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| Contents |
Issue No. 334 -- 20 June 2005 |
Editor's Message
Quote/s of the Week
Ad Hoc Article/s of the Week
Bits and Bobs
The Legal Beagle
Help Desk
Where are they now?
Club and Other News
Humour
Recipes
Sports News
Credits and Contact Info
Subscribing and Unsubscribing
| Send this Issue to a Friend! |
TOP |
Trip getting closer! Last water ski this afternoon... then we take the cats to the kennels tomorrow lunchtime so they don’t see us packing. Less stress for them.
We leave on Wednesday evening...
We are very much looking forward to some warm weather but to be very honest, considering that Captain Ken was lying in the sun yesterday afternoon in just a pair of shorts (celebrating Fathers Day!) we cannot complain at all about winter weather in this part of South Africa! There is warmth in the sun every winter’s day, unlike New Hampshire where the poor sun is so pale and there is not a drop of warmth to melt the snow or even to make you feel warmer. Where could you find better winter weather??
Reminder once again that there will not be any SAWmail for a few weeks. This is the last edition until I get back. Hope you can all survive without it and will miss it while I am gone!
Should be back on July 25th.
These from me...
Failure should be our teacher, not our undertaker. Failure is delay, not defeat. It is a temporary detour, not a dead end. Failure is something we can avoid only by saying nothing, doing nothing, and being nothing. - Denis Waitley
Achievement is largely the product of steadily raising one's levels of aspiration and expectation. - Jack Nicklaus
Do what you love, love what you do, and deliver more than you promise. - Harvey Mackay
These from Des Cowie
The supreme happiness of life is the conviction of being loved for yourself, or, more correctly, being loved in spite of yourself. - Victor Hugo
Each day, and the living of it, has to be a conscious creation in which discipline and order are relieved with some play and pure foolishness. - May Sarton
He who forgives ends the quarrel. - African Proverb
Nothing is so embarrassing as watching someone do something that you said couldn't be done. -Sam Ewing
This from Daniel Jan le Roux...
Sometimes one pays most for the things one gets for nothing. - Albert Einstein
Send in any quotes you love... that have some special meaning for you... and I will use at least one every week. Usual address! editor@saw.co.za
| Ad Hoc Article/s of the Week |
TOP |
Coming Home
Each week we will feature a question and answer sent in to the Company for Immigration. We hope these will help answer any questions you might have regarding any part of the coming home process. If you would like to send in your own question, please feel very free to do so.
We will also be featuring a great amount of information on the SAW Website (www.saw.co.za) under the Coming Home section. You can also find out info by visiting our newly relaunched site, South Africa Online (www.southafrica.co.za) and checking out the Coming to SA section.
Here is a bit more info...
Whenever and wherever South Africans meet, the surest way to start a lively discussion, is to ask someone for an opinion about emigration from or remigration back to South Africa. In 2002 we (i.e. the non-profit immigration service, Company for Immigration, and the trade-union, Solidarity) realized that the return of South African expats had become a fact and that their inputs are essential for the growth and development of the country. We are neither interested in a debate about the reasons why people leave or come back, nor about the merit of their decisions. We prefer to provide a practical service instead:
offering advice and assistance to prospective remigrants;
addressing the problems which cause people to emigrate; and informing people about the pros and cons of emigration, to help them make an informed decision before leaving.
Interested? Want to receive our monthly newsletter by email? Have questions or suggestions? If so, please visit our mirror sites www.comehome.co.za or www.komhuistoe.co.za and leave your details on the visitor's page, or contact us at admin@cfi.org.za. We are looking forward to hearing from you!
Alana is on holiday for a few weeks so there wil be no questions during that time.
Kind regards
Alana & Annatjie
COME HOME CAMPAIGN
Migrasie / Migration
Solidariteit Alliansie / Solidarity Alliance
P O Box 8766, Centurion, 0046, RSA
Tel: 0027-(0)12-6438532
Fax: 0027-(0)12-6438587
admin@cfi.org.za
What can we do?
More from Mike...
My thanks to those of you who responded openly to my comments in last week's column about the appalling situation in Zimbabwe.
My blood pressure rose when, earlier this week, I read on the BBC website that John Simpson, the BBC's World Affairs Editor, and perhaps the wisest and most experienced person in his field, has said:
QUOTE: "The outside world shows little serious interest in Zimbabwe, beyond indulging in occasional ritual condemnation of him. France has moderately friendly relations with him still." UNQUOTE
What an appalling indictment on a country that calls itself civilised, that it openly maintains relations with this despot. France has a history of giving sanctuary and aid to deposed tyrants, such as the Duvaliers of Haiti, Mobutu of Zaire, to name just a couple.
People should know that Robert Mugabe is without any doubt the world's worst living tyrant. He is intelligent and well educated, which has given him credibility amongst his own people and with the rest of the world. When he became President, he was hailed, even by whites, as a saviour. Sadly, he is a megalomaniac deranged racist madman and the results of his policies can be clearly seen.
