tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-51595869356867048992011-12-26T19:07:09.007+02:00The difference between an average person and a clever person is the understanding of a thousand wordsGrahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04473110431282022279noreply@blogger.comBlogger3421100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5159586935686704899.post-33065458889402331132011-11-17T18:08:00.000+02:002011-11-17T18:08:48.723+02:00

  Parachutist just after leaving the aircraft, Robertson Skydive, Robertson Overcast, dark and had just started raining slightly. Nikon D200, Sigma 150-500mm lens Click image to enlarge Shutter priority 1/1000 Image at flickr

Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04473110431282022279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5159586935686704899.post-82459309946594011152011-11-16T13:58:00.000+02:002011-11-16T13:58:25.287+02:00

  Image of two Blue Cranes, taken on the road between Bredasdorp and Stormsvlei Full image at FLICKR

Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04473110431282022279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5159586935686704899.post-72254895965933099972011-11-15T10:24:00.000+02:002011-11-15T10:24:57.801+02:00

Bredasdorp Shipwreck Museum. Situated in Bredasdorp CBD, easily accesible, and parking was no problem. R20,00 per person entry fee, If I can remember correctly. Staff were friendly and helpful. Photographs were permitted, but the request was made by staff not to take images of any of the maps. Depending on your level of interest, one could spend between 30 minutes to maybe an hour and a half

Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04473110431282022279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5159586935686704899.post-55304342654067462822011-11-15T10:18:00.000+02:002011-11-15T10:18:33.398+02:00

 Church weather vane, Robertson DRC Image taken early morning with a Nikon D200 and Sigma 150-500mm lens. Click image to enlarge

Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04473110431282022279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5159586935686704899.post-70595875419564088122011-11-14T13:55:00.000+02:002011-11-14T13:55:06.763+02:00

  Gewone Bontrokkie, African Stonechat - Saxicola torquata Image taken with a Nikon D200 and Sigma 150-500mm lens Click on image to enlarge

Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04473110431282022279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5159586935686704899.post-38265970776757945362011-10-13T10:53:00.000+02:002011-10-13T10:53:37.908+02:00

 (Double click on image for larger view) This is one of those "it happened" images. Was busy concentrating on aircraft flying overhead and the Weaver arrived. Many days I have waited in the same position to get a good image of a weaver and the nest, without much success. Subject usually facing the other way, sun from unwanted angle, factory wall in the background, no eye contact, underexposed,

Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04473110431282022279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5159586935686704899.post-47786219688325675762011-10-04T11:07:00.000+02:002011-10-04T11:07:12.957+02:00

Chameleon This image was take with a Nikon D200 and an 55-200mm Nikor Nikon lens from a D3100 bundle. Dark, rainy and cloudy day f5,6 55mm 1/30 ISO 160 (Maybe I should have juiced the ISO up a bit)

Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04473110431282022279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5159586935686704899.post-80590268649936185322011-09-28T10:15:00.000+02:002011-09-28T10:15:42.621+02:00

 Tandem Jump. Robertson Double click for enlarged image.

Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04473110431282022279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5159586935686704899.post-45893184643896292532011-09-18T13:34:00.000+02:002011-09-18T13:34:07.692+02:00

Testing.....

Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04473110431282022279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5159586935686704899.post-8772001395256008802011-08-24T15:00:00.000+02:002011-08-24T15:00:09.687+02:00

Cape Aghulhas Lighthouse from a different perspective.  Nikon D3100 Source: Karin

Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04473110431282022279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5159586935686704899.post-27975768903577527192011-08-24T14:58:00.000+02:002011-08-24T14:58:29.727+02:00

Sunrise at Cape Agulhas National Park. Image taken just before sunrise.  Nikon D200Exposure time 1/160 70mm f6.3 ISO 100 Double click on imgage to enlarge

Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04473110431282022279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5159586935686704899.post-65301631359369375722011-08-11T14:37:00.000+02:002011-08-11T14:37:52.262+02:00

Anyone know anything about this spider?  Dissapearing spider This image was taken at the Cape Agulhas National Park a few weeks ago.(Nikon D200) The spider was seen late in the evening, despite not being around during the afternoon. At sunrise the next morning the spider and web had dissapeared. No trace of spider or web, as in nothing. Late next evening he or she was back, only to be gone early

Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04473110431282022279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5159586935686704899.post-80629636579136032042011-08-11T14:09:00.000+02:002011-08-11T14:09:21.796+02:00

Paternoster beach

Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04473110431282022279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5159586935686704899.post-69119636450328375682011-08-11T13:51:00.000+02:002011-08-11T13:51:08.167+02:00

Double click for larger images Cape Wagtail / Gewone Kwikkie Cape Wagtail Gewone Kwikkie Nikon D200

Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04473110431282022279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5159586935686704899.post-77983819362143114822011-08-11T13:47:00.000+02:002011-08-11T13:47:03.282+02:00

Cape Agulhas, (Cape L'Agulhas), the most Southern point of Africa. The name comes from Portuguese Cabo das Agulhas, meaning "Cape of Needles". It would appear as though the needles on the compass would behave erratically when passing around the Cape. Most probably due to the true north and magnetic north readings coinciding. Not as impressive as Cape Point, but the geographical point that marks

Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04473110431282022279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5159586935686704899.post-29218128467502036402011-07-22T17:44:00.000+02:002011-07-22T17:46:39.477+02:00

 Karin se wurm

Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04473110431282022279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5159586935686704899.post-25847705613359638872011-07-12T19:05:00.000+02:002011-07-12T19:05:27.305+02:00

 Full moon : Nikon D200 : Robertson

Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04473110431282022279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5159586935686704899.post-54262436407151070882011-06-30T16:42:00.000+02:002011-06-30T16:42:30.756+02:00

   What is the difference between a crocodile and an alligator? Last weekend I took this image of a crocodile and thought I may as well do something with it, so it’s on the web. Made me think about the physical differences between alligators and crocodiles. First things first, not all the articles I read up on agree on many aspects, but not on all, even the basic differences, so beware, and

Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04473110431282022279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5159586935686704899.post-1209871242866840732011-06-20T14:46:00.000+02:002011-06-20T14:46:24.923+02:00

Do bees have knees, and what does the bees knees mean and origin. There appears to be lengthy debates on the Internet as to whether bees have knees or not. I found this more interesting than the origin and meaning of the saying The Bees Knees. There is no gray area in the questions and comments that I read. People either believe that bees have knees or they don’t, but none of the arguments that I

Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04473110431282022279noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5159586935686704899.post-87268560249525041552011-06-02T12:01:00.000+02:002011-06-02T12:01:20.757+02:00

"The King is dead, long live the King", origin and meaning.This from an e-mail request.However, after scratching around a bit the exercise became futile as an excellent article at the link below summarises it all. Details here.Two other interpretations are firstly, that the King is dead, but his good work will be remembered forever, and, secondly alluding to only a King will rule England. History

Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04473110431282022279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5159586935686704899.post-7611452652266311392011-06-01T16:04:00.000+02:002011-06-01T16:04:24.753+02:00

Look closely, undoubtedly the most attractive, sexiest, beautiful person you have ever seen, and don't forget it.(Mirror, Mirror on the wall......)

Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04473110431282022279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5159586935686704899.post-58699312982057385052011-05-31T16:05:00.000+02:002011-05-31T16:05:47.736+02:00

What is a Flea Market, origin and meaning? The concept of flea markets has been around for thousands of years, but with different names.What is sold at flea markets? The definitions most often cited refer to second-hand items that are cheap. Some definitions include items that are cheap but not necessarily used, as in new. The golden thread throughout all definitions is cheap. Cheap can be

Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04473110431282022279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5159586935686704899.post-84439529481392768702011-03-25T11:02:00.000+02:002011-03-25T11:04:13.816+02:00

An ode of English Plural(Received this via email, source unknown)We'll begin with a box, and the plural is boxes,But the plural of ox becomes oxen, not oxes.One fowl is a goose, but two are called geese,Yet the plural of moose should never be meese.You may find a lone mouse or a nest full of mice,Yet the plural of house is houses, not hice.If the plural of man is always called men,Why shouldn't

Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04473110431282022279noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5159586935686704899.post-80758057140313926702011-03-22T01:14:00.000+02:002011-03-22T01:14:53.146+02:00

 

Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04473110431282022279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5159586935686704899.post-10783066439442370492010-12-22T10:34:00.000+02:002010-12-22T10:39:41.579+02:00

The World's Shortest Fairy StoryI have neglected doing anything on here for a long time, my interest waned and the point of blog deletion was a click away. However back again and starting with a mundane fairy story just to see if it still worksSource unknown

Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04473110431282022279noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5159586935686704899.post-85060031134630052712009-12-16T17:06:00.000+02:002009-12-16T17:07:52.013+02:00

What does the word quasi mean? One often hears reference to quasi this and quasi that. What does it really mean and where does the word come from?Firstly, quasi is from Latin, meaning “as if” or “almost”.Used as a prefix, as in quasi – government, quasi-cuisine, quasi-this, quasi-that and virtually quasi-anything.Most references in dictionaries define quasi with the following words: -Like,

Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04473110431282022279noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5159586935686704899.post-41052717741234446442009-11-16T09:52:00.000+02:002009-12-09T18:21:40.985+02:00

What does jumping or jump the gun mean? Meaning, origin and example.Not much confusion as to the meaning. When one jumps the gun you commit yourself to an action before it is wise to do so. Most references refer to negative results that happen when this action is taken. Jumping the gun can be as a result of impatience, trying to gain an unfair advantage or simply taking a decision based on

Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04473110431282022279noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5159586935686704899.post-21795131437144484792009-11-09T12:05:00.000+02:002009-11-09T12:20:14.936+02:00

After a couple of posts triggered by Poppy Day I started wondering as to the origin of the word "war" and the dictionary definition.The explanations below I have copied and pasted from Wikipedia. The link will take you to more detailed information and recognition of sources. Definition"War is a reciprocated, armed conflict between two or more non-congruous entities, aimed at reorganising a

Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04473110431282022279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5159586935686704899.post-20212241716612574532009-11-09T11:55:00.000+02:002009-11-09T14:08:12.189+02:00

Albert Einstein quotes on war.In a couple of days it will be the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. The end of World War 1, at this time and date during 1918. Poppy Day, Remembrance Day.The War to end all Wars was the current thinking at the time. History has proved this thinking wrong. Wars have been a permanent part of history and an important part of the formation and development of

Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04473110431282022279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5159586935686704899.post-17240181183335640372009-11-09T09:10:00.000+02:002009-11-09T14:09:00.911+02:00

The official name of Poppy day is Remembrance day, also known as Armistice day. This day commemorates the ending of the First Word War by the signing of the Armistice Treaty in a railway carriage in Compiègne Forest on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, 1918.Why poppies and why red poppies?Inspired from the poem by Major John McCrae, In Flanders Fields, a Canadian military doctor,

Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04473110431282022279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5159586935686704899.post-59887355886050062562009-11-06T15:00:00.000+02:002009-11-06T15:00:46.442+02:00

Proof that birds can readreceived via e-mail, source on image

Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04473110431282022279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5159586935686704899.post-72161673270827313092009-11-06T14:49:00.000+02:002009-11-06T14:52:20.411+02:00

What does Utopia or Utopian mean?Start off with the origin of the word. First used in 1516 by Sir Thomas More in his book “Of the Best State of a Republic, and of the New Island Utopia”. On this Island everything was perfect. A state of bliss.The word Utopia has Greek origins meaning “no place”.So, if Utopia is no place and Utopia is a place of harmony and bliss then one could deduct that Utopia

Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04473110431282022279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5159586935686704899.post-86256378083490421722009-11-05T17:52:00.000+02:002009-11-05T17:54:13.202+02:00

Source unknown

Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04473110431282022279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5159586935686704899.post-30269027553309107042009-11-05T10:58:00.000+02:002009-11-05T17:43:12.098+02:00

Climate change is a reality, despite the skeptics who maintain that it is all a figment of the imagination, and, like an irritating itch, it will pass with time. Forget about trying to prove or quantify whether it is a reality or not. Al Gore and his Inconvenient Truth road show is evidence enough for anyone who has an object on top of his spinal cord that is larger than a golf ball.The issue is

Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04473110431282022279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5159586935686704899.post-58987436748115326332009-11-03T08:31:00.000+02:002009-11-03T08:32:14.529+02:00

Country Cousins (Old Saddles)restaurant was gutted in the early hours of this morning.   

Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04473110431282022279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5159586935686704899.post-45827984905297422132009-11-02T18:40:00.000+02:002009-11-02T18:40:44.041+02:00

NG Kerk Swellendam, van die mooiste kerke in die omgewing    

Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04473110431282022279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5159586935686704899.post-86913035539237692392009-11-02T14:20:00.000+02:002009-11-02T14:23:54.839+02:00

La Mont, between Ashton and Swellendam.Excellent setting, large variety of cheeses etc to choose from, and Van Loveren wines at cellar prices.Good value for money.Place to put your mind into neutral and enjoy(Cheese and wine only)   

Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04473110431282022279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5159586935686704899.post-91308582949202423942009-11-02T13:52:00.000+02:002009-11-02T14:10:19.714+02:00

A few random images taken while having an lazy drive over the pass to Swellendam. Confused as to whether the correct name is Tradouw or Tradouws Pass. Entrance to pass fom Barrydale side of the mountain   Only four bullet holes in this sign. Sign must be newer than it looks. (Click on image to enlarge)

Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04473110431282022279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5159586935686704899.post-902298845934451802009-11-02T12:07:00.000+02:002009-11-02T12:13:16.024+02:00

 Sign board between Montagu and Barrydale.

Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04473110431282022279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5159586935686704899.post-32038565696767491492009-10-29T07:54:00.000+02:002009-10-29T08:01:21.952+02:00

Not till the loom is silentAnd the shuttle cease to flyShall God unroll the canvasAnd explain the reason whyThe dark threads are as needfulIn the weavers skilful handAs the threads of gold and silverIn the pattern he has plannedSource unknown

Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04473110431282022279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5159586935686704899.post-60803203569137159332009-10-19T14:17:00.001+02:002009-10-19T14:18:42.164+02:00

I have absolutely no issues as far as hunting or guns are concerned. I no longer own a firearm and have never been a keen fan of hunting for the sake of hunting. From a strong forestry background I personally have no desire to hunt wild animals. Having said that, I feel that it seems to be a bit unfair to shoot an animal with a state of the art firearm over a distance of 500 yards, while the “

Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04473110431282022279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5159586935686704899.post-51856411183821185492009-08-24T09:26:00.000+02:002009-08-24T09:27:44.000+02:00

There is always a logical and rational explanation for everything. Not always evident at face value, I wonder what happened here........Received via e-mail, source unknown

Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04473110431282022279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5159586935686704899.post-31600204710833927052009-08-20T14:55:00.000+02:002009-08-20T14:57:45.581+02:00

One evening an old Cherokee told his grandson about a battle that goes on inside people. He said, "My son, the battle is between two wolves inside us all. "One is Evil - It is anger, envy, jealousy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego."The other is Good - It is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness,

Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04473110431282022279noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5159586935686704899.post-54697545897432490762009-07-22T14:01:00.000+02:002009-07-22T14:03:02.899+02:00

There is always a rational explanation for everything, I wonder what this one is.....

Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04473110431282022279noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5159586935686704899.post-29749782689789702522009-07-21T16:27:00.000+02:002009-07-21T16:31:27.724+02:00

Which Roman Emperor made his horse a Senator, and declared war on Neptune?This snippet of trivia popped up on DSTV a couple of nights ago.The answer was given as Emperor Caligula.I thought this would be a good one to read up on, and went scratching.Gaius Julius Caesar Augustus Gemanicus, also known as Caligula. As a young boy he accompanied his father on military campaigns and wore diminutive

Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04473110431282022279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5159586935686704899.post-81176530575291578252009-06-23T08:58:00.000+02:002009-06-23T09:09:32.039+02:00

 Taken with mobile at 17H00.Robertson , South Africa. First decent rain of the winter, no snow yet, forecast for Thursday/Friday

Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04473110431282022279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5159586935686704899.post-36637186836395593502009-06-18T15:45:00.000+02:002009-06-23T11:18:41.536+02:00

The meaning is easy to understand. If something needs attention, do it now, rather than wait until the situation becomes progressively worse and finally out of control. This will result in requiring much more attention than would have been the case if it had been addressed immediately.Why stitches and why nines? Most sources refer to stitches as in knitting, sewing or needlepoint. If you drop one

Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04473110431282022279noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5159586935686704899.post-82867018756094138582009-06-18T11:56:00.000+02:002009-06-23T11:35:55.006+02:00

What does SOS mean? What does MAYDAY mean? What is the difference? PAN PAN?SOS first.An SOS was an international distress signal transmitted by Morse code. With the advent of long distance radio transmissions in the early 1900’s it was possible to communicate with radio using Morse code signals. (Samuel Morse and Alfred Vail developed the electric telegraph during the 1800’s, more detail). During

Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04473110431282022279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5159586935686704899.post-62575995178286865162009-06-18T10:23:00.000+02:002009-06-23T11:46:08.112+02:00

What is the origin and meaning of a Charlatan?Truth be told my understanding was incorrect, but will not compound my embarrassment by going into details.A charlatan is someone who tricks you out of your money by deceiving you. The vast majority of references relate to things medical. Promises are made that a specific medicine or potion will cure from virtually anything.So, the unsuspecting client

Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04473110431282022279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5159586935686704899.post-26007584158006825742009-06-15T14:26:00.000+02:002009-06-15T14:30:45.142+02:00

What does it mean to knock on wood or to touch wood, and all about origin and meaning?Firstly the meaning. The way I look at it the phrase has two meanings. Firstly one would “touch wood” if you are having a streak of good luck and you do not want to tempt fate by bragging. An example would be if the sports team of your choice had won 10 games in a row and you could brag by saying that the next

Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04473110431282022279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5159586935686704899.post-23508876118071479632009-06-10T13:59:00.000+02:002009-06-10T14:03:38.408+02:00

What does a Fabian tactic or strategy mean…..?Definition, meaning and example in a nutshell.Oxford Dictionary defines a Fabian Tactic or Strategy as….”dilatory tactics and avoidance of direct engagements”I read a definition in a Pan dictionary, and I really cannot recall which one, that related Fabian to the evolution of politics, specifically Socialism. Evolution rather than

Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04473110431282022279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5159586935686704899.post-56170583331288835652009-06-04T10:58:00.000+02:002009-06-04T11:00:50.070+02:00

The meaning and origin of the saying “ The pen is mightier than the sword”Definitions abound, but all allude to the same principle that it is more sensible to resolve a conflict by the use of words and communication rather than by physical conflict and confrontation.This saying is attributed in this form by all sources to Edward Bulwer-Lytton, 1839, from his play Richelieu.Verbatim“ Beneath the

Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04473110431282022279noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5159586935686704899.post-7030728370720064422009-06-01T12:10:00.000+02:002009-06-23T11:28:42.723+02:00

Julius Caesar quotes / quotations are limited. There are not many, and, oftentimes I am confused as to which were really Caesar’s and which were William Shakespeare's.1) “Veni, vidi vici” : I came I saw I conquered. This is a Caesar quote as documented by Suetonius . Details at a previous post.2) “The die has been cast” : Caesars words on crossing the Rubicon ; Details at a previous post.3) “Et

Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04473110431282022279noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5159586935686704899.post-56045025105977147562009-06-01T11:10:00.000+02:002009-06-01T11:14:49.794+02:00

My 10 best cynical (?) quotes from Mark Twain, 1) Don't go around saying the world owes you a living. The world owes you nothing. It was here first. ( I find it difficult to communicate with people who were born unhappy, and blame the system for everything from their unemployment to chronic haemorrhoid pains)2) Better to keep your mouth shut and appear stupid than to open it and remove all doubt.

Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04473110431282022279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5159586935686704899.post-28716795565921796092009-05-25T15:44:00.000+02:002009-05-25T15:48:52.495+02:00

I thought this one would be an easy one; but not so, there are a number of interpretations as to when this word originated and what it means.Without thinking too much about it, my interpretation was that a honeymoon was that period of time after getting married, when you went off on holiday. The purpose being to get to know your new wife intimately without unwanted people around. So, the way I

Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04473110431282022279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5159586935686704899.post-15257752966704155262009-05-25T11:47:00.000+02:002009-05-25T11:48:35.002+02:00

Janus, the mythological “god of doors, gates, beginnings and endings”. This is the definition most commonly found.Firstly, name is from Latin, Ianus.Janus is from Roman mythology, and unlike the majority of Roman mythological deities there is no Greek origin or equivalent. A number of dictionaries refer to “gates and doors” and do not give much attention to the “Beginnings an Endings” part. The

Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04473110431282022279noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5159586935686704899.post-75317685305190639262009-05-21T14:00:00.000+02:002009-05-21T14:05:54.794+02:00

Where do the names of the months originate and what do they mean. Short summary of each one with the birthstones and flowers associated with each month.January:January, the first month of the year was named after the Roman god Janus. He was the god of gateways and doors and the custodian of entrances and halls. January, the first month of the year, being the gateway to the new year. Origin of the

Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04473110431282022279noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5159586935686704899.post-17726263930615783322009-05-20T15:14:00.000+02:002009-05-20T15:17:53.675+02:00

Why do some horses have all four legs on the ground, some have one leg in the air and others with both legs in the air?This explanation from an email I received.“If a statue in the park of a person on a horse has both front legs in the air, the person died in battle. If the horse has one front leg in the air the person died as a result of wounds received in battle. If the horse has all four legs

Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04473110431282022279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5159586935686704899.post-77340178397884616692009-05-20T09:47:00.000+02:002009-05-20T09:49:16.978+02:00

What does Catch 22 mean? Origin, meaning and examples?.The easy part is the origin. Catch 22 refers to the novel by Joseph Heller , (with the same name), first published in 1961. So, as sayings go, this is a relatively new one.For starters and to get the show on the road, the following passage from the novel“There was only one catch and that was Catch-22, which specified that a concern for one's

Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04473110431282022279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5159586935686704899.post-83743650696225142112009-05-14T15:12:00.000+02:002009-06-23T11:32:19.352+02:00

What does it mean if you wet your whistle?The most common interpretation is to have something to drink, usually something alcoholic. More polite to say you are off to wet your whistle than to say you are going drinking.Most references relate to a custom quite a few hundred years ago when drinking mugs had whistles that one would blow to indicate you needed a refill.Some say the whistle was

Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04473110431282022279noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5159586935686704899.post-18242059674113660212009-05-12T16:43:00.000+02:002009-05-12T16:47:49.526+02:00

Just hang in there Mr Polar Bear, the skeptics say climate change is a figment of the imagination, ignore it for a while and it will go away.I wonder if the skeptics ever thought about talking to you before making these kind of statements.Image source unknown, received via email( Skeptiks?.....spelling?)

Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04473110431282022279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5159586935686704899.post-54966995505359565252009-03-24T17:04:00.002+02:002009-03-24T17:10:07.605+02:00

A program on the History or National Geographic channel, I can’t recall which, covered the demise of the Roman Tribune Marcus Crassus at the hands of the Parthinians. The focus of the documentary was the fate of the survivors of the 7 Roman Legions that were soundly thrashed in a battle, after which Crassus lost his head, so to speak. It would appear as though the survivors were spirited off to

Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04473110431282022279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5159586935686704899.post-18613440982173757822009-03-24T12:10:00.002+02:002009-03-24T12:19:37.249+02:00

The following definition of Carte Blanche :“A blank paper given to any one to fill up with his own terms, hence full discretionary power (1707)”.Before going any further one needs to look at the origin, as this is useful for interpreting the modern meaning.Originally from French as in ‘charte blanche’, meaning white/blank paper.It appears as though there was a military connotation, specifically

Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04473110431282022279noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5159586935686704899.post-73336331721440796432009-03-10T10:31:00.004+02:002009-03-10T10:45:52.096+02:00

A short story of a young lady making tea for her father, with a sting in the tale, so to speak.One day my mother was out and my dad was in charge of me. I was maybe 2 1/2 years old and had just recovered from an accident. Someone had given me a little 'tea set' as a get-well gift and it was one of my favorite toys. Daddy was in the living room engrossed in the evening news when I brought Daddy a

Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04473110431282022279noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5159586935686704899.post-26589563759381363432009-02-10T17:39:00.005+02:002009-03-10T10:47:51.503+02:00

Word games are great fun. Yesterday I discovered Kangaroo words. A kangaroo word is a word that has a synonym in the word, example, “masculine” has the word “male” which has the same meaning, and observe contains the word “see”.Kangaroo word originates from the kangaroo that carry their young in a pouch. So, kangaroo words carry their synonyms within themselves.Explanations over, time to put

Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04473110431282022279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5159586935686704899.post-7132418596578419662009-02-10T16:46:00.008+02:002009-02-10T17:07:13.136+02:00

People who don't want to work but want to be paid for not working are beginning to get to me seriously. Know what their rights are but have a very limited understanding of what work is.The global economy is on the brink of either collapsing or turning into a consolidation and slow growth phase. History will be the judge of how this will develop.Anyhow, unemployment is reality. What irks me is the

Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04473110431282022279noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5159586935686704899.post-5813129153533913892008-11-26T16:08:00.001+02:002008-11-26T16:11:41.942+02:00

Received via email, source unknown

Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04473110431282022279noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5159586935686704899.post-67894257867076979842008-11-24T15:00:00.002+02:002008-11-24T15:05:36.986+02:00

The meaning is clear. Dead as in "dead as a Dodo", as in not alive or unusable.Firstly the subtle difference between a nail and a doornail. A nail is defined as “…a spike or piece of metal with a point and a broadened head so as to be easily driven in by a hammer”. No problem with this, as the nails one finds in any workshop can fit this description.A doornail has a different description, and

Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04473110431282022279noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5159586935686704899.post-67736167339120631782008-11-21T15:52:00.005+02:002008-11-21T16:29:11.819+02:00

I spent some time looking up the possible origin of this saying, and could not find a source that that made any sense. On the point of deleting my efforts as a job not well done I decided to post what was available.Fight and fire do not need any further definition in this context. When one fights fire with fire, the meaning is that you retaliate to a threat or danger by employing the same means

Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04473110431282022279noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5159586935686704899.post-84077454211053820592008-11-20T16:05:00.001+02:002008-11-20T16:10:56.952+02:00

Not much debate as to the meaning of this phrase, and two possible origins. Firstly, the meaning. If a person maintains that his information “is straight from the horse’s mouth,” he is implying that the information is credible, trustworthy and reliable. In other words the truth. In essence this means that the information was obtained first hand, direct from the source or origin. I could find two

Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04473110431282022279noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5159586935686704899.post-63898325408419914252008-11-20T10:35:00.000+02:002008-11-20T10:38:18.835+02:00

Image received via emailSource unknown

Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04473110431282022279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5159586935686704899.post-59956471838979802962008-11-18T14:59:00.001+02:002008-11-18T15:01:08.588+02:00

 Makes one forget about the damage caused by the floodsTaken with mobile phone about a month or two ago

Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04473110431282022279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5159586935686704899.post-50625488232332631652008-11-17T17:21:00.001+02:002008-11-18T14:13:36.416+02:00

Hercules’ eighth labor, set by his cousin Eurystheus, was to capture and bring back to him, the four mares of Diomedes. Diomedes, the king of the Bistones, was a troublesome warrior that enjoyed a fight. He was the son of Ares and Cyrene.He owned four man-eating mares, named Podargus, Lampon, Xanthus, and Dinis. These were savage animals and some sources say that they were fastened with iron

Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04473110431282022279noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5159586935686704899.post-51239307531817463632008-11-14T10:19:00.000+02:002008-11-14T10:22:09.962+02:00

“Farting, an endless source of humor for men of all ages”, are the words that come to mind when I think of this topic.Either one accepts the word for what it is, or you avoid it as vulgar, repulsive and offensive. My experience is that very few people have grey areas when it comes to whether this word is acceptable or not. But then there is a vast chasm between on one preaches and what one

Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04473110431282022279noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5159586935686704899.post-8879730427396648872008-11-13T14:30:00.001+02:002008-11-13T17:11:52.927+02:00

Before getting to the origin, the meaning. Dictionary definitions are abundant. These reflect the most popularElegant, Smart, Splendid, Fashionable, Money and Rich .According to my 60 year old Oxford Dictionary, the word is from obscure origin, English and first use is given as 1918. Relatively new word in the greater order of Things.They most popular origin of this word is based on things

Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04473110431282022279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5159586935686704899.post-47149273839360161042008-11-13T11:56:00.002+02:002008-11-14T15:19:04.893+02:00

  Taken on the way to work this morningDamage in town and farms not reflected on these, could not get into townYesterday has passed and this afternoon the sun is outTown is a mess, still a bunch of roads closed, some for a long time"Rooibrug" water running over bridge at 12hoo todayUp to 340mm measured up into the mountainHannes Bruwer > 200mmTown 180mmMontagu has the most damage, road between

Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04473110431282022279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5159586935686704899.post-82103477091085343362008-11-13T11:46:00.001+02:002009-06-11T10:52:30.518+02:00

“I came, I saw, I conquered”. The meaning is evident, but it is not so much as to what was said than the how, when and why that gives these words a deeper or second level meaning.There is no doubt to the origin. Julius Caesar. (Not Shakespeare’s Caesar).Julius Caesar crossed the Rubicon with his legions in 49 BC, in defiance of Roman law forbidding such an action. This resulted in civil war, and

Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04473110431282022279noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5159586935686704899.post-18641303618753611892008-11-12T14:53:00.003+02:002009-01-22T10:10:17.684+02:00

