Nic’s blog

I write about building businesses, failing and building a life, not a legacy.

Nic Haralambous Nic Haralambous

why do we call them pigs?

It's just not right. We get pissed off when the police are unable to arrest a hijacker or murdered. But it is road accidents that probably kill more people in this country. When they try to stop us from harming ourselves and others in vehicles we brand the police pigs. Unacceptable in my opinion. We can't have it both ways.Stick to the rules and if you break them don't abuse the police.

Read More
Nic Haralambous Nic Haralambous

Metro police breaking the law

I have a pet hate. It involves cars breaking the basic rules of the road. I am fairly rebellious when it comes to rules and regulations but when it comes to the road I think that rules are there for the protection of the masses.What breaks me even more is when the people who are meant to be upholding those laws break them. It gives me a sense of powerlessness. It makes me think that I am unable to do anything or turn anywhere when others break the rules of the road. I hate it.So when I was driving down Katherine Street the other day I decided to take a different course of action. It is possibly the worst part of my day, driving down Katherine and going under the Grayston Bridge. If you have ever done this trip in peak hour traffic you will know that two turning lanes (out of three) fast become three turning lanes with none to left to those wanting to carry on straight. This creates more congestion and frustration. And no, it is not just the taxis that do this.There are clearly drawn lines (literally) on the road that define the lanes, which goes where and what lane you need to be in. I need to go straight, not turn right. However many cars feel the need to get in to the straight lane to cut out their time waiting to turn. I get screwed, they get through.In front of me I found a metro police car who seemed to be going straight. I had a feeling he was turning right. He did. And in the process he crossed a solid white line and caused major congestion and a very dangerous situation for other drivers. As far as I know crossing a solid line is a R500 fine. Who's going to fine those who hand out the fines? There was no emergency and he didn't have his emergency lights on so I can only assume that he was blatantly breaking the law and thus allowing others to think that they can do the same.Here's the pic. Notice the indicator light on the right is on (at least he was courteous about it) just before he crosses the white line and goes through the red on top of it all.Some may say I am being petty but I don't think so. I think that if the metro police can't obey the law we are headed for some dangerous times on the road. Keep an eye out for this car, check the number plate and if you know anybody who can do some good with this photo then send on this blog post to them.

Read More
Nic Haralambous Nic Haralambous

27 Dinner was awesome, the police weren't

The 27 DinnerI love the 27 Dinners. The most spoken words of the evening must be "I need to talk to you," or "We should really talk."I am not going to post in detail about things as I am sure many other bloggers are planning it, when that happens I will point my readers to their posts and everyone will be happy.Update: There are other bloggers who have said it better than I could've: Carly, Tyler, Matt, Groogle, Vincent, Chillibean and just for sympathy read Mike's post 27 post.My speech apparently went well, people cheered, some laughed with me, others cried but all in all a good response!The PoliceI ended up leaving the dinner at about 1 am last night. That was fine, but then as I turn left on to the highway to get to rivonia, BAM, the cops. Now I honestly did not think that I was over the limit in any way shape or form. Alas, apparently I was. Here is my list of things to do when being stopped by the cops:

  • Be Sober (no shit)
  • Don't be drunk (no shit)
  • Don't talk too much, they'll know you're covering it up
  • Don't talk too little, they'll know you're covering it up
  • Have your license ready.
  • After breathaliser test, ask to see the reading yourself (I did not)
  • Make sure your ID disk on the car is dated correctly
  • MAKE SURE YOU HAVE AT LEAST R40 IN YOUR POCKET

Now, that last point might be incredibly strange to overseas people, but last night it save my butt. After a serious amount of persuasion attempts and offers to get the cop AWAY from a "spot fine" I gave up, there was no way he was taking me to jail, there was no way he was writing me a ticket and there was no way that he was letting me go without some compensation for his hard work.Lets just say the rest worked itself out, he gave me some drinking advice, "You must eat while you drinking, its much safer like that," said the wonderful cop. Thanks Mr. Cop-man you're a gem.Next 27 Dinner, lets leave before 1am and miss the cops. It'll save me a lot of trauma.

Read More