Northern Rhodesians Worldwide
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Message Board
Eskimo Nel was Scottish? Go figure!
Tina Magee, United States [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Friday, December 31, 2004 at 23:18:51 (UTC)
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I don't know how it is over there but the band U2 continues to have a large and faithful following over here, that includes my son. He just came to share the following interchange from a fan message board. We decided to share the naughty but very playful humour with you.
U2 Fan One: I had the day off today. My wife just came in from work and asked: 'Haven't you got tired of that new U2 album YET?"
U2 Fan Two Reply : "And why did you marry her in the first place???...(just kidding)."
His reply: "Good question! I'll have to ask my lawyer".
(Cute, but somehow we don't fear for their marriage in reality).
Tina Magee, United States [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Friday, December 31, 2004 at 23:17:15 (UTC)
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Jack
The story goes that after the English conquered most of Scotland the Macgregors carried on fighting, raiding stealing cattle etc. The English finally managed to subdue them and an act of parliament was passed forbidding the use of the MacGregor name, fobidding any MacGregor to carry a knife with a blade longer than 2 inches and so on.
Thus many took names such as Grewar, Gruer, Gregor, Gregory, etc. not to forget the famous Dangerous Dan MacGrew and Eskimo Nel. So there may well be some connection.
Mike
I am sure you are right about piccanin being a corruption of the Portugese pequena. A lot of words in Zulu are corruptions from English or Afrikaans e.g. maboonkies (boonjies, beans), fenstela (venster, window).
Did you know many words in Afrikaans come from Malay e.g. baie (much, many). A Hollander would say 'veels danke' rather than 'baie danke'.
All those English people who live in 'bungalows', did you know it is a Hindi word imported from India.
So it seems that all languages borrow words from others.
Doug Grewar, South Africa [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Friday, December 31, 2004 at 22:52:06 (UTC)
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Hi All
nrzam.org.uk has been updated.
Added some photographs kindly sent by Arthur Farncombe to the Contributions section. Subjects include Fort Jameson Church (before its thatched roof was replaced) and Petauke.
Arthur, with his wife, Bron, and children, Paul and Ann, worked for the Agricultural Department in Petauke, Fort Roseberry, Kasama and for the Zambia College of Agriculture in Monze before going to the Ministry in Lusaka.
Best Wishes for the New Year to you all!
And I'll take the opportunity to add my appreciation for the work done by Heather, Craig and Arthur which keeps this site ticking over.
Regards Ian
Ian Singer, Scotland [ Profile ] [ Contact ] [ Web ]
Friday, December 31, 2004 at 21:47:49 (UTC)
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Doug
The word skonkwane brings back many memories.
As discussed before on this site Fanagolo has many Portuguese words. E.g. malatta (tin roof) sapato (shoes) Donna (lady). My spelling might be wrong. I am typing from memory.
The Portuguese (and Spanish) for small is Pequena ,pronounced PEKWEENA
I have often wondered whether this was the origin of the word Picannin (small) or Picannini (small black child)
Or am I barking up the wrong tree?
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I went to school with a Lisle Cawood.Any relation to Lionel?;
Mike Slement, United Kingdom [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Friday, December 31, 2004 at 20:41:27 (UTC)
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Another little poem that has come back to me from long long ago that i don't suppose many of you will remember but it stretches back I am sure to the1940s it maybe stuck in my memory because my brother who died in a Wellington bomber in 1941 rear gunner was called William age 21.
Cold as a frog in a pool
Cold as the end of an eskimo's tool
Cold as an iceberg gloomy and glum
Cold as a nappieless baby's bum
But he isn't as chilly as our poor Willie
He's dead poor bastard.
Needless to say it is New Years Eve and I am in my cups drinking all alone and enjoying it but it would be nice if a beautiful dolly walked in the door or any one of you my friends but I wish you all a happy new year Johnny.
Johnny, United Kingdom [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Friday, December 31, 2004 at 20:29:29 (UTC)
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Charles, I am just drifting by GNR again!
Lionel Cawood, another name from the past. Sadly I had the unfortunate task of helping remove his body from the plane crash at Millikens (sp) airfield circa 1969 and helped carry stretchers for him and the other victims. Mark Sturgeon sadly knows of this accident; too dearly.
PS need to brush up my spelling eh! "lunsemfwa".
Doug,
Another minor digretion on my genealogy: I find one of my 3rd GGrandmothers was an Elizabeth Gruer from Deeside near Aboyne, Aberdeenshire. I believe Gruer and Grewer are variations of the same surname. Any Aberdeen connections for you?
Jack Wardell, United Kingdom [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Friday, December 31, 2004 at 20:29:20 (UTC)
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Charles - see I didn't have to go to Rome - the "Mountain" came to me!
Ayub,
We really don't have to catch Osama and Abu do we? They can just send a tape to Al Jezeera - hopefully they'll include a donation as well.
At the end of the day I'm afraid the record will probably show that a large percentage of those who sadly met their fate in the tsunami were Muslim - if there is a religious sect which lost a greater number of lives, then they will have suffered even more - we'll probably never know the actual numbers anyway.
My "baiting" as you call it is a friendly reminder to those sceptics, and I know you are one, who think there's nothing right with the western socialogical, philosophical and religious way of life.
The bitterness with which you attack postings and the pseudo righteousness with which you criticize people who don't say things the way YOU would prefer they say them belies your insecurities.
While I currently reserve the right to focus my sorrow on those who perished in the tragedy of the tsunami, I am a generous person, I will also feel sorry for you.
No, it's OK. You don't have to tell me you don't need my sympathy - I understand . . . . . I really do . . . . .
Glen Drake, United States [ Profile ] [ Contact ] [ Web ]
Friday, December 31, 2004 at 19:57:17 (UTC)
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Charles,
You are quite right...Happy New Year to all! May it bring us closer to each other.
Ayub Ismail Zumla, United Kingdom [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Friday, December 31, 2004 at 19:49:13 (UTC)
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Ayub
Keep your peace. This is the time of the year that we look to the future. Don't rise to the bait - it's not imporant.
Regards
CJ
Doug,
Thanks.
w.r.t. skonkwane. I used that term with my IT staff, and they quickly grasped it. Hell - I got more projects in on time and budget than anyone else. I recall you wrote about it a few months back - and was fascinated to learn the source of the word. This site is recording many little known (or undocumented) facts of African history. Sometimes I feel like 'Philemon and his little book of knowledge'.
CJ
Charles Cartmill, South Africa [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Friday, December 31, 2004 at 19:35:22 (UTC)
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Glen,
Firstly, your assertion that this tragedy has afflicted "mainly" Muslim Nations is wrong. Indonesia and the Maldives are the only Muslim nations. The rest..Thailand,India,Sri Lanka are not! Secondly, Indonesia has been doing a lot to purge terrorism;esp after Bali. And thirdly what the bafoon Osama and his clique make of all this...perhaps we should ask them once they are caught! When tragedies of this sort happen..people help each other no matter what their creed or religious affliction. For you to try and start baiting at this time of Worldwide distress is.. shameful.
Ayub Ismail Zumla, United Kingdom [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Friday, December 31, 2004 at 18:49:48 (UTC)
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Charles
Great to hear that your kinfolk are OK.
You may well be right about the origin of 'situpa' or dompass. Certainly sounds logical.
While I was in Zambia we always called task work 'skonkwane'. In other words a man was given a task to achieve for the day and then he could knock off. Most of my workers used to start at first light and had 'shiyiled' by 11 hrs, having done more work than they would if I made them work a full shift without a skonkwan.
I was suprised when I came to Swaziland and met Senator Charles MacSeveny whose Swazi name was Skonkwane, and he explained to me that it meant peg, or post or pillar. We then worked out that originally people probably put in a marker peg to indicate where one man's task finished and the next ones started.
In KZN they call task work magwaza after the Zulu word for stabbing with a spear. I suppose it refers to the fact that a Zulu warrior's job was to 'gwaza' as many of the enemy as possible. In other words he had done his share of killing when he gwazile'd. Today it means he has done his share of work.
Doug Grewar, South Africa [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Friday, December 31, 2004 at 18:35:14 (UTC)
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Ayub - you are prejudiced aren't you?
I posed a question specifically on what two terrorists were thinking in view of what their stated policy is - namely, to kill all "infidels".
I stated quite specifically that there was no doubt that true Muslims were reacting in the same way that most non-Muslims were regarding aid to the devastated nations involved in the tsunami.
Why is it that you react so viciously?
What is it that you so hate about what it is that is stated?
What is it that have I said that is not true?
Time to look at yourself carefully Ayub, your words give you away. You must be carrying a big chip on your shoulder methinks.
Glen Drake, United States [ Profile ] [ Contact ] [ Web ]
Friday, December 31, 2004 at 18:31:20 (UTC)
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Glen,
Shame! Bet you must be cringing at all the compassion being shown around the World. Hindus, Christians,Buddhists, Muslims and followers of other religions /atheists have perished. What the bloody hell has Osama got to do with this. All are contributing to the disaster; including Muslims all over the World. For you to make political capital out of this is DISGRACEFUL!
