Fashion experts gathered at the “old” Durban Club, now known as The Manor House, on 15 October 2009 for the annual Sanlam SA Fashion Week Summer Collection. Though the Durban Club used to be a gentleman’s club it was strange that this venue was specifically selected to host a show where beautiful models could be seen on the catwalk.

Among the fashion designers, well known Durban designer Francois Vedemme’s collection revealed an amazing range with his usual attention to detail, beautiful crystals, vibrant colors and textures all adding a modern twist to his garments.

Francois Vedemme’s collection consisted of 16 garments, each one individual and unique in its own way. The collection captured the audience, and was received with great enthusiasm and respect for his creative talent.

East Coast Radio’s Terence Pillay gave a great review about the show and nominated Francois Vedemme as his winner of the week…. “an amazing iconic designer who could show his ranges on any catwalk in the world…..London, Paris, New York…what an achievement for a local designer!”

Popularity: 86% [?]

Crime in South Africa has reached unprecedented levels, which includes “white-collar” crime. In fact our own Police Commissioner – Mr. Jackie Selebe – has been associated with white-collar crime.

Though the financial costs of white-collar crimes far exceed the value of street crimes, it is logic that “street crimes” have priority to that of “suit crimes” – as the former has an immediate threat to our safety. Truth is that our prisons are “over stocked” with those who have committed violent crimes. As such white-collar criminals are often given a mere slap on the wrist. What is interesting is that white-collar crime threatens the relationship of trust between citizens and government as well as employers and employees.

Cognizance should be taken that all criminal behavior, whether violent or deceit and concealment, requires a motive and opportunity. It is, however, difficult to understand why trusted and well paid employees would jeopardize their position by stealing from their employers. We must assume that white-collar crimes are committed due to the desire for financial gain or alternatively an unexplained psychological disorder.

White-collar criminals, on the other hand, may justify their behavior by claiming that nobody has been hurt by their actions. This statement is debatable as in the case of embezzlement the continuous action thereof can ultimately lead to retrenchments.

The general perception of the South African public is that the police and criminal justice systems are simply not equipped to attend to such cases. In actual fact our police have admitted to this and called for an alliance with the private sector in addressing the matter.

It is imperative to comprehend that the effects of white-collar crimes are filtered through society. As a result insurance premiums rise significantly due to false claims, tax policy amendments due to tax evasion may be implemented, possible retrenchments due to the erosion of funds and most important the loss of trust between individuals or entities.

White-collar crime is to be dealt with in a serious light. As such a proactive crime prevention strategy is required. This may be time-consuming, difficult to implement and require changes to an existing organizational structure. In the business world, ethical behavior by a company’s personnel is determined by the example set by top management. It is thus necessary for the top structure of an organization to create a code of ethics which includes a commitment to expose fraudulent action. In addition and environment of transparency, integrity and accountability must be created which will assist organizations in combating white-collar crime.

Popularity: 37% [?]

Your socioeconomic status is based on income, education level, occupation and social status within the community.  This will obviously have a direct effect as to your suburb of residence and yes… the vehicle that your drive – which most probably is owned by your financial institution.  In democratic countries, socioeconomic status is typically categorized into three categories: high socioeconomic status, middle socioeconomic status and low socioeconomic status.

It is a well known fact that individuals who enjoy a high socioeconomic status often have more success in preparing their children’s development as these individuals have access to a wide range of resources to encourage various children’s activities.  This generally contributes to the child’s social, emotional and cognitive development.

Individuals who “suffer” from low socioeconomic status often lack financial, social and educational support structures.  As such these individuals have limited access to resources which would have assisted in their children’s future growth.

However having said this, controlled focus groups have documented that children from a high socioeconomic status tend to express more detachment behaviors, such as fidgeting, than their less fortunate peers.  Children who originate from low socioeconomic background tend to make more eye contact, head nods and signs of happiness when placed into an interactive social environment.

Though this content may sound like a sweeping statement, it is unfortunate that most case studies do not seem to follow through to adulthood, thereby allowing an overview of the full picture.

Popularity: 36% [?]

