Death awaits us all, that is the one thing we have in common - we all die. But what if you had to die because doctors and hospitals showed you away because you had no medical aid. I have heard this story so many times before and I have always just accepted it because thats the way it is. South Africa does not have the cheapest medical aids and we dont have enough doctors or hospitals to cater for the poor. And even though there are thousands of private beds and rooms lying empty you cannot be saved because you dont have a medical aid and you cant afford this type of Medical Attention. I have heard stories of sons drowning in the ocean with the father begging the Rescue teams to go out and save him, to look for his body but they refuse because he does not have a medical aid or the cash in his pocket. I think it is absolutely sickening.

And this weekend it hit home.

My friends dad died on the weekend of a heart attack. Actually he had a couple of heart attacks in one week and up until now as I write this story to you they are still waiting for the government ambulance to come and rescue her dying dad. And even as he took his last breath after holding his granchild in anticipation of his death just to see her for one last time, even after that last breath and second call in a couple of days to summon the ambulance they are still waiting. The doctors couldnt help him and the JHB general hospital had no beds to aid the dying man clutching his chest. His daughter is getting married in October and he wont be walking her down the isle because an ambulance is still on their way to come aid the dying man. She is walking down the isle without her father on her special day because their was no hospital bed open for him that he could afford. His life ended because our doctors and hospitals couldnt take action because he had NO MEDICAL AID. He could not live life longer because no one could spare an open PRIVATE ROOM AND BED FOR A DYING MAN.

They chose to let him die rather because their oath is only valid if you can present your medical aid card. They chose to let someones father, husband, son and friend die because he could not afford the monthly premium of  a medical aid.

So much for their OATH or should I say Hippocratic Oath - and so much for just saving a life, so much for compassion and sympathy. For heavans sake I would have let him use my MEDICAL AID to save his life. I would have given up every cent of mine to get him a doctor who would actually help him irrelavent of his medical aid status. QUESTION IS WOULD I HAVE FOUND SUCH A DOCTOR OR HOSPITAL ?

But I write this to you who care to read it and I could write this to the most influencial and wealthiest person in South Africa and they would have an excuse. They would find some ground to justify their decisions. And to me - Its choosing to let a life end without a sacrifice on your part. I would bend any rule if it meant saving someones life.

And here friends is the loving OATH -

I swear to fulfill, to the best of my ability and judgment, this covenant:

I will respect the hard-won scientific gains of those physicians in whose steps I walk, and gladly share such knowledge as is mine with those who are to follow.

If I do not violate this oath, may I enjoy life and art, respected while I live and remembered with affection thereafter. May I always act so as to preserve the finest traditions of my calling and may I long experience the joy of healing those who seek my help.

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http://www.fourhourworkweek.com/blog/overview/ !

You can have it all—really.

Join Tim Ferriss, popular guest lecturer in entrepreneurship at Princeton University, as he teaches you:

* How to outsource your life and do whatever you want for a year, only to return to a bank account 50% larger than before you left.
* How blue-chip escape artists travel the world without quitting their jobs.
* How to eliminate 50% of your work in 48 hours using the principles of little-known European economists.
* How to train your boss to value performance over presence, or kill your job (or company) if it’s beyond repair.
* How to trade a long-haul career for short work bursts and frequent “mini-retirements”.
* What automated cash-flow “muses” are and how to create one in 2-4 weeks.
* How to cultivate selective ignorance—and create time—with a low-information diet.
* Management secrets of Remote Control CEOs.
* The crucial difference between absolute and relative income.
* How to get free housing worldwide and airfare at 50-80% off.
* How to fill the void and creating meaning after removing work and the office.

The 4-Hour Workweek also includes the sample e-mails, voice mails, and real-life deals (with dollar figures and all) you will need to master the new world of luxury lifestyle design.

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27th Aug the Whole World is waiting for………….

Planet Mars will be the brightest in the night sky starting August. It will
look as large as the full moon to the naked eye. This will cultivate on Aug.
27 when Mars comes within 34.65M miles off earth. Be sure to watch the sky
on Aug. 27 12:30 am. It will look like the earth has 2 moons.

The next time Mars may come this close is in 2287.

Share this with your friends as NO ONE ALIVE TODAY will ever see it again.

http://urbanlegends.about.com/library/bl_mars_encounter.htm!

This email was circulated almost each year, the closest it got to the truth was in 2003.

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This is my favorite Beijing Olympic Doodle from Google thus far.

I think it is great.

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Call AssetAnt Bonds to apply  !!
(www.assetantbonds.co.za)

“Leaving approved clients high and dry is an extreme response to tightening market conditions,” stated Integer Home Loan CEO, Simon Stockley. “The need to make fair, balanced and transparent credit decisions - and to stand by these decisions - is paramount, or hard-pressed South African consumers are once again going to bear the brunt of industry inefficiencies and indifference.”