Ayub Ismail Zumla, United Kingdom [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Friday, December 31, 2004 at 18:16:47 (UTC)
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Jack
Hope you're still online. I hunted the Luano with Steve Edwards, and Nick Torre was down the one trip in his little short wheel Landie. We left a note on his windscreen. That was at Kapolomoto. I also know the area you probably went to - it was my father's favourite area. It was an annual tradition for him, Johnny Hunt and Lionel Cawood (who also used to go 'just for the beer') to go hunt near the confluence of the Lukashashi and the Lunsemfwa. That place had BIG crocs. Jones nailed a +13 footer so that they could take an undisturbed bath in the river.
Regards
CJ
PS Apologise to Ali et al - but that was 'the way of life then'
Charles Cartmill, South Africa [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Friday, December 31, 2004 at 18:07:32 (UTC)
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Glen Drake
Old Irish 'worldly' has it: "When in Rome don't pick a fight with the Pope"
Jokes aside - my sister and B_In_L survived that aweful Sunday in Phukket. It's not the time or place to make such observations. Rather sit back and listen to your soul.
Regards
Charles Cartmill, South Africa [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Friday, December 31, 2004 at 17:51:49 (UTC)
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Charles,
I remember Cecil and Pam Bannigan well; at golf and maybe even Rugby. Cecil did have a reputation for fast transit from Luensemfwa into town.
One special memory was a hunting trip in late 73 to the Luano Valley. Nick Torre, Dave Tweedy, Alistair Suttie, George Cunningham and myself picked Cecil up from luansemfwa and head off into the bush. Cecil and Nick were on the guns with the rest of us were only there for the beer! They bagged two waterbuck for the record: just looked at my slides of the trip to confirm details.
In one of my dafter moments I swam across the luansenfwa river with Nick and Cecil on guard for crocs. Not so bad swimming across but, as I paused on the other side it dawned that maybe any hungry croc with a mile or two had heard me and maybe in position for my return. Needless to say I broke all records on the return and shots were not required.
Happy days.
Jack Wardell, United Kingdom [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Friday, December 31, 2004 at 17:42:06 (UTC)
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To: The Politburo (Craig, Heather and young Arthur Steevens),
Site founder (Dawid Cooper)
and all regular subscribers to the GNR message board.
B4 the sun sets on 2004,
B4 the memories fade.
B4 the networks jam,
and B4 we all get ……
(no – let’s skip that one, or the Politburo may revoke my PIN #).
I wish you all a very happy and prosperous new year.
Regards
CJ
PS It’s only 19h36 here in Cape Town and I’ve already received over 20 SMS. Just caught a glimpse of the fireworks in Sydney – very impressive.
Charles Cartmill, South Africa [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Friday, December 31, 2004 at 17:39:47 (UTC)
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Food for the survivors . . . . . .
Food for thought . . . . . .
I'm just wondering how people like Osama bin Laden and Abu Musab al-Zarqawi view the "infidels" that are pouring aid into the mainly Muslim nations affected by the recent tsunami.
Of course I have no doubt that those of the true Muslim faith are also contributing just as much but it continues to mystify me why they haven't been able to purge their ranks of the murderous fanatics who abuse their beliefs.
Glen Drake, United States [ Profile ] [ Contact ] [ Web ]
Friday, December 31, 2004 at 17:15:32 (UTC)
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Hi to all out there and a happy new year to those down under. I would like to know if anyone out there will remember or has any story or article on my grandfather Frank Goddard or his brothers Jack and Benjemin ,they lived in Abercorn in the early 1900 on Dorset farm. Jack was a skilled hunter ,but unfortunatly lost his life to some man eating lions while hired to kill the same ,it supposedly happened near Rufunsa .His body was never found ,apart from his wrist watch.
Benjemin Goddard lost he's life hunting elephant. I would really like to hear from anyone who has heard stories from they farthers or grandfathers or anything related to this brothers ,they originally came from Dorset England.
Norman Greig, United Kingdom [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Friday, December 31, 2004 at 14:06:50 (UTC)
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HAPPY NEW YEAR TO EACH AND EVERYONE ON THE GNR ......Especially Craig , Heather and Artie...... thanks for your devotion and hard work in keeping this site up and running.....lets hope that the new year brings health happiness and wealth to everyone.........
oh and I see the gremlins are still invading my pc Craig...namely Jade ...just her and I seeing in the new year tonight........ :O)
Ali Key, Australia [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Friday, December 31, 2004 at 13:40:12 (UTC)
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Happy New Year to all in the GNR Family. Thanks for all the news, info, camaraderie and, most of all, for keeping the memories of the ‘best years of lives’ alive through the GNR.
Special thanks Heather, Craig and Arthur for your wonderful work. - truly appreciated!
Noreen D'Cruz, Canada [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Friday, December 31, 2004 at 12:45:16 (UTC)
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A wee dram of Irish humour.
'Money can't buy you friends. It just buys you a better class of enemy' - Spike Milligan.
Regards
Charles Cartmill, South Africa [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Friday, December 31, 2004 at 11:25:55 (UTC)
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Johnny Green,
I concede. ‘EXCITING young girls’ does read better than ‘inciting young girls’. However! Take heed - Ali is now ‘kinfolk’.
I apologise for the alacrity with which those ‘exciting young girls’ pounced on the name ‘bushpig’. Mind you - it does sound better than ‘Red River Hog’ or (for Ron C-D) Potamochoerus porcus Linn - P.p. nyasae Major, P.p. maschoma Lonnberg or P.p. johnstoni Major. How about Kapoli, Nguluwe, Ulube, Kulube or - the one you probably recall - Ngulube?
Ja boet - those 'ou bosvark' like to lie up in thick cover. There's nothing they enjoy more than a good root and, being mostly nocturnal, they really enjoy the nightlife.
Dawid van Amsterdam is fine - just missing the African sun. I’m sure every message from wellwishers, placed on this board, will help ‘warm the cockles of his heart’ - especially at this time of the year.
Jack Wardell
Your ‘Brennan Irish roots’ jogged my memory. I wonder what happened to Cecil and Pam Brannigan? I have fond memories of them. I recall a day when my father and I were driving out to Kampumba Mine, to take part in a Clay Pigeon shoot, and we rolled our car. The first person to arrive on the scene was Cecil, who was going to the same shoot. One HAD to be Irish to step out of a wreck and into a car with Cecil Brannigan at the wheel. He drove his Zephyr Six with “Voet in die hoek’ (loosely translated as ‘foot to the floorboard’). He drove so fast I assumed the high-pitched humming noise I heard was a choir of angels tuning up to welcome me! Jokes aside - he was an excellent driver! That day my father took ‘Top Gun’ at the competition. When I was a lad, and Cecil was stationed out at Lunsemfwa, I used to hitch lifts to Mita Hills with him. He could even get that old ZBHD Co. Land Rover to ‘hum’.
Good to hear you still ‘wind-burn the wee ball’. My younger sister and B-in-L are heavily involved in both Nomad and Sages Golf in the Southern Cape (practically the whole of the Garden Route). I’d hate to hazard a guess but there must be in excess of 60 courses in the region; ranging from ‘oiled greens’ country courses to prestigious courses such as The Links (in George) - at about 1 000 ZAR a game!
Regards
Charles Cartmill, South Africa [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Friday, December 31, 2004 at 11:18:31 (UTC)
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Hi
im Jade alis daughter
I havent been on here before but i'd just like to say a
HAPPY NEW YEAR
to all of you
Jade
p.s - Talk to you soon!!
Ali Key, Australia [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Friday, December 31, 2004 at 08:50:13 (UTC)
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Dear Charles great news to hear your family is home safe and sound, and I spot you have made a spelling mistake on your reference to me as an old bush pig, you said I should desist in Inciting young girls I am sure the word you meant to use is EXCITING young girls, Regards and Happy new year to every one one the board especially Craig, Arthur, Heather and that other old vlakky who we haven't heard of for a very long time now the last time I remember him on the board he was singing the praises of Holland did David uproot and go there? love and regards to all Johnny.
Johnny, United Kingdom [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Friday, December 31, 2004 at 07:56:14 (UTC)
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Ali yeah wouldn't want to go anywhere without my sister.
Yes, Ali, dear Ou Bosvaark is our tokoloshi and as such , he tokoloshi in email allatime.
Tina Magee, United States [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Friday, December 31, 2004 at 06:03:35 (UTC)
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Charlie....That is fantastic news that Rowena and her husband are back safe and sound....they are so lucky.....
hmmmm so does the making of Tina kin......make me kin??....
ohhh and by the way ( jou ou bosvark aka Johnny gets what he gives out)........heheheh
Ali Key, Australia [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Friday, December 31, 2004 at 05:42:14 (UTC)
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Charlie and Tess
You're on and you're honorary Wallaces and Magees and an unbeatable clan gathering we all make!!!