Not content with allowing the economy to go to rack and ruin (Rhodesia had one of the strongest economies in Africa, despite, or because of, the hypocritical and absurd sanctions imposed by the West), he has also ruined the agriculture, the main stay of Zimbabwe's economy, and tourism, also very important. He has directed the decline of the infrastructure and failed to prevent the spread of AIDS and poverty, and is now wilfully and wantonly destroying homes, lives, and livelihoods. And then there was the small matter of the Matabeleland slaughters, conveniently swept under the carpet of history, in which some 20,000 Matabele were slaughtered. That was genocide, and so is what he is doing now. Hundreds of thousands of people are homeless, disease ridden, and in imminent danger of death by starvation. If this were the result of a natural disaster, the world would be rushing to help, as it did after the Asian Tsunami. And yet, we can't fight the forces of nature, we can only clean up afterwards. The Zimbabwe situation has come about through the deliberate actions of one man and his supporters. The world could do something about it. So where then are the howls of protest? Where are the condemnations? Who cares about this? Who is doing anything about this?
The last two elections were a farce. He is not the democratically elected leader, nor is ZANU-PF entitled to govern. He and his party have remained in power by terrorising and eliminating the opposition, stifling the press, and introducing a reign of terror.
The terrorists (closely associated to Mugabe) shot down a civilian aircraft in September 1978 (and another 5 months later). The survivors of the first attack were beaten, raped, and murdered. Even animals wouldn't do this. The rest of the world stood by and watched without condemnation. This because it was in the name of 'liberation'. What a load of bollocks. Liberation from 'white racist oppression'... the government of Ian Smith whom most Zimbabweans would have back in power unhesitatingly in the light of subsequent events. Look how liberated Zimbabwe is now and what freedom and a quality of life people have there now.
At the service for those murdered in the attack, Rev. John da Costa, Dean of St. Mary and All Saints (Salisbury) Cathedral said (this is a short excerpt from his sermon, the full text of which is here : http://rhodesian.server101.com/silence_is_deafening.htm)
"This bestiality, worse than anything in recent history, stinks in the nostrils of heaven. But are we deafened by the voice of protest from nations which call themselves "civilised"? We are not. Like men in the story of the good Samaritan. They 'pass by on the other side'. One listens for condemnation... One listens, and the silence is deafening. One listens for loud condemnation by the President of the United States, himself a man from the Bible-Baptist belt, and once again the silence is deafening. One listens for condemnation by the Pope, by the Archbishop of Canterbury, by all who love the name of God."
Again the silence is deafening. History repeats itself. Only the murder that is going on now is on a larger scale, and 30 years later one might have hoped that the world would be more civilised. Clearly, it isn't.
If this contains inconsistencies and errors it is because it was written it in haste, in anger, and in sadness at seeing what has been done to the beautiful country I once lived in, for a brief while, and loved, and what is happening to the people of that country now, black and white, who are too terrorised and weakened to resist.
I know it is wrong to wish death on someone, but in the case of Mugabe the murdering tyrant, I think it is justified and I will be amongst the many who will rejoice when he goes to the great trashheap, for trash he surely is, in the sky.
John Simpson's Article can be read in full here: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/4087186.stm
Tot siens
MIKE
NSAT News
This from Mike
Hi
I am sending you this in case you are interested in NSAT as part of the SKY package. They went off the air a few months ago and need to show that there is a potential audience in UK/Europe. Some of the programmes were worth watching although to be honest I could have done without the 1970's Afrikaans quiz shows and the contestants with mullet hair cuts.
M
Newsletter - June 2005
Dear NSAT Subscriber,
May we take this opportunity to thank each and everyone of you for the amount of e-mails and support you have shown us over the past few months.
Since February 2005, when we went off air we have received well over 2000 e-mails and numerous telephone calls. This is exactly what motivates us to keep trying find suitable investors to ensure the return of the channel.
Unfortunately investors need evidence to convince themselves that there is actually a market in the UK for a South African TV channel and the only way to prove this is by signing up to our no obligation pre-registration form. We ask each and everyone of you who haven't done so yet to please complete this form and also forward this link to all our friends and family.
http://www.nsat.tv/pre-registration.html
With an overwhelming number of pre registrations, it will convince the investors and assist in the return of a brand new channel filled with your favourite programs as voted by you, the viewer.
A list of some of the programs can be found here http://www.nsat.tv/forum/viewtopic.php?t=175
After 4 months of talks with potential investors we are still not in a position to provide you with an exact date or answer when South African content will be available in the UK.
The only news we have received is that the investors had their funding approved and simply have to finalise their paperwork before committing to this project.
They have also made their intentions clear that they do not wish to continue with the name NSAT and that a new company will be responsible for delivering the channel to BSKYB.
We will off course provide you with an update as and when we receive it and have agreed in principal that this new company will be allowed to take over everything from NSAT which also include our database and website. We are expecting an update within the next few days.
They have told us that they too value your privacy and will never sell the database to any 3rd party for marketing purposes or SPAM and will, once agreements are in place contact you directly to offer you the chance to either stay subscribed to the current newsletter or to opt out if you no longer wish to receive any news regarding South African content in the UK.
