Yesterday at 'noon the UNAIDS RSTESA website went live. Lots of work went into updating the content to be relevant and informative. There were a few iterations of this before I got my developer paws on it, but none of them went live as far as I know. Check back periodically for new sections like calendar of events and polls and the likes. You can find the site at www.unaidsrstesa.org.
Any comments, ideas and suggestions are welcome, I'll forward them on to the appropriate channels.
Thursday, 22 February 2007
symfony 1.0 released
Symfony, the php 5 based web framework hit version 1 (stable) on Monday. We're currently developing a site using this technology, so it's great news. More on that when we go live. Check it out - www.symfony-project.com
Monday, 19 February 2007
pet peeves version 1.0
I don't want this site to be a place where i just sit and moan at all around me. But sometimes a good moan needs to be had, even if it's just to make me feel better. Here are my current issues:
1) Being phoned by robots.
This is the second month now that I have been harassed by an unknown company offering me interest free credit. It starts with a phone call, where I get asked if I want "cash in a flash" and I must push any key to find out more. There was no mention of any company, nothing. After the 4rth time of hanging up the call, I decided to push any button to speak to a human to find out which company they represented. I got through to what sounded like the loud background noise of call centre, and no one answered my repeated "hello, HELLO?"... The second time I pushed a number (yes, they keep calling me) I did get through to a human that heard me. She said "yes?" so I asked which company I had gotten through to. She hung up. Now I can't call back because they're calling me.
The calls have not stopped, I got another 3 today, and I still don't know which company is at the source of this madness.
At least with the other companies that harass me for their credit, I know who I'm dealing with and can take action. (Which I will do if flippen Nedbank send me any more SMS's offering me credit)
Is anyone else receiving these highly annoying calls? Please comment here, let's turn this into an Internet Investigation!! Heck, if this works we can branch out and have a site dedicated to this, drawing all CSI-wannabe's from around the country. POP, ok, back to reality.
At least if I knew who it was I could get them to hound my bad payers: (people like Two Tone Branding who owe me R5600 since February 2006) - yes, it's unprofessional to mention them, but hey, they've been promising "we'll pay you next friday" for 4 months now, so I don't believe they actually intend on paying me. Anyone know the laws on me mentioning this publicly on this site? If they sue me, or pay me, I'll remove this entry. (If you're from Two Tone and you're reading this, go with the paying me option please!)
2) Seeing my taxes subsidise cheap air travel
SAA, and Mango give us cheap rates because our tax-Rand is being pumped into their business to support them. So the prices are cheap, but paid for by us, who knows what we're paying really. Also, what about the other airlines who are trying to run a decent business. This parasitic nature is obviously big in the business world, but it shouldn't be actively funded by the government. Also, service levels are affected: why should a business give good service to attract return customers, when 1) their subsidised low price will do that, and 2) no matter if they treat the customers like rubbish, and their profits dive, they'll be handed a bundle of cash to run their business anyways...
3) Bad internet connections
When can I have real bandwidth like my friends overseas? Please please? when?
Thats it for now.
1) Being phoned by robots.
This is the second month now that I have been harassed by an unknown company offering me interest free credit. It starts with a phone call, where I get asked if I want "cash in a flash" and I must push any key to find out more. There was no mention of any company, nothing. After the 4rth time of hanging up the call, I decided to push any button to speak to a human to find out which company they represented. I got through to what sounded like the loud background noise of call centre, and no one answered my repeated "hello, HELLO?"... The second time I pushed a number (yes, they keep calling me) I did get through to a human that heard me. She said "yes?" so I asked which company I had gotten through to. She hung up. Now I can't call back because they're calling me.
The calls have not stopped, I got another 3 today, and I still don't know which company is at the source of this madness.
At least with the other companies that harass me for their credit, I know who I'm dealing with and can take action. (Which I will do if flippen Nedbank send me any more SMS's offering me credit)
Is anyone else receiving these highly annoying calls? Please comment here, let's turn this into an Internet Investigation!! Heck, if this works we can branch out and have a site dedicated to this, drawing all CSI-wannabe's from around the country. POP, ok, back to reality.
