Royal waste of tax money

I have held my tongue about this issue, hoping that it would not get on my nerves enough for me to write about it- well, sorry to say it has.
The fairytale wedding of Prince Willy and Kate M. Now, for one I cannot understand why there is such a buzz about this. Granted he is a Prince, but really, this is not the 1800s and let's face it, the royal family concept is pretty outdated. The times when the royal family had a real function in a country or to a certain people is long gone, yet the tax payer forks out millions to support these noble leeches. So, why then are we so excited about it- especially the British, who will be funding the obviously lavish event? And of course, the honeymoon!
Do they not realize that most of them really won't be invited, or do they think there is some kind of benefit in this union for the public?

Perhaps it awakens the romantic in people- a fairytale prince charming (which let's face it, Will is not) marrying the woman of his dreams. I do not buy it. It is being seen as the wedding of the decade and the next big think since Big Ears married Lady Di. Ho hum.

I am not going to harp on about this, but just need to get it off my chest.
In my view, the royal leeches should be made to get real jobs or if they insist on leeching funds from the public, do community benefiting work for at least 5 days a week. Earn the money they are being given. And this goes for royalty worldwide. The public's taxes go to supporting their lavish life style, and while the average tax payer battles to get by and eats basic foods, with few luxuries, his or her tax goes to give the royal's a diamond lifestyle, full of wow cars, expensive foods, the best drink and wonderful holidays anywhere in the world.
How stupid is the public to just accept this?

I guess pretty, based on the fact that these millionaires live the life of the top cats, while  really not giving much benefit to their subjects nor having much  say in the country in which they reside or 'rule' over.
Long live the royals hey.
Yawn...

Congats to our two news job fillers.

I thought we would kick the week off with a typical tale from our government.

Our Mpumalanga Premier- David Mabuza once had this spokesman- Mabutho Sithole. Our esteemed Mr Sithole was bust and subsequently arrested for bribing a City Press jouro, Sizwe Sama Yende with the hefty amount of R5 000. (now given the government's disregard for the value of money-Yende must have been well aggrieved about the tiny amount) Yende was investigating a R230 million agricultural tender awared in 2008 by the Premier's office to the Premier's former business partner, Patrick Chirwa. Sithole is out on R6 000 bail.

Mabuza announced that Sithole was being removed from his post, for time off to deal with his case. At the time, Sithole was under a 5 year contract. In no way was any internal action taken of course, because, let's face it, there is nothing wrong with the odd bribe and of course, it was for a good cause- to protect Mabuza it would seem.
Fast forward to the present, Mr Sithole has now been appointed Director of Community Outreach-this being a permanent job. Of course nobody in the Premier's office sees anything wrong with filling a position without following the required legal process or in contravening the Public Services Act by changing his contract to permanent. (The post had been vacant, and was not advertised for, as is required by law)

Apparently the Director General saw it fit to allow Sithole to work in government, pending the outcome of his trial and he would not be suspended.  As for the not following procedures- it was a 'horizontal move', which they are allowed to do without following procedures apparently.So well done Mr Sithole on the new position. I am sure you will very well there.

And the good news does not stop there, I would like to congratulate Mike Mabuza for being transfered to a senior post in the Department of Agriculture, Rural Development and Land Administration. The post also was not advertised, but I see their logic- it was also a horizontal move seeing that Mike was a policeman before the transfer.

You have to love it...and we wonder where our tax money goes!

The search for ET life goes on...and on...

Reading in The Star yesterday I came across and article where a Dr Howard Smith, a senior astrophysicist at Harvard University states a)That the chance of discovering alien life is remote and b) If we did, it would be almost impossible to make contact with them.
Smith states that of the 500 planets discovered outside our solar system, are either to close or to far away from their sun (thus too hot or cold to support life) or have unusual orbits, thus not allowing water to remain in a liquid form. (Water being essential for life as we understand it).
Based on this he say- 'The new information we are getting suggests we could effectively be alone in the universe.' He further goes on to say, 'There are very few solar systems or planets like ours. It means that is is highly unlikely that there are any planets with intelligent life close enough for us to make contact.'

How arrogant. So, in his assumptions, I guess unless we find life on a planet close to ours, it cannot be intelligent.

