I wonder if George Santayana really examined the concept of “history” before arriving at this conclusion. Did he factor in the tendency to award the job of writing it to the victors, the revision that would take place as the needs of expedience overtook actual recounts or even the way in which modern man perceives […]
Michael Trapido
Mike Trapido is a criminal attorney and publicist having also worked as an editor and journalist.
He was born in Johannesburg and attended HA Jack and Highlands North High Schools.
He married Robyn in 1984 (Mrs Traps, aka "the government") and has three sons (who all look suspiciously like her ex-boss).
He was a counsellor on the JCCI for a year around 1992.
His passions include Derby County, Blue Bulls, Orlando Pirates, Proteas and Springboks.
He takes Valium in order to cope with Bafana Bafana's results.
Practice Michael Trapido Attorney (civil and criminal) 011 022 7332
Posted inNews/Politics
Get off Mbeki’s back!
On Friday I watched a ton of tourists taking pictures of Madiba’s statue in Sandton City: an imposing tribute to the man British columnist John Carlin calls “the president of humanity”. I may also have noticed one or two stunning blondes but that was only because they were walking between me and the amateur photographers. […]
Posted inNews/Politics
The ‘unique relationship’
Turkey’s newly elected President, Abdullah Gul, has confirmed that he attaches the highest priority to forging even closer ties with Pakistan. Gul, whose Justice and Development Party has Islamist roots, is causing concern among secularists and the military, who for their part have in the past pushed democracy aside to defend Turkish secularism. While Gul […]
Posted inGeneral
BEE company to feed Kruger visitors to animals
“BEE company wins 10-year contract to feed Kruger visitors: “A black economic empowerment group has been given a multimillion-rand contract to run all restaurants in the Kruger National Park, in Mpumalanga. The group has signed a lucrative 10-year contract with the South African National Parks to operate the Kruger’s 12 restaurants.” — UPI The reporter […]
Posted inGeneral
Howeffer: The magistrate strikes back!
Anyone who has ever been privileged to witness an Afrikaans magistrate giving his judgement or, more importantly here, his sentence, in English will know why I consider this the eighth wonder of the world. You can forget about Jackie Mason, Billy Connelly and Barry Hilton; just pop along to any magistrate’s court near you. Just […]
Posted inLifestyle
Big Brother: Lerato, honey, you’re a big kugel
If anyone should know what a kugel looks and sounds like, it’s me. I grew up in a house full of them and have been married to one for 22 years (wonderful years, of course, honey). Which explains why I picked out Lerato from 20 yards with my eyes closed. The Traps household has Big […]
Posted inGeneral
Okay, so the president isn’t superwoman!
It is important, in any democracy, to have a series of checks and balances on the executive. An important segment of these safeguards is the media, from whom the people seek both information and guidance. It is just as important that these “safeguards” don’t lose sight of the bigger picture: South Africa, 13 years after […]
Posted inGeneral
2010 World Cup FAQ for tourists
In order to assist those interested in coming to South Africa in 2010, herewith a comprehensive FAQ (frequently asked questions). FAQ South Africa: Where’s that? How well do you know Egypt? We would suggest a flight to Cairo, stop over and then a scenic African drive south. Your best bet would be to hire your […]
Posted inNews/Politics
Reality sometimes trumps democracy
America is fast learning that idealism is not always capable of being translated into a working reality. Moreover, as in the case of Iraq, the medication is killing the patient and the doctor. Democracy when prescribed to the Palestinians brought about a resounding victory for Hamas in their elections. Radical Islamic parties also showed strongly […]
Posted inGeneral
Out-of-body experiences are now a reality
Scientists have taken an old wives’ tale and turned it into a reality: volunteers at the University College London actually underwent an out-of-body experience. http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/2007/aug/24/2 The impact on our daily lives could be incredible. A person whose mind is operating outside their body could be the scientific find mankind has been waiting for. Anyone? If […]
Posted inNews/Politics
Would a Barack Obama Presidency be good for Africa?
The American presidential election is about a year away from the national conventions where the Republicans and Democrats nominate their candidates. This takes place in the summer before elections. As things stand, analysts are predicting a Democratic president, namely Hillary Clinton. If, however, the Democrats nominate Obama at their Denver Convention, would that be in […]
Posted inLifestyle
The government on make-up
Mrs Traps, “the government”, clearly missed her calling as a beautician. Every morning she hits the bathroom and begins a ritual that is a must for any wannabe kugel. Having studied this for years I felt, seeing as I wasn’t doing anything right now, I’d share it with you. THE GOVERNMENT ON MAKE-UP 1. Take […]