Pic off of Google, and no, no permission requested or otherwise.....
LIU - Look It Up!
Thursday, July 13, 2006
Dear Divemaster....
There you go, all yours. remenber, when you get 3 in a row is known as a hat trick.. hehe, no pun intended, and you get tokeep the trophy!
Pic off of Google, and no, no permission requested or otherwise.....
Pic off of Google, and no, no permission requested or otherwise.....
The price of a life....?
Another day in South Africa? Maybe. But this time very close to home.
Last night I decided to go down to the local club / pub, to chat with the boys, have a colddrink or two. Got there at about 10 past 8.
At 20 to 9 the cell phone rings. I check, and it's a mate who lives two houses down from me, so I take the call. He tells me he's at the local private hospital. His brothers been shot!!
So I finish my drink, and rush down there. Moral support and all.
Turns out:-
His brother, wife and 2 year old daughter are sitting in their home. Driveway gates closed. Next minute the front door flies open. He jumps up and pushes it closed, and the first shot is fired. Enters his chest to the right of the heart, through the right lung, exits below his left shoulder blade. The guys kick the door open again. Take another shot at him, hits him high in the right arm. The next one missed and lodged in the bottom of a door.
They go in, threaten to cut the kids throat if the mother does not make it quiet. They find and take a pistol, the lady's handbag with her keys, wallet, credit cards, cellphone. Her jewelry and his, which they were wearing at the time. And leave!
He's up, into the bedroom and gets the shotgun out. In case they come back. Together they take the kid next door to the neighbor's place. Then lockup, into the car, and off to the nearest hospital. Bell street private. They can't help. Don't have the facilities for this kind of emergency. Send them off to Krugersdorp Private. (no ambulances as yet. They knew he could bleed to death before one arrives, so the traumatized wife is driving him around). On the way to KPH, she calls my mate, and asks him to come help.
They get there. Go in.
Before they will admit him, treat him, even dispense a fucking disprin, they want ZAR10k on the table, and a bank guaranteed cheque for ZAR50k in their hands!!!
Who the hell has access to that kind of dough, at that time of the night?
Anyway, my mate has, and goes home, gets the cash (R10k) and his cheque book.
Back at the hospital, they call one of these 24 x 7 cheque clearance houses before they will even call the surgeon / doctor ? Out!!!
Anyway, by the time I got there at 9pm, the doctor had just come out. Right lung repaired. Left one badly bruised. No vital organs / arteries affected. He's going to be ok.
Needed 2 units of blood. They wouldn't even order them before my mate signed consent and responsibility for the cost!
Anyway, he was still in theater as another doctor was now going to be repairing his arm / fitting a steel pin.
At 1.22 am this morning my mate called to say that his brother was out of theater, and in the ICU. He had made it through the ops. And the next 24 hours would be crucial. So here's hoping.
Now, 4 guys kicked in his door. All armed. Why did they have to shoot? They weren't going to get any resistance from the family!
Luckily, the bullet which went through his lung must have been a steel jacket, as the damage was minimal considering. A soft nose would have broken up, and torn his heart / lungs to pieces.
The bullet that went into his arm must have been a soft nose. It broke up, shattering the bone, exiting in two place, and leaving a lot of very minute shrapnel in the tissue.
A metal / steel jacket round would probably have ripped his arm off.
The saddest part of all this is that when he comes out of hospital, he will probably sell off everything he has, and leave South Africa. And who will blame him?
I know my mate has been talking this way some time. His family got hit about 6 years ago in their previous home.
And today he drives 400km to Bloemfontein, to bury his father-in-law who passed away last week. I feel for him, his family. You don't need so much crap at one time. And some of it you don't need at all.
I know crime is everywhere. The problem here is the violence which goes with the crime. I can understand why someone would want to break into my home / car, to steal a TV / car radio, to go and pawn and use the money to buy a loaf of bread. But why kill / rape / maim someone in the process?