At least if I knew who it was I could get them to hound my bad payers: (people like Two Tone Branding who owe me R5600 since February 2006) - yes, it's unprofessional to mention them, but hey, they've been promising "we'll pay you next friday" for 4 months now, so I don't believe they actually intend on paying me. Anyone know the laws on me mentioning this publicly on this site? If they sue me, or pay me, I'll remove this entry. (If you're from Two Tone and you're reading this, go with the paying me option please!)
2) Seeing my taxes subsidise cheap air travel
SAA, and Mango give us cheap rates because our tax-Rand is being pumped into their business to support them. So the prices are cheap, but paid for by us, who knows what we're paying really. Also, what about the other airlines who are trying to run a decent business. This parasitic nature is obviously big in the business world, but it shouldn't be actively funded by the government. Also, service levels are affected: why should a business give good service to attract return customers, when 1) their subsidised low price will do that, and 2) no matter if they treat the customers like rubbish, and their profits dive, they'll be handed a bundle of cash to run their business anyways...
3) Bad internet connections
When can I have real bandwidth like my friends overseas? Please please? when?
Thats it for now.
Tuesday, 13 February 2007
OMG
I sometimes come across song lyrics which really get my attention. Either because I relate to them entirely, or because they raise some interesting things I haven't thought about, or because I don't know exactly what they mean. Well, this song fits all three of these. When I first heard it I was uncertain if I liked the lyrics. I had no idea what Danny Haseltine was on about. But the more I listened to the song, the more it seemed to unravel itself to me. Eventually it had the same effect on me as my first encounter with Jars of Clay all those years back. In my opinion this song is a music epic, on par with Worlds Apart - in the way it has different sections and just builds up throughout.
Until tonight I was still unsure of what the writer meant, but I had my theories, and I was happy to find out I was spot on. Give this song a listen when you get a chance, and take a look at the meaning below also... (skips back to song, plays it again)... ahh
Oh my God, look around this place,
Your fingers reach around the bone,
you set the break and set the tone
For flights of grace, and future falls
In present pain all fools say, "Oh my God."
Oh my God, why are we so afraid?
we make it worse when we don't bleed,
there is no cure for our disease.
Turn a phrase and rise again,
or fake your death and only tell your closest friends,
Oh My God.
Oh my God, can I complain?
You take away my firm belief and graft my soul upon your grief.
Weddings, boats, and alibis,
All drift away, and a mother cries...
=========================
Liars and fools, sons and failures, theives will always say..
Lost and found, ailing wanderers, healers always say..
Whores and angels, men with problems, leavers always say..
Broken hearted, separated, orphans always say..
War creators, racial haters, preachers always say..
Distant fathers, fallen warriors, givers always say..
Pilgrim saints, lonely widows, users always say..
Fearful mothers, watchful doubters, Saviors always say..
=========================
Sometimes I can not forgive
and these days mercy cuts so deep,
If the world was how it should be, maybe I could get some sleep.
While I lay, I'd dream we're better, scales were gone and faces lighter,
When we wake we hate our brother, we still move to hurt each other,
Sometimes I can close my eyes and all the fear the keeps me silent,
Falls below my heavy breathing, what makes me so badly bent?
We all have a chance to murder, we all have the need for wonder.
We still want to be reminded that the pain is worth the thunder.
Sometimes when I lose my grip, I wonder what to make of heaven,
All the times I thought to reach up, all the times I had to give up.
Babies underneath their beds, in hospitals that cannot treat
All the wounds that money causes, all the comforts of cathedrals,
All the cries of thirsty children, this is our inheritance,
All the rage of watching mothers, this is our greatest offense
Oh my God, Oh my God, Oh my God.
