tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3835027718843932772012-01-28T02:41:22.327+02:00This is a space for my own, personal musings. Possibly I shall, at a later date, connect this to my company's website (http://www.disabilitysolutions.co.za) & "official" blog(http://disabilitysolutions@blogspot.com). But for now, it remains my own private observations, distinct from Disability Solutions.Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10602777267475471553noreply@blogger.comBlogger1701100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-383502771884393277.post-36401650212135941092010-05-12T19:34:00.000+02:002010-05-12T19:34:31.513+02:00

There has been a lot of nonsense, and unfounded allegations recently regarding some of the stadia built for the FIFA 2010 competition.  The concert today clearly demonstrated to everyone that Cape Town Stadium is fully accessible to all. Filia School is a special needs educational unit based in Goodwood.  They had asked me if I knew of an accessible facility where they could hold their concert

Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10602777267475471553noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-383502771884393277.post-35374607614209060632010-05-03T20:52:00.000+02:002010-05-03T20:52:08.492+02:00

Press Release Cape Town Stadium is proud to host Filia School’s Laduma concert in celebration of the 2010 FIFA Soccer World Cup®. Filia School is a special needs educational facility from Goodwood. This is the third, and final, annual concert that they have been staging in the build up to the 2010 FIFA Soccer World Cup®, due to start on 11th June. The concert performed by the children at the

Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10602777267475471553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-383502771884393277.post-27321944122805181672010-05-02T14:10:00.000+02:002010-05-02T14:10:09.424+02:00

Discrimination with style. Maybe I should wait a while to calm down before posting this. The following may get deleted, as my blood pressure drops. I thought that every (volcanic) cloud has a silver lining… Well I was wrong. What I should have realised is that I always get the shitty end of the stick again. A good friend is in the international tourism business. He had arranged for a whole

Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10602777267475471553noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-383502771884393277.post-38439423328493811022010-03-24T19:43:00.002+02:002010-03-24T19:43:41.361+02:00

Last week, shocking revelations concerning the activities of the ANC Youth League spokesperson Nyiko Floyd Shivambu came to the fore. According to a letter published in various news outlets, a complaint was laid by 19 political journalists with the Secretary General of the ANC, against Shivambu. This complaint letter detailed attempts by Shivambu to leak a dossier to certain journalists,

Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10602777267475471553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-383502771884393277.post-1106939637034947992009-12-05T18:09:00.002+02:002009-12-05T18:13:53.178+02:00

OK, maybe it is not hard to offend me these days. But the recent speech by the Premier of Gauteng really rattled me: Gauteng Premier Nomvula Mokonyane has called on people living with disabilities to “stop relying on social grants and become active participants in the country’s economy”. Nice...if only if it were that easy!!! This is so offensive on many levels. It makes the assumption that

Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10602777267475471553noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-383502771884393277.post-36365276618459708212009-12-03T17:30:00.002+02:002009-12-03T17:33:07.108+02:00

Just in case there is anyone left in SA still not aware that something big is happening next year…This week is a mad week for me, and my company, on our various 2010 projects, especially the ones in Cape Town. We have various inspections, and also the draw tomorrow at the CTICC.The whole FIFA project is incredibly complex. I am sure (and hope) that the events tomorrow pass off without incident.

Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10602777267475471553noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-383502771884393277.post-19735486165092958892009-08-19T12:24:00.004+02:002009-08-19T12:29:05.134+02:00

For fear of being accused of a little self promotion, and I would hardly call myself an "Activist", this is a brilliant article:ONCE upon a time in South Africa, buildings had separate entrances and facilities for people of different races. The practice was outlawed as discriminatory along with the policy that created it: apartheid. That discredited philosophy was replaced with a Constitution

Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10602777267475471553noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-383502771884393277.post-54440920594371906372009-06-07T23:48:00.001+02:002009-06-08T00:12:34.805+02:00

Today was a great event at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium. The general public were invited to 'inspect' their stadium. We did not get quite the numbers we were expecting...but a great time was had by all that turned up, I think! Most of these were taken early on, before the crowds arrived.If someone can tell me how to upload video onto the site then I can upload some clips which demonstrate

Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10602777267475471553noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-383502771884393277.post-42256103479358634342009-06-02T12:39:00.001+02:002009-06-02T12:48:37.044+02:00

I am quite a fan of Google; I use Gmail, Reader, Calendar, Documents, etc. So I have been reading about the development of one of its new products - Google Wave, with great interest. What is Google Wave? Well, it is quite unlike anything else that we have at the moment. It is billed as a "real time communication platform". But it is a bit like email, IM, blogs, Facebook, Twitter, all rolled

Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10602777267475471553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-383502771884393277.post-70403814952436383322009-04-28T13:57:00.001+02:002009-04-28T13:57:35.511+02:00

Yet more accessible parking abuse at The Palms in Cape Town. This slot is always taken by some idiot.

Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10602777267475471553noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-383502771884393277.post-55913214740809219712009-03-31T11:14:00.002+02:002009-03-31T11:29:39.442+02:00

Accessibility is a general term used to describe the degree to which a product (e.g., device, service, environment, building etc.) is accessible by as many people as possible. That is easy isn't it? Well, no, it is not that easy. I want to explain what accessibility is all about, and why you need to think carefully about it. I was looking to book a B & B for myself. So, like most people,

Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10602777267475471553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-383502771884393277.post-32900632627634233372009-03-15T09:33:00.004+02:002009-03-15T09:55:16.263+02:00

I have certainly been ignoring my blog here for a while. I should try to rectify that I guess. My (feeble) excuse is that I have been rather busy lately. The following photos show what I have been busy with

Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10602777267475471553noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-383502771884393277.post-59930307880363664342008-08-24T12:27:00.003+02:002008-08-24T12:38:54.637+02:00

This particular post should be read after (at least!!) reading the previous 3 posts - Stems Cells 101, & the Potential Impact of Stem Cell Research Part1 & Part2. I shall try to outline some of the concerns surrounding this issue. Again, this is done in a rather over-simplified manner. Of course, I think almost everyone involved or interested in the whole debate, is hoping that the

Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10602777267475471553noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-383502771884393277.post-58392078525308440272008-08-24T12:19:00.001+02:002008-08-24T12:37:19.395+02:00

Right, so we have covered what stem cells basically are (Stem Cells 101), and I touched on their potential impact in the next post Potential Impact of Stem Cell Research Part 1. Now let's look at the more controversial issues of cloning. I think this is the area which is most misunderstood, and seems to cause most problems for many people.There are two distinct subjects to cover: a. Therapeutic

Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10602777267475471553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-383502771884393277.post-13075619903719892392008-08-24T12:11:00.001+02:002008-08-24T12:16:45.603+02:00

Stem Cells 101 gave a very brief, simple look at stem cells. Now we will look at the possible areas in which they may be used. I really want to unpack this before touching on the ethical issues. In this post I am concentrating on impairments and diseases. Part 2 will look at the potentially more contentious issue of cloning. It is important to realise that while there are applications

Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10602777267475471553noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-383502771884393277.post-24649010576818646072008-08-16T12:41:00.002+02:002008-08-16T12:44:46.892+02:00

I happened across this wonderful quote by Susan Wendell, from her book "The Rejected Body: Feminist Philosophical Reflections on Disability". I think it is worth sharing:Not only do physically disabled people have experiences which are not available to the able-bodied, they are in a better position to transcend cultural mythologies about the body, because they cannot do things the able-bodied

Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10602777267475471553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-383502771884393277.post-79167972751826959822008-08-11T16:09:00.001+02:002008-08-11T16:12:49.797+02:00

This post is an attempt to explain what stem cells are, and the differences between the different types. I am not going to touch on the ethics of stem cell research in this post, but leave that for a later discussion. I do think it is important that people understand what a stem cell is before they are able to make a judgment call on the ethics surrounding the subject. That may sound obvious;

Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10602777267475471553noreply@blogger.com42tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-383502771884393277.post-36271119225202225262008-08-03T15:02:00.002+02:002008-08-03T15:18:38.591+02:00

Is your house accessible? Probably not. A recent survey in the UK found that 98% of all new, privately built dwellings are inaccessible (to wheelchair users). My anecdotal (therefore untrustworthy) experience, would suggest that that figure would be similar here in SA. What about your place of work? Or you local restaurant / café? What about your place of worship? Cinema? Doctor's

Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10602777267475471553noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-383502771884393277.post-67931922959909607102008-07-26T20:55:00.001+02:002008-07-26T20:56:12.128+02:00

This should be interesting...but potentially just more hot air?The Presidency to host National Disability Summit, 28 to 29 Jul

Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10602777267475471553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-383502771884393277.post-7471064136438266722008-06-21T19:58:00.002+02:002008-06-21T20:00:56.095+02:00

21/06/2008 Shopping Trolleys blocking Accessible Bay at Paarl Mall Originally uploaded by dissol2 This REALLY annoys me. 3 people at Paarl Mall were just too bloody lazy, and decided to leave their trolleys blocking one of the accessible bays. Amazing the lack of thought that some humans display!!!

Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10602777267475471553noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-383502771884393277.post-58419807051988734892008-06-17T10:53:00.002+02:002008-06-17T10:58:52.409+02:00

Recently I read an article in the Times which pulled apart a document produced by the Chinese to "advise" people who to treat people with disabilities in preparation for the upcoming Paralympics. It really made some sad reading, especially given that there are approx 83 million people with disabilities living in China (which is equal to the entire population of Germany)."The guide for Chinese

Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10602777267475471553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-383502771884393277.post-69681802128374740282008-06-03T19:27:00.001+02:002008-06-03T20:23:03.540+02:00

Some more political promises - we need to monitor to see if they are actually delivered.E Molewa on priority provincial disability programme: "'The programme includes, amongst others, commitments on economic empowerment of people with disabilities, improving the internal capacity to manage the disability programme, increasing accessibility of services to persons with disabilities and broadening

Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10602777267475471553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-383502771884393277.post-64102449744167813492008-05-18T17:06:00.001+02:002008-05-18T23:12:33.076+02:00

This is a great post from another blog, Andrea's Buzzing About, which gets you thinking...Colony Collapse Disorder : Blogging Against Disablism Day � Andrea’s Buzzing About:: "The honeybees are in danger.I don’t care; I hate bugs!Too few people with disabilities complete their education or are fully employed.That’s not my problem; I don’t know any of Those People.Curiously, these two things are

Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10602777267475471553noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-383502771884393277.post-69801590603520010172008-05-10T12:28:00.001+02:002008-05-10T13:23:13.070+02:00

At least we can listen on the radio. But from all accounts Muizenberg Pavilion is a real dive. Surely a more suitable venue could have been provided for a man of Professor Hawking's stature?N Pandor to meet S Hawking in Muizenberg, 11 May: "On Sunday, 11 May the Minister of Education, Naledi Pandor will welcome Stephen Hawking, who is to give his first ever public lecture in Africa.Hawking's

Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10602777267475471553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-383502771884393277.post-20050656636173960452008-04-21T08:55:00.001+02:002008-04-21T08:56:51.730+02:00

This is a very interesting piece of news. A city in the UK has won a technology award for the provision of talking bus stops. I would suggest that people read the full article. They do say that this can be replicated in other areas, and I hope that will happen.Case study: Brighton & Hove City Council - Talking Bus Stops for the blind and visually impaired (linked to Real Time Bus Information

Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10602777267475471553noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-383502771884393277.post-80232611174682118402008-04-14T11:44:00.001+02:002008-04-14T11:53:53.260+02:00

We have heard these sort of promises from different politicians before. But I would encourage public promises like this as it does raise awareness. So full marks to the Minister for this promise. My follow up question would be how? We do need to get more people with disabilities into employment, but in order to do that there is much ground work that needs to be done. It is not as simple as

Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10602777267475471553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-383502771884393277.post-19041367144433536682008-03-15T17:41:00.002+02:002008-03-16T20:25:02.616+02:00

Disabled Access Originally uploaded by Edward Horsford Err...really??

Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10602777267475471553noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-383502771884393277.post-45335440290826011652008-03-15T17:40:00.002+02:002008-03-16T20:26:12.662+02:00

Harsh Originally uploaded by Dan Barham I think that I would be very upset if I were to be clamped!!

Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10602777267475471553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-383502771884393277.post-42819255114250919482008-03-07T09:21:00.003+02:002008-03-07T09:38:39.984+02:00

Inaccessible pavement in Cape TownOriginally uploaded by dissol2 Kloof Street Cape Town. The Electrical box made passing bad enough in a wheelchair, but now they have ripped up the pavement, one has to take on the traffic on Kloof street...which is a scary activity...

Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10602777267475471553noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-383502771884393277.post-31650200817773060082008-02-24T09:45:00.002+02:002008-02-24T09:46:39.816+02:00

23022008232 Originally uploaded by dissol2 Outside of Sportsmen's Warehouse in Tygervalley. They had carefully positioned the trampoline in one of the accessible parking bays, but it also blocked the use of the second one. We did point this out to the management, and it was slightly moved, although the problem remained.

Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10602777267475471553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-383502771884393277.post-84037004266042526982008-02-10T13:48:00.000+02:002008-02-10T13:48:50.138+02:00

It will be interesting to see how accessible the Olympics and Paralympics will be this year.VOA News - China Prepares to Host Paralymics: "China is preparing to hold its first Olympic Games this year, and along with it, the Paralympics Games for disabled athletes. Chinese officials acknowledge that they are far behind in providing equal access for the country's disabled citizens, and they hope

Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10602777267475471553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-383502771884393277.post-20289541422933817182008-02-02T11:13:00.000+02:002008-02-02T14:23:28.025+02:00

There is an exhibition taking place in Cape Town (Civic Centre) called "Aesthetic and Disability" from 2nd to 29th February.In a bid to change the way society looks at disabled people and to celebrate their beauty, the City of Cape Town is to launch a photo exhibition featuring French models with various forms of disability.Now, while I applaud any effort to raise awareness around Disability,

Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10602777267475471553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-383502771884393277.post-28942786321109872762008-01-30T22:13:00.000+02:002008-01-30T22:16:39.596+02:00

This is very exciting! It just shows how new technology is breaking new ground every day.Double amputee walks again due to Bluetooth - CNN.com: "WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Marine Lance Cpl. Joshua Bleill lost both his legs above the knees when a bomb exploded under his Humvee while on patrol in Iraq on October 15, 2006. He has 32 pins in his hip and a 6-inch screw holding his pelvis together.Joshua

Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10602777267475471553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-383502771884393277.post-87356808060516251762008-01-30T21:18:00.001+02:002008-01-30T21:32:40.741+02:00

More parking abuse Originally uploaded by dissol2 the vehicle was still there when I came out 4 hours later. The bay is not actually big enough, but I had to park on another level, and as I could not park at the end of a row, just hope that anyone parking next to me would allow enough space to get my wheelchair in.

Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10602777267475471553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-383502771884393277.post-48640146721243962802008-01-27T12:26:00.000+02:002008-01-27T12:30:44.628+02:00

This should make all businesses and restaurants think...Rolling Rains Report:: Steak & Shake: Where ADA Compliance has Been Taken Off the Menu!: "Americans with disabilities spend more than $13.6 billion annually on travel. The Open Doors Organization calculated that in 2003, persons with disabilities or reduced mobility spent 35 billion dollars in restaurants. According to the same study, more

Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10602777267475471553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-383502771884393277.post-76752766652116870932008-01-22T10:50:00.000+02:002008-01-22T11:08:49.267+02:00

OK, off the usual subjects for a post, but I do feel that this is actually linked to Disability; as I know of several people who are now disabled due to to crimes where weapons were used, and they were shot.  Prevention is always better than cure.  We need to have stricter arms controls all over the world, but especially here in South Africa...Therefore I have joined, and would encourage any

Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10602777267475471553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-383502771884393277.post-9787285393405407062008-01-06T23:24:00.000+02:002008-01-07T08:26:22.237+02:00

Come on South Africa...we need ratification...and MUCH work to catch up. You tried to portray South Africa as at the forefront of this important work...they are looking like empty words as each day passes...Rolling Rains Report:: Press Release: Mexico, El Salvador and Nicaragua Ratify the UN Disability Rights Convention: "Mexico, El Salvador and Nicaragua Ratify the UN Disability Rights

Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10602777267475471553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-383502771884393277.post-64750790480537836922007-12-21T15:02:00.000+02:002007-12-21T15:03:40.075+02:00

I know it is stating the obvious, but sometimes we need to. Here is more evidence of better, accessible design paying off.WorldChanging: Tools, Models and Ideas for Building a Bright Green Future: Redesigning Buses: "Sightline Institute's blog The Daily Score recently noted that people always prefer streetcars and other light rail to buses. They aren't just being subjective, either--history

Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10602777267475471553noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-383502771884393277.post-44047195389331590912007-12-19T10:33:00.000+02:002007-12-19T10:35:08.031+02:00

This is exciting news...I really hope that it turns into action. Of course I applaud the move. Although I must admit that I smiled, when you see how a politician announces this...as though it is a huge favour, and we all need to be suitably thankful. The reality is that if access is not provided to places of culture, then they are in direct contravention of (their own) laws, and open to court

Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10602777267475471553noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-383502771884393277.post-70455432966152463482007-12-11T17:57:00.000+02:002007-12-11T17:58:19.568+02:00

I wonder if some local airlines are taking note of this... Perhaps it would be a good time to finally go ahead with the court action against Nationwide Airlines, before they completely disappear!?Airlines warned not to bar disabled | The Australian: "'It's fine for low-cost or budget airlines to reduce services,' human rights commissioner Graeme Innes said yesterday. 'But not carrying passengers

Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10602777267475471553noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-383502771884393277.post-73344375188206370092007-12-08T16:10:00.000+02:002007-12-08T16:13:45.149+02:00

Does Edna Molewa, Premier of the North West province, really believe what is being said here??! The reality is almost the complete reverse of what is being claimed here. It does make me quite frustrated when political figures try to score points by basically saying untruths(although there again...how can you tell when a politician is lying? Their lips are moving)...E Molewa: International

Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10602777267475471553noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-383502771884393277.post-38407383862763300652007-12-05T21:36:00.000+02:002007-12-05T21:36:42.267+02:00

Wonderful story of real men playing a real game...the likes of which I doubt we shall ever see on a Rugby pitch again...there would be no place in a modern Rugby team for the likes of Willie John, Gareth Edwards, Phil Bennet, JPR & JJ. An interesting statistic: the average weight of the 1997 British Lions Backs was more than the average weight of the 1974 British Lions forwards...makes you think

Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10602777267475471553noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-383502771884393277.post-646462821476642312007-11-30T12:47:00.001+02:002007-11-30T12:47:40.712+02:00

Inaccessible Nedbank Branch Originally uploaded by dissol2 This is another view of the same inaccessible Nedbank branch (see the next post)

Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10602777267475471553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-383502771884393277.post-43797109062487610032007-11-30T12:41:00.001+02:002007-11-30T12:44:30.114+02:00

Inaccessible Nedbank Branch Originally uploaded by dissol2 This makes me mad!!! This is the new location of the Nedbank branch in Fourways shopping Mall in Jo'burg. Probably one of the busiest Malls in Gauteng, and therefore South Africa. Nedbank in its infinite wisdom(?!), moved from their ground floor location to here...on the first floor. But the only way to access this level is via

Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10602777267475471553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-383502771884393277.post-25381809885092777542007-11-26T16:24:00.000+02:002007-11-26T16:24:48.765+02:00

I hope that this means that something will finally happen with regard to telecommunications in South Africa. We basically have a state run monopoly and therefore incredibly high charges, and very poor service - just like the UK was 20 years ago withBT . Then competition came along (Mercury, etc.) and hey presto, prices came down, and service went up. Internet connectivity can be so useful to

Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10602777267475471553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-383502771884393277.post-24237435580068684392007-11-26T14:44:00.000+02:002007-11-26T14:54:34.627+02:00

This is me with Shannon, Michelle's daughter. She is a really happy baby, and was gurgling with delight...right up until the moment that the camera came out!

Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10602777267475471553noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-383502771884393277.post-64433144420037684082007-11-20T08:45:00.000+02:002007-11-20T08:55:20.888+02:00

Woo hoo! I have ordered my new wheelchair! I was looking for a "rigid / folding" wheelchair but as the Quickie Revolution is being discontinued, and the cost of a locally supplied wheelchair was extraordinarily expensive, I am importing an Activator from Mobility Vision in Ireland. I am hoping that the chair may grab people's attention here, and we may be able to get some more clients for them

Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10602777267475471553noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-383502771884393277.post-24624721650693416242007-11-18T08:48:00.000+02:002007-11-18T09:41:12.738+02:00

THE MANS GUIDE TO FEMALE ENGLISH We need = I want It's your decision = The correct decision should be obvious by now Do what you want = You'll pay for this later We need to talk = I need to complain Sure...Go ahead = I don't want you to I'm not upset = Of course I'm upset, you moron! You're

Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10602777267475471553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-383502771884393277.post-55229468186073251482007-11-06T12:08:00.000+02:002007-11-06T12:18:42.218+02:00

This is nice to see (even for a Scotsman!). Here the winning SA Rugby captain John Smit is seen holding the 2 most precious things in his life right now - the William Webb Ellis Trophy, and his daughter. But there is another important feature; look at his wrist - he is wearing the green Stand Tall Wrist Band as promoted by the South Africa Quad & Para Association. Good to see...but then again,

Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10602777267475471553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-383502771884393277.post-18506739188362377942007-10-18T14:02:00.000+02:002007-10-18T14:03:33.571+02:00

This is quite a different slant on the figures as compared to what is being reported in the local press...where some small improvements in some of the figures are being used to show the 'success' of the programmes here... But this is very worrying.BBC NEWS | Africa | South Africa 'losing Aids battle': "South Africa is in danger of losing the battle against HIV/Aids, the United Nations children's

Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10602777267475471553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-383502771884393277.post-81601861113176134412007-10-06T18:23:00.000+02:002007-10-06T18:26:15.048+02:00

Come on South Africa, we (and the World) are waiting!! Well done India!India ratifies UN convention on rights of disabled: "India ratifies UN convention on rights of disabled United Nations | October 02, 2007 1:05:16 AM IST India has ratified a UN convention to promote and protect the human rights and fundamental freedoms of those with disabilities as also respect for their inherent dignity.

Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10602777267475471553noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-383502771884393277.post-76294171070180014432007-10-05T11:37:00.000+02:002007-10-05T11:38:04.370+02:00

More interesting news on Stem Cell research, but the scientists rightly warn that the clinical use is still a long way off.BBC NEWS | Health | Stems cells 'slow nerve disease': "Stems cells 'slow nerve disease'Stem cells show potential for treating the debilitating nerve condition motor neurone disease, research suggests. A US team found injecting rats with stem cells delayed the onset of MND.

Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10602777267475471553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-383502771884393277.post-74033676973095142702007-10-05T11:34:00.000+02:002007-10-05T11:35:36.467+02:00

This could be an exciting breakthrough, although there obviously needs to be a lot more work done on this.BBC NEWS | Health | Find 'offers motor neurone hope': "Find 'offers motor neurone hope'Scientists are hopeful that they have found a way to halt the progression of motor neurone disease (MND). A team at Bath University discovered a causal link between the gene involved in the formation of

Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10602777267475471553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-383502771884393277.post-47555864816519899402007-09-30T00:01:00.000+02:002007-09-30T22:20:13.016+02:00

Trekker - HumanWare assistive technologies for vision: "A GPS system for the Blind and visually impaired A revolutionary system that uses GPS and digital maps to help blind persons find their way in urban and rural areas. Trekker users can pinpoint exactly where they are, learn about area attractions, and find out how to get to specific destinations. GPS lets them know their location, anywhere

Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10602777267475471553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-383502771884393277.post-37027556885942819922007-09-17T17:39:00.000+02:002007-09-17T17:42:38.555+02:00

This is fascinating!BBC NEWS | Technology | Technique links words to signing: "Technique links words to signing By Geoff Adams-Spink Age & disability correspondent, BBC News website Photo of the signing avatar The avatar was developed by the University of East Anglia Technology that translates spoken or written words into British Sign Language (BSL) has been developed by researchers at IBM. The

Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10602777267475471553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-383502771884393277.post-46513121328766697202007-09-04T15:38:00.000+02:002007-09-04T15:38:25.925+02:00

I find the following deeply worrying...Weird Science: "According to a 2001 Gallup poll, 47 percent of all Americans accept a strict creationist view, and only 12 percent accept a strict scientific view of evolution. And the creationists have tried--with some success--to get their views inserted in school curricula across the country, in states like Kansas and Georgia. This despite the fact that

Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10602777267475471553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-383502771884393277.post-72797732276504977202007-09-03T19:38:00.000+02:002007-09-03T19:39:21.920+02:00

There are some excellent shirts here...the only problem is which one(s)!!The Nth Degree Catalog: Advocacy Shirts: "SAME STRUGGLE CLOSER LOOKsame struggle shirt image see text description below ORDER IT DESCRIPTION: Black shirt with white handwritten message on front saying 'Same struggle, Different Difference.'"

Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10602777267475471553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-383502771884393277.post-50385191745722315472007-08-30T12:47:00.000+02:002007-08-30T12:48:39.919+02:00

This is a great article by the great athlete Tanni Grey-Thompson. I do agree with her view completely.With inclusion at its heart, London will transform lives - Times Online: "With inclusion at its heart, London will transform lives With five years to go, our correspondent says the capital will provide a platform for disabled athletes to effect real social change Tanni Grey-Thompson So the

Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10602777267475471553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-383502771884393277.post-70187322420498208182007-08-25T16:23:00.000+02:002007-08-25T16:41:31.180+02:00

My favourite podcast has been the Skeptics Guide to the Universe (even if they cannot spell sceptic properly). I listen to the show each week, and find the conversations very interesting & stimulating. It is quite odd listening regularly to these type of podcasts, as you do get to know the different characters involved. So I was quite saddened to learn of the passing of one of the "sceptical

Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10602777267475471553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-383502771884393277.post-49123052949442679762007-08-21T13:00:00.000+02:002007-08-21T13:24:34.975+02:00

There were a number of different people abusing the parking bays in and around the Harbour at Hermanus. I was not able to take photos of them all...as I could not park!! If you are, or happen to know, the owner of CA 658 899, and the diver or passenger is disabled then could you suggest that their permit is displayed when parking in a designated accessible parking bay. If the occupants are not

Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10602777267475471553noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-383502771884393277.post-59164043440037493902007-08-02T13:27:00.000+02:002007-08-02T13:42:55.051+02:00

This is a very honest, open admission:www.skillsportal.co.za | employment_equity Disability is a thorn in the side of the skills development strategy: "Disability is a thorn in the side of the skills development strategy23-MAY-07By Ivor Blumenthal - CEO of the Services SetaIt is difficult to publicly admit. Seven years into the Skills Development rollout it is apparent that even where we are

Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10602777267475471553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-383502771884393277.post-30448535207724567302007-07-28T22:04:00.000+02:002007-07-28T22:08:40.357+02:00

Commenting on a complaint from a Mr. Arthur Purdey about a large gas bill, a spokesman for North West Gas said, "We agree it was rather high for the time of year. It's possible Mr. Purdey has been charged for the gas used up during the explosion that destroyed his house." (The Daily Telegraph)Police reveal that a woman arrested for shoplifting had a whole salami in her underwear. When asked why,

Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10602777267475471553noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-383502771884393277.post-9802007536033467712007-07-25T17:50:00.000+02:002007-07-25T17:51:26.064+02:00

