it has
brought with it unforeseen (maybe) side-effects; side-effects that have
malignantly contributed to the many environmental problem and human enslavement
being experienced today.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-ZA; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Yes, medically, technologically and financially,
humanity finds itself riding the waves of success and development (although the
last one is debatable.) Humanity is at an all time high: lofty life-spans,
healthy bank balances and prosperity. And now that the ‘east’ has caught up and
surpassed western developments, life has accelerated to the next level faster
than anticipated.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-ZA; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Humanity has
become technologically and information hungry. It has huge wants-and-needs that
are being met by extravagant usage of natural recourses and over capitalisation
of available real estate, all drawing upon the human propensity for avarice to
drive those wants-and-needs along.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-ZA; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The main challenge facing modern Governments is
employment: how to create avenues that help foster employment versus creating
avenues that produce profits, thus keeping the economic status-quo fresh, is the
quandary? It may be argued that other systemic life issues are of more
importance but without employment, the system will consume itself to the
overall detriment of humanity – the money energy cycle needs to be maintained.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-ZA; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">To my mind, all the talk of climate change and or
global warming will come to naught if the employment factor is not fixed. A
hungry person does not care about the environment. A dejected unemployed person
does not care about the environment. As a matter of fact, both types of people
are more given to fits of pack-rage and destructive tendencies than those that
are gainfully employed.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-ZA; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The South African Minister of Energy Affairs recently stated
that renewable energy initiatives will cut employment as renewable-energy power
generating plants, besides being more energy efficient, are also human real-estate
efficient e.g. wind farms require less human-power to keep the equipment
operational than that of a coal fired power station. Solar farms face the same
employment dilemma.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-ZA; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">With the growth in the human population expected to
reach nine billion by the year 2030 (by recent extrapolations,) the employment
quandary increases with each passing year. A prospect that is going to place
even greater stresses on the environment due to the logarithmic growth in energy
demand, food requirements, and other natural resources. A prospect that is
neither positive nor captivating for the coming generations of humans.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-ZA; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I am of the opinion that the existing democratic (or
whatever other forms of Government there are around the world) and capitalistic
energies are in dire need of an overall. These energies worked well during the
birth of the Industrialisation age to about 20 years ago. Since then, they have
been faltering and overwhelming humanity at a dizzying pace of consumption.
Changes to both systemic energies will not be easy, but the alternatives are
worse.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-ZA; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Carl Sagan once said that if humanity can survive past
its puberty stage (speaking of human development in the greater scheme-of-time,)
the future will be humanity’s oyster. Unfortunately, very little positivity is
pointing in that direction. </span></div>
<h3>
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal; mso-ansi-language: EN-ZA; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">“The needs and wants of the
people need to be addressed and pacified. Workable solutions have to be
constructed in such a way that either gainful employment is generally guaranteed
or alternatively, that a new means of income generation is implemented i.e.
doing away with the traditional capitalist way of doing things.” ~ </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Global Warming: A Growing Woe</span></h3>
<h3>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">But, it is always easier to talk about climate change and the positives
of life when one is gainfully employed!?</span></h3>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00604923555126776194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-939011747536490539.post-15472019890858938612013-02-17T03:18:00.000-08:002013-02-17T03:18:33.275-08:00Murder most foul: An Oscar in the making<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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Of recent, my thoughts have been beset by the way people have
been reacting to certain emotive news subject featuring Oscar Pistorius. Here
is a person, disabled as he may be, that in the wink of an eye, has undergone a
life changing experience. The incident in question refers to the ‘alleged’ murder
of an up-and-coming female model at the point of his gun. The why it happened
is the current furore of public speculation that is being driven to insanity by
the media sharks, hungry for sensationalism, melodrama and sales.</div>
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<br /></div>
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In taking the time to read all the news reports on the Oscar
troubles and their associated public commentaries, one gets the feel that all
is not well in society at large. In breaking down the commentaries into their
various headings, which range from Religious pundits quoting scripture and
their brand of theological edits to explain or bless the embattled soul, to the
downright obnoxious who relish in making what-really-happened extrapolations fact
based on mostly yellow-page styled journalism, and their own narrow life
experiences.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Of course, in between all the ‘listen-to-me’ commentaries,
one does find the down-to-earth type comments that express sadness, disbelief,
scepticism, and pose elucidating questions relating to the muddled hype
traveling the internet, the printed word, and the airwaves.</div>
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<br /></div>
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To my mind, the issue arises from the inclination we have of
putting people on pedestals based on certain of their witnessed above-normal
human prowess while casually ignoring, or not taking into account, their very
human side. A side that plagues Homo Sapiens across all walks of life. Had
Oscar or his girlfriend been one of the average billions, would the dastardly
incident have caused a stir or even the lifting of an eyebrow?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What is on the table, although complex in nature is a simple
question of a human being, being human. Oscar is a real human being that has to
content with real-life fears, aspirations, mental torments: depression; misery;
despair; despondency; and bouts of ego.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Although there is a growing faction of activists who feel
that the female girlfriend is being side-lined by the attention the fallen
superstar is receiving while the victim lies dead, it cannot be denied that
while she was an up-and-coming cover-model superstar, Oscar is the newsmaker of
the day: he broke the moulds of human perceptions, he made history and he moved
the human imagination to greater heights enforcing the new-age ethos that
nothing is impossible.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Yet the pedestal was created, assembled, manufactured and
cemented in place, firmly affixing the feet-of-clay of the disabled superstar
to it. Is this because we need heroes to give credence to our feeble lives? Is
this because we need hope to an otherwise humdrum existence? Is this because we
need something to grab-onto which seemingly makes sense and affirms our desire
to a better life?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There is of course the possibility that all the adoration
and adulation that Oscar received over his period of fame played havoc on his
frail human psyche which led to the development of the commonly known
prima-donna syndrome: a rather common human weakness that has manifested itself
in many Hollywood stars, musical idols and political statespersons. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The way forward for him is going to be tough and brutal.
Fortunately he has the money to employ a high-powered lawyer which by all
accounts, gives him a decisive edge in maneuvering through the mazes of
legalese and jurisprudence processes.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The way forward for the hapless family of the deceased model
is likewise going to be filled with much despair, depression, anguish,
sleepless nights and questions.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To me, the bottom line to the entire fracas is never to put
a human being on a pedestal for in the end, it is only a human being. Yes,
appreciate their achievements and accomplishments but there is where it should
end.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00604923555126776194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-939011747536490539.post-14499606238523560422013-01-20T21:54:00.000-08:002013-01-20T21:54:03.581-08:00Bestiality, Doping and Fickleness<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
So the famed American cyclist has ‘come clean’ to paraphrase
the media hype. Really?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Given the American propensity for hype,
truth-and-reconciliation marketing and self-aggrandisement, the well-publicised
talk show was a beautifully choreographed piece of circus performance complete
with a voluble ring-master, obedient slew of lawyers and agile camera shots.
All that was missing were the wild animals, dogs and clowns; and maybe they
were all present…just in disguise!?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I wonder what the famed cyclist’s appearance fee was?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And speaking of criminal congress, the constitutional court
has found that the South African sex offender’s act is unconstitutional in that
consenting persons should be allowed to entertain copulation without the fear
of being labelled criminals. Of course the section in question is mainly about
teenagers engaging in consensual sex and not really about adults but still,
given the population growth, there are a lot of young orgasms taking place
irrespective of laws, mandates and adult aversions.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Then there is a clip in the South African media about a
‘petite blond’ having been sent for mental evaluation for having had
intercourse with a Terrier and a Labrador. Is this because the breeds in
question did not give their consent or is it just because she found sex with
the loving breeds sensual?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And speaking of defloration, I wonder if SANRAL will also be
sent for mental evaluation due to them screwing the public without their consent;
or the use of protection?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And on the subject of being screwed by the system, it was
reported that some rating agencies have warned the USA that they will suffer a
rating downgrade if they do not raise their debt ceiling. If one follows the
line of logic, debt is master. In other words go ahead and create more debt
i.e. print more money, and all will be well with you. Pity that the same
opportunities are not afforded the masses. These will just have to continue to
bend over and smile. After all, it is the American way.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Personally I find the whole flaccid affair distasteful.
America is still classed as the greatest world economy yet it owes more than it
has. What does that say for the people earning in US Dollars? How valuable is
their money really? How will this whole sexual affair affect us as outsiders to
the whole game play? Maybe our saving grace is the other American invention;
Viagra.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As for erections, our dear farm workers down in the Western
Cape have once again taken to the streets with whatever they could get their
hands on to protest their miserable salaries, blaming everything and destroying
everything in the process. What a warm afterglow the SAPS must be enjoying,
having had to face the brunt of anything that can be thrown, hurled and chucked.