To my GNR family
Here's to a New Year furthering old friendships and making new ones on this amazing site born of our shared past. A special glass to Dawie the Founder, to Craig, Heather and Sarkissimo! We can't avoid the tragedies of the world but going forward together we can sweeten the lives of those we love and those around us on this planet. I'll drink to that going into the New Year!
Tina Magee, United States [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Friday, December 31, 2004 at 04:56:45 (UTC)
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Charles,
Great to hear that Rowena and spouse are safely back home. It is a truly immense disaster area they have come back from.
Great to hear Jones is still thrashing the little white ball around. I am still playing regularly - except the weather has not been too great over the past two weeks in not-so-bonny Scotland. I think it is time I packed my clubs and paid a visit to the Cape for a bash.
PS enjoyed the "bloke-in-hill" crack.
Also I have been doing a bit of genealogy and find I have strong "Brennan" Irish roots; that sounds like a excuse for anything!
Jack Wardell, United Kingdom [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Friday, December 31, 2004 at 01:27:23 (UTC)
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Chinyerezi Chintu
Oh dear – I gave you more credit than you’re due!
And you went to King George V1 High School nogal!
I have an official map of the Mkushi area – with a large ‘Republic of Zambia’ title emblazoned across the top. The whole course of the Lunsemfwa (note spelling) is carefully charted. This map was produced by the government printers.
Regards
Charles Cartmill, South Africa [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Thursday, December 30, 2004 at 23:24:18 (UTC)
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Doug,
Thanks – my sister and brother-in-law are safely back in Cape Town after an extremely memorable holiday in Phuket. Although I’ve only spoken briefly to Roger on the phone, he told me he was actually having a ‘late’ breakfast when THE wave came into the dining hall. I don’t want to comment now, but will try and provide details later. I would like to thank the many people who offered advice and support – especially Tina, Johnny, Jill, David Gray, Dessi, Ayub and Ali who offered practical and moral support. My thoughts are now with those who have been less fortunate than I.
P.S. Maybe you can confirm a bit of African history that may be of interest to other readers. You used the word ‘Situpa’ – meaning a ‘pass card’. I believe it’s derived from the Zulu word for ‘six’ (from the days when a ‘6 to 6’ curfew was effected on them) – izithupa.
Tina – what part of Ireland are you from? I’m sure you have a bit of Boyce or Cartmill in you! Wallace is a good ‘fighting name’. Now you (and your kin) are part of my family.
Chinyerezi Chintu
You’re seldom wrong but this time you’re right. The correct spelling is ‘Lunsemfwa’. Well spotted.
Jack Wardell,
I’ve just returned from spending a few days with my parents. My father, Jones, played a round of golf on Tuesday and another round the very next day – at 86. Since I last wrote about him coming fourth in a Clay shoot – he’s built himself a Clay Target trap (I had to bring him a box of clays to test it), he made me a stainless-steel braai knife and he poured me 20kgs of lead shot for reloading shot shells. He’s like a well-oiled machine. My only worry is that he still drives his car with a ‘feeling of urgency’.
Johnny – jou ou bosvark (Ali – that means ‘you old bushpig’) - stop inciting the young girls!
Regards
Charles Cartmill, South Africa [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Thursday, December 30, 2004 at 23:07:50 (UTC)
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Mark Trevor
At least you get cricket coverage at 4am.... I have to wait till 9.30am!!! The draw today wasn't great but good for SA. Strange, this game. I wonder what the outcome would have been if the light didn't turn bad..?
Let's see what happens in Cape Town. By the way, who's side are you on?
Greetings from South Africa's mother city.
Desi
Isn't it strange that we should all be thinking of things like cricket, New Year parties etc etc when there are so many people out there right at this moment suffering loss, hunger and worst of all the threat of disease? We are very lucky, whoever we are and where ever we are to be alive and well and be able to send a message to our friends. To have clothes, food, a bed to sleep in, someone to hold tonight..... and perhaps just a family. It is such a sad situation and especially at this time of year when most folk are so wrapped up in their own festivities that the plight of these poor people are overlooked. I hope and pray that they receive all the aid they need.
On a lighter note I would like to show you how lucky we all are and submit something that my daughter sent me:
"May your good health be confirmed by your dentist, gastro-endocrinologist, uroligist, gynaecologist, psychologist, optician, fortune-teller, and may your physiotherapist, chiropractor, witch-doctor and your slimming clinic tell you that you don't need them anymore.
May your Doctor know where to start and your Masseuse know where to stop.
May your salary, housing subsidy, the contents of your house and all your shares increase in value, and may your blood pressure, weight, house loan, tax and cholestrol all decrease.
May your friends remember you and the taxman forget that you exist.
May hijackers, car thieves and rapists overlook you and may your loved ones always see you.
May your walls be too high for neighbourhood thieves but low enough for you to hop over when you have forgotten your keys.
May you have an honest government and a dishonest beauty therapist.
May you have an intelligent President and a fool for a TV licence checker.
Lastly, may the brewery NEVER close their doors."
Desiree Van der Spuy, South Africa [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Thursday, December 30, 2004 at 22:37:48 (UTC)
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Cut and paste this for a Happy New Year.
http://web.icq.com/friendship/swf/0,,16961_rs,00.swf
Doug Grewar, South Africa [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Thursday, December 30, 2004 at 20:48:44 (UTC)
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Glen
I agree with you that dirty roger moet gaan kak but not in my mealies asseblief!
Charles
I was under the impression that your people had been found. I certainly hope so! What is the latest news.
Everyone
Visit http://www.sagoodnews.co.za/news/
Doug Grewar, South Africa [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Thursday, December 30, 2004 at 17:55:49 (UTC)
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Colin
You relieve my mind.
Tina Magee, United States [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Thursday, December 30, 2004 at 17:46:42 (UTC)
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Serious for once. It is hard to grasp what the tsunami disaster numbers mean on a personal level whether you are a business professional or the poorest of the poor. Put yourself there as I tried to.
You have survived the ordeal with minor wounds and bruises but you have nothing left. Your home, your district, your town as far as the eye can see and beyond is miles of wasteland and unburied victims. Your children, your husband or wife, your parents, sisters, brothers, are no longer alive. There is mourning everywhere you look. Your whole country is weeping. In the world far flung family and friends are weeping. On an unimaginable scale disease must be kept at bay, relief and housing must be provided and somehow you must start over.
Tina Magee, United States [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Thursday, December 30, 2004 at 17:44:18 (UTC)
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Donating to "disaster" charities:
It is always a wise move to check out the organisation or charity and also ask them just exactly how much of your donation goes directly to what you are earmarking it for, and how much goes into the "general fund" of that organisation or charity. It may surprise you and/or influence where you send your money.
Linda Hayes, United States [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Thursday, December 30, 2004 at 14:35:21 (UTC)
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TINA
Dinnae fret my dear, by my calculations the species Colonial Drunkardus will not become extinct until around 2045, given they graduated during Colonialism which should be the case. (Post Colonial graduation would raise the estimated demise to around 2065) By which time most of us will have made our way to Pastures New anyway.
AS you pointed out the Spurtles predated the Turtles by around a thousand years. It is a magic wand with a practical use (to stir the boiling porrige and stop it sticking to the old iron pots (pre teflon times) and imparts strength, wisdom, good luck and any other incantation which comes to mind during the preparation of the staple diet of the Highlands and Islands. (Basically the only other food available was seaweed!! YUK!! until the landlords began to harvest it on a commercial basis, thereafter anyone caught chewing on piece of kelp was hanged for theft or if very unlucky deported to Oz (only a joke, honest!))
The Painted Warrior
Colin Munro, United Kingdom [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Thursday, December 30, 2004 at 14:08:52 (UTC)
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I was amazed to see the picture of Lionel Nefdt - he doesn't look much different from when he taught me Latin in 1961.
Is anybody following the cricket? Here I am - get up at 4 o'clock in the morning hoping that SA will confound the critics. May as well have stayed in bed!
Mark Trevor, Canada [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Thursday, December 30, 2004 at 12:33:22 (UTC)
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Tsunami charities
Interesting discussion on CNN on who to give money to for the tsunami victims.
Suggest organizations like the Red Cross who have both experience in helping out in disasters and have people on the ground as well.
Another good point was that organizations like the Red Cross issue tax receipts so for example instead of donating $100 you should donate $140 which in effect equals $100 after your tax refund.
Peter Dielissen, Canada [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Thursday, December 30, 2004 at 11:46:46 (UTC)
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On behalf of the victims of the Tsunami disaster in Sri Lanka, I am appealing to you for any donations you can make. Please use the following secured link:
http://www.emergencydonations.gov.lk/
My sincerest thanks on their behalf.
