At primary school the little ghouls would tell each other scary stories, and one was a variation of "Have you checked the children?" . You know how it goes, the babysitter is alone with the children sleeping upstairs, (so American), the phone rings and a scary voice asks, Have you checked the children?. This results in lots of checking on said children, loads of screaming, numerous scary phone calls and lekker skrik when it turns out the calls are coming from within the house. It's been the basis of many movies and fireside tales of terror.
The remake should revolve around highway signs and flashing billboards at every petrol station, have you checked your children are securely seated in your vehicle?
Even though there is a lot of information about the likelihood of injury to unrestrained children in the event of a car accident, it seems that many people still have not changed their behaviour. According to the Safe Kids worldwide website, 6500 children die each year in car accidents. Behaviour change is difficult to effect as warning messages don't seem to work. Criminalizing such behavior might work in less crime ridden societies, however we have bigger things to worry about then whether Mrs Smith is abusing her child by allowing her to stand on the front seat while shooting off to the shops, don't we. Or we can just see it as part of a general law avoiding mindset that South Africans seem to embrace, laws are for other people.
So for those drivers who are responsible about driving with their children in car seats, there's some good advice on how to use them properly at www.holidayresorts.co.za.
There is a risk of neck and spine injury if child car seats are used incorrectly. Since babies heads are heavy and their neck muscles as yet undeveloped, serious injury can be sustained if the child head rolls forward, or flops around. Safety tips include, using the correct booster seat for the age, size and weight of the child, and securing the seat at a 45 degree angle to ensure head support. Child car seats must be rear facing, in the back seat of the car, and airbags should be deactivated as they can kill small children. Another potential source of injury from an item designed to protect, is from the incorrect use of seatbelts. While the risk of serious injury or death is greater when not wearing a seatbelt at all, proper use is vital to avoid internal injuries. For small children it is important that securing straps are positioned correctly as close to the hips as possible and are not twisted or damaged in any way. Second hand car seats are out, as are any previously involved in accidents. Adult seat belts are also dangerous to small bodies, so a good quality safety approved booster seat, which is properly secured and tested is really the minimum. What is the point of buying cheap, when a childs life depends on the seats quality.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
New rules of the road.
This list has come out of the fact that clearly the current road rules are too complicated since they are generally ignored. So here's the crib notes to stay alive on the road.
Rule number one, drive with your eyes open, yes, we all want to close our eyes and pray, when it looks like we may crash, but amazingly all round vision improves if you keep them open, stay focussed, and awake. In addition you can exercise your neck by looking around just to check if there are other road users driving with their eyes shut. Just a thought.
Rule number two, you must be able to see over the steering wheel, sorry this is non negotiable. There's nothing more alarming for fellow road users than to be approached at high speed by an apparently driverless vehicle. Get an adjustable seat if particularly short waisted.
Rule number three if you are parked on the road side, it is traditional to check for other vehicles before pulling out. It's a fine distinction but really quite important, check before you go, not after finishing your cell phone call, or in between applying lipstick, or when under the truck you didn't see coming. This leads to rule four. Your car is a public space so save personal hygiene for the privacy of your bathroom. What ever is in your ear, or up your nose is of no interest to other road users, and will be just as fascinating later, in private. Preening is much more enjoyable in the bathroom with lots of candles, and those rearview mirrors are terrible when putting on make up. On this note affection is a wonderful thing but it can go too far, so don't let the excitement get out of hand, unless you want an audience.
Rule number five, unless you are a superhero, with special multitasking superpowers you can't drive and phone, text, or facebook at the same time. Accept it, no one can, there's no shame.
Rule number six, while you may be psychic, no one else is, so sending thoughts to other drivers about your need to stop suddenly really doesn't work, so do try to use that stick on the side of the steering wheel to show what you plan to do next. It is called an indicator for a reason.
Rule seven, big vehicles can do whatever they like. No, silly this is a democracy and everyone has to follow the same rules, so even if you are stupidly rich, incredibly important or criminally talented you can't just ride roughshod over smaller vehicles. Even motorbikes have the right to use the roads. You have to be extra careful to spot those tiny roadusers, and give them extra space. Its only fair.
Rule number eight, stop at four way stops. Even if the guy in front of you is going, it's not your turn yet. Whoever reaches the stop first goes first, not whoever doesn't stop. It's not a race.
Rule number ten, pedestrians carry no points, are people too and may dawdle across the road at any time. You may not run them down, not even if they are drunk. These road rules apply equally to all users, and are effective immediately. To apply for a special exemption send money now.
Rule number one, drive with your eyes open, yes, we all want to close our eyes and pray, when it looks like we may crash, but amazingly all round vision improves if you keep them open, stay focussed, and awake. In addition you can exercise your neck by looking around just to check if there are other road users driving with their eyes shut. Just a thought.
Rule number two, you must be able to see over the steering wheel, sorry this is non negotiable. There's nothing more alarming for fellow road users than to be approached at high speed by an apparently driverless vehicle. Get an adjustable seat if particularly short waisted.
Rule number three if you are parked on the road side, it is traditional to check for other vehicles before pulling out. It's a fine distinction but really quite important, check before you go, not after finishing your cell phone call, or in between applying lipstick, or when under the truck you didn't see coming. This leads to rule four. Your car is a public space so save personal hygiene for the privacy of your bathroom. What ever is in your ear, or up your nose is of no interest to other road users, and will be just as fascinating later, in private. Preening is much more enjoyable in the bathroom with lots of candles, and those rearview mirrors are terrible when putting on make up. On this note affection is a wonderful thing but it can go too far, so don't let the excitement get out of hand, unless you want an audience.
Rule number five, unless you are a superhero, with special multitasking superpowers you can't drive and phone, text, or facebook at the same time. Accept it, no one can, there's no shame.
Rule number six, while you may be psychic, no one else is, so sending thoughts to other drivers about your need to stop suddenly really doesn't work, so do try to use that stick on the side of the steering wheel to show what you plan to do next. It is called an indicator for a reason.
Rule seven, big vehicles can do whatever they like. No, silly this is a democracy and everyone has to follow the same rules, so even if you are stupidly rich, incredibly important or criminally talented you can't just ride roughshod over smaller vehicles. Even motorbikes have the right to use the roads. You have to be extra careful to spot those tiny roadusers, and give them extra space. Its only fair.
Rule number eight, stop at four way stops. Even if the guy in front of you is going, it's not your turn yet. Whoever reaches the stop first goes first, not whoever doesn't stop. It's not a race.
Rule number ten, pedestrians carry no points, are people too and may dawdle across the road at any time. You may not run them down, not even if they are drunk. These road rules apply equally to all users, and are effective immediately. To apply for a special exemption send money now.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
In love with freedom
Today we all have the chance to vote, make our mark, influence history, or prepare to pay salaries to our favourite charity cases. It is still exciting to participate in a democratic election, and non voters can shut it for the duration, its just wrong not to make the effort because the cost in lives to get here has been so high. So here's hoping there's still some light in the rainbow nation, and that we will see some real leadership. We will have to live with our choice for the next five years, so it's worth taking seriously. Voting for and supporting a political party is a lot like paying off a car. It may be a decision of a moment to decide to buy a new car but the consequences of the choice linger as it takes five years to pay off and the similarities don't end there. When you get into that car, be it new or second hand, all is wonderful. Think of this as the honeymoon period, or first 100 days in office. You are so in love, with the novelty of this amazing new vehicle, or the brilliant leader that you don't see the warning signs. Little foibles give character, an unyielding suspension has that go kart feeling, similarly odd political decisions are seen as paying back political favours, really no choice in the matter. And just when you think everything is running smoothly, all systems go you are suddenly brought up short when you start running out of fuel, where is it going? Oh of course your neighbour needs it, well after all we owe them and no it's not a loan, rather a gift. You're still in love, but now its time for some tough decisions, like what to do about that little bit of rust, just like corruption, it tends to spread, so you make the decision to deal with it head on, and just like corruption, that damn rust just keeps resurfacing where you least expect it. But you know thats the price you pay to live in a democracy, so we carry on, a little disillusioned but at least we are still going forward. The honeymoon is over after a couple of years, and now we have to pay up to fix those little problems, we need new tyres, we need new shocks, suddenly we rethink our commitment and start looking around for something better. Its official, now we are in the cheating phase, but there are no guarantees that we wont end up worse off. So just like the careful, considered choice we make about which car to buy, check the service history, and customer care credentials, before you make your mark.
