For those out there who are not aware Apple has brought a lawsuit against Samsung for copyright infringement. They claim that Samsung smartphones are a carbon copy of the iPhone, the Galaxy tab is a stolen concept of the iPad and they are even after the Android operating system running these devices.
Recently Samsung has whitewashed the Apple by taking a huge bite out of the market share leaving Apple behind and Blackberry pretty much nowhere to be found.
The problem now is that Apple has actually won the lawsuit against Samsung which could have major implications. This article discussed the process and its effects at length and is well worth following:
http://www.news24.com/SciTech/News/Apple-patent-win-may-reshape-sector-20120825
Strange they were able to win as even the tablet concept is not even Apple's...
Aug 26, 2012
Aug 25, 2012
RIP Amanda - mother, wife, sister...
It is with great sadness that I type this blog update...Unfortunately my mom passed this morning at 6am
Needless to say we are devastated and have no idea what to do with ourselves, but I guess that is the way the cookie crumbles.
For now this is all I can say.
Thanks again for all the love and support.
Much love and respect,
Warren, Jarred and Terence.
Needless to say we are devastated and have no idea what to do with ourselves, but I guess that is the way the cookie crumbles.
For now this is all I can say.
Thanks again for all the love and support.
Much love and respect,
Warren, Jarred and Terence.
Aug 24, 2012
Amanda - Day 9
Today we left the hospital very emotional and a bit down...I guess not all days bring the progress as we had hoped for.
Unfortunately it seems that her blood pressure has gone in the wrong direction and it seems to have put us back a couple of days as the only way I can describe her situation today is to say that it is pretty much the same as day 3 or 4. The doctor has prescribed some blood pressure meds and we are hoping that it will be enough to bring things back to normal.
Needless to say this has upset us a bit and we are feeling a bit down tonight, but we knew this was going to be a long tough road...At least she seemed a bit better during our second visit as apposed to the afternoon one.
W, J & T.
Unfortunately it seems that her blood pressure has gone in the wrong direction and it seems to have put us back a couple of days as the only way I can describe her situation today is to say that it is pretty much the same as day 3 or 4. The doctor has prescribed some blood pressure meds and we are hoping that it will be enough to bring things back to normal.
Needless to say this has upset us a bit and we are feeling a bit down tonight, but we knew this was going to be a long tough road...At least she seemed a bit better during our second visit as apposed to the afternoon one.
W, J & T.
Lance Arm"strong"...
It is a sad day when a cycling legend with so much history and so much determination gets stripped of all his titles and is permanently banned from competition cycling for the rest of his life...
http://www.usatoday.com/sports/cycling/story/2012-08-23/Armstrong-doping-charges/57258616/1
I guess it is true what the article says - if you have to win so badly to stay on top is it really worth it?
http://www.usatoday.com/sports/cycling/story/2012-08-23/Armstrong-doping-charges/57258616/1
I guess it is true what the article says - if you have to win so badly to stay on top is it really worth it?
Amanda - Day 8
Well I guess not all days can be 100%...
Fortunately this does not mean negative progress, but just that she now complains of quite a serious headache. I spoke to the doctor and she mentioned that it is as a result of pressure because of the buildup in the skull. The only medication they can give her is some Panado which at least seems to help a bit.
Otherwise she was strong enough to pull herself onto one side today, but we could all see that the lying down is starting to hurt and seriously frustrate her...it just feels so bad to be so helpless...
Overall she seemed a bit out of it today which I think played with our emotions a bit, but tomorrow is another day and we can only hope for the best.
Regards,
W, J & T.
Fortunately this does not mean negative progress, but just that she now complains of quite a serious headache. I spoke to the doctor and she mentioned that it is as a result of pressure because of the buildup in the skull. The only medication they can give her is some Panado which at least seems to help a bit.
Otherwise she was strong enough to pull herself onto one side today, but we could all see that the lying down is starting to hurt and seriously frustrate her...it just feels so bad to be so helpless...
Overall she seemed a bit out of it today which I think played with our emotions a bit, but tomorrow is another day and we can only hope for the best.
