A few nice Hard Water issues images I found:

East African Coalition Logistics Conference, January 2011


Image by US Army Africa
Capt. Gordon Kakooko, Uganda People’s Defence Force (left), and U.S. Navy Senior Chief Petty Officer Susan Brandenburg, Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa (center), go over a group dynamics exercise as Lt. Col. Justin Ojiambo Khaduli, Kenya Ministry of Defense, looks on during the East African Coalition Logistics Conference in Djibouti City, Djibouti, Jan. 7, 2011. The conference brought representatives from U.S. Africa Command and more than 10 African partner nations together to exchange ideas and discuss solutions to transportation and logistics issues in their countries.

U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Kathrine McDowell

Military logistics officers gathered in Djibouti in early January to participate in the first East African Coalition Logistics Conference, hosted by Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa. The conference brought together logistics officers from U.S. Africa Command, its sub component commands for the Army, Navy, Air Force, and CJTF-HOA, as well as partner nations from more than 10 African countries, and South Korea.

The conference expanded understanding between partner-nation logistics operations, conducted international logistics orientations, established cooperative partner-nation relationships and built on these relationships for the future. African nation participants included Djibouti, Kenya, Rwanda, Burundi, Uganda, Tanzania and Mauritius. Delegates from the African Union were also in attendance.

CJTF-HOA’s director of logistics and master of ceremonies, U.S. Navy Capt. Stephen LeBlanc, opened the conference with welcoming remarks followed by keynote addresses from U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Djibouti, James Swan; Air Force Brig. Gen. Barbara Faulkenberry, director of logistics for U.S. Africa Command; and Rear Adm. Brian Losey, CJTF-HOA commander.

“As logisticians, we know that when you look at the ability to accomplish a mission, whether that’s peacekeeping, responding to a national crisis, the defense of a nation, or the humanitarian response to a catastrophe, we think of the mission,” said Faulkenberry. Logistics provides the framework and connectivity in order for a mission to succeed, she said.

Following the formal presentations, logistics officers from each partner nation gave presentations to illustrate their individual logistical situations and unique opportunities to contribute to the over-arching partnerships among the countries.

Each country, represented by two officers, dove into their logistical processes, expounding on the issues and challenges they face operating within their country as well as across East Africa. Many countries experience similar challenges stemming from poor or emerging economies, recent rebellions, lack of proper infrastructure and challenges based on geographical terrain.

“Dealing with maintenance issues is not always easy,” said Lt. Col. Ali Aden Houmed of the Djiboutian National Army. “We also have some difficulty having qualified specialists for maintenance issues, so these issues give us a hard time. We have equipment coming from various countries for different projects. It’s good to have gifts from friends, but at the end of the day, it is difficult to keep that equipment working.”

The second day of the conference opened with additional presentations by partner-nation officers. LeBlanc also personally thanked all the participants. The conference culminated in an orientation and demonstration of the Pre-positional Expeditionary Assistance Kit (PEAK) system, which converts and purifies local water sources to potable water. The equipment can deliver benefits in a variety of medical, military and industrial situations, and does not adversely affect the environment.

The conference was hailed as a success in that it was a unique opportunity for U.S. military logisticians to share best practices with their military counterparts in East African countries, enabling them to have a stronger understanding and appreciation for logistical issues and solutions.

“There are major infrastructure programs in virtually every country in this region,” said Swan.

“New roads, new railway networks and new ports will clearly improve capabilities for logistics in the region in the future. Partner nations here in the region are heavily involved in efforts to improve the logistics base here in East Africa,” he said.

To learn more about U.S. Army Africa visit our official website at www.usaraf.army.mil

Official Twitter Feed: www.twitter.com/usarmyafrica

Official YouTube video channel: www.youtube.com/usarmyafrica

Deadliest countries to drive in!


Image by brizzle born and bred
If you’re thinking of travelling abroad, then you might be interested in finding out which countries are the worst for driving in or taking a holiday in. Depending on those you think are the most dangerous, the reality may well surprise you.

Deadliest countries to drive in. (per list just compiled by the OECD)

(based on fatalities per million drivers)

1. Russia
2. Slovakia
3. Poland
4. Turkey
5. Hungary
6. Korea
7. Greece
8. U.S.A.
9. Czech Republic
10. Belgium

United Kingdom

So despite what you might think about the UK’s roads and RTAs, Britain doesn’t make it into the top ten and in fact is consistently proven to be one of the safest countries in the world to drive in – alongside Sweden and The Netherlands.

