No, that is not a spelling error in my title. After reading this you'll know why:) Enjoy:
And so it was, Msholozi, our president, Jacob Gedleyihlekisa Zuma sauntered down the aisle of the erm...parliament building in Cape Town to give his state of the nation address to the sounds of the Swati praise poet reciting Jay-Z’s praises. Once stood at the podium and after a short applause right on cue from the rent-a-crowd employees, Zuma began his speech. He started off with a rather lengthy shout out to all the dignitaries in attendance. Then he went on to FINALLY acknowledge struggle heroes who weren’t part of the ANC. A nice touch.
President Zuma then went on to mention how government has “made progress” in certain key areas such as education and health since last year’s SONA. He also acknowledged the fact that unemployment and poverty remained high and then went on to say some words in Zulu which neither myself nor Minister in the Presidency Trevor Manuel could understand (made very clear by the strain on his face).
On the topic of unemployment, Msholozi also pointed out that since the 70’s apartheid created structural unemployment, the lowest that the South African unemployment rate has been is 20%. To this end, he mentioned that under his regime in the past year or two the unemployment rate has fallen from a staggering 25% to an, uhm...more acceptable 23.9%...
It was pretty much at this point that I stopped my note taking, because based on the things he started saying I could envisage the rest of his speech. I wasn’t far off. The president went on about the things his government planned to achieve, citing the 20-year National Development Plan. The government wants to improve service delivery in housing, they want to improve the health system, they want to build universities in Mpumalanga and the North West, etc. He also dropped a couple of numbers starting with the big “B” saying that funds had been approved/allocated to making these things happen. All the things people want to hear. All those sweet, wonderful pipe dreams and notions we’ve been fed for years.
So, as far as delivering the state of the notion address, Zuma did just that. All he did was talk about the notion of a better South Africa where everyone lives a better life, together in harmony – because “together, we can do more”. No “how”, no “when”, no “where”, and no “who” – only the “what”. His speech answered none of these basic questions of goal setting. This, Mr President, is not how one sets SMART goals, and as we all know, if your goals are not SMART, you are only setting yourself up for failure.
I don’t expect our president to go into too much detail when it comes to his plans. He doesn’t need to tell me which government official in the Bushbuckridge Municipality will have R18 500 per month set out to him to pay the cleaners in his school district. What I DO expect is for him to make it very clear in his speech WHO will be held accountable for ensuring that the promised universities in Mpumalanga and the North West get built. Is it the minister of higher education, or maybe his deputy? Perhaps even the MEC’s of those provinces – who the hell knows? I don’t!
I wish he’d give the nation a 2-year plan. Yes, the 20-year plan is all good and well, but you and I both know that if he gets re-elected to the presidency, he won’t achieve 95% of the notions he’s pointed out and HE won’t be around to be held accountable for those failures. I wish he would lead from the front with practical steps to achieving the rhetoric in so many an ANC leaders’ public statements in the past two decades to clearly outline HOW we will make these things a reality. As a country South Africa is all too brilliant at dreaming big dreams for our future, what we need to realise is that in between right now and tomorrow we need to put in the effort and work to bring our dreams to bear.
In my view, the president needs to make some bold moves. I mean the most “controversial” part of this SONA was the statement about how the willing buyer willing seller policy is not working as effectively as needs to be for land redistribution to be at the required pace. I wish he would’ve stepped out on a ledge with other policies. I wish he’d said to the nation that he has plans to make it law that government ministers HAVE to use government hospitals and their children have to attend government schools. If you think about it, these suggestions aren’t really that far out there, I mean, the president of the country doesn’t reside in Europe. Why then should the minister of health peruse private hospitals? Why should the minister of basic education send her kids to private schools? It makes no sense at all and if nothing else, it would raise awareness amongst political ranks as to the REAL state of our nation. After all, you can’t see problems you don’t have, and if you can’t see something, how on earth can you ever expect to fix it?
I, personally, am tired of dreams and what if’s. I have had enough of imagining what life in Mandela’s new South Africa COULD be like. Zuma was right about one thing though, the government can’t do it alone – and they shouldn’t have to. I just count myself fortunate that I am in a position to do something about it for myself. I hope that when the rest of South Africa gets a chance to do something about our future at the next election they do. If there’s one lesson our government has taught us, no-one is going to place the perfect life in your lap, on some level or another you have to make it happen.
Showing posts with label Ngwanamosadi. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ngwanamosadi. Show all posts
Thursday, 9 February 2012
Let's Go 50/50
This piece has been in the works (my mind) for a few months now. I'll be honest enough to say that it has been one of the toughest pieces I've written to date. Gender equality isn't as cut and dried a topic as I thought - I hope I did it justice and I hope it gets people thinking just a wee bit. Enjoy!
For many, many years a lot of very brave women fought for equal gender rights. They wanted to be able to vote, like men, they wanted to be able to be the breadwinners for their families, like men, and they wanted to be treated like first class citizens, like men. Now let me be completely honest here and state that I believe in women's rights through and through. I was raised by a number (and I'm not exaggerating when I say a number) of very strong, independent women who showed me that anything a man can do, a woman could do just as well.
The women who played a part in raising me did such a great job of showing me that women are just as capable as men that when I see a woman in an office or holding a position of power, it doesn't even occur to me to think about the fact that a woman is doing the job. Never in my life can I recall losing out on something and think "but she's a girl/woman, how the hell did that happen?"
For my upbringing and the strong women that I've come across in my life I am eternally grateful because I hold no ignorant prejudice against anyone just because they're not like me. It has, however, taught me to believe that (natural psychical strength aside) men and women should be seen as equals in ALL spheres of life - and I mean ALL spheres of life.
In my view gender equality is an all or nothing concept. It means removing the words "it's because I'm a woman" from your vocabulary all together. So, if your boss says something harsh to you about your work performance, take that as a challenge. Improve the standard of your work and prove him wrong. If someone at the office or even in public makes a pass at you and it makes you feel uncomfortable, man up (for lack of a better phrase) and deal with the situation. People treat you only as you allow them to treat you. You, the individual, facilitate your treatment in life.
Needless to say, I actually take offense when Taurets-like feminists cry sexism at seemingly random times. I'll take the example of an ad campaign by the Mavericks, erm...gentlemans club last year, who launched a "racy" billboard campaign for a new fragrance called "Alibis" (google the pics). There was such a huge uproar about how Mavericks being a stri...I mean, gentlemans club and them launching these billboards was so degrading to women that the billboards had to be taken down. Seriously??! Now, I didn't do much (any) real research before writing this but I'd be surprised to find any public outcries over any racy Chanel, DKNY, Gucci or Dior ad campaigns post 1993.