Maybe the SAPS should take a step back, cordon off the area and let the
protesters do what they do best. At least this way the SAPS can’t be blamed for
hurting a poor protester or innocent onlooker. In retrospect, this type of
passive action would also be judged as criminal by public opinion. I find the
whole affair offensive and prejudicial to all concerned for winners there will
not be; especially not for the workers.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Anyways, while I type in the afterglow of all the
excitement I am confronted by the idiocy of it all. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I am struck by what strikes people as important e.g. Lance
Armstrong. Since when is the doing and screwing’s of a sport personality of
such importance that it occupies center stage in world news; specially when wars
are raging, unemployment continues to escalate, and the financial systems is in
tatters? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oh wait, Tiger Woods…and now he
wants to re-marry his ex. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I am in awe of the general commentaries made by those with
access to on-line news sites and the blogosphere. Commentaries that judge and
hold in abhorrence human infractions and public incidences without first
checking on and ensuring that the facts are correct.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I find it interesting that for every ridiculing article
written about dear uncle Zuma, the more the ire of the ANC rise against the
press. In the laws of physics, sooner or later the one will disappear for no
two forces can occupy the same place, space or time. History will tell.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And now that France has joined the conflict in Mali, all is
as it should be: Fucked up! At least I know that the sun rises in the east.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00604923555126776194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-939011747536490539.post-82783907885556202442013-01-13T23:41:00.000-08:002013-01-13T23:41:11.263-08:002013: The new Apocalypse<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
2012 was marred by many eventualities, wars, paranoia and
conspiracies. Truth was the main objective behind any of the aforementioned but
it suffered greatly at the hands of father time.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Take the Mayan end-of-time proclamation that came to pass
without not even as much as a belch from our dear friend the sun.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Was the whole 21 December brouhaha a hoax or
just a failing in interpretation? Irrespective on how one sees it, the affair
did stir much in the way of media writings, blogs, books, speculations, documentaries
and debates; all in all, a pleasant diversion to the everyday humdrum of human
life.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Lance Armstrong doping debacle also grabbed the
imagination of the populace. Here is a story so sordid and scheming that even
the most ardent fans of the Icon were left reeling at the truthiness of it all.
Yet, the whole judicial issue was based on circumstantial and inferred
indictments: solid proof has yet to be presented. Yet again, a non-political
story managed to divert the attention of the masses away from the realities of
life, if only for a brief moment.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There is a rumour doing the rounds that Armstrong is toying
with the idea of coming clean; and possibly on Oprah. Once again only time will
tell what the truth really was.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The American elections and the ANC party elections were
entertaining to say the least. President Obama like President Zuma was
presented by the media as being in danger of losing his crown. The election
figures showed a different story.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Was
the whole pre-election news mongering engineered to keep the masses entertained
and filled with angst about the future?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Green Movement, as is the custom, again made lot of
noise during 2012 pushing their agendas (noise pollution,) used much paper on pamphlets
and other marketing materials (from trees, plants, etc) undertook many miles of
travel on roads, air and sea (using natural resources,) and wore down many
shoes on mass-actions necessitating the purchase of new ones by the consenting
participants (leather, electricity, waste, etc.) Civil disobedience and damage
to property pail into insignificance when compared to the foregoing wastage
practices.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The great Mandela fell sick and instantly caused a panic
amongst the pack of media wolves and loving adherents: some hoping to be the
first to publish a piece of the action while the rest spent their time in prayer,
vigils and hopeful Facebook postings. What is going to happen when the
great-equaliser death eventually does go knocking is anyone’s guess but it will
be sad and interesting.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
2012 also delivered many deaths as is the norm given the
mortality state of life; some deaths more notable than others but all eliciting
equal amounts of sorrow from grieving loved ones. The one lesson that sticks
out by the devastation left behind by the-great-equaliser is that life is
promised to no one.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Oh yes, and positive thought, or the religion thereof, has
become entrenched as the new black.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What was notable about 2012 is up for grabs and the answer(s)
will depend on socio-economic and gender and employment status of the
respondee.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What about 2013?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Well, as yet there have been no reported or observed
conspiracies or rationalised paranoia that have reared their ugly heads;
likewise for doomsday seers, new-age religious prophets or apocalyptic mystics.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Wars continue unabated, politicians are still being
self-serving, fat cats are still raking it in, the populace is still being
screwed to every till point and bank counter, the unemployed will soon be able
to take over the governing of a country for having the most active members, and
prejudice still is paramount in most minds.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’ve heard talk of a 30 year cycle of change which is apparently
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>approaching its conclusion, of the age
of Aquarius where enlightenment will reign supreme, of economic transformation
where all will be treated fairly, of Governments becoming more open and amiable
and of Father Xmas finally attending one of Oprah’s talk shows. In the words of
Fry and Lewis: The more things change, the more they remain... insane.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">At least the Facebook Soap Opera changes every 5
minutes.<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00604923555126776194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-939011747536490539.post-44131920502892662232012-11-06T21:49:00.001-08:002012-11-06T21:49:33.288-08:00Why the obsession with the American elections?<h5 class="uiStreamMessage userContentWrapper" data-ft="{"type":1,"tn":"K"}">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="userContent">Why the obsession with the American elections? <br /> <br />
Here is a country that has the highest deficit rate (16 trillion
Dollars) yet still gets viewed as the largest economy in the world?<br /> <br /> Their track record as a rescuer of countries is beyond poor?<br /> <br /> Most of the accepted paranoia and conspiracies are American driven?<br /> <br /> Their application of Democracy leaves much to be desired?<br /> <br /> Their record in usurping their own constitution has no equal?<br /> <br /> Why the obsession with the American elections?</span></span></span></h5>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00604923555126776194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-939011747536490539.post-3114767015335086132012-06-26T01:00:00.001-07:002012-06-26T01:01:12.430-07:00DSTV: A Winning Experience<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2KRaCvVk8KmVuq6dsgLZ_f0rQm2q4fp4dT1B2i6bOoOHDclSgjj62E0IIyfDBT1zkfsl-d8461MuTcMw5Ia33ezS1x17pl6aUiYMJSyQFoeMrYqPg_RIWPjug_rZNZ8mfw44rHHlPOu7Q/s1600/25052012178.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2KRaCvVk8KmVuq6dsgLZ_f0rQm2q4fp4dT1B2i6bOoOHDclSgjj62E0IIyfDBT1zkfsl-d8461MuTcMw5Ia33ezS1x17pl6aUiYMJSyQFoeMrYqPg_RIWPjug_rZNZ8mfw44rHHlPOu7Q/s320/25052012178.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">It
all started on a whim; something to the tune of “why not. What have we got to
lose?” Then the fateful call from DSTVs marketing department a few weeks later
changed all the acuities and made the anticipation a reality. As a matter of
fact, being speechless and totally gobsmacked comes to mind.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Anyways,
the whole affair revolved around a DSTV initiative to reward its viewers, and a
partner, for being loyal subscribers. The prize: a 4 days all-expenses-paid excursion
to the fairest Cape that included much wine tasting, VIP status at the TOPS
Gugulethu Wine Festival, a tree-planting ceremony, sight-seeing excursions and
some me-time.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">The
flight down to Cape Town was as usual a busy one but rather uneventful. The only
excitement was the replacement of the satirical ‘beef or chicken?’ by ‘tea or
coffee?’. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">The
arrival was a bit chaotic with all the ‘winners’ trying to make sense of the
received instructions but eventually, with all the initial butterflies being shooed away, all were settled into their respective colourful
sponsor-adorned transporters. The trip
to the hotel, the Protea Fire and Ice, was uneventful but this too was soon
replaced by enjoyment when first the Hotel Manager and then our smiling DSTV hostess
welcomed and addressed the attendees to the melodic tunes of clicking glasses
filled with a cape sparkling wine.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">The
rooms were cosy and clean, and warm given the inclement cape weather raging
outside, with a spacious shower, toilet and basin area. The bed was an enormous
affair covered by a comforting duvet, practical throw and supportive pillows.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Breakfast
was likewise a welcoming affair with much food, help-yourself tit-bits and
excellent sweet choices at ones beck-and-call. The coffee waitron completed the
package by filling and refilling all the inviting cups. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">The
excursion package began in earnest on the first evening with a trip to the
Nederburg Wines Estate; the same one that is currently playing host to the
Masterchef South Africa TV series. The evening package not only included wine
tasting but a four course <i><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Nouveau</span></i> meal,
lectures by two wine sommeliers, joviality and the ever-present ambience-capturing
TV camera – something that we all would be getting used to over the course of
the four days. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">The
second day called for a deviation to the scheduled itinerary due to the
continuing inclement weather which made the trip to the famous Cape Town Cable
Car a thing to be desired but not experienced. Some decided to go sight-seeing
at the V & A Waterfront to while away the time to the next programmed
excursion. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">This came soon enough with the Alto Wine Estates playing the
gracious hosts complete with a roaring fire, hot soup, sizzling tasty food and
heart-warming wine. What made this experience memorable relates to the fact
that we each had a turn at bottling our own wine – the yet unreleased
soft-on-the-nose Alto Rouge - complete with designer label, cork and love; all
in all, an extraordinary experience.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">The
day was concluded by a visit to the vibrant Bay Harbour Market in Houtbay: an
initiative that encompasses live music, exciting food stalls and a vibrant
flea-market all under one roof. Of course, being the guests of honour was a
highlight in itself: we were welcomed by the General Manager of the Bay Harbour
complex and interviewed by the DSTV production executive as to our experience
so far. As part of the DSTV excursion package, we were also issued with VIP
Cards and shopping vouchers to use and abuse to our hearts content. In typical
Cape Town fashion, we all partook of the festivities until closing time at
which time our gracious drivers, again adorned in their highly colourful sponsor-painted
transporter vans, picked us up and whisked us away to the hotel in an
atmosphere of jolly mirth, jokes and fast-quips by the imbibed passengers.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Sleep
came none too soon. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">The
third day arrived to clear skies and pleasant temperatures which enhanced the
breakfast fare. At 09h30 we were driven away to the family owned M’Hudi Wine
Estate in Stellenbosch for brunch and more wine. On arrival, we were greeted by
sunshine, vast expanse of vines and a homely wine-tasting barn that was decked
by tasteful paintings. The affable patriarch gave new meaning to the term;
endearing storytelling.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Brunch
consisted of five courses lovingly cooked by the estate matriarch and served by
the ever-smiling waitrons while the estate sommelier explained the wine pairing
on offer. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">The
afternoon was concluded by a visit to the Tembaletu School for the Disabled in
Gugulethu where we were greeted by youthful voices singing in unison and
thrilled teachers keeping the exuberant learners in control all the while
adding their voices to the youthful choir.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">The
tree-planting ceremony was overseen by the school horticulturist and the much
loved patron, Mzoli: a well-known character that has used, and continues to use
his hard-earned prosperity to the benefit of the Gugulethu community. Twenty
trees were planted by all in attendance.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">The
evening festivities were held at the TOPS Gugulethu Wine Festival in Gugulethu.