The fact that the UK has such safe roads is partially due to the excellent road network and conditions, the high levels of policing and speed management (though this point is always hotly debated!) and of course the stringent tests that drivers in Great Britain have to pass before being allowed onto the road.

So why is Russia so bad?

Although Russian drivers also have to pass extensive examinations to earn their driving licences, it seems that there is a world of difference between what a Russian can expect to learn about the road while preparing for a test and what they actually find out there when they pass.

With around only 10% of their accidents being blamed on drunk-drivers, the other 90% seem to come from a combination of bad driving, terrible road conditions (in some areas it seems that the white lines that we expect to separate the lanes on a major road are worn away or completely missing) and a lack of policing.

The Government Auto Inspection (or GAI) the Russian version of the Transport Police does attempt to enforce regulations but has to do so with a small budget and old vehicles which makes it almost impossible. So until more money is given to the GAI it seems that Russia will continue to dominate the list of countries to avoid driving in if you want to come home in one piece.

In this crime-ridden, ex-Soviet state, no longer does the government stuff their Armani suits with rubles, but the vandals and gangsters. The Russian mafia runs amuck, there are more gangsters than police, and a Russian is assassinated every 18 minutes, averaging 84 murders per day in a nation of 143 million. The nucleus of Russian crime is stationed in the Republic of Chechnya, a region within Russia just north of Georgia. Prostitution, drug trafficking, and underground restaurants are arbitrarily controlled by the Chechens. Foreigners are kidnapped more frequently due to the higher ransom allocated. Crimes towards include but are not limited to: pick pocketing wallets, cell phones, cameras, cash, and physical assaults. From superpower to Third World country, think tanks are beginning to speculate if communism really was the cure for Russia.

Most Dangerous Countries to have a holiday

Afghanistan is the most dangerous country in the world to drive in. Keep an eye out for our noble soldiers will driving through Kandahar, but also make sure you keep your other eye on the traffic. See, for every 100, 000 people on Afghanistan’s roads, 39 people die. You don’t want to be one of them.

Iraq

It doesn’t matter whether you are George Bush, Pele or Chuck Norris – you are not safe in Iraq. Despite its rich history and its oil reserves, it is a ruined nation that is wracked with violence, despair and confusion. Since 2003, the United States has occupied Iraq which has led to a civil war claiming the lives of more than 650 000 civilians. Al-Qaeda, Sunni insurgents, Shiite security forces, Kurdish rebels, American soldiers, Turkish troops and criminals are involved in a cycle of violence that unfortunately, will not abate any time soon. Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), Explosively Formed Penetrators (EFPs) and mines are a constant threat, as are suicide bombers who have slain hundreds. Kidnappings and random killings are reported with almost mind-numbing frequency. Since 2003, 2 million Iraqis have fled to neighboring countries and another 1.9 million in Iraq remain internally displaced. Depleted uranium used as armor-piercing rounds will poison Iraqi civilians and US servicemen for decades. Truly, a hell on earth.

USA

For the average traveller, the USA is fairly safe, but the numbers do not lie. There are more than 200 million guns in the USA and more than 50 murders a day, 10 times the rate of Germany. Nearly 5000 people die a year in truck crashes, about 6000 pedestrains die on the streets and 31000 people end their own lives. The USA now leads all nations in violent crime and leads all nations with incarcerations now standing at 2.3 million. American citizens also make up the greatest number of criminals serving time in overseas prisons. Militias, hate groups and other right wing radicals all spread their message of violence and are known to throw around the odd pipe-bomb. The government is not much better, spending a whopping 0 billion a year on defense in order to contain the handful of nations hostile to it.

South Africa

Any nation described as the ‘rape capital of the world’ should be one to take extra special care in. Although rape had shown a declining trend to 113.7 in 2004, it increased in 2005 to 118.3 per 100 000. Another damning statistic for South Africa is its appallingly high murder rate. The 2010 World Cup host is consistently in the Top 5 list of countries by homicide rate. Most crime is confined to poor areas but it hasn’t stopped gated communities springing up all over South Africa and armed guards protecting wealthy tourist groups. Farming in South Africa has become one of the most dangerous professions in the world. The murder rate for farmers is 313 per 100 000 – about 8 times the national average. And like anywhere, sex can be very dangerous in South Africa, where more than 10 million people are infected with HIV.

