Update on the new employment opportunity

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!

Shoveling shit?

I posted an email here some time ago re a job offer a friend is making me. Yesterday he was in Durban, where he attended a long workshop with the representatives from the Bill Gates foundation, some German Bankers, a contingent from Brazil, and some from Peru. The discussions were around manufacture and supply of the shit processing machine.

It seems that this thing is gaining momentum at a rapid pace, and hopefully, they will be placing an order for around 100 machines shortly. If they do, I'm away from here like a bullet. I will have to project manage the manufacturing and then the installation of these.

Have already worked on the scope. There is currently a single source of manufacture. I would keep it that way, however, get most of the pastes manufactured by other engineering companies, and do mainly final build in the current factory. Once the parts start to arrive, we could probably produce a finished product a day. So, from placing of order, 3 - 6 weeks for manufacture, then build, probably a turn around of 6 months to complete 100 machines.

In the event this number grows, I would consider doing part manufacturing in the East. Cheaper and probably faster. Ultimately, I really want to get into this business.

I sms'ed him yesterday "I hope you get a nice big order quickly, as I need to get away from this shit". His response was, "Away from virtual shit, into the real stuff - but at least it will come with more money" - Now that's what I like to hear!

So, I'm biding my time, and biting my tongue, and keeping most people happy whilst I'm still here, but I hope it's not for too long.

Salagatle!

It's Monday

and I am back in the shithole. It's getting harder and harder to come to the office these days.
This morning I sent management an email giving them 4 days to sort out my client kist and commissions, after which I will present the facts to the CEO - and to CCMA for further action.
Done - in writing. Let's see if they take me serously or not.
Worst thing they can do is pay me to go away. Thank you, a golden handshake right now would do fine. Ultimately, they are screwing with me earnings potential, they don't seem to be taking my concerns seriously, they keep saying it will be corrected AT THE NEXT REITERATION, and it never is, they refuse to pay out commissions out of the cycle time, so if you have a correction done after the 15th of the month, they say you must wait for the end of the next month, and if it's not done, then you get to wait another month. FUCK THAT!!

Went to a great wedding on Saturday, drank way too much for one who does not drink anymore, and suffered a headache from hell from about 10pm Saturday, till about 10 pm last night. Geeezzzz, and to think I could open and finish a bottle of rum just a few years ago.

Sunday saw us at the Matriarch's house, sorting and throwing away stuff, and deciding what's to be kept, what gets given away, what's going to the hospice.... eish, not an easy thing for me to do, but we got a lot done. She's going to move into a retirement village in the next month, so we have to get rid of a ton of stuff - remember, she has lived there since 1957!! And even though my dad was never one for hoarding stuff, neither is she, but there is always the stuff you keep for "one day". Anyway, I have a friend who lives on a farm, and they can always use more stuff - old tools, saws, benches, tables, and the like.
I also found Dad's old Grappa Still!!! That's going to come in handy - we going to be making some moonshine on the farm!!!!

Anyway, suppose I better try and get some work done.

Later all

Salagatle!

The wall.......

I'm in a strange space right now. "Hitting the wall" is probably the best description I can think of for this space. So, ultimately, I've been trying to rationalize everything that's been going on, and can't!

Stuff is just all over the place, upside down. And I can't get a grip on any part of it.

The Princess is seriously the backbone of my existence right now (probably has been for longer than I think), and that's probably compounding my dilemma. The whole reason for wanting to make head or tails of all this "stuff", is because she deserves to have me back in control of the "stuff".

But, for now, all I can say is "Stuff it"!

Salagatle!

So what's been happening.....

Well, apart from surfing y fellow bloggers pages, and finding "NOTHING" new for weeks on end (Fishman still away fishing according to his blog", and DMDad still hung up on his great UAE pics, and Jayne still sulking, I have been busy! Not blogging, but doing other stuff.

I recently posted that I was making a Cutlery Canteen for a friend of ours. That was when I nearly amputated my thumb! (It's much better now, but still very sensitive to any bumping - think the nerve ends are still "raw").