The mix-of characters and ethnicities present gave the whole affair a
cosmopolitan feel that was warm, welcoming and friendly; even the food queues
were orderly and sociable.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Once
again, sleep came easy.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Sunday
morning arrived quickly, a perception that was heightened by the fact that all
suitcases had to be packed and prepared for transporting due
to the second change in the itinerary - as the sun was shining, a trip to the
famed Table Mountain was organised literally in situ.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Given
the time constraints of travel, sight-seeing and airport bookings, the
excursion to the top of Table Mountain occurred virtually problem free;
although some attendees were rather stressed by the ever-looming return flight
schedule. Yet it all happened on schedule. After saying our goodbyes to the
mountain Dassies, Table Mountain, Cape Town, Drivers and DSTV hosts, we all
departed fully satisfied.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">The
return flight was quiet, unfussed and bland: a fitting end to an exciting
weekend of festivities, travel and camaraderie.</span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00604923555126776194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-939011747536490539.post-85319520100986817562012-02-23T02:17:00.001-08:002012-02-23T02:35:45.805-08:00How to get screwed on a budget<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:trackmoves/> <w:trackformatting/> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:donotpromoteqf/> <w:lidthemeother>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> <w:lidthemeasian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:lidthemecomplexscript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> <w:splitpgbreakandparamark/> <w:dontvertaligncellwithsp/> 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mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0cm; mso-para-margin-right:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0cm; line-height:115%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="mso-bidi-mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-bidi-Times New Roman"font-family:";font-size:12.0pt;" >"Please, sir, I want some more." (Dickens)<br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="mso-bidi-mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-bidi-Times New Roman"font-family:";font-size:12.0pt;" >It is said that the more things change, the more they tend to stay the same. Such is the feeling after the pious budget speech delivered with much smurkiness by the positively radiant South African Minister of Finances on Wednesday the 22 February 2012.<br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="mso-bidi-mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-bidi-Times New Roman"font-family:";font-size:12.0pt;" >We, the people, have been told to work together towards building a better country. And with that emotive aphorism, all is well in the land of the living. Or so we are told.<br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="mso-bidi-mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-bidi-Times New Roman"font-family:";font-size:12.0pt;" >We were even told that if we think that running a democracy is easy that we should go and work with 'them' for a while. If this is not a veiled threat of 'we know what we are doing,' then I don't know what the meaning of a veiled threat is!?<br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="mso-bidi-mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-bidi-Times New Roman"font-family:";font-size:12.0pt;" >What irks me the most is the constant fleecing of the motorist whenever funds are required to pay for financial blunders by those that have our best interests at heart? If this is having our best interests at heart, I would hate to see what it would mean to be on their bad side!?<br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="mso-bidi-mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-bidi-Times New Roman"font-family:";font-size:12.0pt;" >And as predicted, the e-tolling system is going ahead. The difference is that the motorist will now not only be paying the tolling taxes as one drives through the numerous tolling gantries but also paying for the tolling deficit through the fuel levy. Is this what is meant by being cautiously optimistic?<br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="mso-bidi-mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-bidi-Times New Roman"font-family:";font-size:12.0pt;" >On the plus side, the platitudes for the wonderful buoyant budget-speech have been flowing freely by all financiers, bankers, political parties and most news agencies. I, for one, can't wait for the post-mortem.<br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="mso-bidi-mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-bidi-Times New Roman"font-family:";font-size:12.0pt;" >At least we the people are assured that the sun will continue to shine and the moon to wax and wane.<br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="mso-bidi-mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-bidi-Times New Roman"font-family:";font-size:12.0pt;" >Comment: if Governments have to power to print money when required (and they do,) why is the concept of taxation still in existence?</span></p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00604923555126776194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-939011747536490539.post-87526517215437076722011-11-20T22:19:00.000-08:002011-11-20T22:22:38.656-08:00In South Africa, News is not always 'The News.'So Demi and Kutcher have split, gone their separate ways, tweeting and texting as they go. Will everyone who saw this ‘cat’ marriage going the distance please put up your hands!? Willis must be laughing under his breath.<br /><br />Mr. Malema, he of African ANC Youth league and of implied ‘revolutionary’ beret fame, was heard saying that “I want the people of South Africa to treat me the same way they treat Nelson Mandela”!? Is this arrogance personified or is it all a case of short-man syndrome? The ‘less’ said, the better.<br /><br />The Secrecy of Information Bill is again making headlines across all of the South African media channels. Those headlines are also being shouted from rooftops by self-serving social-minded groups and certain gregarious individuals. All punting the ‘public interest’ whipping horse as the ordination of all that is good-and-bad, as the saving-grace of democracy, and the bread-and-wine of a civilised society!?<br /><br />The concept of whistle-blowing also forms part of that ‘public interest’ whipping horse rosary. The concept is being hailed as the alma-mater of civility, the cassock of all thinking persons, and the pulpit of the plebiscites. This concept is indeed a powerful tool, so powerful that it is the weapon of choice by all autocratic regimes and dictatorial rulers. And therein lays the danger of ‘whistle-blowing.’ Given the human propensity to self-interest, the dangers that the concept will be abused are enormous. Something that history well attests off. <br /><br />I cannot help it but be sceptical of all this overwhelming having-our-best-interests-at-heart and noble-verbiage being dished out by these civil-minded personae and media moguls. I am all for the eradication of censure where freedom-of-expression is concerned but the lack-of-responsibility that mostly follows the freedom-of-expression culture around (humans being human,) makes me very anxious. Yes, history is a hard task master.<br /><br />The murder of Chanelle Henning of Pretoria is another one of those stories that is very much on the forefront of all media reports. It is being classed as a travesty and tragedy that robbed a child of his mother. These sentiment are all good but not consistent with other if not stranger killings that have happened over the past months in South Africa. Why is this one so prevalent? Why is the media milking this senseless murder? Is there more to the story that we are not aware off? One’s motor vehicle can be high-jacked never to be found or heard off again, yet a small motorbike is found as in quickly? The ex-husband’s friend is locked up but not the husband? <br /><br />On the other hand, we have Jub Jub who, together with a fellow motorist, raced their cars into a group of kids killing them; all this in full view of onlookers. Yet, till today, no conviction has been forthcoming. Maybe his well-off parental money is the cause of this inadequacy?<br /><br />Then there is the case of Satan being blamed for the torching of two girls in the Westrand. I must admit that I was surprised that heavy metal music was not blamed for the atrocious act. Throw away the keys I say.<br /><br />And finally, banks have introduced biometrics to curtail identity theft and other dark aberrations. The concept will use fingerprint readers to communicate with ‘Home Affairs’ to check and verify that the person is whom it claims to be. All good; or is it?<br /><br />What happens when the two way communications between a specific bank branch and home affairs goes down: sorry, computers are down. Came back later (Ok, this already takes place, so this will become another one of those acceptable irritations)? What happens to people that have faint or illegible fingerprints (this is more frightening given the level of client service prevalent in SA)? Who is going to pay for all this technology installations (Wait, given the entire for-your-own-protection bumph being pushed down our throats, I surmise that we the public are going to pay for it)?<br /><br />I cannot help it but be weary of concepts riddled in for-your-protection rhetoric and combating-crime euphemisms.<br /><br />And Bahrain is introducing Human-Rights into their schooling curriculum. Maybe, just maybe, miracles do happen!?Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00604923555126776194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-939011747536490539.post-59952610364438802342011-10-28T05:24:00.000-07:002011-10-28T05:26:25.153-07:00Money is only paper, nickels and dimesWe know (or have been told) that America is in the Red and China is in the Green; financially speaking of course. Same goes for the countries in the Euro zone: some are in the green, others in the red. In other words, some have true money while others only have printed money.<br /><br />Not being a financial person I am fascinated by the machinations of the money energy!? <br /><br />Take the following speculation: A country has a huge deficit base. To overcome its repayment responsibility, it raises its deficit base so as to allow for the printing of more money which also allows for the borrowing of more money.<br /><br />The monies of a country is regulated and issued by its Reserve Bank.<br /><br />The company that I work for gets its operating money from a Commercial Bank who in turn is supplied by the Reserve Bank.