It has become very common to see vehicles by the road sides, which have been in involved in serious road accidents during or soon after public holidays.
Some individuals associate any holiday as a time of careless and senseless merry making.
They indulge in heavy beer drinking and over eating, as if there is no tomorrow !
As I was taking my morning walk on 25 May 2010, I found a Van being towed away in Nkana East, Kitwe's Central Street.
This was after it was involved in a road accident during the night of Monday 24 May 2010, the eve of Africa Freedom Day holiday.
The driver is said to have escaped with minor injuries.
He is now now faced with the burden of repairing the vehicle and being charged for driving under the influence of alcohol.
The Bible says : -
"The one who loves pleasure will be a poor person; whoever loves wine and anointing oil will not be rich." (Proverbs 21:17).
"Wine is a mocker and strong drink is a brawler; whoever goes astray by them is not wise." (Proverbs 20:1).
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Make That PC Run Faster !
When you purchase a new Computer it will be operating as per specification. As time goes by, it will start to be slower than before.
A computer just like any machine, requires to be maintained on a regular basis. This is usually done by qualified IT personnel.
There are two types of maintenance done on Computers : -
1) Hardware Maintenance
This can only be done by specialised IT personnel and should never be done by unqualified personnel.
2) Software Maintenance
This is usually done by specialised IT personnel, however, some basic maintenance can be done by someone who does not necessarily have IT knowledge.
The Windows Operating System (Windows OS) has inbuilt maintenance tools which can be used by untrained personnel.
The following are the basic maintenance procedures which one can carry out without any knowledge of IT.
DISK CLEAN UP
As the Computer is being used it generates some files which have no real use.
These files accumulate over time and occupy disk space which can be freed.
The following is the procure to perform "Disk Clean Up"
1) Go to Start >Programs> Accessories> System Tools> Disk Cleanup
In order to make a shortcut to this tool, use the right hand mouse to click on the Disk Cleanup and choose "Send to Desk Top".
Once the disk clean up tool is chosen, select from the Menu the items one wants to remove.
Usually "Temp Files", "Recycle Bin" and "Compress Old Files" are chosen. The description of use for each type of file to select, is given so that one can decide to remove them or not.
2) Once "Disk Clean Up" is chosen, the Computer will show a list of Files which could be removed.
3) Once the Files to be removed have been selected, you will be informed of how much disk storage space (in MB) will be recovered.
4) Click "Ok" and the Files will automatically be removed.
This procedure should be done at least once per week.
DISK DEFRAGMENTATION
As the Computer is being used, it allocates created files to specific storage areas on the hard disk.
As the files are stored and deleted, they become scattered (fragmented) all over the storage area. One file can be stored in as many as 100 different places!
When recalling any file for use, the Computer has to look all over the storage area before it is displayed to the user.
The Computer has to look at all the parts of the storage area. This process, slows down the Computer when saving or opening files.
Windows has an inbuilt tool which defragments the files which have been scattered all over disk storage area.
The following is the procure to perform Disk Defragmentation.
1) Go to Start >Programs> Accessories> System Tools> Disk Defragmentation
In order to make a shortcut to this tool, use the right hand mouse to click on the Disk Defragmentation and choose "Send to Desk Top"
Once the disk defragmentation tool is chosen, the Computer will advise if defragmentation is required to be done or not.
An analysis of the state of the fragmentation will be done.
If advised to do the defragmentation, press the "Defragment Disk" option from the Menu. If not, cancel the operation.
If defragmentation of the Disk has not been done for a long time, the process can take many hours to be completed.
It is usually recommended to leave the Computer to carry out this operation overnight.
2) Once Disk Defragmentation is done, the Computer will indicate that the operation is over. Click Ok and click the Close or X to close the tool.
This procedure should be done at least once per month. If the Computer is used to store and delete files regularly, doing it once per week maybe advisable. Some people do it on a daily basis !
A computer just like any machine, requires to be maintained on a regular basis. This is usually done by qualified IT personnel.
There are two types of maintenance done on Computers : -
1) Hardware Maintenance
This can only be done by specialised IT personnel and should never be done by unqualified personnel.
2) Software Maintenance
This is usually done by specialised IT personnel, however, some basic maintenance can be done by someone who does not necessarily have IT knowledge.
The Windows Operating System (Windows OS) has inbuilt maintenance tools which can be used by untrained personnel.
The following are the basic maintenance procedures which one can carry out without any knowledge of IT.
DISK CLEAN UP
As the Computer is being used it generates some files which have no real use.
These files accumulate over time and occupy disk space which can be freed.
