Want It All? S.A. Online Shopping Site

I've added a link under the Shopping section of this site to wantitall.co.za, a local online shopping site specializing in importing those "hard-to-find" items from the USA into SA.

It's not an affiliate program - I just think that it's a great site to be aware of. Pay it a visit and see what you think.

Who's Going to Stop the Crime?

Sheryl Cwele (50), wife of our Minister of State Security, Minister Siyabonga Cwele, was arrested this week on charges of drug dealing!

Nothing minor, mind you, the heavy stuff - and internationally.

The number of high profile figures in high positions of responsibility who are being - or have been - investigated for dealings in crime or corruption, leaves one wondering whether there is any hope of diminishing crime in this country. Not because the law enforcement agencies are incapable, but because, judging by the level of the people investigated, one wonders about the mindset of people towards crime. Have they accepted crime and corruption as a way of life to such an extent that it's become a culture? Are the protests by our political and community leaders against crime merely words uttered because it's the right thing to say, while the practice has become a way of life for them?

Is delinquency to become the ruling culture because of our role-models?

Comments on Old Posts

I must admit that it's gratifying to know that people are still reading posts that are a couple of years old! This month I've received two comments from a post dating back to 20th July 2007

Thank you to Susan and to Patricia for your comments!

Oops ... What happened to December?

It was late November and suddenly it's late January - what happened to December? I guess school holidays happened!

Well, back to the normal routines now, and I get to have the use of my computer again! So ... welcome back to those of you who thought that I'd fallen down a chimney somewhere. I'll wipe the soot of my face - and the jam / candy / chocolate off my keyboard - and get back to the wonderful world of the web.

For the duration of the school holidays, my computer became a 24 hour-a-day sound system / DVD player, at volumes I didn't think it capable off; but now it's back to its old self with speakers unplugged and a marvellous sense of tranquillity.

Hello again!

On the Bright Side.....

Whoever drafted this e-mail originally kinda captured the culture!

This is a great country because:

1. You can eat half dried meat and not be considered disgusting.

2. Nothing is your fault, you can blame it all on apartheid.

3. You get to buy a new car every 3 months and the insurance company even pays for it.

4. You can experience pathetic service in eleven official languages.

5. Where else can you get oranges with 45% alcohol content at rugby matches?

6. It's the only country in the world where striking workers show how angry they are by dancing.

7. You're considered clumsy if you cannot: use a cell phone (without car kit), change CDs,
Drink a beer, put on make-up, read the newspaper and smoke,
All at the same time while driving a car at 160 kph in a 60 kph zone.

8. Great accent. (!!!)

9. If you live in Johannesburg, you get to brag about living in the
Most dangerous city in the world.

10. Burglar bars become a feature, and a great selling point for your house.

11. You can decorate your garden walls with barbed wire.

12. The tow-trucks are the first on the scene for most major crimes, without being called.
The police you have to call about three times.

13. Votes have to be recounted until the right party wins

14. Illegal immigrants leave the country because the crime rate is too high.

15. The police ask you if they must follow up on the burglary you've just reported.

16. A murderer gets a 6 month sentence and a pirate TV viewer 2 years.

17. The prisoners strike and get to vote in elections!

18. The police stations have panic buttons to call armed response when they are burgled

19. Police cars are fitted with immobilisers and gearlocks!

20. Condoms for free - shopping plastic bags for sale

Ja nee!! Dis lekker hier!!

World Cup Fever

I do believe that Soccer World Cup Fever has affected the minds of this country's decision-makers. As I contemplate the 6-or-7 week school holiday approaching with some (major) trepidation, I cannot help wondering about the minds of those who decided that all schools will be closed for two months next year during the World Cup.

We already have a serious problem and have received warnings from the police about the danger of young girls being abducted to boost the supply of prostitutes for the World Cup demand. We expect a substantial increase in levels of crime (in South Africa? Perish the thought...!), but in their mighty wisdom these minds are quite happy to have the entire country's child population unsupervised during the two months of increased danger to them.