Written by Dan Haseltine, Charlie Lowell, Stephen Mason, Matt Odmark © 2006 Pogostick Music (BMI) / Bridge Building (BMI). All rights for the world on behalf of Pogostick Music (BMI) administered by Bridge Building (BMI).
Behind the Song:
"With Oh My God, we wanted to kind of communicate that everybody at some point intersects with God, whether they choose to believe or not, and people all have their reasons for crying out to God. And some of those are really deep, deep doubts. There are times when I wrestle with that now, but growing up I didn’t know the gospel could stand up to the scrutiny. It’s a question that I think needs to be asked. This song has three parts. It starts out being many people’ stories and the third part is my personal story...Why I cry out to God." - Dan Haseltine (Jars Of Clay)
[words and information from: www.jesusfreakhideout.com, lyrics updated from official in-sleeve booklet]
Until tonight I was still unsure of what the writer meant, but I had my theories, and I was happy to find out I was spot on. Give this song a listen when you get a chance, and take a look at the meaning below also... (skips back to song, plays it again)... ahh
Oh my God, look around this place,
Your fingers reach around the bone,
you set the break and set the tone
For flights of grace, and future falls
In present pain all fools say, "Oh my God."
Oh my God, why are we so afraid?
we make it worse when we don't bleed,
there is no cure for our disease.
Turn a phrase and rise again,
or fake your death and only tell your closest friends,
Oh My God.
Oh my God, can I complain?
You take away my firm belief and graft my soul upon your grief.
Weddings, boats, and alibis,
All drift away, and a mother cries...
=========================
Liars and fools, sons and failures, theives will always say..
Lost and found, ailing wanderers, healers always say..
Whores and angels, men with problems, leavers always say..
Broken hearted, separated, orphans always say..
War creators, racial haters, preachers always say..
Distant fathers, fallen warriors, givers always say..
Pilgrim saints, lonely widows, users always say..
Fearful mothers, watchful doubters, Saviors always say..
=========================
Sometimes I can not forgive
and these days mercy cuts so deep,
If the world was how it should be, maybe I could get some sleep.
While I lay, I'd dream we're better, scales were gone and faces lighter,
When we wake we hate our brother, we still move to hurt each other,
Sometimes I can close my eyes and all the fear the keeps me silent,
Falls below my heavy breathing, what makes me so badly bent?
We all have a chance to murder, we all have the need for wonder.
We still want to be reminded that the pain is worth the thunder.
Sometimes when I lose my grip, I wonder what to make of heaven,
All the times I thought to reach up, all the times I had to give up.
Babies underneath their beds, in hospitals that cannot treat
All the wounds that money causes, all the comforts of cathedrals,
All the cries of thirsty children, this is our inheritance,
All the rage of watching mothers, this is our greatest offense
Oh my God, Oh my God, Oh my God.
Written by Dan Haseltine, Charlie Lowell, Stephen Mason, Matt Odmark © 2006 Pogostick Music (BMI) / Bridge Building (BMI). All rights for the world on behalf of Pogostick Music (BMI) administered by Bridge Building (BMI).
Behind the Song:
"With Oh My God, we wanted to kind of communicate that everybody at some point intersects with God, whether they choose to believe or not, and people all have their reasons for crying out to God. And some of those are really deep, deep doubts. There are times when I wrestle with that now, but growing up I didn’t know the gospel could stand up to the scrutiny. It’s a question that I think needs to be asked. This song has three parts. It starts out being many people’ stories and the third part is my personal story...Why I cry out to God." - Dan Haseltine (Jars Of Clay)
[words and information from: www.jesusfreakhideout.com, lyrics updated from official in-sleeve booklet]
Friday, 09 February 2007
blood diamonds, blood platinum
I was appalled to see news articles about South African Government welcoming, and meeting with the President of the People's Republic of China, Hu Jintao, this week. Not only is South Africa meeting with him, and strengthening ties, we're accepting his donations. Are we so simple minded to not think that there could be consequences to this? Dire ones.
