Friday, September 3, 2010

thought of this?

How about you get confident stupid, it might change your life! Also, know that the internet does very little to validate who you are! Go out and try new things!

africa

Those Africans who seem to know Africa's problems best, seem to be the least confident. Why? Can outsiders solve corruption? NO, I don't think so. Africa needs a future. It can't be based on the same old leaders. New blood is needed.

Wednesday, August 4, 2010

long days

Its been a long year. I can't believe I made it to August! I have had many sleepless nights. There are many things to recall about this year, including moments alone in a corner office with 4 files and very little else.

Monday, July 26, 2010

familiar solutions

I have a project. It started with a certain telephone technician. Lets say, he was digging a hole for a new telephone pole. When he had finished his hole, he discovered some kind of petrol/diesel smelling product on the surface of the water in the hole. This discovery meant that he could not install his telephone pole, and possibly someone would not be able to make phone calls or log onto the internet. This immediately alerted him to a potential pollution problem (I just invented a tripple p reference there ... haha). Anyways, I was handed the project. I started with the usual investigation, including asking questions and trying to reconstruct what could have led to this tripple p. As I write this, I'm at the end of my investigation. The lab results are in and the drawings have been prepared. The conclusion is that there is no potential pollution problem. The results are all zero. No source of fuel has been found in the vicinity of the telephone pole that can be correlated or associated with what he claimed to have seen. Here are some questions and scenarios I've been thinking on:

1. The telephone technician didn't really see any kind or petrol/diesel
2. The petrol/diesel that he claimed to have seen is now gone
3. The petrol/diesel is probably still there, I perhaps just missed it

See, I like option 2 because it makes this a straight forward project. Consequently I'm tempted to say there is no tripple p. But a fundamental problem arises here. That is; when we are faced with life problems which have the potential to go either way, we seem happy to settle for familiar solutions. I worry that if this principle persists, we'll end up with solutions that are familiar but not necessary correct or accurate.

Tuesday, July 6, 2010

max's top 20 lessons for 2010

1. Learn First Aid
2. Don't use plastic bags
3. Play outside with kids
4. Switch to energy saving lights
5. Use public transport
6. Cycle to work when possible
7. Plant a tree every year
8. Switch off tv at the plug
9. Watch less tv
10. Give change to charity
11. Learn another language
12. Have more braais
13. Separate trash and recycle
14. Recycle clothes
15. Turn off the tap while brushing
16. Steam food instead of frying
17. Prepare and eat according to planned menu
18. Walk and run more
19. Write another letter to the President
20. Celebrate by adding
chocolate to milk

Wednesday, June 30, 2010

mature student

I sat with a student today to discuss the prevention of the migration of a hydrocarbon plume in groundwater, or more simply how to stop a runaway petrol spill in water. He is writing a thesis on the topic and has chosen a site that I'm busy working on. The meeting was more of an interview than a meeting. Saying it was a meeting makes me sound important, which I'm actually not. We talked for about an hour. It was one of those roundabout conversations, but I think we did our best to understand each other. There was lots of eye contact. I even drew him a diagram. There are two interesting points about all this. One, the site is owned by BP and the dude is about 48 or 52 years old. I'm not sure of his exact age, but there were definitely some grey hair on his head. It reminded me of that Grey's Anatomy episode where Dr. Karev gets the 60 year old intern, Norman. Yeah! The result of our interaction was not a humourous, as much as it was inspiring. I think I would like to study again. Oh about BP, well they seem to have the worse end of anything spill-related these days.

Thursday, June 24, 2010

driving the message

Today, while working in Wetton near Athlone, Cape Town, I took this picture of a pick-up truck with a "mirror sock" adorning a message saying Free Palestine. How creative is that for driving the message home? (Ha, lame pun effort, I know). My knowledge about of Palestine is limited. What I know hovers around the word "conflict". That's hardly fair and a harsh judgement. But how bad are things in Palestine, and why are people in Cape Town concerned? What are they even fighting about? Do we need more mirror socks or less?


