Globally wasting time

In the shadow of COP 17, comes the news that over the last fifteen years, we have seen the thirteen hottest years on record (since 1850). This is according to the United Nations World Meteorological Organization.
 It is contested by scientists that a sustained 2% Celsius rise in world temperatures would see the point from which we will not be able to pull back from.  An increase in temperature, would mean serious knock on effects, such as severe storms, prolonged droughts, flooding to touch on a few general effects. Furthermore, the well known weather phenomenon known as El Nino and it's sister, La Nino, would be intensified as the temperatures rise. This will further increase the severity of drought and also rainfall. (Although these two conditions do not effect global warming, they do intensify the weather associated with each due to the rise in temperatures). As the sea temperatures heat up, tropical storms and hurricanes will be much stronger and more frequent than they are right now. This is, of course, is a very general oversight on change.

Further serious signs include the sea ice in the Arctic, which is at it's thinnest in history and the area covered by ice the second lowest levels in history.
Without going into each region, we all have seen the flooding, the extreme storms and the severe droughts experienced by different places on earth.  There is no doubt that this is real.

It is obvious to me, and should be to those in charge of countries and industry, that we are facing an impending disaster. Numerous conferences are held by leaders, but sadly very little action comes from these meetings. There are loads of promises and haggling, but the best result they achieve is to apply measures in a certain amount time. As in COP17, 2020. Agreements mean nothing if not followed by action. And action is what is needed NOW, not in years to come. Action is also needed by everybody, not just a few worldwide.

I can understand the need to stoke industry and to pander the the economy as this basically is what keep a country afloat. Having said that, where do we draw the line between romancing the economy and saving the earth?

I do believe the global warming is part of a natural cycle of heating and cooling the earth goes through. I also have no doubt that human activity is speeding this process up. Logically we cannot pump millions of tons of pollution into the atmosphere, deforest large areas of woodland, turn wetlands into residential or industrial property and so on, without the planet feeling negative effect. For those who choose to think we are innocent, I feel sorry for their ignorance.

Many are alleging that global warming is a myth caused by those wanting to get rich off the 'green movement'. (And funny nothing mentioned by those raked the riches from oil and coal). These are the people who ignore the scientific facts- besides, they should also explain to us, how restoring wetlands, reducing deforestation, reducing pollution and so on, will have a negative effect on the planet.

Any positive move will help the planet, but we need to be honest- governments and industry are just not doing enough. Soon global warming will have crossed the point of no return and then it will be too late for those in charge to realize that there is no other home for us- once earth is cooked- so are we and all those we share earth with us.

Daft Crimes and Criminals

Thought as it is a wet Friday here, I would have a bit of fun and try to reintroduce the Stupid Crimes and Criminals Friday tradition.

To begin we have a real winner. Mr Albert Bailey, a twenty seven year old Connecticut resident, who is apparently starved for patience. When he decided he need to make an illegal bank withdrawal, he was not interested in waiting and decided to do what no one has been clever enough to do before- he phoned the bank prior to arriving. Sparky considerately informed them that he planned on robbing them and would be very grateful if they would have the money available on arrival.

Of course, the bank, not being as daft, called the cops who apprehended Bailey and an unnamed sixteen year old accomplice. The police, having a sense of humour it seems, did wait for the dye trap to explode first though.
Our understatement of the week comes from Police Sergeant James Perez when he indicated that the two suspects weren't 'to bright'...really?

Secondly we have Anthony Miranda. This 24 year old no- gooder decided to mug an unnamed guy on the South West side of Chicago. The result was that Anthony ended up with two blue eyes, facial cuts and a gunshot to his ankle. Turns out the target was a martial arts and ultimate fighting champion.
During the hold up, the Victim made his move. During the tussle Albert's gun discharged and shot him in the ankle in addition to being beaten silly.  
He is being held on $350 000 bond for this and various other charges.

Lastly we have Mark Fiasco and Mathew Hawley. These chaps were pulled over in a routine traffic stop by deputies in Florida. Cops became suspicious when the address given did not match that on Fiasco's licence. While conducting a car search they found 29.3 grams of marijuana in the boot (trunk)  of his car along with a bong, inside a plastic bag.

Fiasco and Hawley, happily  agreed to purchasing the magic herb with an intent to 'smoke the shit out of it'.
Over and above this, the pot head twosome gratefully thanked the deputies for finding the bong, which they has not seen for seven years, after purchasing it for $150. Got to love grateful people.

Zuma must act like a leader!

Three South African provinces are in dire financial problems and several departments have been placed under administration. The three provinces are, Gauteng (SA's business hub), Free State and Limpopo. It is reported that Limpopo had to borrow money to pay salaries to the tune of R1 billion. .

Of course, there is the usual denial and wide eyed bewilderment by those who are guilty or at least responsible for the mismanagement of public funds. Government announced that five Limpopo departments would be placed under administration. The MEC's, Chief financial officers and all other relevant officials would be replaced by 'National Acting Deployees'.
The departments include- Education, Treasury, Roads and Transport, Public Works, Health and Social Development in Limpopo.
In the Free State we are looking at Police, Roads and Transport.
With Gauteng it seems just Health.