Why shouldn't we try the same here?Daily Times - Leading News Resource of Pakistan - Pakistan’s first Internet caf� for the blind inaugurated: "Pakistan’s first Internet caf�for the blind inauguratedStaff ReportISLAMABAD: The country’s first-ever Internet caf�for the visually impaired was inaugurated here on Tuesday. The project was funded by the World Bank and the Pakistan Foundation Fighting

Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10602777267475471553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-383502771884393277.post-76287483644783841852007-07-25T17:20:00.000+02:002007-07-25T17:20:51.435+02:00

Hmm... whenever I look at these sort of figures, I wonder how South African politicians really believe that the prevalence of Disability is a fraction of these figures in South Africa?Rolling Rains Report:: US Census Reports Releases Statistics on Disability: "US Census Reports Releases Statistics on DisabilityU.S. Census Bureau releases disability statisticsThe Census Bureau recently released a

Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10602777267475471553noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-383502771884393277.post-42313291074433127862007-07-23T23:43:00.000+02:002007-07-23T23:45:19.856+02:00

I am watching this latest development "The Elders" with huge interest & hope!!! Please have a look at http://www.theelders.org/elders/ and show your support...

Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10602777267475471553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-383502771884393277.post-11712555981130719152007-07-22T12:52:00.000+02:002007-07-22T12:53:08.678+02:00

this is a very good article, which could be written about any country I feel, certainly the situation in South Africa is even worse. I hope that the soon to be launched African Employers' Forum on Disability will skirt to tackle such situations.BBC NEWS | UK | Magazine | Who cares: "Having a degree and excellent skills count for little if you are disabled and live in residential care. Why?"

Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10602777267475471553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-383502771884393277.post-8170710446858390362007-06-20T17:14:00.000+02:002007-06-22T09:13:30.041+02:00

Putting people first � UK usability market to grow 20% in 2007 - new report: "The UK market for usability and accessibility will grow by 20% in 2007 to a value of around �180 million, according to a new report published this week by E-consultancy.Research for the 2007 Usability and Accessibility Buyer’s Guide found that increased competition in the online marketplace is driving investment in a

Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10602777267475471553noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-383502771884393277.post-85881440476631177532007-06-06T11:28:00.000+02:002007-06-06T11:29:04.485+02:00

Please go to this website, and even if you don't sign up, read up on the issues...The ONE Campaign | Issues: "MORE AND BETTER AIDInternational assistance saves lives, directly helping and empowering individuals to help themselves. Increasing international assistance by an amount equal to just ONE percent of the U.S. budget will: * Reduce by half the number of people in the world who suffer from

Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10602777267475471553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-383502771884393277.post-87411664386880647312007-05-17T08:47:00.000+02:002007-05-17T08:48:15.770+02:00

This bit of news is really frightening. I am not sure which is worse; the fact that People with Disabilities only comprise 0.7% of the workforce...or that the figure has dropped by 30% in 4 years!? I am furious that this is being under-reported. Why was Jimmy Manyi allowed to concentrate on just one aspect of employment equity, which by comparison is streets ahead of Disability. We, as a

Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10602777267475471553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-383502771884393277.post-21713798448627079372007-05-09T12:19:00.000+02:002007-05-09T12:20:45.118+02:00

Another interesting use of modern technology... I don't think of myself as a geek...but I do get a kick out of how different new technologies can be used to remove barriers that have in some cases been put there by other (older) technologies.BBC NEWS | Technology | Smart hat brings play to disabled: "A 'smart' cap that allows disabled children to 'drive' radio-controlled cars and boats, has been

Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10602777267475471553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-383502771884393277.post-64412415367356335692007-05-07T19:30:00.000+02:002007-05-07T19:32:46.797+02:00

Hmm; a counter point to the previous post, Alison was able to point out some issues with VeeSee. I decided to do some more research (I apologise for posting before doing co earlier!). I think her comment to my previous post is well founded. Perhaps, as I come form a country ahead there is precious little sign language available, that I tend to get excited whenever I see that more may be

Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10602777267475471553noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-383502771884393277.post-74936340439146416632007-05-07T14:14:00.000+02:002007-05-07T14:26:18.538+02:00

Another interesting developmentBBC NEWS | Technology | IPTV for deaf people takes off: "A new web-based television service, or IPTV, for British Sign Language (BSL) users has recently launched in the UK.VeeSee TV airs news and other programmes in BSL and is available 24 hours a day.The channel can be viewed on a computer or via a set-top box and is the brainchild of BSL interpreter Susie Grant."

Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10602777267475471553noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-383502771884393277.post-89252804521276569452007-05-07T12:42:00.000+02:002007-05-07T12:43:35.476+02:00

An interesting development of Tablet PC technology (which I am already sold on!)BBC NEWS | Technology | Motion-sensitive laptop developed: "Motion-sensitive laptop developedTilting the laptop moves a cursorA motion-sensitive laptop which can be controlled much like a Nintendo Wii remote is under development.The tablet PC laptop has been adapted to respond to a user when moving the machine up or

Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10602777267475471553noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-383502771884393277.post-38973238552495469662007-05-06T18:43:00.000+02:002007-05-06T18:48:00.372+02:00

I would love a pair of these wheels on my wheelchair... They even glow differently at night! Hmmm...The website is:http://www.sweetskinz.com

Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10602777267475471553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-383502771884393277.post-40656730096979561642007-05-06T16:07:00.000+02:002007-05-06T16:08:00.801+02:00

This is just madness! In a World where the conflict of different religions are causing such issues for us all, we should be looking to the different religious leaders to be trying to build bridges. Still, given my own experiences of religious leaders, I am not at all surprised, but still rather saddened, that they can be so thoughtless... Religions (of all denominations) have much to be

Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10602777267475471553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-383502771884393277.post-12673071416144452682007-05-02T12:11:00.000+02:002007-05-02T12:12:26.033+02:00

this is an impressive achievement!IOL: Blind pilot flies halfway round the world: "Sydney - A blind British pilot landed his microlight aircraft in Sydney on Monday to complete a record-breaking flight halfway around the world.Miles Hilton-Barber left London on March 7 and flew more than 21 000km to raise funds to fight blindness in developing countries.'It's the fulfilment of an amazing dream,'

Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10602777267475471553noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-383502771884393277.post-26739528359939438582007-04-30T23:24:00.000+02:002007-05-02T12:13:48.807+02:00

Hmm; an interesting, thought provoking article. But I do feel that the author slightly underplays the significance that the world's only living statesman played in all this: Mandela (or Madiba, as he is affectionately known by all here).South Africa and Iraq: the missing example David Mikhail - openDemocracy: "The successful transition to democracy in South Africa could be an inspiration to

Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10602777267475471553noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-383502771884393277.post-69309095137977760622007-04-30T15:51:00.000+02:002007-04-30T16:04:58.195+02:00

This was kindly sent to me by Willie Bosch. I have left his words untouched.Apart from the fact that parking for disabled is allocated close to the entrance of shops, they are designed to be a minimum of 3.5 meters wide. The space is needed for the disabled persons car door to be fully open so that a wheelchair may be moved close to the seat for the person to climb or slide over to the

Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10602777267475471553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-383502771884393277.post-24373073230960715252007-04-25T23:18:00.000+02:002007-04-25T23:19:03.913+02:00

Credit where it is due (pun intended!); we may argue that 0.51% is too small... but at least one country made it; pity a few more could not achieve the same...BBC NEWS | Business | Africa aid target 'may be missed': "The European Union (EU) set a target for its 15 established members to give 0.51% of Gross National Income (GNI) in aid by 2010 and 0.7% by 2013.In 2006 the UK provided �6.85bn in

Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10602777267475471553noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-383502771884393277.post-10857761094135164432007-04-25T12:24:00.000+02:002007-04-25T12:25:28.300+02:00

When one realizes that a defective lift can be a complete barrier to access for many people with disabilities, or worse, if they are defective then potentially they could strand people on upper floors, with no means of escape; then we should be absolutely horrified at this finding. It is essential that action is taken by the authorities to address this serious, dangerous problem. this work

Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10602777267475471553noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-383502771884393277.post-25803682014605402402007-04-24T16:51:00.000+02:002007-04-24T16:52:48.208+02:00

A long way off yet, but fascinating nontheless:BBC NEWS | Health | Research opens way for bionic eye: "Research opens way for bionic eyeEyeA bionic eye could potentially restore sightUS scientists have opened the way for the development of a 'bionic eye'.They used electrodes to stimulate an area of the brain that processes visual information, the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences

Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10602777267475471553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-383502771884393277.post-68752549450652540892007-04-23T08:54:00.000+02:002007-04-23T11:06:20.247+02:00

this is really worrying; I love rugby, even though it was the root cause of me becoming a wheelchair user. But this tells me that there is something really wrong with Rugby in South Africa. Some of the stories that are coming out are really frightening & I do feel that something needs to be done. I have heard of horror stories from my sons' schools of coaches playing injured players,

Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10602777267475471553noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-383502771884393277.post-38524869093426756112007-04-22T20:34:00.000+02:002007-04-22T20:34:57.380+02:00

My point exactly; let us host the 2010 at Newlands and spend the necessary on our transport infrastructure.allAfrica.com: South Africa: 2010 Or Bust (Page 1 of 1): "Fifa was quite happy with Newlands, and that way Cape Town would save hundreds of millions of rands to spend on worthy causes -- and still get the tourists even if it failed in its bid to host a semifinal."

Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10602777267475471553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-383502771884393277.post-54924292571470361002007-04-22T11:45:00.000+02:002007-04-22T12:03:06.785+02:00

I had posted previously that South Africa were one of the movers, and first signatories to this convention. I feel that this convention should have far reaching effects, but I also feel that the actual implementation will prove to be difficult for many countries to acheive. I know DPI have put together a toolkit, and I will unpack that in a later post. But I want to include an email that I

Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10602777267475471553noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-383502771884393277.post-76948400036943195292007-04-20T14:34:00.000+02:002007-04-20T14:35:43.064+02:00

Wow! I know that Microsoft were aiming for the Wow factor; well, it has worked here! Wow!: how bad is the Vista experience for customers to want to have 'old' software instead of the latest versions? How does Micrsoft hope to get people to convert (at huge cost) to Vista, when this sort of thing happens? There are many aspects of Vista that I think would be useful to my (mostly pen-based)

Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10602777267475471553noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-383502771884393277.post-86633495786570328222007-04-20T14:26:00.000+02:002007-04-20T14:29:59.848+02:00

Why is the world not interested? I know that the South African government is trying to work quietly with the regime in Harare, but there needs to be more peer pressure from different leaders. I am appalled when Mugabe is treated as a hero, or when he is criticised it is some form of racism. Those that know me, know that many of my heroes are African...and I firmly believe that the only living

Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10602777267475471553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-383502771884393277.post-26668517891452478642007-04-17T17:02:00.000+02:002007-04-17T17:10:17.788+02:00

Doing my little bit, and showing my support...in the hope that they may still find Alan Johnston alive. I use the BBC extensively, for news, and research. I believe that they offer a valuable, relatively unbiased report on most news events. I wish that people would realise that a free media is a prerequisite for a free world. Without reporters like Alan Johnston, we would not be able to learn

Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10602777267475471553noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-383502771884393277.post-9718944467041334182007-04-13T15:00:00.000+02:002007-04-17T09:47:43.400+02:00