I say if youre going to take offense to something, be consistent about what it is exactly that offends you. Don't bemoan the fact that men aren't chivalrous anymore and then refuse to take a seat on a bus when a guy offers to stand up for you - I've seen this many a time by the way. I find myself much inclined to agree with the statement that chivalry is dead and women killed it. I wish ALL women would take gender equality as seriously as they expect us men to take it. Then, maybe just maybe, ALL men would start taking gender equality as seriously as they should.
For many, many years a lot of very brave women fought for equal gender rights. They wanted to be able to vote, like men, they wanted to be able to be the breadwinners for their families, like men, and they wanted to be treated like first class citizens, like men. Now let me be completely honest here and state that I believe in women's rights through and through. I was raised by a number (and I'm not exaggerating when I say a number) of very strong, independent women who showed me that anything a man can do, a woman could do just as well.
The women who played a part in raising me did such a great job of showing me that women are just as capable as men that when I see a woman in an office or holding a position of power, it doesn't even occur to me to think about the fact that a woman is doing the job. Never in my life can I recall losing out on something and think "but she's a girl/woman, how the hell did that happen?"
For my upbringing and the strong women that I've come across in my life I am eternally grateful because I hold no ignorant prejudice against anyone just because they're not like me. It has, however, taught me to believe that (natural psychical strength aside) men and women should be seen as equals in ALL spheres of life - and I mean ALL spheres of life.
In my view gender equality is an all or nothing concept. It means removing the words "it's because I'm a woman" from your vocabulary all together. So, if your boss says something harsh to you about your work performance, take that as a challenge. Improve the standard of your work and prove him wrong. If someone at the office or even in public makes a pass at you and it makes you feel uncomfortable, man up (for lack of a better phrase) and deal with the situation. People treat you only as you allow them to treat you. You, the individual, facilitate your treatment in life.
Needless to say, I actually take offense when Taurets-like feminists cry sexism at seemingly random times. I'll take the example of an ad campaign by the Mavericks, erm...gentlemans club last year, who launched a "racy" billboard campaign for a new fragrance called "Alibis" (google the pics). There was such a huge uproar about how Mavericks being a stri...I mean, gentlemans club and them launching these billboards was so degrading to women that the billboards had to be taken down. Seriously??! Now, I didn't do much (any) real research before writing this but I'd be surprised to find any public outcries over any racy Chanel, DKNY, Gucci or Dior ad campaigns post 1993.
I say if youre going to take offense to something, be consistent about what it is exactly that offends you. Don't bemoan the fact that men aren't chivalrous anymore and then refuse to take a seat on a bus when a guy offers to stand up for you - I've seen this many a time by the way. I find myself much inclined to agree with the statement that chivalry is dead and women killed it. I wish ALL women would take gender equality as seriously as they expect us men to take it. Then, maybe just maybe, ALL men would start taking gender equality as seriously as they should.
Tuesday, 7 February 2012
Spare The Rod, Spoil The Child
So, some old lady whose children are probably all grown up already has apparently started a group lobbying for the criminalization of corporal punishment in the home. This piece is basically a summary of why this WON'T work in a country like South Africa. Enjoy:
Sooo, they took away corporal punishment from South African schools sometime in the 90's (95/96 I think it was). Look at where that's left us, children with rights. The little buggers threaten to report their teachers when they are punished. This in turn means that school kids have lost respect for their teachers. I mean really, if I refuse to go on a time out as a pupil what's the teacher really going to do? Put me on another time out? Really? REALLY?! Come now.
Kids go to school and have teachers to help TEACH them. We've all seen the tagline "You can't teach a hungry child". Let me tell you this for a fact, you CAN'T teach a child who won't listen. Now, you and I both know that regardless of your age/life experience there are only two reasons in life that would make you listen to someone - first, you fear them and second, on some level or other, you respect them and think that they can add value to your life. As a child, you can't really tell the difference between these two listening motivations because your life experience doesn't allow you to really comprehend the latter.
I won't get into our schooling system too much, but I think we can all agree it's pretty shite - something a few hidings here and there could've prevented. Now people out there are saying the power to discipline should also be taken away from parents. I use the term "discipline" loosely here, because in my view discipline, to someone under the age of 13, on some level or other should involve a few of the best (depending on the offense of course). According to the people lobbying for corporal punishment to be made illegal, other means of discipline should be used. I take it they mean grounding, taking away of cellphones/playstations/gameboys and sitting in the naughty corner or being sent to your room.
Let me cut straight to the chase here. We live in South Africa, an alarming number of kids don't have rooms to be sent to. Sitting in the "naughty corner" means you're still in earshot of the radio. I won't even talk about the luxuries because you can't take away something someone doesn't have. That's the reality of the situation.
Now, let me break down the practical aspect of this. As I mentioned above, before the age of about thirteen (pure thumb suck number) you do not really have a firm grasp of the concept of right and wrong. Someone telling you that what you are doing is wrong might make you think twice about doing it, but if you have no basis for trusting that person (refer to 2nd paragraph) you have no real feeling to attached to that action. This simply means that when you consider doing something naughty again, you'll be indifferent as to whether or not to go through with it, and then your outcome or the potential pleasure derived therefrom becomes your primary motivator. So I put the question to you, as a 5 year old kid about to steal your baby sisters ice-cream having been told that it's wrong, what would you do? Now, if your mother had lovingly placed you over her lap and given you a reason not to sit down for a few hours your decision making process would probably steer you on a slightly different path. This for the simple reason that the pain you associate with stealing far outweighs the potential pleasure of the ice cream cone.
Don't get me wrong, I'm not condoning violence here. I believe corporal punishment should be used in conjunction with all the other discipline methodologies. At the very least the parent should sit the child down before the hiding and explain to them why what they did was wrong and why they are being punished.
That being said, if you grew up in a household where groundings and not hidings were the norm and you're thinking to yourself "I turned out just fine" then I am thankful FOR your parents (because the good Lord blessed them with a child who listened). All I can say is should I one day be lucky enough to have a child and that child misbehaves and threatens to (or actually) calls the police/child services when I punish them, I WILL put that child up for adoption - and I seriously doubt I'd be the only one. I wonder then if all the anti-corporal punishment lobbyists will put as much time and effort into fixing up our adoption homes and orphanages...
