Wednesday, 31 October 2012
On This Day
On This Day - 1941 - The Russians set up a 76mm gun battery at Moscow expecting attacks from the German forces.
Tuesday, 30 October 2012
Apple vs Microsoft
Once upon a time, Microsoft dominated the tech industry and was the wealthiest corporation in the world. But since 2000, as Apple, Google and Facebook whizzed by, it has fallen flat in every arena it entered.
I have switched my business technology to Apple since 2008 and has never looked back. Matter of fact, not only has my business improved service wise, but has saved cost five fold.
I cannot understand why the majority of South African business have not switched from Microsoft to Apple. Not only business but major corporations including Banks.
I was informed that today the IPHONE generates more revenue than the entire Microsoft enterprise.
Thanks to Apple, no more anti-virus products for me, no more clipboard full of papers (thanks to my IPAD) no more freezing of calls, call dropping ect) (Thanks to my IPHONE).
I have switched my business technology to Apple since 2008 and has never looked back. Matter of fact, not only has my business improved service wise, but has saved cost five fold.
I cannot understand why the majority of South African business have not switched from Microsoft to Apple. Not only business but major corporations including Banks.
I was informed that today the IPHONE generates more revenue than the entire Microsoft enterprise.
Thanks to Apple, no more anti-virus products for me, no more clipboard full of papers (thanks to my IPAD) no more freezing of calls, call dropping ect) (Thanks to my IPHONE).
On This Day
On This Day - 1939 - The USSR and Germany agree on partitioning Poland. Hitler deports all Jews.
Monday, 29 October 2012
On This Day
On This Day - 1942 - Leading British clergymen and political figures held a public meeting to register their outrage over the persecution of Jews by Nazi Germany.
Sunday, 28 October 2012
On This Day
On This Day - 1922 - Benito Mussolini took control of the Italian government and introduced fascism to Italy.
Saturday, 27 October 2012
On This Day
On this day - 1940 - French General Charles de Gualle set up the Empire Defense Council.
Friday, 26 October 2012
Fifty Shades of....
You appeared from nowhere and shamelessly without and reservations, you laid on my naked body....
You sensed my indifference, so you applied your hungry mouth to me without any guilt or humiliation, and you drove me crazy while you drained me.
Finally, I drifted off to sleep. Today when I awoke, you were gone, I reached for you to no avail, only the sheets bore witness to last night's events.
My body still bears faint marks of your enthusiastic ravishing, making it all more difficult to forget you.
Tonight I will remain awake, waiting for you .....
.
.
.
.
.
.
You F...ing mosquito !
You sensed my indifference, so you applied your hungry mouth to me without any guilt or humiliation, and you drove me crazy while you drained me.
Finally, I drifted off to sleep. Today when I awoke, you were gone, I reached for you to no avail, only the sheets bore witness to last night's events.
My body still bears faint marks of your enthusiastic ravishing, making it all more difficult to forget you.
Tonight I will remain awake, waiting for you .....
.
.
.
.
.
.
You F...ing mosquito !
On This Day
On this day - 1940 - The P-51 Mustang makes it's maiden flight.
In my opinion it change the balance of scales into the Allies favor.
In my opinion it change the balance of scales into the Allies favor.
Thursday, 25 October 2012
Wednesday, 24 October 2012
Tuesday, 23 October 2012
Blogging
I have only been blogging for a short while and loving it.
Thus far in the short period my stats indicate that close to a 1000 people visited my blog from South Africa, USA, Russia, Germany, UK, France, etc.
What will be interesting is who you are. Would you please give your first name and city where you from. It will really be an interesting fact. It will also give me the opportunity to look at your blog.
Many thanks
Flying Dutchman (South Africa)
Thus far in the short period my stats indicate that close to a 1000 people visited my blog from South Africa, USA, Russia, Germany, UK, France, etc.
What will be interesting is who you are. Would you please give your first name and city where you from. It will really be an interesting fact. It will also give me the opportunity to look at your blog.
Many thanks
Flying Dutchman (South Africa)
On This Day
On this day - 1942 - During WW2, the British began a major offensive against Axis forces at El Alamein, Egypt.
Monday, 22 October 2012
Eastern Cape Tourism
Judging from all the flood damage in the Eastern Cape area, specially East London to Port Elizabeth route via the N2 and R72, I foresee that some serious adjustments to be done for the anticipated tourist figures for the December 2012 festive season.
