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Friday, October 30, 2009

F(read)om Writers. Really?

I have been following this blog since our task as Journ students was to create and master the art of blogging. In the introductory, it states that this is a blog made up of the minds of three different people. Different minds, different backgrounds, all explained and introduced. I enjoyed it in the beginning and that enjoyment continued.


Like all students with lives only the necessary posts were added, but they all meant something and that was reflected in the writing. Their photos were another representation of that.
With a simple layout and a background which represents every paper-clip owners collection, it was easy to look at and not too damaging on the eye. The topics were well written, having substantial research and information posted.

I was disappointed with the lack of living up to the name however. With ‘read’ so emphasised within freedom I was expecting more on literature and writing of journalists and, well, freedom. But I am guessing that it is just representing the act of writing and the idea that what the members write is their own choice.

A good use of photographs were also present, which is becoming such an important way to communicate since people are becoming lazy and would rather get the story from a picture rather than reading a whole post.

Even though I did enjoy it, I don’t think that it is that stimulating for everyone, maybe once in a while for a light glance over it. It was probably just the name that attracted me in the first place anyways.

Sisters doing it for themselves

“whatlifeidojourn” is an example of what ladies can do when they put their minds to. This title of the blog ties in with a rumour I have been hearing all over campus; if you do journalism, you will have no life. Upon reaching the page, I knew before reading the part of it which spoke about the creators that it is created by females, a conclusion I drew based on the highly frustrating fluorescent, colours and backgrounds which pierced thorugh my eyes, making it almost impossible for me to concentrate on a colour at a time, nevermind reading the words. However, after putting some shades on, I found it was quite an interesting blog indeed. A different reading experience to any that I have had up to now. It is basically an illustration of all the reasons why journalists or at least journalism students, are said to have no lives. It highlighted to me, the importance on working hard on the product in order for the end result to be satisfactory. The pictures on display provided an excellent means for creating a mind story of the matters being written about. Articles like “Not all that glitters is gold” provide some interesting food for thought and it is clear to see that the writers of this blog know what they are doing and what effect they are hoping to achieve by posting what they are posting.
If you dislike the colour pink and are not fond of reading, this blog is not for you. However, if you are keen on exploring avenues of your mind you were not sure existed and you want to try something new, a mild form of alternative, so to speak, you will find this blog greatly beneficial to you and your life.

http://whatlifeidojourn.blogspot.com/

A new love affair? I think that’s a definite...

Being at University I have unfortunately had to put my love for music aside. Firstly because the live scene in Grahamstown is yet to be desired (everything in this town is totally up to the students) and secondly because finding new music is not really something I have time for having amazing series to watch and keep up with and endless amounts of work which requires continuous thinking without actual doing anything until the work is done.

So, I decided to dedicate half a day to finding new music, music from scenes which I enjoy but haven’t explored recently.

I began with a lil’ electronic music, delving into the computer produced beats that satisfy the body-bobbing soul (it makes not only your head, but your whole body mooooove).

It was amaZINGZING. The Black Ghosts, Empire of the Sun, Peaches, some hardchore Enter Shikari and locally produce Lark each added a bob somewhere to my body. I was a very happy person and when I am emotional in any way, slang is automatically attached.

The Black Ghosts were my favourite though. I secretly imagined them loud, surrounding me in their breath-taking sound and I was automatically immersed in my own word where I danced like no one is watching. Literally.

‘So, give me something new, something to break through the normal’ Something New by Black Ghosts.

How appropriate. Smiles all round please. Thank you.

The G-spot: Not so pleasurable

I checked out the G-spot, I must say I was utterly disappointed. The name was very tantalizing and catchy, yet the delivery was not as exciting. Out of all the blogs I've seen from JMS 1 students, this particular blog was very difficult to navigate. I found that the dates span from June 2005, not really sure how that happened. The posts were either deleted or well hidden, for I only saw three. It was even difficult to see the group's mission statement as to try and understand what they were aiming to achieve.