Other lenders, including Standard Bank, have also expressed their surprise and concern at the decision by FNB, which effectively erodes public confidence in South Africa’s property market. Since purchases in developments of the sort being reviewed by FNB often involve the payment of deposits, purchasers who have finance withdrawn could find themselves breaching their conditions of purchase and potentially forfeiting their deposits as a result of this action. The knock-on effect of this unilateral action could be profoundly negative.

Rising interest rates and the introduction of the National Credit Act in 2007 have also imposed further lending strictures on the borrowing public. Such events will have placed greater pressure on home owners to repay the higher bond installments on these loans. In many cases, the home loans granted by banks a mere 6 to 18 months ago would today not have been granted due to affordability issues.

“The market is decidedly tougher now,” says Stockley, “but it would seem that rash or, in the least, marginal decision making has now caused a bank to renege on commitments already made.”

Integer has grown its book significantly since launch in October last year having processed over R3.5 billion rands worth of applications, with the committed loan portfolio now rapidly approaching three quarters of a billion rand. An inaugural securitisation issue is planned for later this year.

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OMG !!! This was an exciting, crazy dark movie and I loved it. The characters were amazing and brilliantly cast and Heath Ledger deserves an OSCAR for his performance as the insane and brilliant part of Joker. He put on a phenomenal performance and should be remembered for his incredible acting ability. The licking of the corner of his mouth and the scars and make up truly painted the perfect joker character and he pulled it off with immaculate style. It is such a pity that we have lost such an incredible addition to the new era of Morgan Freeman’s and Bruce Willis, Al Pacino and Rob De Nero. Heath was a legend in this movie.

The Two faced villain was also written in beautifully and surprised us as we were bored of the Joker idea and character. So not only did Heath revive the Joker the character of the Two faced man was brilliantly added to an already brilliant cast and movie.

The dark and dramatic setting of the movie added to its brilliance and the Butler and Damsel in distress were perfectly cast. It was action packed full of unexpected twists and surprises and no one could have expected the story line or ending. I am such a fan and would watch it over and over again to see Heath in his brilliance and Batman with his deep and serious voice.

GO BATMAN !!!!!!!

Peace GOTHAM CITY !!!

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La Masseria invites patrons to experience true Italian hospitality in the 100-seater restaurant with open hearth (and Lorenzo bursting into song from time to time) and separate bar area, enjoy long lazy lunches in the al fresco area with breathtaking views over the Helderberg, or make that special party or function unforgettable with the help of daughters, Paola and Kiki and the extended famiglia.

We have gone to this restaurant for romantic dinners and lively birthday celebrations and believe me there is absolutely no way you can ever be disappointed with anythings there. The service is extraordinary and the vibe and ambiance is truly captivating.  The food is phenomenal and Lorenzo bursting into song from time to time makes you really feel you have been captured in Italy with a true warmhearted boisterous Italian family. The food is well priced the drinks are the same and for a great experience this choice of restaurant will never fail you.

About them from their website : La Masseria is the culmination of the Ciman family’s passion for good, wholesome food. The fare is genuine, unpretentious Italian country cuisine prepared and nurtured, as recipes and traditions are passed down from one generation to another.

The charm of this family-run concern is the promise of an agri-tourist experience. Following on from the original venue in the Stellenbosch mountains, La Masseria Evertsdal is located within an old wine cellar on the original Evertsdal Estate established in 1680. The historical and agricultural heritage of the cellar suits the rustic appeal of the restaurant perfectly, making it a favourite for weddings and private functions. The agro-tourist elements are ingrained in the name “La Masseria”, southern Italian for “the farmhouse”. Almost everything served here is homemade - the fruits of the earth are gathered by the massaro, who ritualizes the process of growing, reaping and preserving. This is where seasons create the menu, simplicity is chef, and slow food is a way of life.

The pride of La Masseria is Nonna (granny) who still bakes her biscotti, bread and the like and has become a firm favourite to patrons. Everyday la famiglia comes together to produce fresh homemade pasta, bread, preserves, Italian meats (made by the inimitable singing host, Lorenzo Ciman), marinated goodies and, of course, the delectable Italian cheeses (handcrafted by Miki) from which the La Masseria legacy sprung 4 years ago. From time Miki runs cheese-making courses and cooking classes from an outbuilding next to the restaurant. This has proven very popular, because it’s hands-on and a great way of meeting people and having fun and the classes are a good corporate team-building experience!

La Masseria invites patrons to experience true Italian hospitality in the 100-seater restaurant with open hearth (and Lorenzo bursting into song from time to time) and separate bar area, enjoy long lazy lunches in the al fresco area with breathtaking views over the Helderberg, or make that special party or function unforgettable with the help of daughters, Paola and Kiki and the extended famiglia.

La Masseria - where, “La vita è bella!”

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The ambiance on the second floor is totally dull and not enjoyable at all, we were seated right at the stairs and the seats were super uncomfortable. Their food is fine but not worth the bill we ended up paying and the waitress not super excited to be there. We could have the same amount of food and drinks for the same price at La Masseria and believe me for the food and the service, entertainment and ambiance it is worth the trip to Durbanville. So I would never go back !