According to media reports, the N2 will only be open early in 2013, leaving the R72 the alternative option. The R72 is also now closed but believe it should be re-opened soon and will therefor have to accommodate very heavy traffic flow and possible delays.
I will recommend that anticipated "Income" figures of local business to be adjusted downwards and anticipated "Expenditure" figures for the municipalities affected to be vastly increased.
I am amazed that these municipalities have not called on the central government to declare these flooded affected areas a "Disaster areas" !
The Eastern Cape area is very dear to me and is considered as one of the poorest provinces in South Africa.
I call on the powers to be for a major wake-up call and forget about your own pockets and try and help the community, specially those who have been hard-hit.
The local radio station, Algoa FM, has made at least some attempt to call for extra clothing, blankets etc but much more is needed to help the community and the area as a whole.
It is my opinion that international tourist, visiting the area, will not be in jeopardy as they normally travel by air.
My concern is the traveling by road tourist that may change plans as a result of this disaster. The Eastern Cape as a whole can ill-afford any anticipated loss in revenue from any source as it rely heavily on tourism.
According to media reports, the N2 will only be open early in 2013, leaving the R72 the alternative option. The R72 is also now closed but believe it should be re-opened soon and will therefor have to accommodate very heavy traffic flow and possible delays.
I will recommend that anticipated "Income" figures of local business to be adjusted downwards and anticipated "Expenditure" figures for the municipalities affected to be vastly increased.
I am amazed that these municipalities have not called on the central government to declare these flooded affected areas a "Disaster areas" !
The Eastern Cape area is very dear to me and is considered as one of the poorest provinces in South Africa.
I call on the powers to be for a major wake-up call and forget about your own pockets and try and help the community, specially those who have been hard-hit.
The local radio station, Algoa FM, has made at least some attempt to call for extra clothing, blankets etc but much more is needed to help the community and the area as a whole.
It is my opinion that international tourist, visiting the area, will not be in jeopardy as they normally travel by air.
My concern is the traveling by road tourist that may change plans as a result of this disaster. The Eastern Cape as a whole can ill-afford any anticipated loss in revenue from any source as it rely heavily on tourism.
Child electrocuted to death by jumping castle motor
Ruan Schlebush and his cousin Cheverne, 7, were chasing each other around a jumping castle when he fell into a rose bush at the weekend.
When he tried to pull himself up by grabbing the power lever on the jumping castle, he was electrocuted.
His cousin tried to help him, but she was also electrocuted, after which the generator fell over and landed on the children's legs.
Adults were alerted, and they managed to extricate Cheverne before the power supply was turned off at the wall.
A doctor who happened to be in the vicinity began emergency first aid procedures on Ruan, and paramedics later took over, but he was declared dead at the scene.
Cheverne, who sustained electrical burns on her legs and tongue, also received emergency treatment.
When he tried to pull himself up by grabbing the power lever on the jumping castle, he was electrocuted.
His cousin tried to help him, but she was also electrocuted, after which the generator fell over and landed on the children's legs.
Adults were alerted, and they managed to extricate Cheverne before the power supply was turned off at the wall.
A doctor who happened to be in the vicinity began emergency first aid procedures on Ruan, and paramedics later took over, but he was declared dead at the scene.
Cheverne, who sustained electrical burns on her legs and tongue, also received emergency treatment.
On This Day
On this day - 1942 - The Allies met to discuss Operation Torch. Operation Torch was to be the first Allied amphibious landing of World War II.
Sunday, 21 October 2012
US Election Cost
Portion of an article by Gareth Edmundson wrote :
I quote" - $ 7 billion - that's how much the 2012 US election campaign will have cost after all the ballots have been cast. In 2010, UK election spending was $ 48 million. Even if the UK was the same size as America, spending to get candidates elected in the US would still be 30 times that of the UK.
Still shocked ? Facebook revenue in 2011 was a mere $ 3,7 billion, or if you want to talk countries, $ 7 billion is roughly the entire GDP of `zimbabwe. Yes America will likely spend more on campaign posters, badges and attack ads in 2012 than the entire GDP of Zimbabwe.
Ok, so $ 7 billion is a lot but there still many in US that argue that if you curtail spending you are only preventing free speech - which is not exactly "Bill-of-rights" tactics. They also claim that in countries like the UK, elections ate not as democratic because without spending on adverts people don't get to know all the facts to make an informed choice. - "un-quote"
Why do the US media only show the debates of the two main parties on television ? Are there no other parties representing the voters of the US ?