Monday, June 21, 2010

Friday, June 18, 2010

money going

I seem to be spending more money over this world cup period. I've been watching the games at a sports bar and it has become particularly expensive because I have to buy a drink or some food to get in. If I do this for every game, I'll be broke before pay day. I guess its ok because it only comes once every 4 years.

vuvuzela

Ok, the time has come for me to also weigh in on the vuvu-debate. Firstly, lets all admit; any monotone instrument being blown constantly and loudly for more than 60 seconds can be annoying. Come on...even animals would agree. Vuvuzelas are not traditional soccer instruments. If my memory serves me well, people started blaring them at soccer stadiums around the same time South African soccer started to suck (probably after 1996). The entertainment value of soccer has been so low that it had to take the use of horns to generate some excitement! The way I see it, for as long as South African soccer continues to be boring, the vuvuzela will stay and become louder.

2010 world cup

It has been 7 days since the world cup got underway here. The biggest issues so far have been the adidas soccer ball called Jabulani and the monotone trumpet horn called the vuvuzela. We have seen several low key first round matches, with one or two highlights, Germany thrashing Australia 4-0 stands out for me. Some people are blaming the new ball, but Germany have shown it is possible to score goals. Poor aussies! Someone please tell them this is not Germany and the year is not 2006.

I have been going to the Champs Sports Bar on Main Road, Rondebosch to watch the games. It turns out that I like big screens. Also I am inclined to watch the games on DSTV for better quality over SABC. The bar is a favourite among the UCT students and a number of Africans from the north. On any match day it is full to the brim, even rugby matches get impressive crowds. I think that has a lot to do with Cape Town being a generally rugby-mad city. But over the last 7 days soccer has invaded and blocked out anything non-world cup related.

Personally, I have enjoyed seeing so many South African flags being flown. And now that they have finished all the construction and upgrades, all the roads are great! The world cup stadiums are superb and of course the mood everywhere you go is electric!

I have been impressed when watching the US, England teams, Argentina has been awesome, so has Netherlands and Germany. Brazil has not impressed me yet. As I write this, South Africa is on the brink of elimination after starting with a 1-1 draw against Mexico and losing 3-0 to Uruguay. Honestly, I didn’t expect much from the SA team hence I’m not disappointed. On the contrary, I bet against them so I’m 100 bucks up! I'm going to hold back on mentioning any other African team, because they have a tendency of being unpredictable if not disappointing.

On a more critical note, there are some annoying things about the world cup. For one, seeing so many people doing the same thing (in the name of pride for country) is the ultimate evidence of how conformity can go mad (and politicians love this). Second, the vuvuzelas are a unique unique symbol of South African soccer, but truthfully they are annoying. Lastly, spending money on extra world cup activities is also annoying. Oh, and another thing I'm pee'd off about seeing so many empty seats.

But you know, at least we've done something for the children.

Friday, May 28, 2010

weather controls my life

Oh, how the weather controls my life, more than food and TV.

My Thursday night was pretty much cancelled. No hockey because of the rain. Drumming was also cancelled because the teacher dude was sick.

All hail, the mighty weather machine. You rain supreme above all else. The wind, sun and waves of the ocean are yours to control. But I bet you didn't know we can make electricity of the wind, sun and waves. Right back at you!

I fear you resent us using you like that. I'm sorry, please don't be too angry. I really enjoy hockey and drumming on Thursdays, more than food and TV.

Thursday, May 27, 2010

soccer balls

The 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa starts next month. Its a big soccer tournament. It will be best enjoyed in Cape Town I think. All the other venues are too complicated. I don't have much to say about it, except this...where ever you are, however lonely you feel, its better to roll with the masses.
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Wednesday, May 26, 2010

max was blown away

I spent the weekend at the Darling Wind Farm, up the west coast of Cape Town. This is the first commercial wind farm in South Africa and already supplies power to Cape Town.

The drive to this farm is breathtaking, and almost rivals the garden route. I was hosted there by a nice Afrikaans electrician, Dirk.

I spent time asking Dirk many questions while also posing for photos. I left the farm thinking its great that we can use wind for that purpose. As far as I know, wind is colourless and, a zero carbon source of energy. The size of one of those turbines is unimaginable and the blades are almost the length of a Boeing 737 wing. Totally completely awesome! But I'm not totally completely convinced.

Something tells me we probably need to know more about wind energy before becoming totally dependent on it, like we have with our black friends c.o.a and l. I'm going to have to read up on this, however as a conclusion for the purpose of this entry, its fair to say I was blown away.

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

identity

The honeymoon phase of our rainbow dream has come to an end. How fitting that it has happened in 2010 when the world will be looking at South Africa for something to learn.