Burundi

This small, densely populated and poor nation has giant problems. A civil war between Hutus and Tutsis tore the nation apart between 1993 and 2006. A ceasefire was declared however most provisions have not been implemented. Mass murder and mayhem compete with environmental problems as the biggest headaches for the people of Burundi. The list of assassinated leaders is extensive, and control of the nation has changed hands numerous times in the last 50 years. Crimes committed by roaming gangs and armed children are risks for visitors. Muggings, carjackings and kidnappings await, so you are advised not to stop the car for souvenirs. Should you be injured or harmed while in Burundi, you may need to be well trained, as local clinics have almost no resources to assist you.

Antarctica

While murder, rape and robbery may not be a big problem in this part of the world, the hostile conditions are. Antarctica is home to some extreme weather conditions, with the mercury regularly dropping below -60 degrees Celsius (-100F) and winds tearing in at more than 100km/hr. If exposed to this weather for more than an hour, you will most certainly die. Antarctica has no hospitals, no food to forage and if you get lost, not a lot of hope. Stay with the tour groups. At least there is a McDonald’s at Scott Base if you manage to find it.

Somalia

Somalia is a failed state known for its anarchy, corruption, lack of government, and starvation. Travelers are warned against entering Somalia, the self-proclaimed “independent Republic of Somaliland” or even sailing near the Horn Of Africa. Pirates patrol these waters armed with AK-47s and will seize craft and hold crews to ransom. Inter-clan fighting has claimed thousands of lives in the north of the country, while territorial control in the capital, Mogadishu is carved up between many clans and warlords. Ethiopia attacked Islamic troops in Somalia in late 2006, resulting in hundreds of casualties and the internal displacement of thousands. Heck, if this place is too much for the Marines, what chance do you stand? Make sure your insurance is fully up to date.

Sudan

Desperation, death and destruction are synonymous with Sudan. Terrorism is a mainstay of this nation, which has been controlled by Islamic military regimes since its independence. Some of the worlds most famous killers have earned their stripes in Sudan, finishing with degrees in car-bombing, rocket launching and genocide. Violence is rife in the Darfur region between government-backed militias, government troops and local insurgent groups. Sudan has been in open warfare with Chad partly due to the Darfur conflict. Since 2003, 230,000 Sudanese refugees have fled to eastern Chad from Darfur. More than two million have died during the 2 civil wars that spanned the last 50 years. Along with its bleak desert conditions, Sudan is one of the worst places on the planet.

Brazil

For anyone traveling to Brazil, it is not a matter of whether you get mugged, it is a matter of when! Grinding poverty still lives alongside incredible wealth in a country that is riding a wave of economic growth. But with prosperity, rates of crime have also soared. Street crime is rampant in parts of Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paolo, and whilst many victims are left unharmed, having a broken bottle put to your throat for your bracelet is not pleasant.

The incidences of “quicknappings” has risen in major cities. This involves being abducted and taken to an ATM to pay your ransom. If you can’t pay, thanks to mobile technology, your family is only a call away. Along with street crime, organized criminal groups have waged wars against police and public institutions that were unable to be bribed. Prison riots are brutally suppressed, drugs and narco-terrorism claim civilian casualties and if you survive all that – the piranhas are waiting.

Brazil is a beautiful country, with sunny beaches, clear waters, lush rainforests, incredible culture and many other attributes that make it a lovely travel destination. Unfortunately there is also a down side, a dark side of Brazil you’re bound to experience if you ever go. Despite the accelerated economic growth of recent years, poverty is still a serious issue here and people will do just about anything when their survival instincts kick-in.

You could end up with a switchblade pressing hard on your throat and be forced to surrender your wallet and valuables in order to keep your life. Kidnappings aren’t unusual in large cities like Rio de Janeiro or Sao Paolo; you just get pulled into a car and taken to the closest ATM in order to pay your own ransom. If you can’t do that, well, you better hope your family can or you’re in serious trouble.

Drug cartels have a firm grip over the slums of many of Brazil’s large cities and the police simply don’t have the power to bring them to their knees, so you might be unlucky enough to find yourself in the wrong place at the wrong time and become a victim of their crossfire.