Noreen
Noreen D'Cruz, Canada [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Thursday, December 30, 2004 at 03:53:49 (UTC)
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Craig
GOOGLE search results :
Results 1 - 10 of about 130,000 for arsehole [definition]. (0.28 seconds)
Results 1 - 10 of about 3,490,000 for asshole [definition]. (0.08 seconds)
I am most pleased that you used the word arsehole instead of "ASSHOLE" as I would have you know that I am the only officially elected "Australian" ASSHOLE in Orange County.
The Orange County Assholes is a sort of loose conglomeration of derelicts; we're an aged motorcycle "fraternity" here in Southern California and we consist of some 200 members who collect and distribute funds to a variety of children's charities. Since all the other members of the "fraternity" are just as big an ASSHOLE as I am - they can't tell the difference between an Australian accent and a South African accent - hence they call me "Aussie the Asshole".
By the way, this character Roger seems to be a real arsehole, or simply put, a . . . . . . POEPHOL.
As such, he derserves to be told to "Gaan kak!"
Glen Drake, United States [ Profile ] [ Contact ] [ Web ]
Thursday, December 30, 2004 at 03:08:30 (UTC)
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Dumbass Webmaster??? Never!! You, Rocky, are definitely a Smartass Webmaster.
It's about time the Colonial Drunkard received proper recognition. Many don't realise how rare us Colonial Drunkards are becoming. There are plenty of post-colonial drunkards but there probably won't be another colony now until people start suiting up for relocation to Jupiter.
Tina Magee, United States [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Thursday, December 30, 2004 at 02:39:00 (UTC)
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Linda and Ron.......giggles......(thanks for making me smile)..Ron I am sure Craig has plenty of Herbicides at the ready.........hic !
Ali Key, Australia [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Thursday, December 30, 2004 at 02:34:04 (UTC)
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10 things to do this New Year:
-Stop thinking negatively about yourself;
-Take pride in your opinions and ideas and don't be afraid to voice them;
-Each day, write down three things about yourself that make you happy;
-Set goals: everyone needs something to work towards;
-Don't be a perfectionist;
-On the other hand, do your best at everything you try;
-Focus on your successes;
-Seek help if you are battling;
-Have fun. This is the only life you have so don't waste it.
Remember, self-esteem involves much more than liking yourself.....
Hope all on GNR have a great 2005.
Desiree Van der Spuy, South Africa [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Thursday, December 30, 2004 at 01:55:27 (UTC)
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Craig,
As a gardener, I am able to identify Roger Moonacross straight away as the common lowly creeper Paederia foetida more commonly known as the Chicken Shit creeper that grows in fast acting moulds and clings to any much stronger supporting web of support to allow it to reach the air and sunshine where it abuses its host in its effort to reproduce, branch out and smother all around it.
In my experience - it should be weeded out wherever it is found and eradicated completely.
So please do not allow this lowly fetid creeper to despoil our blooming garden !!!
As a matter of FACT the vine leaves from which the traditional Hakka Chinese Lunar New Year delicacy "Char Gwo" that look like sticky black or olive fried eggs is the appropriately named "Gaai Sii Tang" - the Chicken Shit Vine which gets its name from the smell of the crushed leaves or stem.
I am informed by my Hakka neighbours that the leaves
of the vine are only suitable for making Char Gwo if
picked before the Lunar New Year.
The botanical name is Paederia scandens [previously
Paederia foetida]
See HK Herbs & Vines page 78
See also Chinese Medicinal Herbs of HK Vol 2 page 160
Cheers Ron
__________________________________________________
Ron Clibborn-Dyer, China [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Thursday, December 30, 2004 at 01:38:42 (UTC)
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Dear Dum Bass Webmixter... hic
Thanks for sharing this hilarious exchange below. And please reroute anyone asking for special muti to extend certain parts of their anatomy.. grin.
Happy New Year to you, Artie and Heather and thanks so much for all that you do for the rest of us drunkards out here.
I would be pissed off, only I resemble that remark..hic.
Linda Hayes, United States [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Thursday, December 30, 2004 at 00:59:08 (UTC)
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A message from your "dumbass webmaster" to all you "colonial drunkards"
It's not often I am so amused that I feel the need to share e-mail with 1900+ people, but I am so moved at the moment. Running this site I (and Arthur and Heather) receive a fair number of compliments and accolades and we appreciate them all. However, believe it or not, we also take a fair bit of abuse -- thankfully not that much, but it comes all the same. Please note that I have never taken this step before -- publishing e-mail correspondence and e-mail addresses -- but this arsehole has gone out of his way to provoke me (and I doubt his identity anyway), and so he should be prepared to deal with the consequences. Following is an exchange of e-mail with someone allegedly named Roger Van Greune in (most likely) Qatar who apparently has nothing better to do than see if he can get a rise out of me.
As you can see below, about six weeks after I had considered this idiot back under the rock he crawled out from under, he couldn't resist contacting me again. Shame. Now he'll have Nigerians contacting him offering him millions of dollars, and others offering him extensions to an apparently needy part of his anatomy.
It's interesting to me though that he switched from using a Qatar-based ISP (initially) to using the Anonymizer anonymous-browsing service. Obviously we are dealing with a coward here. We have been harassed and attacked through the Anonymizer service before (most memorably by a certain individual in Scotland of Mediterranean extraction a couple of Christmases ago), and so I block their IP addresses from accessing much of the GNR, namely the message board and the Names Directory. The Anonymizer IP address he used for his latest message to us is already blocked from viewing the message board and the Names Directory but, obviously, he can still access the form that people can use to contact the GNR without logging in. He can also read the message board and access the Names Directory if he doesn't use the Anonymizer service, so it's likely he is doing that.
I expect more harassment from "Roger". Bring it on!
----------
Date: 13 Nov 2004 17:42:19 -0000
To: GNR
From: moonacross@yahoo.com (Roger)
Subject: inefficient site
Roger (moonacross@yahoo.com) on Saturday, November 13, 2004 at 09:42:19 PST
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Message: Waiting for two days is abnormal. If you are to break out of the mould you are currently in - speed up the registration timing.
ROGER
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REMOTE_ADDR: 212.77.192.61
HTTP_USER_AGENT: Mozilla/4.0 (compatible; MSIE 6.0; Windows NT 5.1; SV1)
HTTP_REFERER: http://www.greatnorthroad.org/contact.php?to=support
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X-message-flag: Mail moved by NinerNet Communications -- http://www.niner.net
X-Mailer: QUALCOMM Windows Eudora Version 6.1.2.0
Date: Sat, 13 Nov 2004 14:25:34 -0800
To: moonacross@yahoo.com (Roger)
From: Craig Hartnett
Subject: Re: inefficient site
Hi Roger,
Thanks for your message and your very helpful suggestion. The two-day wait has nothing to do with efficiency and everything to do with keeping undesirables out of the site. Also, whether or not you consider the wait abnormal, the site is run by volunteers in their spare time. If you would send me a minimum donation of US$100, I will consider processing your application sooner, but make sure it gets to me within 48 hours of your registration.
Not sure what "mould we are currently in", but you do seem very knowledgeable.
Actually, speaking of undesirables, I have decided that you fit that mould and have deleted your registration. Please go away. Such a shame, as we might have been able to help you with the [special request].
Craig
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Received: from [212.77.192.61] by web53110.mail.yahoo.com via HTTP; Sun, 14 Nov 2004 12:26:54 PST
Date: Sun, 14 Nov 2004 12:26:54 -0800 (PST)
From: Moon Cross <moonacross@yahoo.com>
Subject: Re: inefficient site
To: Craig Hartnett
Your response is pretty much what I would have expected, and your begging for $100 is about standard for third-world dwellers.
Good luck with your site - hope the electricity holds out long enough.
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X-message-flag: Mail moved by NinerNet Communications -- http://www.niner.net
X-Mailer: QUALCOMM Windows Eudora Version 6.1.2.0
Date: Sun, 14 Nov 2004 19:37:30 -0800
To: Moon Cross <moonacross@yahoo.com>
From: Craig Hartnett
Subject: Re: inefficient site
Hi Roger,
Last time I checked Canada was considered by most to be in the First World, but you clearly lack the ability to read or to understand sarcasm. Thankfully your response confirmed my first impression.
Craig
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Date: 27 Dec 2004 19:37:06 -0000
To: GNR
From: moonacross@yahoo.com (Roger)
Subject: Colonial drunkards
Roger (moonacross@yahoo.com) on Monday, December 27, 2004 at 11:37:06 PST
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Message: Your picture says it all.
Remember you banished a guy called Roger for criticising your registration response?
You are too public to do that, Craig - you're just some dumbass webmaster running a crummy third-world site for colonial drunkards. HAPPY new year anyway.
Roger.
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REMOTE_ADDR: 168.143.113.125
HTTP_USER_AGENT: Mozilla/4.0 (compatible; MSIE 6.0; Windows NT 5.1; SV1)
HTTP_REFERER: http://www.greatnorthroad.org/contact.php?to=support
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Happy New Year to you too, Roger.
