tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83854188364058500262024-03-13T18:27:06.095+03:00Arthur's SeatArthurhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17029799270661710049noreply@blogger.comBlogger14125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8385418836405850026.post-10768714441815550522014-03-18T16:04:00.000+03:002014-03-18T17:46:31.494+03:00The Somalian Night Panther aka the Death Panther<!--[if !mso]>
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<br />
Life in Somalia is tough; everyone knows of el shabaab, the warlords and the
US marines. But the basic inhabitants of that deadly landscape are seriously
dangerous in their own right. Just think about it – have you ever seen a David
Attenborough documentary on Somalian creatures; Madagascar with all it's political
upheaval – yes sure – lemurs come to mind (and leave even quicker); there's
great apes in Ruanda; lesser apes in various banks around the world etc. But
nothing on Somalia. Even more astonishing is that no-one has attempted to
report on Somalian creatures in their natural habitat; until now – Blackhawk
Down doesn't count as it's Hollywood.<br />
<br />
The facts on the Somalian Death Panther are skimpy. Unlike the “normal”
Somalian Desert Panther, which can be observed from a distance in daylight (a
bad omen according to locals who are actually quite short-sighted so distance
is relative and usually fatal) the deadly Death Panther is almost never seen,
certainly not if it sees you first.<br />
<br />
Reasons for this abound: it only comes out at night; it is black, and only black,
and the previously mentioned short-sightedness of the locals is an even bigger
handicap at night.<br />
<br />
But it comes out at night – 3:30 in the morning to be exact. The howl is vocal
extreme – the screech is horror personified. The combination is hair raising
and terrifying. And the fearsome beast will continue it's howl if you don't
come downstairs and feed the bugger.<br />
I found this specimen outside our compound after hearing it the night before.
Various attempts were made to capture and kill it in the neighbour's compound
but it evaded and escaped. Mid afternoon the next day I heard a pitiful cry
from a vacant lot and found it seriously dehydrated and almost incapable of
movement – picked it up; took it home, fed it re-hydration formula and an hour
later it was a lot better.<br />
<br />
2 hours later and all was pandemonium. Place to sleep, food to eat, how old
is it (just 3 weeks according to behaviour patterns – thanks Google), whose is
it etc???<br />
<br />
We have named it Diesel – purrs almost as loud as a cheetah but with Kenyan
military vehicle overtones. Still an IT as the sex will only really be
determinable in about 2 weeks time. So, here we are, 3 days later, terrorised
into submission with abject servitude to satisfy it's every whim. It considers
humans as playthings and likes nothing more than the cries of pain when it
sinks it's teeth and claws into soft, pliant tissue and then rolls about in
glee when we wonder how we will get down from the ceiling after the involuntary
muscle spasms and reactions.<br />
<br />
But I found a way around it, see this rare photo footage below (pun
unintentional).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pw6U6pF4o5w/Uyg_eWa0q0I/AAAAAAAAALk/tvm6qtuHQcY/s1600/Foot+Attack.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pw6U6pF4o5w/Uyg_eWa0q0I/AAAAAAAAALk/tvm6qtuHQcY/s1600/Foot+Attack.jpg" height="208" width="320" /></a></div>
<div align="center" class="separator" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="mso-ignore: vglayout;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LEaEbOWCttc/Uyg04qpmRXI/AAAAAAAAALA/-X-kvegxFyY/s1600/Foot+Attack.jpg"><br /></a></span></div>
<br />
Here the creature has attempted the classic “stick-em-to-the-ceiling” manoeuvre, only for it to fail – hence the look of surprise in those cold blue
eyes at the absence of re-action.<br />
<br />
That sock is not ordinary, oh no. It is a special kevlar lined anti al
shabaab sock bought at the Chinese security emporium down the road here. It has
two entrances (the shop, not the sock) each attended by a Chinaman – they may
be brothers, they may be cousins, I don't know as they all look alike to me
(the Chinamen, that is, not the shops, or the socks er hang on not so fast
about the socks after all the red and orange tipped ones are cross-matched as we speak) but I digress.<br />
<br />
The emporium is a warren of little kiosks. Enter at the southern end (cousin
anti-al-shabaab) and all is normal, friendly service with moms and tots
gleefully laughing and spending. Exotic spices and perfumes fill the air.
Socks, just like the one defeating the Somali terror in the picture cheap cheap
special for 3 pairs at $3. But no kevlar lining. Guaranteed.<br />
<br />
However, the northern entrance is another story. Around the corner, a block
away, and there are security features (sandbags, razor wire and some hot babes
who may be hookers, or not). And the signs scream best prices on military
hardware. Enter and it is dark and gloomy; the scent here is gun oil and
cordite. You can hear the screams of torture victims played in the background.