Sooo, they took away corporal punishment from South African schools sometime in the 90's (95/96 I think it was). Look at where that's left us, children with rights. The little buggers threaten to report their teachers when they are punished. This in turn means that school kids have lost respect for their teachers. I mean really, if I refuse to go on a time out as a pupil what's the teacher really going to do? Put me on another time out? Really? REALLY?! Come now.
Kids go to school and have teachers to help TEACH them. We've all seen the tagline "You can't teach a hungry child". Let me tell you this for a fact, you CAN'T teach a child who won't listen. Now, you and I both know that regardless of your age/life experience there are only two reasons in life that would make you listen to someone - first, you fear them and second, on some level or other, you respect them and think that they can add value to your life. As a child, you can't really tell the difference between these two listening motivations because your life experience doesn't allow you to really comprehend the latter.
I won't get into our schooling system too much, but I think we can all agree it's pretty shite - something a few hidings here and there could've prevented. Now people out there are saying the power to discipline should also be taken away from parents. I use the term "discipline" loosely here, because in my view discipline, to someone under the age of 13, on some level or other should involve a few of the best (depending on the offense of course). According to the people lobbying for corporal punishment to be made illegal, other means of discipline should be used. I take it they mean grounding, taking away of cellphones/playstations/gameboys and sitting in the naughty corner or being sent to your room.
Let me cut straight to the chase here. We live in South Africa, an alarming number of kids don't have rooms to be sent to. Sitting in the "naughty corner" means you're still in earshot of the radio. I won't even talk about the luxuries because you can't take away something someone doesn't have. That's the reality of the situation.
Now, let me break down the practical aspect of this. As I mentioned above, before the age of about thirteen (pure thumb suck number) you do not really have a firm grasp of the concept of right and wrong. Someone telling you that what you are doing is wrong might make you think twice about doing it, but if you have no basis for trusting that person (refer to 2nd paragraph) you have no real feeling to attached to that action. This simply means that when you consider doing something naughty again, you'll be indifferent as to whether or not to go through with it, and then your outcome or the potential pleasure derived therefrom becomes your primary motivator. So I put the question to you, as a 5 year old kid about to steal your baby sisters ice-cream having been told that it's wrong, what would you do? Now, if your mother had lovingly placed you over her lap and given you a reason not to sit down for a few hours your decision making process would probably steer you on a slightly different path. This for the simple reason that the pain you associate with stealing far outweighs the potential pleasure of the ice cream cone.
Don't get me wrong, I'm not condoning violence here. I believe corporal punishment should be used in conjunction with all the other discipline methodologies. At the very least the parent should sit the child down before the hiding and explain to them why what they did was wrong and why they are being punished.
That being said, if you grew up in a household where groundings and not hidings were the norm and you're thinking to yourself "I turned out just fine" then I am thankful FOR your parents (because the good Lord blessed them with a child who listened). All I can say is should I one day be lucky enough to have a child and that child misbehaves and threatens to (or actually) calls the police/child services when I punish them, I WILL put that child up for adoption - and I seriously doubt I'd be the only one. I wonder then if all the anti-corporal punishment lobbyists will put as much time and effort into fixing up our adoption homes and orphanages...
Sunday, 5 February 2012
I Do (Till Death Do Us Part)
I've had a challenging start to 2012, one filled with lots of learning, frustrations and a bit of uncertainty. On more than one occasion I've found myself wondering what it is I'm doing with my life - even feeling a bit deflated at times, so I wrote this. Enjoy:
I won't lie, I lose a little steam some time
I get demotivated, my eagerness gets a tiny bit deflated
Even though I try to keep my head down and just keep at at at it
I lose sight of the end, like I'm falling back to the beginning
But this is only the beginning as I start to realize
The stars don't stop shining cause they're not burning in my eyes
I look up, and see
This life is greater than me
I'm destined to be more than I could ever be
Just gotta push
Even though I'm not quite knowing
Where the finish line is gotta keep keep going
Till I'm done. Me and this hustle promised until death do us part
And that my friend, was a promise from the heart
And my head, I gotta get it screwed back straight
Even on the finishing straight, I know that past that gate
Once I'm over that mountain, there's more for me to do
And I'll be sure to keep at, till my very last breath
Till I'm undone by death
Do I promise to the hustle to stay true?
That my friend, you can be sure I do.
I won't lie, I lose a little steam some time
I get demotivated, my eagerness gets a tiny bit deflated
Even though I try to keep my head down and just keep at at at it
I lose sight of the end, like I'm falling back to the beginning
But this is only the beginning as I start to realize
The stars don't stop shining cause they're not burning in my eyes
I look up, and see
This life is greater than me
I'm destined to be more than I could ever be
Just gotta push
Even though I'm not quite knowing
Where the finish line is gotta keep keep going
Till I'm done. Me and this hustle promised until death do us part
And that my friend, was a promise from the heart
And my head, I gotta get it screwed back straight
Even on the finishing straight, I know that past that gate
Once I'm over that mountain, there's more for me to do
And I'll be sure to keep at, till my very last breath
Till I'm undone by death
Do I promise to the hustle to stay true?
That my friend, you can be sure I do.
Tuesday, 31 January 2012
Letter To My Unborn Baby (Girl)
I've been thinking about having a kid for a while now. It's a huge responsibility, one which I don't think financially ready for yet, so I wrote this in the mean time. I'm really looking forward to the experience:) Enjoy:
God seen live for the very first time'll
Be the very first time you open up your eyes an
I see it, the miracle of birth happened to me an your moms
In her arms, you'll lay heart beatin, feet kickin
Most beautiful baby girl
You squeeze my finger, to think that, in my hands I hold the power to shape your world
Baby I love you, you're now a party of the family
Arguably, probably the biggest part of me, gosh
My little princess I can't wait to hold you, feel your baby soft skin, swell up deep within with the
Pride knowing I made you, birthed by your moms and the most heavenly power up above created you
And gifted you to us and you can trust
That everything humanly possible to protect you
We will do
We'll mould you, shape your mind and your life
To be better than what you can be, bigger than what we can be, yes we
We will always have your back baby girl
And we'll always take you back
baby girl
Cause you'll always be our baby girl
No matter what
I know you're not here yet
And that's ok, I'll be patiently waiting
Finishing up this letter for my unborn baby.
