By Dianne Bayley

The internet is the single biggest communications event of our lifetime and - if you’re as old as me - you still remember thinking fax machines were the best thing since sliced bread, after the old, noisy telex machine. (Send me a note for an explanation, youngsters - or just Google “telex machine”.) (more…)

Not quite Glenda Kemp and Oupa

Snake fondling has never really been high on my list of priorities. But for some reason I looked at the python and felt an irresistible urge to hold it.

I was at the Tzaneen Show, an annual agri-event, and the python was part of an exhibition by Khamai a local reptile park. “Have your photo taken with a python”, proclaimed the poster, and a group of wide-eyed school children were gathered around the python handler and his python. “Come on”, he said, “don’t be scared”, but every time the python moved or stuck out its forked tongue, the school children shivered and shrieked and quickly retreated.

I wasn’t at all scared however, in fact, quite the opposite. I was fascinated, compelled. What on earth was it that made my arms want to reach out and hold that python? Then it hit me. Duh.

It was Glenda Kemp, that marvelous icon of tacky, trashy, tasteless 70’s South Africa. Glenda Kemp was a Potchefstroom school teacher turned stripper who became famous in cities and small towns across the Highveld, for her acts with her python called Oupa.

She was “a national treasure at the height of sexual repression”, writes Pat Hopkins quite correctly in Cringe, the Beloved Country. The combo of her disarming innocence, her beautiful body and her python was a complete hit and it was not uncommon, writes Hopkins for the audience to include a smattering of wives, prominent townsfolk, church elders police officers and magistrates. All whites only of course. Kemp became even more famous for a show she did in Volkrust in 1973 in which she painted herself black and donned an Afro.

I believe the world is a better place because of women like Glenda Kemp and now here I was at the Tzaneen agri show in a totally different time, being given a chance to be Glenda Kemp, even if only for a moment. What self-respecting, fun-lovin’, fortysomething blonde would resist?

I whipped the required R30 bucks out of my wallet, and assisted by the handler, rushed forward, gripped the python firmly and attempted to drape Oupa junior about my body as evocatively as I could. Which was rather difficult considering I had to keep my clothes on - there were children about – and the fact Oupa junior seemed unusually keen on licking me. He was a big boy and even though he was still quite young apparently, his skin was silky smooth and it was like holding one, er, long, strong and rather cold wriggling muscle.

We wrestled gently together as the schoolchildren shrieked and giggled and then we both managed to both smile for the camera just as I felt myself starting to blush from the toes up at my own fantasy thoughts of Glenda Kemp.

It set off a great wave of nostalgia amongst friends and family. My brother remembered the python was called Oupa, my friend’s father actually went to a Glenda Kemp striptease show, and amazingly, my gay pharmacist friend Albie, turned out to have once treated Oupa for a skin infection. He had a pharmacy in Lancet Hall in downtown Joburg where he dispensed his muti and Glenda and Oupa would pop in every now and again.

Cringe, the Beloved Country by Pat Hopkins is published by Zebra, www.zebrapress.co.za

By Jacqui Thompson

We may not have the fascinating Santa Fe Three-Day Restroomless Chili Cook-Off (yawn, ugh) or the always well attended Communist’s People’s Weekly World Banquet (attendance compulsory comrade!). But we do have a wide range of food & drink festivals and events popular with thousands of South Africans. (more…)

By Kathryn Fourie

About two weeks ago I was hanging up my washing on the mouldy, barely used washing line at the summer camp I have been working at. The sky was clear, the sun shone with enthusiasm as I worked up a sweat pegging all my brown socks, brown t-shirts and other well-worn clothes to the line. Jim who is a co-owner of the camp walked by with his arms full of tools and said, “Now that’s a lost art if ever there was one”. It got me to thinking, what are the other great lost arts? (more…)

By Jennifer Stern

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By Dianne Bayley

Human beings seem to find it far easier to complain about things than to praise excellent work or service. Well, in the last few weeks I have had some superb service - and it’s time for a little praise!

Firstly, my car . . . Sent her for a service a couple months back and the guys who did it (excellent work, excellent price) told me the exhaust was loose and that I should take her in and have a clamp put on it. Being me, I left it until I couldn’t stand the noise anymore (she’s supposed to purr, not grumble) and then began looking for an exhaust place to take her to.