During December a large number of businesses shut down and families tend to take their annual holidays. In June / July, however, all those parents - lucky enough to have jobs - will be working. Our kids will be bored out of their minds for a sustained length of time, easy prey for those hordes of "visitors" who will visit our shores and then leave us to pick up the pieces.

How do other parents feel about this issue?

It's a Crime ...

Some crime statistics were reported recently in the local newspaper covering my suburb and, basically, three other main suburbs in my area: Bramley, where I live, Sandringham to the south-east of us, Norwood, south-west and Yeoville, south of us.

What horrifies me about these statistics is that I know for a fact that, horrific as they are, many crimes go unreported because it's a waste of time reporting them. When my daughter's friend was robbed in Bramley, he didn't report it. A car stopped next to him, four guys jumped out, held a gun to his head, took his cell phone, went through his pockets, then casually drove away. When my daughter was robbed at knife-point in Yeoville (quite a while back), we didn't report it. I drove around in my car with a "sjambok" trying to find the guy to sort him out myself, but reporting it would have served no purpose. Thankfully she wasn't hurt, just badly shaken.

A woman who is a hawker in Highlands North, just near a major bus stop, was robbed of her daily earnings at gunpoint, by a guy driving a white minibus taxi. Once again, he drove off quite casually, without any fear. A friend of mine, awaiting a bus, spoke to the woman shortly after the incident. She was clearly shaken, terrified for the baby strapped to her back - and devastated by her loss of earnings.

Check out these statistics and draw a conclusion about the state of the environment we live in and try to raise kids in:

These statistics, for April 2008 to March 2009 were published in our "North Eastern Tribune" of Oct. 2nd 2009.(Apparently the second figure reflects the drop or increase from the first figure)

Bramley:

Murder: 12 - 18
Sex crimes: 47 - 44
Robbery (aggravated): 667-739
Housebreaking business: 250-236
Housebreaking residential: 322 - 289
Theft of motor vehicles: 425 - 334
Car jacking: 158 - 229
Business robbery: 93 - 84
House robbery: 93 - 84

Sandringham:

Murder: 13 - 16
Sex crimes: 29 - 38
Robbery (aggravated): 326 - 411
Housebreaking business: 91 - 97
Housebreaking residential: 230 - 290
Theft of motor vehicles: 93 - 80
Car jacking: 104 - 154
Business robbery: 28 - 23
House robbery: 64 - 80

Norwood:

Murder: 4-5
Sex crimes: 39-75
Robbery (aggravated): 524 - 371
Housebreaking business: 107 - 117
Housebreaking residential: 451 - 357
Theft of motor vehicles: 208 - 217
Car jacking: 110 - 62
Business robbery: 35 - 52
House robbery: 88 - 70

Yeoville:

Murder: 20 - 24
Sex crimes: 72 - 121
Robbery (aggravated): 416 - 219
Housebreaking business: 75 - 104
Housebreaking residential: 226 - 228
Theft of motor vehicles: 184 - 143
Car jacking: 54 - 25
Business robbery: 18 - 34
House robbery: 53 - 42

Add all of those together, and you'll have a picture of my local environment.

These areas are no "Manhattans" in terms of population density; they are pretty ordinary suburbs of Johannesburg.

A Case for Darwin

I have come to the conclusion that South Africa has an irrefutable case to support the theory of evolution.

Sheer assholes have mutated to develop arms and legs - and drive motor vehicles.

That is not a statement against the average motorist. I find most motorists to be fairly responsible and well-mannered - but from the saddle of a motor-cycle, these mutations are extremely evident. They do not conform to any colour or either gender (or derivatives thereof) or to any nationality or language group. However, they do seem to be more attracted to certain models of cars than others - which I won't mention in respect to the motor manufacturers.

One hopes that in time they will develop brains too, but it's unlikely that most of us will live long enough to see that.

Amazingly, in our democracy, they even get to vote! In fact, some of them even get to occupy positions ......this may be a good time to stop the commentary.

