Malignant Thoughts

A song for Egypt

2011-02-11T14:32:00.000+03:00

Sout Alhoureya
Amir Eid Feat. Hany Adel, Hawary on guitars & Sherif Mostafa on keyboards
video by moustafa fahmy, mohamed khalifa and mohamed shaker

Original posting on YouTube

The Story of the Egypt Revolution

2011-02-08T11:28:00.000+03:00

Egypt Burning

The story of five days in January when the people of Egypt broke through a barrier of fear and rose in revolt.

This film tells the story of five days in January 2011 when the people of Egypt broke through a barrier of fear they had known for a generation and rose in revolt against their president.

Anger had long been brewing in Egypt - strikes, unemployment and sectarian tension were on the rise.

Small networks of activists had been agitating against Hosni Mubarak's autocratic rule for years. But it was only when another Arab country, Tunisia, rose up against its tyrant that the Egyptian activists attracted mass support.

People took to the streets across Egypt demanding political freedoms, an end to state corruption and a better quality of life for the impoverished population.

Egypt Burning captures those critical moments as history unfolded through interviews with Al Jazeera correspondents on the ground. Their coverage of this popular uprising made them the target of a state campaign to get Al Jazeera off the air.

Christians protecting Muslims during prayer - Tahrir Square, #Egypt

2011-02-05T00:04:00.001+03:00

BE ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF HISTORY, DON'T ENTERTAIN APARTHEID!

2011-02-04T03:45:00.000+03:00

SABC’s 5fm flights advert supporting “cultural boycott” of Israel
- 03 February 2011

Starting today, a 30-second recording by Dave Randall, lead guitarist
of the UK dance band, Faithless, will begin broadcasting on SABC’s
5fm.

Randall belongs to the prominent music group, Faithless – who have
popular tracks such as “Insomnia” and “We Come 1”. Faithless is
currently on tour in South Africa: performing in Cape Town on the 04th
of February and in Johannesburg on the 05th of February 2011.

Both Maxi Jazz, front man of Faithless, and Dave Randall are vocal
supporters of the cultural boycott of Israel and refuse to play in
Israel.

In 2010, amidst much public attention, Faithless cancelled their
scheduled Israel gig. This came after being called-on and urged by
Palestinian groups to support the cultural boycott of Israel. On
canceling their show, Maxi Jazz had this to say about playing in
Israel and on the suffering he saw:

“I feel deeply that I should not be sending even tacit signals that
this is either 'normal' or 'ok'. It's neither and I cannot support
it.”

Other artists to have recently cancelled appearances in Israel
include: Carlos Santana, Elvis Costello, Gil Scott-Heron, Ken Loach,
Dustin Hoffman, Meg Ryan, and Massive Attack.

The audio recorded message by the Faithless member will be broadcast
on South Africa’s popular radio station, 5fm, that currently has a
following of over 2 million listeners. The radio message from Randall
states:

“Hi, I'm Dave Randall of Faithless. Twenty years ago, I would not have
played in Apartheid South Africa. Today, I refuse to play in Israel.

Be on the right side of history. Don't entertain Apartheid.

Join the international boycott of Israel.

I support www.southafricanartistsagainstapartheid.com"

The 30-second audio recording has been incorporated into a music video
on the video-sharing platform, YouTube, making it further available to
a wide, international audience. Find it here:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=XpE5AjsBiqw

If you would like a copy of the audio recording, to sample or to
broadcast it yourself, kindly contact:
info@southafricanartistsagainstapartheid.com

ISSUED BY THE SOUTH AFRICAN ARTISTS AGAINST APARTHEID COLLECTIVE (
www.southafricanartistsagainstapartheid.com)

#Jan25

2011-02-02T20:44:00.000+03:00

History is in the making
There has been no hesitation
The crowd is unrelenting
The fervor is high
The images are beamed to us from the sky
We seeing it live
The truth, No lies
We all glued to he screens
Witnessing these life changing scenes
The people are no longer sitting back and crying
They are out their in the streets, protesting and dying

The people rejected Gamal's succession
And the people are not convinced by Hosni's concessions
His new government is being rejected
The people want Hosni to leave
Just like how Ben Ali defected
But Hosni has many tricks up his sleeves
He will not leave until his term has ended
The people are determined
Their protests will not be suspended

Al Jazeera's Egypt coverage

2011-01-31T22:01:00.002+03:00

As the ANGER IN EGYPT spreads, Al Jazeera has found itself being silenced by the Egyptian Governments by removal of its frequency from the Nilesat.

As protests continue, and as Al Jazeera covers the events as they unfold, many have called for U.S. cable networks to start broadcasting Al Jazeera. An article I read mentioned the role of Al Jazeera compared to other U.S. news networks.

Author Jeff Jarvis has began an online campaign to demand Al Jazeera on U.S. cable networks.

Al Jazeera can now be found on these frequencies in the Egypt. Viewers from the U.S. and other countries that dont have Al Jazeera on TV, can watch live from here.

http://english.aljazeera.net/watch_now/

1) New frequency for AJA & AJM on Nilesat 7W:
10949 vertical (new)
SR: 27.500 Msps
FEC: 3/4

2) New frequency for AJA & AJM on Arabsat 26E:
11585 vertical (new)
SR: 27.500 Msps
FEC: 3/4

3) Arabic and Mubasher on Hotbird:
12111 MHz Vertical (Old)
SR: 27.500 Msps
FEC: 3/4

4) Arabic and Mubasher on Arabsat Badr4 (Old):
12034 MHz Horizontal
SR: 27.500
FEC: 3/4

5) Arabic and Mubasher on Arabsat Badr4 (Old):
11996 MHz Horizontal
SR: 27.500
FEC: 3/4

Originally posted on http://malignanthoughts.blogspot.com/

CABLEGATE: US had prior knowledge to Mandela's release from prison

2010-12-01T16:35:00.000+03:00

Cable has been copied from Wikileaks Cablegate Website. http://cablegate.wikileaks.org

90CAPETOWN97, ESSA MOOSA TALKS ABOUT MANDELA AND OTHER TOPICS

Date:1990-01-17 15:03

Origin: Consulate in Cape Town

Classification: Confidential

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 03 CAPE TOWN 00097 
 
 
LONDON FOR KOLKER, PARIS FOR FENDRICK 
 
E.O. 12356:  DECL:  OADR 
TAGS: PGOV PHUM SF
SUBJ:  ESSA MOOSA TALKS ABOUT MANDELA AND OTHER TOPICS 
 
¶1.  CONFIDENTIAL - ENTIRE TEXT. 
 
-------- 
SUMMARY 
-------- 
¶2.  ATTORNEY ESSA MOOSA WHO SPOKE WITH HIM LAST WEEK, 
SAYS MANDELA FULLY EXPECTS THAT ON FEBRUARY 2 DE KLERK 
WILL ANNOUNCE THE UNBANNING OF THE ANC, PAC AND OTHER 
ORGANIZATIONS, THE LIFTING OF THE STATE OF EMERGENCY, 
THE RETURN OF POLITICAL EXILES TO SOUTH AFRICA, AND THE 
CONFIDENTIAL 
 
CONFIDENTIAL 
 
PAGE 02        CAPE T  00097  01 OF 03  182017Z 
 
RELEASE OF SEVERAL POLITICAL PRISONERS INCLUDING MANDELA 
HIMSELF.  IMPLEMENTATION OF THE ANNOUNCEMENTS WOULD COME 
SWIFTLY AFTER DE KLERK'S SPEECH AT THE OPENING OF 
PARLIAMENT. 
- 
¶3.  THE SAG IS CONCERNED OVER ANC RELATIONS WITH THE SACP 
AND OVER THE WORKING DEFINITION OF "ONE MAN ONE VOTE," 
AMONG OTHER "WHITE FEARS" ISSUES.  MANDELA HAS PASSED 
DE KLERK'S "PROPOSALS" ON THESE TOPICS TO THE ANC. 
THE ORGANIZATION'S ANNOUNCEMENT THAT IT IS WILLING TO 
NEGOTIATE EVEN WHILE APARTHEID LAWS REMAIN IN PLACE MAY 
BE PART OF THE ANC'S REPLY TO THE SAG. 
 