Saw to my amazement that a party called "The Green Party" whether I agree with their principals or not, is not given a platform on the media floor, in fact they are even forbidden to attend the live debates between the Republicans and Democrats.
I am nieve as to the political systems in the US but if they want the world to believe that their constitution is "water-proof" I think that the US must take example of the current constitution of South Africa.
We have free speech and can even post paintings like the infamous "Spear" painting that, although many would say was in bad taste, was still displayed in a gallery for the world to see.
For those who have not heard of the "Spear" painting, it was a painting of our current president Jacob Zuma with his genital parts being exposed.
I am sure that the US can do more for it's own people and for those they wish to help financially, than to spend $ 7 billion on election campaigns.
Associated link - Zuma’s ‘Spear’ Makes A Comeback
I quote" - $ 7 billion - that's how much the 2012 US election campaign will have cost after all the ballots have been cast. In 2010, UK election spending was $ 48 million. Even if the UK was the same size as America, spending to get candidates elected in the US would still be 30 times that of the UK.
Still shocked ? Facebook revenue in 2011 was a mere $ 3,7 billion, or if you want to talk countries, $ 7 billion is roughly the entire GDP of `zimbabwe. Yes America will likely spend more on campaign posters, badges and attack ads in 2012 than the entire GDP of Zimbabwe.
Ok, so $ 7 billion is a lot but there still many in US that argue that if you curtail spending you are only preventing free speech - which is not exactly "Bill-of-rights" tactics. They also claim that in countries like the UK, elections ate not as democratic because without spending on adverts people don't get to know all the facts to make an informed choice. - "un-quote"
Why do the US media only show the debates of the two main parties on television ? Are there no other parties representing the voters of the US ?
Saw to my amazement that a party called "The Green Party" whether I agree with their principals or not, is not given a platform on the media floor, in fact they are even forbidden to attend the live debates between the Republicans and Democrats.
I am nieve as to the political systems in the US but if they want the world to believe that their constitution is "water-proof" I think that the US must take example of the current constitution of South Africa.
We have free speech and can even post paintings like the infamous "Spear" painting that, although many would say was in bad taste, was still displayed in a gallery for the world to see.
For those who have not heard of the "Spear" painting, it was a painting of our current president Jacob Zuma with his genital parts being exposed.
I am sure that the US can do more for it's own people and for those they wish to help financially, than to spend $ 7 billion on election campaigns.
Associated link - Zuma’s ‘Spear’ Makes A Comeback
Saturday, 20 October 2012
Things that will never change
There are a number of things in this world that will never change.
We can be sure this list will be never ending.
Here are just some of my own views. I am sure you can add thousands more.
Middle East conflict
Christianity to be the religion of choice in China, Iran, Iraq.....
North- and South Korea to unite as one country
Any african country to have a white president (maybe South Africa)
Rasism
We can be sure this list will be never ending.
Here are just some of my own views. I am sure you can add thousands more.
Middle East conflict
Christianity to be the religion of choice in China, Iran, Iraq.....
North- and South Korea to unite as one country
Any african country to have a white president (maybe South Africa)
Rasism
Driving in Eastern Cape
Went on a road trip yesterday and was driving in extreme misty road conditions.
Just a couple of pictures to share with you.
Just a couple of pictures to share with you.
On This Day
On this day - 1951 - U.S. President Truman signed an act officially ending the state of war with Germany.
The EU Countries
Was it a good idea to form the EU whereby all the countries have one single currency "The Euro" ?
I think this idea is going to have a negative affect on all the European countries because they under extreme economical pressure.
Germany having the strongest economy, will have to bail out most of the struggling countries such as Italy, Spain and Greek. I do not think that the Germans are too happy about this idea.
How can one central bank control all the economics of all the EU countries ?
If the EU countries do not come together and each leader start desperate measures to sort out the economic situations we will see a financial crash that we have never seen before.
I think this idea is going to have a negative affect on all the European countries because they under extreme economical pressure.
Germany having the strongest economy, will have to bail out most of the struggling countries such as Italy, Spain and Greek. I do not think that the Germans are too happy about this idea.
How can one central bank control all the economics of all the EU countries ?
If the EU countries do not come together and each leader start desperate measures to sort out the economic situations we will see a financial crash that we have never seen before.