I was in luck. Turns out there’s a Speedy Tyre & Exhaust a kilometre from where I live, which has been there forever and I’ve never seen it! Called up the number from www.yellowpages.co.za and spoke to Jerome, who said: “Bring her in now!”

Not sure about you, but I like service companies that say things like that. Within a few minutes I was at Speedy in Craighall Park and shaking hands with Jerome, the big guy with pictures of his beautiful family on the wall of his office. He loaded the car onto the lifting machine thingy and looked at the exhaust. One of his staff members touched a part of the exhaust system and in two seconds they knew it wasn’t just loose, but needed the catalytic converter replaced.

Now, having driven this type of car for many years, I know that just driving by the dealership costs me big bucks. Jerome said I could take it to the Expensive German Car Dealership and pay arms and legs, or he could replace the converter in 45 minutes. You would have chosen the latter, too.

The guys brought me a bottle of sparkling water and made sure I was chatted to and comfortable, while more chaps set to work on my car. In under 45 minutes, she was ready to rock - and purring again. Apparently her whole system was living on borrowed time - there’s a vast difference between a loose exhaust and a broekn converter!

Instead of the HUGE bucks it would have cost at said Expensive German Car Dealership, I paid under R2 000. I was thrilled, the guys at Speedy were fantastic - and my car has driven like a dream ever since.

It wasn’t just about the savings, though - even if that was a BIG part of it. It was about the service, the welcome, the friendliness of all the staff members at Craighall Speedy - and the fact that they did an excellent job quickly and efficiently.

A big thank you to Jerome and his team . . . they certainly know their business, and - importantly - know how to treat clients. To contact Jerome and get the same kind of service and deal, call 011 789 4080 or send a mail to speedycraigh@global.co.za. I’m sure all the Speedy’s are pretty good, so if you’re not in Joburg, visit www.speedy.co.za

Thanks again to Jerome, Socks and the team!

By Kenneth Davison

This year the Tri-Nations tournament has not been a very memorable one if you are supporting the Springboks. As most South Africans know the Boks started their title defence in New Zealand. A lot was expected of the Boks as they had an experienced outfit, even playing men out of position because there was so much skill and experience available. Springbok rugby logo a But after the game there were two agreements made about the Boks performance. The first is that they looked like an amateur team on the field and certainly would need to put a better show in if they want to keep their title. The second is that Bakkies Botha did one of the stupidest acts possible by head butting Jimmy Cowen. a So the Boks went about preparing for their second game against New Zealand but despite their efforts, they were still outplayed and outclassed in every aspect of the game. They showed a lot of improvement over the previous week, although being worse would have been quite an achievement. But you still got the idea that the Boks were not putting in their best efforts. Also, as a good South African public, the blame game started and people began calling for the heads of coaches and senior players.

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By Briget Hilton-Barber

Lungenda Wilderness in northern Mozambique If you were a man for a couple of days, what would you do with your cock? That was the question posed to a group of five women languishing most happily at Lugenda Wilderness Camp in the far reaches of northern Mozambique, near Tanzania. It hung heavily in the air, like the pod on a sausage tree…… I don’t mean to lower the tone of the neighbourhood. Lugenda is after all an upmarket luxury spot - eight tents set on the banks of the Lugenda River under ancient sycamore figs. A wild and wonderful camp with river views and deep soul beauty. Perhaps it was the wild African setting that provoked the discussion? Perhaps it was the flowing wine, perhaps it’s just what happens when you put five women together in the middle of nowhere.

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By Jennifer Stern

I did a fabulous horse trail in Maputaland a few years ago. We spent eight days riding around on the beaches of northern KZN, cantering through the grasslands and visiting small villages. We spent half a day paddling on the highest of the Kosi Lakes, visiting a cathedral-like raffia palm forest – the most southerly natural occurring one in Africa and in the world. We rode high on the dunes between the lakes and the sea, with the iconic fish traps forming abstract patterns in the lagoon. It was an incredible experience but, when we got back to the base camp, I found out there was far more to this organisation than I had originally realised. And, on Thursday night, I thought about them again. I was sitting in a comfortable chair at Pick n Pay headquarters watching a wryly amusing and bubbly woman explain how to make the perfect skordalia. I love skordalia. (more…)

By Kathryn Fourie

Three years ago my father found a supplier of the best koeksusters in the land. Every year he drives down for the Fish River Canoe Marathon to Cradock and buys 24 dozen koeksusters that he transports back to Hilton in specially prepared cool boxes. We each get given one bag, and that’s it. I have never dared to touch his stash, not after the warning where the crazy eyes came into play. Nay, not even I am that stupid. (more…)

By Dianne Bayley

Last week I went to Sandton Square to view the photographs in the exhibition called “Intimate Moments with Nelson Mandela”.Two of the photographs, in particular, moved me: The one is of Madiba kissing the hand of a small baby girl; and the other a picture of the back of his head.