¶4.  TENSIONS IN THE COMMUNITY HAVE BEEN SIGNIFICANTLY 
REDUCED BY THE SAG'S TACTIC OF OPENING DIALOGUE AND A 
COMMITMENT SHARED BY THE MDM TO REDUCE CONFRONTATIONS. 
WHILE MAINLY OF BENEFIT TO THE SAG, THIS PERIOD OF CALM 
COULD ALSO FAVOR THE ANC'S NEW STRATEGY OF PRAGMATISM. 
 
¶5.  RAISING THE PENDING VISIT OF JESSE JACKSON, MOOSA 
EXPRESSED CONCERN THAT IT WOULD BE BAD FOR THE STRUGGLE 
IF JACKSON ADVOCATED LIFTING SANCTIONS UPON HIS RETURN TO 
THE US.  END SUMMARY. 
- 
¶6.  IN A HALF HOUR CONVERSATION WITH POLECONOFF. ESSA 
MOOSA. THE WESTERN CAPE UDF'S LAWYER AND ONE OF THE 
ATTORNEYS WHO MET WITH MANDELA LAST WEEK, MADE THE F0LLOW- 
ING REMARKS: 
 
--------------------------------------------- ------------- 
MANDELA RELEASE WILL BE ANNOUNCED FEBRUARY 2 IN PARLIAMENT 
--------------------------------------------- ------------- 
¶7.  MANDELA MADE IT QUITE CLEAR THAT HE FULLY EXPECTS 
CONFIDENTIAL 
 
CONFIDENTIAL 
 
PAGE 03        CAPE T  00097  01 OF 03  182017Z 
 
PRESIDENT FW DE KLERK TO MAKE SEVERAL MAJOR ANNOUNCEMENTS 
IN HIS FEBRUARY 2 SPEECH AT THE OPENING OF PARLIAMENT. 
DE KLERK WILL ANNOUNCE: 
 
-- THE UNBANNING OF THE ANC, PAC AND OTHER POLITICAL 
-  ORGANIZATIONS; 
 
-- THE END OF THE STATE OF EMERGENCY; 
 
-- THE RETURN OF POLITICAL EXILES TO SOUTH AFRICA; 
 
-- THE RELEASE OF A NUMBER OF POLITICAL PRISONERS, 
-  INCLUDING NELSON MANDELA. 
- 
¶8.  THESE ANNOUNCEMENTS WILL NOT NECESSARILY MEAN THAT ALL 
THE ITEMS LISTED WILL TAKE EFFECT AS OF THE TIME OF THE 
SPEECH.  BUT FIRM PLANS AND A COMMITMENT TO CARRY THEM OUT 
SWIFTLY WILL BE PART OF THE ANNOUNCEMENT. 
 
------------------------------- 
WHERE WILL MANDELA BE RELEASED? 
------------------------------- 
¶9.  MOOSA SIDESTEPPED A QUESTION ABOUT WHERE MANDELA'S 
HOME BASE WOULD BE UPON HIS RELEASE.  HE ONLY REMARKED 
THAT MANDELA CAN TELL THE SAG WHERE HE WANTS TO BE 
RELEASED AND WHERE HIS FIRST PUBLIC APPEARANCE WOULD THUS 
TAKE PLACE.  SENTIMENTALLY, SAID MOOSA, PAARL (WHERE 
MANDELA IS NOW IN PRISON) SEEMED TO APPEAL TO MANDELA. 
(COMMENT:  BUT POLITICALLY AND PRACTICALLY THIS MAKES 
LITTLE SENSE.  JOHANNESBURG SEEMS BY FAR THE MOST 
SUITABLE VENUE. END COMMENT.) 
- 
-------------------------------------------- 
 
 
 
 
CONFIDENTIAL 
 
 
 
 
 
R 171512Z JAN 90 
FM AMCONSUL CAPE TOWN 
TO SECSTATE WASHDC 5366 
INFO AMEMBASSY PRETORIA 
AMCONSUL JOHANNESBURG 
AMCONSUL DURBAN 
AMEMBASSY LUSAKA 
AMEMBASSY HARARE 
AMEMBASSY LONDON 
AMEMBASSY PARIS 
 
C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 02 OF 03 CAPE TOWN 00097 
 
LONDON FOR KOLKER, PARIS FOR FENDRICK 
 
E.O. 12356:  DECL:  OADR 
TAGS: PGOV PHUM SF
SUBJECT:  ESSA MOOSA TALKS ABOUT MANDELA AND OTHER TOPICS 
 
 
-------------------------------------------- 
DE KLERK-ANC COMMUNICATION THROUGH MANDELA 
-------------------------------------------- 
 
¶10.  WHEN HE MET SEVERAL WEEKS AGO WITH MANDELA, DE KLERK 
PROVIDED A SET OF PROPOSALS AND ASKED FOR THE ANC'S 
RESPONSE.  MANDELA HAS NOT DISCUSSED THOSE PROPOSALS 
IN ANY DETAIL WITH PEOPLE HERE (AT LEAST HE DID NOT DO SO 
WITH THE LAWYERS' GROUP OF WHICH MOOSA WAS A MEMBER) BUT 
HE DID TRANSMIT THEM TO ALFRED NZO AND THABO MBEKI. 
MOOSA BELIEVES (PIECING TOGETHER STRAY REMARKS WHERE AND 
THERE) THAT THE PROPOSALS RELATED PRINCIPALLY TO THE NEED 
TO ALLAY WHITE FEARS.  SPECIFICALLY, HE THINKS ONE ISSUE 
WAS THE RELATIONSHIP OF THE ANC TO THE SACP (SOUTH AFRICAN 
COMMUNIST PARTY) AND ANOTHER WAS THE DEFINITION OF ONE MAN 
ONE VOTE. 
 
¶11.  ASIDE FROM BEING AN EFFORT TO SEIZE THE MORAL HIGH 
GROUND BY PUBLICLY DEMONSTRATING FLEXIBILITY, THE ANC'S 
RECENT ANNOUNCEMENT THAT IT IS PREPARED TO NEGOTIATE 
EVEN WHILE APARTHEID LAWS LIKE THE GROUP AREAS ACT REMAIN 
IN PLACE MAY BE PART OF THE ORGANIZATION'S REPLY TO DE 
KLERK. 
 
¶12.  MOOSA UNDERSTANDS MANDELA TO HAVE WORKED OUT A 
GAME PLAN FOR "NEXT STEPS" IN A NEGOTIATION WITH DE KLERK 
SO AS TO ENSURE THAT HE IS NOT RELEASED FROM PRISON 
INTO A VACUUM. 
 