Today we all have the chance to vote, make our mark, influence history, or prepare to pay salaries to our favourite charity cases. It is still exciting to participate in a democratic election, and non voters can shut it for the duration, its just wrong not to make the effort because the cost in lives to get here has been so high. So here's hoping there's still some light in the rainbow nation, and that we will see some real leadership. We will have to live with our choice for the next five years, so it's worth taking seriously. Voting for and supporting a political party is a lot like paying off a car. It may be a decision of a moment to decide to buy a new car but the consequences of the choice linger as it takes five years to pay off and the similarities don't end there. When you get into that car, be it new or second hand, all is wonderful. Think of this as the honeymoon period, or first 100 days in office. You are so in love, with the novelty of this amazing new vehicle, or the brilliant leader that you don't see the warning signs. Little foibles give character, an unyielding suspension has that go kart feeling, similarly odd political decisions are seen as paying back political favours, really no choice in the matter. And just when you think everything is running smoothly, all systems go you are suddenly brought up short when you start running out of fuel, where is it going? Oh of course your neighbour needs it, well after all we owe them and no it's not a loan, rather a gift. You're still in love, but now its time for some tough decisions, like what to do about that little bit of rust, just like corruption, it tends to spread, so you make the decision to deal with it head on, and just like corruption, that damn rust just keeps resurfacing where you least expect it. But you know thats the price you pay to live in a democracy, so we carry on, a little disillusioned but at least we are still going forward. The honeymoon is over after a couple of years, and now we have to pay up to fix those little problems, we need new tyres, we need new shocks, suddenly we rethink our commitment and start looking around for something better. Its official, now we are in the cheating phase, but there are no guarantees that we wont end up worse off. So just like the careful, considered choice we make about which car to buy, check the service history, and customer care credentials, before you make your mark.
Monday, April 6, 2009
Drive safe, eat chocolate.
Easter brings holidays and chocolates, a great excuse to abandon the diet, and family time and tragic road deaths. Every year, we take to the highways and sacrifice some of our number as if to the pagan god of the road. The traffic police will be out in full force enforcing the laws and catching who they can but it will still be a dangerous proposition taking to the streets. Because it's the holidays we may have a toot or three. We tend to overestimate how much alcohol takes you to over limit. It is not two beers, rather a third of one, and a glass of wine which could be anything from 250ml to 450ml is way over the limit. A tot means just that, not a double. The only real way to be safe is no drinking at all.
Apart from guestimating your safe limit, other factors play a role. Unfair as it is women can't drink the boys under the table, as our bodies deal with alcohol differently, we get drunker faster on less, and since we are usually smaller, it takes longer to leave our systems.
Dutch courage may give you charm and confidence but also relaxes your reflexes so split second decisions will take longer.
In addition to the usual precautions we take when driving, staying alert, taking breaks, limiting distractions, keeping a sensible following distance, we can all choose to stay off cellphones behind the wheel. Texting while driving is dangerous, apparently as bad a intoxication. So even if you are the multi tasking mistress of the universe in your daily life, you are fooling yourself if you really think you can do it all when driving. Get a grip. How many times has some idiot cut into your lane, and just when you think they must be blind realise that they have a phone attached to their heads, or are not even looking at the road because they are sending a very important text message. Like "whats for dinner?',or 'what you wearing?". How useless to have an accident over the mundane arrangements of what to eat.
So my Easter wish is that no one gets hurt this year on the roads, but lots of chocolate bunnies get eaten.
Apart from guestimating your safe limit, other factors play a role. Unfair as it is women can't drink the boys under the table, as our bodies deal with alcohol differently, we get drunker faster on less, and since we are usually smaller, it takes longer to leave our systems.
Dutch courage may give you charm and confidence but also relaxes your reflexes so split second decisions will take longer.
In addition to the usual precautions we take when driving, staying alert, taking breaks, limiting distractions, keeping a sensible following distance, we can all choose to stay off cellphones behind the wheel. Texting while driving is dangerous, apparently as bad a intoxication. So even if you are the multi tasking mistress of the universe in your daily life, you are fooling yourself if you really think you can do it all when driving. Get a grip. How many times has some idiot cut into your lane, and just when you think they must be blind realise that they have a phone attached to their heads, or are not even looking at the road because they are sending a very important text message. Like "whats for dinner?',or 'what you wearing?". How useless to have an accident over the mundane arrangements of what to eat.
So my Easter wish is that no one gets hurt this year on the roads, but lots of chocolate bunnies get eaten.
Monday, March 30, 2009
Choose now.
Option 1
It’s the year 2030, and a new world order has emerged from the ashes of the
old economy. Wars rage over water, now the new oil, over food, fuel, land
and fishing rights. Battles start daily between competing nations in oceans
aroung the world, over the days catch. Sea levels have risen over 2 metres
in the last twenty years, and the sea is yielding less fish as it becomes
flooded with fresh water. The developing world is sliding violently back
into a brutal past, and development goals are forgotten as previously
developed nations attempt to collect debt repayments. Developed nations
return to their distant agrarian past, and milk maid is now a great job
opportunity. The Chinese Liberation Army polices the world, and in an about
face the Americans cut off contact with the outside world, allowing no trade
or tourism. Self reliance is their new motto, and the world be damned. The
idea of a lifestyle, and the trappings of wealth and priviledege are foreign
concepts and survival is all that is taught. Old documents are studied with
great interest as students try to understand the old days, of self interest,
and personal goals and human rights. Only the survival of the collective
matters now. The idea of the freedom of personal transport escapes this new
generation, why would you want to go any where on your own, what about the
dangers? Besides what are roads?
Option 2
It’s the year 2030, and the planet blooms. After a successful Earth Hour in
2010, the nations of the world decided to work together for the good of the
planet and all humanity. Urgent measures are immediately understaken to
reverse global warming and ensure the survival of the planet. No longer
treated as the rubbish bin of humanity, the planet revives, and renews
itself. Record crops are harvested in Africa, now a green and lush
continent. Fish stocks, given a chance to renew are abundant. A resolution
is passed by the UN, that no one will starve or be subject to violence or
terror, that politicians work for the people and are there to serve them.
Politics is now seen as a calling and an honour to serve humanity, not as a
licence to steal from the people. The world runs on pollution free vehicles
and global warming is now a scary story to tell naughty children. Little
cars do just fine and with a top speed of 100km, there are so few accidents,
that insurance is not essential. The old documents are studied with
interest as students try to understand why bigger was thought to be better
and why overconsumption of resources was seen as a virtue. Spending money to
show your status and proving that you have arrived by the size of your car
is a difficult concept and they debate it endlessly in fields of sunflowers,
overshadowed by the wind farms that power the planet.
Choose.
It’s the year 2030, and a new world order has emerged from the ashes of the
old economy. Wars rage over water, now the new oil, over food, fuel, land
and fishing rights. Battles start daily between competing nations in oceans
aroung the world, over the days catch. Sea levels have risen over 2 metres
in the last twenty years, and the sea is yielding less fish as it becomes
flooded with fresh water. The developing world is sliding violently back
into a brutal past, and development goals are forgotten as previously
developed nations attempt to collect debt repayments. Developed nations
return to their distant agrarian past, and milk maid is now a great job
opportunity. The Chinese Liberation Army polices the world, and in an about
face the Americans cut off contact with the outside world, allowing no trade
or tourism. Self reliance is their new motto, and the world be damned. The
idea of a lifestyle, and the trappings of wealth and priviledege are foreign
concepts and survival is all that is taught. Old documents are studied with
great interest as students try to understand the old days, of self interest,
and personal goals and human rights. Only the survival of the collective
matters now. The idea of the freedom of personal transport escapes this new
generation, why would you want to go any where on your own, what about the
dangers? Besides what are roads?
Option 2
It’s the year 2030, and the planet blooms. After a successful Earth Hour in
2010, the nations of the world decided to work together for the good of the
planet and all humanity. Urgent measures are immediately understaken to
reverse global warming and ensure the survival of the planet. No longer
treated as the rubbish bin of humanity, the planet revives, and renews
itself. Record crops are harvested in Africa, now a green and lush
continent. Fish stocks, given a chance to renew are abundant. A resolution
is passed by the UN, that no one will starve or be subject to violence or
terror, that politicians work for the people and are there to serve them.
Politics is now seen as a calling and an honour to serve humanity, not as a
licence to steal from the people. The world runs on pollution free vehicles
and global warming is now a scary story to tell naughty children. Little
cars do just fine and with a top speed of 100km, there are so few accidents,
that insurance is not essential. The old documents are studied with
interest as students try to understand why bigger was thought to be better
and why overconsumption of resources was seen as a virtue. Spending money to
show your status and proving that you have arrived by the size of your car
is a difficult concept and they debate it endlessly in fields of sunflowers,
overshadowed by the wind farms that power the planet.
Choose.
Monday, March 23, 2009
Beware the birds
We are blessed with a wonderful range of bird life in KwaZulu Natal. From the common lbj's, (little brown jobs) to the majestic crested eagles, the rare blue crane, sassy mynahs, and surely the loudest bird on the planet, the hadeda. No doubt they bring joy to twitchers but car owners beware, the birds.