In the few days and weeks to come, the media will popularise issues around identity because that's what everyone will be asking. Who are these south africans and what do they have to offer the world? Finding the answer will be interesting.

It seems to me that to know your national identity is only good if the future is truly yours to decide. Unfortunately it is not, because there is always someone else in charge...the government, and who knows what direction they might decide to take next. Those who will bother to look at South Africa may find a very confusing definition of identity.

And here it is: a country with first world expectations engaged in an exciting process of self-discovery but also one of frustration because it finds itself in a third world reality.

Thursday, May 13, 2010

remediation

I spent the day doing what we call vacuum enhanced remediation...or sucking out petrol vapours from underneath a service station. If its not done, my guess is that the place would blow up or people would get sick or something! Blowing up would be cool. I think I'm gonna need my own vacuum enhanced remediation this weekend.

cape town

I sat in a geography class many years ago and was taught by Mr. David Miller, a well to do bloke from England. He spoke many scary words, as do the English. He used 3 such words 'mid-latitude cyclone' in explaining the nature of winter weather in Cape Town. The MLC's as he used to call them, bring rain, overcast conditions, cold and strong winds anytime between the months of May, June, July and possibly August.

I've only ever read about these MLCs, but since the start of May I have truly experienced cape town winter; Wet, cold and miserable! It is my first and mostly certainly terrible winter yet. Melbourne wasn't this b(rrrrrrrr)ad!

Monday, May 10, 2010

When I play

On Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays I'm on the hockey field, and here's a little introduction to the equipment I use.




Say hello to my Adidas HS4 stick. It retails at just under R1000 at Sportsman's Warehouse. Most good sticks are well over that figure. The grip on this one is great but the power is lacking mainly because of the 15% Carbon/5% Aramid/80% Glassfibre ratio. Basically more carbon equals more power.

Then for shoes, I chose to play with my Salomon trail runners, because I already owned the pair when I started playing. Hockey shoes are similar to soccer trainers because both are designed for grip on flat well cut grass or artificial surfaces. Hockey is mainly played on astro (artificial surface). They are sturdy comfortable shoes and it will be a while before I change over to another pair or brand. You wont find many people playing hockey in these shoes, but then again everywhere you look feet and shoes have occupied a glorified position in society. Each pair wants to be different from the next, and this desire to be different is increasingly evident in shopping malls and now on hockey fields.

My shin guards are pretty standard. Grays has always been a big name in hockey, and I am sure most of hockey players use grays shins. This particular type is designed to have a mold-to-your-shin effect and by my estimates is the most widely used by field and astro players.

Some of the other equipment not included are gum guards, gloves, socks and playing clothes etc.

Thursday, May 6, 2010

internet quiet time

The Internet is great, and sometimes we deceive ourselves into thinking it will solve all our problems. But its not all that great. I think Google has made us all stupid.

Today I tried to do a quiet time through this site, but with all the adverts and different fonts types and sizes, my eyes were wandering all over the page. As it turned out, it wasn't much of a quiet time. Big mistake on my part.

I did however learn that when clouds are full of water, it rains. So give, give and give as much as you can. I just wish my eyes were a little less distracted.

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

plastic surgery

It has taken me 5 days and 3 trips to the hardware store, but I finally replaced my toilet seat. It all started when the old toilet seat was "no longer adequate", so I was left with little choice but to replace it. Before, the seat would not close properly, so yes my bathroom stunk royal.

I went looking and finally settled on a plastic replacement instead of wood or porcelain. It was totally like performing plastic surgery. I had the gloves, bolt cutters, pliers, screw drivers and ofcourse the new seat which, in the line of thinking I'm presenting here, can be taken as a new face.

But to be honest, it feels slightly weird to be sitting on a seat the I installed myself. Do people do that? It's certainly a first for me. Just like it would be weird for a plastic surgeon to date a woman he's performed plastic surgery on.

Luckily I'm not a plastic whajima'call. I just enjoy the serenity of taking a crap on plastic.

Monday, May 3, 2010

the millions

The good people at the World Bank say that 12 million South Africans live on less than $1.25 a day. Based on the current exchange rate, $1.25 will get you R9.20. Living on R9.20 a day is near impossible, yet 12 million South Africans are doing it everyday.

So today I find myself asking "what if I tried to live on R9.20 a day?".