Regards,
W, J & T.
Aug 22, 2012
Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon 2013
As we all know you need to set a goal every once in a while and that is exactly what I did today - without planning it.
Randomly commenting on a status update of a good friend of mine we suddenly decided to take part in the Two Oceans Marathon next year!
http://www.twooceansmarathon.org.za/
Oh well, counting today we have 219 days to train and get our arses into gear which I believe is more than enough time.
Only thing I am still deciding is whether I should do the half with Craig or try for the Ultra? At least I still have until end of January to decide.
Moral of the story? If you see me with a biscuit or something unhealthy...kick my ass!
Ok wait, at least give me until Monday!
Wish us luck,
WarBrad.
Randomly commenting on a status update of a good friend of mine we suddenly decided to take part in the Two Oceans Marathon next year!
http://www.twooceansmarathon.org.za/
Oh well, counting today we have 219 days to train and get our arses into gear which I believe is more than enough time.
Only thing I am still deciding is whether I should do the half with Craig or try for the Ultra? At least I still have until end of January to decide.
Moral of the story? If you see me with a biscuit or something unhealthy...kick my ass!
Ok wait, at least give me until Monday!
Wish us luck,
WarBrad.
Amanda - Day 7 (evening shift)
As promised herewith the second update for today.
Usually on evening visits she seems sedate and much mire sleepy however tonight she was a bit more awake and talkative. She was able to relay that she is suffering from headaches, but fortunately the nurses were able to provide something to help with that so I am sure she is off to a good night's sleep.
Other than that things are still the same as this afternoon.
Tomorrow is another day which hopefully brings a bit more comfort and progress.
W, J & T.
Usually on evening visits she seems sedate and much mire sleepy however tonight she was a bit more awake and talkative. She was able to relay that she is suffering from headaches, but fortunately the nurses were able to provide something to help with that so I am sure she is off to a good night's sleep.
Other than that things are still the same as this afternoon.
Tomorrow is another day which hopefully brings a bit more comfort and progress.
W, J & T.
Amanda - Day 7 (afternoon visit)
Seeing as I missed the post last night I thought I would give two today.
We walked into the hospital and received the most wonderful news - she swallowed some yoghurt this morning which is a massive step! Needless to say we were very happy with this...furthermore she was awake for almost the entire visit and was making jokes and talking to us - well at least as best she could.
The only bad thing about today is that I finally told her why she is lying in hospital as she had no idea and has completely lost the last couple of says. I explained to her that she is making brilliant progress, but that it is going to be a long journey to recovery now. We just felt that it might be better for her to know than rather lie and worry or wonder.
Well, that's it for now and will try post another update this evening.
W, J & T.
We walked into the hospital and received the most wonderful news - she swallowed some yoghurt this morning which is a massive step! Needless to say we were very happy with this...furthermore she was awake for almost the entire visit and was making jokes and talking to us - well at least as best she could.
The only bad thing about today is that I finally told her why she is lying in hospital as she had no idea and has completely lost the last couple of says. I explained to her that she is making brilliant progress, but that it is going to be a long journey to recovery now. We just felt that it might be better for her to know than rather lie and worry or wonder.
Well, that's it for now and will try post another update this evening.
W, J & T.
Amanda - Day 6
A little late, but here it is...
We are pleased to announce that we are feeling satisfied daily with Amanda's progress. Usual day to day improvements we would put around 2%, but yesterday felt like double that!
During our day visit she seemed quite aware of what was going on and was awake for much longer than before and also "speaking" much more. It does appear however after speaking to her that she has lost the last couple of days as she eventually asked me what day it was thinking it was still Wednesday...last week...I guess one can understand this as her brain has been overloaded with the recovery process and she has pretty much been completely asleep from Wed until Sunday.
Nurses have removed the saline drip for now and she is back on the feeding tube. Upon our second visit she was much more tired and possibly also dosed up a bit as they had a new drip on her with some meds.
We are constantly reassuring her that she is doing great and that there are many many people who are thinking about her and sending their well wishes and she appreciates that.