God seen live for the very first time'll
Be the very first time you open up your eyes an
I see it, the miracle of birth happened to me an your moms
In her arms, you'll lay heart beatin, feet kickin
Most beautiful baby girl
You squeeze my finger, to think that, in my hands I hold the power to shape your world
Baby I love you, you're now a party of the family
Arguably, probably the biggest part of me, gosh
My little princess I can't wait to hold you, feel your baby soft skin, swell up deep within with the
Pride knowing I made you, birthed by your moms and the most heavenly power up above created you
And gifted you to us and you can trust
That everything humanly possible to protect you
We will do
We'll mould you, shape your mind and your life
To be better than what you can be, bigger than what we can be, yes we
We will always have your back baby girl
And we'll always take you back
baby girl
Cause you'll always be our baby girl
No matter what
I know you're not here yet
And that's ok, I'll be patiently waiting
Finishing up this letter for my unborn baby.
Sunday, 29 January 2012
Hooters Anonymous
Since I've relocated to Johannesburg, the city of what what, I think the hearing in my right ear has somewhat deteriorated due to the incessant and excessive use of hooters by Joburg drivers. This piece, then, is meant to educate these poor hooting souls on what their car hooters can and can NOT do. Enjoy:
So, you're in your cute little/burly masculine car with those Gauteng-wide famous GP license plates. Somehow, you've managed to start the car and get it moving in a forward motion sans deploying your hooter. You, my friend, are (to this point) winning at life.
Now I know, I know, you're fast approaching the boom that signals the border of your gated community and the pressure to just slam your palm against your steering wheel to emit a sound reminiscent of a dying bovine from the cockels of your vehicle is mounting - but resist my friend, resist! As, erm...wonderful and usefull an invention as the hooter might be, it has it's limitations, but first, let's start with what the average car horn CAN do.
It can:
1. Warn pedestrians/brain dead animals in the road of impending doom;
2. Prevent you from being awarded a ticket when the speed-cop pulls you over to inspect your car and asks you to test the car horn;
3. And...uh, actually there is no third point, I just put this here so the list didn't seem so sparse...which it is...otherwise I wouldn't have put this here...moving along swiftly!
Now, let us move on to things your hooter can NOT do (brace yourself, this list is a tad bit longer...actually it's a lot longer, but for the purposes of not making you feel like a COMPLETE twat for all the times you've inappropriately used your horn I've truncated it - and no, that doesn't mean I've put it into the boot).
Now where was I? Ah yes, your car hooter can NOT do the following:
1. Make the standstill/stop and go traffic move any faster;
2. Miraculously improve the clutch control of the learner driver who's just managed to stall their car in front of you;
3. Swerve your car out of the way to avoid hitting the pedestrians/brain dead animals referred to in point 1 of the first list above;
4. Prevent taxi drivers from starting their own lanes;
5. Make you any less late for work;
6. Improve your child's IQ;
7. Fix your marriage and/or sex life;
8. Make your wife get dressed any faster;
9. Make your kids eat their cereal quicker in the mornings;
10. Make the robot turn green;
11. Or make the world a better place.
So, for the love of all things sweet and merciful, next time you think of using your car horn, think long and hard about what value, if any, it will add to the human race - unless you're about to hit something. In which case my simple rule of thumb is this: If you have enough time to you hoot, you certainly have enough time to swerve! Happy driving.
So, you're in your cute little/burly masculine car with those Gauteng-wide famous GP license plates. Somehow, you've managed to start the car and get it moving in a forward motion sans deploying your hooter. You, my friend, are (to this point) winning at life.
Now I know, I know, you're fast approaching the boom that signals the border of your gated community and the pressure to just slam your palm against your steering wheel to emit a sound reminiscent of a dying bovine from the cockels of your vehicle is mounting - but resist my friend, resist! As, erm...wonderful and usefull an invention as the hooter might be, it has it's limitations, but first, let's start with what the average car horn CAN do.
It can:
1. Warn pedestrians/brain dead animals in the road of impending doom;
2. Prevent you from being awarded a ticket when the speed-cop pulls you over to inspect your car and asks you to test the car horn;
3. And...uh, actually there is no third point, I just put this here so the list didn't seem so sparse...which it is...otherwise I wouldn't have put this here...moving along swiftly!
Now, let us move on to things your hooter can NOT do (brace yourself, this list is a tad bit longer...actually it's a lot longer, but for the purposes of not making you feel like a COMPLETE twat for all the times you've inappropriately used your horn I've truncated it - and no, that doesn't mean I've put it into the boot).
Now where was I? Ah yes, your car hooter can NOT do the following:
1. Make the standstill/stop and go traffic move any faster;
2. Miraculously improve the clutch control of the learner driver who's just managed to stall their car in front of you;
3. Swerve your car out of the way to avoid hitting the pedestrians/brain dead animals referred to in point 1 of the first list above;
4. Prevent taxi drivers from starting their own lanes;
5. Make you any less late for work;
6. Improve your child's IQ;
7. Fix your marriage and/or sex life;
8. Make your wife get dressed any faster;
9. Make your kids eat their cereal quicker in the mornings;
10. Make the robot turn green;
11. Or make the world a better place.
So, for the love of all things sweet and merciful, next time you think of using your car horn, think long and hard about what value, if any, it will add to the human race - unless you're about to hit something. In which case my simple rule of thumb is this: If you have enough time to you hoot, you certainly have enough time to swerve! Happy driving.
Thursday, 19 January 2012
Words Are Easy
I told myself that I wasn't writting anything today, but when inspiration hits it hits, courtesy of a conversation with my tweep @Oobakeng. This speaks to relationships as a whole, enjoy:
Words, words are easy
They flow like trees grow
In the heart of a jungle
Uninhibited unrestrained and free to be
If only our actions were as free
Then maybe we could have had a shot at something
We could have been more than the nothing
We became in the end of our days
If we'd had the courage in our words to change our ways
To go beyond the mere words we'd say
"I love you too" when I never really meant it
"I'm sorry I hurt you" when you'd already spent it
Words that said one thing
Actions that meant another meant
Before we even knew it we'd drifted from one another
When all is said and done
Words, words are easy
It's the action that's the hardest part.