Anyway, after 3 failed attempts, wit various options, I eventually got to one that worked, and last night I put the finishing touches to it. However, I must add, if I ever did another one of these, I would have a much simpler format, that used on the final stages of this one. I just could not "strip" this back again, and start from scratch. I can also add that although the ,materials used did not cost that much, I would not do another one for anything less than ZAR 1000.00.
So, I had a drawer out of the lady's Dining room suite side board. And I had a 12 sitting cutlery set.
I made a "drop in" box, that fits into the drawer, and covered it with black felt (Same stuff they use on snooker tables, just a thinner material).
I then laid out the cutlery to get the best fit possible. Due to the amount of stuff that had to go into the drawer, and the drawer constraints, the knives have to "ride" above the forks and spoons.
It finally worked out fine.

Trying various layouts - this one didn't work.

This worked, and finally everything fitted.

Dropped into the drawer

Back view

Can you see how the knives 'ride" over the rest of the spanners?

Another view.

So, it's done. I will deliver when the people get back from wherever they are. I hope she will be happy with the result.
No charge for this, as she paid for the accomodation when the Princess went with her to Cape Twon recently for a few days, so there is no way I will let her pay me for this.

Salagatle!

When you don't stick to your own rules.....

So, I had an awesome Saturday morning, well, unlit about 11.30 am that is. I was working in the garage on another woodworking project. One of the princess's friends has recently acquired a 12 sitting cutlery set, and she wants to keep it in the dining room dresser drawer. But, she does not just want all the stuff lying around, so asked if I could make a cutlery holder for her. No problem I said - yea right, not as easy as one might think. Anyway, I started out by making a "drop in" box, that fits snugly into the drawer. This is so that if she ever wants to change her dining room suite, she can uplift the whole thing and keep it.

Basically, something like this concept, but in a drawer:-

So the forks and spoons don't pose too much of a problem, but the knives do. Also, the packing has to be very close, (and I want it to be evenly spaced) due to the amount of cutlery going into the drawer.

So this is what it looks like - before....

with me having kind of placed the pieces where I think they will fit. Not in the drawer are another 24 knives, of the butter and normal cutting type. Fish and steak knives are in the pic.

But I digress, the above is another story for another time.. So I'm making a drop in box for the above. It's probably one of my best "boxes" yet, and going along just fine. I start to glue in the felt cover. As I do this I find I need some offcuts to put on the glued edges so as to be able to clamp it down for better adhesion. No problem, grab some hardboard offcuts and run them through the table saw.
I have one of these:-

and it works just fine for the jobs I do. Only thing is I have removed the safety guard over the blade as it gets in the way!! I have also made sure that I have taught LuckyL NEVER TO REACH OVER THE MOVING BLADE. So, I'm pushing these hardboard offcuts through the blade, making 2" wide x 400mm long slats to use. As each on is cut through I let it drop to the floor behind the saw. As the last one is cut through, for some unknown and completely stupid reason I reach across to catch it, and take my thumb through the blace. Had my hand been in the vertical plane, I would have lost the whole thumb!!!!

So, the instant it happen, I didn't look at it, and though it was just a touch, so I walked out of the garage into the drive, shaking my hand saying, "Damn, that was close!". I then looked at my finger to see how close, and saw the blood running out all over the place!!!! Then I saw the blood all over the garage floor, and the driveway (from the way I was shaking my hand around), and decided that maybe it was worse then I thought! I looked again, and saw the ripped part of the nail hanging on, so pulled that off.

I wrapped it with my handkerchief, (always have one in the pocket), got in the car and drove down to the Doctors rooms!

Pic as I got to the nursing station and removed the handkerchief....

Nice angled view showing the extent of the damage!!! (LOL)

After all the injections, and just before the Doc put in 5 stitches, the last one being where the nail was ripped out.

So, I now have my thumb in a big bandage, more to prevent accidental bumping against everyday objects (I think) than to keep it covered! It's not too sore, throbs a bit every now and then depending on carry and usage, but overall bearable. A very, very stupid mistake to have made, and a lesson well learned. Will be putting the safety guard back on this week!

Salagatle!