The following is the procure to perform "Disk Clean Up"
1) Go to Start >Programs> Accessories> System Tools> Disk Cleanup
In order to make a shortcut to this tool, use the right hand mouse to click on the Disk Cleanup and choose "Send to Desk Top".
Once the disk clean up tool is chosen, select from the Menu the items one wants to remove.
Usually "Temp Files", "Recycle Bin" and "Compress Old Files" are chosen. The description of use for each type of file to select, is given so that one can decide to remove them or not.
2) Once "Disk Clean Up" is chosen, the Computer will show a list of Files which could be removed.
3) Once the Files to be removed have been selected, you will be informed of how much disk storage space (in MB) will be recovered.
4) Click "Ok" and the Files will automatically be removed.
This procedure should be done at least once per week.
DISK DEFRAGMENTATION
As the Computer is being used, it allocates created files to specific storage areas on the hard disk.
As the files are stored and deleted, they become scattered (fragmented) all over the storage area. One file can be stored in as many as 100 different places!
When recalling any file for use, the Computer has to look all over the storage area before it is displayed to the user.
The Computer has to look at all the parts of the storage area. This process, slows down the Computer when saving or opening files.
Windows has an inbuilt tool which defragments the files which have been scattered all over disk storage area.
The following is the procure to perform Disk Defragmentation.
1) Go to Start >Programs> Accessories> System Tools> Disk Defragmentation
In order to make a shortcut to this tool, use the right hand mouse to click on the Disk Defragmentation and choose "Send to Desk Top"
Once the disk defragmentation tool is chosen, the Computer will advise if defragmentation is required to be done or not.
An analysis of the state of the fragmentation will be done.
If advised to do the defragmentation, press the "Defragment Disk" option from the Menu. If not, cancel the operation.
If defragmentation of the Disk has not been done for a long time, the process can take many hours to be completed.
It is usually recommended to leave the Computer to carry out this operation overnight.
2) Once Disk Defragmentation is done, the Computer will indicate that the operation is over. Click Ok and click the Close or X to close the tool.
This procedure should be done at least once per month. If the Computer is used to store and delete files regularly, doing it once per week maybe advisable. Some people do it on a daily basis !
Monday, May 24, 2010
The Solar Energy Alternative
Zesco Ltd. recently put up a proposal to the Energy Regulation Board (ERB) to increase electricity tariifs by an average of 36%.
The reason given for the proposed increment is that there is a need for the company to raise capital for construction of new hydropower stations. This is to alleviate a serious power deficiency in the country.
Hydro Electric power stations have been the traditional source of electrical energy, which accounts for nearly all of the nation's soure of electricity.
The country is already experiencing a critical shortage of electrical energy, which has resulted in increased load shedding across the country in recent years. This is due to an increase in demand of electrical power, brought about by the incoming of new industries, mainly mines, in recent years.
The country has experienced two major blackouts in the last few years as a result of inadequate generating capacity.
Aging equipment of the nation's Hydropower stations is another factor that has contributed to the crisis.
A number of the equipment have been in operation for over forty years. Zesco Ltd. is in the process of rehabilitating the equipment and this calls for more money .
In order to supplement the Zesco effort of improving the reliability of the electrical supply, and to cushion the effect of increased electricity tariff charges, it has become necessary to look at alternative sources of energy.
One of these is solar energy.
In Africa there is an abundant supply of sunshine for most of the time during the year. The use of solar power is therefore an attractive alternative.
Solar energy can be utilized in two forms
1) Converting the solar energy into electrical energy by use of solar panels and storing it in batteries in form of DC power. The DC is then converted to AC mains by use of Inverters.
The initial capital cost for installation of solar panels to produce electricity is higher than that of hydroelectric systems.
With advancement of technology, the installation cost is steadily decreasing.
2) Direct use of the heat from the sun for water heating and cooking.
The former method is becoming common in the country, whereas the latter is not.
The method of using solar power to create heat, can be used to supplement the solar panel system. This method is technologically less demanding than the solar panel method.
A number of companies which deal in selling and installing Solar Energy equipment do exist in Zambia.
However, the business is still in its infancy.
Local companies in Zambia should be encouraged to invest more into this business, as is the case in the USA and other western countries.
