Had a nice call this morning from my mate down under - Solomonster - those of you who know him, he sends his regards. Those who don't, well, same to you I suppose :).
Anyway, I'm going to refer to him as SM from now on (short for Solomonster). He asked about the accident, our health (esp. mom's) and other stuff. And then asked about the now employment opp. I didn't want him to spend another 15000 AUD on the call, so said I would post details here.
So, I recently read an article which was a piece from an interview with a very successful German butcher here in South Africa. When he had finished school, he had no idea what line of business to go into, and approached his grandfather. The response he got was something like this :- "My boy, people will always eat, drink and shit! If you are involved in anything, it must address one of these needs!" And he did, and made good of it.
Now, the food industry isn't for me - hours are way too long. And it's damn competitive. A bottle store (liquor shop) is very profitable, but I'm not sure I want to be partly responsible for more of the worlds problems, what with drunken driving, killing innocent people, spousal and child abuse attributed to alcohol abuse....... Fuck that.
So, that leaves me with shit. No, seriously. A massive problem around the world is shit. Not that which you all deposit into the big white telephone, and flush down to your local sewerage works, where it can be processed and stuff, but the tons of crap being generated in deep pit latrines, and other such make shift locations, in squatter camps etc. Where there is no proper sewerage processing, and where disease, mostly contributed to by the presence of shit, is rampant.
Now don't get me wrong, I'm not suddenly becoming a bleeding heart "green world" styled terrorist, about to attack and bomb capitalism, and all the rich people who done even know this problem exists. No, I intend to exploit the situation for my own personal gain, and if some poor bastards out there do benefit from my actions, well then good for me!!!!
A mate of mine (and future employer) is a metallurgist by trade. He's also self employed, and quite the inventor, especially when it comes to filtration / separation / conveying of various forms of materials. He was approached by a big Metro here in SA to help them design a machine to resolve some of the above mentioned crap problem. They had for some years been cleaning out the deep pit latrines in their squatter camps, and so had managed to keep health problems down. But due to the number of latrines, they only go around once every couple of years. The other problem, and probably more of a problem, was disposing of the tons of human shit that they we re collecting.
Most of you have heard of the Valley of a 1000 hills, in Kwa-Zulu Natal? Well, it was fast becoming 1001 hills. According to my mate the shit pile is so big, it will take years to clear, with 4 machines to process it all! That's, ZAR100,000 x 4 per month - for years!!!!!! AND THAT'S ONE METRO, ONE PILE OF SHIT. WITH TONS OF SHIT BEING ADDED EVERYDAY TO THE EXISTING PILE - A NEVER ENDING SOURCE OF SHIT.....
OK, so I'm getting ahead of myself. What he designed (AND PATENTED) is a machine that you dump the shit into (use a front end loader - it's safer), at about 70% dry (30% moisture content). This goes through a screw conveyor that separates hard materials from the shit. (Hard materials have included things like cellphones, TV remote controls, tins, bottles, railway truck wheel ??? {WTF???}) and other stuff. The shit is squeezed out through hundreds of holes in the sides of the screw conveyor, and the hard material is ejected at the top to be disposed of in any other way possible. The "spaghetti" strings of shit then travel through an enclosed conveyor system, fitted with a heating apparatus (this is the secret product) which in effect completely dries the product, kills off all germs / bacteria / other nasty stuff, and dumps it off the end of the belt. At this point the material is safe to handle, has no smell, and gets bagged for sale to anyone who wants it as a damn fine fertilizer for gardens or farms / etc. Stru.......!!
Because of the fact that these machines are mainly to be located in remote sites where the recycling of anything / everything is the main source of income for the inhabitants of these places, they needed to secure the plant. I did a design for him and put the whole contraption into 2 x 20ft containers, with a small container attached which houses a generator - diesel powered. The "end product" bagged and sold brings in about 6 x the overall cost of the running of the plant, diesel included!
The upside to this is that it creates jobs. People are needed to run the plant on a day to day basis. There is ongoing maintenance required, which is shopped out to one of the local engineering companies, and there is employment for the people who bag the material, and sell it.