<br /><br />Does this not imply that, because of the high deficit base of the country, the printed money I receive as a salary is not worth much if at all (here I am not referring to the inflation factor)? <br /><br />How does negative money turn into a positive entity just because it exchanged hands?<br />If America’s negative money is of a larger proportion than that of China’s positive money, does that not mean that the negative difference turns China’s real money into baseless paper money?<br /><br />Similarly, I understand that SA has positive reserves that can be used to offset its national deficit base. Money that can be used to bail out the economy should the negative offshore effects of all the negative ‘developed’ economies reach our shores. This is good news, yes?<br /><br />But does not the same mathematical principle apply: if a negative is higher than the positive, the difference is still negative? Thus, are we not fooling ourselves into believing that all is Ok in the land of finances?<br /><br />What intrigues me further is the fact that when Uganda’s Idi Amin tried the same stunt i.e. he wanted to print more money, he was shot down by the developed world!?<br /><br />But I must be missing something for investors (people of whom I presume know what they are doing) are still throwing their money around...and getting richer by the day (an interesting aphorism seeing that it is mostly negative paper money that they are playing with.)Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00604923555126776194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-939011747536490539.post-55231548025890252152011-10-20T02:49:00.000-07:002011-10-20T02:51:31.891-07:00Life should be Just and Fair!It is said that the ideal behind civilisation is for humanity to continually grow and evolve by making life that little bit more just and fair with each passing generation.<br /><br />How can that ideal be achieved when most of the information floating around is biased one way or the other?<br /><br />If life is to be made that little bit more just and fairy with each passing generation, change is required, for that is what human progress is all about. History attests to that. <br /><br />It is all very well and noble but the reality is not that simple.<br /><br />Change to capitalism will mean that most will have to forego some of their material gains which mean that the governmental types will not get their due recompense through taxes and other clever manipulations of the fiscal system.<br /><br />Change to Democracy also carries with it much risk. Loss of voter control being one of the major concerns. Control of the masses is paramount to enabling cash flow and continued existence and survival. <br /><br />Both change scenarios form the vicious circle of everyday existence that prevents any virtuous progress from taking place.<br /><br />It is for this reason that Governments spend millions in advertising initiatives trying to convince the populace that a certain way of action or thought is the best way forward. It is for this same reason that media moguls spend time and thought into shaping public onion. The same goes for the feel-good lobbyists who throw money at telling all and sundry that life will be ok if one just keeps a positive outlook on things.<br /><br />Jean-Jacques Rousseau, a French political philosopher, once stated that “Man is born free, and everywhere he is in chains.” <br /><br />The will to affect change, whether political, personal or financially, is paramount to our continued development and human progression.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00604923555126776194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-939011747536490539.post-81387102554892679292011-09-20T03:16:00.000-07:002011-09-20T03:18:07.904-07:00Menial Work is DignifiedThe below mentioned piece of counsel was caught transversing the ethereal space of the internet at the speed of light. <br /><br />It relates to a point by point speech purportedly made by the multi-billionaire Bill Gates to a bunch of high school kids. He talks about how feel-good, politically correct teachings created (and continues to create) a generation of kids with no concept of reality and how this concept set them up for failure in the real world.<br /><br />The 11 Reality Checks are:<br /><br /><br />Reality 1:<br />Life is not fair - get used to it!<br /><br />Reality 2:<br />The world won't care about your self-esteem. The world will expect you to accomplish something BEFORE you feel good about yourself.<br /><br />Reality 3:<br />You will NOT make vast amounts of money right out of high school. You won't be a vice-president with a company car until you earn both.<br /><br />Reality 4:<br />If you think your teacher is tough, wait till you get a boss.<br /><br />Reality 5:<br />Menial work is not beneath your dignity. Your Grandparents had a different word for menial work: they called it opportunity.<br /><br />Reality 6:<br />If you mess up, it’s not your parents' fault, so don't whine about your mistakes, learn from them.<br /><br />Reality 7:<br />Before you were born, your parents weren't as boring as they are now. They got that way from paying your bills, cleaning your clothes and listening to you talk about how cool you thought you were. So before you save the rain forest from the parasites of your parent's generation, try delousing the closet in your own room.<br /><br />Reality 8:<br />Your school may have done away with winners and losers, but life HAS NOT. In some schools, they have abolished failing grades and they'll give you as MANY TIMES as you want to get the right answer. This doesn't bear the slightest resemblance to ANYTHING in real life.<br /><br />Reality 9:<br />Life is not divided into semesters. You don't get summers off and very few employers are interested in helping you FIND YOURSELF. Do that on your own time.<br /><br />Reality 10:<br />Television is NOT real life. In real life people actually have to go to the office.<br /><br />Reality 11:<br />Be nice to people. Chances are you'll end up working for one.<br /><br /><br />Interesting reality checks that are not in keeping with the new-age mentality of positive self esteem and constructive approbation. Yet, all real and glaringly hard.<br /><br />To my mind, the stated reality checks should be read by all who perceive the democratic processes as being one where ‘take take take’ is the rule of thumb.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00604923555126776194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-939011747536490539.post-30195937614899069402011-07-06T04:01:00.000-07:002011-07-06T04:04:04.899-07:00Global Warming: A Growing WoeI am of the opinion that the whole so called global warming/climate change issue is too complex a subject to just apportion blame willy-nilly onto the veritable human being, especially as no real workable solutions are put forward by the activists and pundits of global warming/climate change theories.<br /><br />We live in a self perpetuated and accepted way of life that puts much emphasis on finances and wealth. We mostly all work for a living because of that culture: Those that sponge of the system are looked upon as just that; spongers (why don’t you get a job, you lazy good-for-nothing so-and-so.)<br /><br />The accepted capitalist system is devoid of emotion and empathy: two human qualities that make life liveable and mostly comfortable. We are becoming automaton of technology and convenience while overlooking the consequences of those actions (I have money, why should I care.) Anyway there are enough charities to contribute too to pacify that nagging conscience.<br /><br />I am also of the opinion that the capitalist system as we know it is long overdue for a makeover. The fact that the living-wage gap (rich vs. poor) is getting larger by the moment, is enough of an indication that all is not well in the land of finances.<br /><br />Add to the above equation an emotional subject such as global warming/climate change and a calamity is created at the forefront of the human perception and psyche. The situation is mostly aggravated by the fact that traditional means of incomes are threatened by the call for closure/minimalisation of factories, manufacturing plants and energy utilities – oil is bad, coal is bad, CO² is bad, methane is bad, flatulence is bad, meat is bad, mercury is bad, sugar is bad, cholesterol is bad, obesity is bad, paper is bad, planes are bad, motor vehicles are bad, smoking is bad, fertiliser is bad, et al.<br /><br />The above-mentioned commodities supply a large percentage of workers with employment/wages on a global basis.<br /> <br />The call for cleaner and renewable energy utilities is adding to this woe for most of the proposed renewable energy generating theories require little human intervention and hands-on skills (not labour intensive); and are expensive to boot. <br />Developed countries are being asked to provide assistance (money) to developing countries so that they too can implement ‘earth saving’ initiatives. This in itself is seemingly the-proper-thing-to-do, but the underlying catch is that it’s the tax-payers living in the developed countries that will have to foot this noble expense. It must be said that altruism and charity, although seemingly noble, do not fix the underlying problem(s). <br /><br />So yes, global warming and climate change is a reality of life on earth. It has been for countless of centuries and nothing we do will stave off that inevitably. And yes, our contribution to that ‘inevitably’ can also be counted and measured. And yes, many proposals have been put forward by pundits and activists alike – some more aggressively than others, to what needs and must be done to put off that ‘inevitably.’<br /><br />What most do not want to take-in is that the problem is not that simple to solve. Those that are at the forefront of the war for change, are mostly gainfully employed or living of the welfare of others, or living on some plot of land (usually wrongly occupied or left behind as an inheritance) growing their own meagre crops feeding themselves and their offspring: close to nature, so to speak.<br /><br />What most also do not take in is that there are factors outside the control of the veritable human being viz. Volcanic eruptions, solar flare-ups, earth’s passage through the galaxy/universe, moving tectonic plates, etc, that add to the ‘inevitably’ equation.<br /><br />The ‘legacy’ issue also plays an emotive role in the whole cry for survival i.e. what of the future of my children, what about the poor animals, etc.<br /><br />And then there is technology; another detractor. <br /><br />Technology has provided a portion of the human race with tools that have made the acquisition of knowledge easier and cheaper. Technology has also provided a portion of the human race with powers that were previously not easily enacted i.e. freedom of expression (good and bad,) global empathy (good and bad,) power to circumvent despotism, cyber anarchy, etc.<br /><br />Technology has also provided a portion of the human race with feelings on invincibility and immortality i.e. blogs will live long after one has expired, I can say what I like to whom I like without fear of physical consequence, the power of anonymity, governmental/corporate feel-good marketing campaigns, etc.