The positive step is that Cabinet has called for a forensic investigation into this dark situation. Furthermore, stating that should maladministration or illegal activities be found, the firing stick will come out.

Now, the problems I do have- the word 'replaced'. Does it mean that the people have been suspended or they just took a temporary step back from the positions they messed up, to allow somebody else to fix it? From past experience we know that people in high positions in government, are not easily fired or disciplined, unless you cross the line and fall into the wrong camp. Look at Travelgate as a prime example of this. How many other officials have been placed on suspension with full pay for a year or more, while their case drags out for some reason or another?

 President Zuma has promised a hard line on corruption, yet to date there is little evidence he means what he says. He protects those in his camp and really only takes action against those out of favour.
Even the call for heads to roll for any wrong doing by the cabinet, IF there is an audit, should be taken with a pinch of salt. It is all just saying the right thing at the right time to appease the public.

If there is misuse of funds or maladministration, those who are responsible should be suspended right away. An urgent audit must be undertaken and action taken by way of firing them and laying criminal charges if need be. This process should take weeks! It is simple- if people cannot administer their province and/or departments, they are not fit for the job and should be demoted or fired, depending on the seriousness. No debate.

The South African public requires our leaders to spend out tax money well- to uplift the poor, to better housing, healthcare and education. The list goes on. It is time for a hard line to be taken on those who waste our money on rubbish and do note use it for what it is meant for.
It is time for Jacob Zuma to act like a leader and fire those who corruptly use state funds!!!!

Most Expensive Accident

Once in a while a story comes along that really tugs at your heartstrings, brings a lump to your throat and a tear to the eye.
This is such a story.
Apparently a convoy of luxury cars was driving to a show in Hiroshima from Kyushu. Whilst driving alone the Chugoko expressway, it appears a 60 year of self employed Ferrari driver lost control of his sleek beauty while changing lanes. The car hit the median and bounced into the path of the convoy.

The sad result- 8 Ferrari's, a Lamborghini, 3 Mercedes Benz and two Toyota probably written off. There were no serious human injury but the heartbreaking pictures on various news media is almost to much to take. The pictures on my blog are not meant to offend or shock, but to bring the sadness home.

Cost of a future

I have always supported the idea that the more you ensure your citizens are educated, the better it goes for your country. Educated people are in a better position to become employed or start businesses to employ others. In South Africa we have frightening unemployment levels and linked to this, we have very low education levels and pass rates.

This is a serious situation. Our matric pass rates drop annually. So, the powers that be, being the bright lights they are, do the only thing they could think of- drop the pass marks.
Now, surely the most logical step would be to look at where things are going wrong.
Our educators need to be top notch and be in education because they want to teach. Teachers need to be well trained and passionate about teaching. This process should begin from pre-school level. This is where your foundation begins.
To do this, they should be subject to annual exams themselves. (It was established that many teachers cannot pass their own exams). So don't drop the pass rate, but increase the quality and standard of education.

Education in South Africa is an expensive project. Basic schooling in a public school costs around R5 000 per year. This excludes stationary (but includes a sub-standard teacher).
University undergraduate degrees run into the tens of thousands and post graduate to doctorates could set you back R100 000 or so. Even studying a diploma from colleges set you back from R10- 20 000.

Okay, these figures are both rounded and average, but the message remains the same. You pay a lot of money and not much in return. We have a tertiary education level of 6% of those over 20 years old.

To me education is not a privilege but a right. Just because people cannot afford education, why should it be withheld from them? Truth is, that for most people to study(excluding the rich of course), they require some type of financial assistance by way of a bursary or a loan. Having said this, these two options are not available to everybody. Most people who are employed, live from hand to mouth and cannot afford to pay off a loan or payments to an educational body. (They have small things like food and rent to consider first.) Then there are the unemployed, who let's face it, require free education but will never be in a position to afford it. Nobody can argue that education does not only empower you, but assists you with your progress in life.

Funding will always be a problem of course. Having said this and acknowledging that this would be a challenge, I am sure that there is a way to assist people who want to study. Millions of Rands are wasted in corrupt deals, on useless parties and get togethers, on first class travel and 5 star hotel bills and the list goes on. Our government needs to get serious about governing and assisting their citizens.  Until they do, we will remain a third world country.

Nickelback-Here and Now review

After waiting for years after Dark Horse, I was more than exited when I read the brilliant news that Nickelback was due to release a new album. The months dragged, but finally I was able to get my grubby hands on the new offering by this classic rock band.

I am a Nickelback fan, a massive one, so granted this review of their latest album, 'Here and Now' may be slightly biased. I have Nickelback's CD's from 'The Curb' till 'Here and Now'. As a band, their music has grown, yet still kept their brilliant raw rock sounds. In a world where there are plastic tastes of people who idolize Justin Bieber or Lady Gaga with their catchy plastic pop that they try to pass off as music, good rock bands are always welcome. Brilliant ones are treasured. 