¶13.  MANDELA HAS TOLD VARIOUS VISITORS THAT HE HAS A GOOD 
OPINION OF DE KLERK AS A SINCERE INDIVIDUAL EVEN THOUGH 
HE REGARDS HIM AS STILL THE LEADER OF THE NATIONAL PARTY 
AND NOT MORE THAN THAT. 
 
--------------------------------------------- --------- 
COMMITMENT ON SAG AND MDM SIDE TO REDUCE CONFRONTATION 
--------------------------------------------- --------- 
 
¶14.  MOOSA AGREED THAT THE ATMOSPHERE IS MUCH LESS TENSE 
THAN EVEN SIX MONTHS AGO.  FOR EXAMPLE, LAST YEAR THE 
RETURN TO SCHOOL RESULTED IN THE USUAL ACCUSATIONS AND 
PHYSICAL CONFRONTATIONS BETWEEN THE DEPARTMENT OF 
EDUCATION AND TRAINING (DET), AIDED BY THE POLICE, 
AND STUDENTS SUPPORTED BY PARENTS, TEACHERS AND THE MDM. 
THIS YEAR THERE IS AN EVEN WORSE CRISIS DUE TO LACK OF 
SPACE IN BLACK SCHOOLS AND THE FAILURE OF OVER 100,000 
STUDENTS TO PASS THEIR "MATRIC EXAMS." YET THERE IS A NEW 
SPIRIT OF DIALOGUE AT THE DET AND ACTIVISTS ARE 
THEREFORE ABLE TO CHANNEL STUDENT FRUSTRATIONS IN A CON- 
STRUCTIVE MANNER. 
 
¶15.  THE SAG'S NEW "TACTIC" OF ALLOWING DISSENT AND 
ENGAGING IN DIALOGUE INSTEAD OF STONEWALLING "IS WORKING 
FOR THEM," MOOSA SAID.  HE ACKNOWLEDGED, HOWEVER, THAT IT 
COULD ALSO, IF DEALT WITH POSITIVELY, WORK FOR THE MDM 
AND ANC.  THOUGH AN ABSENCE OF DIRECT CONFRONTATION IS 
"DEMOBILIZING FOR THE MASSES," FEWER RAW NERVES AMONG 
ACTIVISTS COULD MAKE THEM MORE AMENABLE TO THE ANC'S 
INCREASINGLY PRAGMATIC STRATEGY FOR DEALING WITH THE SAG. 
THAT STRATEGY, MOOSA SAID, IS NOT UNDERSTOOD BY MANY 
ACTIVISTS, ESPECIALLY YOUTH, WHO FEAR A SELL-OUT OF THEIR 
CAUSE.  THERE REMAINS A LOT TO DO TO EXPLAIN THE VIRTUES 
OF FLEXIBILITY TO THEM. 
 
-------------------------------- 
PAC AND BC -- A THORN IN THE SIDE 
-------------------------------- 
 
¶16.  MOOSA DESCRIBED THE CONFERENCE ON A DEMOCRATIC 
FUTURE AS "NOT A POSITIVE EXPERIENCE IN COOPERATION." 
HE OPINED THAT THE PAC AND BC COULD TURN OUT TO BE A 
REAL PROBLEM.  HE EXPECTS THEM TO REMAIN ALOOF, SNIPING 
AT THE ANC'S POSITIONS FROM THE SIDELINES AND STIRRING 
UP YOUNG PEOPLE IN PARTICULAR. 
 
---------------------- 
JESSE JACKSON VISIT 
---------------------- 
 
¶17.  MOOSA INQUIRED ABOUT THE DATES FOR JESSE JACKSON'S 
VISIT AND EXPRESSED CONCERN THAT JACKSON HAD MET WITH 
THE PRESS AT SOUTH AFRICAN AMBASSADOR KOORNHOF'S 
RESIDENCE.  MOOSA FEARED THAT THE SAG WAS GOING TOO GOOD 
A JOB OF CULTIVATING JACKSON AND THAT HE MIGHT RETURN 
TO THE US AND ANNOUNCE THAT SANCTIONS SHOULD BE LIFTED. 
MOOSA APPEARED TO HAVE GREATER CONFIDENCE IN KOORNHOF'S 
PERSUASIVE ABILITY THAN IN THAT OF THE SACC LEADERSHIP 
WHICH IS HOSTING THE JACKSON VISIT. 
 
BAQUET

Cable can be found at http://cablegate.wikileaks.org/cable/1990/01/90CAPETOWN97.html

Article first posted on my blog, Malignant Thoughts

The Beauty in the Desert - Doha Scenary

2010-11-30T16:05:00.000+03:00

View Scenic Doha in a larger map

Zuma’s Bastard Cover Competition winner announced

2010-08-25T18:06:00.000+03:00

The winner of the Two Dogs Young Visual Designer Cover Competition 2010, to create the cover for the upcoming title Zuma’s Bastard by Azad Essa, is Saaleha Idrees Bamjee. Congratulations to Saaleha from Two Dogs and the judging team.

It was an incredibly tight race, with Saaleha’s submission just pipping one other entry. Ultimately it was decided that the winning design “epitomises Azad’s writing and all that the book is”.

The author, one of six judges to make the final decision, was particularly pleased with the decision. “When I first saw this entry, I thought, ‘Oh my crack, this cover is going to be hard to beat!’” he commented during the judging process. “It goes in with all guns – or is that USBs? – blazing. There is something special about it and my instinct tells me to roll with it. It is my first-choice, but at the same time there is the concern that it’s a dangerous-looking cover.”

Tim Richman, publishing manager of Two Dogs, notes that this was a closely considered factor: “On the one hand, we had a layered, technically excellent design from another designer that was well received, and then we had this edgy, funky, raw and very smart entry from Saaleha. The former was the safe option; this was the let’s-give-them-something-to-talk-about option. And ultimately we decided that this was more in keeping with the feel of the book and our whole approach to the project. Like Azad’s writing, we expect it to be divisive and intriguing, controversial and engaging.

“This is not a traditional book – it is a blog and a book and an attitude all rolled into one. Essentially it is the manifesto of a dynamic young South African with important things to say and it needs a striking and provocative cover to say as much. In Saaleha’s entry we have exactly that.”

The winner

On submission, designers were asked to provide a rationale for their entries. Explained Saaleha: “The concept behind this cover is to put the focus on the ‘desktop’ nature of the author’s activism, which is why the sub-title has been typeset in a font similar to the Twitter logo. Capping Azad’s gun with a USB drive speaks to the irreverence of his work, as well as further emphasising this idea of desktop activism/terrorism.”

Saaleha describes herself as a “freelance wordworker/print designer/idea girl who’s in to writing, rhyming, blogging, paper-crafting, cooking and peaktime-traffic-karaoke”. She blogs at www.saaleha.com.

The Runners-up

Other shortlisted entries were provided by Shubnum Khan, Fatima Cassim and Yusuf Dajee. The judges wish to thank them for the efforts. Shortlisted entries will be exhibited at the launch of the book, and these designers will all receive a signed copy of the book.

The competition details

The Two Dogs Young Visual Designer Cover Competition offers a cash prize of R2,500 and a trade cover credit for the designer who creates the winning cover, as well as media exposure for the winner and runners up.