Craig Hartnett, Canada [ Profile ] [ Contact ] [ Web ]
Wednesday, December 29, 2004 at 22:53:15 (UTC)
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"Only when we take human existence upon ourselves in its starkest and most humiliating misery--a misery in which nothing has meaning--can we win through to the only possible way to live. Only when we taste the lot of all, when we become involved deeply in world suffering,one in heart with the need of humanity, can we win through to our true vocation. Only when the conscience becomes active, only when love is born out of suffering, only when hardship leads to liberating action, is victory near" (Eberhard Arnold 1919)
Ayub Ismail Zumla, United Kingdom [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Wednesday, December 29, 2004 at 21:47:43 (UTC)
|
The Tsunami disaster is not only mind numbing but its difficult to comprehend the magnitude of the tragedy. When I first heard of the disaster, I immediately thought of my dear Sri Lankan friend. I don’t know whether he is in Sri Lanka. I looked for this last name: “Weerakoon” on google. It turns out to be a very common Sri Lankan name. I can’t remember his first name.
He was a very good friend when I lived in Handsworth Court at University of Zambia as his house was about 3 doors down from mine. Weerakoon was a very good friend because we worked together in the TDRU in the School of Engineering. He was a Prof. Of Engineering. In December 1980, we traveled to Holland and visited there for 2 weeks on a NUFFIC project. I last saw him in August 1989 when he left Zambia. I thought he said he was going back home to Sri Lanka to retire. He was in his late forties and may be early 50s – which would put him at about 65 years old to day. If there is a chance you know something about his whereabouts, let me know.
Mwizenge Tembo, United States [ Profile ] [ Contact ] [ Web ]
Wednesday, December 29, 2004 at 20:58:52 (UTC)
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Hi Johnny
Thank you so much for your message with regards to the lion attack in Chirundu, your recollection of the incident is almost as identical as we recall, however it was Fred who was been dragged out the car, Smiler (my dad) was the one that had the mauled arm. I was pretty young but remember the photo in the newspaper well, Dad with his whole arm in plaster and Fred with his leg in plaster, Dad was holding my sister Sylvia.
Fred I am not sure what happened to him, but my Dad, Smiler, saddly passed away in 1994.. My Dad was a very funny man with such a wonderful sense of humour and an absolute tease. My Dad's brother was George Holloway, he passed away in 1968.
If there is anyone who can help finding archive material on the attack, I would appreciate any leads.
If anyone remembers my Mum Shirley Holloway (nee Abbott) would love to hear from you. She is now living in Perth Australia.
To all, Have a wonderful New Year.
take care
Rozlyn
Rozlyn Malloy, United States [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Wednesday, December 29, 2004 at 20:26:15 (UTC)
|
Bill,
Thanks for your info on HS Pinafore. My friend Ralph will be thrilled to hear from you. Thanks.
Mwizenge Tembo, United States [ Profile ] [ Contact ] [ Web ]
Wednesday, December 29, 2004 at 18:52:29 (UTC)
|
Doug and Mwizenge,
Back to work after Christmas with family in Manitoba.
Re George Goodwin and HMS Pinafore at Gilbert Rennie in '58 - George had an email address in Australia and I tried geting through to him but never had a reply so I dont know where he is. He was the sailor in HMS........ leering at the lot. He could actually sing but maybe had a deal with a recorded song?? Naaah, that was 40 yrs ago, - they didnt have synchro-singing then. Lipsynching comes later.
He was one of the 7 of us who, after the last of 4 performances and we stole back the Vat 69 that had been given to Jim Marshall - Producer and seducer, and which we scoffed on the road between the two schools-Anne Gelatly, George, Selwyn. me, Tony Bilbrough of Brisbane and etc..... I have never been able to even smell scotch since then.
I have the old program and photos -the event-also news releases. Im not sure if Mwizenges mate is interested in that sort of trivia.
-4 today and quiet.
Sort of day we can think of so many dead in the Indian Ocean nations.
2 Canadians confirmed dead and 40 missing.
I cant help think that we get news of this but an earthquake in Turkey or China, where there are no tourists or western media, we dont care nor know. And tens of thousands there.
- Nother chuckle..... black humour....... in '99/2000 when we were at Vic Falls, the Zim $ was 42 to a CDN and the Zambian kwacha was 3200. Now the latest is Zambia 4500 and Zimbabwe dollar is 5500 to one CDn $.
Whew. That inflation is bad. And so quick.
Bill
William Knott, Canada [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Wednesday, December 29, 2004 at 14:26:56 (UTC)
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re: Tony Gooden
To those of you who may have known Tony Gooden from Kitwe, I tried to contact him this morning to see if he had been affected by the tsunami as he co-owns a restaurant and B&B on Pattaya beach in Thailand.
I am very sad to inform you that Tony passed away two months ago. If you want any details, please email me privately.
RIP my dear friend. You were a very important part of my life in Kitwe and nobody could throw a party like you.
Linda Hayes, United States [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Wednesday, December 29, 2004 at 13:55:53 (UTC)
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Rozlyn I also seem to remember he had a brother who also worked in the Pit a lot staider man.Johnny.
Johnny, United Kingdom [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Wednesday, December 29, 2004 at 09:07:34 (UTC)
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Dear Rozlyn I worked along side you dad in Nchanga Open Pit he was in the control office directng ops in the pit by radio to all the trucks etc in the pit, I met him personally for the first time when my buddie Glen Tweedie and I were coming up from Kariba he was with Fred his Buddie and we were in the pub at Chirundu and he related what had happened on the way back up from Kariba a few months earlier,they had got weary half way up from the lake to the GNR and decided to have a kip I believe Fred on the front seats and your dad on the back with all the doors wide open around 2 in the morning Fred was woken by the screams of your Dad to find a lion trying to drag him out of the car by his leg I saw the scars they were terrible, Fred grabbed an empty oil can reached over the seats and started battering the lion on its nose with it an miracuously it let go after raking its teeth down his fore leg causing some terrible wounds, I am afraid to ask this question is he still alive? he was a very funny guy he used to anounce a new day over the radio when he was on the night shift by crowing like a cockerel, please let me know what happened to him if any thing. Needless to say whenever if we were in a car and stopped on the roads we always kept our doors shut after that. Rgards Johnny.
Johnny, United Kingdom [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Wednesday, December 29, 2004 at 08:53:41 (UTC)
|
My apologies - the full text of AC Swinburne's poem is below. He was the wayward son of an English Admiral and is buried in the Churchyard at Bonchurch on the Isle-of-Wight.
Johnny's favourite verse is second to last.
The Garden of Proserpine
by Algernon Charles Swinburne
Here, where the world is quiet ;
Here, where all trouble seems
Dead winds’ and spent waves’ riot
In doubtful dreams of dreams ;
I watch the green field growing
For reaping folk and sowing,
For harvest-time and mowing,
A sleepy world of streams.
I am tired of tears and laughter,
And men that laugh and weep ;
Of what may come hereafter
For men that sow to reap :
I am weary of days and hours,
Blown buds of barren flowers,
Desires and dreams and powers
And everything but sleep.
Here life has death for neighbour,
And far from eye or ear
Wan waves and wet winds labour,
Weak ships and spirits steer ;
They drive adrift, and whither
They wot not who make thither ;
But no such winds blow hither,
And no such things grow here.
No growth of moor or coppice,
No heather-flower or vine,
But bloomless buds of poppies,
Green grapes of Proserpine,
Pale beds of blowing rushes
Where no leaf blooms or blushes
Save this whereout she crushes
For dead men deadly wine.
Pale, without name or number,
In fruitless fields of corn,
They bow themselves and slumber
All night till light is born ;
And like a soul belated,
In hell and heaven unmated,
By cloud and mist abated
Comes out of darkness morn.
Though one were strong as seven,
He too with death shall dwell,
Nor wake with wings in heaven,
Nor weep for pains in hell ;
Though one were fair as roses,
His beauty clouds and closes ;
And well though love reposes,
In the end it is not well.
Pale, beyond porch and portal,
Crowned with calm leaves, she stands
Who gathers all things mortal
With cold immortal hands ;
Her languid lips are sweeter
Than love’s who fears to greet her
To men that mix and meet her
From many times and lands.
She waits for each and other,
She waits for all men born ;
Forgets the earth her mother,
The life of fruits and corn ;
And spring and seed and swallow
Take wing for her and follow
Where summer song rings hollow
And flowers are put to scorn.
There go the loves that wither,
The old loves with wearier wings ;
And all dead years draw thither,
And all disastrous things ;
Dead dreams of days forsaken,
Blind buds that snows have shaken,
Wild leaves that winds have taken,
Red strays of ruined springs.
We are not sure of sorrow,
And joy was never sure ;
To-day will die to-morrow ;
Time stoops to no man’s lure ;
And love, grown faint and fretful,
With lips but half regretful
Sighs, and with eyes forgetful
Weeps that no loves endure.