This is the quite dreadful neo-conservative who was foisted on the World Bank by the Bush administration to deal with the perceived corruption within that organization. Is this a case of gamekeeper turned poacher? I believe that it is yet another example of cronyism and blatant corruption within the neo-conservative ranks of the present White House administration. Their arrogance and

Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10602777267475471553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-383502771884393277.post-66824191834874245852007-04-13T14:32:00.001+02:002007-04-13T14:50:19.953+02:00

Another car parked in an accessible bay Originally uploaded by dissol2. Fri 13/04/2007 12:27 13042007338 Of course, any of these may be legitimate, but if they are not displaying a "Blue Permit" then it is fair game. I know that sometimes I forget to put my own up in my car, or sometimes I may have say left my car (with permit) in an accessible parking bay at the airport, and then hired a

Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10602777267475471553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-383502771884393277.post-11389605991172194552007-04-12T09:39:00.001+02:002007-04-12T11:25:09.881+02:00

More access issues around Greenmarket Square Originally uploaded by dissol2. Wed 11/04/2007 11:22 11042007322 This is another photo of issues in Cape Town. I did ask the cafe to move the furniture, which they did. But the next day I was there they were back blocking the route. Look how the umbrella is positioned to block the kerb cut out.

Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10602777267475471553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-383502771884393277.post-75910204627379562332007-04-11T22:14:00.000+02:002007-04-11T22:19:33.190+02:00

Another take on novel navigation methods for people with sight impairments.Getting in Touch: Virtual Maps for the Blind: Scientific American: "Researchers in Greece have developed a new system that converts video into virtual, touchable maps for the blind. The three-dimensional maps use force fields to represent walls and roads so the visually impaired can better understand the layout of

Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10602777267475471553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-383502771884393277.post-58077910437531655182007-04-09T16:27:00.001+02:002007-04-12T17:27:48.577+02:00

Building a Tower!Originally uploaded by dissol2. Mon 09/04/2007 14:08 09042007321 Rob & his pal, DJ building a tall tower. It is built from just wooden blocks (slightly larger than Jenga blocks). It is amazing & pleasing to see just how much fun 'simple' toys such as this can give such pleasure to kids.

Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10602777267475471553noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-383502771884393277.post-52014759718938980112007-04-08T09:52:00.000+02:002007-04-08T11:16:13.595+02:00

This is so funny! I use Wikipedia a lot, and find it a very useful resource. On one level, I think it is hilarious that the American religious right wing feels so threatened by "non American" spelling of words... That would be the correct way then?? (Try being a "real" English user, and the battles we have with the stupid spell checkers with Microsoft...yes, I know we can change to English (

Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10602777267475471553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-383502771884393277.post-14136828909879819952007-04-07T23:27:00.000+02:002007-04-07T23:33:54.740+02:00

Jan Smuts has been a fascinating historical character for me, and the more I learn about this fascinating man, the more I am in awe of him. Not only did he write the preamble to the League of Nations (which went on to become the United Nations), but if he had been allowed to implement the results of the Fagan Commission, then Apartheid may never have happened. In my former career, I came across

Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10602777267475471553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-383502771884393277.post-3491654346740283952007-04-07T11:33:00.000+02:002007-04-07T11:37:07.058+02:00

Hmm... What is Jackie Selebi thinking?? I have seen at first hand the effects of alcohol on England thugs...believe me, you don't want to make alcohol any more accessible for those people. And legalising prostitution??? In a country where 20% of the population is HIV positive?? I wonder what the rate is amongst prostitutes?? Perhaps Selebi is taking a long term view on this...and the two

Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10602777267475471553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-383502771884393277.post-37503647918911939652007-04-06T20:16:00.000+02:002007-04-07T10:08:39.070+02:00

This is a sweet photo - found on Flickr. Well done 'Light Saver"!

Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10602777267475471553noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-383502771884393277.post-2053777786522790112007-04-06T18:07:00.000+02:002007-04-06T18:30:48.582+02:00

I really hope that the Bill passes through this time with enough of a majority so that the Idiot in Charge cannot veto this again, and limit this really important research. I hope that there can be enough public support, and people do contact their senators in the States to get that important 66%.Stemblog � What YOU Can Do!: "We need the Stem Cell Research Enhancement to pass, and to pass with a

Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10602777267475471553noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-383502771884393277.post-7333209537575308862007-04-06T12:11:00.000+02:002007-04-06T12:12:29.902+02:00

I really feel that this move is rather silly, given the rising crime in South Africa. I do believe that we have international obligations...and should be providing support to many international efforts, especially in Africa, but I cannot see that this is needed.South African Police Service members deployed to assist with security at Cricket World Cup: "Today National Commissioner Jackie Selebi

Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10602777267475471553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-383502771884393277.post-43259246465050950532007-04-06T11:45:00.001+02:002007-04-06T11:53:15.497+02:00

Some Access issues in Cape Town. Originally uploaded by dissol2. Thu 05/04/2007 12:56 05042007308 While many of my photos are of Cape Town & area, it does not mean that that Cape Town is particularly bad, it just happens to be where I go. This photo shows a poor road surface immediately in the path of the kerb cut-out. This is along the route around Green Market Square, an important Tourist

Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10602777267475471553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-383502771884393277.post-66504347179615766292007-04-03T09:22:00.001+02:002007-04-06T11:54:03.124+02:00

Yet more accessible parking cause at CPTOriginally uploaded by dissol2. Tue 03/04/2007 08:58 03042007303The authorities at Cape Town airport really need to start to monitor & police these bays. I witness abuse nearly every time I in to the airport & I have never seen any action taken against these idiots, even though I have made repeated requests. All too often the culprits are hotel &

Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10602777267475471553noreply@blogger.com0