For the competition, designers were asked to create the cover for the upcoming Zuma’s Bastard, the first collection of writing from Essa, which includes pieces from and inspired by his blog, the Accidental Academic, winner of South Africa’s Best Political Blog award 2009. A Facebook page was created for the title, where the public could vote for the shortlist. To encourage participation five voters stood the chance of winning signed copies of the book – winners are to be informed later this week. Currently, there are 2,156 members of the group. See www.facebook.com/Zumasbastard.

The final judges of the competition were: Azad Essa, author of Zuma’s Bastard; Tim Richman, publishing manager of Two Dogs books; Fathima Paruk, marketing manager on the project; Shay Heydenrych, head of sales at Jacana Media, the book’s distributor; Francois Pretorius, current pictures editor at House & Leisure magazine and previous Two Dogs cover designer; and Two Dogs designer Christoff van Wyk, who is designing the page layout on this project.

Please contact Fathima Paruk at fathaz@gmail.com for competition queries or to request information on the winning and shortlisted entries.

Ode to bloggers and blogging (Why you should starting blogging) by NED

2010-08-23T03:59:00.000+03:00

In an attempt to overcome my laziness and developing better writing skills, I figured about a year ago that blogging was something worth pursuing. Over a period of time, when looking back at articles, I can reflect on the writing style, technique and grammar of the various pieces.

But the fear always remained that I might become one of those self-obsessed narcissists that thinks people may actually give a crap about my opinions. So the important element then became focusing on good content. (which this article doesn't quite have) I thought that as long as good and decent content was being written, I wouldn't transform into a vain virtual vampire (alliteration - see, I actually learnt some shit at school). No offence to bloggers or vampires. Or the virtual vain (everyone on facebook, including myself).

However, content that is worthwhile writing about isn't always easy to come by. So I became lazy over time and often had nothing meaningful to say (sorta like now, but fuck it I'm on facebook anyway). An entire year passed without updating the blog. So now I've decided to push myself to write more often. And with regards to content - writing always forces one to think and analyse critically - so once I start, I'm sure something will come to mind. (this piece - case in point)

Format, Argument, Point of View all becomes important when attempting to write a piece/article. I learnt that it doesn't have to be lengthy. Or hugely profound or anything like that. Or retarded.

(PLEASE NOTE: this piece is lengthy and retarded and not particularly profound or anything like that)

Blogging merely can serve as a platform to overcome laziness and develop better writing and thinking abilities. For instance, the 'better' in the previous sentence is not the most appropriate word. But truth be told, nothing more appropriate came to mind. But nonetheless, choosing a word that simply works fine, is fine. The second 'fine' in the previous sentence is not the most appropriate word either, but fuck it I'm on facebook. This is the point of this whole entire exercise.

At the very least, blogging serves as a platform to jot down thoughts and ideas about life or something dear to us. Its a safe place to store, and we can always come back and find it. From a young age i always wrote on pages, books and scraps of paper. Over the years, i ended up losing these writings. And when i miraculously find them, there wasn't a context or time period of when they was written. So they become either nice sentimental words or pointless rants without any meaning.

So the advantage of blogging is that I have my writings recorded online that can be accessed anywhere in the world at any time and best of all, at no cost. Each post has a date and can be personalised with different colours, and you can add video's or music to them. But wait there's more, if you download an application, the blogpost with automatically appear as a facebook note without you manually having to do it. But thats not all, it comes at the incredible price of.... wait for it.... ABSOLUTELY FUCKING FREE!

But again, the fear creeps in of starting to write for an audience rather than for oneself.

There is pros and cons to this though.

The con is that we begin to start worrying about the amount of traffic to the blog, the amount of comments made and the amount of times it was shared online. The essence of the writing is lost.

But on the other hand (Darren), the pros are that we begin to start learning to articulate for an audience rather than just posting random shit. Developing relationships with other bloggers and like-minded people is hugely beneficial as an online blogging network starts to be created. Ideas, assistance, advice and inspiration can be the result of this.

Although I hardly blog, and I only have 3 followers (including myself). So in reality I only have 2 followers. Ones a good friend of mine (Thanks Zubair Habib for your unwavering support) and I dont quite know who the other person is. Im digressing now (happens when one begins to start writing after a while). Anyway, although I hardly blog and nobody really follows me or reads my blog (i just realised that maybe its because there is nothing for them to read!).

Fuck, I honestly dont know what I wanted to say when I started writing this paragraph.

[EATING PIZZA AND DRINKING APPLE JUICE WHILST I THINK]

Oh Yeah, so I dont blog much but I am already part of a blogging community. How is this possible you ask. Well, let me tell you. I follow bloggers online by visiting their blogs (like a virtual stalker) whenever i can, through RSS feeds or by following them on twitter and being friends with them on facebook. I have had the honour and privilege of being able to meet some of them over the past few years. And fortunate enough to call many of them friends (real friends, not merely just facebook friends). Like I email them and shit and have some of their mobile numbers and call them and text them and met their mothers and fathers and what not. And what what...

Through pseudo-blogging, I was able to learn new ideas, engage with new concepts and meet new people. Various organised social events brought these people together and in turn we were able to work on social projects within the community and brought more people together. (think the pundits [geeks] call this social farming) Once like-minded people met and engaged on issues, projects and initiatives began to form.

I used to be very skeptical of blogging, and 'The Internet', and 'The Technology' when i was younger (last year) [joke stolen from the Durbanite Desktop Terrorist, Author of Zuma's Bastard, Azad Essa's blog The Accidental Academic, also my current roomate - that is taking long to come back with the food].

You cant blame me for being dodgy of Technology (it rhymes - wasn't even trying), after all, I am a big fan of Terminator 2 and The Matrix.

Digressed again.

In the immortal words of Homer Simpson "DOH"

[GONNA SMOKE A CIGARETTE, PETER STUYVESANT EXTRA MILD, WHILST I REFOCUS]

[CANT FIND THE DAMN LIGHTER]

Never place a white lighter on a white bedspread. That shit just blends in. Takes about 5 minutes to find it. Always have a back-up lighter available. I have 2. But they both currently empty. And i cant find my zippo lighter. But i found my zippo lighter fluid though. I wonder where my zippo is though. I really need to find it.......

POST SCRIPT:

Still havent found my zippo lighter.

And i realised that this needs an ending. Not still quite sure about what i was going to say. Something along the lines that "Technology is like so cool in like this new millenuim and like we can keep in touch and like network and like know what our friends are like doing because they like live so far away in like this globalised world and like we can make like new friends through like blogging and like twitter and like facebook and like orket and like watch live tv on youtube except like if you from like a poor country like South Africa and yeah like that and stuff"

(Said in annoying nasal sound by an 18 year old white girl from a northern suburb in JHB, South Africa)

But I really would LIKE to take this opportunity to thank other bloggers, whom are now friends for their inspiration and motivation in sharing their ideas. Its what made me decide to put this education in use by starting to write more. And in doing so, starting to think more.

In aiming to work towards developing a better understanding amongst people of different races, cultures, religious and ethnic backgrounds, we need to be able to articulate our point of views in an appropriate manner so that its easy to understand. Therefore I do believe that writing allows this opportunity which can be practically achieved through blogging. This creates discussion and allows for greater engagement by individuals from the above mentioned different sets of people.