Events
We are still fulfilling our obligations to various artists and are pleased to announce that the Saturday night show of Barry Hilton on the 2nd July 2005 at Barracuda Bar, Houndsditch is already sold out.
For more information or to book your tickets please visit http://www.nsat.tv/tickets_barryhilton.html
Dozi will also be returning in August 2005 and full details will be available on our website within the next week.
Charity
As you know, the aim of NSAT has always been to promote South Africa and anything associated with South Africa. One of these topics that lies close to our hearts is AIDS and we have been working very closely with HOPEHIV and other charity organisations such as Starfish to drum up support for the various different causes.
One of these now require your participation and I would be grateful if you can support Andre Vos (Ex Springbok Rugby Captain and now Captain of Harlequins) in his latest venture as detailed below.
(editor's note: this is where Mike's mail finished).
Great Household hints - especially if you have to do it all yourself!
This from Des Cowie
Sealed envelope - put in the freezer for a few hours, then slide a knife under the flap. The envelope can then be resealed. (hmmmmmm...)
Use empty toilet paper roll to store appliance cords. It keeps them neat and you can write on the roll what appliance it belongs to.
For icy door steps in freezing temperatures: get warm water and put Dawn dishwashing liquid in it. Pour it all over the steps. They won't refreeze. (wish I had known this for the last 40 years!)
Crayon marks on walls? This worked wonderfully! A damp rag, dipped in baking soda. Comes off with little effort (elbow grease that is!).
Permanent marker on appliances/counter tops (like store receipt BLUE!) rubbing alcohol on paper towel.
Whenever I purchase a box of SOS Pads, I immediately take a pair of scissors and cut each pad into halves. After years of having to throw away rusted and unused and smelly pads, I finally decided that this would be much more economical. And now a box of SOS pads last me indefinitely! In fact, I have noticed that the scissors get sharpened this way!
Blood stains on clothes? Not to worry! Just pour a little hydrogen peroxide on a cloth and proceed to wipe off every drop of blood. Works every time! Now, where to put the body?
Use vertical strokes when washing windows outside and horizontal for inside windows. This way you can tell which side has the streaks.
Straight vinegar will get outside windows really clean. Don't wash windows on a sunny day. They will dry too quickly and will probably streak.
Spray a bit of perfume on the lightbulb in any room to create a lovely light scent in each room when the light is turned on.
Place fabric softener sheets in dresser drawers and your clothes will smell freshly washed for weeks to come. You can also do this with towels and linen.
Candles will last a lot longer if placed in the freezer for at least 3 hours prior to burning.
To clean artificial flowers, pour some salt into a paper bag and add the flowers. Shake vigorously as the salt will absorb all the dust and dirt and leave your artificial flowers looking like new! Works like a charm!
To easily remove burnt on food from your skillet, simply add a drop or two of dish soap and enough water to cover bottom of pan, and bring to a boil on stovetop.
Spray your TUPPERWARE with nonstick cooking spray before pouring in tomato based sauces and there won't be any stains.
Wrap celery in aluminum foil when putting in the refrigerator and it will keep for weeks.
When boiling corn on the cob, add a pinch of sugar to help bring out the corn's natural sweetness.
Cure for headaches: Take a lime, cut it in half and rub it on your forehead. The throbbing will go away.
Don't throw out all that leftover wine: Freeze into ice cubes for future use in casseroles and sauces. Left over wine? What's that?! :)
To get rid of itch from mosquito bites, try applying soap on the area and you will experience instant relief.
Ants, ants, ants everywhere ... Well, they are said to never cross a chalk line. So get your chalk out and draw a line on the floor or wherever ants tend to march. See for yourself.
Use air-freshener to clean mirrors. It does a good job and better still, leaves a lovely smell to the shine.
When you get a splinter, reach for the scotch tape before resorting to tweezers or a needle. Simply put the scotch tape over the splinter, then pull it off. Scotch tape removes most splinters painlessly and easily.
Now look what you can do with Alka Seltzer. Clean a toilet. Drop in two Alka Seltzer tablets, wait twenty minutes, brush and flush. The citric acid and effervescent action clean vitreous china.
Clean a vase. To remove a stain from the bottom of a glass vase or cruet, fill with water and drop in two Alka Seltzer tablets.
Polish jewelry. Drop two Alka Seltzer tablets into a glass of water and immerse the jewelry for two minutes.
Clean a thermos bottle. Fill the bottle with water, drop in four Alka Seltzer tablets, and let soak for an hour (or longer, if necessary).
Unclog a drain. Clear the sink drain by dropping three Alka Seltzer tablets down the drain followed by a cup of white vinegar. Wait a few minutes, then run the hot water.
Please support my efforts and sponser me in the ING NEW YORK MARATHON on the 6 November 2005.
Details are on my website. YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'M RUNNING
http://www.justgiving.com/des4kids
If you have already, a huge THANK YOU.
Choice Coach – Work in Progress
Relationships
Beware the incremental differences! Getting rids of RIDS.