There are billions of galaxies in our universe and it really simplistic to assume that we are the only life around. Furthermore, seeking life only on what we understand is also very limiting. More and more organisms on earth have been found thriving in extreme conditions (High and low temperatures, without oxygen etc), thus it would seem pretty logical for the people who search for this extra terrestrial life, to broaden their parameters and definitions. There may just be intelligent life on a planet that is thick with helium and has temperatures close to zero degrees Celsius or lower. Shock and awe, they may not even need oxygen to survive as their body make up would be so different compared to us oxygen breathers.

Stephen Hawking and the late Carl Sagan both believed there was life on other planets. Both saw this as rational based on the size of the universe.

As for the contact with alien life is concerned, this is a bit more complicated. The chances of a two way conversation between planets would be remote, given the distance and our barrier of speed, being that below light speed.
However, there are some theories. One would be the much talked about wormholes, which would allow space travel over large distances in the blink of an eye. We could also assume that they are either more advanced that we are or may have a better understanding of the universe and it's laws, to know how to manipulate them for their own use. Even if they are the same age as humans, it would be safe to assume their growth took on a different road to ours and that they would know and have things we don't, as we would know and have things they don't.

Neither travel nor communication between two or more space civilizations would be conventional, that we can safely assume. But that does not mean that there are not other means. The same as discovering life on another planet or body, whether it be a single celled organism would be ground breaking. We need to break past our idea that to be intelligent one needs to be of humanoid build and to be alive one must breathe oxygen.  Rules on earth regarding life, may not apply elsewhere.

There may be alien astronomers looking at earth and saying it is too cold for life, besides, it has to much oxygen to support life anyway.

Crash and Burn

South Africa is a land blessed with many things- wonderful weather, awe inspiring scenery, wild animals, powerful thunderstorms and mostly friendly people.
Having said this, South Africa is known more for it's negatives- crime, abuse, lousy education and health care system, corruption....and so on.

Another alarming topic is our driving. During the Soccer World Cup last year, many visitors expressed how aggressive our drivers were and that there is a total lack of respect for laws. Sadly this is the case. Although up to date figures are difficult to come by, I came across some interesting figures. In the UK, it is reported some 2222 (2009 figure) die annually....that is over twelve months! In Japan the figure is 4919 (2009), Sweden-270 (2010) and Israel 370 (2009). These figures come from a World Health Organization Report. In New Zealand over the holiday period ending 2nd January 2011, 11 people died on their roads and Australia there were 40 odd! Both were shocked at the high number.

In South Africa, from 1 December till the 5th of January, we had 1551 road deaths. ( This total is in dispute as it is known that the Department of Transport plays with the figures to reduce the levels)
It is estimated our monthly toll stands at around 1 000.

It goes without saying that this figure is way to high for any civilized country with a decent road infrastructure.
The main reasons given are drinking and driving and speed. Also the pedestrian death toll is pretty steep. Overloading is another cause. Our so called taxi's and buses are packed to capacity as this means extra profit- and as a result, when there is an accident, the chance for large amounts of injured and fatalities is increased.

The minister of transport, Sbu Ndebele, thinks the answer lies with 'driver training, enforcement and education.' Apparently this information will focus on teaching the public that such a high death rate is not natural-like any fool really needs telling.

As for Arrive Alive- it advertises on radio, TV and print media- yet, despite some of the adverts being shocking, it does not sink in. As for enforcement- well, the metro police are usually up for a bride, so many drunk drivers get home safely by some miracle because they have the correct amount of cash in their wallets to purchase a 'get out of jail free card.' This goes for most offences though and the fact that many times the metro police ignore offences when they are not in the mood to work.
Then there is the fact that politician get off with a slap on the wrist. (Eg Dan Kguthule-escaped a mandatory jail sentence and still keeps his licence for almost going double the speed of the limit).
This sends the wrong message to the public, who think that they may do as the examples set by the well known people of this country.

To make a difference we need a decent judicial system, we need hard working and un-corrupt law enforcement people and most of we all need to take responsibility on our own shoulders each time we get behind the wheel.

Why can't we all just get along?

The ANC Youth League never ever cease to amaze me with the depth of their stupidity.

Their latest brilliant statements have been about that passive little country north of South Korea- Indeed, we are talking about North Korea. Led by the humanist Kim Jong-il, who the learned member of the Youth League describe to aptly as 'a great guardian of peace'- indeed, the same esteemed leader who promised to reign down nuclear fire onto the West, is seen my our great leaders as a 'guardian of peace.'. Inspirational.