Poland

Poland’s ranking is not a surprise. Its decades-old, mostly two-lane roads are poorly marked and not built for today’s heavy truck traffic. Last month, on the four-hour main route from Breslau to Poznan that is entirely over winding narrow roads, we frequently witnessed impatient auto drivers pass long lines of trucks without sufficient clearance.

Crashes were often averted only when vehicles in both lanes moved onto the road’s shoulders. Beware if you plan to drive “east.”

United Arab Emirates

Sure, they may be the most prosperous of all Arab nations, but you’d think they’d be able to afford some better road safety programs. The land of oil, excess and seven-star hotels also happens to be one of the most dangerous places to get behind the wheel, with an estimated 37 out of every 100, 000 drivers and passengers dying on the road.

The Gambia

Memo to the chicken who crossed the road: don’t in The Gambia. Massive car pile-ups are so frequent there that officials created a "road safety week" this past November. The West African country has a road fatality rate of 36.6 per 100, 000 citizens.

Angola

Malaria a major cause of premature death in Angola, but believe it or not, car collisions aren’t far behind. In the past five years, a staggering 10, 000 Angolans have died in driving accidents. Bad roads, drunk driving and speeding are some of the main causes of the country’s road traffic death rate of 37.7 per 100, 000 citizens.

Niger

As if famine and overpopulation weren’t enough, Niger also has to put up with reckless drivers. If you’re thinking of cruising down the scenic African country’s dusty roads, keep in mind it has a traffic fatality rate of 37.7 per 100, 000 people.

Iraq

Okay, so chances are you won’t be spending your holidays in Iraq, but if by some odd chance you are, try hiking everywhere instead of driving. The main stage of the War on Terror has a traffic fatality rate of 38.1 per 100, 000 motorists and passengers.

Libyan Arab Jamahiriya

In 2007 alone, 2,138 Libyans died in auto-collisions. Among the reasons cited by Libyan authorities are excessive speed (oh really?) and poorly planned roads. Libya ranks as the second most dangerous Arab locale to drive in, with a fatality of rate of 40.5 per 100, 000 people.

Egypt

Blazing through the desert in a jet black jeep may have looked really cool while playing Tomb Raider 4, but about 42 people per 100, 000 die on Egypt’s roads. That just drains all the fun right out, doesn’t it? Considering the country’s estimated 6,000 traffic-related fatalities a year, some curse-happy Pharaoh must have a huge chip on his shoulder.

The Cook Islands

They’re renowned for their friendly people, tropical weather and relaxed pace of life – that is, when vehicles are smashing into one another. The Cook Islands have a road death rate of 45 per 100,000 drivers and passengers.

Eritrea

With an estimated 48 road traffic deaths per 100, 000 people, the small, poor African country of Eritrea tops the list. Oh, they also don’t have a publicly available pre-hospital care system in place, so try not to get into any smashups.

Colombia

Its not the driving you have to worry about? Kidnapping is the main worry in Colombia. There were 2338 kidnappings in Colombia in 1998. Of the victims, 138 were killed by their captors. Ranked Fourth in the world for murders with 69.98/100000 in 2006, the popular targets are mayors, with dozens of them being slain each year. And of course, who can forget cocaine? Colombia supplies 75% of the worlds supply and thanks to Pablo Escobar and the Cali Cartel, paramilitary groups have waged war on the government in a bloody conflict with no end in sight. Even those working in the name of charity are not excluded from the frenzy. In 2005, 5 Catholic missionaries were murdered, down from 9 in 1999. Colombia’s beautiful coast and rugged mountains should make it a tourist paradise, instead it is among the most feared destinations you can visit.

World’s most dangerous roads

Bolivia The Old Yungus Road 50-mile mountain road that connects Coroico to La Paz

Brazil Interstate 116 Potholes, poor signals and heavy traffic in southern Brazil

China Sichuan-Tibet Highway A rough, high-elevation road between Chengdu and Tibet where landslides and rock avalanches are common.

Costa Rica Pan American Highway Called the Hill of Death, the stretch from San Isidro de El General to Cartago is full of potholes and steep curves.

Croatia Coastal roads Adriatic Coast roads are narrow, curvy, and congested, and many lack shoulders and guardrails.

Ecuador Cotopaxi Volcan road 25-mile dirt road that crosses a swift-moving stream at the Cotopaxi National Park entrance.