Thursday, 18 October 2012
Kuto Ghetto 1940
How Hitler's PERSONAL photographer captured for history the plight of the Jews in Nazi-occupied Poland. Rare colour album depicts life in the Kutno Ghetto in 1940
- Hugo Jaeger's photographs normally celebrate the glory and triumphalism of the Third Reich
- But in this set he depicts the tragic circumstances of Jews while allowing them to retain their humanity and dignity
- Taken in the Polish town of Kutno in 1939 and 1940 they have been released to mark the official establishment of the Warsaw Ghetto
The old man looks relaxed, almost happy chatting to the soldiers. He and most of the other Jewish citizens pictured here in 1939 and 1940, are smiling, seemingly pleased to pose for photographer Hugo Jaeger.
Yet we know, 70 years later, that these people, and thousands of others like them, were in fact prisoners, to be despised as 'rats' and 'parasites' in Nazi propaganda.
Even more surprising, Jaeger was Hitler's personal photographer, enjoying unprecedented access to the Third Reich’s upper echelon, traveling with the Fuhrer to his massive rallies and photographing him at intimate parties and during private moments.
Although a staunch Nazi, Jaeger as a photographer perhaps perceived the Polish Jews as fascinating subjects and his work depicts their tragic circumstances while at the same time allowing them to retain their humanity and dignity.
Apart from the odd soldier, there is very little German military presence. Instead the series shows the devastation in the landscape of the German invasion of Poland, while revealing very little of the 'master race' itself.
Exactly what Jaeger had in mind is of course a matter of guesswork, but from the reactions of the people portrayed in these images in Warsaw and Kutno, there appears to be surprising little hostility between the photographer and his subjects.
Jaeger's photos made such an impression on the Führer that he announced, upon first seeing his work: 'The future belongs to color photography.'
But beyond recording Hitler’s endless travels, Jaeger also documented the progress of the Reich, including the Nazi invasion of Poland in 1939.
The Kutno pictures serve as a unique curiosity. Why, instead of focussing of the glories of the Hitler's third Reich, did a staunch Nazi like Jaeger chose to take pictures of conquered Jews?
In June 1940, all 8,000 of Kutno’s Jews were rounded up and taken to what would be their new home - the grounds of an old sugar factory - where hundreds would die of hunger and Typhus.
Poles and Jews, friends and neighbours, were separated from one another. A Jewish council, the Judenrat, was created and tasked with forcing Jews to obey their German overlords.
A lucky few managed to escape and were sheltered by their Polish friends. Most were not so lucky.
In 1942, as part of Hitler's 'final solution' the Nazis began Operation Reinhardt, the plan to eliminate all of Poland's Jews. In the spring of 1942 the Kutno Ghetto itself was 'liquidated.' The majority of its inhabitants were sent to the Chelmno extermination camp.
The unique set of pictures could have been lost forever were it not for a bottle of brandy. As the allies advanced into Germany in 1945, Jaeger hid his photographs in a leather suitcase.
He was then confronted by a group of American soldiers. Luckily they were distracted by a bottle of Cognac which they opened and shared with the photographer.
Had they searched the case further, and found so many pictures of Hitler Jaeger would have most likely been arrested on the the spot and tried as a war criminal.
After such a close shave, Jaeger decided to bury the pictures inside 12 glass jars outside Munich. He would periodically return to their burial place to check they were safe.
In 1955, he dug them up and stored them in a bank vault. Ten years later, in 1965, he sold them to Life magazine.
On this day
On this day - 1944 - The call up for the Volkstrum begins in Germany, with all able-bodied men from the age of 16 - 60 to be conscripted.
German radio says 50,000 officers have been killed so far in the war.
Himmler becomes Commander-in-Chief.
German radio says 50,000 officers have been killed so far in the war.
Himmler becomes Commander-in-Chief.
Wednesday, 17 October 2012
US Elections
America claims that Obama was the first black president that was elected. To me he was the first president of colour that was elected. He is still 50% white !
Will he be the last "president of colour" ? or will the American public ever elect a "woman" as president in the future ?
It appears to me that Obama was not up to the job as "President" during his term of office and do the honorable thing and retire.
Will he be the last "president of colour" ? or will the American public ever elect a "woman" as president in the future ?
It appears to me that Obama was not up to the job as "President" during his term of office and do the honorable thing and retire.