The genius that is the ANCYL secretary, Floyd Shivambu, further displayed his inability to either think, or his lack of any knowledge of news that goes on outside of his tiny mind by proudly stating, 'Who says North Korea is pursuing nuclear weapons? It is not true. It is sensationalism by the American media. They are pursuing nuclear energy and not nuclear weapons.'
Well said Floyd. However, if you read a newspaper (and assuming you can read of course), you would have known, that the wonderful 'guardian of peace' announced during February that North Korea was a nuclear power, and since, has re-stated this as a threat to the West (as all pacifists do). Furthermore, if Mr Floyd could think, he would have worked out that North Korea have exploded nuclear test devices, a process not needed if you were pursuing energy goals.

Added to this, our esteemed president Zuma, is now set to sit down with South Korea, whom we all know has a warm and fuzzy relationship with the their North Korean Neighbours, and as them for investment in South Africa.
Nothing more needs to be said. This is how our government operates.

Rain

I have not written anything for a while, and right now have no pressing issues I am in the mood to write about. There is a lovely thunderstorm and the rain is falling hard. It is so dark, it looks like early evening. This is one of my favourite times. Nothing better than a lovely thunderstorm. If it was night, I would be taking photos of lightning.

Hope whoever reads this enjoys the photos.

Making of paper stars

I see South Africa is in the grip of another so called reality program searching for new talent. Having said this, the world has been bombarded by shows like The X factor, Idols, You've got talent and so on and on...yawn. 

The public seem to eat this up, so for the people who have their bank accounts credited at the end, are smiling so widely that only their ears keep their mouths from engulfing their heads. 

Now I must admit I am rather cynical when it comes to these types of things. Where the  shows are clever, is that they rope in the public, by way of allowing us to vote for who we think is the winner. From day one, many have their favourites and celebrate their progression and mourn their demise. And who can forget the judges- many of whom really only judge talent on what their tastes are and would not know real talent if it hit them on the head. But hey, who can miss an opportunity to tear some young person up and crush their dreams even before they materialize. 

My take on this is simple- what they are essentially doing is an opinion poll. They are testing the waters to find the most popular contestant and based on the votes, who will sell the most albums. Very clever actually. I don't really think the suites behind these shows care who the winner is- as long as that winner brings in the money. Lots of hype helps and this just agitates the little human atoms to become involved and glued to the TV sets for every show. But the suites from the industry do not stop there of course. If other contestants are popular, they will sign them up as well....I mean, who can so no to exploiting so called artists for money. 

How many winners really go on to greater things? The Young chap had his success, but his comeback seems to have flopped like a dead fish. Our little Winkler dude seems to be having success, but then so are many less talented people than him as well. The point I am trying to make here, executives behind these programs are looking for a quick buck. And they are winning. While the winner, and whatever other contestants they choose, is still hot property and in the news, they will release songs and a CD. They know the way the industry works and realize there is not that much scope for a second CD before their next season, so the new shinning star becomes a brown dwarf star in no time at all.

Strike one for against the public

It has been a while since I last posted and I think I will try to become more regular again...

Let me blame winter for a brain freeze and let's leave it at that.

South Africa is in the grip of crippling public servants and other union strike. The strike is about better wages, as they always are. I do agree with the principles of the strike- public officials are poorly paid unless they are in high positions and in government roles. Then their pay is massive and they get to live like millionaires (which many are anyway thanks to dodgy BEE deals). So, based on this, a strike is understandable.

However (and yes, this is a big 'however'), the people on strike (fueled by the union bosses, who rake in the money anyway) have taken to acting like selfish savages to say the least. Over and above this, it appears they think they are above the law. Despite the many departments, the teachers and health care strikers are the most selfish.

The teachers are depriving their students (or 'learners' in RSA) of the education parents pay thousands of Rand a year for. Matrics (or Grade 12) are writing exams shortly , and the lack of teachers results in a lack of preparation for these important exams. More worrying is that the students have openly stated that they have lost respect for the teachers, as they do not care about their students. (Good point I say).

Then comes the wonderful health workers. Firstly, the point of them being on strike and neglecting their patients is disgusting enough, but to make matters worse, they intimidate and threaten those with decency and care, those who choose to help people, those health care workers that realize that human life is more important than money. As a result their have been a number of deaths, sadly babies amongst this.
Then, despite a court order, ordering them work, some of these creatures choose to defy the law and remain on strike, as well as carrying on with their bully behavior.

In my most humble opinion, those health workers who chose to strike should be dismissed as they are in the wrong profession. They do not deserve the pay increase that is a product of this strike. They obviously have no regard for life or for caring and as such, are more a danger pretending to care about patients.