Words, words are easy
They flow like trees grow
In the heart of a jungle
Uninhibited unrestrained and free to be
If only our actions were as free
Then maybe we could have had a shot at something
We could have been more than the nothing
We became in the end of our days
If we'd had the courage in our words to change our ways
To go beyond the mere words we'd say
"I love you too" when I never really meant it
"I'm sorry I hurt you" when you'd already spent it
Words that said one thing
Actions that meant another meant
Before we even knew it we'd drifted from one another
When all is said and done
Words, words are easy
It's the action that's the hardest part.
Tuesday, 17 January 2012
Love Tastes Like Strawberries
My friend, Soso, put up a Facebook status yesterday which read: "Love tastes like strawberries". I was inspired and wrote this. Lemme know what you think:) Enjoy:
Love tastes like strawberries dipped
Now drip drip dripping...some chocolate
Of the dark variety.
It's an acquired taste and for that it has notoriety
Orgasmic, if that's your thing it'll get there
Leave you with a blank stare
Just, glaring at the wall with everyone around
Trying to figure out just what it is about you
Giving off that glow
That never ending smile
Never emanating sighs
'Cause you're in love and you love it
'Cause to you,
Love tastes like strawberries dipped
Now drip drip dripping...some chocolate.
Love tastes like strawberries dipped
Now drip drip dripping...some chocolate
Of the dark variety.
It's an acquired taste and for that it has notoriety
Orgasmic, if that's your thing it'll get there
Leave you with a blank stare
Just, glaring at the wall with everyone around
Trying to figure out just what it is about you
Giving off that glow
That never ending smile
Never emanating sighs
'Cause you're in love and you love it
'Cause to you,
Love tastes like strawberries dipped
Now drip drip dripping...some chocolate.
Monday, 16 January 2012
Speed Doesn't Kill - People Do
Our transport minister, Sbu Ndebele says he wants to start a debate on the reduction of the speed limit. Well, here's my take on the speed limit and road safety in general. (Note: if you still have problems commenting, select "comment as anonymous". Seems to work). Enjoy:
Let me start with a small disclaimer here: I love speed. There are few things in this world that come close to matching the near orgasmic feeling of putting your foot deep into the well of a car with a big engine and having sheer force suck you into the deep recesses of your seat! If you've ever been in a BMW or Audi or Merc or any other of a myriad of powerful cars, I'm more than 90% sure you're nodding your head round about now.
Now, the minister's argument, and we've seen this on countless Arrive Alive boards, is that speed kills. This argument is based on the fact that at higher speeds, you can't react in time (by the time you react you will have covered more distance than if you'd been traveling at a lower speed). The impact at higher speeds is also harder than at lower speeds, so your chances of fatal injury also increase because of the heavier impact. Fair points which I can not dispute.
What I do dispute, however, is the notion that lowering the speed limit will reduce deaths on our roads. I have a theory that accidents don't happen because of one factor - and speed is just that, ONE factor. I firmly believe accidents happen when people:
1. Drive unroadworthy vehicles
2. Don't stop to rest when they're tired
3. Drive under the influence
4. Attempt to overtake on busy roads/blind curves
5. Drive recklessly
6. Speed in unsafe conditions
7. Don't allow other motorists to overtake (by hogging the "fast lane" or speeding up when being overtaken)
8. Switch lanes without indicating, etc.
I could go on and on with this list, but I think you get the idea. You also need to factor in that all of the above could happen, but if the other driver that would've been in the accident is experienced and level headed enough to react, an accident can still be avoided.
Which brings me to the crux of my argument against reducing the speed limit. Honestly, given the level of cars (even entry models) in the market, a level headed, experienced driver in a basic 1.4 litre Polo can drive on a clear day at 160kmh+ without any issues. If another car veers out of its lane or a buck jumps into the road, she would most likely be able to react and avoid a possibly fatal collision. Put an 18 year old driver who has just bou...I mean "passed" their license last week in the same situation and you have a funeral on your hands. Even at 60kmh in a not so modern vehicle, with a driver whose first instinct is to freeze, hoot or even swerve with no thought to how the vehicle will react, you will most likely have fatalities on your hands - and THAT is where the problem lies.
I admit again, as I did above that speed cannot be discounted as a factor when we consider the likelihood of an accident being fatal, but I challenge our minister to look beyond the obvious in his attempt to curb road deaths. I say we start with removing unroadworthy vehicles from our roads - impound and destroy these vehicles. I say we suspend the licenses of anyone found driving under the influence - the same applying for reckless drivers. I say make our licensing system more efficient and effective so that people can get their licenses the right way - why not afford pupils the chance to test for their learners and drivers licenses in high school?
Then, when all of those factors have been dealt with, maybe have a look at our speed limits. If anything, I'd say you'll probably save more lives by increasing the speed limits because people won't feel the need to slam on their breaks whenever they see traffic officers - even when they're driving within the legal limit! Besides, if speed really was the biggest cause of road deaths, I think it's safe to say that everyone in Germany would be dead by now.
Let me start with a small disclaimer here: I love speed. There are few things in this world that come close to matching the near orgasmic feeling of putting your foot deep into the well of a car with a big engine and having sheer force suck you into the deep recesses of your seat! If you've ever been in a BMW or Audi or Merc or any other of a myriad of powerful cars, I'm more than 90% sure you're nodding your head round about now.
Now, the minister's argument, and we've seen this on countless Arrive Alive boards, is that speed kills. This argument is based on the fact that at higher speeds, you can't react in time (by the time you react you will have covered more distance than if you'd been traveling at a lower speed). The impact at higher speeds is also harder than at lower speeds, so your chances of fatal injury also increase because of the heavier impact. Fair points which I can not dispute.
What I do dispute, however, is the notion that lowering the speed limit will reduce deaths on our roads. I have a theory that accidents don't happen because of one factor - and speed is just that, ONE factor. I firmly believe accidents happen when people:
1. Drive unroadworthy vehicles
2. Don't stop to rest when they're tired
3. Drive under the influence
4. Attempt to overtake on busy roads/blind curves
5. Drive recklessly
6. Speed in unsafe conditions
7. Don't allow other motorists to overtake (by hogging the "fast lane" or speeding up when being overtaken)
8. Switch lanes without indicating, etc.
I could go on and on with this list, but I think you get the idea. You also need to factor in that all of the above could happen, but if the other driver that would've been in the accident is experienced and level headed enough to react, an accident can still be avoided.