Personally I would have loved to see provocative journalism to accompany the name of the blog. I would have wanted to see female journalists engaging with the blog in a critical and analytic way. As a plus, I must give the group an A plus on one of their articles. Their article on being an Asian was very interesting and had a slight numerous note to it. Although written by someone else, it was still good to see on their blog.

The group members of the G-sport did not do this blog justice and failed to deliver interesting issues to the followers.In essence a good theme turned sour.http://thegspot.blogspot.com/

Slummin' in the streets


When faced with the challenge of having to immerse myself in a surrounding that I wasn't familiar with, I found myself absolutely unsure of what it would be that I was going to indulge myself in for an hour/s.

My options were as follows:
1)I could go to the township, mingle with the beautiful people who make up this historical town…and pretty much get to know them...but, I’ve lived in a township and pretty much grown up there, so I wouldn’t find this experience new.
2)I could sit in an unusual part of town, say the highest point of a building, the cathedral for example, and vent on my own, escape in my individual thoughts…it would be a kind of therapy I guess…but, that wouldn’t give me much of an experience now would it…no!
3)Or, I could just take a walk through all of Grahamstown and not stop. I could just keep walking till my toes hurt, and the soles of my shoes wear out…and that sounded like a plan.

So, it’s no surprise that my final option was what I chose to do. And, since I like taking random walks anyways, I thought why not, and the soles of my shoes really are close to non existent already, but that in itself is a story for another day.

Saturday was the day, 25th of October, the weather was walkable, and off I went.
My journey took me past the well known Grand Res, where not much appeared to be happening, and so I moved right along to walk by the ‘Frontier Hotel’. Now, walking past this monument was a bit of a difficult experience because this spot, as all Rhodes students know, is the place where busses like “Greyhound”, and “Translux” take us to destinations we call home!...and so my trek continued.
I chose, then, to take the regular route up High Street, and took a bit of a recess by Checker, and that’s when my exercise began to get a little exciting. I came to meet two street kids and these were their stories…


His name was Akhona, well at least that’s what he told me, and he is 18 years of age. He dropped out of school at the age of 17, last year, and is now roaming the streets and working as a car guard every day.
That’s when I thought to myself “let me get to know this young fellow a little more.”
Akhona explained to me that his parents were unemployed, and he dropped out of school because of pressure from his high school peers.
Now, Akhona’s story grabbed my attention because he ultimately chose to drop out of school, he chose to leave school a year before he could’ve had the opportunity to matriculate, and it angered me to hear that he chose to take such a drastic step. He carried on explaining how he was finding it difficult to live on almost no money everyday, and he went to bed hungry sometimes because he no longer lives at home, but with friends. He explained to me that his parents kicked him out of the house because he’d started doing drugs, and became uncontrollable, so to say.


My second subject, however, was a young man, who didn’t reveal much of his identity to me. He wouldn’t tell me his name, nor would either of them let me take pictures of them. I didn’t understand why Akhona didn’t want me to take a picture, but young man number two had been to jail,so I took this as being the reason. He was also strongly affected by poverty. He told me about the head policeman in Grahamstown who won’t let him, and his buddies make money off of washing the cars in the parking lot, in order to make some form of an income. He explained how when they try not to commit crimes, and make a way of living, the system works against them, and so they turn to crime. This young man says he does not enjoy going to beg people for money; the every day struggle to survive isn’t anything that anyone should experience. I couldn’t imagine how degrading it must feel for someone to beg others for money, but when our own police force restricts these children and young adults from doing little things to try to better their lives in some way, I begin to understand why they choose to rob and steal. This makes me wonder whether they really do want to protect us. Here I was being told, blatantly, that I was sitting with a criminal, but he had no other choice because he has to buy bread, some food, in order for him to stay alive, and if washing cars isn’t going to work, then he has to make other means to stay alive.