Please feel free to engage on these topics discussed above with me so that the process of mutual critique of thought and technique may begin. With that being said, please also forward suggestions or comments regarding the writing. You are more than welcome to pull out grammatical or spelling errors. (Azad)

I would like to thank Ayesha Jacub, Zubair Habib, MJ Khan, Azad Essa, Saffiya Surtee, Khadija Patel, Bibi Ayesha Wadvalla, Shafinaaz Hassim Fatima Paruk, MAK, Halaal Bilal Randree, Zahira Kharsany, Aasiya Fredericks and the other bloggers whose names now i cant remember. Thank you for the many brilliant pieces written over the years, for sharing with us and for providing that motivation and inspiration.

And i also would like to thank the academy and world peace (everyone says that shit for some reason, I dont want to break another unwritten law that i dont know about)

And if anyone (Azad) comes across a small dark-navy-blue zippo lighter, please return it to me through mzhassen@gmail.com

No monetary reward but i'll blog about you. Like i said, content is sometimes hard to come by.

In Summary:

- If you dont blog, consider starting

- If you do blog, start reading more than you write

- If you do blog alot and read alot, watch a fucking movie Nerd!

POST POST-SCRIPT:

Azad comes back with the food, but im not hungry anymore. And I ask him if he saw my lighter anywhere and all he said was "NO". What he shouldve said was "DOH", because I dont buy his 'claim' of not knowing where my zippo lighter is. But, thats another story... I mean Blog Post.

Khalaas Yaanie Khalaas (Now go eat your peas)

South Africa's Civil Service Protests

2010-08-21T01:13:00.000+03:00

Only when protests turn violent do we begin to start debating the merits about the cause which is being protested. This specific negotiation begun before the World Cup. A decision was taken to halt the negotiations until the end of the World Cup. A month of celebration and enjoyment showcased the capacity of South Africa to the world.

However, only the elites were afforded the opportunity to attend the matches and indulge in the fan fair that was the World Cup. The South African population gathered in groups and watched in community venues and shebeens because they dont own televisions.

I understand that the perspectives given regarding the negative effects of the strike and the impact it has on peoples lives. But assuming that civil servants have no humanity is an inhuman statement in itself.

We sitting from a privileged position of comfort and ease and we think it gives us the right to pass judgement. Pass judgement on a group/class of people that work crazy hours for a meager salary. This is focusing more on the hospital staff.

An important point of reflection is trying to understand what would drive individuals to this point. We witnessing the impact and seeing the visuals through the media. Many of you are witnessing the results directly and have first hand accounts of whats happening.

But i think that its important to note that we dont witness first hand the lives of these individuals and the hardships they have to deal with. The media doesnt focus on the Nurse that spends 12 hours at work and has to catch 2 taxis to get home. There is no thought about their families and the impact it has on their loved ones.

I understand that we all have opinions about the protest action. Bare in mind that strikes are the last resort. Negotiations failed and this is the result. Its not the first point of call.

I do not condone that people are being blocked from receiving medical attention. But i do believe that protesting for higher salaries by civil servants is necessary.

We need to show solidarity with the civil servants.

At the very least, we need to put ourselves in their shoes and truly understand the strategy and behaviour by the protesters.

Maybe its the socialist in me coming out. Or maybe its just my humanist side believing that we all have the right to a life with dignity.

After all, isnt that what we were promised after apartheid.

GEORGE CARLIN - he has spoken....

2009-08-20T17:11:00.000+03:00

Recieved this via an email from a friend of mines not too long ago. Not sure of the authenticity of it. But its interesting and I like the guy [Carlin, i like my friend too, thats why his my friend] So i thought it needs to be archived and read every so often. Its worthwhile, just to put life into perspective!

A Message by George Carlin

The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings but shorter tempers, wider Freeways , but narrower viewpoints. We spend more, but have less, we buy more, but enjoy less. We have bigger houses and smaller families, more conveniences, but less time. We have more degrees but less sense, more knowledge, but less judgment, more experts, yet more problems, more medicine, but less wellness.

We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get too angry, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too little, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom.

We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values. We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often.

We've learned how to make a living, but not a life. We've added years to life not life to years. We've been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet a new neighbor. We conquered outer space but not inner space. We've done larger things, but not better things.

We've cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul. We've conquered the atom, but not our prejudice. We write more, but learn less. We plan more, but accomplish less. We've learned to rush, but not to wait. We build more computers to hold more information, to produce more copies than ever, but we communicate less and less.

These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion, big men and small character, steep profits and shallow relationships. These are the days of two incomes but more divorce, fancier houses, but broken homes. These are days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throwaway morality, one night stands, overweight bodies, and pills that do everything from cheer, to quiet, to kill. It is a time when there is much in the showroom window and nothing in the stockroom. A time when technology can bring this letter to you, and a time when you can choose either to share this insight, or to just hit delete...

Remember; spend some time with your loved ones, because they are not going to be around forever.

Remember, say a kind word to someone who looks up to you in awe, because that little person soon will grow up and leave your side.

Remember, to give a warm hug to the one next to you, because that is the only treasure you can give with your heart and it doesn't cost a cent.

Remember, to say, 'I love you' to your partner and your loved ones, but most of all mean it. A kiss and an embrace will mend hurt when it comes from deep inside of you.

Remember to hold hands and cherish the moment for someday that person will not be there again.

Give time to love, give time to speak! And give time to share the precious thoughts in your mind.

AND ALWAYS REMEMBER:

Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.

If you don't send this....Who cares?

George Carlin

Keffiyah Day (Friday, 14th August 2009)

2009-08-14T13:11:00.000+03:00

Made in Palestine [Courtesy of Riyaad Minty]

The palestinian scarf (keffiyeh) has been quite the fashion accessory recently. From celebrities to the average person on the street, we see such a variety of colours and designs of the keffiyeh.

How many people actually now what the keffiyeh means? Where did it come from? Why is it so important to the palestinians?

This two part documentary takes a look at the last remaining keffiyeh factory in Palestine.

The next time you pull out your scarf, or see someone wearing one, maybe stop of a second and remember/remind them of what it all stands for.....WITNESS

(http://english.aljazeera.net/programmes/witness/2009/07/200972711343457982.html)

Made in Palestine

The keffiyeh is an ancient Arabic headdress, designed to keep you cool in the hot Middle Eastern summers and warm in the chill of winter.

But it is more than just a practical headdress and over recent decades it has come to symbolise the Palestinian struggle for self-determination.

At one time, small factories in the West Bank were producing thousands of keffiyeh's a day, but the forces of today's global economy means that cheap imports are now much more available.

The documentary looks at the last keffiyeh maker in the West Bank: 76 years old, he has finally fallen victim to a cocktail of competition from China, globalisation and Israeli occupation.

Through the factory's story we discover the history and significance of the different types of keffiyeh, and how the colour is an emblem of the particular political faction to which you belong.

You can watch it here:

Part 1:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gq8S5TkHHjk

Part 2:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rEBm1NbRXvM

For more information about Keffiyah (Palestinian Scarf) Day [Friday, 14 August 2009], please visit http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/event.php?eid=124651334416

Note adopted from: http://malignanthoughts.blogspot.com/

The Politics of Music: 99 Luftballons / 99 Red Balloons

2009-08-07T18:04:00.000+03:00

"99 Luftballons" is a Cold War-era protest song by the German singer Nena. Originally sung in German, it was later re-recorded in English as "99 Red Balloons".

"99 Luftballons" reached #1 in West Germany in 1983. In 1984, the original German version also peaked at #2 on the American Billboard Hot 100 chart and the English-language version topped the UK Singles Chart. The German version topped the Australian charts for five weeks and the New Zealand charts for one week.