The possibility of human cloning, raised by the creation of the sheep “Dolly” brought a global interest and concern because of its scientific and ethical implications.  When reference is made to the term “cloning” we usually associate it with reproduction.  The truth is that the reproductive aspect is merely one facet pertaining to cloning.

The following exists under the umbrella of cloning: DNA Cloning, Reproductive Cloning and Therapeutic Cloning. 

DNA Cloning is the transfer of a DNA fragment of interest from one organism to a self-replicating genetic element such as a bacterial plasmid.  As previously mentioned “Dolly” was the result of embryo cloning – Reproductive Cloning, which was specifically intended to study human development.  Genetic material from a specialized adult cell could be reprogrammed to generate an entire new organism.  Reproductive Cloning can also be used to repopulate endangered species. 

Therapeutic Cloning is the production of human embryos for use in research.  With this process the intention is not to create cloned human beings, but rather to harvest stem cells that can be used to study and treat disease. 

Though all sounds well it must be noted that cloning is expensive and highly inefficient.  The majority of cloning attempts fail to produce viable offspring.  In addition to the low success rates, cloned life stock tends to have more compromised immune functions and higher rates of infection, tumor growth and other disorders – causing limited life expectancy.  This is the greatest problem which faces scientists. 

Apart from the above many individuals, including Greenpeace, believe human cloning to be ethically irresponsible.  However, the pros and cons of this topic will have to be considered carefully before passing judgment.

Popularity: 34% [?]

Gone are the days for “boy meets girl” in the local pub. Internet dating is considered to be a legitimate way of meeting new people in the search to a life partner. Previously, during the dark ages, it was frowned upon if you hooked up with an individual via the Net. In modern day’s society there are no more stigmas or society outcasts classification associated with Internet dating. In fact, Internet dating is considered to be one of the safest methods of meeting new people.

Having said that, there are dangers pertaining to Internet dating. The anonymity of Internet dating has afforded con artists a new playground for scams, and has allowed people to be anyone they think you want them to be. It is also a very “easy” way to be unfaithful to your partner or promote promiscuity. The list is endless; register a fake e-mail address, get an unregistered cell-phone number and create your own persona. Once all is in place, the scammer is set to prey on the individuals seeking long lasting love.

Quite a number of Internet dating websites are free, and contain testimonials of romantic successes. What the Administrator omits is the countless horror stories that may exist. Should you strike it lucky and meet somebody be sure not to provide your personal contact details immediately. Rather communicate via the website facilities. During this period you will most probably be able to identify the character trades of the individual you are corresponding with and notice if a hidden agenda exists.

Don’t let your heart lead your mind. Should you wish to meet the person you are corresponding with, be sure to arrange a meeting in a public place after having received a picture of the person. If the individual arrives and does not resemble the person in the picture, excuse yourself and walk away. If the person lied about his / her picture, chances are that everything he / she told you about their life is a lie.

Apart from the many decent and honest people, there are many with a dark side to their character. These shady people can be found everywhere. Use your sixth sense coupled with some intelligence to guard against them. As such you will be able to use Internet dating sites as safely as any other forum.

Popularity: 25% [?]

Man has always been fascinated by possible existence of extra terrestrial life. During the eighties, scientists discovered a meteorite in Antarctica and believed it to be from the planet Mars.

Closer examination indicated hydrocarbons which are the same as breakdown products of dead micro-organisms on Earth, mineral phases consistent with by-products of bacterial activity, and tiny carbonate globules which may be microfossils of primitive bacteria.

The conclusion was that the rock solidified within Mars 4.5 billion years ago, approximately 100 million years after the formation of the planet. The rock then fractured where after water permeated the cracks, depositing carbonate minerals and allowing primitive bacteria to live in the fractures.

The bacteria and their by-products became fossilized in the fractures. A large piece of the rock was dislodged due to a large meteorite which struck Mars. As such a chunk was ejected into space destined for Earth, more specifically – Antarctica.

The minerals discovered by the scientists, bear a strong resemblance to mineral alterations caused by primitive bacteria on Earth. In addition the presence of micro “ovoids” was found, 100 times smaller than any bacteria on Earth.

Though the findings seem to be inconclusive, there remains much work to be performed on this topic.  Who knows…you might be related to E.T.

Popularity: 22% [?]