<br /><br />And not forgetting the power that technology has granted the giants of human-thought-manipulation i.e. the media, the swaying of public opinion, bending of outcomes to suit a given objective, popularising a certain way of life, sensationalising a happening for the sake of profit, etc.<br /><br />I have over the past years made it my business to follow the reasoning behind the global warming malady by reading, watching, researching and pensively thinking about the issue at hand (from both sides of the spectrum.) I have also, in view of the few points mentioned in the preceding paragraphs, tried to formulate an opinion that encompasses the problem as a whole, without going off the activist deep-end.<br /><br />My take on the problems facing the required ‘global warming’ mindset change always comes back to one glaring point: economics. What happens to the petrol industry workers when the petrol plants are done away with? What happens to the meat farmers when people minimalise eating meat? What happens to the livestock when people discontinue feeding on them? What happens to the pilots when people minimise flying? What happens to the motor vehicle industry workers when motor vehicle manufacture is minimised or done away with?<br /><br />Thus in essence, solve the economics of living and the problem at hand is minimised!<br /><br />Although the predicament of the human-inflicted global warming danger is a growing one, being self-centred and antagonistic in forcing people to change their sceptical fearful mindsets will not change the internal motivational drives of the human being.<br /><br />The needs and wants of the people need to be addressed and pacified. Workable solutions have to be constructed in such a way that either alternative gainful employment is generally guaranteed or, that a new means of income generation is devised i.e. doing away with the traditional capitalist way of doing business.<br /><br />Irrespective of what is said and done, my overriding opinion is that the inevitable will happen and that no amount of political posturing and or activist will and or new-age bluster will change that ‘inevitably.’<br /><br />It is the now-or-later scenario that remains on the table.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00604923555126776194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-939011747536490539.post-45545784307702535922011-02-08T01:14:00.000-08:002011-02-08T01:15:52.554-08:00The Poor be Damned!?The other day while listening to another well-meaning politician sprout foibles on the eradication of poverty, I was struck by the lack of solutions in his speech. This phenomenon is common whenever politicians or people get-together to source solutions to an ever-present, and growing, social ailment.<br /><br />This lack of presentable solutions is more of an ill than the whole poverty paradox. Poverty is solvable. The problem arises mostly from the reality that solutions are money based and that in itself, will require a mindset change by the way many think about money.<br /><br />Money or even the mention thereof is a taboo in most languages. Yes, most will talk freely about other peoples money, but their own is a guarded secret. <br /><br />Many, when confronted by poverty, will jump on the get-a-job horse. Others will look the other way. Some will put some pennies into the begging-tin and drive off in a rush. Few will attempt to come up with short term solutions (meals-on-wheels, shelters, charity drives, etc) but find themselves alone in the fight-to-eradicate-poverty.<br /><br />There have been many workable solutions put forward by thinking individuals on changing the way society views and thinks about money:<br /><br />1) The National Dividend. This was invented by engineer C. H. Douglas and has been revived by Ezra Pound and designer Buckminster Fuller. The basic idea is that every citizen should be declared a shareholder in the nation, and should receive dividends on the Gross National Product for the year.<br /><br />2) The Guaranteed Annual Income. This has been encouraged by economist Robert Theobald and others. The government would simply establish an income level above the poverty line and guarantee that no citizen would receive less. This plan would cost the government less than the present welfare systems, with all its bureaucratic red tape and redundancy factors.<br /><br />3) The Negative Income Tax. This was first devised by Nobel economist Milton Friedman. The Negative Income Tax would establish a minimum income for every citizen; anyone whose income fell below that level would receive the amount necessary to bring them up to that standard. Again this would cost "the government" less than the present welfare systems. It would also dispense with the last tinge of humiliation associated with government "charity," since when you cashed a check from IRS nobody would know if it was supplementary income or a refund.<br /><br />My take on the whole eradication of poverty is a simple one. <br /><br />In South Africa we have a Lotto entity that pays out huge amounts of money in a given year (In excess of 50 Million Rand.) With an estimated population of 50 million persons, a conservative disbursement of 250 thousand Rand per person would elevate all to a liveable economic level and rid the SA society of the terms poverty, poor and the-poor-of-the-poor in an instant<br /><br />.<br />From the outset, my avaricious money-based common-sense screamed louder than a wailing ambulance siren: the rich would get richer, many would stop working thus creating economic chaos, employers would loose their power over their remaining employees, politicians would not be happy, inflation would shoot sky high, the money markets would suffer, what about the work ethic (did not the ancients say that one needs to work to acquire wealth,) how would the disbursement work, who would oversee the disbursement process, etc, etc, etc.<br /><br />On the other hand, would people not revert to doing what they enjoy doing, would not their creative potential rise to the fore collectively, etc?<br /><br />As the global situation stands, the human race future looks bleak. To survive longer than its nose, it needs to elevate itself above clichés of old, do away with wage slavery, embrace humanity and move forward to a co-operative mind-set for the good of all.<br /><br />Alas, I feel that humanity will remain doomed.<br /><br />(with thanks to Robert Anton Wilson)Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00604923555126776194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-939011747536490539.post-31066852780792838132011-01-12T04:24:00.000-08:002011-01-12T04:27:40.745-08:00Online Shopping: The New Cup of TeaDuring the past holiday season, my fancy took me to surfing online shopping sites. A form of consumerism that is becoming popular in leaps and bounds. <br /><br />All at once I could view, compare and critique items across a wide spectrum of commodities and articles and suppliers; all from the security of my home PC. It was like entering a new world. One where fancies, likes and imagination could be satisfied on the spot. Of course, the money issue did put a damper on the googly eyed adventure. In essence, a reality very much like the traditional way of shopping; except for the armchair bit.<br /><br />In between the hours spent online, I kept thinking as to the popularity of the medium at hand: Is the South African populace in tune with this medium? Which population demographic finds this electronic shopping experience attractive? What is popular? What about the legal paperwork? Probability of scam attacks and phishing expeditions? <br /><br />To the first and second question, in speaking to friends and acquaintances, I derived that generally middle to high income households have shopped online: be it tickets to a movie, to a motor car. Most also tried their hand at grocery shopping. Thus the appeal is there.<br /><br />What was fascinating is how members of the lower income demographic made use of internet cafes (the least of all secure sites) to carry out their order of business (The numbers in question were few but growing.)<br /><br />The interesting bit came in the guise of some using the information at hand to do comparisons, then going to a physical shop to purchase the selected item in question. Fear of Credit Card information theft and of the faceless entity behind the online façade were the greatest deterrents to actually buying online; specially when substantial payment had to be made (I use one dedicated credit card with low limits to transact across the world wide web.)<br /><br />Thus more questions came to mind: What would make the online experience more palatable and attractive? What would make the existing system more secure? What would quell the fears a consumer has about shopping online? What impact would the incoming consumer protection act have on the online shopping fraternity (would online service providers have to be RICA’ed or FICA’ed?) Would this action put to the inherent consumer fear of shopping online? Would a ‘comment box’ assist the consumer in voicing their opinions on the service, articles, etc? <br /><br />The one avenue I found in my searches relates to the commonality of after-sales support more so than the offering of an online shopping portal. In the whole, retail companies offer online after-sales support structures: An operator will contact a consumer after a certain lapse in time to find out about the satisfaction perception. If positive, then all is well, if negative, then how can they assist!? <br /><br />The above process tends to mostly placate and pacify consumers to the inferred ethos that the company cares. <br /><br />As a whole, those that can, make use of online shopping to buy low to mid-priced items. The caution factor kicks in where huge payments have to be made. Here the consumer will go to the physical shop and pay there.<br /><br />The lower income groups use the net more for comparison and availability purposes rather than outright online buying. The picture with the lower income groups is that the mindset is changing as the costs of internet hosting are dropping. The advent of intelligent mobile phones is also helping to change the mindset.<br /><br />Personally I found the whole exercise insightful and calming: the threats are there, but with a small amount of internet savvy, threats can be managed and overcome.<br /><br />Will I continue to buy online? Yes! Sensibly so.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00604923555126776194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-939011747536490539.post-31704374744054539842010-08-19T13:42:00.000-07:002010-08-19T13:44:16.888-07:00I Am In Love With Me (or why narcissists always rise to positions of power?)In this world of new age philosophies, gobbledegook optimism, politically correct challenges, the glass is half full euphemisms and there-are-no-problems syndrome, Narcissism rules supreme.