I'll tell you why. It's cause they have a pent up anger, based on their belief that the world, especially white people owe them. It's because our police force are so understaffed / undertrained / overworked / corrupt, that there is a good chance they wont get caught. It's because they know that the jail term will be short. There is no death penalty. No life sentences.
Salagatle!
Last night I decided to go down to the local club / pub, to chat with the boys, have a colddrink or two. Got there at about 10 past 8.
At 20 to 9 the cell phone rings. I check, and it's a mate who lives two houses down from me, so I take the call. He tells me he's at the local private hospital. His brothers been shot!!
So I finish my drink, and rush down there. Moral support and all.
Turns out:-
His brother, wife and 2 year old daughter are sitting in their home. Driveway gates closed. Next minute the front door flies open. He jumps up and pushes it closed, and the first shot is fired. Enters his chest to the right of the heart, through the right lung, exits below his left shoulder blade. The guys kick the door open again. Take another shot at him, hits him high in the right arm. The next one missed and lodged in the bottom of a door.
They go in, threaten to cut the kids throat if the mother does not make it quiet. They find and take a pistol, the lady's handbag with her keys, wallet, credit cards, cellphone. Her jewelry and his, which they were wearing at the time. And leave!
He's up, into the bedroom and gets the shotgun out. In case they come back. Together they take the kid next door to the neighbor's place. Then lockup, into the car, and off to the nearest hospital. Bell street private. They can't help. Don't have the facilities for this kind of emergency. Send them off to Krugersdorp Private. (no ambulances as yet. They knew he could bleed to death before one arrives, so the traumatized wife is driving him around). On the way to KPH, she calls my mate, and asks him to come help.
They get there. Go in.
Before they will admit him, treat him, even dispense a fucking disprin, they want ZAR10k on the table, and a bank guaranteed cheque for ZAR50k in their hands!!!
Who the hell has access to that kind of dough, at that time of the night?
Anyway, my mate has, and goes home, gets the cash (R10k) and his cheque book.
Back at the hospital, they call one of these 24 x 7 cheque clearance houses before they will even call the surgeon / doctor ? Out!!!
Anyway, by the time I got there at 9pm, the doctor had just come out. Right lung repaired. Left one badly bruised. No vital organs / arteries affected. He's going to be ok.
Needed 2 units of blood. They wouldn't even order them before my mate signed consent and responsibility for the cost!
Anyway, he was still in theater as another doctor was now going to be repairing his arm / fitting a steel pin.
At 1.22 am this morning my mate called to say that his brother was out of theater, and in the ICU. He had made it through the ops. And the next 24 hours would be crucial. So here's hoping.
Now, 4 guys kicked in his door. All armed. Why did they have to shoot? They weren't going to get any resistance from the family!
Luckily, the bullet which went through his lung must have been a steel jacket, as the damage was minimal considering. A soft nose would have broken up, and torn his heart / lungs to pieces.
The bullet that went into his arm must have been a soft nose. It broke up, shattering the bone, exiting in two place, and leaving a lot of very minute shrapnel in the tissue.
A metal / steel jacket round would probably have ripped his arm off.
The saddest part of all this is that when he comes out of hospital, he will probably sell off everything he has, and leave South Africa. And who will blame him?
I know my mate has been talking this way some time. His family got hit about 6 years ago in their previous home.
And today he drives 400km to Bloemfontein, to bury his father-in-law who passed away last week. I feel for him, his family. You don't need so much crap at one time. And some of it you don't need at all.
I know crime is everywhere. The problem here is the violence which goes with the crime. I can understand why someone would want to break into my home / car, to steal a TV / car radio, to go and pawn and use the money to buy a loaf of bread. But why kill / rape / maim someone in the process?
I'll tell you why. It's cause they have a pent up anger, based on their belief that the world, especially white people owe them. It's because our police force are so understaffed / undertrained / overworked / corrupt, that there is a good chance they wont get caught. It's because they know that the jail term will be short. There is no death penalty. No life sentences.
Salagatle!
Decisions, decisions....