And, the client pays a build deposit for the plant, and a monthly fee of ZAR 100,000 (depending on the size) for a minimum period of 36 months. And they are responsible for running costs and maintenance costs. Geezzz.... can u believe this shit?!?:)
Oh, and the Bill Gates Green World Foundation is talking to us, and are keen on an initial order of 1000 machines in the next 18 - 24 months! These, however, will be for export to the East, and we would sell them outright. But probably still be the prime source for spare parts and stuff. But should I care? 1000 MACHINES - If I pull that one off, I can probably make a fair commissions, and retire!!!!
Also, we are talking to several companies who want to take up a franchise. South America is the main one here.
So there you have it. I will be running the company that will sell / rent / market / produce these machines. I will, over time, have to recruit various people to assist as the business grows. I am trying to secure a share in the business. We will be taking other peoples shit and turning it into money. Sounds like a damn fine idea to me...
Salagatle!
Disclaimer
LIU - Look It Up!
Monday, January 30, 2012
Friday, January 27, 2012
GMan
After wasting 2 years playing poker, and probably losing a ton more than he ever won, GMan was approached by some guy he met at one of the high flyer games he used to deal at. The guy own a Venture Capital company (from what I can understand) and seemed impressed by GMan. He offered to employ him, and train him. And, I understand, one of the conditions of employment is that he stops gambling - that to me is first prize!
Anyway, he started work at the beginning of this year. His boss is very status conscious, and has many visitors / business men coming in from China, Russia, Switzerland, so wants his employees that collect them at the airport to make a good impression. His first "company" car is a brand new Jaguar. And as they only keep their cars for 6 months, his next car, a brand new Range Rover, is already on order!!!
I think he has finally been given a good chance to make something of his life, and if this goes well, he can make a damn load of money. His starting salary s up there where some graduates don't even get to, and there is some commission scheme in place as well. Whatever, as long as he's not playing poker, he's making money!!!!
Salagatle!
Anyway, he started work at the beginning of this year. His boss is very status conscious, and has many visitors / business men coming in from China, Russia, Switzerland, so wants his employees that collect them at the airport to make a good impression. His first "company" car is a brand new Jaguar. And as they only keep their cars for 6 months, his next car, a brand new Range Rover, is already on order!!!
I think he has finally been given a good chance to make something of his life, and if this goes well, he can make a damn load of money. His starting salary s up there where some graduates don't even get to, and there is some commission scheme in place as well. Whatever, as long as he's not playing poker, he's making money!!!!
Salagatle!
Ballito 2011 / 2112
Ok, so we took an extended leave from work. From my side, management were not too happy - fuck them. For the Princess it was no problem. We were very blessed to be given the use of her employers place down in Simbithi, a golf estate. His place has 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, etc, and a view to die for.
We left Sunday 18th, early in the morning, driving in LuckyL's car, (he had taken her car - see previous posts I think), and I drove all the way down. I managed a fuel consumption of 14.3 km/l - damn good if I must say so myself.
Anyway, our time down there was fantastic. We did what we had set out to do - as little as possible - resting, reading, eating, drinking, nothing...... My brother and his brood joined us for a few days over Xmas, as did GMan, and we did Old Years Eve with friends at the Barnyard in the Gateway. Other than that - nada.
We eventually had to come home on the 2nd of January, as the Princess had to get back to work. Me, I still had a whole two weeks at home, and made plans to do some serious maintenance, as well as spend some time at my future place of employment!!!
So, we went to see an old school friend of the Princess, and it turns out she's married to a guy who was at school with me! At his house I found the Moto Guzzi in the foto above. He rode it home one day, about 15 years ago, and just never rode it again! So I'm chatting to him to sell it to me. e has kept the license updated, so it needs a bit of work, but I already have a buyer for it! Can make some good money on it and LuckyL will have money for his planned trip to Italy!
Speaking about LuckyL - he got very good results for his Martic finals. His overall average is 71.5%!! Made me very very proud. Overall, he spent a whole month down at the coast, so had a very good break. Unfortunately he decided too late what he wanted to study, so we could not get him into uni this year, and now he's getting very bored. But we might get him a job at a place where he will be involved in mechanical stuff first hand, so that will help him decide if it's actually what he wants to do.
Overall, a great holiday, and I ended my trip to the coast on a high note, with a very positive attitude!
Salagatle!
We left Sunday 18th, early in the morning, driving in LuckyL's car, (he had taken her car - see previous posts I think), and I drove all the way down. I managed a fuel consumption of 14.3 km/l - damn good if I must say so myself.