His hair is no longer grey, but white. One picture shows his hands folded together, as if in prayer. It is the hair and hands of someone who has done the hard labour and came out the other side forgiving. In looking at the pictures, I had to ask myself: Would I have been as forgiving if my life - such as it was during apartheid - was reduced to a small cell on an island? I am Irish. I have no doubt I would have fought for any cause going . . . but I’m not sure that I could forgive as Madiba has.

There’s a picture of Mandela with FW de Klerk, and we shouldn’t forget, either, that at the time, De Klerk made choices that didn’t make him popular with many, but won him the Nobel Peace Prize along with Nelson Mandela.

Obviously, the World Cup Soccer was hot on everybody’s lips while we were at the exhibition - and what a tribute to Mandela’s vision it turned out to be. Way back, he was the man who knew that sport could unite our nation, and donned the Springbok jersey before we won that World Cup. The winning of the FIFA bid to bring the Cup to South Africa was another victory for Madiba’s vision . . . and the wonderful memories each of us will carry forever about where we were during the games must surely serve as a daily reminder that if we can be so happy and friendly towards each other for four weeks, we can do it for much longer.

Just like in any family, siblings start to irritate each other. Your brother says something that angers you; your sister does something you don’t agree with. But you are still family. And that’s what we are here in South Africa. We are a family that will irritate and annoy one another at times, but we must not let anyone convince us - ever - that we are NOT family. Those that try to do so - on the basis of colour, creed or even education or “you have not and I have” - are not worthy to be a part of the positive strides this country has made and continues to make.

Make a pact with yourself today, that YOU will take responsibility for what comes out of your mouth, pen or keyboard. If it’s negative and will stir tension, stop and ask yourself why it would be necessary to say it or write it. Make a pact that, just for today, you are going to forgive those you percieve to have harmed you. Guess who benefits? You do. They say that feeling resentful about someone else on an ongoing basis is like YOU drinking poison in the hopes that THEY will die! When a negative thought comes into my head, I am going to try to remember the feeling I had at Soccer City, our beautiful Calabash, on 11 June 2010.

Sunday 18 July is Mandela Day around the world, declared so by the United Nations. In honour of the man who gave 67 years of his life to the service of all people, we’re asked to give just 67 minutes of ours. Take a blanket to a street person. Visit your elderly grandparents and help them around the house. Spend an hour at an orphanage. Write a letter to a politician or policeman who has done a good job, and thank them.

Many think I am a nutter when I say that when we FEEL better about ourselves and our fellows, our country heals. I pay little attention to them, because I know it to be true. I also know that there are those who don’t WANT us to feel better about each other - they LIKE the tension and the racial agression. Then let them have it. Promise yourself that, for today, you’re not going to participate in that sort of destructive negativity. You’ll be amazed at the results!

Take a trip to Mandela Square - upstairs, next to the Standard Bank ATMs and above the ice cream store - and look at Madiba’s story in pictures. His steps are getting slower and fewer; he’s in the winter of a long, long lifetime. See the exhibition and be inspired by the quotes under each photograph . . . especially the one that says: “It is time for new hands to lift the burdens. It is in your hands now.”

Where and when . . .

The Nelson Mandela Square and VVM BPO, with thanks to the Nelson Mandela Foundation, launched the photographic exhibition entitled ‘Intimate Moments’. The exhibition, consisting of 19 everyday photos, will introduce viewers to the man behind the legend – a father; philanthropist; and humanitarian.

“The images, donated by various photographers, will take viewers through a rollercoaster ride of emotion. Some photos capture pure compassion while others will have you bite back tears. We’re hoping that the exhibition will inspire South Africa to realise that integrity; honesty; and humility can change the world and a society’s perceptions,” explains Sharon Swain, Nelson Mandela Square Centre Manager.