Want to experience this amazing scientific phenomenon? Get a motor cycle ....

Latest letter from Jozikids

Here's a copy of the latest newsletter from Jozikids. If you have kids and live in the Johannesburg / Pretoria / Sandton / East or West Rand area and haven't already visited this site, I recommend that you do so.

Dear Mike

Over 20 new companies have joined us, including ones offering crafts with recycled products, educational games, toys, party services, photography, kids rugs and a martial arts and wellness centre. We hope you find something that interests you.

One of our blog writers, Laura-kim, is organising a Christmas party for children at a home in Soweto run by Joburg Child Welfare. She is looking for sponsors. Click here to see how you can help.

Enter our competition and stand a chance to win Nintendo Wii or DS games or rugby trading cards.
Advertise your company on Jozikids and get 1 month free trial to try us out.



NEW DEALS
Kids Wonderland 10% off the party venue hire. Expires 31 December.

O'Griet Artwork and Lessons. Book a pottery party for 10 kids min. & get free invitations for your guests. Expires 1 Feb'10

Little Gift and Craft Workshop. Free set of craft brushes for first workshop booked and attended. Expires 15 Dec.

Organic Mall.Co.Za Save 10% on the Baberoo Necksaver, was R149.50 now R134.55. Oct. only.

Funbelievable Parties Free DVD slideshow of party photos for Oct. bookings. Client supply photos.

Freaky Fear Kids Parties. Get animal show free when selected activities are booked in party package. Expires 29 Oct.

1 Presents and Novelties Free mystery gift with every Halloween item purchase over R100. Expires 31 Oct.



NEW ADVERTISERS
CAKES Sweetest Li'l Cupcake Co. Sunninghill, cupcakes handmade with the finest ingredients.
Cindy's Cakes Jhb, for birthday, character and fancy cupcakes. Orders delivered to you.

CHILDCARE Bumblebee Buddies Jhb & Pta placement of Au pairs, Babysitters, Drivers, Housesitters.

CRAFTS 2 Tiny Hands Kids Craft and Recycled Craft, Fourways. Shop & craft parties. Bring 6 kids & get 1 free. Expires 31 Oct.

EDUC TOYS Tinted Design and Publishing, All areas, Educational games, puzzles, posters.
Educational Toys Online Toys, puzzles, games, arts & crafts, classroom resources for teachers.
Big Ball Promotions Rugby Trading Cards, All areas, Card Collection of SA Rugby players.
Hobby Animals Meyerton, hand made toys, stuffed animals, traditional toys & games.

FOOD 1st. Hot Dog Co. Jhb, premium fast food mobile units for events and functions.

PARTIES
ENTERTAINERS Josh Posh Pony Rides All areas, Jhb, pony rides for parties & functions.
Candy Kids Fun Rides Jhb, merry go rounds, trains, swings, marquees, carousels for hire.
Jungle Farm Parties Jhb, animal show w/ farm animals, reptiles & insects for parties.

PACKS Party Buckets Brakpan, Jhb, buckets filled with goodies for kids parties & functions.

PLANNERS El Shaddai Gauteng, planners and equip. suppliers for kids parties.
Horo Trading Kiddies Parties. Planners & equip. suppliers. R100 off booking. Expires 31 October.
I-Hop Trading Ent. cc Gauteng, planners for kids parties & events.

MARTIAL ARTS Inner Energy Martial Arts and Wellness Centre, Randpark Ridge, Jhb, taekwondo, cardio kickboxing, MMA combat conditioning, capoeira & pilates - all ages.

PHOTOGRAPHY Billene Photography Gauteng, photographer for portfolios and functions.

RUGS L'l Bratz Roomz and Rugz All areas, rugs for nurseries, kids rooms & playrooms.

SCHOOLS Pebbles Pre-School Bedfordview, creche with holiday and aftercare.

TOURISM Yes We Can Travel Jhb, Travel & tourism, trips & tours, chauffeurs, event co-ordination.