Which brings me to the crux of my argument against reducing the speed limit. Honestly, given the level of cars (even entry models) in the market, a level headed, experienced driver in a basic 1.4 litre Polo can drive on a clear day at 160kmh+ without any issues. If another car veers out of its lane or a buck jumps into the road, she would most likely be able to react and avoid a possibly fatal collision. Put an 18 year old driver who has just bou...I mean "passed" their license last week in the same situation and you have a funeral on your hands. Even at 60kmh in a not so modern vehicle, with a driver whose first instinct is to freeze, hoot or even swerve with no thought to how the vehicle will react, you will most likely have fatalities on your hands - and THAT is where the problem lies.
I admit again, as I did above that speed cannot be discounted as a factor when we consider the likelihood of an accident being fatal, but I challenge our minister to look beyond the obvious in his attempt to curb road deaths. I say we start with removing unroadworthy vehicles from our roads - impound and destroy these vehicles. I say we suspend the licenses of anyone found driving under the influence - the same applying for reckless drivers. I say make our licensing system more efficient and effective so that people can get their licenses the right way - why not afford pupils the chance to test for their learners and drivers licenses in high school?
Then, when all of those factors have been dealt with, maybe have a look at our speed limits. If anything, I'd say you'll probably save more lives by increasing the speed limits because people won't feel the need to slam on their breaks whenever they see traffic officers - even when they're driving within the legal limit! Besides, if speed really was the biggest cause of road deaths, I think it's safe to say that everyone in Germany would be dead by now.
Thursday, 12 January 2012
Untitled [A Social Commentary]
I feel like I'm becoming a social commentator here. While watching a story on the news last night about how kids in Kwa-Zulu Natal have to swim across a river to get to school everyday because the community is waiting on government to "fix the situation", it hit me. The reason people in general stay losing, especially black South Africans: we lack constructive laziness. To sum up constructive laziness in a sentence, these people should have made a plan to build a bridge. People in the jungle do it using vines, you DON'T need an engineering degree! So I wrote this piece to get us as a people thinking about our approach to life. Will you live life with a disability while waiting on someone to fix it, or will you see beyond what's in front of you to fix it yourself? In other words, will you choose to swim with the current, or build a damn bridge?? Enjoy:
I show to my minds eye what these can't see
The things in plain sight but hidden to you an me
More than just imagination, inspiration
Dreams and hopes to change nations.
Vision beyond what's in front of me
Empathy to more than those who are friends to me
Even to my enemies
A burning desire deep down in the heart of the fire
To say to struggle "no more,
This isn't what we were put here for!
To watch our fellow man struggle
While we claim to push the hustle."
For what. For who.
What does it mean to you
That you have food rotting in your dustbin
While others rummage through the garbage at the holiday inn
Looking for something, anything
To fill the void in their stomachs.
Switch your focus up, change the drive for your hustle
Keep your eyes wide open and your ears wider still
Be the one to make a difference, help heal our society's ills.
I show to my minds eye what these can't see
The things in plain sight but hidden to you an me
More than just imagination, inspiration
Dreams and hopes to change nations.
Vision beyond what's in front of me
Empathy to more than those who are friends to me
Even to my enemies
A burning desire deep down in the heart of the fire
To say to struggle "no more,
This isn't what we were put here for!
To watch our fellow man struggle
While we claim to push the hustle."
For what. For who.
What does it mean to you
That you have food rotting in your dustbin
While others rummage through the garbage at the holiday inn
Looking for something, anything
To fill the void in their stomachs.
Switch your focus up, change the drive for your hustle
Keep your eyes wide open and your ears wider still
Be the one to make a difference, help heal our society's ills.
Sunday, 8 January 2012
Drivers Etiquette
I recently did a cross country tour of South Africa, covering 7 of our 9 provinces and 4000km in a space of three weeks. Given what I saw, I thought I'd do a piece on driving etiquette for those of you who may have just moved to a new province/city to help you acclimatize a bit faster. (Note: this post contains all manner of generalizations which were meant to be humorous...because they're true:) Enjoy:
So, this week everyone is officially back at work. For some, it's going back to familiar jobs in familiar cities, and for others this means starting new jobs in unfamiliar surroundings. Either way, you have to find your way around, so to this end, I will give you a province by province breakdown for what to look out for when on the roads (excluding the North West and Eastern Cape Provinces as I wasn't in those two).
For the purposes of, erm...objectivity, the provinces will be listed in alphabetical order, starting with the Free State and ending off with the Western Cape.
1. Free state: Traffic lights and lane markings clearly weren't a priority in Bloemfontein, so be aware when driving in the city. Also, be wary of pedestrians who randomly cross the road as if in a zombie state. They don't look left and right and left again, they just step into the road.
2. Gauteng: For the longest time I complained about how Cape Town drivers need to drive as if they're going somewhere. I don't have this problem with Joburg drivers. They all drive as if they're trying to get to their graves. Too much focus is what got that other guy killed...you know, that OTHER guy. This could also lead to a fender bender for the untrained driver - explaining to the boss that you're late because you're trying to figure out Gauteng public transport while your car is in for repairs is not a good look. To that end, if you don't have the car hire option on your insurance, be sure to add it when you get to Gauteng. Thank me later.
3. Kwa-Zulu Natal: Oh. My. Gosh! I have a theory regarding drivers in KZN. Either they can't afford the R8.00 toll gates and use their indicator sticks to pay for them or they have some sort of telepathic understanding which the rest of us aren't privy to, because they randomly switch lanes - on the bloody highway! At 120kmh!! I swear I nearly got pushed off the road three times...in a ten minute period. Drive there at your own peril.
4. Limpopo: Not to be biased because I'm from here, and Imma let you finish, but Limpopo has some of the greatest drivers of all time! That said, I do wish the government would create an alternative to the N1 to cross borders, because all of those vans overloaded with maize meal and cooking oil looking like their rear left wheels are about to pop off are not a good look for us.
5. Mpumalanga: I have one thing to say about this province. Potholes and corruption 35 - service delivery 0. Be afraid, be very afraid...and slow. A pothole at 90kmh+ will do no good for your rims and even less good to your pocket.
6. Northern Cape: No-one actually lives in the Northern Cape, so...
7. Western Cape: As mentioned above, not the most focused drivers in the world. I often used to get the impression that Cape Town drivers just got into their cars and drove with the hopes that an almighty power would "give them a sign" to guide them on their journeys. Should you find yourself needing to get somewhere in this province, take initiative and show focus, otherwise you WILL forever more be 17 minutes late. For everything!