I think at this point we are most happy with the fact that things are looking up every day so far and that she still seems to be her witty, dont-help-me self.
Anyway, I shall provide updates later about today's visits.
Take it easy,
W, J & T.
We are pleased to announce that we are feeling satisfied daily with Amanda's progress. Usual day to day improvements we would put around 2%, but yesterday felt like double that!
During our day visit she seemed quite aware of what was going on and was awake for much longer than before and also "speaking" much more. It does appear however after speaking to her that she has lost the last couple of days as she eventually asked me what day it was thinking it was still Wednesday...last week...I guess one can understand this as her brain has been overloaded with the recovery process and she has pretty much been completely asleep from Wed until Sunday.
Nurses have removed the saline drip for now and she is back on the feeding tube. Upon our second visit she was much more tired and possibly also dosed up a bit as they had a new drip on her with some meds.
We are constantly reassuring her that she is doing great and that there are many many people who are thinking about her and sending their well wishes and she appreciates that.
I think at this point we are most happy with the fact that things are looking up every day so far and that she still seems to be her witty, dont-help-me self.
Anyway, I shall provide updates later about today's visits.
Take it easy,
W, J & T.
Aug 21, 2012
Slavery - what happens in the dark
I came across this absolutely amazing and gut wrenching talk from a photographer named Lisa on TED talks. This is one of those talks that will open your eyes to the callousness of humans and make you angry - hopefully angry enough to want to do something.
The talk is all about modern day slavery and how some people are born into, live in and die enslaved. It is such a sad story, but one that definitely requires much more attention.
I feel that her work was able to capture the absolute hopeless desperation of the subjects and I can definitely say that this has seriously impacted me.
http://www.ted.com/talks/lisa_kristine_glimpses_of_modern_day_slavery.html
Unfortunately things of this magnitude do not gain any merit in today's society - we are far more fascinated with celebrities that stumble home drunk, flash their panties or consider themselves royalty in America like RPats (this list is endless however I shall not dignify it any more than I have to to make my point). Does this make us any better or are we enabling the oppression of generations of slaves by turning a blind eye?
Maybe that should not be a rhetorical question...
Watch that talk right now!
WarBrad.
The talk is all about modern day slavery and how some people are born into, live in and die enslaved. It is such a sad story, but one that definitely requires much more attention.
I feel that her work was able to capture the absolute hopeless desperation of the subjects and I can definitely say that this has seriously impacted me.
http://www.ted.com/talks/lisa_kristine_glimpses_of_modern_day_slavery.html
Unfortunately things of this magnitude do not gain any merit in today's society - we are far more fascinated with celebrities that stumble home drunk, flash their panties or consider themselves royalty in America like RPats (this list is endless however I shall not dignify it any more than I have to to make my point). Does this make us any better or are we enabling the oppression of generations of slaves by turning a blind eye?
Maybe that should not be a rhetorical question...
Watch that talk right now!
WarBrad.
Aug 20, 2012
Amanda - Day 5
Time for another update and fortunately some more positive progress. It appears that she is slowly becoming more aware and awake although we are not nearly out of the woods yet...
Like yesterday the blood pressure and sugar levels are still stable and she is now waking up on her own. It appears as though she has retained her memory and she recognises our faces which we are very happy for. She is still not able to speak properly and tries to mumble on when we are around, but at least we can understand or at least decipher what she wants.
She is still drifting in and out of her sleeping bouts, but waking up much more often (and for longer duration) which is at least better than two or three days ago.
At this point things are still critical, a bit uncomfortable and most of all very frustrated as she does not know or understand what has happened to her. We can clearly see and she is able to tell us that she is very happy and more comfortable when we are around.
I can happily say for the first time in the last five days that we have left the hospital in high spirits and we are very happy with the progress of this strong woman.
Anyway, we are off for some dinner and a celebratory brew.Check in tomorrow for any new updates.
Much love and respect,
W, J & T.
Like yesterday the blood pressure and sugar levels are still stable and she is now waking up on her own. It appears as though she has retained her memory and she recognises our faces which we are very happy for. She is still not able to speak properly and tries to mumble on when we are around, but at least we can understand or at least decipher what she wants.