I know I had another thing I wanted to post about

but I can't for the life of me remember what it was about!

Whatever. No Matter.

Some time ago I posted something about a machine a friend of mine had to design and build for a Municipality for them to use to process sewerage waste with. I helped with the design, fitting it all into 2 x40 foot containers, including a power plant (generator), so that the damn parts could not be stolen at night when the site was unmanned.
Anyway, he built one, and it's on site, and works like a dream! The upside is that the municipality concerned want to buy another 3 - 4 machines! And after that, he rest of the country need some as well (some per municipality!!!) And, there is talk of export of the machines to other poor countries like India, and Pakistan, and some South American countries. Basically it's used to sort out the problems that come with having a lot of "long drops" which need to be sucked out on a annual basis, and the waste disposed off. Lot's of that shit around, and always will be.
So, the upside is as follows. If the orders come in as expected (the whole fucking idea / design is patented), my proposal to my friend was that we open a manufacturing and assembly plant (some stuff you buy in), and I can run it, and do the site commissioning! Would be an absolute blast - and blessing!
The funny side would be I would go fro a shitty job, to a job making machines to process shit! Go figure. I would, however, be using my real skills. Mechanical engineering (I am a qualified Fitter & Turner), mechanical Machine Design (going to convert to CAD in the next 5 months), and Sales!
I will be away from this abusive employer, be a partner in a business that will be making serious money, doing a public service (hey, there's a lot of crap out there needs sorting!) and probably regain my self pride and respect! Now there's some motivation for you!
Salagatle!

Declatration of intent.

It's got to the point, in my career, where it makes no more sense. I don't want to be in sales anymore, I don't want to be in IT anymore, and I don't want to be working for this crap American corporation, anymore.

I am a mechanical Design Draftsman. And that's what I want to do. I must find a night time course where i can upgrade my qualification to CAD (Computer Aided Design), as I only ever drew on a board. Good old days, where you actually had to have a steady hand, and a good mind to be able to draw.

Today, as long as you can click and paste, drag and drop, you can design. But, I still believe that even with this status, I can make more money, and have much more fun in that game. I have a wealth of knowledge in the mechanical field. I am creative. I can see problem areas, and come up with good improvements for them. I can understand when an engineer says he wants to be able to do a specific thing, and can design a solution. A real, steel, and bolts and nuts, and electrical motors (including electronics today) thing, that can be built, and put to work.

Maybe I should just take two weeks leave, and attend a full time course. Just to get past the basiscs. Thereafter I know I can help myself. The only stumbling block for me now is the transition from the drawing board, to a computer screen. Oh, and I will have to invest in the biggest screen I can get. Two reasons:-
a) My eye sight isn't what it used to be
b) So I can see more of the design. Can't imagine looking at a drawing a piece at a time. I want to see the full picture.


So, my declaration of intent, here, is that I will look for a course that I can afford, have a chat to the Princess, and then probably take 2 weeks leave to attend same. Thereafter, i can start getting part time / contracting work, with a view to growing a private practice. there is, and probably always will be, a shortage of good CAD qualified people out there. Add to that my experience and knowledge, and I am sure I can make a go of this.

Any comments with regards specific courses to look at, and any other assistance in this regard will be appreciated.

Salagatle!

Airbrushing

So, I have a new toy need. As I am making these trophies, I have been using either varnish with a brush, or spray paint (in a can). However, this weekend I stained the wood I am using for my latest creation. When I'm done, I would like to "seal" it with a clear lacquer. Did some test work on a scrap piece of wood, and it looks fine, but not the finish I want. I'm looking for a "glass" finish. Saw some stuff done like this, and it looks almost like there is a 2mm glass pane over the wood. Makes it water and chip resistant, and looks very professional.

Spoke to a friend about it, and he's done some stuff like that before. He said he used an airbrush (for the fine finish) and reaction lacquer, (I think that's what he called it).

This is the entry level Airbrush, at ZAR 170.00 it fits my pocket - but don't think it's the goods I want.