They have one thing in common, and that is how bad their droppings can be for your beloved car's paint work. The fact that there are thousands of google results for bird poop is bad enough, let alone that so many relate to damage to cars paintjobs. Since birds don't do number one or number two but combine it, lets call it number three, it is very acidic, which eats away at paintwork if left on for any length of time. Some websites say 24 hours is enough time for the damage to be done and for the droppings to be permanently "etched" on to the paint surface. Not at all the kind if etchings we would want to keep.
The best advice is to get it off the car as soon as possible, with tissue soaked in water, or spray with fizzy water to get it moving. If you scrape it off without water you risk scratching the paint. Unfortunately most of us leave it until the next carwash, and even high pressure hoses are no match for these stubborn stains.
On such hot days we beeline for shady parking spots, under trees or in the shade of a building, which is where birds lurk waiting to send some luck our way. And if we needed any further proof that we live in a crazy world then the fact that some incredibly enterprising people are maketing bird droppings as a facial really says it all. Fantastic idea, just not on my car please.
They have one thing in common, and that is how bad their droppings can be for your beloved car's paint work. The fact that there are thousands of google results for bird poop is bad enough, let alone that so many relate to damage to cars paintjobs. Since birds don't do number one or number two but combine it, lets call it number three, it is very acidic, which eats away at paintwork if left on for any length of time. Some websites say 24 hours is enough time for the damage to be done and for the droppings to be permanently "etched" on to the paint surface. Not at all the kind if etchings we would want to keep.
The best advice is to get it off the car as soon as possible, with tissue soaked in water, or spray with fizzy water to get it moving. If you scrape it off without water you risk scratching the paint. Unfortunately most of us leave it until the next carwash, and even high pressure hoses are no match for these stubborn stains.
On such hot days we beeline for shady parking spots, under trees or in the shade of a building, which is where birds lurk waiting to send some luck our way. And if we needed any further proof that we live in a crazy world then the fact that some incredibly enterprising people are maketing bird droppings as a facial really says it all. Fantastic idea, just not on my car please.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
The kindness of strangers.
Just when I thought my faith in human nature had gone for good, something happens that renews it a little. We have to hold on to the little good things, and celebrate when they happen, especially when they are all we have. It hasn't been a great time for faith and belief in the basic goodness of people lately. The brutal murder of a six year old boy, by 'robbers', Jesse Foords unrepentant rapists, hopefully facing indefinate sentences, and just so much uglyness, greed and brutality that just reading about it makes it difficult to breathe.
Suffice it to say, the more I learn about the worst things that people do, the more I like sharks.
So when I got a big fat rusty nail in my tyre, and had to drive to the closest garage to fix it, I was expecting to have to put my feminism to a physical test. Driving very slowly with hazards on should indicate there is something wrong, but provokes the oddest behaviour in other drivers, impatient hooting, overtaking on solid lines and blind rises. Since I'm not the most mechanically minded was not looking forward to channelling Rosie the Riveter. There was a great TV ad running a while ago, where a jeuged up lady is offered help with changing a flat tyre, from a guy eating KFC, only to find it is instructional and not physical, because he wouldn't put down his food. Lucky for me the opposite happened, just as I had found my lug nut and jack and trying to find instructions on how everything worked, two strangers took pity on me and basically changed the tyre. The fact that they were petrol attendants at the garage probably helped as they must have been trained to do pit stops quickly. Apart from the crazy place my spare is kept, under the car it was so quick and looked easy. But it always looks effortless when you are not doing the heavy lifting. So a big thank you to two good samaritans Bheki Ndlovu and Ntoyi Malozole from Caltex,who did not have to do anything and helped because they could. Yes of course I could change a tyre if I had to, but I'm counting on the kindness of strangers to hold off that day of reckoning.
Suffice it to say, the more I learn about the worst things that people do, the more I like sharks.
So when I got a big fat rusty nail in my tyre, and had to drive to the closest garage to fix it, I was expecting to have to put my feminism to a physical test. Driving very slowly with hazards on should indicate there is something wrong, but provokes the oddest behaviour in other drivers, impatient hooting, overtaking on solid lines and blind rises. Since I'm not the most mechanically minded was not looking forward to channelling Rosie the Riveter. There was a great TV ad running a while ago, where a jeuged up lady is offered help with changing a flat tyre, from a guy eating KFC, only to find it is instructional and not physical, because he wouldn't put down his food. Lucky for me the opposite happened, just as I had found my lug nut and jack and trying to find instructions on how everything worked, two strangers took pity on me and basically changed the tyre. The fact that they were petrol attendants at the garage probably helped as they must have been trained to do pit stops quickly. Apart from the crazy place my spare is kept, under the car it was so quick and looked easy. But it always looks effortless when you are not doing the heavy lifting. So a big thank you to two good samaritans Bheki Ndlovu and Ntoyi Malozole from Caltex,who did not have to do anything and helped because they could. Yes of course I could change a tyre if I had to, but I'm counting on the kindness of strangers to hold off that day of reckoning.
Friday, January 23, 2009
Smell the present
Holiday driving has been blissful, the roads have been unclogged but just wait till the schools go back, all that lovely space on the roads disappears and we're back to ye olde road rage. Back to rushing around as if there are not enough hours in the day. Why is it that things like other peoples bad road manners suddenly become huge issues, when other times it is not even noticedm
Motivational gurus make money insisting that we stay in the moment, instead of dreaming of the future, or rehashing the past we are to accept the present and enjoy all it holds.This is difficult to do when driving, as its like being on autopilot. I drove to work today but don't remember anything about the drive. The scenery did not register at all. The idea of being in the moment is easier to practise if its a fun activity. The morning rush is not top of that list for any of us. The idea is to be active and enjoy each moment which is difficult when distracted. It could be the most beautiful day out there but most of the time we are elsewhere.
Apart from paying attention to the road, and actively driving which is rewarding on its own, just learning how to see takes mundane experience into the realm of art. Streets washed clean by the rain look new, and even the oil on the roads looks like a psychedelic art form. Noticing the small things is always rewarding, and makes us better drivers if we just stay in the moment.
Being distracted allows accidents, how many times do rear end collisions happen because we are not paying attention.
Apparently life will change for the better if we stay focused and in the present. So instead of smelling the roses I have decided to at least note that there are roses out there.
Motivational gurus make money insisting that we stay in the moment, instead of dreaming of the future, or rehashing the past we are to accept the present and enjoy all it holds.This is difficult to do when driving, as its like being on autopilot. I drove to work today but don't remember anything about the drive. The scenery did not register at all. The idea of being in the moment is easier to practise if its a fun activity. The morning rush is not top of that list for any of us. The idea is to be active and enjoy each moment which is difficult when distracted. It could be the most beautiful day out there but most of the time we are elsewhere.
Apart from paying attention to the road, and actively driving which is rewarding on its own, just learning how to see takes mundane experience into the realm of art. Streets washed clean by the rain look new, and even the oil on the roads looks like a psychedelic art form. Noticing the small things is always rewarding, and makes us better drivers if we just stay in the moment.
Being distracted allows accidents, how many times do rear end collisions happen because we are not paying attention.
Apparently life will change for the better if we stay focused and in the present. So instead of smelling the roses I have decided to at least note that there are roses out there.
Monday, January 5, 2009
Beating the safety drum
This is the year I learn to drum, all you have to do is get some rhythm, you don't even have to be able to carry a tune. In the meantime lets beat a familiar drum, the road safety tune. It is good news that festive season fatalities are down from 2007 to 2008. The Arrive Alive website quotes Trafffic Department figures of 885 deaths from the beginning of December 2008 as opposed to 1535 in 2007. This is a reduction of almost half and evidence of a successful road safety campaign. Reasons for this could be increased presence of traffic officers, road blocks, and tougher penalties on drunk drivers plus an intensive road safety campaign. Traffic authorities have indeed been out in force, checking sobriety, licences and road worthiness, all of which seem to have had the effect of reducing accidents and keeping the inebriated off the roads.
New Years Eve in Pietermaritzburg saw revellers waiting an hour for taxi's, and there were very few private cars on the roads. Many people chose house parties, or braai's to see in the new year. The fear of being caught under the influence, and spending a night in jail has been fairly effective in changing behaviour. The penalties are high, up to 6 years in prison, forfeit your vehicle, and a fine of up to R120 000.
Perhaps economic woes have played a role in that fewer people could afford to go on holiday, with disposable incomes squeezed in the credit crunch.