It's been a long time since I wrote about relationships, but they continue to be an important part of the lives of most of my readers and coaching clients. The person I was talking with recently was neither, but her story reminded me of the deadly effect on many relationships of what I call the rolling incremental differences (RIDs). I've written about them before, but it's been a long time, and the problems continue.
Relationship coaches are well accustomed to hearing complaints about a partner.
The question always arises, "Has s/he always done this?" Or "been like this?"
And the answer is usually "Well, yes, but not so much."
"Why does it bother you more now?"
"Because it means I have to...." Fill in whatever behavior compensates for whatever the results of the other partner's behavior.
"Have you always 'had to do' that?"
(Just to have a concrete example, let's say that we are talking about paying the bills, and that a female is speaking.)
"Well, I've always been organized, and it bothers me when things like that don't get done on time, so, yes, I usually do it."
"So originally it wasn't your job, but you took over because it didn't get done on time?"
"We used to share, but he didn't keep up with it so I often had to do it, just to make sure it was done on time, and now it's as though it's my job. I just don't think it should be all my responsibility."
"Did he ask you to?"
"No, he just didn't seem to care."
"What would happen if you didn't do it?"
"It wouldn't get done."
"Do you know that for sure?"
"Well... it's not very likely. He's just not responsible. He's like a child!"
Let's take a look at what seems to have happened here. We'll call her Helen (I'm safe, I don't know any Helens) and her husband Sam.
Somewhere back in their relationship, they were both responsible for bill paying. Sam didn't quite keep up with Helen's standard of how and when this should be done, and so she started doing more of it and, of course, the more she did the less he did, and the more he came to see it as "her" job.
This is typical of what I call rolling incremental differences, and RIDs have been the death of many relationships.
What happens is that, to begin with in the happy glow of early love they were probably both fairly well matched. Maybe she was always a bit more organized, but obviously Sam was willing to do his share. Let's say that of the total "organizational quotient" between the two of them she had 52% and he had 48%. That's not a big difference, and they probably saw themselves as fairly equal. Then something happened. Perhaps Sam forgot an important bill and there were consequences, maybe major, maybe minor, but there were consequences and they were "Sam's fault." Somehow their joint image of that "organizational quotient" changed - probably just a little bit, that's how it usually works, but the change happened. Helen began to see Sam as less capable, organizationally, and Sam felt a little less competent at that particular task. It became, perhaps, 56% and 44%. The proportion began to roll. Helen probably started keeping closer tabs of whether the bills were paid, and Sam probably started feeling more as though he was under supervision, which could have led to a reactive "The heck with it" feeling on his part. As a result, he would be less likely to "own" the bill paying process, and she would be more likely to take over more and more because she felt that she "had" to. The rolling continued, and the proportions continued to become more and more unbalanced. She resents the burden, and he, whether or not he is content to leave her with the chore, probably feels a tad less respected than he would like.
The imbalance can go in either direction as regards gender. I can remember a time, in one relationship, when I was originally more than willing to pitch in with painting walls and trim. I had done it in the past, very competently. But then I did not reach someone else's standard. It was made very clear that I did not measure up. What happened? I just stopped doing it, because I did not want to subject myself to that kind of criticism. That particular RID didn't really roll - it simply screeched to a total imbalance in about five minutes. I was no longer the person who did about half the interior decorating.
Sometimes this type of imbalance can be confined to just one specific area, such as bill paying. Sometimes it may be much wider, with one person becoming "the adult" and the other seeming to behave more and more like a child as far as responsibilities are concerned. They may not see it that way. It may work very well as a division of labor.
There is nothing wrong with playing to one's strengths. If that is the case, and if both fully buy into the division there is nothing wrong with that. However, it is when the imbalance begins to be resented by one or the other that problems can start. Sometimes it is because one person "has to" carry a load that s/he feels should really be shared.
Sometimes problems arise because one person feels shut out of an area because the other person handles it all. It may be that Sam feels that way in the case mentioned above. This is one of life's bitter ironies. It is not unusual for BOTH people to be resentful when a relationship has an extreme imbalance. One may feel over-burdened, and the other may feel disrespected - and neither is content.
The key, of course, is courteous, respectful communication. If you don't feel comfortable about something, say so. Don't yell. Don't blame. Just state the facts and the feelings.
Forgive me if this is obvious, but here is a well-known and usually successful formula for such a situation.
"When .............. then I feel ................... "
Helen: "Sam, when I have to handle all the bills every week I feel resentful. Is there any way we could share the handling of the finances more evenly?"
Unfortunately, what is often more likely to be said is,
Helen: "Sam, I'm sick and tired of doing these bills every week. If I didn't do it our credit would be ruined because you're so irresponsible - you're just like a child."
Oh sure, that's going to make Sam act like an adult!
What is sad is that in most cases the beginning of the roll is so slight as to be unnoticed, and it is only when the imbalance has become extreme, and difficult to retreat from, that it comes to the attention of both individuals as being a problem.
