Posted on 3rd July 2010 by Tony in Random
Germany, World Cup
Chancellor Angela Merkel leaps for joy as Germany Wins!
Let me be honest, I’m not a football/soccer fan. I’ve grown up on Rugby, braaivleis and chevrolet. I’m a true-blooded white South African – but this World Cup 2010 has really sparked a feeling of awesomesauce. I can’t believe how amazing soccer has been to totally unite South Africa – first in our global mission to build the infrastructure in time (even the Aussies were telling FIFA they’re a ready backup plan) and then we all got behind Bafana Bafana … and finally BaGhana BaGhana, the Black Stars.
There’s something amazing about being an African – something the Americans and Europeans don’t “get” about us. We’re not normal. Even us whities … we all stick to our tribal roots but at the same time have an incredible spirit of nationhood.
So, from my father’s heritage, my tribe is Ze Germans. I have a huge German Flag flying from the house and even bought German Mirror-Socks for my Audi. (to my staff’s great dismay!) So tonight’s game was absolutely AWESOME. I loved the team work and the precision of the Germans. There were no individuals on the field – only 1 united team with a single purpose. And the outcome – certain victory!
Makes me think about how I run my team at the office! If we want to win in the Work-place, let’s think like the Germans did today!
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Posted on 7th June 2010 by Tony in Random
apple, iOS4, iPhone, iPhone 4G
I am actually sitting here drooling, flipping from site to site as I read about the new Apple 4 iPhone which was released today. Absolutely unbelievable! It’s a beautiful phone and it fixes the two things I really think the 3GS misses out on: A better camera and multitasking.
From the good old days of iPhone 2G (version 1) everyone has been complaining that Apple doesn’t multitask. I absolutely agree with the sentiment. I’ve been using an iPhone for 3 years now and have “adapted” but there are still days when I wish I could minimise an app, like a Skype conversation, while I quickly browse a site or check an email.
Secondly the new camera is finally 5 megapixel. With a flash. And that is plain brilliant. Because my old 2G only had a 2Megapixel camera. And it looked like I was going blind ans squidgy when I took photos.
The added bonus is that it now has a front camera too! Which means that video-calling is now back on the table.
iOS4 will also be made available to 3GS users (like me) so I’ll receive many of the benefits of the iPhone 4 (well, as much as my hardware can handle).
OK, I’m going back to drooling now …
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Posted on 28th May 2010 by Tony in Random
Die Ou Pastorie, Klein Constantia, Napoleon Bonaparte, Vin de Constance
From my understanding of history, Napoleon Bonaparte wasn’t exactly a nice man. He ruthlessly lead the French army into battle against many peoples, including the Prussians (where my family is from).
Last weekend I was introduced to a vice of Napoleon Bonaparte, the Vin de Constance, a sweet dessert wine from Klein Constantia that’s been in the making since 1791 (bottle available at R60 000). It is an exceptional end to an amazing meal. The setting was Die Ou Pastorie in Somerset West.
Walking into this restaurant is incredible. Built in 1819 it has seen many things change, from ossewas to cars, rich wooden floors, warm fireplaces and friendly staff. I cannot picture a better setting on a cold winter night in Cape Town.
Warm friends around the fire, freshly prepared Duck la’Orange with rotkhol and crocheten and warm malva pudding for dessert, and then the Pièce de résistance, a fine glass of Vin de Constance.
I have found that after a long, bitter struggle after the recession of 2009 it’s a good thing to remind ourselves that life is not that bad. Sometimes there are simple pleasures that just make things worth-while, like a glass of wine, a fireplace and a few good friends.
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