She is still drifting in and out of her sleeping bouts, but waking up much more often (and for longer duration) which is at least better than two or three days ago.
At this point things are still critical, a bit uncomfortable and most of all very frustrated as she does not know or understand what has happened to her. We can clearly see and she is able to tell us that she is very happy and more comfortable when we are around.
I can happily say for the first time in the last five days that we have left the hospital in high spirits and we are very happy with the progress of this strong woman.
Anyway, we are off for some dinner and a celebratory brew.Check in tomorrow for any new updates.
Much love and respect,
W, J & T.
Aug 19, 2012
Amanda - Day 4
First off thanks again to all for the phone calls and messages - it is definitely appreciated.
Now for the scoop...there has been some minor improvements in her condition and the nurses advise that her blood pressure and sugar levels are now pretty much back to normal and seem stable. Even better news is that she has opened her eyes on both visits today for short periods between spells of dozing off. She is also quite active and was wiping her own face with a cloth tonight which made us very happy.
It's not all fireworks yet as she is still very weak, disorientated and sleepy. It is another small step in the right direction and I think at least some more positive news.
From what we hear she is also receiving special attention from the nursing staff which obviously makes us feel quite a bit better...
So until tomorrow I bid farewell and we hope to see some more improvement...even the slightest little bit...
W, J & T.
Now for the scoop...there has been some minor improvements in her condition and the nurses advise that her blood pressure and sugar levels are now pretty much back to normal and seem stable. Even better news is that she has opened her eyes on both visits today for short periods between spells of dozing off. She is also quite active and was wiping her own face with a cloth tonight which made us very happy.
It's not all fireworks yet as she is still very weak, disorientated and sleepy. It is another small step in the right direction and I think at least some more positive news.
From what we hear she is also receiving special attention from the nursing staff which obviously makes us feel quite a bit better...
So until tomorrow I bid farewell and we hope to see some more improvement...even the slightest little bit...
W, J & T.
Aug 18, 2012
Amanda - Day 3
So today was the third day since the actual stroke and we were able to catch the doctor straight after visiting hours who cleared up and answered some of our questions.
According to the doc her blood pressure and sugar level is monitored every four hours and have both now reached an acceptable level. The only problem is that there is still some blood affecting the brain and we need to wait for the body to naturally re-absorb this meaning that things are still critical at this stage.
From a medical standpoint there is no real improvement however she still seemed responsive during the afternoon visit and even managed to open her eyes briefly during our visit. Upon our second visit she was sleeping and did not respond when speaking to her at all so will have to wait and see if we get the same positive feedback tomorrow. She was however moving around and giving my dad a good run for his money snoring wise...
All in all it has been a day of mixed emotions and we are starting to feel the strain, but I cannot imagine it to be half as bad as her fear and stress at the moment. We are relaying all messages and well wishes and I am sure it is reassuring for her to hear that so many people care so deeply for her - I know it is for us!
To summarise things are still critical for her and the doctor is not able to give any solid predictions at this point, but again we are taking it one day at a time.
Until tomorrow,
W, J and T.
According to the doc her blood pressure and sugar level is monitored every four hours and have both now reached an acceptable level. The only problem is that there is still some blood affecting the brain and we need to wait for the body to naturally re-absorb this meaning that things are still critical at this stage.
From a medical standpoint there is no real improvement however she still seemed responsive during the afternoon visit and even managed to open her eyes briefly during our visit. Upon our second visit she was sleeping and did not respond when speaking to her at all so will have to wait and see if we get the same positive feedback tomorrow. She was however moving around and giving my dad a good run for his money snoring wise...
All in all it has been a day of mixed emotions and we are starting to feel the strain, but I cannot imagine it to be half as bad as her fear and stress at the moment. We are relaying all messages and well wishes and I am sure it is reassuring for her to hear that so many people care so deeply for her - I know it is for us!
To summarise things are still critical for her and the doctor is not able to give any solid predictions at this point, but again we are taking it one day at a time.
Until tomorrow,
W, J and T.