From too much love of living,
From hope and fear set free,
We thank with brief thanksgiving
Whatever gods may be
That no life lives for ever ;
That dead men rise up never ;
That even the weariest river
Winds somewhere safe to sea.
Then star nor sun shall waken,
Nor any change of light :
Nor sound of waters shaken,
Nor any sound or sight :
Nor wintry leaves nor vernal,
Nor days nor things diurnal ;
Only the sleep eternal
In an eternal night.
A.C. Swinburne The Garden of Proserpine
Ron Clibborn-Dyer, China [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Wednesday, December 29, 2004 at 02:12:23 (UTC)
|
Following on from Johnny's favourite and Glen's prompt, here is the full text of that poem by by A. C. Swinburne
and another that seems to fit the bill.
"The Garden of Proserpine"
(part of Poems and Ballads, 1st series, 1866)
by Algernon Charles Swinburne (1837 - 1909).
We are not sure of sorrow,
And joy was never sure;
Today will die tomorrow;
Time stoops to no man's lure;
And love, grown faint and fretful,
With lips but half regretful
Sighs, and with eyes forgetful
Weeps that no loves endure.
From too much love of living,
From hope and fear set free,
We thank with brief thanksgiving
Whatever gods may be
That no life lives for ever;
That dead men rise up never;
That even the wearist river
Winds somewhere safe to sea.
"Before the Beginning of Years"
by A. C. Swinburne (from Atalanta in Calydon, 1865)
Before the beginning of years
There came to the making of man
Time, with a gift of tears;
Grief, with a glass that ran;
Pleasure, with pain for leaven;
Summer, with flowers that fell;
Remembrance fallen from heaven,
And madness risen from hell;
Strength without hands to smite;
Love that endures for a breath:
Night the shadow of light,
And life, the shadow of death.
And the high gods took in hand
Fire, and the falling of tears,
And a measure of sliding sand
From under the feet of the years;
And froth and drift of the sea;
And dust of the labouring earth;
And bodies of things to be
In the houses of death and of birth;
And wrought with weeping and laughter,
And fashioned with loathing and love,
With life before and after
And death beneath and above,
For a day and a night and a morrow,
That his strength might endure for a span
With travail and heavy sorrow,
The holy spirit of man.
From the winds of the north and the south
They gathered as unto strife;
They breathed upon his mouth,
They filled his body with life;
Eyesight and speech they wrought
For the veils of the soul therein,
A time for labour and thought,
A time to serve and to sin;
They gave him light in his ways,
And love, and a space for delight,
And beauty and length of days,
And night, and sleep in the night.
His speech is a burning fire;
With his lips he travaileth;
In his heart is a blind desire,
In his eyes foreknowledge of death;
He weaves, and is clothed with derision;
Sows, and he shall not reap;
His life is a watch or a vision
Between a sleep and a sleep.
Ron Clibborn-Dyer, China [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Wednesday, December 29, 2004 at 01:26:16 (UTC)
|
Craig Hartnett,
Many thanks for the contact. They were found eventually in the newest hotel in Lusaka. Details will be provided later. Cheers
P.S. For the curious my parents somehow got lost on arrival in Lusaka!
Ron Sayer, Canada [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Wednesday, December 29, 2004 at 01:02:05 (UTC)
|
Hi to all members.
I just love your site lovely way to find long lost family and friends.
I would liketo know if there is anyone out there who can remember in the early 60's a Lion attack which happened. My father "Smiler" Ronald Holloway and his friend "Fred" were attacked near Charundu by a lion and Smiler fought the lion and saved his friends life and his own. I have been trying to locate the story in archives in Zambian newspapers and have been unsuccessful. If there is anyone who could help me find this story please email to roz_malloy@hotmail.com
Again wonderful site.
take care
Rozlyn
Rozlyn Malloy, United States [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Wednesday, December 29, 2004 at 00:26:04 (UTC)
|
Johnny
The Garden of Proserpine - Swinburne
Glen Drake, United States [ Profile ] [ Contact ] [ Web ]
Tuesday, December 28, 2004 at 19:05:09 (UTC)
|
While we are in the poetry mood it gives me chance once again to print my favourite as I have done before on a couple of occasions.
----------------------------------
From to much love of living
From hope and fear set free
We give our brief thanks givings
To whatever GODS may be
That no one lives for ever
And dead men rise up never
And even the weariest river flows somewhere safe to sea.
----------------------------
I am afraid I do not know the name of the Author. Johnny.
Johnny, United Kingdom [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Tuesday, December 28, 2004 at 15:29:12 (UTC)
|
As the immensity of the Greatest Natural Tragedy of our time in South East Asia - stretching far across the oceans, becomes apparent - here is more Poetry to sooth the aching Soul.
The Flow
The bamboo is green
The lotus are pink
The waterfall flows
and kisses newfound stones
The bamboo is brown
The lotus are yellow
The waterfall flows
and shapes eager stones
The bamboo is hollow
The lotus are red
The waterfall flows
and parts distinguished stones
The bamboo is green
The lotus are white
The waterfall flows
and kisses newfound stones.
______________________________________
Here is one that has been translated into English,
it's the origin of chinese poetry.
English version
Bamboo bent;
Bamboo rent.
Pellet shot;
Pheasant got.
_____________________________________
Stephen Haven
Willow
All China a green-gold row of them.
When you walk through-
delicate, skirted, light-limbed
and yellow, swishing their loveliness
in the wind-they brush
the whole of you.
The Han are awfully dark
to love such hair: one single tree
the parasol of thousands
of years of poetry.
It is essentially
a pastoral tradition, a light
gesture in a concrete sea-
this park, these willows,
these bamboo growing near,
as if forever curtained
beneath these trees
Li Bai still sprung
pure passion from a flush of wine.
And if you listen
you can almost hear him:
bamboo, bamboo, the green shoots
of earth, heaven when they brush
these yellow skirts!
__________________________________
Kusano SHINPEI
BAMBOO
1000 Bamboo trees
Cold cold rain
1000 bamboo trees
Faintly
Smoking
1000 bamboo trees
Rainbow
_______________________________
Two Tanka
From outside my house,
only the faint distant sound
of gentle breezes
wandering through bamboo leaves
in the long evening silence.
Late evening finally
comes: I unlatch the door
and quietly
await the one
who greets me in my dreams.
-- Otomo No Yakamochi, (718-785)
__________________________________________________
Bamboo by Beth Fowler
. . .impressions among trees.
A Buddhist compound.
Full of gold, reds, ten thousand Buddhas.
Among meditating nuns, incense and orchids.
A clump of mature bamboo, creaking, clacking, groaning in the Asian
wind.
A natural, percussional concert.
Green bones.
www.authorsden.com/visit/viewPoetry.asp?AuthorID=1344
__________________________________________________
About Bamboo by Early Japanese Women Poets
Hidden orchids and tall bamboo -- / they are two of a kind. / Under the
window I burn incese / reading the "Women's Admonishments." / Who speaks
of painting only in terms of resemblance? / The tip of my brush records
the essence of winter. - Cho Koran
The first winter rain -- / the bamboo / somewhere in the dawn. -
Chiyo-ni
I repeat my vow / in unchanging colors of / the ageless bamboo -- /
which still creates ten thousand / generations of shadows. - Gyokuran
Tapping the gourd / every night / the bamboo is uplifted. - Chiyo-ni
One must bend / in the floating world / snow on the bamboo. - Chiyo-ni
You rose / with eastern clouds / and left. / The dew on bamboo leaves /
has longer stayed with me. - Izumi Shikibu
"I only love to paint bamboo / its greenness / reflected on my garment."
- Ema Saiko
Let us plant / in a warrior's garden. / May you become bows, may you
become arrows / clumps of bamboo / of ten thousand years. - Takabatake
Shikibu
Flowers wither, but a fresh green appears; / the change of seasons
causes tears to stain my clothes. / I remember cherries and bamboo
shoots prepared in a kitchen far away, my sisters and family lack one
member. - Cho Koran
Veils of light mist / envelop the curving inlet / weeping willows
luxuriantly green / pomegranates blossom red. / With bamboo blinds
rolled up / for a time I do nothing / sitting and facing the mountains
-- / the spring rain. - Cho Koran
This gentleman / grows and grows / auspiciously: / learn from him / and
you will ever flourish. - Otagaki Rengetsu
("bamboo crab" is the name of a spider)
Tonight is the night / my young love will come to me: / little bamboo
crab / spider's antics make it clear./ Oh, very clear tonight. -
Princess Sotoshi
What are you saying? / That we can't meet -- / not even for a time /
brief as the space between joints / on the reeds of Naniwa? - Lady Ise
At the sound of wind / rustling bamboo leaves / near the window / short
is my nap / and its dream. - Princess Shikishi
A short night -- / outside the window / bamboo rustles / a hint of
autumn / while I sleep. - Princess Shikishi
Tonight / as hail falls / on bamboo leaves / rustling, rustling / how
can I sleep alone? - Izumi Shikibu
Do see the pictures at:
http://www.womensearlyart.net/reference/poets/bamboo.html
__________________________________________________
Ron Clibborn-Dyer, China [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Tuesday, December 28, 2004 at 13:25:38 (UTC)
|
I hope that all you members of the Great North Road have had a happy time during Christmas. I have read an assortment of contributions from members recalling there Christmasses in Zambia. Ken Miller's recollection were particulary typical of that era.