Had some comments around the cars I posted as options. (See previous blogg 4 those of you who don't know what I am talking about).
Steve sez the Vito. Must say I like that one too, but the seats are not comfortable, and is typically a very basic layout, a workmans bus, so to speak. Has all the space and stuff.
Solomonster sez a VW Sheran. Too small. My son (Gman) is now at least 2 inches taller than me. He don't fit into the back seat of most cars.
As for the Ford Territory - dunno, had a bad run with my last Ford / Mazda product.......
Princess really wants the VW Kombi. It's nice. But pretty expensive though.
So, I'll probably end up going with the VW. Hope I can find something that's reasonably priced... affordable, in good nick.... reliable.....
Salagatle!
Steve sez the Vito. Must say I like that one too, but the seats are not comfortable, and is typically a very basic layout, a workmans bus, so to speak. Has all the space and stuff.
Solomonster sez a VW Sheran. Too small. My son (Gman) is now at least 2 inches taller than me. He don't fit into the back seat of most cars.
As for the Ford Territory - dunno, had a bad run with my last Ford / Mazda product.......
Princess really wants the VW Kombi. It's nice. But pretty expensive though.
So, I'll probably end up going with the VW. Hope I can find something that's reasonably priced... affordable, in good nick.... reliable.....
Salagatle!
Wednesday, July 12, 2006
Buying a new car....
So, today I phone for pre approval for financing of a new vehicle. I'm going to get rid of this Renault, even if it means taking a loss. It's amazing how easy it is to get credit, and how much the banks are willing to give you. Based on my salary, and the size of my morgage bond, I wouldn't give me any more credit. In fact, I'd be worried. Yet thet have preapproved me for about ZAR150k more than I needed!!! Nice.
(What was that about a trip to Disneyworld? - Sorry Love, not going to happen!)
Anyway, so I'll be going out to look at whats available out there......
(What was that about a trip to Disneyworld? - Sorry Love, not going to happen!)
Anyway, so I'll be going out to look at whats available out there......
VW Caravelle - 1.9 or 2.5 Diesel - 2006 model
Mercedes Vito - 2.2 Diesel - 2006 model
maybe sell the house and get one of these!!
Or, let sanity prevail, and settle for what I actually can afford........
Salagatle!
Tuesday, July 11, 2006
Mouton - Mon Ami
Every now and then I get a message from my dear friend Mouton. I had to smile this time, as she is Italian by marriage, and Canadian, (which makes her French speaking at least). I wondered where her loyalties would lie! At the very worst, she could celebrate whoever wins!!!
However, I see her loyalty is with Italia, and so she was / is as happy as the rest of us with this win.
Now I just need her to send me an email....... With a return address!
The Solomonsters responded to my first day back blogg.
Don't worry bro, I'm going back to the park, and will be Account Rep. For services in the SMB account set. My job will be to call on clients, new and existing, and find more leads. Pipeline generation it's called. It also means less time in the office, less paperwork / process / procedures.
However, there may be increased stress levels if the SME's back at the office don't follow up with the leads I bring in....
Oh, well... Se La Vie!
Salagatle!
However, I see her loyalty is with Italia, and so she was / is as happy as the rest of us with this win.
Now I just need her to send me an email....... With a return address!
The Solomonsters responded to my first day back blogg.
Don't worry bro, I'm going back to the park, and will be Account Rep. For services in the SMB account set. My job will be to call on clients, new and existing, and find more leads. Pipeline generation it's called. It also means less time in the office, less paperwork / process / procedures.
However, there may be increased stress levels if the SME's back at the office don't follow up with the leads I bring in....
Oh, well... Se La Vie!
Salagatle!
Monday, July 10, 2006
First day back
So, it's back to work. But it's different. My boss (sales manager) confirmed he's moving me at the end of July. Great.
But for now, I do everything by the book. Send everything to the "manager" to review / comment / correct. And he does. This prick will always have something that must change. But it's ok. When the clients complain that they are not getting their responses quick enough, I'll put them through to him... Doos!