Aug 17, 2012
Visitation "rites"
Hi all,
Just to clear up any misconception or miscommunication: the doctor has requested that we keep visits to immediate family in these (still) critical times.
Apparently too many foreign voices can be a bit distressing to her and now is the time she needs the constant comfort of her most immediate family.
I stress this is not a request for everyone to stay away, but I would ask that you keep this in mind.
Thanks,
WarBrad.
Just to clear up any misconception or miscommunication: the doctor has requested that we keep visits to immediate family in these (still) critical times.
Apparently too many foreign voices can be a bit distressing to her and now is the time she needs the constant comfort of her most immediate family.
I stress this is not a request for everyone to stay away, but I would ask that you keep this in mind.
Thanks,
WarBrad.
Amanda 1.0
Hi all, as mentioned I prefer to use this canvas to post any updates or feedback regarding my mother's progress...this way I do not fill up FB streams...
So far she is still in a critical condition however there is not much that can be done and we have to wait for the brain to re-arrange itself as such. The doctors are keeping a close eye on her and they performed another scan this afternoon. At this point things are looking a bit better, however still inoperable.
Fortunately she is taking baby steps in the correct direction, but all we can do is wait. So far she has started moving her arm(s) and one of the legs and we are able to "communicate" through holding hands and working the old one squeeze for yes and two for no gimmick. Needless to say things are still a bit incoherent, but it does appear as if she does understand that we are around her.
Again I thank all for all the messages and calls and I am sure you can understand that it is hard to keep everyone up to date so feel free to check in on this blog for any recent news. Seeing as we are reduced to "hurry up and wait" there is not much to report three times a day so I expect to post at least once a day.
All in all it can still go either way and we are staying positive and hoping for a good result.
Until we visit her again...take care.
W, J and T.
So far she is still in a critical condition however there is not much that can be done and we have to wait for the brain to re-arrange itself as such. The doctors are keeping a close eye on her and they performed another scan this afternoon. At this point things are looking a bit better, however still inoperable.
Fortunately she is taking baby steps in the correct direction, but all we can do is wait. So far she has started moving her arm(s) and one of the legs and we are able to "communicate" through holding hands and working the old one squeeze for yes and two for no gimmick. Needless to say things are still a bit incoherent, but it does appear as if she does understand that we are around her.
Again I thank all for all the messages and calls and I am sure you can understand that it is hard to keep everyone up to date so feel free to check in on this blog for any recent news. Seeing as we are reduced to "hurry up and wait" there is not much to report three times a day so I expect to post at least once a day.
All in all it can still go either way and we are staying positive and hoping for a good result.
Until we visit her again...take care.
W, J and T.
Aug 14, 2012
What men want
I watched this clip and somehow I'm not at all convinced...
http://www.ted.com/talks/zimchallenge.html?source=email#.UCpzt3gVC5k.email
Its about 4min long so check it out...worth a standing ovation???
http://www.ted.com/talks/zimchallenge.html?source=email#.UCpzt3gVC5k.email
Its about 4min long so check it out...worth a standing ovation???
Aug 8, 2012
This is the kind of society we live in...
Reading this kind of thing makes me so angry! Who do you blame? The person holding these kind of backward beliefs or the culture that still perpetuates it in this day and age (I hazard to say of science and reason...)
http://www.iol.co.za/news/crime-courts/girl-mutilated-to-boost-church-numbers-1.1358084#.UCIBzKBVLfC
I find it absolutely shocking that someone would commit murder - something I am sure his church is against- to boost the numbers for his church. I mean that in itself should illustrate the depth of lunacy, hypocrisy and stupidity...
This kind of mentality should have died a Darwinian death a long time ago...it's time to let go of your imaginary friends now and get with the program.
Bloody hell
http://www.iol.co.za/news/crime-courts/girl-mutilated-to-boost-church-numbers-1.1358084#.UCIBzKBVLfC
I find it absolutely shocking that someone would commit murder - something I am sure his church is against- to boost the numbers for his church. I mean that in itself should illustrate the depth of lunacy, hypocrisy and stupidity...