And, as fast, and as unexpectedly as my little exercise had come to its end, I left Checkers with an empty feeling in the depths of my soul. I want to help Grahamstown’s society, I want to help Grahamstown help the children on the streets in some way, but if the authorities aren’t going to let them at least try to better their lives in some way, then will the crime that happens everyday, in each and every corner ever end. Will the poverty that we, as a country see, hear and have knowledge of ever cease. And, could an idea of starting a car wash be a viable entrepreneurial plan, for someone who has nothing, to actually be something that has the potential to be a business being tarnished by one non-understanding upholder of the law.

If trying to better your life and its condition is a crime, then we would all be criminals because that is what we all work toward doing every day, even though we don’t always think about it that way. The harsh realities of life cause for some to want to take action, and this young man was my teacher for the day when it came to this lesson. The only thing left to ask now is: Will the crime ever perish in this little town called Grahamstown if people have no other option but to inflict pain on others when not granted the permission to make their own amends. And, will this cycle of crime ever end in the world as a whole if people aren’t granted opportunities to better their difficult situations…I am not quite sure it will!

A sneak peak...

From feminist issues, living le “green life” to exploring the ups and downs of South African sport, ‘F[read]om Writers’ blog has it all.
This hip, innovative blog composed of bright backgrounds, and deeply insightful articles has the capability to grab the youngest to the oldest of people. This could be due to the fact that the team that compiled the blog consists of two ladies and a young fellow. Mixing of the sexes really can conjure up some of the most enlightening of creative projects. However, others could, and most probably would, argue otherwise.
As we are all told growing up, we are all unique in our individuality, and this blog reflects just that. Our passions and the things we enjoy to “loose” ourselves in are what build our characters in some retrospect. And, ‘F[read]om Writers’ gives you a taste of the passions that three young Rhodes Students have, which set them apart, yet bring them together, when their differences clash to create this fresh cyber project.
The blog includes quotes from well known author’s and writers, such as the likes of Anne Lamott, as well as a list of author’s that the journalists admire and adore, from Maya Angelou, Ted Hughes and Jodie Picoult.
This layed back sight provides intellectual insight on almost every aspect of our daily lives, exploring issues that take place in and around Rhodes University campus and beyond.

Thursday, October 29, 2009

Alone Is Definitely Not The Best Company

I spent more than two days wondering what to do as the ideal immersion exercise. Most of the ideas we had been given to kick start our thought stream, were ideas I had already tried. So I tried to think of things which I had never done before and things I would find very hard to do. On the top of my list was spending an hour with a snake and trying to stomach my insane phobia of them, but it was hard to organise one so I settled for my second greatest fear, staying indoors and being alone.


 I am one of those people who even sleeps in the rooms of other friends in an attempt to avoid being alone, so spending 24 hours by myself was beyond scary. I thought it would be fun to see how long I'd last though.
Prior to the exercise, I was afraid and I was convinced that my friends would break into my room and ruin everything, so I decided not to tell them about it. In preparation for the exercise, I bought 3 packets of noodles, some biscuits and I convinced a friend to take lecture notes for me. I also switched off my phone. At about 8am on a Monday morning, everything came together.



I woke up, brushed my teeth and sat in bed. After about 10 minutes I went back to sleep and woke up an hour later. I then did some reading for Law, thereafter I researched for my English paragraph and then I got hungry.


I prepared some noodles and 3 packets later I started missing dining hall food. After the noodles I continued working and I somehow found myself asleep. I was startled into an awake state by my friends' bashing on my window. Thinking they would see me, I hid under the bed. After peeking through the curtain and saying my name a few times, they gave up. Later on, however, they were knocking on my door. With my phone switched off and my laptop almost useless now that I could not use it to contact other people, I truly felt very alone. I managed to clean my room, pray and think about life.