It seems that zero tolerance is effective in controlling road crime and I wonder whether it will be adopted as policy for other crimes. The broken window theory of zero tolerance worked in New York, where petty crimes such as littering, and graffitti were viewed as symptoms of larger, more serious crimes and were dealt with harshly. Oddly enough clamping down on petty crime coincided with a reduction in murders. Stiffer penalties are needed as deterants, especially when it comes to our national shame, the shocking numbers of rapes of women children and men, and a apparent national tolerance of violence against women in particular. Penalties should be so harsh, that committing these crimes becomes unthinkable. While life in prison is perhaps not a deterent for hardened criminals, in South Africa's overburdened prisons it is likely to be "nasty, brutish ans short", and society will at least be protected from these predators.
In many ways our sociey accepts criminality in small or large form, we are tolerant of littering, ineffective at combatting theft, at the mercy of armed gangs and hijackers and have a tolerance of hard drug abuse that is shocking. In a democracy where we have chosen legislators by majority we are breaking our part of the bargain by not abiding by our own laws, of course the government should keep their end of the bargain by keeping us safe, from each other, but not at the cost of our freedom. Since I wouldn't risk walking one kilometre
through town at night, my freedom as a citizen has been lost long ago.
New Years Eve in Pietermaritzburg saw revellers waiting an hour for taxi's, and there were very few private cars on the roads. Many people chose house parties, or braai's to see in the new year. The fear of being caught under the influence, and spending a night in jail has been fairly effective in changing behaviour. The penalties are high, up to 6 years in prison, forfeit your vehicle, and a fine of up to R120 000.
Perhaps economic woes have played a role in that fewer people could afford to go on holiday, with disposable incomes squeezed in the credit crunch.
It seems that zero tolerance is effective in controlling road crime and I wonder whether it will be adopted as policy for other crimes. The broken window theory of zero tolerance worked in New York, where petty crimes such as littering, and graffitti were viewed as symptoms of larger, more serious crimes and were dealt with harshly. Oddly enough clamping down on petty crime coincided with a reduction in murders. Stiffer penalties are needed as deterants, especially when it comes to our national shame, the shocking numbers of rapes of women children and men, and a apparent national tolerance of violence against women in particular. Penalties should be so harsh, that committing these crimes becomes unthinkable. While life in prison is perhaps not a deterent for hardened criminals, in South Africa's overburdened prisons it is likely to be "nasty, brutish ans short", and society will at least be protected from these predators.
In many ways our sociey accepts criminality in small or large form, we are tolerant of littering, ineffective at combatting theft, at the mercy of armed gangs and hijackers and have a tolerance of hard drug abuse that is shocking. In a democracy where we have chosen legislators by majority we are breaking our part of the bargain by not abiding by our own laws, of course the government should keep their end of the bargain by keeping us safe, from each other, but not at the cost of our freedom. Since I wouldn't risk walking one kilometre
through town at night, my freedom as a citizen has been lost long ago.
Monday, December 29, 2008
Resolutions for other people
So 366 days later we are going into the hairpin bend of year end, making plans, hoping for better. Every year we set ourselves ever higher tasks, such as lose weight, get rich, stop socially unacceptable habits, be nice to people who irritate us. We should have learnt by now that New Years resolutions are best made, and broken in the spirit of festive debauchery, and forgotten just as quickly.
The end of the year brings a sense of hope, however misguided, that next year will be great, that we will be better people, suddenly better looking, somehow more worthy. Alas.
My resolution is really a hardening of a belief that self improvement is a wonderful money spinner, and I must get into the industry but barring extreme surgery, what exactly can that miracle cream do for me? I was offended recently by an infomercial that referred to getting rid of your "disgusting cellulite". Look, it may not be pretty, but it's harmless, quite interesting to look at, strangely lumpy and in unexpected places, and actually attached to my person. It may be unfortunate, but it's not disgusting. The cure for cellulite is apparently an evil regime consisting of denial of coffee, sugar, alcohol and fat. As if thats going to happen. I resolve this year to be kind to cellulite starting with not calling it names.
As for those deep seated wrinkles, that apparently can vanish with the application of budget breaking goo, well this year I resolve to just rub money on them, twice a day, between cleansing, and toning. Same thing really.
So in the spirit of the new year, l have decided to make resolutions for other people.
Future prez Zuma should resolve to hand in his machine gun, and join Gun Free SA thus setting a good example for the youth. Speaking of which, the Youth League should lower their age restriction to 25, or change their name to the middle aged league. The Government should take job creation seriously by ensuring rotation of top posts every six months, sharing the wealth, and we may find some effective individuals if there is limited time to make an impact.
The environment should be a priority along with job creation so let's institute tax breaks for people who don't throw stuff out of their cars.
You could get money back for keeping your rubbish on board. Unemployed people can be set to work cleaning up the stuff that people throw into rivers and out of their car windows. It's called recycling, and is a new fangled idea of reusing resources, such as paper, plastic, glass and metal. Hope it catches on. With our recycled materials lets make a local car, something tough enough for South African streets, with variable suspension, and wheels that operate independently, so while one is in a hole the other three are maintaining ground contact. We could call it the pothole pronker. We could power it with one of those natural resources we have in abundance, not hot air but sunlight, the rays not the liquid.
Yes a new year bring new opportunities, new ideas and new chances to laugh, so just keep smiling, only 365 days to go.
The end of the year brings a sense of hope, however misguided, that next year will be great, that we will be better people, suddenly better looking, somehow more worthy. Alas.
My resolution is really a hardening of a belief that self improvement is a wonderful money spinner, and I must get into the industry but barring extreme surgery, what exactly can that miracle cream do for me? I was offended recently by an infomercial that referred to getting rid of your "disgusting cellulite". Look, it may not be pretty, but it's harmless, quite interesting to look at, strangely lumpy and in unexpected places, and actually attached to my person. It may be unfortunate, but it's not disgusting. The cure for cellulite is apparently an evil regime consisting of denial of coffee, sugar, alcohol and fat. As if thats going to happen. I resolve this year to be kind to cellulite starting with not calling it names.
As for those deep seated wrinkles, that apparently can vanish with the application of budget breaking goo, well this year I resolve to just rub money on them, twice a day, between cleansing, and toning. Same thing really.
So in the spirit of the new year, l have decided to make resolutions for other people.
Future prez Zuma should resolve to hand in his machine gun, and join Gun Free SA thus setting a good example for the youth. Speaking of which, the Youth League should lower their age restriction to 25, or change their name to the middle aged league. The Government should take job creation seriously by ensuring rotation of top posts every six months, sharing the wealth, and we may find some effective individuals if there is limited time to make an impact.
The environment should be a priority along with job creation so let's institute tax breaks for people who don't throw stuff out of their cars.
You could get money back for keeping your rubbish on board. Unemployed people can be set to work cleaning up the stuff that people throw into rivers and out of their car windows. It's called recycling, and is a new fangled idea of reusing resources, such as paper, plastic, glass and metal. Hope it catches on. With our recycled materials lets make a local car, something tough enough for South African streets, with variable suspension, and wheels that operate independently, so while one is in a hole the other three are maintaining ground contact. We could call it the pothole pronker. We could power it with one of those natural resources we have in abundance, not hot air but sunlight, the rays not the liquid.
Yes a new year bring new opportunities, new ideas and new chances to laugh, so just keep smiling, only 365 days to go.
Bright Sparks
Getting into the festive spirit this year seems to be more of an effort than usual, which seems to mean drinking more. Alcohol has proved to be recession proof once again, as we self medicate ourselves happy.
Is it really neccessary to remind people not to drink and drive, not even a little bit? Is there anyone out there who doesn't see the importance of wearing their seat belt, and making sure that children are buckled up and safe? And apparently there are still plenty of speed idiots out there who have to overtake at all costs, even someone elses life. Some things you can't change.
Instead of bemoaning the year that was, lets rather look at the highlights and rejoice that we made it. There have been some amazing and positive aspects to this year, the magic sparks of light that cheered us up.
The festive season should be a time to enjoy friends and family, not to mourn them and yet we have a transport company with a bad track record defying a ban placed on them and being given the all clear by the courts. For a moment there we were proud of Transport MEC Bheki Cele for putting his foot down.
Being proud to be South African took on a very real meaning this year when our unions refused to handle arms bound for Zimbabwe, and although they got there by some other route, we made a stand at least.
This festive season spare a thought for the ordinary people of Zim, who are not immune to hyperinflation, perhaps not politically connected, and victims of a crime against humanity and an insult to the dignity of African nations.
Our Olympic hopes were perhaps a bit ambitious, yet our disabled athletes did us proud. Both Natalie du Toit and Oscar Pistorious don't seem to see themselves as disabled, competing with the best able bodied athletes in the world and sweeping the boards in the paralympics. Imagine not allowing obstacles to stop you, how empowering that must be, and to have the courage to overcome even enormous physical disabilities. Just amazing.