When it made the charts in the United States, most US radio DJs incorrectly assumed that "99 Luftballons" translated to English as "99 Red Balloons" and spoke the number 99 in English, saying "Ninety-nine Luftballoons."

The translation of the title is sometimes given as "Ninety-Nine Air Balloons", however "Ninety-Nine Balloons" is also correct.[1][2] A Luftballon is a colourful toy balloon, rather than a balloon for transport or research. The name is derived from Luft, German for air, but the meaning of Luft does not qualify the type of balloon.

The title "99 Red Balloons" almost scans correctly with the syllables falling in the right places within the rhythm of the first lines of lyrics, with "red" replacing "Luft". The only difference is the missing counterpart to the German syllable "-zig" in "Neunundneunzig".

While at a Rolling Stones concert in Berlin, Nena's guitarist Carlo Karges noticed that balloons were being released. As he watched them move toward the horizon, he noticed them shifting and changing shapes, where they looked nothing like a mass of balloons but some strange spacecraft. (The word in the German lyrics "UFO") He thought about what might happen if they floated over the Berlin Wall to the Soviet sector.[3]

Both the English and German versions of the song tell a story of 99 balloons floating into the air, triggering an apocalyptic overreaction by military forces. The music was composed by Uwe Fahrenkrog-Petersen, the keyboardist of Nena's band, while Karges wrote the original German lyrics.

Having achieved widespread success in Germanic Europe and Japan, plans were made for the band to take "99 Luftballons" international with an English version. Kevin McAlea wrote this version, titled "99 Red Balloons" (on an envelope, which he claims to still have), which has a more satirical tone than the original. The English version is not a direct translation of the German but contains a somewhat different set of lyrics.[4]

Nena recorded "99 Red Balloons" despite their dissatisfaction with the lyrics, which they expressed in numerous magazine interviews in 1984. They, as with many of their fans, felt that the English rendition was not true to the meaning of its German original.

The song came during a period of escalating rhetoric and strategic maneuvering between the United States and the Soviet Union in the Cold War. In particular, its international chart success followed the United States deployment of Pershing II missiles in West Germany in January 1984 (in response to the Soviet deployment of new SS-20 nuclear missiles), which prompted protests across western Europe. The following month, Nena topped the UK Singles Chart with "99 Red Balloons" for three weeks, starting in 28 February 1984.

Unusually, in the United States the German version was more successful, charting at #2 on the Billboard Hot 100. On March 26, 1984, it was certified Gold by the Recording Industry Association of America, for shipment of over 500,000 copies.

"99 Luftballons" became the first German-language record to reach the top ten on the US charts since "Sailor (Your Home Is the Sea)" by Lolita in 1961. Although the German version was the hit version in America, both the German and English versions receive radio airplay in the United States today.

- Source: Wikipedia [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/99_Red_Balloons]

NENA – 99 LUFTBALLONS

GERMAN VERSION

Hast du etwas Zeit für mich
Dann singe ich ein Lied für dich
Von 99 Luftballons
Auf ihrem Weg zum Horizont
Denkst du vielleicht g'rad an mich
Dann singe ich ein Lied für dich
Von 99 Luftballons
Und dass so was von so was kommt

99 Luftballons
Auf ihrem Weg zum Horizont
Hielt man für Ufos aus dem All
Darum schickte ein General
'ne Fliegerstaffel hinterher
Alarm zu geben, wenn es so wär
Dabei war'n da am Horizont
Nur 99 Luftballons

99 Düsenjäger
Jeder war ein großer Krieger
Hielten sich für Captain Kirk
Das gab ein großes Feuerwerk
Die Nachbarn haben nichts gerafft
Und fühlten sich gleich angemacht
Dabei schoss man am Horizont
Auf 99 Luftballons

99 Kriegsminister -
Streichholz und Benzinkanister -
Hielten sich für schlaue Leute
Witterten schon fette Beute
Riefen Krieg und wollten Macht
Mann, wer hätte das gedacht
Dass es einmal soweit kommt
Wegen 99 Luftballons

99 Jahre Krieg
Ließen keinen Platz für Sieger
Kriegsminister gibt's nicht mehr
Und auch keine Düsenflieger
Heute zieh' ich meine Runden
Seh' die Welt in Trümmern liegen
Hab' 'nen Luftballon gefunden
Denk' an dich und lass' ihn fliegen

ENGLISH VERSION

Have you some time for me,
then I'll sing a song for you
about 99 balloons
on their way to the horizon.
If you're perhaps thinking about me right now
then I'll sing a song for you
about 99 balloons
and that such a thing comes from such a thing.

99 balloons
on their way to the horizon
People think they're UFO's from space
so a general sent up
a fighter squadron after them
Sound the alarm if it's so
but there on the horizon were
only 99 balloons.

99 fighter jets
Each one's a great warrior
Thought they were Captain Kirk
then came a lot of fireworks
the neighbors didn't understand anything
and felt like they were being provoked
so they shot at the horizon
at 99 balloons.

99 war ministers
matches and gasoline canisters
They thought they were clever people
already smelled a nice bounty
Called for war and wanted power.
Man, who would've thought
that things would someday go so far
because of 99 balloons.

99 years of war
left no room for victors.
There are no more war ministers
nor any jet fighters.
Today I'm making my rounds
see the world lying in ruins.
I found a balloon,
think of you and let it fly (away).

NENA – 99 RED BALLOONS [english song]

You and I in a little toy shop
Buy a bag of balloons with the money we've got
Set them free at the break of dawn
Till one by one they were gone
Back at base bugs in the software
Flash the message: "Something's out there!"
Floating in the summer sky
99 red balloons go by

99 red balloons
Floating in the summer sky
Panic bells, it's red alert
There's something here from somewhere else
The war machine springs to life
Opens up one eager eye
Focusing it on the sky
Where 99 red balloons go by

99 decisions treat
99 ministers meet
To worry, worry, super scurry
Call the troops out in a hurry
This is what we've waited for
This is it, boys, this is war
The President is on the line
As 99 red balloons go by

99 knights of the air
Ride super high-tech jet fighters
Everyone's a super hero
Everyone's a Captain Kirk
With orders to identify
To clarify and classify
Scramble in the summer sky
99 red balloons go by

As 99 red balloons go by

99 dreams I have had
In every one a red balloon
It's all over and I'm standing pretty
In this dust that was a city
If I could find a souvenir
Just to prove the world was here
And here is a red balloon
I think of you, and let it go

Islamic Relief: Next Generation Concert

2009-07-31T18:02:00.000+03:00

The Next Generation - Entertaining the family while helping children in need

From 24th July, Islamic Relief Worldwide, the international relief and development charity, is starting a week-long national tour ‘The Next Generation’ with Zain Bhikha, visiting Johannesburg Durban and Cape Town at events also featuring comedians and other singers. It is in celebration of Islamic Relief’s 25th anniversary, and will be the launching venue for two new albums. Proceeds go towards the orphans.

The event is called ‘The Next Generation’ because it celebrates 25 years of Islamic Rleief and looks forward to the next generation of the charity’s work. And because the show focuses on young people – suitable for all the family, featuring children among the performers, and with proceeds helping children most in need.

In 2009, Islamic Relief is celebrating 25 years of helping the world’s poorest people, focusing particularly on orphans and vulnerable children. To mark the 25 year anniversary, Islamic Relief South Africa will be showcasing the organisation’s work worldwide, including Gaza, Pakistan and South Africa.