Communicate! Don't be a self-righteous martyr, coping with a situation that makes you resentful, and assuming that the other person "ought to know" how you feel. Even if s/he realizes there is something wrong, how is s/he to know WHAT is wrong if you don't put it into words?
Someone I know believes in sitting down on a sofa, with the two people facing each other and holding hands, in order to talk through issues of difficulty in a relationship. The hand-holding reminds both people that they do care about each other and the relationship. The direct facing signifies honesty and straightforwardness.
If something in your relationship is bothering you - have you gently and respectfully let your partner know how you feel? Have you asked, gently and non-patronizingly, how your partner can help you in making changes that will be acceptable to both of you?
If not... why not? Martyrdom is not something to be clung to or enjoyed. It does not ensure us "brownie points" in the hereafter. What I suspect it does do is age us before our time, and slowly and inexorably destroy the relationship.
If you are tempted toward martyrdom - refuse it! If your relationship is worthy of a future, it is worthy of effort.
Make the change!
Remember that more of Diana's writings can be found in an intermittent (especially through the summer) blog at http://blog.choicecoach.com/.
Also, an archive on old Work in Progress issues going back to 1997 can be found at
http://lists.webvalence.com/sites/WorkInProgress/
If you or your friends would like a free half-hour sample coaching call, please contact me by email or via my web site at http://ChoiceCoach.com. I may not answer instantly as there will be some times this summer when I cannot access the internet, but you may be sure that I will respond as soon as I am able.
Copyright 2005 Diana Robinson, PhD., PCC. Work in Progress may be reproduced in its entirety only, including this copyright line. Disclaimer - The contents herein are solely the opinions of Work in Progress owner, and should not be considered as a form of therapy nor advice. There is no guarantee of validity or accuracy. If expert assistance or counseling is needed, the services of a competent professional should be sought.
Mailing Address:
Diana Robinson
2604 Elmwood Avenue #230
Rochester, NY 14618
USA
Mind Massage
Mindfulness and the G-word: On Sexuality and Happiness
When I was growing up in the tiny town of Gaston, Oregon (population: 325), there was a week-long festival in the 'big' town of Forest Grove six miles away.
It was called the 'Gay Nineties' and featured a parade with townspeople wearing clothing from the late 1800s.we had the Gaston Good 'Ol Days parade, and we were guaranteed a spot by simply showing up with our favorite farm animal, but it was not nearly as elaborate as the Gay Nineties. After all, Forest Grove had over 10,000 people, so their events were much more exciting than ours. They had a marching band and a queen!
I went out of state to attend college in 1978, traveled around the world during my senior year in 1982, and when I came back to Gaston for a visit after graduation, I wasn't too surprised to learn that the Gay Nineties had been discontinued.
By that time, 'gay' was no longer a word that meant 'happy'—it was a word that meant homosexual. Gay Nineties was no longer considered an appropriate name for a quaint annual festival in a small historic town.
I moved to Japan, met my wonderful husband-to-be, and after our wedding, we spent time in Palm Springs. My aunt Linda, a divorcee, lived in a charming cottage there and gave us the scoop on her new city. Unimpressed by the pool of eligible males, she told us that Palm Springs was referred to as the Gay Nineties—because all the men were either gay or in their nineties!
In 1988, my brilliant half-brother Dennis, an ex-Foreign Service official and executive director of an international business council, called to tell me that he had been fired by the board for marching in Chicago’s Gay Pride parade. He moved to San Francisco, became a high school history teacher, and shortly thereafter, became ill.diagnosed with AIDS, and died within a year.
During the 90s, my father—who announced he was homosexual back in 1964, his dumbfounded Mormon wife forced to pack up the three preschoolers and go live with her parents—would vent hostility at the mere mention of the word “gay.”
In 2003, my younger brother Lynn, who had struggled since the age of three with depression and an overpowering sense that he was not who he was, took his own life. It didn’t take.
I never miss the Gay Pride parade here in Portland. Father’s Day. It is a joyful celebration of diversity and acceptance in all shapes, sizes, colors and preferences.
It bears absolutely no resemblance to the Gay Nineties parades of my youth. raucous, bawdy, bittersweet, and full of tremendous affection and humor. I can’t wait.
We'll Have A Gay Old Time
Well, after reading that, it probably comes as no surprise that the word “gay” is a owerful mindfulness trigger for me. What words serve as mindfulness triggers for YOU?
You can enhance your mindfulness by developing unavoidable cues for greater awareness in your everyday life.
I’ve designed a course that will open your eyes to the endless opportunities for mindfulness all around you.
It’s fun, unforgettable, and guaranteed to get your multiple intelligences—all EIGHT of ‘em!—fired up.
To sign up for the
Mission: Mindfulness ecourse, visit:
Real-WorldMindfulness.com/products.htm
Mindfulness Goes Mainstream
I’ve been interviewed for several magazine articles this last week, and the wonderful part is that so many writers and editors are now looking for creative, practical applications of mindfulness to help their readers handle all kinds of challenges.
No matter what you’re facing in this ol’ river of life, mindfulness can help you navigate your way through the rapids with greater clarity, a sense of calm, and a plash of creative energy.