I am not entirely impressed with this Canal Walk franchise of Col’Cacchio so instead of totally slandering them herewith a little something about them :

“All our dishes are lovingly made to order.  Relax and enjoy your time with us while we prepare the perfect meal for you.  Arrive hungry and dress comfortably - lunches have a habit of turning into dinners here. For the health conscious and vegetarians, the salad selection offers 20 enticing, colorful combination’s, and Pasta lovers will enjoy the more unusual Fresca dish or Lamb Tortellini. We offer 50 outstanding combination of pizza on our menu (each with its unique Italian name). The more exotic combination’s include the Tre Colori with smoked salmon, sour cream and caviar, and the Fantasia with caramelized onion, Brie, and sesame seeds.”

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The Polana: The cocktail section at the Polana restaurant in Kalk Bay is literally built on the rocks. Sit on the cushioned window-sill and watch the waves lapping at the rocks while sipping on a ‘Jam Jar’. Where? Polana Kalk Bay, Cape Peninsula. We went there for a friends birthday and the setting is absolutely beautiful. There was a live band and although the quitarist was really rude to my request of a birthday wish to a very good friend it was great to have them play while we partied the night away. Just dont order snacks there, they werent worth the R 115 and not really that great. Otherwise the menu is quite expensive but the drinks are pretty reasonable. The fire place makes it worth it and of course like I have mentioned the waves lapping at the rocks right in front of you. Apparently at full tide the waves crash against the window-sill. If you are in the area and you have been to the AMAZING CAPE TO CUBA before this is something to try out.

From their website : http://www.harbourhouse.co.za/mainp.html .The Polana Restaurant is situated in Kalk Bay Harbour, and is owned by the same team who operate the successful Harbour House Restaurant.The Polana is on the ground level of the harbor house complex, and features a beautifully appointed cocktail lounge built on the rocks, only meters away from the crashing waves. Relax on luxurious leather sofas and sip a cocktail while soaking up a view of unsurpassed beauty. In winter a log fire roars in the lounge, as huge flocks of cormorants trek across the bay. From September, whales are often seen from distances of as little as fifty meters, while playful seals frolic in the kelp beds all year round.The interior of the restaurant is decorated in an elegant colonial style with African, Indonesian and Portuguese elements. This is reflected in the cuisine, which features dishes from Africa, and especially Angola and Mozambique. Angolan chef Claude Alfonso makes every dish a culinary coup de tat. Savour delicious Cabrita No Forno, Morroccan Lamb stew, Espetada de Marisco or Espetada de Carne.

Situated as we are in a working fishing harbor, the Polana has daily access to a wealth of the freshest possible line fish.The restaurant is served by our own fishing boat, which sells its catch exclusively to our restaurants. Other menu highlights include. Mabanga (mussels in chilli and garlic with chorizo sausage), grilled goat’s cheese salad,tiger prawns and crayfish. After dinner, the lounge remains open for drinks until late, and every Friday night, the venue is geared up for a party that lasts until dawn.

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Guys come on it is really time for an upgrade or change of management. There is always a queue at the snacks counter and it takes 30 min to get to the front. Then when you finally get there the strawberry slush puppy is always out or just a watery mess.

Each time we go many people get frustrated and they miss the beginning of their movie. It is really frustrating and people do go to the movies to relax. There is an absolute mess each time we go. And believe me many people are pissed off when we are there. I have written about this before where kids run around causing havoc in the movie and a simple warning never scares them or stops them. It is very disruptive and quite irritating.

And if it was not for the fact that Parklands/Blouberg/Tableview have absolutely nowhere closer to go to watch movies you would be out of business. Canal Walk is even worse as their tickets are always booked out and I dont really want to go through all the hassle of paying for the parking, walking into a jam packed mall and guessing which side the movie i want to watch is showing.

Bayside Ster Kinekor other than your tickets being really cheap you suck.  Your snack counter is a mess, it is always messy around there and you let kids run amock! Their seems to be no management and your staff behind the snack counter needs an upgrade.

Your aircon is also piss cold thanks, we are in the middle of winter and if you dont give out blankets very soon I might just wait for the movie to come out on DVD and rather watch it in the comfort of my own clean home, with popcorn at my call. I might miss the salt and vinegar spice but hey I will give that up any day to not be frustrated by your rather pathetic operation there.

Get the queue straps to be in place, get 4 staff behind the counter to serve your movie go-ers  4 queue’s at a time and you wont have this problem. Get the staff to stop dreaming behind the counter and dont train them at peak hour with a new release. Get your stock upgraded and checked, be fully stocked at all times over weekends. Clean up at the spice counters and have a floor manager to keep the kids from disturbing the movie experience. You are the only movie house around this area and I think it sucks that you take the piss out of us. You know we have nowhere to go so you give us slack service.

Anyway this is my two cents worth, I go to the movies every single weekend and have done so at the Bayside Cinema for well over a year. So just say there is so much I can take …

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