Egypt Luxor-al-Ghurdaqah road Many crashes on this road to the Red Sea occur at night because Egyptians drive with headlights off.

England A44 More than 25% of crashes on the stretch linking Leominster and Worcester are head-on.

Greece Patiopoulo-Perdikaki road A steep, gravel road with an unmarked edge in the Agrafa region.

India Grand Trunk Road Heavily used by trucks, the country’s busiest road is overloaded with ox carts, animals, bicycles and pedestrians.

Kenya Nairobi-Nakuru-Eldoret Highway More than 300 die annually in crashes commonly caused by speeding, improper passing and drunken driving.

Mexico Highway 1 A winding, narrow potholed road from Tijuana to Cabo San Lucas that lacks guard rails, shoulders and road signs.

Morocco Marrakesh-Agadir Road Heavy truck traffic and buses and taxis that pass on steep, blind curves

Namibia Swakopmund-Walvis Bay road Heavy truck traffic and frequent head-on collisions when drivers misjudge distance between vehicles while passing.

Nepal Prithvi Highway Landslides and road cave-ins during the rainy season are common on this narrow road with heavy traffic linking Kathmandu to Pokhara.

Nigeria Lagos-Ibadan-Ogbomosho-Ilorin-Jebba-Minna-Abiyo Expressway A congested road with deep potholes and a median in disrepair that links northern and eastern Nigeria. Drivers may drive on the wrong side to avoid traffic.

Pakistan N-35 (Karakoram Highway) Landslides, floods and mud can block this northern Pakistan mountain road that passes through deep gorges and is a route to China.

Peru Kuelap-Celendin-Cajamarca road Narrow, gravel mountain road with sheer drops and hair-pin turns on descent from Barro Negro Pass to Las Balsas.

Portugal IP3 Steep, deteriorating road with no barrier between lanes linking Coimbra and Viseu.

Scotland A77 A winding single- and two-lane road in southwestern Scotland with varying speed limits and many fatal crashes.

Spain Carretera Nacional N340 A narrow Costa del Sol coastal road where drunken drivers and tourists unaccustomed to driving on the right have caused many crashes.

South Africa N3 Between Warden in Free State Province and the bottom of Van Reenen’s Pass in KwaZulu-Natal Province, there’s a high crash rate because of fog, rain, wind and winding stretches.

Turkey Bodrum-Milas-Soke road Winding coastal road without barriers on many stretches that’s especially dangerous when wet.

Tagged: 16 factlets about RL me


Image by moggs oceanlane
This picture was taken when logging into SL at dial up speeds thus the utter emptiness and half rezzed look – I’m standing in SL nothingness . I’m on the equivalent of dial up speed for a week… it’s a killer. (The RL component of it changes from time to time )

I have plurked the challenge here.

16 random facts about RL Moggs that you may not know

1. I once rode a mechanical bull for about 3 seconds. Three times in a row. I kept getting back on. My nemesis from school was at the controls … taking me from 0-full speed in seconds.

2. Moggs is a nickname from real life.

3. I twirl my hair when I get tired. Which is probably better than ripping it out in handfuls like I used to do as a baby to make myself to cry so I’d sleep.

4. I love people and think you can never have too many GOOD people in your life… something I don’t regret but which means trying to keep up with people can get interesting at times. I randomly mix my various (and quite different) groups of friends who live locally once or twice a year and never pause to think about who gets along with who or worrying about compatibility – it’d never happen otherwise. My friends are diverse in age, sexuality, religious and moral beliefs, culture/sub-culture and I love them all. (I believe you have to be a little bit in love with all of your [true] friends.)

5. I try to use my powers for good – unless someone ‘makes’ me do otherwise. (I’m relatively easy going and easy to get along with but don’t like bullies. I will stand up for what I believe – vocally, in writing and with my feet.)

6. I love the city and the country. I hate the suburbs. I’ve been living in the outer ‘burbs for the first time EVER for the last year and a bit and I HATE it (and my suburb smells like toilet – for real. I’m not making that up!). I’m currently plotting my return to the inner ‘burbs or city. [Note - this woeful situation was rectified in March 2009... I'm closer to the city but aiming to move closer still... reasonably happy where I am but have a lot of my stuff stored so this place is just temporary]

7. I hate political correctness. I much prefer bluntness. I blame political correctness and the over use of weasel words for exaggerating a number of issues in our society. I don’t ‘get’ discrimination based on gender, sexuality, religion, skin colour and I think that bluntness and common decency are not incompatible (BRUTAL honesty, however, is unneccessary… the regular kind of honesty is just fine and can be served with kindness on the side). I believe common decency is more important that being politically correct. (See also Soft Language by George Carlin).