So Sunday morning I take a drive down to Builders Warehouse (LIU). It's the Woolies (LIU) for men! Had a look around, hoping to find a complete set. One that has the airbrush, and compressor included. I know that you can get them, however this place didn't have. What I did find was the following:-

This 24 Ly compressor, of questionable make and quality, was on "special" for ZAR799.00

This is just overpriced, at about ZAR1700.00, and anyway, it looks exactly like my car wheel pump, how the hell can it work as a compressor (no tank)?

This one I like. It can also do sandblasting, which I could definitely use on the trophies from time to time. Costs ZAR600.00.....

Anyway, I didn't buy anything, as I got to look at the options first. Any of you have any thoughts / experience on this? I like the spray / sandblasting combination, just not sure what the life of the nozzle would be. And, what to do for a compressor?

Salagatle!

Now I started something.....

This week, whilst we were away, LuckyL, and his other half, SleepyK said they would be keen to do the gorge swing at Graskop. I had a feeling he was saying so to a) show off, and b) see if I would part with ZAR300 for him to go on it. So I called his bluff, and said, "OK, when we leave here on Friday, we'll go past there and you two can do the big swing!" Well, me and the Princess decided we would go too, and so this morning we took a final drive through the KNP, spotted, amongst the other stuff, a leopard again, and then drove on to Graskop.

ZAR 300 for a single swing, and ZAR for a tandem. They didn't want me and the Princes to do a tandem, so I convinced her to do the solo. I was ok with that too. LuckyL and SleepyK decided to to tandem.
Well, they never did go, as SleepyK chickened out. Twice she got as far as standing almost on the edge, and twice she begged off.
So Princess went, then I went with LuckyL, and then, after the long climb out of the gorge, I went again, for my solo jump, as they have a no refund policy, and we had already paid.

Anyway, if anyone is ever out there, and considers doing the big gorge swing, I say go for it! It's an amazing rush. 0-160km/h in about 2.3 seconds. Over 60 meters drop (that's 20 storeys)and a full on swing over the most amazing rain forest setting.

Oh, and before we did the swing, we got to go on the zipline, just as much fun. Hey, whats so hard about walking off the end of a pier into a 60 - 80 meter void.... or, stepping backwards into the same space!!!!

Here are some online videos

And another site

So whats next I hear you say? Well, I'm thinking maybe Bungy at Bloukranz?

I mean, I have ridden motorbikes with the best of the rest, drunk rum like a pirate, been shot at, shot back, crashed a couple of cars, worked at the bottom of the deepest mine in the world, done the whole soldier thing, including "playing" with landmines, booby traps, and many kilo's of PE4.... what the hell, I've been married for 21 years this year. What's there left to be scared off? As soon as I get around to doing the road trip on the motorbike, I'm including the Bloukrans Bungy!!!!
Life has just begun, and man it's looking so bright! And filled with adrenaline!!!!!

Watch this space.....

Salagatle!

So, I recently posted some stuff here

which I had posted on my Facebook profile. Some of you will recognize this. My reasoning is to further expand the explanation, and elicit some response from selected readers - those intellectuals who read my blog, and not the common garden variety of people who might read my Facebook stuff - this obviously would exclude any of you who do both - you are (all 3 off you) undoubtedly amongst the most gifted on this planet.
Anyway,
I said - thinks that it's all such a farce. Look around. Think about what you do, every single day, and then ask yourself, what value does this bring to mankind? To the future? To our very existence? And I bet the answer is "Nothing!".
And these are the comments I received - once again, I will omit the actual names of the respondents to protect MY identity.
Fucking "A" boet, were not leaving life doing what we want instead we drag our feet to our only goal, death. Its so sad such a waste.
and
I don't agree! There is probably something or someone influencing your judgment to make you think that way. Hope you feel better soon.

Now, what makes it interesting for me is the following:-
a) The first comment comes from a close friend. A middle aged white male living in South Africa, just like me. He has similar issues / challenges in the workplace, has similar problems with getting his kids educated at a place with some credibility, has challenges with regards the levels of service we get from the new dispensation. And, obviously is now questioning the validity of what he does from day to day with regards his impact on man / earth / life / the future... - He does not access this blog, and only reads my facebook posts.

b) The second comment comes from a regular here, and on my facebook page. It's also a lady (not that it should matter, but keep in mind Venus and Mars). Her comment was based on the fact that my statement was influenced by a specific point in time, and or other external influences. And she may well be right.