Please share this newsletter with your friends and encourage them to sign up.
Advertise your company on Jozikids, get one month free.


Regards
The Jozikids Team
info@jozikids.co.za
011 482 4310
www.jozikids.co.za

"Just A Biker"

I received this in an email this week - and I can really identify with it. Feel free to pass it around - but above all: if you're a driver, please make a mental note ....



'JUST A BIKER

I saw you hug your purse closer to you in the grocery store line. But you didn't see me put an extra 10.00 in the collection plate last Sunday.

I saw you pull your child closer when we passed each other on the sidewalk. But you didn't see me playing Santa at the local Mall.

I saw you change your mind about going into the restaurant when you saw my bike parked out front. But you didn't see me attending a meeting to raise more money for the hurricane relief.

I saw you roll up your window and shake your head when I rode by. But you didn't see me riding behind you when you flicked your cigarette butt out the car window.

I saw you frown at me when I smiled at your children. But you didn't see me, when I took time off from work to run toys to the homeless.

I saw you stare at my long hair. But you didn't see me and my friends cut ten inches off for Locks of Love.

I saw you roll your eyes at our Leather jackets and gloves. But you didn't see me and my brothers donate our old ones to those that had none.

I saw you look in fright at my tattoos. But you didn't see me cry as my children were born or have their names written over and in my heart.

I saw you change lanes while rushing off to go somewhere. But you didn't see me going home to be with my family.

I saw you, complain about how loud and noisy our bikes can be. But you didn't see me when you were changing the CD and drifted into my lane.

I saw you yelling at your kids in the car. But you didn't see me pat my child's hands knowing she was safe behind me.

I saw you reading the newspaper or map as you drove down the road. But you didn't see me squeeze my wife's leg when she told me to take the next turn.

I saw you race down the road in the rain. But you didn't see me get soaked to the skin so my son could have the car to go on his date.

I saw you run the yellow light just to save a few minutes of time. But you didn't see me trying to turn right.

I saw you cut me off because you needed to be in the lane I was in. But you didn't see me leave the road.

I saw you, waiting impatiently for my friends to pass. But you didn't see me. I wasn't there.

I saw you go home to your family. But you didn't see me. Because I died that day you cut me off.

I was just a biker. A person with friends and a family. But you didn't see me.'

Repost this around in hopes that people will understand the biker community.

Welcome Home, Little Carl!

My little grand-nephew, Carl, has just spent the past week in hospital with the dreaded Swine 'Flu. It was truly a very worrying time for us all, but thankfully he returned home today, weakened, but cured.

Thankfully the rest of the family, including his little 4-month old sister, appear to have escaped the infection.

My family and I thank Almighty God, Lord Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit for this wonderful blessing; and for their comfort and presence during this time deep concern for us.

Thank You.

Starbase Telecoms

What a pleasure it is to promote a business that I have such a high personal regard for and have had the pleasure of doing business with for almost 20 years!

Starbase Telecoms supplies top quality headsets for call centres, busy switchboards, office and home usage, as well as lightning protection for telephone and computer networks, music-on-hold or advertising-on-hold, and small to heavy duty ringing devices for normal to very noisy environments.

I got to know Peter Croft, the Principal of this dynamic business, twenty years ago. During my long stint as a buyer / stock controller in a leading S.A. telecommunications company, I got to rely more and more on Peter's excellent advice, quality products and highly professional service. Nothing was ever too much trouble for him or his colleagues - from Peter himself, to his sales personnel, administrative personnel, or the driver who delivered the products.

Service delivery and after-sales service from this company is of the highest quality and delivered with a rare kind of pleasantness, friendliness and fresh eagerness.

If you're in the market for any of these products, I recommend that you make Starbase Telecoms your first port of call. And if you're not, right at this moment, give them a call anyway and establish that personal contact for when you do need to chuck out that old headset or add some lightning protection - or update your music-on-hold to something more professional. You'll be glad that you did!