The new guy in the office is starting to "fit in", however, he has his work cut out for him. My co-worker is taking some strain. Between a crap job, and some issues at home, she's not too happy right now. My operations person (I think that's what they call her ((Ania)) is busy cracking up). I got a call from another manager to say she's taking strain, and she thinks I'm putting too much pressure on her. Me?
Fuck, all I want is for someone to do their job. Don't fuck with my commissions / statements / payments. Don't pay me late. Get me what I need when I need it / like I want it / yesterday! Fuck!!
Anyway, so it's my first day back, and nothing has changed....
Salagatle!
But for now, I do everything by the book. Send everything to the "manager" to review / comment / correct. And he does. This prick will always have something that must change. But it's ok. When the clients complain that they are not getting their responses quick enough, I'll put them through to him... Doos!
The new guy in the office is starting to "fit in", however, he has his work cut out for him. My co-worker is taking some strain. Between a crap job, and some issues at home, she's not too happy right now. My operations person (I think that's what they call her ((Ania)) is busy cracking up). I got a call from another manager to say she's taking strain, and she thinks I'm putting too much pressure on her. Me?
Fuck, all I want is for someone to do their job. Don't fuck with my commissions / statements / payments. Don't pay me late. Get me what I need when I need it / like I want it / yesterday! Fuck!!
Anyway, so it's my first day back, and nothing has changed....
Salagatle!
More pics.
Leopard Tortoise going walkabout!
Great pic taken by the Princess. Zebra drinking!
This was special! A Puff Adder! About 1 meter long!
Le French corruption
Couldn't have happened to a nicer guy....
Aurevoir? mon ami... vous est une grande MERDE!
(I know, my french stinks, but then, so did his soccer in the end....)
Salagatle!
Some pic's....
Ellie
WaterBuck
Southern Ground Hornbill
Legavaan - about 1.5 meter long 
Crocodile
Zebra
Salagatle!
Our vacation.......
(For some stupid reason I am unable to attach my photos. So, please excuse / ignore any ref. To same. Will post them later....)
Kruger National Park - Day 1
We left home early, so as to be able to go into the park before we booked in to our timeshare unit. Arrived at Malelane gate at about 10h30. My brother and his family got there about 15 minutes before us, so it was great. We could drive through the park together. Nice drive. Casual. (Sightings in the table below) Got to the accommodation at about 6pm. Booked in. Very nice digs! 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms. pic attached.
Kruger National Park - Day 2
Got up early this morning to do the sunrise trip. It's a long day, as we don't come out again before we have to. Gates close at 5.30 pm. We just get there. Not a bad day as far as spotting goes. Nice evening, had a braai (look it up). Early to bed for most of us.
Kruger National Park - Day 3
Day 3 was great. Lots of ellies, as well as some other exotic animals spotted. Everyone had a great day. Stopped at Skukuza, as we do most days, for toilets, refills, etc.
Kruger National Park - Day 5
Saw lots more stuff...
Italy beat Germany 2-0!
What a game! WHAT A GAME!!
Kruger National Park - Day 6
Last night we decided that today we would do the tourist trip (trap). Most of us haven't been here for some time, and typical day trips will include a visit to Graskop (for their pancake breakfasts), Pilgrim's rest (nice tourist trap), interesting for the kids at least. God's Window (with a view to die for) various waterfalls, and Bourk's Luck potholes. Will be a long day, although not too far to drive around.
What a disappointment. Pligrims Rest used to be such a nice place to visit. Now, wherever you want to go in, you need a ticket to enter. So, how's a visitor going to see if there is anything he wants to buy / do, if he has to pay to get in first? Well, for me that's the last visit to Pilgrim's Rest. Pity. God's window is still there, very nice. Pinnacle hasn't changed (maybe we need a bit of an earth tremmor to change the view), Lisbon and Berlin falls, and Wonder Bridge (or is that natural bridge) all still there. Graskop is still a nice little town to visit. Great pancakes, and home manufacturing, and silk factory and Dung paper and stuff.