These numbskulls have no idea what their strike does to the economy nor do they care as they are so short sighted that today is all that counts. Besides, when the economy collapses, they will strike about that as well.

The Celebs are out sheppards

I am still amazed at how people sit up and listen to what celebrities have to say. One day they are unknown and nobody notices them, then the next they become well know and rich and receive an extra 150 IQ points and the answers to the universe.

This is a disturbing trend. Professor John Grunburger (fictitious name proudly pulled from a legendary sweet wine) says that the world is ending. Life goes on and he gets a small column in Science Magazine and perhaps a page 15 article next to the baby fish born with three feet.
But let's say Al Gore or Leanardo say the same thing, we all scream in dismay and fly around like animals in a trap. That is why when it comes to election time, the celebs join in the election frenzy for their preferred party. Because they know the sucker public will eat up all they have to say.

In South Africa they have a Survivor for celebs. It gains a following and many actually believe they are trying to win the game for their chosen charities. There is a word for that- and it is the stuff male cows leave behind on the grass. They do it for the R500 000 going to them and the charities is a bonus. I can bet you if it were just for the money for charity, they would have bribed each other to be voted off. If it was for the charities they would give their R500 000 winnings away as well.

We think they are these glorious people who can do no wrong, and when they do, our jaws drop to the floor and we are so deeply hurt. The public are a bunch of idiots. I mean a world that thinks Justin Bieber can sing or that he has talent is pretty worrying. Another classic-Becks- he is an above average footballer, but due to his love affair with the media, is now labelled a legend. Let's not forget Amy Rehab - I heard she fell and bruised her ribs. Who cares. I am still trying to find her talent as well.

Programs like X Factor and Idols are run on viewer votes. It is obvious they are not trying to unearth talent, what they are doing is saying to us- 'this is what we have, you guys tell us which one is the most popular so that when they win, based on your votes, we can do an album and you suckers will more than likely purchase it because you idiots voted them the winner in the first place'. Screw the other artists who may actually have talent, it is popularity and record sales that counts at the end of the day.

When it comes to honours and awards, we are quick to lavish these upon celebs. However, people who keep industry running, are frowned upon and ignored. How many Rubbish Collectors have you seen on Top Billing? How many bankers have you seen winning the Order of South Africa? How many mechanics have you seen knighted? You see, the people who actually work and have a purpose in the world are pretty much people we cannot do without. We need bankers, doctors, rubbish collectors and so on. We do not NEED celebs.

Why is their chosen career (no matter how wonderful it is)  revered more than the rest of the careers other people do??
They are self serving people who bask in our idiotic following and the false glory we bestow up them that they do not deserve. Many have charities and are hailed for their work- they tirelessly gather money for whatever foundations, but what would be interesting, is how much of their own wealth finds it's way into the coffers of the foundations they support.

Okay, enough of this topic, it is off my chest for now!! I just think we should rather put glory where it rightfully belongs and give credit to those who actually make a difference in our lives. (Remember those who were in tears when Michale Jackson died?? Still don't understand how you can be broken up by somebody who really did nothing in your life other than make you part with your money)

Phew, I am cynical today. But this is how I feel. I think celebs are overblown, money crazy, self indulgent people who think they are superior to the rest of us. Many do not deserve the fans they have.

Raise a glass and a finger to them all......

How we pray

Star Wars was one of my best movies as a child, and as an adult. As a child I dreamed of becoming a Jedi Knight, swishing my light sabre about, killing all the bad aliens set on invading our planet. Fast forward till recent time. It seems my dreams have been answered- or at least partly. It seems I can become a Jedi Knight after all. I kid you not. It seems just like Star Trek formed an entire Klingon language and following, Star Wars has sprung it's own religion. It is call The Jedi Religion or Jedism. In short their belief is 'One all powerful force that binds all things in the universe together.'

Now, you could not be blamed, like I did, for thinking this was a bit of a joke. Having done some research it became amusing and an eye opener. Figures gained from a census conducted in these countries reflected the following- in New Zealand there are some 53 000 Jedi's (the 3rd biggest religion), in Australia-70 000, Canada-55 000 and the UK- 404 174- making it the 4th largest religion. Surprised- I was to say the least.

In the USA figures are not available, but an internet search showed chapters in dozens of US towns and cities, from which I am sure we can deduce there are also hundreds of thousands of followers.

As they say, sometimes fact is stranger than fiction..