Change can be good. As the landslide vote electing Barack Obama to the White House showed that the American people were more than ready for a change. Although Hilary Rodham Clinton is possibly the best prepared and experienced candidate to run for office, her skills will at least not be lost. Unfortunately, bad government in the U.S.A. affects the whole world, so a moment of thanksgiving for change and a quiet prayer that they can solve the global economic woes that have affected so many.
It has been a year of reckoning for the motor industry and turnaround predictions are safely betting on the last quarter of 2009. It is hoped that interest rates and inflation reductions will hasten recovery. In the meantime when the going gets tough, the tough improve service levels and provide unbeatable customer care, and sell cars. It's the South African way.
Is it really neccessary to remind people not to drink and drive, not even a little bit? Is there anyone out there who doesn't see the importance of wearing their seat belt, and making sure that children are buckled up and safe? And apparently there are still plenty of speed idiots out there who have to overtake at all costs, even someone elses life. Some things you can't change.
Instead of bemoaning the year that was, lets rather look at the highlights and rejoice that we made it. There have been some amazing and positive aspects to this year, the magic sparks of light that cheered us up.
The festive season should be a time to enjoy friends and family, not to mourn them and yet we have a transport company with a bad track record defying a ban placed on them and being given the all clear by the courts. For a moment there we were proud of Transport MEC Bheki Cele for putting his foot down.
Being proud to be South African took on a very real meaning this year when our unions refused to handle arms bound for Zimbabwe, and although they got there by some other route, we made a stand at least.
This festive season spare a thought for the ordinary people of Zim, who are not immune to hyperinflation, perhaps not politically connected, and victims of a crime against humanity and an insult to the dignity of African nations.
Our Olympic hopes were perhaps a bit ambitious, yet our disabled athletes did us proud. Both Natalie du Toit and Oscar Pistorious don't seem to see themselves as disabled, competing with the best able bodied athletes in the world and sweeping the boards in the paralympics. Imagine not allowing obstacles to stop you, how empowering that must be, and to have the courage to overcome even enormous physical disabilities. Just amazing.
Change can be good. As the landslide vote electing Barack Obama to the White House showed that the American people were more than ready for a change. Although Hilary Rodham Clinton is possibly the best prepared and experienced candidate to run for office, her skills will at least not be lost. Unfortunately, bad government in the U.S.A. affects the whole world, so a moment of thanksgiving for change and a quiet prayer that they can solve the global economic woes that have affected so many.
It has been a year of reckoning for the motor industry and turnaround predictions are safely betting on the last quarter of 2009. It is hoped that interest rates and inflation reductions will hasten recovery. In the meantime when the going gets tough, the tough improve service levels and provide unbeatable customer care, and sell cars. It's the South African way.
Monday, December 15, 2008
Christmas shopping crazies
Do you work with sane people? If so then you're very lucky, and in a rare position. Any vacancies at mental health for all? Most of us have crazy colleagues exhibiting a number of strange behaviours most of which we must politely ignore or start world war three, as we try to change their behaviour while pointing out our own perfect natures. Some of the oddest behaviours are suddenly acceptable, like talking to yourself in the workplace. It's fine to call yourself a damn idiot, it's the answering back that's a problem.
The obsessive compulsive disorder can be seen in continual penclicking, fingertapping, whistling songs no one knows, and continuing conversations started months ago, and supposedly concluded then.
Since so much of our time is spent with our oddly endearing
colleagues and not with our families, or loved ones, at least there is free fun. Why then, when we finally get our end of year break, everyone wants to do the same things as everyone else. Joburgers all want to go to the beach, and thank the gods of tourism they do, and herd together in their rows of sun damaged, ripped off splendour. Christmas Shopping is another nice money printer. Only eight shopping days left. Feel the fear, embrace the panic and go shopping before
everything is sold to someone else. So we herd off to spend hours in the warzone of the local mall, getting shoved aside for elusive bargains, run over by aggressive pram wielding mommies. BEWARE those with kid in pram and two in tow manic mommas, they are " this close to giving someone a smack." The saddest thing is seeing those families where husbands have been dragged along to do the shopping. They lurch around like TV Sports deprived zombies, looking like they have been beaten, nodding when required and becoming visibly paler as they hand over credit cards and just plain getting in the way. Heres a plan to reduce congestion during the psycho shopping season, no children under 18 allowed and no men under 90, and that would mean a quicker less fraught shopping experience for all. And during this season of goodwill we won't have to be party to other peoples disfunctional families as they work through those issues that have rankled all year, publicly and without embarressment, just because its Christmas.
The obsessive compulsive disorder can be seen in continual penclicking, fingertapping, whistling songs no one knows, and continuing conversations started months ago, and supposedly concluded then.
Since so much of our time is spent with our oddly endearing
colleagues and not with our families, or loved ones, at least there is free fun. Why then, when we finally get our end of year break, everyone wants to do the same things as everyone else. Joburgers all want to go to the beach, and thank the gods of tourism they do, and herd together in their rows of sun damaged, ripped off splendour. Christmas Shopping is another nice money printer. Only eight shopping days left. Feel the fear, embrace the panic and go shopping before
everything is sold to someone else. So we herd off to spend hours in the warzone of the local mall, getting shoved aside for elusive bargains, run over by aggressive pram wielding mommies. BEWARE those with kid in pram and two in tow manic mommas, they are " this close to giving someone a smack." The saddest thing is seeing those families where husbands have been dragged along to do the shopping. They lurch around like TV Sports deprived zombies, looking like they have been beaten, nodding when required and becoming visibly paler as they hand over credit cards and just plain getting in the way. Heres a plan to reduce congestion during the psycho shopping season, no children under 18 allowed and no men under 90, and that would mean a quicker less fraught shopping experience for all. And during this season of goodwill we won't have to be party to other peoples disfunctional families as they work through those issues that have rankled all year, publicly and without embarressment, just because its Christmas.
Monday, December 8, 2008
Gimme hope.
What happens after everything falls down? When all hope has gone and there is no possibility of continuing the status quo?Are these conditions ripe for
revolution or does overwhelming misery mitigate against any possibility of
positive change? Well we may just find out when it comes to Zimbabwe or we may have to stretch our resources ever further as the cholera outbreak hits home, and no one stands up to rid the country of dictatorship. Disease and poverty know no boundaries, making our mapmakeing ridiculous, and our ownership of particular pieces of land, moot at best. The unexpected
provides work for acturies, insurers and prophets and if you make a profit in these times seems to have more to do with crystal ball gazing than science.
There are however some things we can always rely on. Not just death and
taxes but the nature of people in that one persons disaster is opportunity
for another. The costs of new vehicles has been a bonus for the used car
dealers, and with expected price increases of up to 25 % in the new year,
this could prove to be a very good year for used vehicles. In times like
these it’s a good idea to know where your vehicle came from so ask for full
service history which will show you whether it has been serviced regularly
and whether it really was owned by that proverbial little old lady who only
went to church in it.
Check that your dealer is a member of the retail motor
industry organisation which gives you some recourse if the wheels fall off.
Contact them on 011 886 6300 or see the website at www.rmi.org.za.
Reputation is vitally important and while advertising is the best way to get
your message out there, there is an odd correlation between the companies
that do advertise and are also on the lips of friends and family as good
options. So do ask around and get opinions, on where you can get a fair
deal. With so many vehicles on showroom floors you should probably try to
negotiate. I’m not saying it will work everytime, but it may be worth a try.
The newspapers are full of doom and gloom, but there are some things to look
forward to. Like an interest rate cut before Christmas, the petrol
pricegoing down further, and another rolled over Lotto. Now that’s what I’m
holding out for..
revolution or does overwhelming misery mitigate against any possibility of
positive change? Well we may just find out when it comes to Zimbabwe or we may have to stretch our resources ever further as the cholera outbreak hits home, and no one stands up to rid the country of dictatorship. Disease and poverty know no boundaries, making our mapmakeing ridiculous, and our ownership of particular pieces of land, moot at best. The unexpected
provides work for acturies, insurers and prophets and if you make a profit in these times seems to have more to do with crystal ball gazing than science.
There are however some things we can always rely on. Not just death and
taxes but the nature of people in that one persons disaster is opportunity
for another. The costs of new vehicles has been a bonus for the used car
dealers, and with expected price increases of up to 25 % in the new year,
this could prove to be a very good year for used vehicles. In times like
these it’s a good idea to know where your vehicle came from so ask for full
service history which will show you whether it has been serviced regularly
and whether it really was owned by that proverbial little old lady who only
went to church in it.
Check that your dealer is a member of the retail motor
industry organisation which gives you some recourse if the wheels fall off.
Contact them on 011 886 6300 or see the website at www.rmi.org.za.