During ‘The Next Generation’, Zain Bhikha will launch his inspirational latest album, 1415.. Artists include comedians Riaad Moosa (Cape Town), Joey Rasdien (Johannesburg), and Mervin Pillay (Durban). An up-and-coming comedian, Bilal Randeree, will be in both Durban and Johannesburg. Singers include Desert Rose in Cape Town and Waahid in both Durban and Johannesburg. Waahid will be launching their latest album, Labbaik.

TIBB, leader in holistic healthcare, is a major sponsor of the show.

The Islamic Relief Johannesburg ‘Next Generation’ will be held at the Linder Auditorium, Wits at 7.30pm Friday 24th July. The Durban event will be at the City Hall, 7.30pm Friday 31st July. The Cape Town event will be at the City Hall, 2.30pm Sunday 2 August.

This is a unique event, not to be missed. Bring the family and support a good cause. Tickets from Computicket 083 915 8000 or Islamic Relief offices.

Additional information:

The organization - Islamic Relief is an internationally-known relief and development organisation, operating worldwide in 40 countries, including programmes and staff on the ground in Gaza, the West Bank and in the North West Province of Pakistan. Islamic Relief has been working in South Africa for 5 years.

All profits from the event will go towards Islamic Relief’s orphan projects. Islamic Relief supports 2000 children in need in South Africa, supporting them with health care, nutrition, education and emotional support. In 2008, Osizweni centre (‘place of help’) was established by Islamic Relief in Ennerdale, south of Johannesburg, for poor orphans and vulnerable children affected and/or infected by HIV and AIDS. Islamic Relief is looking to replicate the successful model of Osizweni in other regions around the country.

MAD WORLD! by Tears for Fears

2009-07-21T13:01:00.000+03:00

Mad World lyrics

All around me are familiar faces
Worn out places, worn out faces
Bright and early for their daily races
Goin' nowhere, goin' nowhere

Their tears are fillin' up their glasses
No expression, no expression
Hide my head I want to drown my sorrow
No tomorrow, no tomorrow

And I find it kind of funny
I find it kind of sad
The dreams in which I'm dyin'
Are the best I've ever had
I find it hard to tell you
'Cause I find it hard to take
When people run in circles
It's a very, very
Mad world, mad world
Mad world, mad world

Children waitin' for the day they feel good
Happy birthday, happy birthday
Made to feel the way that every child should
Sits and listen, sits and listen

Went to school and I was very nervous
No one knew me, no one knew me
Hello teacher tell me what's my lesson?
Look right through me, look right through me

And I find it kind of funny
I find it kind of sad
The dreams in which I'm dyin'
Are the best I've ever had
I find it hard to tell you
'Cause I find it hard to take
When people run in circles
It's a very, very
Mad world, mad world
Mad world, mad world

And I find it kind of funny
I find it kind of sad
The dreams in which I'm dyin'
Are the best I've ever had
I find it hard to tell you
'Cause I find it hard to take
When people run in circles
It's a very, very
Mad world, mad world
Mad world, mad world
A raunchy young world
Mad world

http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x9i3i_michael-andrews-gary-jules-mad-worl

TRUE JUSTICE

2009-06-23T20:00:00.000+03:00

Leadership =equals= Responsibility

[fabric of advices weaved into a narrative which serves as a reminder]

waiting in anticipation to conform with the
messages that do not fall short of the most
beautiful scent in the heavens

permission is required to go further
and records and registers where
everything is written in
all the time

two angels ask the questions
verification is set and confirmed
decisively as they are firm

the truth is prepared and resides
in the extent which the eye can
see and made into the form
of actions

the face has good news and
pleasure has been earned
it has been delayed as
there is no rush

rejoining with everything they had
rolls easily with firmness on the
inside and cut off from the anger

there is no time to play around
as the roots are taken out
extracted in a manner as if
the veins are exploding and
going through a lot of trouble

so whoever passes through is first
permission to access is denied and
they have been returned once more

the wind flows whichever way
it wants to blow

that is only one perspective

living good is anxious
and one would faint
this is a serious thing
to where the rest of us are

a lot has been written
there is evidence

there will be this type of exchange

the best is to do good
and this is simple and
undoubtedly
it cannot be regretted

the earth is green and sweet
this theme reoccurs

the pointing pain
the matter is much worse than that
with greater severity than that which
was initially thought off

chains in formality
conformity in suites
not knowing
whats going to happen
no guarantees

good advice is simple and light
it needs to be constant
before resting the mind
we should never not worry

will say that it is
suspended and make known
the position

remember the remembrance
and no one
will be
remembering anyone

heavy scales lead this

the seriousness is such

its been made simplistic
yet it remains basic

its been backed up
and made known

actions
involvement
actions

up to date or not

this is the situation
what about the next
and the next

appealing to our intelligence
restores the deserving the rights
that are deserved

wrongs will be made right

do not aspire for leadership

stay normal

its scary
but true

Post Election Reflections

2009-04-25T16:12:00.000+03:00

Wednesday 22nd April 2009, 10:45am.

Raucall Primary School, Crosby, Gauteng, South Africa.

Voters braced the icy wind and stood in what was at times a 2 hour line to cast there vote.

This elections had the highest amount of voters registrations since 1994.

Although i voted for the ruling party, albeit with a very heavy heart, my initial idea was to spoil my ballot by dedicating a prose about my reasons. However, after standing in the cue and engaging with my fellow South Africans, I was motivated to vote.

South Africa, like many other post colonial states suffers from the plague of corruption. All former colonised states in Africa and South America have a similar problem. Its not unique just to South Africa. In other African countries, corruption was a mandatory expense that everyone budgeted for.

South Africa is even more unique as Apartheid created unequal distribution of wealth which has resulted in vast income discrepancies and social inequality which exists even today. In fact, this problem will be around for the next 50 years, if not more.

Apartheid played a role in the high level of crime which is prevalent in South Africa. Brazil and India, two other unequal societies, also have high levels of crime. However, South Africa has violent crime. After understanding the role of apartheid and dehumanisation of majority of the population, it becomes easier to understand why we have such violent crime.

I support the BEE agenda as it hopes to create a strong Black Middle Class which aims to create a Political and Economic Elite which i think can be attributed to the formation of COPE. Although i don't agree with their policies or agenda, nor do i trust or like their leadership, I do LOVE the notion of COPE as i feel that its healthy for our 'vibrant' democracy.

South African politics at this point is exciting, interesting and VIBRANT.

As a student of History and Politics, i have a great respect for the ANC and what they achieved.

Polokwane in some sense can be viewed as a revolution within a party. It may also highlight the maturity of the African National Congress.

This is a critical time for South African politics, and more importantly, for the ANC.

Although i feel that there are problems within the ANC, i cannot bring myself to support any other party. Nor could i vote for any party either. But my support is for the ANC that fought against apartheid and that is dedicated to alleviating poverty and bringing about develop to a country where most citizens live in absolute poverty.

That's the ANC i voted for. The ANC with a rich history and with influential leaders. The ANC of Luthuli, Sisulu and Mandela.

Just like the world is counting and hoping that Barack Obama can succeed and bring about something positive in this chaotic, corrupt and unjust world. So too am I hoping that this ANC succeeds. As I done see any other party articulating or championing the cause of the poor.

Although deemed corrupt and ineffective, the ANC had and will do more for the poor than any other party. At least i hope so.