8. I was a bridesmaid for someone I met in rest rooms at a pub – I’d raided the men’s toilets for toilet paper and handed it over the cubicle… the person recognised my watch later while we were at the bar ordering drinks at the same time. We started chatting and went on to become good friends. Oh… did I forget to say that I meet people in strange and unusual circumstances?

9. I did the ‘get to know you thing’ with a guy who turned out to have 64 aliases (we didn’t get to know each other too well – he was a little strange… even for me. We wouldn’t have got to know one another at all but I’d made up this dumb rule for myself that I had to at least make an attempt to get to know the next guy who asked me out – something I’d regret a whole lot more if the resulting story wasn’t so good!). He was a magician who often wore a bobby policeman outfit which, retrospectively, was very amusing. When the news hit the local papers my phone rang hot. One friend rocked up at 4am at my door, having walked from the city totally drunk and hardly able to speak. He held up the paper and then fell into my house (literally!) in a drunken laughing mess. When I shared the story with my grandma in a letter, she wrote me back a fictional letter – thinking if I could make stuff up, she could too!

10. My favourite colours are red and green. I love particular shades of green. I’m a Leo. I was born on a Thursday at either 00:43 or 00:46. I’m a ENFJ Jung Personality Type – E 11%, I 44% F 88% J 11% (well, according to an Internet based test on the humanmetrics site that I did thanks to Laleeta’s plurk back in October 2008).

11. In my own opinon, I’m equal parts serious and nutty. I like to play. And I like to think.

12. I am not really into large parties but attend them and host them anyway because I love catching up with people. I much prefer catch ups when you can have actual dialogue rather than a range of greetings and short superficial topics. My parties generally go quite well despite the random mix of people and the fact I tend to let things evolve rather than try to direct proceedings. When I’m tired I revert to childhood shyness but few people believe me if I explain why I’m not so social – I had to learn to be outgoing and meet people when I moved to a new town when I was 12 or 13; it was hard work but now it’s like second nature, except when I’m really tired.

13. I love sharing things that impress me (make me laugh, think or propel me to action). I love promoting the people I love… or those whose skills I respect. Many of my friends jokingly call me a pimp – but then ring me when they are after people or information. I compulsively share new finds with friends and aquaintances and go out of my way to email people with trivia or recommendations if I know they are interested in a particular topic. I’m an information junkie and sometimes think I absorb things by osmosis.

14. I believe it’s important to tell people the good stuff as well as the bad. I will offer criticism (that I hope is constructive) but I’ll also offer compliments. I don’t understand why most people don’t hestitate when it comes to the negatives but many find it so hard to share a compliment, pass on something good or to say I like/adore/love you.

15. I’ve never had a broken bone – even though I was a bit of a tomboy as a child and probably should have broken any number of them.

16. When it comes to people, music, tv, movies and books I’m very eclectic in my tastes and like a bit of everything… I think this comes back to the fact I’m insanely curious and hate not knowing.

Supplementary facts inspired by other people’s posts

S1. I sometimes shop for shoes with my sense of humour ON (something you should never do but I can’t help myself!) – inspired by Vixie Rayna (11)

S2. I’m not a fan of city beaches having grown up with beautiful country beaches. I like the beach best when it’s relatively empty… and I love being near the sea when it’s raining or there’s a storm inspired by Serene Footman (6)

S3. My youngest sister (there are three of us) once told me if I wanted to punish someone, I should sing to them. – inspired by Bunny Brickworks (3)

S4. I’m seriously addicted to people watching – – inspired by Vixie Rayna (15)

S5. I have a dog-made-dimple on one of my cheeks… I fell over and during my fall my hand met with the dogs tail and bent it back the wrong way, he turned around and bit me (as a natural reaction) and stopped as soon as he realised he’d bitten one of his humans. The dog and I were both fine and I got a dimple. In other crazy ventures with pets – as a child I was annoying the dog, he gently grabbed my arm with his teeth in warning. Being a stubborn child rather than take the hint and let go, I bit the dog back. They tell me that the dog increased his pressure a bit… and then I did the same and the battle of wills continued until finally I let go. (My parents were watching and ensuring that I wasn’t hurt – obviously I wasn’t too scarred as I love all animals and have no fear at all of dogs) – inspired by Trinity Dechou (7)