But the real position here, for me was, to post my specific thoughts at that time. i don't know if it was brought on by an external influence, or frustrations from being stuck in traffic, or something someone said / didn't say. But, the guy understood and agreed with my point. The lady understood, but looked for a reason, tries to limit the problem, and addresses it as something which will go away / pass. Like the flu.

Now, Let me say upfront - I am not making any sexual statement, I am not demeaning anyone's opinions, there is no right or wrong here. I was just surprised that the cements could be so different based on the sex, and geographical location of the respondents.

So, for me the opinion still stands. I still question most of whats going on around me. And it's not because I'm looking for a reason to life, or my existence, only that I think mankind has lost the plot - completely! 99.999% of any action / activity conducted on earth today has got to do with the financial gratification of those WHO HAVE TOO MUCH MONEY ANYWAY!

Whereas, I believe that our main driver for doing anything should be for the upliftment of all. No, I'm not doing the "Help the Poor" "Help the needy" "help the African" etc. crap here. It's about everyone. It's about food, housing, water, health, probably education.

So, we spend millions digging cavities into the ground, and more millions to send men down there, to extract gold, as a return of 2 - 20 grams per ton of rock moved. What the fuck for? Same goes for those pretty stones that someone decided polished up very nicely indeed. People are dying everyday to a) get their hands on them, b) steal them, c) sell them in the black market.

Why? because at some point in history someone with very, very good marketing skills (maybe a Windows predecessor) decided that this thing can be valuable.
But, apart from salaries and smiling brides, what value do these two commodities actually bring to mankind? Nothing

Wouldn't we be better off using all the funds invested to create employment for people to produce food, medicine (cheaper) clean water....? Huh?

I don't know where this is all going, but now it's out there. Comment - don't comment, no problem. But it's my thoughts anyway.

Salagatle!

Confusion?

Well, things are kind of upside down right now. A week ago last Friday the Daughter of Satan called me in for a meeting she had to have face to face. I left a client meeting to attend. At this meeting she presented me with a "Voluntary Separation Letter". Basically, they want to pay me to fuck off. Yea right. It's not like the first time I got one of these, and in each instance it was from a manager who does not know how to handle me, or does not like the fact that I take them on so to speak. Anyway, I told her to add a zero at the end of the number and I would consider!

Not going to happen though. So she added that if I did not take the offer, she was going to put me on a PIP. (Performance Improvement Plan). This is another ruse used by this Satanical Corporation to get rid of employees. They set up a PIP that is basically unachievable, so you must fail, and then they can fire you! Nice! So, I told her that she would have to ensure the criteria she used, as she could not depend on the information available online, as it is faulty! That caught her by surprise. But I got news for her, it's not the last surprise she is in for.

By 5.30 pm same day I had the name and cell number of a Labour Lawyer! He's up to speed with the current state of affairs, and as soon as I get my PIP, he gets a copy of that as well. Smacks of "Constructive dismissal"!

Anyway, the following Monday I get to work, and run into the new GM, or whatever they call him. We are on friendly terms, as I had worked with him before he went away, and we met up again when he came back as the head honcho. So when he asked how I was I replied "Stressed!", and when he asked why I told him, in short. And then asked him to join me for a cup of coffee and he gave me 35 minutes of his time, at the canteen, at lunch time! Nice. Oh, and I was spotted chatting to him by some of the people who I know will take the information back to Satans Daughter, who had flown out to the UK on the Firday she gave me the letter, and who was due back today. Will be interesting to see if she mentions knowing I met with the man, or not.

Anyway, from today, and every Monday afternoon for the next 2 months I have a feedback session with her. It's to keep track of my progress! What I don't have yet is the PIP letter, so I don't know the terms of it. But I can promise you that I am going to "negotiate" it's contents, especially if I feel it's set up for me to fail.