“Brevity of speech” are possibly the three words that globally define laconic. Dictionary definitions abound, and these are a few- Brief and to the point- Effectively cut short- Short, terse- Curt, almost to the point of rudeness.A brief, concise and to the point answer to a question can be defined as laconic. A laconic speaker will also use no more words than necessary to carry his message

Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04473110431282022279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5159586935686704899.post-29190008362934802382008-11-11T11:42:00.002+02:002008-11-18T14:16:39.736+02:00

Hercules’ sixth labour was to drive out the Stymphalian birds from the marshes surrounding lake Stymphalus in Arcadia. Whether he was sent by Eurystheus to kill or get rid of the birds is unclear. Some sources refer to “destroy” and others to “drive out”.Nevertheless, where did the birds come from? By all accounts these were pets belonging to Ares, the god of war. These birds were mean creatures.

Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04473110431282022279noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5159586935686704899.post-45699148714424650692008-11-10T10:28:00.000+02:002008-11-10T10:30:12.831+02:00

Today we mourn the passing of a beloved old friend, Common Sense, who has been with us for many years. No one knows for sure how old he was, since his birth records were long ago lost in bureaucratic red tape. He will be remembered as having cultivated such valuable lessons as: Knowing when to come in out of the rain; Why the early bird gets the worm; Life isn't always fair; and Maybe it was my

Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04473110431282022279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5159586935686704899.post-83050260341942797522008-11-10T09:44:00.003+02:002008-11-12T15:50:14.917+02:00

Sparta was the most formidable rival of Athens in ancient Greece. Sparta was a city-state, a race of warriors, known for their strength, courage, bravery and specifically their perseverance and endurance.The adjective “Spartan” today is used to describe the character of the Spartans and any person showing the same qualities. By the word Spartan one can relate to hardy, courageous, undaunted by

Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04473110431282022279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5159586935686704899.post-46812196422209029362008-11-07T17:02:00.000+02:002008-11-07T17:04:41.909+02:00

These words are from the poem “The Charge of the Light Brigade” by Alfred Lord Tennyson, after the Battle of Balaclava during the Crimean War.One of the most famous battles in the history of the British army was the charge of the Light Brigade at Balaclava. This took place during the Crimean War in which Britain, France and Turkey were fighting against the Russians.Balaclava was a small harbour

Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04473110431282022279noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5159586935686704899.post-46605095141575702182008-11-06T15:43:00.001+02:002008-11-06T15:44:51.211+02:00

 This guy looks seriously peeved off

Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04473110431282022279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5159586935686704899.post-24749074854828271482008-11-04T14:46:00.004+02:002008-11-18T14:22:08.636+02:00

Hippolyta was a warrior woman and one of the queens of the Amazons. Ares the god of war gave her a belt of armour. Some sources refer to a belt of leather and others to a golden girdle. Nevertheless, she wore this belt around her upper body and used it to secure her sword and spear.I could not find much on what made the belt special, but it was important enough for Eurystheus to send Hercules off

Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04473110431282022279noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5159586935686704899.post-17035994313224105102008-11-04T12:00:00.001+02:002008-11-04T12:10:51.673+02:00

An image received via email. At first glance it appears as though the dark shapes are the camels. Not so....the dark shapes are shadows, if you look carefully you can see the sun reflecting off the "real" camels. Amazing image. It must be extremely difficult to be a National Geographic photographer. The standard of images is amazing , and they still manage to get better and better.This was

Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04473110431282022279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5159586935686704899.post-28987588037671653412008-11-03T09:42:00.000+02:002008-11-03T09:47:33.177+02:00

What does it mean if you “(to) turn the tables on someone?” A search on “turn the tables” resulted in more than six million hits. Without looking up formal definitions I read a bunch of articles related to turning the tables. All posts refer to changing or turning a situation around in such a manner that your current undesirable position is changed to a more desirable or advantageous position.

Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04473110431282022279noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5159586935686704899.post-40639330750034643352008-10-31T10:08:00.002+02:002008-10-31T10:15:01.249+02:00

To be caught red-handed means that you have been caught in the act of doing something illegal. No excuses or alibi’s can be used, as your transgression is obvious, visible and undeniable. Usually related to stealing, with the stolen goods in your possesion. Caught on CCTV robbing a store with your face clearly visible would be a good example.To be caught in this way has a legal term “in flagrante

Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04473110431282022279noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5159586935686704899.post-22547965182996973012008-10-30T15:48:00.000+02:002008-10-30T15:50:16.473+02:00

Labor number 5 was to clean the Augean stables. This was a particularly disgusting task given to Hercules by his cousin, King Eurystheus, to make good his sins. Hercules had succeeded in all his previous tasks and was beginning to earn the respect and loyalty of the ordinary people. This task was most probably set to humiliate or degrade him.King Augeias was a very wealthy landowner, and had a

Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04473110431282022279noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5159586935686704899.post-45191289639576402262008-10-30T10:21:00.001+02:002008-10-30T10:47:13.957+02:00

Received via email, source unknown

Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04473110431282022279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5159586935686704899.post-88835407492382489732008-10-30T10:13:00.001+02:002008-10-30T10:48:03.138+02:00