Kruger National Park - Day 8
We leave today. But not going home yet. My brother booked a holiday home for us at Marloth Park. Close to the river. Sleeps eight. Marloth is a private reserve, with boundaries onto the Kruger National Park, so there are a lot of animals present. Nice place. In the middle of bush. But close to the river.
Kruger National Park - Day 9
Went to Nelspruit to look at buying another car. This Renault is going to give me a stroke. Nada. Came back via Malelane Gate, and drove across to Crocodile Bridge. Nice drive. Lots of ellies Went back to Marloth Park. Another braai... chat .... nice.
Kruger National Park - Day 10
Today we leave for home. It's been a great holiday, and we are keen to get home asap to watch Italy and France in the final!!
Being with my brother and his family is always so nice. We got 5 numbers in the Lotto Plus last Saturday, and won R3700!! And we have R100 on the Italinas to win the cup (odds of 10 - 1).
Watch this space.
Salagatle!
Kruger National Park - Day 1
We left home early, so as to be able to go into the park before we booked in to our timeshare unit. Arrived at Malelane gate at about 10h30. My brother and his family got there about 15 minutes before us, so it was great. We could drive through the park together. Nice drive. Casual. (Sightings in the table below) Got to the accommodation at about 6pm. Booked in. Very nice digs! 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms. pic attached.
Kruger National Park - Day 2
Got up early this morning to do the sunrise trip. It's a long day, as we don't come out again before we have to. Gates close at 5.30 pm. We just get there. Not a bad day as far as spotting goes. Nice evening, had a braai (look it up). Early to bed for most of us.
Kruger National Park - Day 3
Day 3 was great. Lots of ellies, as well as some other exotic animals spotted. Everyone had a great day. Stopped at Skukuza, as we do most days, for toilets, refills, etc.
Kruger National Park - Day 5
Saw lots more stuff...
Italy beat Germany 2-0!
What a game! WHAT A GAME!!
Kruger National Park - Day 6
Last night we decided that today we would do the tourist trip (trap). Most of us haven't been here for some time, and typical day trips will include a visit to Graskop (for their pancake breakfasts), Pilgrim's rest (nice tourist trap), interesting for the kids at least. God's Window (with a view to die for) various waterfalls, and Bourk's Luck potholes. Will be a long day, although not too far to drive around.
What a disappointment. Pligrims Rest used to be such a nice place to visit. Now, wherever you want to go in, you need a ticket to enter. So, how's a visitor going to see if there is anything he wants to buy / do, if he has to pay to get in first? Well, for me that's the last visit to Pilgrim's Rest. Pity. God's window is still there, very nice. Pinnacle hasn't changed (maybe we need a bit of an earth tremmor to change the view), Lisbon and Berlin falls, and Wonder Bridge (or is that natural bridge) all still there. Graskop is still a nice little town to visit. Great pancakes, and home manufacturing, and silk factory and Dung paper and stuff.
Kruger National Park - Day 8
We leave today. But not going home yet. My brother booked a holiday home for us at Marloth Park. Close to the river. Sleeps eight. Marloth is a private reserve, with boundaries onto the Kruger National Park, so there are a lot of animals present. Nice place. In the middle of bush. But close to the river.
Kruger National Park - Day 9
Went to Nelspruit to look at buying another car. This Renault is going to give me a stroke. Nada. Came back via Malelane Gate, and drove across to Crocodile Bridge. Nice drive. Lots of ellies Went back to Marloth Park. Another braai... chat .... nice.
Kruger National Park - Day 10
Today we leave for home. It's been a great holiday, and we are keen to get home asap to watch Italy and France in the final!!
Being with my brother and his family is always so nice. We got 5 numbers in the Lotto Plus last Saturday, and won R3700!! And we have R100 on the Italinas to win the cup (odds of 10 - 1).
Watch this space.
Salagatle!
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