I’m glad mindfulness is going mainstream. To read more on this in my blog,visit: www.MassageYourMind.blogspot.com
**********************************
Maya Talisman Frost is a mind masseuse offering specialized mindfulness training to individuals and groups in Portland, Oregon. Her work has inspired thinkers in over 100 countries. To subscribe to her free ezine, the Friday Mind Massage, please visit http://www.massageyourmind.com.
**************************************
©Copyright 2004, Maya Talisman Frost
52 Best Stories – The Art of the Question
A young guy from Missouri moves to Florida and goes to a big "everything under the roof department store" looking for a job. The manager says
"Do you have any sales experience?"
The kid says: "Yeah, I was a salesman back home in Missouri."
Well, the boss liked the kid so he gave him the job.
"You start tomorrow, I'll come down after we close and see how you did."
His first day on the job was rough but he got through it. After the store was locked up, the boss came down,
"How many sales did you make today?"
The kid says "one."
The boss says, "just one?!! Our sales people average 20 to 30 sales a day!"
But he liked the kid and rather than fire him on the spot, he thought he would ask him one more question.
"How much was the sale for?"
The kid says "$101,237.64"
The boss says, "$101,23764? WHAT IN THE WORLD DID YOU SELL?"
Kid says, "First I sold him a small fish hook, then I sold him a larger fish hook. Then I asked him if he needed a new fishing pole and then sold him a new fishing rod,"
"Then I asked him where he was going fishing and he said down at the coast, so I told him he was gonna need a boat, so we went down to the boat department and I sold him that twin engine Chris Craft."
"Then asked him if his car could pull the new boat. He said he didn't think his Honda Civic could pull it, so I took him down to the automotive department and sold him that 4x4 Expedition."
The boss said, "A guy came in here to buy a fish hook and you sold him a BOAT AND A TRUCK??"
The kid says, "No, he came in here to buy a box of aspirin for his wife." and I said,
"Don't you think your weekend's shot? Why not go fishing?"
~ Author Unknown ~
http://www.52best.com/question.asp
One Man’s Australia - Luck or mateship?
It does not matter. On Thursday evening we received the news that Douglas Wood, whose kidnapping in Iraq formed part of my column for SAW of May 9th, had been released.
He was only the 4th foreign hostage - out of more than 200 kidnapped so far - to have been successfully freed.
Within 24 hours of his kidnapping Australia had sent a 20-person emergency response team to Iraq to try to free him. The team included police experts in hostage negotiations and an SAS extraction group as well as senior diplomats from the Department of Foreign Affairs. It was supported by the Australian military in Baghdad, which provided vital communications and logistics backup.
Crucially the Australian Federation of Islamic Councils sent the Head Mufti of Australia, Sheik Taj Eldin Al Hilali, with a party to Iraq because of his global reputation as an Islamic scholar and knowledge of Iraq's religious leadership. The Mufti postponed scheduled open heart surgery to make the trip. To maintain its independence the Australian Federation of Islamic Councils paid all costs for the Mufti and his party.
The Mufti preached tirelessly at mosques and was seen on Arabic television almost daily. He also swiftly made contact with Iraqi religious and tribal leaders and, through them, with the kidnappers.
His approach was a step-by-step one.
1. To win time by getting the deadline for Douglas Wood's execution postponed.
2. To open a dialogue with the kidnappers in order to get him released in the fullness of time. In the course of this the Mufti offered himself as a hostage in Douglas Wood's place.
3. To win the confidence of Iraqis who had vital information and persuade them to make it known the team.
After the initial videos showing that Douglas Wood had been beaten by his captors, there came silence. For weeks, the Australians received no hard intelligence that Douglas Wood was still alive.
Three weeks ago, consideration was even being given by Canberra to rotating members of the emergency response team out of Baghdad for a rest.
Then, on May 29, the team finally received welcome news. A computer message received by the team made it clear Douglas Wood was alive. It was accompanied by a video of him made only days before.
After six emotionally draining weeks, the breakthrough for the emergency response team in Baghdad came early on Wednesday when an Iraqi provided the vital clues that led Iraqi troops to a suburban house where Douglas Wood was being held.
As luck would have it, Iraqi army units, aided by US troops, were already in the area conducting systematic cordon and search operations as part of a continuing operation codenamed Lightning.
Within minutes, soldiers from the Iraqi army's 1st Brigade had pinpointed a house in the Sunni-dominated Ghazaliya district. After surrounding the house and engaging in a brief exchange of fire with the Australian's captors, Iraqi troops entered and discovered Douglas Wood under a blanket with his hands bound.
The Iraqi team also freed an Iraqi hostage, identified only as Rasool and captured several Iraqis who were part of the group that had held Douglas Wood hostage.
The operation began with 10 Iraqi soldiers bursting into the building, which is near a busy highway in the Ghazaliya district, a known insurgent stronghold.
Soon after the raid, a US combat team arrived and secured the area, and the hostages were then taken by helicopter to the city's US-controlled Green Zone.
There were no casualties on either side.