The Intimate Moments exhibition is free to Nelson Mandela Square shoppers and will be open from 18 June to 25 July during the following times:

• 18 June to 15 July, 09:00 to 21:00;
• Thereafter, Mondays to Saturdays, 09:00 to 18:00;
• Sundays: 09:00 to 16:00.

Join the Nelson Mandela Square and VVM BPO in celebration of the man who has single-handedly offered hope; forgiveness; and dignity to an entire nation. For more information on the exhibition programme, visit www.nelsonmandelasquare.com or phone 011 217 6000.

By Kenneth Davison

There is less than one week left of what has undoubtedly been the biggest and best event ever to hit South Africa, and possibly Africa. There are only four games remaining and most of the teams have packed their bags but they can all feel proud that they took part in the Soccer World Cup in South Africa. And for me as a South African I can say that this last month has been one of the best ever because all South Africans have united and shown the whole World that we are the friendliest people and magnificent hosts.

This was the friendliest WC and united a continent

When the build up to the World Cup began, people of all cultures and backgrounds began sounding vuvuzelas and having fun. But the fun wasn’t just for certain people but for everyone. Everyone I know has met people and had more fun than they can remember. There were few worries of xenophobia, terror attacks and other problems during the cup. The people were united together and sharing their country for the greater good.

Overseas it was emphasized how dangerous this country is and that people coming here are playing Russian roulette. Granted there have been some tourists and locals that were victims of crime, but no country is without crime. However, these events did not take away the enthusiasm and passion that could be seen in everybody. Overall, there has really been good news about the event, off the field that is, and South Africa has left a strong mark that Brazil will struggle to better in four years time.

Even after Bafana was eliminated, the locals gathered behind other teams to create and atmosphere. Fears of a loss of support because the home team was out were eliminated quickly. Other World Cups cannot say they kept the momentum once the home team was out. Ghana even managed to get the support of the entire continent, which to me is unheard of. Every African decided to get behind Ghana for the sake of Africa, just to show that we are united and can transcend simple boundaries.

Attending the games at fan parks was exciting and the atmosphere was electric during many of the games but the best atmosphere was in the stadium. The crowds at the stadiums were friendly, win or lose. It was also noticeable that the fans of each team were not situated at opposite ends of the stadium and separated. I know that nets are often erected in EPL and other leagues around the world to stop the fans fighting. But there were no nets at the stadiums, or moats and to my knowledge there have not been fights or riots at the stadiums. Of course, there were riots in South America when some of their teams won.

The goalkeeper is the one in green, not the one with hands on the ball

But one thing that has soured the cup for me is the absolute need to win that some of the players have shown. I am referring to the Ghana and Uruguay match where Luis Suarez threw his arms up, and his fellow goal line defender as well, to block the ball from going into the goals. This action took Uruguay from a definite loss (Since it would have been 2-1) to a maybe loss (A penalty). The penalty was missed and Ghana fell apart to lose.

Africa was saddened as every African had united behind Ghana. And Suarez was only delighted, claiming his is the real hand of God. At least Thierry Henry was upset after his hand ball, but Suarez was only ecstatic. He will probably be hailed as a hero and paid millions for such bad sportsmanship.

FIFA could look to the International Rugby Board on how to sort out the dirty players and stream line the game more. The IRB uses penalty tries if players deliberately prevent a try, TMO decisions on uncertainty and citing of players who are dirty. But FIFA is probably more interested in money.

But what really sent a message home for me was that despite the Suarez hand ball and all of Africa being disappointed, there was no riot. The ref and the players were not airlifted out the stadium for their own safety. Africa, the dark continent, where terrorists reside and murder is a pass time, showed that we are bigger and better than that. The fans were upset but they left with their pride and dignity, knowing they were robbed, and they turned the other cheek. That is the real hand of God at work.

Recently I was hard at work in my rural office in lower East Agatha, when I noticed a young monkey sitting on the outside window ledge watching me with a look of perplexed fascination.

A monkey at the window is nothing new. Every morning, at around nine, a troop moves through my property, foraging, swinging, drinking from the pond, scampering across the roof, before moving up the hill to my neighbour.