'Here and Now' is a great mix of real rock and haunting rock ballads. (It is my view, that nobody pulls off ballads better than rock bands). 

The album is also a mix of messages. The first release, 'When we stand together' has a strong message to the world about the less fortunate and a call to do something about it.

The album kicks off with 'This means war'. A raw rocks song with heavy guitar and drum beats. 

'Bottoms up' will become a drinking anthem, and rightly so. 

Then there are the usual good tongue in cheek lyrics, as in 'Midnight queen' and 'Gotto get me some'. All good, solid rock songs with catchy choruses and lyrics, accompanied by great guitar work and pounding drums. Some lines will bring a smirk to your mouth. Nickelback are one of those bands that brings a strong message through, despite the subtle humour in some of their songs. Many criticize them for their lyrics, but I see them as being what people think about or can relate to.  

However, I have to admit that the slower songs top my list. 'Lullaby' is haunting. 'Everything I wanna do' and 'Trying not to love you' are also well written, well performed rock ballads. As a lyricist myself, I appreciate good lyrics, and these guys know how to write brilliant love songs. I adore love songs, and Nickelback pull them off splendidly. 

The guitar work over the entire album is something to behold as is Chad's gravel voice, which brings so much emotion to the slower songs and a real rock sound to the heavier songs. 

As I said, I am a NB fan, and am proud of it. They are one of the few brilliant rock bands who do not pretend to be anything else. 'Here and Now' is worth buying and listening to over and over. 

Request

I blog because I enjoy getting stuff off my chest and I enjoy writing. Granted, I do not post as much as I ought to.  make no excuse for this. I do see that people are reading my blog, which I feel honoured about. One request, please leave comment whether you agree, disagree, like or don't like what I write. If you have ideas, please feel free to share them with me.

I look forward to hearing from you all.

Here are two of my photos, hope you like.

The Zuma Fort

In South Africa we have a unit called the Special Investigation Unit (SIU). The SIU is an independent body, created to investigate institutions or people employed by the state who perform illegal act(s), who squander public funds and who harm the institution of the State. This is a rough definition of course, without going into all the legal stuff. The SIU is accountable to the president and to parliament.

It has now been announced that judge Willem Heath will now head up this sensitive unit. And this is where, as in many cases in South Africa, it becomes murky.

Before the 2009 elections, Jacob Zuma had corruption charges relating to the tainted arms deal hanging over him. Despite his many attempts to approach various courts, he lost each case (at the tax payers expense of course) and thus the charges remained. With Judge Heath In Zuma's corner, the charges were withdrawn due to the flimsy excuse of questioning the motive behind the charges. Bear in mind that various judgments went against Zuma as many other judges decided there was a strong case, based on the evidence Zuma was trying to suppress. With some other clever appointments by the ANC led government and despite outrage from sections of the public, all charges were simply dropped. Heath still maintains the prosecution was 'driven by tainted evidence.' Tape recording secured by the Zuma camp were acquired by questionable means and indicated leaks in National Intelligence.

This appointment brings into question the true independence of the SIU. This appointment was made in place of Willie Hofmeyr (picture at bottom of post with Heath), who is now deputy national director. Unlike Heath, Hofmeyr has no allies to which to please and is known to go after the truth. He is also respected by all the opposition parties and his record speaks for itself.

The ANC led government disbanded the Scorpions. who were an independant police like unit, who went after the big fish, and often caught them, Their success rate was the highest of any police like unit in South Africa.   The replacement, the Hawks has been seen as a toothless unit headed up by political appointments.

This announcement comes on the back of the ANC announcing it wants access to Constitutional Court judgments, with a view to interfere. (this is a post for another day though).

It is clear that as the Zuma camp is securing themselves from legal action from any angle. The dirty Information Bill goes further to prove this. We all know that corruption is rife in our government. It would appear from the top. By passing laws and appointing the correct people to head sensitive units, those in the correct camp are assured of escaping prosecution and also securing friends who would prefer to be in the secure fort.

Brilliant Advert

The latest You Tube sensation is the advert by Nando's depicting Mugabe as being alone this Christmas as all his fellow dictator friends are dead. This ad is filled with memories of Mugabe with various 'friends' like Saddam Hussein and Muammar Gaddafi.

To me the advert is both fresh, offensive and brilliant. Now don't get me wrong, it is far from offensive to me. I have no time for Mugabe nor his followers. They however are calling for people to boycott Nando's worldwide. Having said this, who but those in Zimbabwe really take Mugabe's followers seriously so I am sure Nando's are not going to worry to much about lost revenue there. Mugabe is a ruthless dictator who has killed thousands of his own people and hung on to power despite losing an election, so why should we feel sorry when a bit of fun is thrown his way. He can make the insults but thinks he is above receiving them. The ad is also pretty close to the truth, which makes it a good political message. 

The Nando's chain is known for it's fresh and often controversial advertising. (Freedom of speech is a bitch). I hope they keep it up. 

I recommend looking the ad up on You Tube and have a chuckle.

(As a late note- Nando's pulled the Ad. Very sad they had to buckle. )