This kind of mentality should have died a Darwinian death a long time ago...it's time to let go of your imaginary friends now and get with the program.
Bloody hell
Aug 7, 2012
The online menace...what is actually safe these days?
Today I came across a very interesting article...one of those articles you read that really gets you thinking. This particular one is a very interesting and extremely frightening story of how someone's online life has been ripped apart in less than an hour...
http://www.wired.com/gadgetlab/2012/08/apple-amazon-mat-honan-hacking/all/
It is lengthy, but well worth a read!
After reading this it got me thinking about how online safety measures seem to be nothing more than burglar bars on your windows or noisy car alarms...basically just visual pacification of your security conscience. Have you actually stopped and considered how secure your email password is? That email and password combination that you use as your login account at work, for your Facebook account and probably for your online banking profile?
I feel this story goes to prove that although the tech world is going in so many exciting directions it might be moving too fast for our security conscience to keep up.
My favourite quote from this is where he mentions that the same four digits thought of as safe enough to publish by one company is considered secret and secure enough by another to protect all your online information. Maybe that is what we need: some kind of global security standard? Or even simpler: basic user awareness?
Hackers don't need fancy tools and 12 wide screens daisy chained together in some seedy basement...they can get any information on you they want through the somewhat exciting game of social engineering or even a quick google search or look at your Facebook page! I recall a brilliant security assignment from my varsity days - Black Ops off the books the lecturer knows nothing about it if you got caught type assignment- where we setup a "password strength check page" on our University network and boy did we net those suckers...it was like fishing with dynamite!
Anyway, I would urge you again to take five minutes and read that story...who knows, it might save your life savings one day...
Stay safe,
Warbrad.
http://www.wired.com/gadgetlab/2012/08/apple-amazon-mat-honan-hacking/all/
It is lengthy, but well worth a read!
After reading this it got me thinking about how online safety measures seem to be nothing more than burglar bars on your windows or noisy car alarms...basically just visual pacification of your security conscience. Have you actually stopped and considered how secure your email password is? That email and password combination that you use as your login account at work, for your Facebook account and probably for your online banking profile?
I feel this story goes to prove that although the tech world is going in so many exciting directions it might be moving too fast for our security conscience to keep up.
My favourite quote from this is where he mentions that the same four digits thought of as safe enough to publish by one company is considered secret and secure enough by another to protect all your online information. Maybe that is what we need: some kind of global security standard? Or even simpler: basic user awareness?
Hackers don't need fancy tools and 12 wide screens daisy chained together in some seedy basement...they can get any information on you they want through the somewhat exciting game of social engineering or even a quick google search or look at your Facebook page! I recall a brilliant security assignment from my varsity days - Black Ops off the books the lecturer knows nothing about it if you got caught type assignment- where we setup a "password strength check page" on our University network and boy did we net those suckers...it was like fishing with dynamite!
Anyway, I would urge you again to take five minutes and read that story...who knows, it might save your life savings one day...
Stay safe,
Warbrad.
Working Class Hero
Very interesting talk...but I am a fan of both the show and Mike
Mike Rowe: Learning from dirty jobs
http://www.ted.com/talks/mike_rowe_celebrates_dirty_jobs.html
Mike Rowe: Learning from dirty jobs
http://www.ted.com/talks/mike_rowe_celebrates_dirty_jobs.html
Aug 5, 2012
Haas collective - great food and interesting art
This post is all about the new restaurant Inge is working at - not only because she is working there, but also because their food is amazingly good!
If ever you are in the city area and feel like a decent helping of good food, coupled with some great coffee then definitely make a stop at Haas.
They are located at the top of Rose street and of course feel free to go around the coffee shop come gallery space to explore some of the freakishly interesting pieces they have on sale.
Enjoy!
Warbrad.
If ever you are in the city area and feel like a decent helping of good food, coupled with some great coffee then definitely make a stop at Haas.
They are located at the top of Rose street and of course feel free to go around the coffee shop come gallery space to explore some of the freakishly interesting pieces they have on sale.
Enjoy!
Warbrad.
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