The brainfart factory

Now just how obsessed can you get about a simple dish made from rice? Well, when you find yourself raving and gibbering about how sublimely sexy a risotto can be, you are officially pretty far gone. Making a risotto is an art that is best learned by just doing it, but just don’t do it with the wrong kind of rice. For recipes, talk to Gennaro Contaldo,  Nadine Abensur or Jamie Oliver. For some courage to try, read on. (more…)

On Saturday 16 June 2007, Dennis Cronje’s magnificently build F1 Rocket took off on its maiden flight at Stellenbosch Airfield. A first flight is a pretty big deal for the home builder. The test pilot was Gideon Langeveld who oozes the right stuff. It was an education to see how methodical and unhurriedly Gideon and Dennis went through the flight briefing. When Gideon finally advanced the throttles at the start of runway 19, the aircraft piled into the sky as if it had always belonged there. Gideon reports he took his hands off the controls (untrimmed aircraft) on climb out and she just flew straight as an arrow. After a few stalls at altitude to peg the approach speed, Gideon demonstrated a peach of a three point landing. The aircraft (designated ZU-FIR) is a testament to Dennis’s skill as a builder. Congratulations! Pictures are in the “rest of the story”. (more…)

A friend and famous artist, Frans Groenewald, was inspired to render the very flat cat in ink on paper. We have several of his paintings around the house, and they make me smile every time I look at them. Frans, thanks! May all your exhibitions sell out in minutes.

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Through various complex circumstances, my company now possesses one of those “coffee at the press of a button” espresso machines. It puts a fairly decent crema on the espresso, but needs beans with a slightly darker roast. The milk foamer is a no-brainer (needed in this place) and it all arrived for free! In order to match Charl’s efforts, I have placed a photo of the device below. Charl, you are most welcome to join us for a cup next time you sneak into this geographic region (hint).

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Sometimes you find yourself in a situation which you just know will be a deep and wonderful experience you will remember for the rest of your life, but only if you can find a way of not obliterating the memories with the best beer you ever drank. Such was the experience of combining the best tipple with best company one can imagine, and all in Delft. This is living. (more…)