Anyway, our time down there was fantastic. We did what we had set out to do - as little as possible - resting, reading, eating, drinking, nothing...... My brother and his brood joined us for a few days over Xmas, as did GMan, and we did Old Years Eve with friends at the Barnyard in the Gateway. Other than that - nada.
We eventually had to come home on the 2nd of January, as the Princess had to get back to work. Me, I still had a whole two weeks at home, and made plans to do some serious maintenance, as well as spend some time at my future place of employment!!!
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| View From the balcony |
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| Moto Guzzi 850 Le Mans - been standing for 15 years. I found it, and now want to buy it. |
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| View from kitchen area, through lounge, to the deck, and beyond. |
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| Now this is a view to get up for everyday! |
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| Some monkeys around, and the wild species too. Didn't pose any problems for us though. |
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| This flag which was being "towed" by the chopper was massive! |
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| They had problems with water supply due to the massive influx of visitors to the town, but wasn't a big thing. |
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| Fantastic! |
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| Found this silver fork between some rocks while doing some rock pool walking. |
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| Same fork after 4 days in vinegar, and some polishing. |
Speaking about LuckyL - he got very good results for his Martic finals. His overall average is 71.5%!! Made me very very proud. Overall, he spent a whole month down at the coast, so had a very good break. Unfortunately he decided too late what he wanted to study, so we could not get him into uni this year, and now he's getting very bored. But we might get him a job at a place where he will be involved in mechanical stuff first hand, so that will help him decide if it's actually what he wants to do.
Overall, a great holiday, and I ended my trip to the coast on a high note, with a very positive attitude!
Salagatle!
And then it exploded
So, I was looking at a better year than last year. I had decided I would be leaving my current employer, and was stoked to get involved in what would be my new place of employment. I had plans to get a whole lot of maintenance done at home......
Since the Matriarch moved into the retirement village, it has become my responsibility to pick her up every Saturday evening and take her to church. No problem. Saturday the 7th January was no different, except that she had offered a friend at the home a lift to church with us, as her usual transportation was not available.
i picked them up at about 5.30 pm, in my Toyota Corolla. Due to the fact that the friend has in the past had a massive stroke, it's easier for her to sit in front, with mom at the back. Off we go. Church is from 6 - 7. We left the church at between 6.55 and 7pm. Nice casual drive back to the village. As I am approaching an intersection, ans stop street, I do what I always do. Check speedo (60km/h), move foot to brake pedal, and at the same time check rearview mirror so that if there is someone following me, I can see if they note that I am slowing down. No car behind me. I look front - and the world ended!!!
Coming at me, in my lane, at a very high speed I see a car! WTF! is probably all that went through my mind, and I floored the brake pedal. And the whole world exploded. It's a fantastic thing that it all seems to be in slow motion, but is in fact a split second and the destruction that takes place is almost unbelievable!
The car stops, and there's this deadly silence. Mom is lying between the seats, with her head more or less on the gear lever. I try to lift her, but there is not response. I turn to open my door, it unlocks, but wont budge, so I kick the crap out of it - open. Get out, rune around the car to open the passenger doors. They are locked from inside. Run back around, get in the car - reach over, unlock both doors, try ans help mom again - nothing, get out run around - open both doors - check the lady in front, looks OK???? - look down at mom - not looking OK, reach in through the back door to see if I can help her up from there - and I see a steel pin stuck right through her left leg - ans I know I cant do anything.......
Run back around, feel around under her head where I remember putting my cellphone, find it, and dial the Princess! By now, people are coming to help, and two ladies ask me to stand aside, and I do. Light up a smoke (no, i didn't think of the tank full of petrol - WTF!).
Stepping back, I do a quick assessment of the situation. The driver of the other car has climbed out - no injuries that I can see. I ask the nearest to me to make sure he does not run away. i notice that from the point of impact, my car traveled backwards at least 20 meters! How fast was this fucker driving?
People have already called for assistance. ow truck drivers arrive - and pass out blankets, cushions, and first aid kits!! Awesome. Next to arrive - after a while - paramedics, that's good, cause I really need them to work on the two ladies in the car. The local Community Police Forum people arrive, and immediately one of them is tasked to attach themselves to the driver of the other car. Make sure he has nothing to eat or drink, and does not leave before the cops get there.
Next to arrive, ambulances - soon after the paramedics, then, later, the firebrigade, and much later, the SAPS. (Where the fuck were they?).