I have an open door to revert to the GM, and I will go the legal route if I feel I am being treated unfairly. At the end of the day, I don't care if Satans Daughter does not like me, if she does not know how to manage me, she's not going to get rid of me unless it's on my terms.

Have also started putting my feelers out there, looking around. Must say there isn't much available, but there are always options. I could start my own business, with a bit of financial assistance from some contacts. I could go and work up in Africa - there are guys doing security work for more than USD7k per month. Hey, I can do that, pass me an R1 / FN / AK47, I'll show you security!

So, life is a bit stressed right now, and I'm not too sure what will happen over the next 2 months. But, I am finding strenght in places wher I know it's always been, but I have not been drawing off from it. Time to get the mind right, both my physical and spiritual sides sorted, and forge ahead into the rewards which await me out there.

Chat soon u all,
Salagatle!

It's my party......

Wow ! What a party. Not as raucous as my 40th, (we ALL getting older), but a great one nonetheless!!
Good turn out, everyone I wanted there was there (one or two couldn't make it), and everyone got on well, and had fun. the younger one's got a pool game going, and a tournament to boot, where they beat the crap out of the older guys (so? we don't spend all our time in pool bars, we rather spend our time trying to get laid!), new friendships made between those of my friends who didn't know each other..... Great time.

Great gifts too. I had given the Princess a 'list" made up mostly of rather expensive items, but not expecting anyone to come through with them, rather expecting cash donations towards them. I did get some dinero, but no where near enough to buy what I want - however, I will be buying the Rossi helmet I wanted anyway!
On the list were:-
Rossi helmet
Givi top box for the bike
New biking jacket
A new job offer (this one aimed specifically at a friend ogf mine who is a share holder in 2 - 3 very lucrative companies)
A Ducati
Some other stuff
Single Malt whiskey

Received:-
Well I did get some great surprises. First up, from a pub friend (he who looks after my TV ariel and stuff) - a "box light for my bar! And it's of the one beer I would / do drink when I do have a beer!
Then, on the morning of my birthday, apart from my brother and his family having made the trip to join us for the weekend, the Princess presentaed me with a gold ring, engraved with the
Zanette famil crest! This had me in tears. It's damn fine, and the best present anyone could have wished for!
From the Queenie, 4 handkerchiefs, and a donation towards the helmet.
From Brother and family - A shark sticker ( almost a must have from Boet!), a new pair of Vuarnet sunglasses (damn fine - very very expensive, not the kind I would buy myself because of the cost, and now a replacement for my old one's, which I also got from him originally, but which were broken!!! Thanx boet), and a Ferrari!! Yup, doors, bonnet and boot opens, and the wheels turn, and the steering works! And it's a great model for the pub showcase!
Then an assortment of other gifts, which will be displayed below.
A very special gift was from my friend, colleague, and executive on my accounts at work. A mounted Warthog trophy - this animal must have been a monster!!! And I immediately got out the tools, drilled the hole, and mounted it where it can keep an eye on my pub. It's a beut!!!!
From another long time friend, a Collectors Ferrari - copy of the 87 model - stunning!

Quite a few bottles of booze (for a non drinker this was intersting, however, I am going to get into some of these as the quality of the stuff given to me MUST be tasted and enjoyed, so, here's to a repeat (yet controlled) cycle of my youth!
This is the Rossi helmet I AM GOING TO BUY TOMORROW!!A "picnic basket" full of goodies (Italian) including a 3 - 4 kg parma ham!A Btl from my lifelong friend!
'87 Ferrari
MGD Bar light
Mounted warthog trophy
Chiva s - 12 yr old - Collectors edition
BIG bottle of Heineken beer

Glenfiddich 12 yr old Single Malt - JUST for ME!

Irish Whiskey - with collectors jug
Bells Special Reserve
Another Warthog - this is a knife sharpener
The balloons that were inside for the party, now "hung out to dry" on the balcony.
The birthday cards - the very big one was great - didn't need reading glasses for that one.
My Ring - with family crest
Same again

Handkerchiefs with envelope - donation towards the helmetShark sticker
Set of 6 Captain Morgan Rum glasses
Vuarnet Sun glasses with glasses holder

Millers Bar light - on.
Ferrari.....