China, while undoubtedly a world leader in many respects, is no world leader in liberty. Yes, it certainly would be good economically to make ties with this giant, but we cannot afford to consider economics at the expense of doing what is right.
Now while you might think I'm going to shoot off on a tangent about under-age and under-paid kids producing western label gadgets and clothing, I'm about to shoot of on another tangent entirely.
OK, let's step back and look at this. What do they want? According to a Bloomberg news article they want to invest in our mining. We have an abundance of precious metals and minerals which they would love to tap into for continuing development of their technologies. OK, fine. We get that.
What do we want? Well, it seems, handout: Gifts, Money, Business. Thats good for us, right? I mean, as long as it's not ivory or rhino horns - because that would create a stir these days.
So we're all set to go. But wait a minute. Isn't this the same China that persecutes hundreds, if not thousands of Christians yearly? Yes it is. Even today, even this month, there have been reports of people being arrested, molested and yes, even killed. You haven't heard about this? That doesn't mean it isn't happening.
We westerners are very skeptical of the US and British governments, I've heard endless opinions criticising Bush and Blair; and yet, when President Hu lands on our soil, we welcome him with open arms?
If we support China's development, we support their government, and we condone their actions, philosophy and methodology. The countries which had economic sanctions against South Africa in the Apartheid era made this statement by their actions: "We do not support or condone your Apartheid philosophy and legislature, and so we will not support your development." The countries that had a business as usual attitude with South Africa back then, weren't necessarily supporting apartheid, but they were not prepared to lose their benefits for the sake of what is right. Right now, South Africa boldly stands in the position of the latter, which is ironic taking her past into account.
This year alone, in China:
3 Jan 2007: Christmas Celebration Raided in Inner Mongolia
China ranked 8th worst country of persecution in the world
9 Jan 2007: New Year Bible Study in Communist Party School Raided in Hebei
14 Jan 2007: Released two of nine underground priests arrested in Hebei
16 Jan 2007: Christian service raided in Henan Province
25 Jan 2007: Christians under attack in China
28 Jan 2007: House Church worship service raided in Anhui Province
28 Jan 2007: 9 Arrested House Church Leaders in Henan released after 15 days detention
29 Jan 2007: Beijing House Church Activist Hua Huiqi and his mother attacked and detained by police
30 Jan 2007: Executed for distributing bibles
6 Feb 2007: China's shifting policies still hindering religion
Information taken from Persecution.org, a watchdog of Christian religious freedom worldwide.
Release International, describes China:
Religious Freedom Rating: 6 (7 is worst)
Population: 1287 million (2003 est.)
Widespread persecution of church leaders and members, especially those in unregistered (underground) churches, which may represent as many as 100 million believers.
A last note: before reading this, your ignorance to what is happening in China protected you from responsibility of doing something. Now you are informed - and your choice is simple:
1) denial, which is willful ignorance. It will appease your conscience for a while, but you will be guilty of knowing the facts and deciding to pretend they aren't there or are lies.
2) acknowledgement, where you realise what is going on, and admit to it, even if doing nothing.
3) action, where you protest either actively or passively. Actively would constitute writing letters or speaking to people, praying for the Christians in China, getting involved with organisations that support those who are persecuted there - passively would be deciding in your own capacity not to support China's trade by buying their products.
It is important that you understand that I am not speaking out against the Chinese people, or people of Chinese heritage. I am aiming my words straight at the South African and Chinese governments, their policies, decisions and statutes.
China, while undoubtedly a world leader in many respects, is no world leader in liberty. Yes, it certainly would be good economically to make ties with this giant, but we cannot afford to consider economics at the expense of doing what is right.
Now while you might think I'm going to shoot off on a tangent about under-age and under-paid kids producing western label gadgets and clothing, I'm about to shoot of on another tangent entirely.
OK, let's step back and look at this. What do they want? According to a Bloomberg news article they want to invest in our mining. We have an abundance of precious metals and minerals which they would love to tap into for continuing development of their technologies. OK, fine. We get that.