But this young monkey returned the next day at the same time. And the day after that. On the fourth day, I started to suspect it was sent by a rival author to photographically record my work using a secret microchip.

Then I just got irritated. I don’t like being watched while I write. I have never been comfortable typing in front of an audience, especially one that scratches itself and picks nits from its head as I wrestle with weighty issues of structure and narrative. (more…)

By Dianne Bayley

Even as the World Cup rocks our nation and people from all walks of life gather together to cheer on their team of choice (and the choices are getting limited now), we still have a Geeze & Whine party happening. Granted, it’s only a small bunch of people - but what is their case, exactly? Here’s a note to them . . . (more…)

By Jacqui Thompson

Last month I wrote about places in Joburg I take visitors to see and enjoy. Here are a few things  I do and places I go when I have down time and which regularly remind me of the fabulous city I live in.

Velskoen Drive-In

I’m a sucker for retro and good things that remind me of my childhood and make me happy.  This, the last drive-in in Gauteng, is a classic even though the fairground complete with a gilded carousel with dancing horses is gone as are Silver Voice & Golden Voice, the dad & son DJ team that spun records during intermission. The crackly speakers are history and you listen via your car radio. Velskoen has grade-A status so it screens the big releases the same day as the cinemas. R70 per car for two current full length features? Bring your own padkos? Smoke while watching the movies? Unbeatable value for money. Tel. (011) 793-2812.

Teatime at a Boutique Hotel
There’s nothing nicer than finding a quiet retreat that serves chilled champagne, fabulous desserts and tea in fine china in a tranquil setting. It makes one feel ever so special! One of my favourite places to do the lady-of-leisure is Fairlawns in Morningside Manor.  Other excellent hide aways are the Peech, Morrells and Falstaff with the best chocolate torte in town. Another perennially perfect place to crook your pinkie is the classic Westcliff Hotel with a spectacular view over Joburg’s leafy suburbs and the zoo. Yes, it’s larger than a boutique hotel but there aren’t many places in Joburg you can spot elephants while sipping on your Twinings!

Walter Sisulu Botanical Gardens

With a mile high (okay not quite, but close) beautiful waterfall and a resident pair of breeding Black Eagles this is my favourite emergency bush breakaway.  Not only is it a perfect back to nature getaway but they offer interesting talks and walks, some even after dark.  They’re conducted by interesting, motivated and knowledgeable experts. Their SAPPI Sunday afternoon concerts in wintertime are not to be missed. (more…)

by Jennifer Stern

As anyone who regularly follows my posts knows, I spend a lot of time mooching around on Table Mountain. And, even if I do the usual, quick, nearest walk to my home I am never bored. Truly, this astonishing mountain is a wonder. But is it, really? Well, it may be, but that’s up to you and me. And, if it is, what does that mean? (more…)

by Kathryn Fourie

I kind of did something a little unorthodox. Just as World cup fever reached ultimate pre-kick off pitch, I fled the country. My ears were still ringing with the sound of a thousand of over-priced Vuvuzelas as my plane took off for Newark Airport via Munich. Yes people, I left the World Cup and the South African winter to do…Summer Camp in the United States. (more…)

By Dianne Bayley

It is a day in time not many South Africans will ever forget: Friday 11 June 2010. A day we had anticipated for years - some with much negativity, most with great hope. It came . . . and it surpassed our wildest expectations.

I was privileged to have been invited by Visa to attend the opening ceremony and the Bafana Bafana versus Mexico game at the exquisite Soccer City stadium in Soweto. Driving to the Visa offices, Rosebank was alive with vuvuzelas, cars hooting with pride at each other’s flags, and almost everyone wearing a Bafana shirt. I didn’t see one person who wasn’t wearing a smile . . .

After a fabulous breakfast and a press conference, we piled into three buses - proudly wearing our hand made Makarabas - and began winding our way towards The Calabash. Downtown Joburg - known always for its “vibe” - was absolutely pulsating. Groups of people were dancing the diski on the sides of the road; shoppers and store owners were waving and cheering as our buses went by; old men doffed their hats and smiled.

The Rea Vaya route was fantastic - hardly any traffic and newly surfaced roads made the trip a short one. Then . . . THE STADIUM! I have never seen anything quite so architecturally breathtaking in South Africa. The colours, the style, the way it fits into the landscape of dusty African reds and browns. And, yes, it looks like a traditional calabash pot!