<br /><br />What used to be viewed as a non-curable character flaw is now viewed as something to strive for or to live by. The media live by it, marketing strives on it and the corporate spaces abound with it. The megalomaniac philanthropist, Mr. Bill Gates, called it ‘tough love.’ <br /><br />During the sixties, the ‘I’ philosophy raised its ugly head in the shape of a smiley face. All the sudden it was not on to think of family or society as a comforting safe space. The ‘I’ was elevated beyond all hereto known values. Suddenly it was cool to claim; I am worth it, it is my life, what is in it for me, I am numero uno, greed is king, et al.<br /><br />It is understood that human beings are social creatures that require frequent validation of their self worth. Social interactions usually take care of this need through normal everyday dialogue, debate, interchange of ideas, creative processes and the like.<br /><br />Unfortunately, these so called normal processes, do not suffice in a narcissist world. The need to be superior is the primary force; a force that involves the covering up of feelings (a sign of weakness) while fostering feelings of self-importance and self-appeasement (a sign of grandiosity.) In other words, I am, I can…when I was …, I, I, I.<br /><br />The plus side of narcissism is that it is an energetic, motivated, assertive and competitive condition. All who suffer from narcissism are individuals (a very important asset) who value creativity, who strive to always improve on themselves and who constantly view mistakes as non-entities. They also value intellectual performance above all else.<br /><br />No that bad, one would think. The down side is that a narcissist will internalise failure to the extent of hostility towards others who are perceived to be their betters and thus will externalise blame on all negative events.<br /><br />In other words, a narcissist will rationalise or rewrite history in their favour: “ They freely transform failures into successes, and construct lengthy and intricate rationalisations that inflate their self-worth or justify what they believe is their right.” Dr Theodore Milton. Dr. Roger Davis further pointed out that narcissists, “remember the past as they would have wanted it to occur, not as it actually happened.”<br /><br />When confronted, narcissist will overtly express themselves in a self-justificating rage, character assassination and projection or deflection e.g. you are just envious.<br /><br />They also exhibit traits such as; self-focus in interpersonal exchanges, difficulty with empathy, hypersensitivity to any perceived insults, a vulnerability to shame rather than guilt, subtle but persistent bragging, expert claims to most things, denials of remorse and gratitude, etc, etc. <br /><br />All in all, not a nice condition at all.<br /><br />Yet, this is what is being projected and inferred as to what one must aspire to. <br /><br />The sixties ‘smiley face’ was an icon to the art of positive thought given the wars that were being fought at the time, and the impact they were having on society at large. Narcissism was never the intended outcome. <br /><br />But as usual, the human condition will rise to the occasion and turn all good intentions to hell.<br /><br />Food for Thought: The strange thing about narcissism is that it needs enablers to feed its need for attention and feeling of superiority. One craves power the other, security.<br /><br />For me, give me a juicy portion of t-bone and chips, crème brûlée, and all is well with me.<br /><br />Mwah!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00604923555126776194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-939011747536490539.post-22491671510398711702009-03-06T23:52:00.000-08:002009-03-06T23:54:08.312-08:00What, me Worry?So, the Rand has gained some value, some employees are still under threat of being laid off, petrol remains under pressure and our endearing politicians still go about their business in style. Yet, I remain un-phased. <br /><br />The Rand gaining some value has no real bearing on my working day. I continue to pay my accounts, loan money at will and buy food. I have no choice in the matter. I simply adjust, and pay, and pay, and pay.<br /><br />Employees loosing their job? Who cares! Me is not affected in the least. I still have my job, my motor vehicle, my tax burden, my inevitable destiny with the weekly Lotto frenzy…and face crime like a seasoned war veteran; behind palisade fencing, well guarded windows and with my trusty firearm at my side.<br /><br />And petrol. What about petrol? I go to a petrol station, look the attendant in the eye and tell him to fill up. Maybe not as much as before, but “fill her up” none the less. I mean, its not as if an alternative means of transport is readily available?<br /><br />And what of the endearing politicians? Well, they will carry on taking advantages of our hard earned tax-money, taking well rationalised paid for vacations and encouraging us to dispense with our votes at a drop of a hat. They are, after all, a bunch of do-gooders who carry my best interests at heart.<br /><br />Thank goodness for the all consuming virtual Circus Maximus. A good few clicks of the remote and a world of choice unfolds before one’s eyes: from soaps to sex, from sports to sex, from news to sex. And all one needs is to shift expectations, buy well-hung chickens, be simply irresistible, and be loving it. <br /><br />Whatever…!?Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00604923555126776194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-939011747536490539.post-81210716885442164482009-01-20T02:56:00.000-08:002009-01-20T02:57:24.862-08:00Ideological HysteriaWhere group hysteria is concerned, I tend to run the other way. Experience tells me that mass induced hype, specially hype that is attached to left-brain activation type words, is usually a precursor to disappointment and disillusionment.<br /><br />The present atmosphere surrounding the soon-to-be-sworn-in President of a state that believes itself to be the ultimate police of world democracy, puts the above into perspective.<br /><br />Now don’t get me wrong. He might be an upright and honourable person, and all the nice things the media have been sprouting about him but, he remains a politician and a human being. One who has a collective body of others to answer to. Others who collectively have the over-ridding power to make or break any decisions he makes or wants executed. And then, there are national policies to contend with. Thus, although he is the number one citizen of a country, he remains bound to political ideologies which will restrict and mostly impede well-intended initiatives, and human frailties which tends towards self-interest above all else.<br /><br />Will he remain-true-to-his-word is the question that most observers around the western world are asking themselves right now. Given the rising expectancy surrounding his inauguration, I surmise ‘yes’ to be the answer.<br /><br />I wish him all the luck for he presents the world with a renewed hope in something better but remain ambivalent where his political promises are concerned.<br /><br />If there is one thing I’ve learned during my sojourn through life is that one trusts the person, but not the devil inside that person. A lesson that has not only been well tested by history, but also by personal life injuries. <br /><br />In the words of Logan Pearsall Smith (a writer of historical semantics): “When they come downstairs from their Ivory Towers, Idealists are very apt to walk straight into the gutter.”Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00604923555126776194noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-939011747536490539.post-82933774216936211442008-12-31T05:20:00.000-08:002008-12-31T05:22:10.933-08:002009 and BeyondUsually at this time of the year, I tend to take a step backwards to gaze upon life in all its glory and craziness. <br /><br /> <br /><br /> I once read that not a shred of evidence exists in favour of the idea that life is serious. A tenet that, after much thought, compelled me to re-think my priorities and concerns. And given all the pessimism permeating our air-waves, printed media and the populace in general, a tenet that has helped me develop an optimistic view of life, but an optimism that remains grounded in reality and hard-learnt life experiences – whether one sees a half-full glass or a half-empty glass, one still only gets a half glass of whatever. <br /><br />Overall, 2008 was a year of note. It was a year where many opportunities came-a-knocking, where many initiatives were completed to their logical conclusions and where many disappointments were contended with. It was also a year where many lessons were learnt, where problems were faced, where frustrations were tempered and where challenges were defeated. <br /><br />When all is said and done, here I stand, knowing that irrespective of what was thrown my way by the machinations of life, I surmounted all obstacles standing tall…and with a smile on my face.<br /><br />As for 2009, who knows, but given my record at surmounting impossible odds, I am confident that the future will find me at the helm of my life, pedal to the metal.<br /><br />Here’s to a kick-ass 2009 and beyond.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00604923555126776194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-939011747536490539.post-26019423142102948932008-08-06T08:48:00.000-07:002008-08-06T08:54:37.514-07:00Ten Precepts to Social WellnessWhile listening to a discussion by a Social Economic Analyst, Louie Fourie, certain interesting realities struck me, specially given the state of opinions and media driven angst in South Africa.<br /><br />Firstly, whereas we the public tend to have a narrow view on happenings around SA, there are people out there, whose job it is to study events, tendencies and happenings in a holistic manner, who then generate much needed clarity and sensibility onto situations that are generally accepted by the masses as out of control or beyond repair. <br /><br />What stood out the most, is that our sense of instability and insecurity is driven by a liberal media who thrive (or take advantage off) on our predisposition towards the macabre, the sensational and the voyeuristic.<br /><br />During his discussion, he tabled ten precepts that are used around the globe in bringing clarity to how societies, families and Corporates are doing in wellness, growth, etc. The precepts were tabled in their main headings, with clarification headers forming part of the discussion. <br /><br />The precepts tabled are: (note that each heading cannot be answered by a simple answer.)<br /><br />1. Are we serious about democracy?<br />2. Do we have sound economic policies?<br />3. Is there freedom of movement, information, communications, etc?<br />4. Do we have a good education system?<br />5. Do we have a sound financial system?<br />6. Are people well?<br />7. Do we respect property rights?<br />8. How efficient is our Law Enforcement?<br />9. Do we have a sound business sector?<br />10. Do we have a vision?