Fish falling from the sky

Fish falling from the sky? Really?

You would think not but in fact fish have been reported as falling from the sky on more than one occasion. Over the years, fish of all shapes and sizes have catapulted their way down to earth from the heavens.

Falling fish seem to be the result of severe storms and tornadoes, although this has yet to be proven. It is said that strong winds pick up the fish and the fish are subsequently carried, sometimes kilometers from where they were originally picked up, overland to where they become the surprising result of fish falling from the sky.

But don’t hold your breath because this intriguing occurrence is not limited to fish. It encompasses a wide range of weird things, those including frogs and toads, squids, worms, periwinkles and hermit crabs, lizards and birds. Alligators too, although you would have to live in America’s deep South to experience this kind of rainfall.

My personal favourite took place in Naphlion, Greece, in 1981 where residents of this small town woke up to find small green frogs falling from the sky. Not particularly different to most bizarre rain experiences, what sets this story aside from the rest is that the frogs falling in Greece were native to North Africa.

The question yet to be answered, or perhaps proven, is how these animals found themselves falling from the sky. Is this paranormal experience one that can be factually defined? This, of course, is open to interpretation. What may come in handy is to consider what you would do if you found yourself amidst a reptile rain encounter. Perhaps think twice before you define the next shower you find yourself in as ‘raining cats and dogs’. You just might get what you wish for.

My apologies...

To forgive is the highest, most beautiful form of love. In return, you will receive untold peace and happiness - Robert Muller

People talk about those ‘three difficult words’, ‘I love you’. Then there are others, such as ‘thank you’, ‘good-bye’ and ‘it’s my fault’. The most difficult words to say however include merely two little, itty-bitty, enormously effective words – ‘I’m sorry’.

You all know what I am talking about. No one is perfect. We are all in fact human and sometimes we all – yes, we all – make mistakes. What is important is how we choose to pick ourselves up from our mistakes, but this is by no means a small task. What sounds simple enough has the flesh of grown men breaking into rash.

Oh yes, you were wrong. You’re not as wonderful as you think you are.

This realisation may turn your road to error-recovery from difficult, to extremely complicated.

So, what to do? The first step is realising that you have made a mistake. Sometimes it may take a while for you to realise that the mistake is yours and when you do, I promise it is going to make your stomach curl. Once you have admitted your mistake to yourself, its time to tell those who were effected by your mistake that you are sorry. Apologising to the people hurt or affected is the first step; you are aware of your mistake and you are sorry. Try it out. ‘I’m sorry’.

It’s not as difficult as it seems. It isn’t even as remotely complicated as you would like to think. Putting these two short words into your vocabulary regularly, means that you have overcome your fear of your being wrong.

‘I’m sorry’ will make you feel better. It will help you heal. The best part is that it will help the person you have hurt to heal too. Whether your mistake is one with friends, business colleagues, a loved one or something in practice that you have blotched up, just say sorry. Don’t be afraid. Taking this big step will reward you with the best prize of all, those ‘three difficult words’, ‘I forgive you’.

What is the colour of the wind?

If someone asked you what colour is the wind, what would you say?
Would you answer quite seriously, ‘It’s see-through, transparent, with a few bits here and there of whatever it has picked up’ or would you know that there is more to it than that?

To feel the wind, paying little heed to it other than its inconvenience or perfect timing, means little, but to consider it and see its colour move and curl around you…well, your opportunity for paramount experiences are unlimited. Yes I’ll admit it is a little bit ‘hippy’, but try it. Stand still, you can feel it. Don’t close your eyes, that won’t do. Open them; you can see it. It’s social, political, caring. It’s moody and sensitive. It’s emotional and it is all for you.

A deep red the day of the Soweto uprising, pure white the day the Berlin wall came down. It blew red, blue, green, white, black and gold, colours of a new tomorrow, a new South Africa, the day Nelson Mandela left the gates a free man.
It blows a soft yellow for those who are content, a warm apricot that rustles the leaves. It’s aquamarine to cool a hot day. It blows black as the eye of a storm when it is restless, and hazy grey when it is tired. It’s sapphire green when all is at peace.

It blows magenta for fun and cobalt blue coming off of the sea. Purple and teal, dramatic and bold, for the days it chooses to dance. It’s electrified and bright every time an artist takes the stage; it’s somber and moody shades for string musicians.
It’s a silver tinge beating against your window as you sit at the mantle, watching the rain and sleet. It’s taupe breezing through the trees. It blows fiery red for those hurt and unprotected and it’s dark blue for those who are in mourning.

Feel it, as you stand there. See it whip around you in colourful hues. The wind is alive with emotion; open your mind. It’s whirling around you, inquisitive and curios. It feels all for you. It wants you to see. Open your eyes.

FIFA fever Cape Town

It’s here and it’s pumping. It’s pulsing through the heart of every Capetonian, every South African. From Gugulethu to Kommetjie, from Somerset West to Cape Town city centre, it’s here people, it is here! FIFA fever is rushing through the streets and it’s getting faster, it’s getting bigger, it’s getting stronger. It’s on the mind of everyone around the world today; 100 days to go… 2010.

The time for famous Cape Town cynicism is over. The FIFA World Cup is upon us no matter your view of the supposed outcome. With an airport upgrade, a renovated Cape Town station, the introduction of the Integrated Rapid Transit Station, if you’re not in it for the soccer, you can at least support how it has developed and improved our city, our country.

Throw away your ‘what if’s’, set aside your doubts. Leave behind your negativity, your sarcasm and uncertainties. Grab a Vuvuzela, put on your Makaraba. The 68 000-seat Cape Town stadium is calling your name. It’s here and Cape Town is ready. We are united and we are welcoming.

Photograph by Alistair Fyfe