S6. I am not a member of any organised religion. I strongly believe in the right to choose. I believe there are things that can’t be explained and haven’t decided whether to attribute them to god, science or our lack of knowledge of the human brain. I once house sat in a house I swore was haunted. I lasted there a whole week where as anyone who came to stay with me lasted a night or less. I ended up leaving a week early and just popped by morning and night to feed the animals and water plants (explaining to my family why I was home early was embarrassing). – inspired by Dolly Voom (7)

S7. I don’t like the bed linen tucked in at the feet. My feet seem to be the master control for my body temperature and I like to be able to move them in and out of the covers. – inspired by Denise Rowlands (13)

S8. I have an excellent memory – which my friends often curse. Don’t tell me stuff you don’t want me to remember. BUT if you tell me anything about cricket (one of the few things that holds zero interest for me) I won’t remember a bit of it. My dad likes to tell me about cricket highlights just to torment me – inspired by Bunny Brickworks (10)

S9. Caterpillers gross me out. (My favourite insect is the praying mantis). Not a lot else grossed me out – though if I’m going to be squeemish, it’s generally in response to a sound or to a smell more than visuals. I have friends and family in the medical industry so very little phases me or grosses me out as a topic of conversation while eating – inspired by Madame Maracas (2)

S10. I’m a non-smoker but people often think I am a smoker because many of my friends smoke. I am probably one of the few non-smokers that will look at smoke fanners with reproach. – inspired by Vixie Rayna (17)

S11. The people in a range of cafes I frequent know my face, order and a number of factlets about me (though generally not my name – unless they specifically make a point of asking). I’ll talk to anyone and I love coffee. I am fussy about coffee and am not a fan of chains like starbucks and hudsons – I’d rather go to small cafe with a skilled barista. If my sisters don’t have real coffee and only have instant they won’t bother offering me one. – inspired by Denise Rowlands (2)

S12. My legs are extremely ticklish. Which would be fine if no one knew. Kids, especially, are ruthless if they find out. – inspired by Trinity Dechou (7)

S13. I used to watch ‘tear jerkers’ with my mum when the rest of the family was out so we could sob without being mocked. These days I cry or laugh without shame in the cinema – I cry quietly and just let the tears stream down my face. I laugh whole heartedly and not particularly quietly. (BUT People who talk in the cinema during a movie drive me insane). " [...] , you’re going to burn in a very special level of hell. A level they reserve for child molesters and people who talk at the theater." (Book, Firefly) – inspired by Bunny Brickworks (11)

S14. I have many (nick)names and they make me smile. I once read some quote that said, ‘a child with many names is a much loved child ‘ – inspired by Vixie Rayna (18)

S15. I’ve only been on fire once… oh … twice (that I can remember) – once was my thumb due to a flaming sambucca – I was in a crowded pub so couldn’t just drop it either… months later I was at work assisting a client and he said, ‘I know you from somewhere…‘ as soon as I mentioned the suburb where I hung out.. he said, "you were the girl with your thumb on fire!!". another time I caught my pants alight via a tea light candle my friend had artfully sat on the ground – much to the amusement of my friends. – Inspired by gr33ncat

S16 I hate chain letters and junk email. When I receive them and have time, I’ll go through and harvest everyone’s email and send (using BCC) a reply to them all – starting with, "now I have your email addresses, I can subscribe you all to porn lists…" – but then go on to reassure I won’t really do this and provide advice about using the BCC field and sharing some basic email/web etiquette. I really hate junk email and figure if I tell people why, they might stop (or at least might leave me off their spam list ). (moved up from my comments).

The challenge

Post your RL pic and 16 random facts about your person. But you needn’t if you don’t feel like. It’s not that bad karma will hit you. // Post a pic of yourself on flickr and write down 16 random facts about yourself, funny, quirky, weird stuff then send on to/tag 16 other people.

See also: What I do when I log into SL / Six random facts

I didn’t tag anyone else… but if you do it…. or have already done it, please leave a link to your own post here in the comments as I’d love to see yours too. You’ll find a number of other people’s responses to this challenge by browsing my favourites or by visiting the ‘You Got Tagged’ flickr group.