References : -
1) Making and using a solar cooker by Joe Radabaugh Issue #30
http://is.gd/cl9ar
2) Solar Cookers International (How Solar Cookers Work)
http://is.gd/cl9ij
3) Solar Oven, Cooker and Dryer Tips and Solar Recipes
http://is.gd/cl9uH
4) Zambia - Solar Cooking Project
http://is.gd/cl9BH
5) Energy Savers: Solar Water Heaters
http://is.gd/clbZ2
6) SolarRoofs.com solar water heating, The Most Cost Effective Way to Go Solar!
http://is.gd/clcYf
7) Solar Water Heating Systems: Solar Hot Water, Solar Water Heaters
http://is.gd/cldhR
8) How to Build a Solar Hot Water System
http://is.gd/cldsm
9) Mr. Solar - Home & RV Solar Panel Systems
http://is.gd/cldFP
10) Mr Solar Energy
http://www.mrsolarenergy.com/
http://is.gd/cldSF
11) Solar Energy Retail Businesses in the World
http://is.gd/clhhT
The reason given for the proposed increment is that there is a need for the company to raise capital for construction of new hydropower stations. This is to alleviate a serious power deficiency in the country.
Hydro Electric power stations have been the traditional source of electrical energy, which accounts for nearly all of the nation's soure of electricity.
The country is already experiencing a critical shortage of electrical energy, which has resulted in increased load shedding across the country in recent years. This is due to an increase in demand of electrical power, brought about by the incoming of new industries, mainly mines, in recent years.
The country has experienced two major blackouts in the last few years as a result of inadequate generating capacity.
Aging equipment of the nation's Hydropower stations is another factor that has contributed to the crisis.
A number of the equipment have been in operation for over forty years. Zesco Ltd. is in the process of rehabilitating the equipment and this calls for more money .
In order to supplement the Zesco effort of improving the reliability of the electrical supply, and to cushion the effect of increased electricity tariff charges, it has become necessary to look at alternative sources of energy.
One of these is solar energy.
In Africa there is an abundant supply of sunshine for most of the time during the year. The use of solar power is therefore an attractive alternative.
Solar energy can be utilized in two forms
1) Converting the solar energy into electrical energy by use of solar panels and storing it in batteries in form of DC power. The DC is then converted to AC mains by use of Inverters.
The initial capital cost for installation of solar panels to produce electricity is higher than that of hydroelectric systems.
With advancement of technology, the installation cost is steadily decreasing.
2) Direct use of the heat from the sun for water heating and cooking.
The former method is becoming common in the country, whereas the latter is not.
The method of using solar power to create heat, can be used to supplement the solar panel system. This method is technologically less demanding than the solar panel method.
A number of companies which deal in selling and installing Solar Energy equipment do exist in Zambia.
However, the business is still in its infancy.
Local companies in Zambia should be encouraged to invest more into this business, as is the case in the USA and other western countries.
References : -
1) Making and using a solar cooker by Joe Radabaugh Issue #30
http://is.gd/cl9ar
2) Solar Cookers International (How Solar Cookers Work)
http://is.gd/cl9ij
3) Solar Oven, Cooker and Dryer Tips and Solar Recipes
http://is.gd/cl9uH
4) Zambia - Solar Cooking Project
http://is.gd/cl9BH
5) Energy Savers: Solar Water Heaters
http://is.gd/clbZ2
6) SolarRoofs.com solar water heating, The Most Cost Effective Way to Go Solar!
http://is.gd/clcYf
7) Solar Water Heating Systems: Solar Hot Water, Solar Water Heaters
http://is.gd/cldhR
8) How to Build a Solar Hot Water System
http://is.gd/cldsm
9) Mr. Solar - Home & RV Solar Panel Systems
http://is.gd/cldFP
10) Mr Solar Energy
http://www.mrsolarenergy.com/
http://is.gd/cldSF
11) Solar Energy Retail Businesses in the World
http://is.gd/clhhT
Friday, May 21, 2010
Look Beyond The Shrub
In our lives we go through so many trials and temptations.
The situation one finds himself can sometimes become so desperate that one looses all hope of ever coming out of it.
In my life, I have had several trying experiences involving my health, work and financial situations.
I would like to share these with you, to demonstrate the love the Lord has for us.
In 1961, when I was only eight years old, I suffered from a sickness that almost took my life.
For over three months, I was bed ridden with no hope of recovery. My parents took me for treatment at various health institutions without any improvement.
Finally, they sought services of a witchdoctor who, somehow, managed to restore by health!
As a result of this sickness, I had to repeat my Grade two class in 1962.
On 28 October 1994 I was admitted into an intensive care unit (ICU) of a hospital . This was after I lost nearly two litres of blood due a bleeding stomach ulcer of the duodenum .
I went into a comatose state due to shock brought by the loss of a lot of blood.
My life was saved by emergency blood transfussion. For several days, my breathing was via an oxygen mask covering my face.
The condition became so critical that, at one time, my family lost hope of my recovery. Rumour even went round that I had died in hospital !
I stayed in the ICU ward for ten days.