Of course, the buzz of the vuvuzelas hummed constantly as we walked towards the stadium. The closer we got, the more we “felt” it - ke nako! It is here!

I took my first view of the inside of the stadium and was humbled by the amount of work and timing that went into this project. South Africans can - and should - be proud of the effort labourers and architects and affiliated companies put in to creating something that makes you feel so small and yet seven feet tall. It it splendid - and it is ours!

We couldn’t sit still - we wandered in and out of the stadium and met with amazing Mexican fans, dressed to the nines for the Big Game. The police presence was incredible and reassuring - though not a single incident marred the day - probably to the disappointment of many foreign journalists who kept “suggesting” the dangers of visiting “darkest Africa”! Our forces need to be congratulated for the time and effort they have put in - and their friendly way of dealing with the massive crowd.

Then - the Opening Ceremony! While some have suggested it was “disappointing”, I just couldn’t find fault with anything on Friday and loved it all. Our President did us proud opening the tournament, and made many of us cry when he sent the message from Madiba - who sadly lost his great-grandaughter after the concert the night before.

Given that some people have no respect for national anthems - their own or anybody else’s - I was so proud that the crowd showed great respect for the Mexicans as they sang theirs. Then . . . Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika, the only anthem in the world sung in five different languages. I sang my heart out, holding the hand of the elderly man beside me who had fought for democracy in our country. At the end of the anthem, we both wept!

Now, here’s where I own up. I had never been to a soccer match before. I know nothing about the game, except that the players are supposed to throw themselves on the ground until they feel they’ve caught the attention of the ref, who then punishes another player. I have no idea what “off sides” means, except that they have to keep stopping and starting. I imagine they are supposed to get the ball into the goalposts as often as possible, but see them kicking the ball back and forth to each other for HOURS at a time. Oh, well - billions of fans around the globe can’t all be wrong, so in the spirit of the soccer I will try to forget my own love, fast-and-furious rugby!

There’s no doubt, though, that when Bafana Bafana scored, I was as happy as anyone else in the stadium. Then the equaliser came from Mexico and . . . well, we didn’t lose! And, though some say a draw is a bad as losing, I refuse to buy into that! It is just too happy an occasion for our country for me to see anything negative about any of it . . . even the constant “ha-de-dah” drone of the vuvuzelas . . .

Leaving the stadium, I looked back and marveled again at what it looks like all lit up. And it wasn’t just lighting powered by Eskom. It was lighting powered by 84 000 privileged spectators, and MILLIONS of others across our country and across the globe.

You did it, South Africa. You sweated and worked and met the deadlines. You beefed up the police force and ambulance services and got the army in. You set targets and reached them and made sure hooligans didn’t get past airport security. You sent your planes over the stadium in a show that delighted and enforced our belief in our airforce. You brought your people together and gave us another chance to show how much we really like each other. We are family - we can be disappointed with a brother or a sister; we can even call each other names - but we can never not be related!

To the world I say: “Thank you for coming to our beautiful country. Try not to let the vuvuzelas be a noise; remember instead that it is the sound of a united South Africa.

To South Africans, I say: “Ngiyabonga kakhulu! Baie dankie! Thank you, thank you - you ROCK!” The feeling in this country right now can only be compared to how I felt when Nelson Mandela came out of prison, or when we became a democracy, just 15 years ago. I think we should do this more often - host something that reminds us that we really do like each other and that we all have the same goal in mind - peace, happiness and a brighter future for all our people.

Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika!

By Kenneth Davison

World Cup fever is gripping the country but luckily the hospitals have not been overloaded. The bigger problem will be the World Cup withdrawal we all get after it is over, but that is so far away so we won’t worry about it. And as everyone is well aware, many of the teams have arrived and started training.

There has been a lot of hype around the training and if you are inclined, you could attend a public training session held by the teams. But be warned not all the teams have got public sessions. Teams like Brazil, who are training out of site of the road don’t intend on letting people come watch them train, in case there is a spy from a rival team. But there are still plenty of teams who are willing to let people watch them train.

One thing I have struggled to do is find out where all the teams will be training in one place. There are many sources letting you know where an individual team is training so you could possibly sneak a peak or even sit and watch. So I thought I would try and give you as many teams and their training grounds as possible. (more…)