I could definitely get 1 loaf of bread. Thank God for bread. But I would not afford a house, so that means I won't have access to clean water. I can forget about getting to work the next day. I will not make next month's rent. I certainly won't afford a car. No movies for me. Sorry KFC and McD, but I can't afford your cheapest menu options. Hope I don't fall sick, because R9,20 won't get me to the nearest hospital or clinic.

I have lived in South Africa for over 25 years and I know of its harsh and unforgiving reality, and if 12 million people are living in extreme poverty, you better believe it. The urban areas seem to be full of potential but there's an undercurrent of neglect and desperation. That is why pickpocketing and petty crime in some parts of Johannesburg can be directly related to extreme poverty. The rural areas are the most heartbreaking because the demands for help and the accompanying sense of dependency seem bottomless.

The challenge that we must all take up, as presented by the Global Poverty Project, is to realise that extreme poverty and the issues around it are important, urgent and related to all of us. Our generation can end extreme poverty and to overcome it we must join up in our numbers to make it happen.

Friday, April 30, 2010

losing faith in democracy

In trying to end poverty and change the world, we are subjected to the belief that poverty alone as an issue is not as important as the consensus that is needed around the issue.

I hope you understand that I am in support of democracy because it enables change of whole countries and ideology. However democracy plays best in the field of numbers. In other words, change can happen if you have enough numbers behind a cause.

This then should be encouragement for me (and us) to join up in movements to end extreme poverty. We should do this in huge numbers. But if I have to wait for another march, protest, conference or summit to see the living conditions of the poor improved then I feel deeply disillusioned.

My solution ... may sound immediately controversial, but what hey, this is the internet: I think it is time we took the fight to end poverty away from governments and back into the hands of people.

Monday, April 26, 2010

everywhere you go

OK, this was unexpected. I found Kelly Rowland's World Cup theme song (CD) and a press release in my post box today.















I'm pretty sure I'm not the station manager at Rock Out Radio, but I was curious, so I opened it.

May I also point out it had no return address.

Inside, I found a thick press release titled "Kelly Rowland confirms collaboration with African artists". The document went on for another 18 pages, but I stopped reading at page 1. The CD cover is very eye catching and certainly futuristic. Then I listened to the song.

Well, I think Americans shouldn't fake an interest in soccer to extend their world domination agenda. Soccer is more of a 'rest of the world thing'. The song, called "Everywhere you go", is full of electronic jingles, I got bored soon after 10 seconds. And come on, that title is so MTN.

To the people at MB Publicity, specifically GK and EM, check your mailing addresses and don't just copy and paste. It may also help to call people before sending them world cup theme songs that need airplay. I don't own a mass media outlet, except this small corner of the internet. I doubt my kind of publicity is the kind you were looking for.

2050

In 40 years time, the world will have 9.2 billion people, and I will be Jacob Zuma's exact age (68). The current life expectancy of a black male in South Africa is 49. In 2050, Zuma will be 108 years old. Will he be alive? All signs point towards NO. He will definitely be dead. Perhaps in that time, when he’s dead and climate change has wiped out our ecosystems, we will realise that polygamous people who needed more resources to support themselves were selfish.

Friday, April 16, 2010

fire and loss

Today at around 3pm this Caltex caught fire. Its a block away from my work, so when the commotion broke out, I ventured out to see.

Its a sad reminder that nothing in life is permanent, even the things that bring us essential services will all eventually blow up.

It was interesting to see how many people were gathered to see the "caltex on fire". No one showed fear of a possible explosion, not even the firemen were chasing people off the site. For the owner, well I'm sure this is an event he was hoping would never see the light of day.
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Friday, March 26, 2010

got a fax

I received a job application from a certain Joe Public*. It seems Joe is unemployed or is unhappy with his current employment. Well, times are tough Joe, and aren't we all just fed up with everything?

I wish to state upfront, I am not running an employment agency. I work as an environmental consultant (although of late I've been very impressed with the title 'environmental analyst'). From time to time, in my line of work I put up public notices inviting expressions of interest or comments on development projects. Yeah, I know what gibberish! Well, we use vague and legal language in our public notices much the same as rich people use high razor wired fences to secure their homes (if that home is in the 2nd, 3rd or 4th world, the 1st world doesn't count because of foreclosers, so no need for security there). In our case the 'razor wire' is used intentionally to avoid misguided petitions from joe publics. If you're on my side of the fence, this is a good thing. But this is only an academic truth, because if you're on Joe’s side, you see it as evidence of a flawed system which actively acts to exclude some people by using complicated language. I think the legal term for it is discrimination.