Chinyerezi Chintu, United Kingdom [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Tuesday, December 28, 2004 at 11:40:52 (UTC)
|
Very strange. I tried opening the message board this morning - same problem. Then I read Ali's email and disabled Norton and I could get on. I re-enabled Norton and I can still get on. I wonder what's going on and why some of us have had problems and others not? Any suggestions anyone?
Fiona Gayther, United Kingdom [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Tuesday, December 28, 2004 at 11:39:04 (UTC)
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Peter Goodhew
The spelling is Lunsemfya. Do'nt tell me you are another one from BH!!
Chinyerezi Chintu, United Kingdom [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Tuesday, December 28, 2004 at 11:21:40 (UTC)
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Did a "find" on spurtle down the page to get to the original message and found Chairlie's reference. Yep, Charles, it can be mentioned with food. You just wouldn't eat it unless you were a (looking for a safe reference here) termite.
Ali ol' Pally
The Munro should explain this to you... much more fun. He might even do you a pictograph. My input is that spurtles were once equated with the strength you gain from eating porage oats. Here is the story. Couple of decades back the advertising johnnies wanted youngsters to feel that they would get stamina and speed if they ate such a breakfast, and came up with the Teenage Ninja Spurtles. Caused quite a stir at the time!
Colin
Try this, maybe. Tell the site zactly how you would like one carved, dimensions and all and ask if anyone knows a carver who could execute it really well. Bet Heather might, for one. Others reading might, too.
Tina Magee, United States [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Tuesday, December 28, 2004 at 03:36:11 (UTC)
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Merry Christmas
Sue Cason, Australia [ Profile ] [ Contact ] [ Web ]
Tuesday, December 28, 2004 at 03:32:39 (UTC)
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To wish all gnr's my best wishes for 2005
Christine Beardsell, United Kingdom [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Tuesday, December 28, 2004 at 03:01:31 (UTC)
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Tina.....Colin.......may I ask what is a spurtle.......????
Ali Key, Australia [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Tuesday, December 28, 2004 at 02:12:45 (UTC)
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DOUG: Zis is serious, Mein Herr. Your Situpa regulations certainly included most catgories, including us Druids but excluding the Standing Stones in Lewis, which is our mini Stonehenge, but you forgot to say as to which countries the New Orders would be applied therein and must leave us all trembling in anticipation! Is this SA or have I completly missed the point as usual? An afterthought regarding situpas, I always considered them rather degrading and never took a bit of notice of same, (Oh bother! here comes the redneck BSAP looking for a hassle, " See the Big Boss L, I am busy weighing the meallies", like a good Assistant should be!) as was obvious regarding the huge workforce of PEA migrant workers in Shonaland. (Did you notice that they all looked like Mike Tyson, can't be a co-incidence surely?)
TINA : What else? Unfortunatly the only known spurtles left to mankind are those available from the very Far East, namely China, from which 75
% of the UK rubbish now comes from. They have a crudely carved thistle on top and sell for about a fiver! I would gladly take up your suggestion re an African carved spurtle if I only knew where to locate same.
The Painted One
Colin Munro, United Kingdom [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Tuesday, December 28, 2004 at 02:02:02 (UTC)
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I again had troubles in getting the message board, then I disabled my firewall........
Ali Key, Australia [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Tuesday, December 28, 2004 at 02:01:49 (UTC)
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Fiona can't get in again. No matter how she approaches the GNR board her double clicks result in a blank screen with the "done" message. Will relay what has been said here to her.
Tsunami
For any others among the silent readers of the Board who may be affected by the devastation in south east Asia we send you our love and support.
Tina Magee, United States [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Monday, December 27, 2004 at 21:43:53 (UTC)
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Message Board problems???
Just keep clicking on the refresh button and it will open,
Esther Pettersson, Australia [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Monday, December 27, 2004 at 21:07:53 (UTC)
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Fiona,
I keep getting a message from my F-Secure anti-virus software that internet discussion forums are being infected by a worm. Maybe your software won't allow access?
Charlie,
Eland - it's their knees that click - dunno about the springboks, haven't heard them or read anything about them 'clicking'.
Ron - thanks for your words about bamboo - they really are helping.
Jilly
Jill Aplin, South Africa [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Monday, December 27, 2004 at 20:46:01 (UTC)
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Charlie,
Any news? This is a disaster and anyone connected to it has my sympathy. I hope your family is okay....
Desiree Van der Spuy, South Africa [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Monday, December 27, 2004 at 20:41:59 (UTC)
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Fiona
Just a suggestion from me - Put-the-cork-back-in-the-champagne-bottle.
Love ya,
Tina
P.S.
Serious answer? Haven't got a clue.
Tina Magee, United States [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Monday, December 27, 2004 at 19:29:15 (UTC)
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Hooray! I have not been able to access the message board for a couple of days. Obviously other people have. I wonder if anyone else had the same problem and why?
Fiona Gayther, United Kingdom [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Monday, December 27, 2004 at 19:16:49 (UTC)
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Bill & Yvette,
I see you are MINUS 32c. need the alcohol to stop your blood freezing.
It is a sweltering 35c in Vryheid today with high humidity but the black clouds have just started rolling over the mountains and the thunder is starting to roll so we should get a bit of rain to cool things down soon. The last week has been just like Zambian weather, hot then 2 hours downpour of rain.
I see Mwizenge is asking about Gilbert and Sullivan memorabilia. You were in HMS Pinafore. What happened to that naughty chap George Goodwin who just opened and closed his mouth instead of singing.
Jilly
Now that Charles has found his people safe, I want to ask you, is Phi Phi where the jollers come from.
(SA slang. Pee-Pee Jollers are teenagers).
Doug Grewar, South Africa [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Monday, December 27, 2004 at 18:12:30 (UTC)
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Ron,
Spirit of the Bamboo,how true,I think all of us have the Bamboo in us,just some have more than others,it really brought back memories for me as I read through it.Now this is the sort of thing I like to read on the G.N.R.more please.
Pappy Papier, United Kingdom [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Monday, December 27, 2004 at 14:33:54 (UTC)
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Be Patient Charles and Think Positive Thoughts,
You will hear soon enough.
Local communications that have not been destroyed will be overloaded with enquiries whilst they are needed most by the emergency services.
My own family from Thailand are safe here, but we wait to hear of their relatives and friends.
The 21-year-old grandson of Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej was killed on a jet-ski.
The temple altars here have lamps lit and candles and joss sticks burning to the Buddhist Bodhissatva of Compassion - Kwun Yam / Kwan Yin and to the Chinese Goddess of the Sea - Tin Hau.
We are in the age of Aquarius - a time of great upheaval and changing earth climate over which we have no control.
Plant a Bamboo in your garden !
According to Feng Shui masters,
wherever bamboo is placed,
good fortune is sure to follow
Legend says a gift of living bamboo brings good fortune,
Bamboo
Bamboo, a tall grass, flowers only at long intervals-
30, 60, or even 120 years apart. At about the same time,
all plants of the same species--wherever they are in the
world--will burst into bloom. When this happens, whole
forests die and must be replanted.
The common became precious,
said grandfather remembering
the last time the forest bloomed.
Today that old man woke up,
beat his chest, and cried.
Lovers make a bed of the blossoms.
minuscule petals collect in their hair.
The carpenter lays down his saw.
The mayor calls a meeting
and holds his head.
Everyone I know is milling
along the street by the river.
Some move into their grandmother's house;
others sleep in the open.
It is the rainy season,
the temple is crowded.
Now a man raises his fist
to his wife for the first time.
Now the boatman leaves home before dawn;
children tuck away their laughter.
Though fish leaping
in the harbor seem larger,
they are more distant.
Each fire is built more sparingly
than the last.
I have one dream
for several nights
but can only recall
the tart incense of bamboo flowers
closing on my chest
as merciless as the river
the day it closed on my brother,
his hand tangled in his sturdy net.
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BAMBOOO
Knowing how to bend without breaking
and sway when earth is quaking
bamboo wisdom is deep
Knowing when to send forth roots
and focus power through shoots
bamboo strength is amazing
Hearing bamboos rustle
is perfect poetry
and touching bamboo hairs
is ultimate sensuality
How much stronger, flexible,
and wiser we could be by
learning to bamboo our being!
____________________________
Spirit of a Bamboo
I wish you, Friend,
That finest thing
That I can wish for you -
Not health, nor wealth,
Not luck, but just
A spirit of Bamboo.