Salagatle!

Friday, 21 August 1959

The above date is very important in the calendar of mankind.

World News:-
Hawaii was proclaimed the 50th state of the United States of America. At 3:14 p.m. Washington time, 10:14 a.m. in Honolulu, President Eisenhower called William F. Quinn, who was then administered the oath as the first state governor. Quinn had been the last territorial governor, appointed by Eisenhower in 1957. ^[42]. Eisenhower then issued Executive Order 10834, prescribing the standards for the 50-star American flag.
Turkey -

Following the withdrawal of Iraq from the Baghdad Pact on 24 March, the Pact changes its name to the Central Treaty Organization (CENTO) and moves its headquarters to Ankara, Turkey.

Birthdays:-
Anne Hobbs (1959) - Who?
Bud Schultz (1959) - Ditto.....
Leif Shiras (1959) - Ok, no one I know
Jim McMahon, American football player - Big deal - if you an American I suppose

Ok, so maybe it wasn't such an important date. August 21st does feature a lot in history, but not the year 1959.

Be that as it may, it also happens to be my birthday. Yup, 50 years old this year, and damn proud to have survived this long.

Thinking back over my life to date, and all that has happened, it is safe to say that you will die when it's your time. No sooner, no later.There are events in my life which in any shape or form were life threatening. There were actions taken by me which, in hindsight, were pure suicidal, and I am still here.

I am a cancer survivor, married successfully to a Princess (she really is, no kidding) for 20 years, have two well adjusted and, so far, successful sons.
I have owned and destroyed numerous cars. Have owned, and ridden like I stole them, numerous motorbikes. Have had accidents with both, and survived. Served in the then SADF, with more then 18 months service in "our war", working with explosives, landmines, and any number of crack pots, and I am still here.

So what I'm basically saying is, there are more than a few Doubting Thomases out there who didn't think I'd make 21, 30, or 40 yrs. Even more who didn't think my marriage would last. And more still who didn't think I'd ever be employable (on this one, at one time, I was in agreement). I have proved them all wrong!

This Saturday, the Princess is having a 'party" to celebrate my 50th. i didn't want one, in fact I told here repeatedly I didn't want any kind of function. She persisted, till I agreed to have just a few people round for drinks and snacks.
It's now upto about 30 people. Oh, well, I could always do what i did on my 21st, go out for the day on the bike, and get back home at about midnight....... However, that could be a life span limiting move.
Oh, it's by invitation only, but if any of my readers here turn up uninvited, with this post prined out in full colour, I'll let you in.

Salagatle!

Middle Aged White Male Living In Africa

Things (life) has been a bit of a rollercoaster of late. Financial and emotional turmoil and stress are the order of the day. it seems, the more we try / put in / "come to the party", the more the goal posts get moved.

Not too sure what I want to say here, suffice to say I have a lot going on, and can't see the light at the end of this damn tunnel. I also found a payslip from July 2004 the other day, whilst clearing out my bedside drawer, and lo and behold, I was clearing, after taxes and deductions, the same then as I do today. So, taking inflation and rising costs into consideration, I'm probably 30% down on earnings? Fuck, no wonder everything's such a mess.

What I wish for is for a big union (like Cosatu) to come into my employers space and recruit workers. I am convinced that once they start, there will be a mass migration to join them, I'll be on that list.
We are truly being abused, and whats worse, guys like me have no option but to put up with it. I mean, where is a 49 yr old, white male going to find another job today?

In discussions with the Princess, she who takes care of me, we came to the agreement that should I find a job overseas, that pays well, I can take it. This might mean being away from home for prolonged periods of time, but it all comes down to money now. Financial freedom (now there's an oxymoron for you).

The more I "tow the line" at work, and this year I really have been behaving myself, the more it seems my damager pants to trip me up. There is this culture of "the sales people dont know what they are doing, we need to treat them like children" in the office, and I'm really getting very pissed off with it. But that goes back to the MAWMLIA situation.