Reputation is vitally important and while advertising is the best way to get
your message out there, there is an odd correlation between the companies
that do advertise and are also on the lips of friends and family as good
options. So do ask around and get opinions, on where you can get a fair
deal. With so many vehicles on showroom floors you should probably try to
negotiate. I’m not saying it will work everytime, but it may be worth a try.
The newspapers are full of doom and gloom, but there are some things to look
forward to. Like an interest rate cut before Christmas, the petrol
pricegoing down further, and another rolled over Lotto. Now that’s what I’m
holding out for..
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Blue light nightmare
The morning had been chaotic, the kids were whining about going to school and the dog had vomited on the new carpet. It was a Monday. By the time she got on the highway, Sue was ready to murder someone. She had an appointment in 45 minutes and the traffic was crawling. What the hell was the holdup? Finally there was clear road ahead, and she put distance between herself and the chugging trucks. This was good. It looked like she would make her meeting after all.
Suddenly there was a huge SUV behind her. It had appeared out of nowhere, it was flashing its lights and someone was shouting at her. She couldn't hear what they were saying but it didn't look good and she could see a fist and a rude sign. Sue felt herself start to panic, she was already doing 140km, and there was a string of trucks in the left lane, and a bakkie full of children in the right lane, there was nowhere to go. The SUV was so close now it was almost touching her bumper. Her hands were sweating on the steering wheel and her heart was pounding so loudly she was battling to breathe. Its lights were glowing with a demonic red glare.
She tried to speed up and get out of the way, but as she did the bakkie lurched into the lane in front of her. All those children - what if it stopped suddenly? She had to brake but the SUV from hell was almost upon her. She couldn't see in as the windows were tinted dark and all she could see were lights flashing and all she could hear was shouting. She slowed down a fraction, giving the bakkie enough time to get out of the way, and then she turned her attention to the SUV. She managed to get into the left lane, between two alarmed truck drivers, and let it pass. The she slotted in behind it and proceeded to tailgate, hooting, shouting abuse and driving dangerously close to its bumper. Now she could see more if the occupants, who looked terrified as they tried to get away. She caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror. She looked quite mad. No wonder they looked so scared. Too bad, thought Sue, revving her engine. You asked for this. I also have an SUV and I know how to use it.
Suddenly there was a huge SUV behind her. It had appeared out of nowhere, it was flashing its lights and someone was shouting at her. She couldn't hear what they were saying but it didn't look good and she could see a fist and a rude sign. Sue felt herself start to panic, she was already doing 140km, and there was a string of trucks in the left lane, and a bakkie full of children in the right lane, there was nowhere to go. The SUV was so close now it was almost touching her bumper. Her hands were sweating on the steering wheel and her heart was pounding so loudly she was battling to breathe. Its lights were glowing with a demonic red glare.
She tried to speed up and get out of the way, but as she did the bakkie lurched into the lane in front of her. All those children - what if it stopped suddenly? She had to brake but the SUV from hell was almost upon her. She couldn't see in as the windows were tinted dark and all she could see were lights flashing and all she could hear was shouting. She slowed down a fraction, giving the bakkie enough time to get out of the way, and then she turned her attention to the SUV. She managed to get into the left lane, between two alarmed truck drivers, and let it pass. The she slotted in behind it and proceeded to tailgate, hooting, shouting abuse and driving dangerously close to its bumper. Now she could see more if the occupants, who looked terrified as they tried to get away. She caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror. She looked quite mad. No wonder they looked so scared. Too bad, thought Sue, revving her engine. You asked for this. I also have an SUV and I know how to use it.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Buckle up- your dog.
I saw a funny thing the other day. A woman was driving with her dog in the front passenger seat of the car. At first glance it looked like two blonde out for a ride until the dog turned around. Gave me a giggle, until I considered the consequences of having your beloved pet unrestrained in the front seat of the car. I remember how our dog loved the car and hanging his
face out of the window breathing into the wind. Like many spoilt andbpampered dogs he knew which was his seat and often I would take the back
seat to the dog. But the dangers are clear, the dog won’t wear a seat belt and no self respecting dog will sit in the back seat. Here we can’t count the bag dogs,(any canine small enough to fit into a handbag) which are more accessory than animal. But what if the driver were to brake hard or be rear ended? The dog will end up through the windscreen or worse on the drivers lap. And what about the danger to other road users, as a moment of
distraction could turn good doggie into a cause for a death.
So in the interests of animal anti- cruelty there should be a law against
this kind of thing. Sure the dog likes sitting in the passenger seat but the
risks are high. The dog must be protected from him or her self, as in this
case the dog does not know what its best interests are. And of course we
can’t discriminate. What about cats then? They would be unlikely to be
content with sitting quietly for a country drive and soon would demand
attention or the chance to drive the car.
The SPCA should get involved, dangerous dog transportation could be up
there with neglect. WE must protect our pets.
So if we believe that our animals are worthy of legal protection, please
explain how sane, intelligent people persist in driving with children on
their laps, not in car seats, with their noses pressed up against the rear
window, standing up between the driver and passenger seats, etc.
The risks are huge and well documented. In a collision any unsecured item in
a vehicle becomes a missile. Try this simple test. Balance a cool-drink on
the passenger seat and drive at 60 km. Brake suddenly and see what happens
to the cool-drink. Yup on the floor. Oh you weren’t wearing a seat belt,
sorry about that, we should have warned you. See what happens when you have
to stop suddenly.
So in the interests of animal and human rights we must all pull together and
talk some sense into those members of society who do not believe that the
laws of physics apply to them and gravity is merely a myth. Today do your
part, don’t let friends risk the lives of their innocent pets and equally
innocent children. Talk some sense into them, for the sake of their kids.
face out of the window breathing into the wind. Like many spoilt andbpampered dogs he knew which was his seat and often I would take the back
seat to the dog. But the dangers are clear, the dog won’t wear a seat belt and no self respecting dog will sit in the back seat. Here we can’t count the bag dogs,(any canine small enough to fit into a handbag) which are more accessory than animal. But what if the driver were to brake hard or be rear ended? The dog will end up through the windscreen or worse on the drivers lap. And what about the danger to other road users, as a moment of
distraction could turn good doggie into a cause for a death.
So in the interests of animal anti- cruelty there should be a law against
this kind of thing. Sure the dog likes sitting in the passenger seat but the
risks are high. The dog must be protected from him or her self, as in this
case the dog does not know what its best interests are. And of course we
can’t discriminate. What about cats then? They would be unlikely to be
content with sitting quietly for a country drive and soon would demand
attention or the chance to drive the car.
The SPCA should get involved, dangerous dog transportation could be up
there with neglect. WE must protect our pets.
So if we believe that our animals are worthy of legal protection, please
explain how sane, intelligent people persist in driving with children on
their laps, not in car seats, with their noses pressed up against the rear
window, standing up between the driver and passenger seats, etc.
The risks are huge and well documented. In a collision any unsecured item in
a vehicle becomes a missile. Try this simple test. Balance a cool-drink on
the passenger seat and drive at 60 km. Brake suddenly and see what happens
to the cool-drink. Yup on the floor. Oh you weren’t wearing a seat belt,
sorry about that, we should have warned you. See what happens when you have
to stop suddenly.
So in the interests of animal and human rights we must all pull together and
talk some sense into those members of society who do not believe that the
laws of physics apply to them and gravity is merely a myth. Today do your
part, don’t let friends risk the lives of their innocent pets and equally
innocent children. Talk some sense into them, for the sake of their kids.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Save the planet
There are an estimated 6.7 billion people in the world, and 9 billion are
projected for 2042. 1.2 Billion live in China, where those that can afford
to ride bicycles. Imagine 6 billion cars on the roads, and worse still
imagine the air quality, already poor in urban areas getting a whole lot
worse. There are about 600 million vehicles on the road, give or take a
million. That’s a whole lot of petrol consumption and a bit fat carbon
footprint.
This current handwringing fit has been brought on by watching The Eleventh
Hour. Not much fun, even with Leonardo de Caprio narrating the environmental
crisis. A slew of environmental experts and civic leaders paint a bleak
picture of a world on the brink of catastrophic environmental breakdown. The
role of vehicle emissions and industrial pollution is outlined, and more
alarmingly is the question of whether the planet can support so many people.
While numerous other species go extinct every year, people just keep
multiplying and of course all aspire to the lifestyle we define as
successful and western. Instead of worrying about where our next meal comes
from, and instead of cultivating or building we go shopping. Consumption
beyond our needs has become part of the dream of success that we are taught.
To have so much and to spend our money on meaningless things and watch
others go without basics like food and shelter. We rationalise that if they
are not successful it must be their fault. Maybe they didn’t understand the
Secret properly.