I'm sorry Joe. I left a message saying I don’t have work for you, but you must keep looking. Here's are 3 options: 1. Write a letter to your member of parliament and the equality court, and explain that you're suing for discrimination because no one wants to hire you. 2. If he/she doesn't respond in 30 days, burn a tyre and chant violent songs outside his/her home (also wear something red). 3. Your final option, keep sending those job applications to every notice you see.

*no his/her real name

Thursday, March 25, 2010

jumping airs

I have not received any mail with money yet. I'm starting to think that I won't. This is sad because it means my Mervin Heat Concern campaign will not survive another day. I'm gonna have to work on my money making schemes a little harder, maybe smarter and faster as well.

I'm not always this stupid. But sometimes I think that its easier to go through life by acting stupid. Its certainly worth laughing at yourself once in a while. So, for all this was worth: hahaha.

Did I tell you I sold my bmx to buy a mountain bike? The bmx was a social tool to see how many bones I could break, but the other guys always beat me at it. Doing airs and jumping concrete slabs was a thrill though. I think a mountain bike is much more than that. For one, I use it to cycle to work, so it saves me money. Secondly, I cycle along some adventure tracks around where I stay. Third, I hear its aerodynamics are a hit with the ladies! But, truth be told, I miss that little bmx. Its rhymes with max so easily.

Monday, March 8, 2010

mervin


Cape Town is experiencing 40+ degree temperatures today. Mervin, the soccer ball, happened to be outside in the sun when the weather delivered a massive heatwave on the southern tip of Africa. This is Mervin's story. "I was just sitting there when I suddenly popped", he said. In the photo, he is shown sitting in the back seat of my car where the incident occurred.

Preliminary medical reports suggest that a total re-constructive surgery may be needed. In the mean time, the local authorities have advised Mervin and other soccer balls to find the nearest beach or stay indoors.

As a concerned owner and responsible citizen, I have taken the initiative of setting up a relief fund. I call it the 'Mervin Heat Concern'. Donations will go towards his cosmetic surgery and and possible burial expenses. Please send 10 Rand to 66 Loch Road, Rondebosch 7700.

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

plain stupid

Scientists have concluded that men who sleep around are likely to have lower IQs. Dr Satoshi Kanazawa, an evolutionary psychologist from the London School of Economics and Political Science, said the smarter a man is, the less likely he is to cheat on his partner. His theory is based on the assertion that through evolutionary history, men have always been "mildly polygamous". That has changed today, however, and Dr Kanazawa explained that entering a sexually exclusive relationship is an "evolutionarily novel" development for them. According to his theory, intelligent people are more likely to adopt what in evolutionary terms are new practices — to become "more evolved". Therefore, in the case of fidelity, men who cannot adapt and end up succumbing to temptation and cheating are likely to be more stupid. "The theory (Thank you James Tozer, Daily Mail) predicts that more intelligent men are more likely to value sexual exclusivity than less intelligent men,"

With this not-so new revelation, I think it would be a waste of time to explain the benefits of monogamy to the current president of South Africa.

Monday, February 22, 2010

texas bmx

Too rad for words, check this out.

Friday, February 19, 2010

world day for social justice

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dear mr president

There are too many departments, please eliminate 6 and combine 8. I can set aside time to sit with you to discuss the full list of departments and my recommendations.

burn the donut


I have given up trying to convince my brain that a little weight and body fat could add points to our social status (currently 13 of a possible 120 - Jonny Depp is at 119).

There are too many dangers associated with body weight, such as low popularity scores. Seriously though, other dangers are medical and mathematical. Did you know that 1 glazed donut contains 204 calories? Now if you were to do 15 minutes on a treadmill you only burn 102 calories! Did you also know that 30 minutes of golf can burn 153 calories and 60-minute volleyball game can burn 204 calories? (Thanks tipstolose15lbs.com). Still the donut wins and the fat grows. More accurately, when you consume more calories than you burn, the result is fat. When the fat grows, the heart and muscles become weaker.

Now, I am a reasonable man, and as a reasonable man, I have surrendered my quest to gain weight and body fat because it will have 2 possible consequences. No. 1 it will lower my social status, already at a record low, thus proving that body fat and popularity have an inverse proportionality (in that order). No. 2 the quest will make me fat.


My solution, burn the donut!