I hope this helps. Happy driving and enjoy the roads, we have a beautiful country with some breath taking scenery and a truckload of truly epic roads! Be safe, buckle up, don't drink and drive and have an epic 2012. Do best!
So, this week everyone is officially back at work. For some, it's going back to familiar jobs in familiar cities, and for others this means starting new jobs in unfamiliar surroundings. Either way, you have to find your way around, so to this end, I will give you a province by province breakdown for what to look out for when on the roads (excluding the North West and Eastern Cape Provinces as I wasn't in those two).
For the purposes of, erm...objectivity, the provinces will be listed in alphabetical order, starting with the Free State and ending off with the Western Cape.
1. Free state: Traffic lights and lane markings clearly weren't a priority in Bloemfontein, so be aware when driving in the city. Also, be wary of pedestrians who randomly cross the road as if in a zombie state. They don't look left and right and left again, they just step into the road.
2. Gauteng: For the longest time I complained about how Cape Town drivers need to drive as if they're going somewhere. I don't have this problem with Joburg drivers. They all drive as if they're trying to get to their graves. Too much focus is what got that other guy killed...you know, that OTHER guy. This could also lead to a fender bender for the untrained driver - explaining to the boss that you're late because you're trying to figure out Gauteng public transport while your car is in for repairs is not a good look. To that end, if you don't have the car hire option on your insurance, be sure to add it when you get to Gauteng. Thank me later.
3. Kwa-Zulu Natal: Oh. My. Gosh! I have a theory regarding drivers in KZN. Either they can't afford the R8.00 toll gates and use their indicator sticks to pay for them or they have some sort of telepathic understanding which the rest of us aren't privy to, because they randomly switch lanes - on the bloody highway! At 120kmh!! I swear I nearly got pushed off the road three times...in a ten minute period. Drive there at your own peril.
4. Limpopo: Not to be biased because I'm from here, and Imma let you finish, but Limpopo has some of the greatest drivers of all time! That said, I do wish the government would create an alternative to the N1 to cross borders, because all of those vans overloaded with maize meal and cooking oil looking like their rear left wheels are about to pop off are not a good look for us.
5. Mpumalanga: I have one thing to say about this province. Potholes and corruption 35 - service delivery 0. Be afraid, be very afraid...and slow. A pothole at 90kmh+ will do no good for your rims and even less good to your pocket.
6. Northern Cape: No-one actually lives in the Northern Cape, so...
7. Western Cape: As mentioned above, not the most focused drivers in the world. I often used to get the impression that Cape Town drivers just got into their cars and drove with the hopes that an almighty power would "give them a sign" to guide them on their journeys. Should you find yourself needing to get somewhere in this province, take initiative and show focus, otherwise you WILL forever more be 17 minutes late. For everything!
I hope this helps. Happy driving and enjoy the roads, we have a beautiful country with some breath taking scenery and a truckload of truly epic roads! Be safe, buckle up, don't drink and drive and have an epic 2012. Do best!
Tuesday, 27 December 2011
Drug Mule 101
I was debating whether or not to do one more piece for 2011, but there were just too many South African drug mules getting caught for me not to do this piece, so I thought I'd help potential drug mules out with some basic tips. Please note this piece was written in jest, so take in that spirit:) Hope you're enjoying the festive season, and be safe (I need to keep my stats up in 2012;) Enjoy:
So, you're a young South African with too much time on your hands, too many dreams in your head and not enough opportunities/qualifications to make the most of them? Well, have you ever thought of a career as a drug mule?
First things first though, a few things to consider:
1. Research were the job will take you. Know the laws there. Can you be given the death penalty for drug trafficking? Ignorance of the law does not mean you get a free pass. (Note: This is actually a law in most countries - well, South Africa anyway)
2. If you're fortunate enough to have DSTV, catch a few episodes of "Banged Up Abroad" on NatGeo. It will give you some insights into the possible, erm complications you might encounter should you get caught. It will also highlight some basic rookie errors to avoid in order to ensure a safe passage to your destination of choice. (Note: should you not have DSTV, go watch at a friends house. This is a must for any aspiring drug mule)
3. A simple, tried and tested rule of the drug trafficking/dealing game: do NOT get high on your own supply. This also applies to "accidental highs" caused by touching your face/eating while wrapping the merchandise for transportation. Always wash your hands, otherwise you'll realize you're high as you're waiting in the check-in queue. This WILL result in your arrest.
4. Prepare a little care pack with letters and a few video recordings of yourself before leaving for your family to remember you by in the event you do get caught. Chances are if you were desperate enough to be a drug mule your family can't afford return flights to Buénos Aires to visit you in prison...and trust me, if you get caught you'll be there for a while.
5. Bear in mind that if all you've been given to mule is 1kg of whatever, you're most likely just a diversion for the real shipment. Your boss won't really be bothered by your capture, in fact, they might welcome it or even use it to gain favour with police officials a la "tip-off". Hide that stuff like Superman will be searching you with his x-ray vision! (Note: agreeing to transport anything more than a kilo on your person is dumb)
Now you are armed with some basic tips and tricks of the trade should you be considering a position in the seemingly popular drug mule industry. Who knows, some day you might work your way up and become the muler. My last piece of advice before you enter this trade would be that you ask yourself: do I really want to be THAT guy/girl on the news undoing my dreads with a look of stone cold shock on my face after a holiday in Brazil because I was caught smuggling cocaine into Bangkok? If you had even a moments hesitation in answering, I strongly recommend you try something a little less risqué - house keeping perhaps.
So, you're a young South African with too much time on your hands, too many dreams in your head and not enough opportunities/qualifications to make the most of them? Well, have you ever thought of a career as a drug mule?
First things first though, a few things to consider:
1. Research were the job will take you. Know the laws there. Can you be given the death penalty for drug trafficking? Ignorance of the law does not mean you get a free pass. (Note: This is actually a law in most countries - well, South Africa anyway)
2. If you're fortunate enough to have DSTV, catch a few episodes of "Banged Up Abroad" on NatGeo. It will give you some insights into the possible, erm complications you might encounter should you get caught. It will also highlight some basic rookie errors to avoid in order to ensure a safe passage to your destination of choice. (Note: should you not have DSTV, go watch at a friends house. This is a must for any aspiring drug mule)
3. A simple, tried and tested rule of the drug trafficking/dealing game: do NOT get high on your own supply. This also applies to "accidental highs" caused by touching your face/eating while wrapping the merchandise for transportation. Always wash your hands, otherwise you'll realize you're high as you're waiting in the check-in queue. This WILL result in your arrest.