It doesn’t make sense to set up a series of wants that can never be met.
Forget basic needs of peace, security, food, or meaningful work. The ratio
of food eaten by Western beef as opposed to that eaten by the third world,
or Africa is shocking. The tragedy is that through exporting their culture
we are all to some extent influenced by the American lifestyle and aspire to
a Rodeo drive shopping experience. Even worse is the possibility that we are
getting there. The countries that have worked so hard to attain a modicum of
western living don’t want to hear that it is the path to hell, as for so
long they have been deprived. Just like the high protein and fat of a
western diet leads to disease in our bodies, the high consumption and
turnover of natural resources leads to environmental disease.
Since solutions don’t exactly grow on trees, it is up to the generations who
have benefitted most from development to make the change. With the highest
education levels and better health care than ever before and freedoms hard
won, if we know better shouldn’t we be doing better?
I was shocked when a friend asked me if I walked the short distance from
home to the coffee shop. It hadn’t even occurred to me to do so, and this is
only about a kilometre away. So it means a mind shift and the chance to get
some exercise and save some fuel. Who knows, it could be just the thing to
get fit, lose weight and have the body you’ve always dreamed of.
projected for 2042. 1.2 Billion live in China, where those that can afford
to ride bicycles. Imagine 6 billion cars on the roads, and worse still
imagine the air quality, already poor in urban areas getting a whole lot
worse. There are about 600 million vehicles on the road, give or take a
million. That’s a whole lot of petrol consumption and a bit fat carbon
footprint.
This current handwringing fit has been brought on by watching The Eleventh
Hour. Not much fun, even with Leonardo de Caprio narrating the environmental
crisis. A slew of environmental experts and civic leaders paint a bleak
picture of a world on the brink of catastrophic environmental breakdown. The
role of vehicle emissions and industrial pollution is outlined, and more
alarmingly is the question of whether the planet can support so many people.
While numerous other species go extinct every year, people just keep
multiplying and of course all aspire to the lifestyle we define as
successful and western. Instead of worrying about where our next meal comes
from, and instead of cultivating or building we go shopping. Consumption
beyond our needs has become part of the dream of success that we are taught.
To have so much and to spend our money on meaningless things and watch
others go without basics like food and shelter. We rationalise that if they
are not successful it must be their fault. Maybe they didn’t understand the
Secret properly.
It doesn’t make sense to set up a series of wants that can never be met.
Forget basic needs of peace, security, food, or meaningful work. The ratio
of food eaten by Western beef as opposed to that eaten by the third world,
or Africa is shocking. The tragedy is that through exporting their culture
we are all to some extent influenced by the American lifestyle and aspire to
a Rodeo drive shopping experience. Even worse is the possibility that we are
getting there. The countries that have worked so hard to attain a modicum of
western living don’t want to hear that it is the path to hell, as for so
long they have been deprived. Just like the high protein and fat of a
western diet leads to disease in our bodies, the high consumption and
turnover of natural resources leads to environmental disease.
Since solutions don’t exactly grow on trees, it is up to the generations who
have benefitted most from development to make the change. With the highest
education levels and better health care than ever before and freedoms hard
won, if we know better shouldn’t we be doing better?
I was shocked when a friend asked me if I walked the short distance from
home to the coffee shop. It hadn’t even occurred to me to do so, and this is
only about a kilometre away. So it means a mind shift and the chance to get
some exercise and save some fuel. Who knows, it could be just the thing to
get fit, lose weight and have the body you’ve always dreamed of.
It's in the bag.
How embarrassing to be the cliché, a woman with a handbag bulging with
necessities, from make up to medicine. What about the un-losable documents
that we often carry in our hand bags, okay in some cases, it’s a bit of a
suitcase. For me a handbag is one of the easily accomplishable signs of
femininity because if I could manage without one I would stuff everything I
needed into multiple pockets and that wouldn’t be very ladylike would it?
So we are stuck with a portable cornucopia of necessary and unnecessary
items, as in who put the remote control in my hand bag because it wasn’t me?
And the horror when that handbag is out of your sight or stolen with your
life inside.
If you have ever been through the expense and time wasting incurred in the
loss of even the smallest bag and its contents then the fact that insurers
have added handbag insurance to car insurance should come as a blessing.
Insurers seem to have recognized that women often carry their lives in their
handbags and have added handbag cover or portable possessions cover to their
quotes. I went to *www.hippo.co.za* for insurance
quotes online, and after you have had your fun trying to insure the Rolls or
Aston Martin, try it with your car. I got back quotes ranging from R 441 to
R 610. The cheapest premium of course had the highest excess, of R 5300,
from Budget Insurance High Excess and this included Road side and Medical
Assistance and portable possessions cover up to R 2000, plus had a 14 day
money back guarantee. Budget Insurance offered R 518 monthly premium and an
excess of R 2800 included roadside assistance, and medical assistance and
portable possessions cover up to R 2000.
The highest premium of R 610 from AA insurance included AA membership, a
cash back bonus and had a R 2800 excess. First for Women included handbag
cover of R 2000, cost R 471 monthly and had options to take out Cash Back
plus. Woolworths have also entered the insurance market and their online
quote was monthly premiums of R540 with a R 3550 excess and R 2000 grocery
cover and R 2000 hand bag cover. Auto and General’s premium was R 550 with a
R 2550 excess and a service charter and online claim facility.
If you shop around and here word of mouth is a great indicator of who pays
and who does not, you can improve your insurance costs. The area you live in
and whether your vehicle is in a lock up garage make a huge difference to
your costs.
Oh and you have to be a woman. Finally, being a woman, and a woman of a
certain age, at least pays when it comes to insurance, so take that guys. We
pay less.
necessities, from make up to medicine. What about the un-losable documents
that we often carry in our hand bags, okay in some cases, it’s a bit of a
suitcase. For me a handbag is one of the easily accomplishable signs of
femininity because if I could manage without one I would stuff everything I
needed into multiple pockets and that wouldn’t be very ladylike would it?
So we are stuck with a portable cornucopia of necessary and unnecessary
items, as in who put the remote control in my hand bag because it wasn’t me?
And the horror when that handbag is out of your sight or stolen with your
life inside.
If you have ever been through the expense and time wasting incurred in the
loss of even the smallest bag and its contents then the fact that insurers
have added handbag insurance to car insurance should come as a blessing.
Insurers seem to have recognized that women often carry their lives in their
handbags and have added handbag cover or portable possessions cover to their
quotes. I went to *www.hippo.co.za*
quotes online, and after you have had your fun trying to insure the Rolls or
Aston Martin, try it with your car. I got back quotes ranging from R 441 to
R 610. The cheapest premium of course had the highest excess, of R 5300,
from Budget Insurance High Excess and this included Road side and Medical
Assistance and portable possessions cover up to R 2000, plus had a 14 day
money back guarantee. Budget Insurance offered R 518 monthly premium and an
excess of R 2800 included roadside assistance, and medical assistance and
portable possessions cover up to R 2000.
The highest premium of R 610 from AA insurance included AA membership, a
cash back bonus and had a R 2800 excess. First for Women included handbag
cover of R 2000, cost R 471 monthly and had options to take out Cash Back
plus. Woolworths have also entered the insurance market and their online
quote was monthly premiums of R540 with a R 3550 excess and R 2000 grocery
cover and R 2000 hand bag cover. Auto and General’s premium was R 550 with a
R 2550 excess and a service charter and online claim facility.
If you shop around and here word of mouth is a great indicator of who pays
and who does not, you can improve your insurance costs. The area you live in
and whether your vehicle is in a lock up garage make a huge difference to
your costs.
Oh and you have to be a woman. Finally, being a woman, and a woman of a
certain age, at least pays when it comes to insurance, so take that guys. We
pay less.
Nyctalopia
Little old ladies tend not to drive at night. Perhaps the elderly
don't have the most cracking night lives, but the reason they would
probably give you is that they are night blind.
When your mother told you to eat your carrots so you would have good
eyesight she was right. According to the website.healthvitaminsguide.com,
night blindness is caused by a lack of Vitamin A, and is due to
problems in dark adaption. When headlights blind you and you really
can't see after they pass, it may be time to check your vitamin A
intake.
Nyctalopia is the official term for night blindness. This is the
inability to adapt to dark lighting conditions. According to the
healthvitaminsguide website, "The retina is supplied with a chemical
called rhodopsin or visual purple. Light falling on the retina brings
about chemical changes in the rhodopsin and other substances in the
rods and cones. However large amounts of Vitamin A are needed to bring
about those changes. If there is a lack of vitamin A night blindness
can be the result. Other causes of night blindness include; Cataracts,
retinal degeneration such as retinitis pigmentosa, trouble adjusting
from low to high levels of light, certain medications, and birth
defects".