Tuesday, 16 October 2012
On this Day
On this day 1946 - Nazi leaders were hanged as war criminals after Nuremberg trails.
The court house as pictured by me during 2011.
The court house as pictured by me during 2011.
Monday, 15 October 2012
In my opinion, Springbok Atlas is the most professional coach charter company in South Africa and Namibia. I can recommend this company to any visitors to Southern Africa.
They also support the "Save the Rhino" campaign which is very dear to all our wild life lovers.
You can find them on www.springbokatlas.co.za
They also support the "Save the Rhino" campaign which is very dear to all our wild life lovers.
You can find them on www.springbokatlas.co.za
Maths Teacher arrested
A public school teacher was arrested today at O R Tambo International airport as he attempted to board a flight while in possession of a ruler, a protractor, a compass, a slide-rule and a calculator. At a morning press conference, the Attorney General said he believes the man is a member of the notorious Al-Gebra movement. He did not identify the man, who has been charged by the Hawks with carrying weapons of math instruction.
'Al-Gebra is a problem for us', the Attorney General said. 'They derive solutions by means and extremes, and sometimes go off on tangents in search of absolute values ..' They use secret code names like 'X' and 'Y' and refer to themselves as 'unknowns', but we have determined that they belong to a common denominator of the axis of medieval with coordinates in every country. As the Greek philanderer Isosceles used to say, 'There are 3 sides to every triangle'.
When asked to comment on the arrest, President Zuma would not comment but Julius Malema said, 'If God had wanted us to have better weapons of math instruction, he would have given us more fingers and toes.' Luthuli house aides told reporters they could not recall a more intelligent or profound statement by Malema -
Erected just a few months after the capture of the city of Berlin in 1945, this Soviet War Memorial sits in the Tiergarten, a large public park situated not far from the Brandenburg Gate.
Until the end of the Cold War, the memorial was guarded by several Soviet soldiers, even though it was located in the British sector of Berlin.
With my visit there I just stood in silence, contemplating the many people that gave their lives for the capture of Berlin from the Nazis.
Until the end of the Cold War, the memorial was guarded by several Soviet soldiers, even though it was located in the British sector of Berlin.
With my visit there I just stood in silence, contemplating the many people that gave their lives for the capture of Berlin from the Nazis.
I Had a Dream
I was dreaming that I walked into a large
room.
The room was filled with drawers from the
roof to the floor, and on every draw there was a name. I was reading all the
names and suddenly saw my name on one of the draws “Piet du Plooy”
The draw was filed with files. The first
file was very thick and on it was written, “All my thoughts that no-one knew of
accept GOD. All this was written by HIM in my file.
The second file was also thick and on it
was written, “ All the ugly things that I have done.”
The third file was fairly thick as well and
on it was written, “All the hurt I have done to others and talking bad things
about my friends and the little I have done for those in need.”
The next file was fairly thin and on it was
written, “The number of times I read my Bible and how frequently I prayed.”
I found another thin file behind this one
and on it was written, “How diligent did I give to the house of the LORD that
was HIS.”
In the last file, a very thin one, was
written, “How many souls did I win for GOD and how many people did I tell about
JESUS.”
While I was paging through the files, I
felt very guilty and became very emotional and cried out, “ Please forgive me
GOD, I am so sorry for everything. Can YOU forgive me ?
While I was sitting on the floor, tears
running down my cheeks, a tall white figure came into the room and sat next to
me, put his arm around me, placed my head onto his shoulder and said in a
softly spoken voice, “ Piet, because you have acknowledged all your mistakes,
you are forgiven, but sin no more”
He then stood up and took my files, one by
one, and drew a line in blood through each file and wrote “Cancelled and
forgiven” Signed JESUS. He placed all the files back in the draw and walked out
of the room.
I suddenly woke up, and as if I was in
another world, lying thinking, “Was is JESUS that spoke to me ?”
Sunday, 14 October 2012
On 3rd August 2012 I underwent heart attention whereby they inserted a stent in one of my main arteries. It was a major wakeup call as I never thought I will have this type of problem.
Below are the pictures of my artery (before & after)
Before : Notice the narrowing of the 2nd from bottom artery
After : Now same artery all fixed.
Recovering : Being comforted by my grandson Dylan
Below are the pictures of my artery (before & after)
Before : Notice the narrowing of the 2nd from bottom artery
After : Now same artery all fixed.
Recovering : Being comforted by my grandson Dylan
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