Bend with the wind
And thus survive
Though storms may flatten you.
Weep not at fate,
But spring erect
As Bamboo thickets do.
Wealth may be lost,
And health may fade,
Yet you'll be wise and true
If you can bend
And you can grow
With a spirit of bamboo!
Helene B. Grouse
______________________________________
Ron Clibborn-Dyer, China [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Monday, December 27, 2004 at 13:34:51 (UTC)
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Charlie and Tess
:-D
Marilyn
Warming to have you posting again. Keep popping in with news and observations won't you.
Tina Magee, United States [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Monday, December 27, 2004 at 08:41:35 (UTC)
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Esther,
I have also emailed Teresa without a reply. Maybe she's away on holiday as most South Africans go away over Christmas time.
Charlie, so glad that your people are also accounted for.
Jilly
Jill Aplin, South Africa [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Monday, December 27, 2004 at 07:20:38 (UTC)
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Ali,
For me the GNR page also opened with a blank page - and still does - simply press your refresh button and it will open up.
Teresa Swart
You may know my cousin Anita and her mother Lily - there surnames were Hunke back in the 50's and lived with your relative George? McRae in Durban during those years. Please email me if you know or knew them,
Thanks
Esther Pettersson, Australia [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Monday, December 27, 2004 at 06:26:10 (UTC)
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Tina,
Tess was on the phone this morning at 04h00 to the Bangkok offices and got a number for the Burasari resort. She’s been assured all guests were evacuated to another resort – and all are safe. Thanks.
David Gray,
Thanks you. My younger sister managed to get the Pretoria numbers. They’ve taken her details and will contact us when they have more information.
Johnny,
That’s sound advice. We always called on our nextdoor neighbour – Hughie Anderson – in Broken Hill in times of emergency as he was a radio ham. Unfortunately there are not too many of them around these days.
Thanks Ali,
Regards
Charles Cartmill, South Africa [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Monday, December 27, 2004 at 06:09:25 (UTC)
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Charlie,
Have you heard from your family yet? Our friends who are there contacted us yesterday afternoon - the youngsters were in Phuket and the parents had taken a day trip to Phi Phi. The kids were still in the hotel and were evacuated and the parents managed to climb up to higher ground so all is well. We still haven't heard from friends in Indonesia.
I hope that your family is okay.
Jilly
Jill Aplin, South Africa [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Monday, December 27, 2004 at 06:03:41 (UTC)
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Charlie
Hang in there. I am emailing you some possibly useful contact numbers found on web search.
Tina Magee, United States [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Monday, December 27, 2004 at 05:27:16 (UTC)
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Charlie...I do hope your family is ok........will be thinking of them .........such a devastating tragedy.
Ali Key, Australia [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Monday, December 27, 2004 at 01:41:59 (UTC)
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Hi all, ......at long last I can get the GNR......not too sure what happened but since the 24th all I have been able to get is a blank page....most disconcerting.......I am convinced that computers have a mind of their own, OR I have gremlins living in it......because I have done nothing different only clicked on the refresh button straaaaaange......I must tell you it was not pleasant not being able connect with the GNR......like losing touch with family.......reading the postings by David Gray, Tina, Linda,Marilyn......and the earlier postings of Lynthia and Glenn made one think that yes we humans are really fragile and we must take stock and realise those around us are very precious.....I have learned so much from working at Ishar (the health centre) there we have a carers support group , we provide counselling , information sessions, respite breaks, even a self nurturing group, one thing that is learned "to be able to care for others is to care for ones self" I also create displays for the centre for different health issues for Carers for example Dementia, Bi-Polar, and Alzheimers etc....I personally have needed Ishar's help.....I am a carer myself (my daughter Jade suffers from frontal lobe damage, and also epilepsy) and have experienced the highs and lows......I have also learned to speak up and seek help when things get tough.......AND stay in touch with friends and family for much needed support!! that is why the GNR is so important to me.......!!!!!....God Bless you All.
Ali Key, Australia [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Monday, December 27, 2004 at 01:38:24 (UTC)
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Norman
Welcome back! Just read your message on your visit to Ndola. I was wondering if you have any pictures of your visit especially of Ndola, if you do, could you please post them on the message board, much appreciated.
Yunus Badat, United Kingdom [ Profile ] [ Contact ] [ Web ]
Monday, December 27, 2004 at 00:39:02 (UTC)
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Charles,
I hope they are ok. The effects of the earthquake are now been felt on the East African Coast. Kenyan authorities have issued a warning to would-be swimmers to keep off the coasts. A few have already died off the Somalian coast. The full extent of the devastation will not be known for a while yet. Some also felt the "jolt" here in the UK at 1am this morning!
Ayub Ismail Zumla, United Kingdom [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Sunday, December 26, 2004 at 21:41:49 (UTC)
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Charles
If it wasn't so late I would phone you re info on SA citizens in the various seaside resorts hit by the tidal waves. This mornings SABC Radio news gave four Pretoria phone numbers of the Dept. of Foreign Affairs that should be used by concerned relatives seeking information about relatives staying at the worst affected resorts. I didn't take down the number but a call to the SABC should get results or am I being naive? Hope your relations are safe and sound.
Cheers
David Gray, South Africa [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Sunday, December 26, 2004 at 21:41:46 (UTC)
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Charles I know the people I am going to mention to you are few and far between but you may have one in your vicinity and that is an amature radio operator they are great in a crisis and at least you will get to know a bit of what is happening there that may put your mind at rest worth a try asking around. Johnny.
Johnny, United Kingdom [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Sunday, December 26, 2004 at 21:09:27 (UTC)
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I hope everyone had a great Christmas. One GNR member wrote on the message board 2 months ago that he had acted in "The Pirates of Penzance" in Ndola in the 1950s. I have a friend faculty member who has been the theatre director here at the college for the last 30 years. He is retiring this srping. He is an expert of the "Gilbert and Sullivan" plays. He is a collector of memorabilia, old programs etc. of any of these plays. If you have information, communicate with me privately so I can give you this gentleman's name and e-mail adrress. He flies to Austin, Texas, soon after graduation in May to direct one of these plays.
Mwizenge Tembo, United States [ Profile ] [ Contact ] [ Web ]
Sunday, December 26, 2004 at 19:44:11 (UTC)
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Ron C_D.
My sister and B_in_L(Rowena & Roger Tiffin (remember them? You met them at my house during your last visit)) are in Phuket at the moment.
I'm extremely concerned about the 8.5 R earthquake Thailand recently experienced. Have you any suggestions as to how I may find out how they are?
Regards
CJ
Charles Cartmill, South Africa [ Profile ] [ Contact ]
Sunday, December 26, 2004 at 19:35:55 (UTC)
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Merry Christmas to all you northerners .
i've just got back from a 12 day vist to Zambia ,crap flight with B.A when the stewardess decides you've had enough to drink after only 1 beer and 2 whiskies (far cry from travelling on good old Zambia Airways) was a bit dehydrated on a 10 hour flight to say the least.
Besides the drought on board i was very impressed with the friendly welcome from staff at Lusaka airport and just felt the warmth of being back home.I was very impressed with all the development going on around Lusaka.I then embarked on my road trip to Ndola, my saliva glands began working over time seeing all those ripe mangoes along the road ,they finally gave in and we stopped to buy a few (what a bargain a full dish of approx 20 kidney mangoes for K4000= less than 50 pence)believe me when i was into my third mango i must have looked like a bulldog who just eaten porridge from a shallow bowl .
All along the great north road every patch of soil has been cultivated,large or small maize,tobacco,etc makes a great impression ,at least now the agro fever seems to be invading Zambia hope it lasts.
Kabwe !!! still in the" Broken hills stage "not much has changed .
Kapiri Mposhi ! some improvement ,the main road has been retarred with speed humps installed (to pevent most travellers zooming past).
Ndola !!! at last we're home we approach the under bridge and the dambo looks lovely once again with all the weed cleared away(thanks to Bwana Mukubwa mining Company).Just before we enter the under bridge i bet with my brother the traffic lights still dont work at the President ave intersection ,how wrong i was after nearly 10 years of being out of order they were working!!! 10 metres past the lights there is the sign "TRAFFIC LIGHTS DONATED BY BWANA MUKUBWA .
Besides that Ndola seems to be in a time zone no new structures as is the case with Lusaka ,the Ndola Motor Sports race track out side Ndola opposite Twapia compound has been revived thanks again to Bwana Mukubwa,had the opportunity to meet alot of old friends including Kevin Shone at the first international motorcross event .(i'm sure the brewery must be puting red dye in the Mosi and Castle ,because Kevin got redder with every bottle consumed).
There is alot of positive feed back on all the mining activity taking place around the copperbelt and Solwezi so all looks bright for the future in Zambia.
all the best to all my mates whom have stuck it out this long waiting for the right time,hope you all m |
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