Yellow lenses can help with this problem, and your optician can advise
you of the best solution. How do you get enough Vitamin A? Since we
can't produce it in our bodies it must be part of our diets. Found in
green plants, and bright colourful vegetables such as carrots and
tomatoes, carotenes are changed into Vitamin A in the liver.
Another nice big word xerophthalmia, meaning dryness of the cornea can
also be a symptom of a lack of Vitamin A. Alarmingly according to
Www.healthome.co.za a chronic deficiency can eventually lead to
permanent blindness.
And that is the reason to eat your carrots, and keep a good balanced
diet. The joys of driving at night will be yours with a high intake of
Vitamin A and perhaps a bit of kindness to your liver.
don't have the most cracking night lives, but the reason they would
probably give you is that they are night blind.
When your mother told you to eat your carrots so you would have good
eyesight she was right. According to the website.healthvitaminsguide.com,
night blindness is caused by a lack of Vitamin A, and is due to
problems in dark adaption. When headlights blind you and you really
can't see after they pass, it may be time to check your vitamin A
intake.
Nyctalopia is the official term for night blindness. This is the
inability to adapt to dark lighting conditions. According to the
healthvitaminsguide website, "The retina is supplied with a chemical
called rhodopsin or visual purple. Light falling on the retina brings
about chemical changes in the rhodopsin and other substances in the
rods and cones. However large amounts of Vitamin A are needed to bring
about those changes. If there is a lack of vitamin A night blindness
can be the result. Other causes of night blindness include; Cataracts,
retinal degeneration such as retinitis pigmentosa, trouble adjusting
from low to high levels of light, certain medications, and birth
defects".
Yellow lenses can help with this problem, and your optician can advise
you of the best solution. How do you get enough Vitamin A? Since we
can't produce it in our bodies it must be part of our diets. Found in
green plants, and bright colourful vegetables such as carrots and
tomatoes, carotenes are changed into Vitamin A in the liver.
Another nice big word xerophthalmia, meaning dryness of the cornea can
also be a symptom of a lack of Vitamin A. Alarmingly according to
Www.healthome.co.za a chronic deficiency can eventually lead to
permanent blindness.
And that is the reason to eat your carrots, and keep a good balanced
diet. The joys of driving at night will be yours with a high intake of
Vitamin A and perhaps a bit of kindness to your liver.
Musical cars
One of the best things about your own car, is having full control over
the music. No sharing of the remote, no compromises on what to play.
No need to accomodate other peoples tastes. So if today is a "to the
limits save your eardrums" Black Sabbath retrospective, it's your
choice. WIth the windows rolled up and the aircon on, no one need ever
know about that little thing you have for the Blarney Brothers, or
your embarrassing need to play Achey Breaky Heart at full volume. The
point is that the windows do roll up, and for good reason.
Imagine your brand new Mercedes, everything about it speaks quality
and class. Now imagine blasting Britney Spears through the speakers.
It would never do, not when you could choose Beethoven or if
particularly militant, Wagner. Even Gregorian chants would go down
better. And when the windows are rolled up, no one can hear you sing.
There is a growing popularity of Karoke again, it's most distressing,
for those who can't sing and for those of us who have to listen to
those who think they can. Keep your choral ambitions for the shower,
or your car, when no one is watching.
The funniest thing is when you hear the music before you see the car,
and imagine a massive passion wagon, based on the volume. By the time
it comes round the corner, you have imagined a bus full of raging
partyers. Then you see that its a Golf with the back half given up to
disco. In these tough times does having a portable party in the boot
incease the value of a car? Hope so.
A friend decided I needed the whole taxi experience and took me
reluctantly on the musical journey. You know sitting in the very back
seat on the sub- woofers. So much vibration, it didn't matter how
badly it drove, I was more concerned with the shaking in my bones.
Now I know how strawberries feel in the blender.
Recently sitting in traffic, growling along to Hip Hop Pantsula, my
calm was shattered by a high pitched whining. Sounded like an air raid
or a very sick cat, coming from the taxi next door. No one in mortal danger. Just Celine Dion.
the music. No sharing of the remote, no compromises on what to play.
No need to accomodate other peoples tastes. So if today is a "to the
limits save your eardrums" Black Sabbath retrospective, it's your
choice. WIth the windows rolled up and the aircon on, no one need ever
know about that little thing you have for the Blarney Brothers, or
your embarrassing need to play Achey Breaky Heart at full volume. The
point is that the windows do roll up, and for good reason.
Imagine your brand new Mercedes, everything about it speaks quality
and class. Now imagine blasting Britney Spears through the speakers.
It would never do, not when you could choose Beethoven or if
particularly militant, Wagner. Even Gregorian chants would go down
better. And when the windows are rolled up, no one can hear you sing.
There is a growing popularity of Karoke again, it's most distressing,
for those who can't sing and for those of us who have to listen to
those who think they can. Keep your choral ambitions for the shower,
or your car, when no one is watching.
The funniest thing is when you hear the music before you see the car,
and imagine a massive passion wagon, based on the volume. By the time
it comes round the corner, you have imagined a bus full of raging
partyers. Then you see that its a Golf with the back half given up to
disco. In these tough times does having a portable party in the boot
incease the value of a car? Hope so.
A friend decided I needed the whole taxi experience and took me
reluctantly on the musical journey. You know sitting in the very back
seat on the sub- woofers. So much vibration, it didn't matter how
badly it drove, I was more concerned with the shaking in my bones.
Now I know how strawberries feel in the blender.
Recently sitting in traffic, growling along to Hip Hop Pantsula, my
calm was shattered by a high pitched whining. Sounded like an air raid
or a very sick cat, coming from the taxi next door. No one in mortal danger. Just Celine Dion.
The illusion of motion
I scared a taxi driver today. One of those fearless bandits of the byways lost it and used his hooter like a aspirant vuvuzela performer. I was minding my own business, putting on makeup and looking for my keys when there is this frantic hooting from behind. All because I was unconsciously rolling back, just a little bit. Usually one is so aware of any motion in a vehicle that we even
imagine it when none exists. The illusion of reverse motion is the
best word we have come up with to describe that sensation of brake
failure, when in a stationary vehicle, you feel like you are sliding
backwards. It's explained that you have as a reference point a moving
vehicle. It's that traffic light creep speed that does our brains in,
too slow to be obvious we assume it's not moving. But I believe there
is a word out there, one word to describe it. If you know please tell me.
In old western movies the wagon wheels seem to be going backwards, we
know they are not, but the eye is fooled by the spinning spokes. Like
when children spin around and around and make them selves dizzy, and
suddenly the earth is spinning. Well it's spinning all the time but
that is the only time we can see it. If the earth is moving at 106
211km per hour, and we can't feel it until we make ourselves dizzy
then that explains the lapse of perception when our brains can't
conceive of exactly how fast we are going. That explains why in a
luxury vehicle without the reference points of straining engine, or
rough road surface we feel like we float in a world above the road,
and how quickly that speedometer moves up, imperceptibly, and before
we know it we are hitting 180Km and don't even feel it. After a trip
averaging 120Km it always feels like you are hitt8ngh an invisible
wall when you have to slow to 60. The motion follows you through your
day.
A motoring myth I would love a decisive answer on is whether
freewheeling will save fuel. Some say it does, and others say it's
inadvisable, dangerous and what is saved on fuel is spent on braking.
If you can prove it either way would love to know.
imagine it when none exists. The illusion of reverse motion is the
best word we have come up with to describe that sensation of brake
failure, when in a stationary vehicle, you feel like you are sliding
backwards. It's explained that you have as a reference point a moving
vehicle. It's that traffic light creep speed that does our brains in,
too slow to be obvious we assume it's not moving. But I believe there
is a word out there, one word to describe it. If you know please tell me.
In old western movies the wagon wheels seem to be going backwards, we
know they are not, but the eye is fooled by the spinning spokes. Like
when children spin around and around and make them selves dizzy, and
suddenly the earth is spinning. Well it's spinning all the time but
that is the only time we can see it. If the earth is moving at 106
211km per hour, and we can't feel it until we make ourselves dizzy
then that explains the lapse of perception when our brains can't
conceive of exactly how fast we are going. That explains why in a
luxury vehicle without the reference points of straining engine, or
rough road surface we feel like we float in a world above the road,
and how quickly that speedometer moves up, imperceptibly, and before
we know it we are hitting 180Km and don't even feel it. After a trip
averaging 120Km it always feels like you are hitt8ngh an invisible
wall when you have to slow to 60. The motion follows you through your
day.
A motoring myth I would love a decisive answer on is whether
freewheeling will save fuel. Some say it does, and others say it's
inadvisable, dangerous and what is saved on fuel is spent on braking.
If you can prove it either way would love to know.
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