The meaning is the easy part, a set or group of thirteen. Firstly, a dozen means a group or set of twelve. The word dozen appears to be from French, derived from the Latin for Duo (two) and Decem (ten).The origin part of the 13.Bread has been the basic food source for millions of people for a very long time. To cheat someone in providing bread was a very serious offence. Historically seen as

Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04473110431282022279noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5159586935686704899.post-80069801557966473762008-10-27T15:57:00.000+02:002008-10-27T16:00:05.400+02:00

I enjoyed this one. Again, I seem to be the last person in the world to find out about Columbus’s egg.Anybody who has an enquiring mind and likes to try things out for himself will be able to relate to this concept.But, before I get distracted and ramble off to other things, a definition of the meaning.In an eggshell it means that no matter how much effort, brilliance, intelligence, hard work,

Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04473110431282022279noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5159586935686704899.post-5322290685970495802008-10-24T11:45:00.001+02:002008-10-24T11:57:08.238+02:00

What is a Gordian Knot?.“The Gordian knot is often used as a metaphor for an intractable problem, solved by a bold stroke” (Wikipedia).The origin dates back to the times long before Alexander the Great, (333 BC.) Pythia, (Macedonia), consisted of a bunch of small, poor kingdoms continuously fighting with each other. They were not unified and had no King. A sorry state of affairs. An oracle had

Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04473110431282022279noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5159586935686704899.post-18722118868949577852008-10-23T12:16:00.001+02:002008-10-23T12:19:47.679+02:00

Hercules’ first labor was to kill the Nemean Lion and present the skin to his cousin King Eurystheus. Where did this lion come from? Most quoted sources say that this beast was the offspring of the monsters Typhon and Echidna. Hera, Zeus’ wife, had the lion sent to the valley of Nemea. This monster terrorized the local population and made their lives miserable. Killing livestock and causing havoc

Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04473110431282022279noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5159586935686704899.post-3700917154097216132008-10-22T08:34:00.006+02:002008-10-22T09:56:13.437+02:00

What does it mean if you are a cynic?I have often been called a cynic, and paid no attention to it. I have been called a lot of things in my life and a 'cynic' was definitely not considered bad enough to run off and find a psychiatrist specializing in the rehabilitation of cynics. If that is what I am, so be it.Then today happened. The cynic label was thrown in my face, but with obvious malice.

Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04473110431282022279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5159586935686704899.post-92066214070172503632008-10-21T11:01:00.000+02:002008-10-21T11:14:55.472+02:00

Colin came home from the pub late one Friday evening stinking drunk, as he often did, and crept into bed beside his wife who was already asleep.He gave her a peck on the cheek and fell asleep.When he awoke he found a strange man standing at the end of his bed wearing a long flowing white robe."Who the hell are you?" Demanded Colin, "and what are you doing in my bedroom?"The mysterious Man

Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04473110431282022279noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5159586935686704899.post-48847673818092938732008-10-17T10:23:00.001+02:002008-10-17T10:26:43.894+02:00

 I have become a fuchsia fanatic.I don't have a clue as to the name of this specific plant, nursery sold it as a Fuchsia, end of storyHave had excellent results with propagationCost in nursery range between R100,00 to R400,00, excluding container.Don't like direct sun, and soil must be moistImage, mobile phone

Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04473110431282022279noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5159586935686704899.post-40554181612640674642008-10-15T16:02:00.001+02:002008-10-15T16:18:36.289+02:00

These words came to mind after watching Big Brother Africa, Episode 3, for a few unwanted moments. One of the contestants, inmates or whatever they are called, made sweeping statements in an endeavor to create the impression that he is intellectually superior to his less fortunate companions. None of his fellow prisoners, some of which appear to be very smart, rose to the occasion to put him back

Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04473110431282022279noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5159586935686704899.post-82412026004548814642008-10-14T15:04:00.001+02:002008-10-14T15:16:27.141+02:00

Could not think of a caption to do justice to the occasion, maybe it will hit me later. Most probably something to the point.....Source unknown

Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04473110431282022279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5159586935686704899.post-14028873977486017152008-10-14T11:26:00.006+02:002008-10-23T15:56:31.226+02:00

This was the second task that Hercules had to undertake to atone for his sins. The Hydra was a terrible nine-headed water serpent that lived in the swamps of Lerna and guarded the gates of the underworld.The Hydra had nine heads. Eight of the heads were mortal, and the ninth head, surrounded, by the other eight, was immortal. However should one of the mortal heads be removed, two would grow in

Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04473110431282022279noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5159586935686704899.post-81144511016319982342008-10-13T17:03:00.000+02:002008-10-13T17:10:47.284+02:00

I wish it would be possible to eavesdrop on this conversation. How do you carry this situation over to the Operations Manager."Hello!!!""Zat you Mike?""Yes...who is this?, I am busy, speak up..""It's Pete?""Pete who?...hurry up man....""The new guy""Yes, yes, what do you want?""I am afraid we have a bit of a problem....."

Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04473110431282022279noreply@blogger.com0