4. Prepare a little care pack with letters and a few video recordings of yourself before leaving for your family to remember you by in the event you do get caught. Chances are if you were desperate enough to be a drug mule your family can't afford return flights to Buénos Aires to visit you in prison...and trust me, if you get caught you'll be there for a while.
5. Bear in mind that if all you've been given to mule is 1kg of whatever, you're most likely just a diversion for the real shipment. Your boss won't really be bothered by your capture, in fact, they might welcome it or even use it to gain favour with police officials a la "tip-off". Hide that stuff like Superman will be searching you with his x-ray vision! (Note: agreeing to transport anything more than a kilo on your person is dumb)
Now you are armed with some basic tips and tricks of the trade should you be considering a position in the seemingly popular drug mule industry. Who knows, some day you might work your way up and become the muler. My last piece of advice before you enter this trade would be that you ask yourself: do I really want to be THAT guy/girl on the news undoing my dreads with a look of stone cold shock on my face after a holiday in Brazil because I was caught smuggling cocaine into Bangkok? If you had even a moments hesitation in answering, I strongly recommend you try something a little less risqué - house keeping perhaps.
Thursday, 22 December 2011
Death Took Me
I was asked for a new post by my cuz (Nw’Chabangu), so here it is. Inspired by a conversation I had with a colleague about an unrequited love and Katy Perry’s “The One That Got Away” – Yes…I listen to Katy Perry. Anyhow, hope you pick up the main message – when you love someone, tell them everyday and make sure they never get away, because unrequited love must suck…I wouldn’t know Enjoy:
Death took me away from you
Because when you walked out on me I died
Not a part of me, all of me
Completely, you took my soul with you
Left a shell, broken on the floor
Too weak to follow you out that door
I should have told you long before
What I felt, what you meant to me
What it meant to be, yours
I wish I hadn’t let you be
The one that got away.
Death took me away from you
Because when you walked out on me I died
Not a part of me, all of me
Completely, you took my soul with you
Left a shell, broken on the floor
Too weak to follow you out that door
I should have told you long before
What I felt, what you meant to me
What it meant to be, yours
I wish I hadn’t let you be
The one that got away.
Thursday, 8 December 2011
United we Fall
This is a piece from the heart…please, please show it some respect. I won’t say enjoy because I had no enjoyment in writing it:
Shattered. Absolutely shattered when I found out of Manchester United’s prematurely premature exit from the UEFA Champions League. Never mind her hand, this is like melting in the car!! On the way to meet her!! I’ll be honest, I didn’t stay up to watch the match because a.) I was tired and b.) Let’s all fess up as United supporters, their matches have been barely watchable since the matches leading up to that 6-1 drubbing at home to our blue neighbors. So, knowing that all we needed was a draw, and given that we’ve been playing draw-worthy football as of late I figured, eh, I’ll give the game a skip. I thought at best, I’d miss a narrow 1-0 victory, and at worst, a “thrilling” 3-3 draw.
I am in an emotionally fragile state as I write this piece, all I can ask is that all Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea, Real Madrid, Barcelona and whatever other club’s supporters show the due respect to us at this time of mourning. We are at a loss. I ask this knowing full and well all the jokes which have been made at the expense of all other clubs about their mishaps along the years; but lest you forget, let me point out to you: this is the UEFA Champions League we’re talking about here.
Getting nailed in a Premier League match is embarrassing, but the season is long, one can recover from that. Being knocked out of the FA Cup by a non-league minnow is humbling, but that is part of the romance of the cup, that is what makes it great! Losing the Carling Cup quarter final because someone in the Top 4 decide to violate the gentleman’s agreement that we only field third teams up until the final, well, that’s just unfortunate, but that’s just the Carling Cup. The UEFA Champions League, however, is major. This is where the elite, the royalty of European football come to be watched by the millions around the world. Imagine Monaco without that French prince dude. Imagine the Oscars without Denzel. Imagine the Champions league…without…*chokes up*…Manchester United!! Some of the brilliance that happens on this stage would have you believing that the very gods of football themselves descend upon the stadium rooftops for a front row view of the matches.
So again, I ask, my fellow footballing brethren: let us mourn our loss in peace…let us lick our wounds in the cold darkness…of…the Europa…*wipes tear that’s slowly made it’s way to his chin while typing this*…League.
Shattered. Absolutely shattered when I found out of Manchester United’s prematurely premature exit from the UEFA Champions League. Never mind her hand, this is like melting in the car!! On the way to meet her!! I’ll be honest, I didn’t stay up to watch the match because a.) I was tired and b.) Let’s all fess up as United supporters, their matches have been barely watchable since the matches leading up to that 6-1 drubbing at home to our blue neighbors. So, knowing that all we needed was a draw, and given that we’ve been playing draw-worthy football as of late I figured, eh, I’ll give the game a skip. I thought at best, I’d miss a narrow 1-0 victory, and at worst, a “thrilling” 3-3 draw.
I am in an emotionally fragile state as I write this piece, all I can ask is that all Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea, Real Madrid, Barcelona and whatever other club’s supporters show the due respect to us at this time of mourning. We are at a loss. I ask this knowing full and well all the jokes which have been made at the expense of all other clubs about their mishaps along the years; but lest you forget, let me point out to you: this is the UEFA Champions League we’re talking about here.
Getting nailed in a Premier League match is embarrassing, but the season is long, one can recover from that. Being knocked out of the FA Cup by a non-league minnow is humbling, but that is part of the romance of the cup, that is what makes it great! Losing the Carling Cup quarter final because someone in the Top 4 decide to violate the gentleman’s agreement that we only field third teams up until the final, well, that’s just unfortunate, but that’s just the Carling Cup. The UEFA Champions League, however, is major. This is where the elite, the royalty of European football come to be watched by the millions around the world. Imagine Monaco without that French prince dude. Imagine the Oscars without Denzel. Imagine the Champions league…without…*chokes up*…Manchester United!! Some of the brilliance that happens on this stage would have you believing that the very gods of football themselves descend upon the stadium rooftops for a front row view of the matches.
So again, I ask, my fellow footballing brethren: let us mourn our loss in peace…let us lick our wounds in the cold darkness…of…the Europa…*wipes tear that’s slowly made it’s way to his chin while typing this*…League.
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