Job creation initiatives, RSA

An improvised door latch in an otherwise clean, professional and unremarkable petrol station in the (former homeland of the) Transkei, SA. One can count 3 different thicknesses of wire and one cable tie in the mix, suggesting the lock has been repaired on at least 4 different occasions.
This is perhaps the most obvious and financially sound solution (if not the prettiest) in a country where a new shooting bolt and six woodscrews costs about the same as a casual labourer/generic petrol pump worker's daily wage.
And it creates work for an otherwise unemployed lad for half a day or so - something buying a new lock would not achieve.
Job creation ideas from the third world - Ireland, take note!

Top Shelf Bibles

South Africa's largest chain of "Christian Family Bookstores" was not what I was expecting when I slunk inside.

Advertising just ain't what it used to be...

Go On Johnny!

I have of late been reading an interesting book I happily and accidentally chanced upon in the History wing of the University liberry - an account of a load of Irish settlers to the Cape Province in 1820. Seeking a new life and a fresh start, fleeing Protestant rule and worsening spud yields back home, a whole load of Oirish lads and families made their way Southalong aboard the HM "Fanny" bound for Cape Town. The book is mainly a dry enough account of the death, misfortune and hardship endured by these poor souls who were landed with an awful barren spot of farmland near a parish called Clanwilliam, believe it or not. The misery is interjected from time to time however with amusing anecdotes from a young stowaway scut by the name of John Montgomery. Excerpts of his musings were published decades later in a few South African newspapers such as the Free State Gazette - the readers of which would no doubt have been more horrified than amused by the memoirs of the rogueish Jackeen.
And we wonder why we're all tarred with the same brush, 200 years later? Go on Johnny!

Guy Fawkes

Each year, New Zealand government make it legal to buy and sell fireworks for three days (November 3rd - 5th) in anticipation of Guy Fawkes night. This year I'm joining the fun and bought $80 worth of some cracking fireworks. Results to follow......

Three Tragic Tales from the Tropics

There are harsh lessons to be learned out here in the Heart of Darkness. One must be on the top of his game just to survive. A chap unscathed is a fellow unlived, though.

Lesson Learned #1:
Don't drink and shoot things. It leaves a scar.




Lesson learned #2:
Don't run a marathon around and atop Table Mountain. It'll leave infected blisters. And a scar.





Lesson learned #3:
Don't shove your foot into bicycle spokes while barefoot. It'll snap your toe in three. And will leave a scar.








More maulings to come in the coming months, to be sure. Summer's on it's way.

Carrefour Discount Coulommiers

I had no idea what I was going to say if questioned as to why I was taking a picture of arguably the worst cheese in Carrefour. However, some strategic loitering about in the isle for 10 minutes allowed me to choose my moment well, without prying French eyes. As far as I can see they don't advertise this product. Anywhere. But, it is in the cheese isle. And it clocks in at €4.26/kg.