Friday, January 15, 2010

great big things

As I account for the year so far, my thoughts are rather depressing. I returned home from traveling on Jan 2 to find my house had been robbed of all but my bed, chair and a few clothes. I was shattered. I deal best with shattering moments by internalising the effects and just moving on. Well since I have this online outlet...I will let out. I have heard of and read about many external events such as (1) the fatal shooting of the Togo football team in Angola (2) the devastating earthquake in Haiti, (3) religious fighting in Malaysia (4) forced removal of migrants and shanty town dwellers in south Italy and recently in Pretoria, ...dude I could go on. We already have so many problems, flooding in east Africa, wars in Iraq, Afghanistan and south Sudan, HIV, swine flu, terrorist plotters, extreme heatwaves in Melbourne, arctic weather in Europe, power blackouts in Argentina and other parts of South America. I dare say we are now approaching summer rains on the south east coast of Africa, think Mozambique in 2000. I wonder what great big thing will grab our attention next. Something environmental perhaps, air space incident, rail, fire? I also wonder how much longer we can afford to go on without seeing, hearing and understanding the real question...God's call.

blackberry bis

I am not impressed with mtn (mobile telecoms netwhimps). I discovered that I owe 3 times my monthly subscription on my bb account. All this while I'm supposed to be able to access the internet through BIS. This BIS (bb internet subscription) was switched off on my phone and I didn't know until my account was delivered in the mail. So I have been blocked until the end of the month. This really really sucks. I can't overemphasise how unimpressed I am. I sense there is a lesson here...probably about embracing a minimalistic lifestyle. Thanks for nothing obama, I only got this phone because it looked so good on you. Now I have been converted into a whimp. I want out. I want out of this material world, like yesterday.

Monday, January 11, 2010

whirlwind

My traveling got a shot in the arm, so i got on to an airplane headed for adventure in 4 cities.

SNP, Singapore
KL, Malaysia
Melb, Australia
Syd, Australia

What a way to end the decade. Welcome 2010

max's bmx

This super air machine arrived in November. He goes by the name Mongoose Subject. Subject here is max's bmx. I got riding soon after landing in town. I hooked up with some local airheads at the rondebosch skate park. Its tiny and shameful compared to the ones Ive seen before. Even the guys here know that. They have to drive around 2 hours out of town to get to the next decent track. Its not a biggie, because they are pretty committed to it, as any airhead to adventure. Ive been sampling some riding tricks, but i suck all 'round. I'm do get in the air...just need to get higher. This one dude reckons speed is your friend when bmx'ing. I reckon he's right.

mowbray digs

september

Cape Town is soft, gay and everything un-joburg. Trying to settle in a new city is a weird concept...its not like a whole new country but it sure is foreign in many ways. Its now September. I have no friends here, except for Kate. But we are separated by a whole highway and part of a mountain. Friendships are hard when highways and mountains are involved. Anyways, I met some guys at the Mowbray digs. A different bunch. They thought i was different, and I thought they were different. Well the strange got better when a challenge to climb the local mountain presented itself. I conquered. I also discovered a sister-in-law living in the same city from my brother's wedding to his wife. So that makes it 2 people I know so far.

august

This was my last month in Joburg. Since then many things have happened, which i will now attempt to recall. Still generally uninspired I trudged and plodded daily from work cage to home cage. The journey from each cage to the other was 4.8km. I attended 2 weddings, one for a friend and the other for my brother. My car broke down. I went to movies. I went fishing (best thing about the month). That is all I can remember. How boring dude. Joburg or me? Fishing was great!

will the poor always be with us?

One sometimes hears Christians, tired with the news of poverty and exploitation around the world, try and deflect the news by reminding us that Jesus said, "The poor will always be with you." This is offered as a way to stop the conversation. Did Jesus say this? Yes. Does it mean what it appears to mean? Not really. So what does this troubling phrase mean? Follow this link http://jmm.aaa.net.au/articles/1720.htm By Bryant L. Myers on 5 May 2003

there and back

So after my itch, i got onto Qatar Airlines headed for Bangkok, Thailand. Yeah the itch got me real good. I spent over 10 days traveling around the city, even headed south to pattaya beach. When I got back, I found out i was to be shipped to Cape Town, South Africa...which is only 2 hours away by plane from my (then) current location, Johannesburg. So, im currently writing from Cape Town. I will attempt to update my blog from the my last post, all i ask is for time, more time please.