And there they are, the kevlar lined socks, at $25 per foot. Feet are precious.
I buy 4. Kevlar lined. Guaranteed. Very useful that kevlar stuff.<br />
<br />
Heading for the way out I turn left instead of right - push aside a black
curtain. The screams of terror increase dramatically in volume.<br />
<br />
Hang on, it's those mothers and tots chortling gleefully. Look closer and
observe the stallls have a black lining backdrop. Stand in curtained opening
and realise that they are all back to back. Same stock, just stick the hand
thru. I have been had. Guaranteed.<br />
<br />
At home, I give the wife an edited version of the events, omitting the wrong
turn. And the hot hookers.<br />
<br />
But I digress..<br />
<br />
My wife, though, says I am an idiot, the socks are all same same. Cheap,
tacky and overpriced. She then prattles on about my Mango Slammers which are 3
parts vodka to one part mango fruit juice, in the beginning. Then it is 3 parts
vodka to about a drop of mango and we are not in the beginning but this is when
the socks become kevlar lined and the story peaks a bit.<br />
<br />
Then things liven up a
little as the beast now decides to go for the jugular instead.<br />
<br />
With a leap<br />
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it shimmies up the leg heading for vital bits...<br />
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But the end comes swiftly as I knock back the 3rd Slamgo Hammer (3 parts
vodka, to hell with the mango) and oblivion spares any knowledge of mortal
wounds.<br />
<br />
When I come to, I find this a la chubb chubb...<br />
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<br />
Must say the damn thing is persistent as I had to remove it to the floor seven
times while typing this up.<br />
Anyway, it's cute, it's painful, it's amusing and even the wife has a (almost)
soft spot for it.<br />
<br />
We may keep it, we don't know for sure today...<br />
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Arthurhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17029799270661710049noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8385418836405850026.post-45262336504514062532012-12-21T13:00:00.000+03:002012-12-21T13:00:35.253+03:00Another link in the chainAt the wife's graduation Nov 17th..<br />
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<br />Arthurhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17029799270661710049noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8385418836405850026.post-11971773869787017442012-07-14T10:26:00.000+03:002012-07-14T10:26:44.743+03:00Step 1 Completed<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
Eminent guests, faculty and classmates at Graduation Day - well done all.<br />
<br />
<br />
This is Post Grad Certificate in Business Mentoring; next step, complete Executive MBA.<br />
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Link to FB http://www.facebook.com/IU.Rced<br />Arthurhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17029799270661710049noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8385418836405850026.post-14797339538600051242012-02-20T17:27:00.000+03:002012-02-20T17:27:38.120+03:00A breakTook time out from business and university to attend a very elegant wedding on Saturday - the lovely wife stunning as always.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Of6sVh4aCig/T0JYPJDR5-I/AAAAAAAAAGA/XfiqSvPa20c/s1600/Wedding.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Of6sVh4aCig/T0JYPJDR5-I/AAAAAAAAAGA/XfiqSvPa20c/s320/Wedding.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Arthurhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17029799270661710049noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8385418836405850026.post-747990795946764332011-07-18T22:15:00.002+03:002011-07-18T22:15:40.056+03:00Like a Good Casserolehttp://militaryhistoryandgames.blogspot.com/ coming along slowly..Arthurhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17029799270661710049noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8385418836405850026.post-37001835384769785312011-07-14T14:59:00.000+03:002011-07-14T14:59:29.669+03:00The good life!On the plantation in Meru during April, bit of a wake up call re the spread..<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GAJGo-q3GZk/Th7aBGlOLjI/AAAAAAAAADw/8k7fxrxFcX0/s1600/The+Good+Life.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GAJGo-q3GZk/Th7aBGlOLjI/AAAAAAAAADw/8k7fxrxFcX0/s320/The+Good+Life.jpg" width="185" /></a></div>Arthurhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17029799270661710049noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8385418836405850026.post-54420911920136016082011-06-30T09:55:00.000+03:002011-06-30T09:55:10.662+03:00DirectionsAt 03h00 last night I woke up and decided to start a new company here in Kenya. <br />
<br />
Going to be a bit hectic for a while..Arthurhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17029799270661710049noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8385418836405850026.post-15241058797657899222011-06-08T15:23:00.000+03:002011-06-08T15:23:58.020+03:00TogetherIts been more than 2 years and getting better all the time..<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NKZjhLZAa0Q/Te9puOrXyZI/AAAAAAAAADo/8CI13_V1fuE/s1600/Wife+small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NKZjhLZAa0Q/Te9puOrXyZI/AAAAAAAAADo/8CI13_V1fuE/s320/Wife+small.jpg" width="285" /></a></div>Arthurhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17029799270661710049noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8385418836405850026.post-20899964118937166232011-05-31T15:09:00.000+03:002011-05-31T15:09:00.855+03:00Military History & GamesGetting there, slowly but surely..<br />