<br /><br />According to Mr. Fourie, SA fails badly on three points, namely 4, 6 and 8. As for the rest, it fairs reasonably well in relation to the other 170 Nations/States evaluated under the above globally accepted system. The interesting piece of information is that SA lies in 44th position out of 170 Nations/Sates.<br /><br />The largest eye-opener stemmed from the fact that people have a skewed perception of what a democracy is e.g. having the right to an opinion does not mean that one should exercise it, specially if that opinion incites rage or war.<br /><br />Another valuable piece of information that the people must learn to cultivate, is to separate Loudness from Substance e.g. the loudest Politian usually gets the largest piece of the podium…<br /><br />All in all, the discussion shed much light on the principles behind living in a democratic society; and some falsehoods that we take for the truth, and nothing but the truth.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00604923555126776194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-939011747536490539.post-19266032512904113272008-06-08T01:44:00.000-07:002008-06-08T01:45:55.503-07:00'tis Sunday: an anguish‘tis Sunday and all is well! Well, more well’ish than well, but what the hell; a little contradiction has never hurt anyone. Or has it?<br /><br />With Black Sabbath blaring in the background, the sun shining through the north facing windows and the white MS Word screen starring me in the eyes, I type another journal in reverence to my roguish life. A life that, for all its idiosyncrasies, has served me well.<br /><br />Yet, this morning, I find myself at odds with the whole virtual space thing. Does it serve a purpose or is it solely the domain of the individualised psyche? A psyche that only serves itself rather than promote a willingness to assimilate all that constitutes life. A self-centred psyche that does nothing but exalt the inner person while hiding behind well-to-do civilised rationale.<br /><br />And as for the myriad of comments that clutter up virtual space, what do they dish up except to give voice to the internal cynic or give vent to pent-up anguish. <br /><br />But, before I get all miff, breakfast is calling.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Supposing ... There's only one thing worth debating online<br />Charlie Brooker</span><br />Friday June 2, 2006<br />The Guardian<br /><br />There's no point debating anything online. You might as well hurl shoes in the air to knock clouds from the sky. The internet's perfect for all manner of things, but productive discussion ain't one of them. It provides scant room for debate and infinite opportunities for fruitless point-scoring: the heady combination of perceived anonymity, gestated responses, random heckling and a notional "live audience" quickly conspire to create a "perfect storm" of perpetual bickering.<br /><br />Stumble in, take umbrage with someone, trade a few blows, and within about two or three exchanges, the subject itself goes out the window. Suddenly you're simply arguing about arguing. Eventually, one side gets bored, comes to its senses, or dies, and the row fizzles out: just another needless belch in the swirling online guff-storm.<br />…Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00604923555126776194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-939011747536490539.post-11194514926077075702008-05-19T07:48:00.000-07:002008-05-19T07:50:12.107-07:00The People have SpokenFor fifteen years, we the people of South Africa, have been told by our illustrious democratically elected Government that they represent the voice of the people. Yet, the people are not being heard.<br /><br />Take the recent attacks of so called xenophobia, where the people are voicing their outrage at all the lay-about african foreigners who are transgressing established norms daily. Have the people not spoken?<br /><br />What about the Kutsong debacle where the people wanted to be incorporated into Gauteng but were told by the Government to behave. Have the people not spoken?<br /><br />Then there is Eskom. The people have on numerous occasions told the Government that Eskom must stop selling electricity to other countries, to put SA first, only to be told that the whole ‘crisis’ is the peoples doing and that they should behave. Have the people not spoken?<br /><br />For years, the people have been telling the Government that they are not happy with the way that their tax money is being used. Dictums that have fallen on governmental deaf ears. Have the people not spoken?<br /><br />The lists of public-outcries are long, and, given the modern state of parliamentary attitudes, will continue to grow exponentially.<br /><br />The problem arises from the fact that no government can be seen to be loosing face. This scenario creates a sense of distrust amongst the voting citizenry which in turn can lead to anarchy; an administrative condition that no government can allow. Given the a foregoing, the present state of adversarial situations are doomed to continue.<br /><br />Maybe the present conditions will force our idyllic Government to exude some form of political will and listen to the will of the people. <br /><br />“Hegel was right when he said that we learn from history that man can never learn anything from history. - George Bernard Shaw”Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00604923555126776194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-939011747536490539.post-79861193570252059342008-05-04T01:15:00.000-07:002008-05-04T01:16:39.986-07:00From Lusitoland to LoserlandAs a ardent patron of Lusitoland down Johannesburg south, my yearly sojourn ended miserably: the imposed drinking areas where one cannot hear the music emanating from centre stage made for a very sorry state of affairs; and the harsh imposition by grumpy ‘bouncers’ all over the place downplayed the supposed festive atmosphere. And the usual barrage of Metro Cops was nowhere to be seen, that is until one hit a radial arterial where ‘spot’ fines where being dished out in the hope of garnishing a few measly Rand off-the-books.<br /><br />The joys of wandering around savouring the wares and sights on offer with a ‘Caipirinha’ in hand seems to be a thing of the past. One now has to sit, or stand, in designated areas chugging down the savoury drink before being allowed to move on to the next row of stalls. Needless to say, it is just not the same. The customary visible looks of joy were nowhere to be seen, instead one was confronted by grumpy strollers, or shoppers, reminiscent of a daily trip to the local mall.<br /><br />As a matter of fact, what hit me the most was the absence of the usual throngs of patrons at the ticket stalls, something to which every year I braced myself to endure. This year, I walked straight to the ticket office, purchased my wrist band and walked in without ever having to jostle for position with fellow patrons.<br /><br />To add injury to injury, I took two new inductees to the exhibition only to be faced with “is this what you’ve been bragging about!?” Talk about a slap across the face.<br /><br />Ok, maybe there was a reason for the change in modii operandi, but given my vast experience with Lusitoland, whatever the reasons were, the changes did not bring value to the vaunted exposition. <br /><br />Fortunately we found a dear little eatery in Rosebank where we spent the rest of the evening exchanging quips, stories, jokes and exaggerations to our hearts content. A cheerful conclusion to a dreary experience.<br /><br />Here’s to next year; or maybe not.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00604923555126776194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-939011747536490539.post-55212627610276649012008-04-22T00:09:00.000-07:002008-04-22T00:10:33.032-07:00Propensities, Idiosyncrasies and SimplicitiesWhy can’t life be simple? It just seems that the harder one tries to simplify things, the more complicated life becomes. And believe you me, I’ve tried and tried only to meet with disastrous consequences, that bear no relationship to what has gone before.<br /><br />Being a proponent of ‘what is’ denotes that I should have a deeper understanding of the inner working of life, the universe and everything else (apologies to Douglas Adams,) but invariably, it turns out that I do not. <br /><br />Being worse than a cat when it comes to the pursuit of comfort, I spend much time in evaluating what is non-sense and inconsequential. I also spend effort in searching for ways to do tasks simpler and with the least amount of effort. And in creating an environment where I reign supreme. But like they say in the classics: bah humbug!<br /><br />Everyday I wake up to a new sunrise full of expectations that all will run according to plan, only to find that its all for nought – an eventuality will interfere, direct and command what was a peaceful existence - it appears that personal ideals are not deserving and should be disrupted and thrown out of tilt.<br /><br />Now the above may sound far fetched and out of synch with what the rest of the world are busy with, but considering that death is the ultimate judge, does it not stand to reason that living life is more important than just living, and that all else is just conversation?<br /><br />Have people forgotten what it is like to be human?<br /><br />Have we become so caught up in the pursuit of opinions and in the pursuit of being right, that life has lost all meaning. Do we really believe that something or someone ethereal will save us from the undeniable fact that death lurks and that eventually, it will consume all corporeal existence.<br /><br />We have devised belief systems that provide well rationalised answers to questions of mystery, to questions of wonderment and to inquiries of bafflement, yet, in-between all the brouhaha of information, we remain frail pathetic humans. The only difference is that we suffer from dementia of ‘there must be more to life’ rather than looking at ourselves and realising that power is within each one of us and that collectively, we can achieve whatever we set out minds to.<br /><br />Our relationships have become tainted with postulated dreams of romance, have become tainted with conjured visions of a what a soul mate is and have become tainted with viewpoints that subvert what it means to be human. We like to be told that we are exceptional, we like to be told that we are good looking and we like that others see us for what we are. Yet we run around blaspheming the good names of others, we run around gossiping about the doings of others and we run around passing judgment on what others deem to be normal<br /><br />Life is not personal, it is aloof, unemotional and damn frustrating. It is not an anomaly that purports to support life in all its guises. It is what it is. It is an ever changing condition that has allowed species to develop and then to die off without any rational reason. It is a condition that allowed a species to develop congealed grey matter into monstrous complex creatures that kill, maim and destroys one another for the sake of an opinion, territory and just for just.