PS: 1830 AEST Friday 17th June 2005.
I have just watched the early evening news. The Australian Government has released the "secret" May 29th 2005 video of Douglas Wood. No wonder they and the Wood family kept it secret...
He told the world not only the city he was being held in (Baghdad) but also the district. But he did it in Strine - which his captors did not understand.
Using the example of "The wombat eats roots shoots and leaves" illustrates what he did. For those who are dependent on English it refers to its diet. For those who understand Strine it refers to its sex life.
The Iraqi informant then identified the house on Wednesday 15th.
No queries received this week.
Nobody needing help this week.
If you are looking for a lost friend... if you would like old friends to contact you... If you want to find old school friends... if you just want people who used to know you to find you again for a chat...
Send in your info, the info of anyone you are looking for and let’s see if we can find them for you!
Australia – Perth
.jpg) Hi Maureen
Could you advertise Steve Hofmeyr who is in Perth, Australia on 27 July 2005, for us please. I have attached a poster which you could place if possible please
Thanks
JJ Meyer
CONCERT COORDINATOR
3/148 Cambridge Street
Leederville
Perth , WA 6007
Tel: +27 8 93816881 Mb +422223453
(details are in the image)
The Blonde and the Casino
This from DanielJan Le Roux
Two bored casino dealers are waiting at the crap table. A very attractive blonde woman arrived and bet twenty thousand dollars on a single roll of the dice.
She said, "I hope you don't mind, but I feel much luckier when I'm completely nude."
With that, she stripped from the neck down, rolled the dice and yelled, "Come on, baby, Mama needs new clothes!"
As the dice came to a stop she jumped up and down and squealed...
"YES! YES! I WON, I WON!"
She hugged each of the dealers and then picked up her winnings and her clothes and quickly departed. The dealers stared at each other dumfounded. Finally, one of them asked, "What did she roll?" The other answered, "I don't know - I thought you were watching."
Moral - Not all blondes are dumb, but all men are men.
Cape Flats Lullaby
This from Mike
Hush my laaitie don't you cry
Daddy's gonna steal you a GTi,
And if that GTi don't Torque
Another GTi, I will stalk.
And if the stalking don't go to well
Daddy's gonna steal you a Caravelle
And if that Caravelle makes some tricks
Daddy's gonna jack you a VR6.
And if that VR6 won't fly
Daddy's gonna knock a BM from a Sandton guy.
And if that BM's sound is kwaai
Da Lenz cherries will go with you to elke braai!
And if the cops ask why?
Daddy will buy the docket from a Police spy!
And if all these things still make you cry
Then you're not my laaitie
...... your mom told me a lie !!
Men Are Happier People
This from Des Cowie
Your last name stays put.
The garage is all yours.
Chocolate is just another snack.
You can be President.
You can never be pregnant.
You can wear a white T-shirt to a water park.
You can wear NO shirt to a water park.
Car mechanics tell you the truth.
The world is your urinal.
You never have to drive to another gas station restroom because this one is
just too icky.
You don't have to stop and think of which way to turn a nut on a bolt.
Same work, more pay.
Wrinkles add character.
People never stare at your chest when you're talking to them.
The occasional well-rendered belch is practically expected.
New shoes don't cut, blister, or mangle your feet.
One mood all the time.
Phone conversations are over in 30 seconds flat.
You know stuff about tanks.
A five-day vacation requires only one suitcase.
You can open all your own jars.
You get extra credit for the slightest act of thoughtfulness.
If someone forgets to invite you, he or she can still be your friend.
Your underwear is $8.95 for a three-pack.
Three pairs of shoes are more than enough.
You almost never have strap problems in public.
You are unable to see wrinkles in your clothes.
Everything on your face stays its original color.
The same hairstyle lasts for years, maybe decades.
You only have to shave your face and neck.
You can play with toys all your life.
Your belly usually hides your big hips.
One wallet and one pair of shoes one color for all seasons.
You can wear shorts no matter how your legs look.
You can "do" your nails with a pocket knife.
You have freedom of choice concerning growing a mustache.
You can do Christmas shopping for 25 relatives on December 24 in 25 minutes.
No wonder men are happier!!
Hello Maureen (from a cool Holland - we are still waiting for summer)
This article appeared in the Sarie magazine and I have kept it because when I run out of Mrs. Balls I am going to make my own....
Have fun
Allan
MRS BALL'S CHUTNEY story by Annel Lategan from women24.com
South Africans and expats alike love Mrs Ball's Chutney. Now Sarie magazine has discovered the history and the recipe of this culinary legend. n the March 2004 edition of Sarie Magazine, writer André Le Roux uncovers the life story of Mrs. Ball and her secret chutney recipe. Here, with kind permission from Sarie, we let you in on the secret. For the full story and loads more wonderful reads, get the March 2004 edition of Sarie - on sale now.
Although Mrs. Ball’s chutney is considered to be a truly South African product, the recipe, in reality, comes from Canada. The name chutney was adopted from a Hindi word in India, chatni, meaning 'made from fresh fruit and spices". In South Africa it's mainly used as a marinade and a sauce to accompany meat, curries and bobotie.