What do we want? Well, it seems, handout: Gifts, Money, Business. Thats good for us, right? I mean, as long as it's not ivory or rhino horns - because that would create a stir these days.
So we're all set to go. But wait a minute. Isn't this the same China that persecutes hundreds, if not thousands of Christians yearly? Yes it is. Even today, even this month, there have been reports of people being arrested, molested and yes, even killed. You haven't heard about this? That doesn't mean it isn't happening.
We westerners are very skeptical of the US and British governments, I've heard endless opinions criticising Bush and Blair; and yet, when President Hu lands on our soil, we welcome him with open arms?
If we support China's development, we support their government, and we condone their actions, philosophy and methodology. The countries which had economic sanctions against South Africa in the Apartheid era made this statement by their actions: "We do not support or condone your Apartheid philosophy and legislature, and so we will not support your development." The countries that had a business as usual attitude with South Africa back then, weren't necessarily supporting apartheid, but they were not prepared to lose their benefits for the sake of what is right. Right now, South Africa boldly stands in the position of the latter, which is ironic taking her past into account.
This year alone, in China:
3 Jan 2007: Christmas Celebration Raided in Inner Mongolia
China ranked 8th worst country of persecution in the world
9 Jan 2007: New Year Bible Study in Communist Party School Raided in Hebei
14 Jan 2007: Released two of nine underground priests arrested in Hebei
16 Jan 2007: Christian service raided in Henan Province
25 Jan 2007: Christians under attack in China
28 Jan 2007: House Church worship service raided in Anhui Province
28 Jan 2007: 9 Arrested House Church Leaders in Henan released after 15 days detention
29 Jan 2007: Beijing House Church Activist Hua Huiqi and his mother attacked and detained by police
30 Jan 2007: Executed for distributing bibles
6 Feb 2007: China's shifting policies still hindering religion
Information taken from Persecution.org, a watchdog of Christian religious freedom worldwide.
Release International, describes China:
Religious Freedom Rating: 6 (7 is worst)
Population: 1287 million (2003 est.)
Widespread persecution of church leaders and members, especially those in unregistered (underground) churches, which may represent as many as 100 million believers.
A last note: before reading this, your ignorance to what is happening in China protected you from responsibility of doing something. Now you are informed - and your choice is simple:
1) denial, which is willful ignorance. It will appease your conscience for a while, but you will be guilty of knowing the facts and deciding to pretend they aren't there or are lies.
2) acknowledgement, where you realise what is going on, and admit to it, even if doing nothing.
3) action, where you protest either actively or passively. Actively would constitute writing letters or speaking to people, praying for the Christians in China, getting involved with organisations that support those who are persecuted there - passively would be deciding in your own capacity not to support China's trade by buying their products.
It is important that you understand that I am not speaking out against the Chinese people, or people of Chinese heritage. I am aiming my words straight at the South African and Chinese governments, their policies, decisions and statutes.
Wednesday, 07 February 2007
well said Steve
Steve Jobs of Apple Inc. just gave his thoughts on the DRM (digital rights management) restrictions of the downloaded music from iTunes on the iPod. Let's open up the DRM-restrictions on downloaded music.
Though I think Option 4 would be to incorporate an open standard that is open source and managed by the community. While the Record Labels might have a problem with this, and solutions might come in slower to breaches in security, at least no one company or small conglomerate of companies control the DRM development and implementation.
Steve, if you're reading this (haha, I think I'm the only person who reads my blog at this point) - how about opening the iTunes Store in South Africa too?
Though I think Option 4 would be to incorporate an open standard that is open source and managed by the community. While the Record Labels might have a problem with this, and solutions might come in slower to breaches in security, at least no one company or small conglomerate of companies control the DRM development and implementation.
Steve, if you're reading this (haha, I think I'm the only person who reads my blog at this point) - how about opening the iTunes Store in South Africa too?
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