<br /><br />Life also does not care for the individual, it is not so devised and it does not operate in that way. The death or life of an individual does not life make. Yet, it is all we crave: the will to be ourselves, the vehemence to be different to others, the glorification of self.<br />But knowing that life will be life is not enough. Humans need more. They need acceptance, they need the human touch and they need the assertion that a life has not been in vain. They also need diplomacy for anything else is deemed as abhorrent. <br /><br />And then there are emotions: a bunch of irrational deep down unexplainable feelings that are bundled together in a flesh-and-bone upright walking-talking Homo Sapiens. They mean nothing at the best of times and at the worst of times, they get in the way of what should be a clear logical explanation to existence. Yet, one can hate them or love them, the fact remains that they are a reality of life and will continue to be so long after the surcease of breath. <br /><br />The expectations behind the veil of life are cumbersome at best. They are mostly construed, connived and full of rationalized good will and intentions. Yet they pale into insignificance when confronted by vanity, emotions and simplicity.<br /><br />In the end, maybe its all about denial. A condition that transcends all cultural barriers, gender backgrounds and social standings. A condition that affects all and spares none. The great aunt to vanity, and the main culprit behind bigotry, elitism and the human suffering.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00604923555126776194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-939011747536490539.post-17776277584166322072008-03-18T13:17:00.000-07:002008-03-18T13:19:11.409-07:00From Dialogue to MonologuesThe power to the complex interchange of ideals by means of articulated speech is endemic to the human race. We don’t go around squawking, squeaking, warbling, barking or meowing at each other during coffee breaks. We don’t whoop, howl and screech when demanding a pay increase (although it may sound like it at times.) Human conversation is filled with intonations, interruptions, gestures and individualised body language, all laced together to create a colourful spectrum of vocalised expressions. <br /><br />Human speech, in dialogue form, has been instrumental in the propagation of human intelligence, in ensuring co-operative development and in ensuring constructive evolution. It is a marvel of the human intellect. It is what separates the animal kingdom from that of the human realm. It is also what negates all the above.<br /><br />In modern life, constructive dialogue seems to be as dead as the proverbial ‘Dodo,’ specially given the fact that so much of it is filled with one-sided communication: <br /><br />Television, although a clever invention, has entrenched itself into modern society with negative influences. Televised programs are presented in a singular fashion with specific goals and objectives in mind. The interactions are all on screen. All the watcher has to do is watch (an interesting point is that research shows that the brain is more active during sleep than when watching TV.) <br /><br />The News media, while cowering behind ‘freedom of speech’ and ‘you have the right to know the truth,’ expresses biased opinions in a sensationalist manner while only allowing selected retorts to be printed.<br /><br />Talk-shows are no better – A skewed subject is chosen, so-called experts are called in to argue the chosen subject (and the more acronyms they have behind their names, the more credible they are perceived to be,) and a ‘well-to-do’ presenter is chosen to chair the proceedings. The whole affair takes place under guarded conditions which minimize accountability and liability on the part of the broadcaster. The end result is a muddle of ideals.<br /><br /> The Internet, the miracle of technology, has done nothing to encourage dialogue: people are more prone to chat merrily for hours in anonymous chat rooms than to physically relate to people around them.<br /><br />At work, dialogue, although seemingly encouraged, is disparaged by management - “yours is not to question why, yours is to do (or die.)” A dictum that serves no purpose except to stifle human communication. <br /><br />The art of conversation requires aural and verbal skills from its practitioner. But listening may mean having to adapt one’s stance on a given subject, a subject that one may be uncomfortable with or be totally opposed against. The tendency is then to shut down the hearing sense and to continue to dispute the given subject, pushing home one’s viewpoint at all costs; monologue enacted. The end result, no advancement, no enlightenment, no progress.<br /><br />As most of what is believed by the human animal is based on perceptions (individuals largely live by their cultivated assumptions based on their own philosophies and or beliefs,) the whole process of assimilation of new ideas via conversation, as an ideal, is rather difficult. It requires an abolishment of all assumptions, it requires a re-establishment of substantiation and a re-assembling of proof; in other words, don’t guess, don’t predict and don’t assume.<br /><br />Unfortunately, the human animal, does not like being put on the spot, being made to (seemingly) look the fool. But the converse to the perceived connotations is an increase in enlightenment, in knowledge, in experience and in wisdom. Surely, a little embarrassment is a small price to pay for elucidation? Why oppose a viewpoint just because it clashes with one’s personal beliefs? Voltaire once said “Judge a man by his questions rather than by his answers.”<br /><br />The above may mean having to enter into discussions where one’s view points will be challenged, defied, taken to task, but in the end, if the information is correctly and wisely assimilated, one will be better off for it. That is the power of dialogue: enrichment, astuteness and understanding.<br /><br />Living in an information-rich environment does not mean that verbal communication should be sacrificed or abolished for the sake of the medium presenting the information. Two-way conversations should be encouraged and fostered. It should be practiced often. <br /><br />Dialogue: The power behind expressive communications; The power behind the exchange of ideas and ideals; The power behind the acquisition of knowledge; The power behind personal growth. The power behind luciferous living.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00604923555126776194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-939011747536490539.post-54609744054160168712008-03-16T14:11:00.000-07:002008-03-16T14:12:34.720-07:00Is Freedom of Speech even DebatableWhy is it that we are so adept at proclaiming freedom-of-speech while, back at the ranch, running it down when that freedom asserts an ideal opposed to our own way of thinking? If reason be what makes us human, why the inconsistency? And maybe the fault is mine for “How ridiculous and what a stranger he is who is surprised at anything which happens in life.” – Marcus Aurelius<br /><br />Democracy is about freedom of choice, freedom of speech, freedom of thought and freedom of actions; of course all tempered by liberal doses of moderation i.e. consideration for the wellbeing of others, consideration for the beliefs of others, consideration for the lives of others. As a matter of fact, consideration and moderation, besides the aforementioned freedoms, are the prime words by which democracy was devised (reminds me of the age old inconsistency: Look but don’t touch, Touch but don’t bite, Bite but don’t swallow…)<br /><br />To the lob-sided equation, human-rights (human rights refers to the concept of human beings as having universal rights, or status, regardless of legal jurisdiction, and likewise other localizing <br />factors, such as ethnicity and nationality,) was added as a condiment. These rights and freedoms likewise include the rights to due process, private ownership of property, privacy, and equality before the law, and freedoms of speech, assembly and religion. (In liberal democracies, such as that found in South Africa, these rights are generally constitutionally guaranteed.)<br /><br />In contrast, Conflict, by characterization, refers to any quarrel between persons, regions, national districts or world powers. Conflict further refers to mental-states of unreasonableness, of stroppiness and of perverseness: arrogance, avarice, despotism, bigotry, absolutism. Qualities that not only subverts the human spirit but also relegates it to the annals of depravity - Ayn Rand in her gothic work entitled ‘Anthem’ expounded on what a world ruled by oppressive ideologies would be like: in one instance, she elucidates the arrogance of the ruling elite when it discards electricity in favour of candles for the concept was not developed by the masses for the good of the masses. <br /><br />When Emmanuel Kant was asked to characterize Enlightenment (defined as the insistence on intellectual autonomy, a rejection of tradition and authority as the infallible sources of truth, a loathing for bigotry and persecution, a commitment to free inquiry, a belief that knowledge is indeed power,) his vigour and clarity rose to the occasion: “Enlightenment is man’s emergence from his self-incurred immaturity.” Unlike his other long-winded works of philosophy, this was direct, to the point and sacrosanct.<br /><br />In simple words, it is decisive forbearance towards all things that challenge and seemingly subvert ideals long held as truths, that determines enlightenment. Not an impossibility or a stretch of the imagination but a tortuous request nonetheless, for the general human propensity towards self-emulation will, if not checked, rise to the top: usually under the guises of nationalism, patriotism and eloquently-worded self-centred crowd-pleasing despotic monologues.<br /><br />Therefore, as with enlightenment, freedom-of-speech, being a sub-set of enlightenment, must be conceived as an attitude in which the critique of what we are, be accepted as an historical analysis of the limits that are imposed on us, and a testing with the prospect of going beyond them.<br /><br />To all intents and purposes, there should be no debate pertaining to whether or not freedom-of-speech should ever be sacrificed, irrespective of circumstances i.e. noble intentions - history is full of noble intentions that did nothing but to propagate the will of those who proclaimed those very intentions. <br /><br />Its for the above reasons that freedom-of-speech should be encouraged and cultivated at all levels of human interactions. It should never be allowed to wane or to be repressed irrespective of how much it condemns or criticises. It must be allowed to assert conjectures, contentions and what-ifs. It must be given free reign, for only then can life evolve beyond its self imposed immaturity - the world used to be considered flat. It was only by the covert persistence (an unfortunate system-induced malaise of the time) of a few heretics that the truth was eventually revealed. <br /><br />Dare to speak. Dare to know!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00604923555126776194noreply@blogger.com0