Anyway, after more than an hour of working on her, they got mom into an ambulance, her frined in another one, and we all went off to the hospital. GMan, summoned by the Princess had arrived, and between the teo of them they sorted out the stuff in the car, and arranged to have it towed. And then followed us to the hospital.
So, overall I got off lightly. Cracked a bone in my left wrist, and have a hairline crack through the sternum. Not that it's not sore, going to take a while to heal. And I had bruises all over.
Mom shattered her wrist, hence the brace in the foto above,and broke her left leg, above the knee, steel pins and plates, and smashed the dashboard with her face - you have no idea how black and blue her face was, and loads of bruises etc. We now on day 20, and she is still in hospital.
Moms friend - Broken left wrist - has a brace similar to moms. Plenty broken ribs - rhs - And they had to insert a plate and a whole lot of screws to fix a bunch of broken ribs, and repair a hole in her lung ( caused by the ribs), and loads of bruises. The scariest was that she went into some kind of shock induced coma, and was non-responsive to any interaction at all for just over a week. But now she's doing great, and should be home soon. Mom has to do a week or so of rehab, after she leaves hospital, before she can go home.
I spoke to the cop who came to the scene that night. He says the other driver was not drunk. But, he quickly assesed that he was on drugs, and arrested him, and took him for a blood test. He would have spent the weekend in jail, and probably released on bail only Monday sometime. Now we wait for the results. I have to call the cop soon for an update, and so tat I can get some info to initiate the Road Accident Fund Claim.
We survived - I am very blessed to have come off so lighlty, but would gladly take all the injuries from my mom, and her friend if I could, to spare them the pain they have had to suffer the past 3 weeks.
More to follow as it unfolds.
Salagatle!
Since the Matriarch moved into the retirement village, it has become my responsibility to pick her up every Saturday evening and take her to church. No problem. Saturday the 7th January was no different, except that she had offered a friend at the home a lift to church with us, as her usual transportation was not available.
i picked them up at about 5.30 pm, in my Toyota Corolla. Due to the fact that the friend has in the past had a massive stroke, it's easier for her to sit in front, with mom at the back. Off we go. Church is from 6 - 7. We left the church at between 6.55 and 7pm. Nice casual drive back to the village. As I am approaching an intersection, ans stop street, I do what I always do. Check speedo (60km/h), move foot to brake pedal, and at the same time check rearview mirror so that if there is someone following me, I can see if they note that I am slowing down. No car behind me. I look front - and the world ended!!!
Coming at me, in my lane, at a very high speed I see a car! WTF! is probably all that went through my mind, and I floored the brake pedal. And the whole world exploded. It's a fantastic thing that it all seems to be in slow motion, but is in fact a split second and the destruction that takes place is almost unbelievable!
The car stops, and there's this deadly silence. Mom is lying between the seats, with her head more or less on the gear lever. I try to lift her, but there is not response. I turn to open my door, it unlocks, but wont budge, so I kick the crap out of it - open. Get out, rune around the car to open the passenger doors. They are locked from inside. Run back around, get in the car - reach over, unlock both doors, try ans help mom again - nothing, get out run around - open both doors - check the lady in front, looks OK???? - look down at mom - not looking OK, reach in through the back door to see if I can help her up from there - and I see a steel pin stuck right through her left leg - ans I know I cant do anything.......
Run back around, feel around under her head where I remember putting my cellphone, find it, and dial the Princess! By now, people are coming to help, and two ladies ask me to stand aside, and I do. Light up a smoke (no, i didn't think of the tank full of petrol - WTF!).
Stepping back, I do a quick assessment of the situation. The driver of the other car has climbed out - no injuries that I can see. I ask the nearest to me to make sure he does not run away. i notice that from the point of impact, my car traveled backwards at least 20 meters! How fast was this fucker driving?
People have already called for assistance. ow truck drivers arrive - and pass out blankets, cushions, and first aid kits!! Awesome. Next to arrive - after a while - paramedics, that's good, cause I really need them to work on the two ladies in the car. The local Community Police Forum people arrive, and immediately one of them is tasked to attach themselves to the driver of the other car. Make sure he has nothing to eat or drink, and does not leave before the cops get there.
Next to arrive, ambulances - soon after the paramedics, then, later, the firebrigade, and much later, the SAPS. (Where the fuck were they?).