We can never and should never loose hope. When South Africans stood in hour long lines wanting to articulate their vote my striking an X on their ballot, i realised that we all live in hope. Although to some extent democracy can be a farce, political apathy cannot be tolerated in the society we live.

South Africa has a deep history of political awareness and activism. The average person cannot engage in policy processes. But we can all exercise our right to just vote. The educated and literate elite then have a greater responsibility in these processes.

For democracy to work, citizen participation is necessary.

Whether we vote for hope or representation, its the least we can do. In fact, its the least we do!

A South African Ploy!

2009-04-07T12:34:00.000+03:00

EARTH HOUR 2009

South Africa's way of pretending that nobodies home,

hoping that the Dalai Lama would simply just go away!

Economic Crisis, What Economic Crisis !?!?!?!

2009-03-20T12:41:00.000+03:00

Notions of an idealised world
Fabricated images of existence

Perfect societies – positive and valuable
Healthy and competitive markets
Happiness and contentment, purposeful with direction
Each with our own self-importance and delusion

False perceptions
Crafted by an idea of life
Of what life should be

It is just the ideal…
False perceptions of an even more false reality
Societies are not constructed by ideals, but on known and tangible facts

We are all lost
Our values forgotten

We based everything on a false fabrication
Naïve perceptions of unreal manifestations
Based on self delusion and self interests

There is NO Economic Crisis –its just a broader manifestation!

Banksy Art

2009-03-11T23:46:00.000+03:00

Genuine Concern or Agenda Driven ?

You decide!

Palestinian Molotov Cocktail !

2009-03-11T23:37:00.000+03:00

VIVA LA RESISTANCE

By any means neccessary ?!?!?!?

2009-03-11T23:23:00.000+03:00

Does the end ever justify the means.

We cannot ever hope to bring about peace by the use of force and violence.

Force, violence and war.....perpetuates an endless circle ............ of death and despair

Untitled

2009-03-11T23:15:00.000+03:00

Cyanide and Happiness

2009-03-11T22:59:00.000+03:00

Cause......and.......Effect

2009-03-11T22:46:00.000+03:00

The Workplace Web

2008-11-20T16:11:00.001+03:00

Bureaucratic methods
Supposed to make life easier
But it is complicating our existence

Turning the worker into a cog
That is working hard as a hog

Barely able to afford bread
And sustain his family

Yet the bourgeoisie prosper and amass wealth
While the middle class only dream of it
And the workers are struggling to survive
They have absolutely no share of the pie

This is exploitation and oppression

The rich is getting richer
The middle class is getting bigger

The poor are working harder
They too are fathers

irony

2008-11-20T16:09:00.000+03:00

Random ideas

Developed and sold

A fortune amassed

We never stopped and assessed

The futility of the matter

Over priced goods bought

Because we ignorant

We buy expensive clothes

Even for infants

It makes no sense

Its nonsense

It has no purpose

The brands suppose to give us an experience

But it only provides us with an inflated opinion

The Challenge

2008-11-20T16:08:00.001+03:00

An element of crises
In the life cycle of humans
Is constant and alarming
But provides growth and experience

And the ability to conquer
And make molehills out of mountains
And deal with issues that affect our lives

And learn responsibility for ourselves and others
And spend our lives in service of others

Those affected by the forces of society
Those working hard
And finding it difficult to survive

This reality is not blinding
But we find it difficult to see

Our crises is nothing compared to their lives

Everyday is a struggle and a crisis
A mundane task becomes a major activity

The washing of clothes requires a walk to the river
The preparation of dinner requires the killing of the chicken

Yet we complain and moan
Unable to sacrifice and struggle

We were brought up with comfort and ease
Unaware of the difficulties of others

We take our challenges as crisis
Everyone has challenges
Ours are watered down compared to others

We must overcome our challenges
So we can help others overcome theirs

There is No Crisis

Only Opportunity

The Appeal

2008-11-20T16:06:00.000+03:00

Modern management techniques
Developed to ensure efficient labour
Aimed at producing more profit
So that the guy on top can prosper
While the worker continues to suffer

We justify this by calling it ‘Market Forces’
And a ‘Competitive Labour Market’
Of a neo-liberal capitalist system
That is supposed to be fair and equal
But in reality is harsh and oppressive

This is injustice
Yet we look and do nothing
It seems that we lost our senses
What we really need is consensus

There needs to be a revolution

Reggie, when is communism coming!

Indecent Arrogance

2008-11-20T16:05:00.001+03:00

Indecent arrogance,

Manipulates reality.

Forcing upon opinions and perceptions,

It ultimately alters reality.

Pushing an agenda,

A train of thought.

My influence cannot be bought.

Your arrogant and biased propaganda is futile.

I try to be critical and neutral .

I think for myself.

Your Opinion is Not Fact!

Your Opinion is Not the Truth!

Your Opinion is Not Always Right!

Your opinion is your perception.

I have my own.

Would you like to hear it?

Shut the Fuck Up, so I can say it!

Dedicated to Middle Class Liberals

2008-11-20T16:03:00.000+03:00

Materialist Tendencies
Consumerist Inclinations

Striving towards Activism
Actions against Injustice and Oppression

These actions
Are currently Thoughts ...
Merely inclinations

Inclinations to fight against injustice and oppression
Inclinations to be a consumerist

Tendencies of activism
Tendencies of materialism

The lines of actions and thoughts
Are Blurred

The limits of our minds.

2008-11-20T16:00:00.000+03:00

Unable to gauge how we see
yet we remain blind.

Finally, we Witness, yet do Nothing.

pain and suffering
is no different
to joy and hope

The world, is a mere click away.

we share the stories and experiences
yet we remain untouched

Escapism VERSUS Reality!

I cannot understand,
the limits of our minds!

! FREE PALESTINE !

2008-11-20T15:58:00.000+03:00

Hardship and Difficulty for the past 60 years!

Violence and Bloodshed!

Refugees without land, without a place to belong!

Heartbreak and Despair!

The Persecuted without Remorse, Unleashing a Fate upon a People!

No Glimmer of Hope!

A People Innocent of All Crimes!

Crimes Funded by Those Responsible!

The Innocent Suffer!

The Guilty Avoid Blame!

The Persecuted Oppress!

The World Looks On!

Where is the Justice?

Random Rant

2008-11-20T15:56:00.000+03:00

Relevance in life,
manifests itself through validation
of being accepted and admired,
respected, and with abilities that are not expired.

Identification of oneself
mirrored by the imagination within ones mind,
searching deep to be able to find,
the core of our existence or being.

F O R B I D D E N

2008-11-20T15:53:00.000+03:00

FORBIDDEN FRUITS
that cannot be eaten

FORBIDDEN LOOKS
that cannot be seen

FORBIDDEN LOVE
that cannot be explored

A FORBIDDEN PAST
that cannot be ignored

The Endless Struggle…….

2008-11-20T15:46:00.000+03:00

The endless struggle…
that shakes the core
of our existence.

Unable to determine
the need for any resistance.

Acceptance of our
role is not fate,
but defeat.

This is all
symbolised
through
the
loss
of
faith

'STOP the poverty'

2008-09-29T11:33:00.000+03:00

'STOP the poverty'
is a facist philosophy.

Driven by the right-wing,
It's a slogan that they sing.

To make it look like they care
about the poor, dirty, black dude.
This way,
they dont appear to be so crude.

They do'nt spraypaint stop signs,
they do'nt shake and bake,
and they do'nt drink lemonade and lime.