Spent some time over the past weekend with a friend, who's into new mining / prosessing innovation. He has, for some time, told me he wants me to go work for him. he knows what I am capable of, and is keen to get me on board. I have repeatedly told him that I would want a) as a minimum, my current salary, and b) assurances of at least 24 months empployment. On Saturday I told him what I earn so that's out of the way. I think he thought I was earning a bit less, but then he knows what I can bring to the party, so it shouldn't be a show stopper.

What is good news from him is that one of his latest "inventions" / "desighns" has been quite successful in pilot phase (about 5 kg per hoiur product) and he has generated enough interest in it to have got an order / funding, for a larger unit - about 1 - 5 tons per hour. If that works, and there is no reason why it shouldn't, then it's 25 tons per hour, and many, many machines. In fact the first oreder would be for about 8 machines. Build, install and commission would take about 18 months. During this time, he is sure that further order would come in from other clinents needing the same, so the business would feed itself, and I could be busy till I retire - now there's a thought. I also made him think a bit wider, throwing ideas at him, and now he's doing a test on a different product, and if that's successful, he will have doubled his possible client base.

All very exciting - let's just get on with it....... More to follow.....

Salagatle!

So I got it wrong

I didn't think, that when it came to voting day, the Americans would actually carry their aired sentiments through, and vote Barak into the Whitehouse. However, having said that, I am not surprised either.
The groundswell that surrounded him was unprecedented, and coupled with the other prevalent factors, almost guaranteed him a win (all this in hindsight I must add).
Above is a reflection on the true meaning of freedom of speech!!!!


Lets see, in my opinion:-
The current economic crisis, especially in the USA, leads the voter to want change. The dismal performance in Afghanistan and Iraq, leads them to want change. The overwhelming need for a move to a new era, leads them by the nose!
So what did the Barak machine do? Climbed on the "Yes we can" and "Change" bandwagon. The American voter has been duped by the Microsoft (and here in SA the Discovery Health and Vodacom) marketing machine! Think about it. The most expensive presidential run off in history. He's a black guy (change) marketing himself as the change guru (change), at a time when everyone is down and needs salvation!!!

I agree, they USA is tired of the Iraqi situation. I wouldn't want my son to go there for any reason, never mind to die. It's costing them a fortune. They are in a no win situation (been there before:- Vietnam, Korea, Afghanistan,.....). But, what are the long term consequences of a full military pull out of the region? What would have happened if the USA had done nothing initially? Where would Saddam Hussein be now, and where would the nucleus of the conflict be? Because there would have been a war, that's a given. Just not initiated

Yup, I think it's a marketing coup, and I don't think he will be the saviour everyone thinks he's going to be. In fact, I think he could be a puppet. The "world" was looking for a reincarnation of Mandela, and in fact, callers into 702 this morning alluded to the fact that he is similar!?!?!, this comment based on his acceptance speech (which reduced so many to tears - Oh, 4FS!).

He's not going to be. In fact, any change he brings to the USA and / or the world, are probably going to be a natural progression (would have happened anyway).by the USA, and maybe located in the center of the oil fields, which would have led to an even worse economic crisis world wide.
In Africa this win is seen as something special. Not only because, for them, it proves that being black does not preclude you from taking part, and or winning, but because they believe he will be more influential in matters regarding Africa. (Read - bigger handouts!!)

If he wants to impress me, I believe that if he can get Mugabe to step down and accept his defeat, he has something. If not, he's got a lot of work to do to convince me he's worth his salt. maybe Macain was the wrong choice of the other party. A younger, less aggressive type could have done a better sell, the "veteran war hero" story doesn't fly with today's voters, as the majority are too young to appreciate the value and change that these war vets made to our world. Palin, I thought was a good choice as candidate for Vice, even though she was maybe a bit naive.....

Overall, I don't share the excitement that is prevalent around the world on Baraks success. Call em racist, old fashioned, inflexible, whatever, time will tell. If he pulls it off, good for him. If not, I won't say I told you so. But I have.This didn't take long!

Salagatle!