OT – My 7 year old son had to deal with a 45 caliber against his head

[Shaolin Wookie]

That's sad to hear...at least if you go to HK there is lots of CLF for you to see

Good luck

Africa has been an interesting topic to me since I was eight and saw the 1986 ethiopian drought on tv...kids looking like aliens I didn't even understand what that was, thought it was like Twilight zone or some ****. And I have black cousins but those kids with the skinny necks and big stomachs just didn't make sence....

It's that malnutrition and stunted growth cycles. Because food is scarce or expensive, many traditional practices in place reserve the best cuts of meat and food for the adults, since they shoulder the burden of working all day. Nutritionists are trying to change this issue by working with the people, because the children aren't getting what they need to grow properly--because of those ****ed traditions. Adults can actually do with less food, etc. But those kids need the nutrients and vitamins. But yeah, the big stomachs and small necks, there's a term for it, but I forget it.

[shadowlin]

This is a terrible story, and it pains me to hear it. That child - all children - deserve more.

Your story is one of those that remind me why I cannot see raising a family in but a few places in the world.

I've always felt that if my family is with me, then they will be safe. the problem is you can't be there 100% of the time, and I am always nervous when my wife is away from me. I can't imagine how hard it must be to let your son go anywhere without you, now. Even with a friend.

Good luck with your future, and I pray for the child's healthy recovery.

[kal]

Its pretty good actually. We have some really good schools and practitioners here. We always have a good flow of famous masters who come down here to teach. Thing is, people down here really love martial arts and really loves fighting.

There are many things that I think are really good about this place, but sadly the crime and political instability, as well as the failing economy, are preventing us from growing.

Brendan Lai used to rate South African kung fu guys very highly. He used to go out there and visit with one of your top guys IIRC.

He was also impressed with the discipline and condition of the South African practitioners.

[Eddie]

yes. I remember when Brendan lai came here.
I was with that school he came to many many years back, and im still friends with the school (though i left them when i was a kid)

[Eddie]

Sorry to spoil the mood even more, but there are some friends here who are interested in whats happening down here. This is even more reason why I need to get out.

If you don’t know, the last 10 days the country has been in an almost war state. People started attacking foreigners (mostly illegal) from Zimbabwe and Mozambique, and has even attacked a few Chinese nationals too.

Allots been happening, and tonight on tv news, they said that as from tomorrow the Defense force will be called in to help control this.

So far nearly 50 people died and thousands of people were injured and displaced. I’ll post links and news flashes here. If you guys arent interested, please let me know.

http://www.news24.com/News24/South_A...324231,00.html
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/20/wo...in&oref=slogin
http://english.people.com.cn/90001/90777/6414891.html
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7407914.stm
http://www.thestar.co.za/?fSectionId...3951241C222276
http://www.southafrica.info/about/de...bia-160508.htm
http://www.news24.com/News24/South_A...326655,00.html

[lkfmdc]

I really hope this isn't taken for soemthing it is not intended, but dear lord it's sad to see that Africa never seems to be able to move forward. It's sad to see an entire continent mired in so many problems....

[Eddie]

sad indeed. but if we cant learn from our mistakes.....

i see no future down here

[BruceSteveRoy]

yeah bro, get the ef out asap. i hear diet australia (aka new zealand) is awesome. but even if its just to "go on vacation" leave as soon as you can and go anywhere. its not worth risking your family's lives to stay there.

[BruceSteveRoy]

i am not sure if its difficult to get in but have you considered singapore? i hear they are a very safe country with amazing food.