Anyway, after more than an hour of working on her, they got mom into an ambulance, her frined in another one, and we all went off to the hospital. GMan, summoned by the Princess had arrived, and between the teo of them they sorted out the stuff in the car, and arranged to have it towed. And then followed us to the hospital.
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| This was my Toyota Corolla |
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| The other car - A VW Jetta, older model |
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| At the scrap yard |
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| Now I know why me chest hurts - check that steering wheel |
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| Chest 1 - 0 Steering wheel |
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| Mom's arm |
Mom shattered her wrist, hence the brace in the foto above,and broke her left leg, above the knee, steel pins and plates, and smashed the dashboard with her face - you have no idea how black and blue her face was, and loads of bruises etc. We now on day 20, and she is still in hospital.
Moms friend - Broken left wrist - has a brace similar to moms. Plenty broken ribs - rhs - And they had to insert a plate and a whole lot of screws to fix a bunch of broken ribs, and repair a hole in her lung ( caused by the ribs), and loads of bruises. The scariest was that she went into some kind of shock induced coma, and was non-responsive to any interaction at all for just over a week. But now she's doing great, and should be home soon. Mom has to do a week or so of rehab, after she leaves hospital, before she can go home.
I spoke to the cop who came to the scene that night. He says the other driver was not drunk. But, he quickly assesed that he was on drugs, and arrested him, and took him for a blood test. He would have spent the weekend in jail, and probably released on bail only Monday sometime. Now we wait for the results. I have to call the cop soon for an update, and so tat I can get some info to initiate the Road Accident Fund Claim.
We survived - I am very blessed to have come off so lighlty, but would gladly take all the injuries from my mom, and her friend if I could, to spare them the pain they have had to suffer the past 3 weeks.
More to follow as it unfolds.
Salagatle!
So, I need to replace my car.....
After the accident, GMan brought me his car to use as a trade in. That's the VW Passat that I've been writing about, and have had so much shit with. He's getting a company car, so didn't need his own anymore. Anyway, between LuckyL and myself and the internet, it took one visit to a second hand dealer near the house, and a second visit to another dealer a bit further away, and I bought a Mitsubushi Outlandr. R60k trade in for the VW (that's R35k below trade price) and paid the rest in from the insurance payout for the Toyota, and I have transport. It's bigger, has a descent bonnet, and is also automatic. Just thirsty on petrol, but what the hell.
2005
Make Mitsubishi
Model Outlander
Variant 2.4 gls at
Price (new) R 251,900
http://www.um.co.za/specifications/mitsubishi_outlander_2_4_gls_at_%282003%29.aspx
However, my insurance covers me for a rental car for a few weeks, so I have been driving tht for now, but have to take it back tonight. It's a VW, 1.6 Polo, auto, and gives around 7.4l/100km!!! Awesome car, 6 speed auto box, very comfortable - but I couldn't afford one anyway.
So, from tonight, I drive my new car, and LuckyL is back in his Opel. He's been driving my car since we bought it - just so we could iron out any defects, and while GMan was using his car waiting for his BRAND NEW JAGUAR to be delivered (more on this in another post).
Salagatle!
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| My "new" Wheels. |
Make Mitsubishi
Model Outlander
Variant 2.4 gls at
Price (new) R 251,900
http://www.um.co.za/specifications/mitsubishi_outlander_2_4_gls_at_%282003%29.aspx
However, my insurance covers me for a rental car for a few weeks, so I have been driving tht for now, but have to take it back tonight. It's a VW, 1.6 Polo, auto, and gives around 7.4l/100km!!! Awesome car, 6 speed auto box, very comfortable - but I couldn't afford one anyway.
So, from tonight, I drive my new car, and LuckyL is back in his Opel. He's been driving my car since we bought it - just so we could iron out any defects, and while GMan was using his car waiting for his BRAND NEW JAGUAR to be delivered (more on this in another post).
Salagatle!
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Updates
Hi Guys,
Sorry that I have not posted recently, but I have had a hectic time of late.
To post shortly:-
a) Our vacation in Ballito
b) My head on collision
c) Attempted break in at home
Yup, a lot to post, and pics as well.
Will be updated shortly!
Salagatle!
Sorry that I have not posted recently, but I have had a hectic time of late.
To post shortly:-
a) Our vacation in Ballito
b) My head on collision
c) Attempted break in at home
Yup, a lot to post, and pics as well.
Will be updated shortly!
Salagatle!
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