The peptic stomach ulcer was as a result of a heavy beer drinking habit, which had been going on for more than twenty years.
I started to drink beer in 1974 when I was at the University.
During campus holidays I used to spend time with an uncle. He introduced to me to a social life of late nights and heavy beer drinking.
In April 1996 I and a workmate were suspended from employment. This was after investigations of a senior official we were working under, linked us to his questionable activities.
On appeal, we were both found innocent.
The truth was that the official used our positions to carry out his activities behind our backs. The ordeal took fifty ones days of torment before we were reinstated.
The lesson that I learnt from that experience is, one should always keep his eyes open to any form of corrupt practices around him and report them immediately. One should not be intimidated by the fear of reprisal from the wrong doer.
In May 2005, I was in another near-death situation due to a infected appendix of the stomach.
An operation to remove it, saved my life on 19 May 2005.
The surgeons who removed it could not believe their eyes at how big it had enlarged.
The appendix was filled with a lot of pus due to the infection. This could have killed me instantly, had it burst and introduced the pus into my blood system.
On 8 January 2010 a fixed term contract job I had from 2004 was terminated at short notice. It was due to expire in a year's time.
As I write this Blog post, I have been out of employment for over four months, with no immediate sign of getting a new job or getting into any money generating business.
This latest crisis has brought me closer to God and strengthened my faith in Him.
I was baptised in April 1969.
It has also has opened my eyes as to who my real friends are.
I am inspired by the story of Hagar and Ishmael in Genesis :
"Early in the morning Abraham took some food and a skin of water and gave them to Hagar. He put them on her shoulders, gave her the child, and sent her away. So she went wandering aimlessly through the wilderness of Beer Sheba.
When the water in the skin was gone, she shoved the child under one of the shrubs. Then she went and sat down by herself across from him at quite a distance, about a bowshot away; for she thought, "I refuse to watch the child die." So she sat across from him and wept uncontrollably.
But God heard the boy's voice. The angel of God called to Hagar from heaven and asked her, "What is the matter, Hagar? Don't be afraid, for God has heard the boy's voice right where he is crying. Get up! Help the boy up and hold him by the hand, for I will make him into a great nation.
Then God enabled Hagar to see a well of water. She went over and filled the skin with water, and then gave the boy a drink." (Genesis 21:14-19).
As a christian , I believe that the Lord shall see me through this episode of my life as He had done before.
The Bible says :-
"Stop your striving and recognize that I am God! I will be exalted over the nations! I will be exalted over the earth!" (Psalms 46:10).
"No trial has overtaken you that is not faced by others. And God is faithful: He will not let you be tried beyond what you are able to bear, but with the trial will also provide a way out so that you may be able to endure it." (1 Corinthians 10:13).
Glory be to God.
Amen !
Scripture taken from the NET Bible at http://bible.org
The situation one finds himself can sometimes become so desperate that one looses all hope of ever coming out of it.
In my life, I have had several trying experiences involving my health, work and financial situations.
I would like to share these with you, to demonstrate the love the Lord has for us.
In 1961, when I was only eight years old, I suffered from a sickness that almost took my life.
For over three months, I was bed ridden with no hope of recovery. My parents took me for treatment at various health institutions without any improvement.
Finally, they sought services of a witchdoctor who, somehow, managed to restore by health!
As a result of this sickness, I had to repeat my Grade two class in 1962.
On 28 October 1994 I was admitted into an intensive care unit (ICU) of a hospital . This was after I lost nearly two litres of blood due a bleeding stomach ulcer of the duodenum .
I went into a comatose state due to shock brought by the loss of a lot of blood.
My life was saved by emergency blood transfussion. For several days, my breathing was via an oxygen mask covering my face.
The condition became so critical that, at one time, my family lost hope of my recovery. Rumour even went round that I had died in hospital !
I stayed in the ICU ward for ten days.
The peptic stomach ulcer was as a result of a heavy beer drinking habit, which had been going on for more than twenty years.
I started to drink beer in 1974 when I was at the University.
During campus holidays I used to spend time with an uncle. He introduced to me to a social life of late nights and heavy beer drinking.
In April 1996 I and a workmate were suspended from employment. This was after investigations of a senior official we were working under, linked us to his questionable activities.
On appeal, we were both found innocent.
The truth was that the official used our positions to carry out his activities behind our backs. The ordeal took fifty ones days of torment before we were reinstated.
The lesson that I learnt from that experience is, one should always keep his eyes open to any form of corrupt practices around him and report them immediately. One should not be intimidated by the fear of reprisal from the wrong doer.
In May 2005, I was in another near-death situation due to a infected appendix of the stomach.