In 1865 Mrs. Ball was born as Amelia Alice Elizabeth Adkins in Fort Jackson, East London, the same town where her Canadian parents were stranded in 1852 on their way to Australia. According to www.ballfamilyrecords.co.uk her father, Henry James Adkins, captain of the SS Quanza, and his wife, Sarah Spalding, left the coastal town, Nova Scotia in Canada for Australia.
Although the boat was lost off the coast of East London, fortunately for future generations of South Africans, the captain, his wife and her chutney recipe survived. It was here that their daughter, Amelia Adkins, was born thirteen years later. She married Herbert Saddleton Ball in Fort Jackson, and was thereafter known as Mrs. Ball. Both Mrs Ball and her sister, Florence (known as Aunt Flo) received the secret chutney recipe from their mother, who in turn got it from her mother. Aunt Flo also made the exact same chutney recipe - which she sold as Mrs. Adkins’ Chutney - the only difference being that almost no one bought it.
Edward Thomas Adkins Ball, Mrs. Ball’s grandson, explained to Sarie magazine that the difference in the recipes might have been in the sugar. Mrs. Ball started making the chutney after she moved to Johannesburg with her husband and seven children. Her friends and family loved it so much that the business started blossoming on its own. The demand increased; Mrs Ball cooked and her husband bottled. Home Industries started selling her chutney and by 1918 she sold about 24 bottles a day, which in the years to come grew to 8 000bottles a day. In 1921 the Ball family moved to Cape Town. After living in Kalk Bay and Diepriver they settled in Plumstead (where her husband took over the chutney cooking). He died in 1935 and she moved to Fish Hoek where she continued to make chutney in her backyard with the help of her grandson, "Uncle Bob". The business was later moved to Woodstock with twelve new workers.
In 1957/’58 Mrs Ball’s chutney was exported to England for the first time. In the early seventies, Brooke Bond Oxo bought over the business, which was later sold to Unifoods.
Still owned by them today, Mrs Ball’s chutney is being made in Johannesburg and exported to Germany, Britain, New Zealand and Australia. Mrs. Ball died on 20 November 1962 at the age of 97. Uncle Bob believes she would have lived to see 100 if she wasn’t attacked a few years earlier. Apparently three youths assaulted her for a small purse of money while she was sitting on the stoep of her house in Fish Hoek. They threw her to the ground, and, unable to get up by herself, she was found lying there sometime later. She could not be buried next to her husband in Plumstead due to rising water levels. Instead she was buried in Muizenberg, where her grave can still be visited today.
Mrs. Ball’s secret recipe. Edward Ball, Mrs. Ball’s grandson scaled down this original recipe to make 18 bottles of (mild) chutney. 612 g dried peaches 238 g dried apricots 3 litres brown wine vinegar 2 1/2 kg white sugar 500 g onions 120 g salt 75 g cayenne pepper 1 to 2 litres of brown wine vinegar for soaking About 2 litres of brown wine vinegar for mixing The fruit should be left in the soaking vinegar overnight, then cooked in the same vinegar until soft. Drain. Put the fruit through a mill. Add the sugar (dissolved) and onions (minced) and cook in a pot with the brown wine vinegar. The amount of vinegar depends on the consistency: it should not be too runny or too thick, but have the same consistency as the end product you find in the bottle. Add spices and cook for one to two hours. Stir occasionally with a wooden spoon to prevent burning. Sterilise your bottles and spoon in the mixture.
That's it - you've got Mrs Ball's Chutney. * To make the chutney hot, add 75 g chopped chillies. * To make peach chutney, omit the apricots and use 850 g dried peaches instead.
Vaughan hails Pietersen 'genius' [News 24]
England captain Michael Vaughan was full of admiration for Kevin Pietersen after the Hampshire batsman added to his growing list of breathtaking one-day innings with a commanding 91 not out in Sunday's triangular series victory against world champions Australia.
http://www.news24.com/News24/Sport/Cricket/0,,2-9-839_1723802,00.html
South Africa and Scotland bid for 2007 AR World Championship [Runners Web]
A bidding war has been launched by adventure racing companies in South Africa and Scotland for the rights to run the 2007 Adventure Racing World Championship.
http://www.runnersweb.com/running/news/rw_news_20050620_AR_Worlds2007.html
France deny Boks in exciting draw [BBC]
A late try from debutant wing Julien Candelon gave France a 30-30 draw in a thrilling Test with South Africa.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/4107242.stm
Humble Comrades king reigns in family's heart [IOL]
Comrades Marathon winner Sipho Ngomane received a hero's welcome when he returned to his hometown of Etinkomeni, just outside Nelspruit.
http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?set_id=6&cli...
Shosholoza lauded for bravery [iafrica.com]
Impressed commentators at the current America's Cup precursor regatta yesterday described a Team Shosholoza crew's quick action to prevent a disaster while racing as the sort of "astonishing act of bravery that could win or lose a contest".
http://sport.iafrica.com/news/452155.htm
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