The Chinese zoos that allow patrons to buy live chickens, goats and cows and toss them into the lion enclosure so that people can enjoy them being ripped apart has been a lead story in many local and international newspapers this month (also see Saturday Star, p13, January 19 2008). Zoo patrons are allowed to […]
Lifestyle
Posted inLifestyle, Tech
The takeaway society
One thing that really surprised me about the United Kingdom when I first moved across was the number of furnished homes that were for rent. One hardly comes across that in South Africa where most people accumulate their own living things. It’s not uncommon for the locals to pack a few boxes, tuck them under […]
Posted inLifestyle, News/Politics
Empowering ourselves
It is so easy to be a victim, to blame someone else and to shrug off responsibility. I’m referring to things such as crime and education, employment equity and gender equality at some level, but what I actually want to get into is the power situation and how each of us affects and contributes to […]
Posted inLifestyle, News/Politics
Eish! Our divided country
I don’t normally respond to comments on my writing. I believe that writers have the first word and should not necessarily have the last word. But the beauty of the internet and blogs is that no one really has the last word. The blog writer starts a debate that can continue as long as needed. […]
Posted inLifestyle
Selfish parents breed violent young
Are young people with increasingly violent, self-destructive behaviour out of control — or is this the most self-centred, negligent generation of parents yet? Globally, young people in newly affluent societies are playing up — they stagger drunk from parties, consume an array of drugs, have sex at increasingly young ages and are disturbingly violent. Last […]
Posted inLifestyle, Tech
Using MXit to learn
MXit, the very cheap, very popular mobile instant messaging (MIM) application (that is actually a lot more), is coming of age. To clear the way for the rest of the discussion, I am aware of the dangers and risks of MXit: addicts — teens and working people — who spend hours a day tap-tapping their […]
Posted inLifestyle
The Magnificent Seven and one survivor
Apology: This is quite a long blog. Please bear with me. There are seven facets to each person’s being for the duration he or she is on this planet and in this common dimension. These facets are in a constant state of flux and change; something like a lava lamp, except they’re all connected — […]
Posted inBusiness, Lifestyle, News/Politics
Tired of this shit
Like many other South Africans this morning, I am pissed off about the electricity thing. Irritated by traffic lights being down. Annoyed about having to eat cold left-overs by the light of my head-torch. Inconvenienced by delayed meetings. Flabbier for missed squash games due to closed gyms. And poorer in ways I haven’t had the […]
Posted inLifestyle
A few of my favourite realisations
It’s not so much good luck or bad luck; it’s more the way you choose to see things. Any situation has both good and bad elements, and an opportunity for growth. Nobody can force you to feel anything — it’s your own decision whether to be swayed by their attempts. Who cares if people think […]
Posted inLifestyle, Media, Tech
SA leads in gaming industry
In South Africa, you can get Springbok colours for PC, console and mobile gaming. Furthermore, the gaming industry surpassed the movie industry worldwide in terms of revenue a year ahead of analysts’ expectation. In the United States, the average age of gaming is 45. These statements are all placed right at the top of this […]
Posted inLifestyle
Redefining the new South Africa
Every day we encounter words or phrases that take on a whole new meaning when placed in a South African context. Knowing what they mean, where, when and how to use them may well enhance your enjoyment of our beautiful country and perhaps even save your life. Accordingly, herewith more definitions for everyday South African […]
Posted inBusiness, Lifestyle, Tech
Am I irrelevant?
Have I allowed myself to become outdated, irrelevant, inconsequential and stuck in a dark corner of the early 2000s? Has technology passed me by and been handed on to a younger generation of smart, happening geeks? My friend Vincent called me up some months back and told me, in effect, that I have. “You’re wasting […]