An operation to remove it, saved my life on 19 May 2005.
The surgeons who removed it could not believe their eyes at how big it had enlarged.
The appendix was filled with a lot of pus due to the infection. This could have killed me instantly, had it burst and introduced the pus into my blood system.
On 8 January 2010 a fixed term contract job I had from 2004 was terminated at short notice. It was due to expire in a year's time.
As I write this Blog post, I have been out of employment for over four months, with no immediate sign of getting a new job or getting into any money generating business.
This latest crisis has brought me closer to God and strengthened my faith in Him.
I was baptised in April 1969.
It has also has opened my eyes as to who my real friends are.
I am inspired by the story of Hagar and Ishmael in Genesis :
"Early in the morning Abraham took some food and a skin of water and gave them to Hagar. He put them on her shoulders, gave her the child, and sent her away. So she went wandering aimlessly through the wilderness of Beer Sheba.
When the water in the skin was gone, she shoved the child under one of the shrubs. Then she went and sat down by herself across from him at quite a distance, about a bowshot away; for she thought, "I refuse to watch the child die." So she sat across from him and wept uncontrollably.
But God heard the boy's voice. The angel of God called to Hagar from heaven and asked her, "What is the matter, Hagar? Don't be afraid, for God has heard the boy's voice right where he is crying. Get up! Help the boy up and hold him by the hand, for I will make him into a great nation.
Then God enabled Hagar to see a well of water. She went over and filled the skin with water, and then gave the boy a drink." (Genesis 21:14-19).
As a christian , I believe that the Lord shall see me through this episode of my life as He had done before.
The Bible says :-
"Stop your striving and recognize that I am God! I will be exalted over the nations! I will be exalted over the earth!" (Psalms 46:10).
"No trial has overtaken you that is not faced by others. And God is faithful: He will not let you be tried beyond what you are able to bear, but with the trial will also provide a way out so that you may be able to endure it." (1 Corinthians 10:13).
Glory be to God.
Amen !
Scripture taken from the NET Bible at http://bible.org
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Royality vs Loyality
Traditional leaders who allow themselves to be allies of certain politician parties do not understand their role in society.
Royality is an inborn right to reign over the subjects of a given chiefdom or kingdom.
The subjects have no choice as to who rules them. The royal establishment decides for them.
Traditional rulers, such as the current Litunga of Barotseland, who maintain their royal identity, should therefore be saluted.
Political loyality, on the other hand, is based on a personal preference for a party. This is shown by the support of the policies of that party.
In Zambia the unfortunate development is that political loyality is generally not based on principle. The "brown envelope" mentality has taken the centre stage of the political arena.
That's why we have witnessed a number of people drifting from one party to the other without shame.
A number of them have changed their political alliance to as many parties as the number of governments that have been in existence since independence.
Some critics refer to such people as political "prostitutes".
Subjects of traditional leaders have a right to belong to political parties of their own choice without external influence. This is in line with the multi-party system of the country.
If traditional leaders publicly show their support for any political party, they are unwittingly encouraging the following probems.
1) Their subjects will be divided between those who support their political alliance and those not supporting it.
At one time in the past, some traditional rulers accepted political posts such as Member of the Central Committee of a ruling party. This brought a lot of confusion in their areas.
2) They loose the respect of their subjects and hence undermine their birthright to reign over them.
It is therefore not befitting for any traditional leader to show solidarity with any political party.
Royality is an inborn right to reign over the subjects of a given chiefdom or kingdom.
The subjects have no choice as to who rules them. The royal establishment decides for them.
Traditional rulers, such as the current Litunga of Barotseland, who maintain their royal identity, should therefore be saluted.
Political loyality, on the other hand, is based on a personal preference for a party. This is shown by the support of the policies of that party.
In Zambia the unfortunate development is that political loyality is generally not based on principle. The "brown envelope" mentality has taken the centre stage of the political arena.
That's why we have witnessed a number of people drifting from one party to the other without shame.
A number of them have changed their political alliance to as many parties as the number of governments that have been in existence since independence.
Some critics refer to such people as political "prostitutes".
Subjects of traditional leaders have a right to belong to political parties of their own choice without external influence. This is in line with the multi-party system of the country.
If traditional leaders publicly show their support for any political party, they are unwittingly encouraging the following probems.
1) Their subjects will be divided between those who support their political alliance and those not supporting it.
At one time in the past, some traditional rulers accepted political posts such as Member of the Central Committee of a ruling party. This brought a lot of confusion in their areas.
2) They loose the respect of their subjects and hence undermine their birthright to reign over them.
It is therefore not befitting for any traditional leader to show solidarity with any political party.
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