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https://sites.google.com/site/militaryhistoryandgames/Arthurhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17029799270661710049noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8385418836405850026.post-73524293276337217332010-06-23T19:16:00.000+03:002010-06-23T19:19:05.390+03:00Life changes...I have joined the ranks of married men over this past year, to a wonderful Kenyan woman. Our paths crossed on 4th April 2009 and there was no turning back; we firmly believe that with God's blessing we move forward.<br />
<br />
At this time, we are packing up our Johannesburg life and looking forward to a year in Kenya, mostly filled with studying.<br />
<br />
Sacrifices must be made...Arthurhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17029799270661710049noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8385418836405850026.post-23374792449583686212009-12-31T11:59:00.000+03:002009-12-31T12:00:14.537+03:00<p>Heh, what wishful thinking!</p><p>Away until August 2010 then we'll see....</p>Arthurhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17029799270661710049noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8385418836405850026.post-54177915585084434132009-09-17T14:27:00.001+03:002009-09-17T14:27:48.158+03:00Now I have a couple of weeks in hand so some action will take place here.Arthurhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17029799270661710049noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8385418836405850026.post-22238700438533052422009-06-08T17:14:00.000+03:002009-06-08T17:15:53.014+03:00Current projectsI have in mind to carry out 2 projects here, an LP remaster and a wargame report, but all will be on hold untill end July due to project pressures.<br /><br />Be patient...Arthurhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17029799270661710049noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8385418836405850026.post-2990000915158190602009-03-04T10:57:00.000+03:002009-03-10T13:18:17.255+03:00But first, I need a studio. Given the size of my flat this means a wall unit which will house all the gear.<br /><br />Operational equipment includes 2 turntables, a cd player, 1 x mother of a pc, power amp and pre-amp.<br /><br />And there is a gallery of old kit that will be on display to confirm my poser status!<br /><br />It starts now..<br /><br />Some scrap anglepoint, 16mm chipboard, loads of cupboard shelving brackets and screws along with some black paint. Oh yes, and heaps of grunting, cursing and sweating. And a total of 3 months elapsed time to plan and prepare.<br /><br />Here is the studio in progress courtesy of a crappy cell phone camera although it is very like what I see without my specs on! Fuzzy and a little arty!<br /><br />At this stage the anglepoint has been restored by vigorously wire brushing, then power tool wire brushing, then sanding. After which a rustfix was applied. The anglepoint is not black but a tint from Dulux called Desert Darkness - I was looking for a darker brownish colour and this is a little more green than I wanted; but it works.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_jcgeNmlFtyo/SbTEmcl2n3I/AAAAAAAAABM/FTj3t3UshWA/s1600-h/923E0023.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_jcgeNmlFtyo/SbTEmcl2n3I/AAAAAAAAABM/FTj3t3UshWA/s320/923E0023.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311086025365692274" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Building the plinth, attaching the anglepoint and making sure it is reasonable squarish.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_jcgeNmlFtyo/SbTFRlJeQFI/AAAAAAAAABc/8zzFPUPSqG0/s1600-h/923E0025.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_jcgeNmlFtyo/SbTFRlJeQFI/AAAAAAAAABc/8zzFPUPSqG0/s320/923E0025.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311086766396948562" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />The cupboard brackets which hold it all together.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_jcgeNmlFtyo/SbTF4dWvTxI/AAAAAAAAABk/HhlqAIvGtc4/s1600-h/924C0027.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_jcgeNmlFtyo/SbTF4dWvTxI/AAAAAAAAABk/HhlqAIvGtc4/s320/924C0027.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311087434320006930" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Testing for fit, the down bits are for bracing - shelves not painted yet.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_jcgeNmlFtyo/SbTGRWK6OBI/AAAAAAAAABs/mlzUmCHKofQ/s1600-h/924C0026.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_jcgeNmlFtyo/SbTGRWK6OBI/AAAAAAAAABs/mlzUmCHKofQ/s320/924C0026.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311087861888071698" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />A better front view; plinth facing is pine architrave stained rosewood - the top facing will be similarly stained although a finer architrave.<br />The rear is simply pine planks cut to size and painted black - not actually visible here.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_jcgeNmlFtyo/SbY9jINB4EI/AAAAAAAAAB0/hzCJGm2TTuQ/s1600-h/92950030.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_jcgeNmlFtyo/SbY9jINB4EI/AAAAAAAAAB0/hzCJGm2TTuQ/s320/92950030.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311500484236927042" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />And here is the test set-up with kit stuffed in, some shelves not yet installed, others still being aligned/levelled etc. and the pc undergoing surgery to recover data from a friend's hard drive.Arthurhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17029799270661710049noreply@blogger.com0