One of the greatest challenges I faced was keeping my bladder tame and sitting for so long without showering. I still cannot believe that I made it. When I reached the 19 hour mark, I decided that enough is enough and I won't make it to 24 hours. I unlocked my door and went to the bathroom where I showered and used the bathroom as many times and in as many ways as I wanted to.





Looking back at the experience, I am proud of myself for having made it through the 19 hours which I made it through. Needless to say, I will never do it again. I have learnt to value my friends and being outdoors a lot more.

My own company can really be prison. So I repeat, NEVER AGAIN!

Dope time or Doped out?


Please note that the material contained in this article is strictly confidential and is not to be revealed to anyone! (As the future president of the Republic of South Africa, my title depends on it).


A herby flavour that supposedly lifts you to the havens. An all rounded taste that sends shock waves through your body and makes you feel invisible. Weed, Cannabis or Marijuana is a narcotic that I had never imagined would touch my virgin lips. Blame it on peer pressure or blame it on the alcohol, but for my self-guarded experience, I tried weed. This was by far the most unforgettable experience of my young life.
I live at the Grand Res, most students there practically live on the narcotic. Its readily available and we have our own resident "dealer". I walked to Gk's room and told him the plan, being the generous creature that he is, he told me it was fine. He told me to meet him at the braai area, being a public are this startled me a bit. The show must go on and one need to ship in or ship out and there was no turning back now. I could choose to chicken out and not go through with it, but I wanted to do this and nothing was going to stop me.
We set in a circle, six of us awaiting to puff the same joint. He took out of his pocket a small plastic bag with the "herb". Now it was on and I could feel myself sweating and clinching my fists. I was scared, hack I was terrified. This was the same feeling you get when you attempt to shoplift for the first time. It's almost as though your in the brink of an anxiety attack and you just want to get caught. He rolled it, licked it and lit it. At last it was time, I was told to take a long drag and hold it in for as long as humanly possible.
Being the good sport that I am, I complied. I dragged that thing so hard I could feel my braid about to burst. I could feel my father's bones shacking in his grave. As the disciplinarian of the family I could almost see him walking to me and weeping. The image of my father looking at me with disappointment haunted me for the rest of the night.
One may argue that at that moment I was as high as a skunk, but I doubt that very much. I didn't feel any different, I was still the same Siyasanga , just with a lot of smoke in my lungs. I must admit the adrenaline rush that is brought forth by knowing that you are committing an illegal act hits you harder than the actual drug. A sudden rush of blood to places that you didn't know even existed makes this a very interesting narcotic.
By all means this is not a review of the drug Cannabis sativa, nor do I wish to condone the use of the drug. I enjoyed my doped out experience, so much so that I got high again. In fact, I think I'm high now.










Monday, October 26, 2009

Top 10 Things To Do In The Process Of Exam Preparation

Varsity is about more than just partying, making friends, eating and sleeping. Believe it or not, it is actually about attending lectures, clasping onto your DP by all means necessary and contributing positively at tutorials.Then of course, there are exams. Exams for which studying can be a serious mission. The hardest part is getting started and the worst part is that if you don't do well in your exams, your varsity life is over. Fortunately when it comes to studying, once the wheels are in motion, you are good to go. So hre is how to get going

1. Set a day aside for procrastinang well in advance. This is the day where you will clean your room, wash your hair, vacuum your car, scrub your walls, write on your blog and do all the things you usually do when passing time and avoiding getting started with your studying.

2. Organise some awesome study snacks. Nothing motivates one more than an incentive and food is the pinnacle of incentives. No alcohol or any other mind altering substances as these will defeat the purpose.

3. Spend less time with your friends. If they miss you tell them to write letters nd slip thm under door and you will respond one day. This is the test for true friendship.

4. Delete DC from your PC. When you have a study break, you can read a book. It will increase your knowledge and improve your vocabulary. You do not need to watch series.

5. Switch off your phone during study sessions. Talking on the phone is a way of avoiding studying.

6. Do not make your breaks longer than your study sessions. The aim is to take a break from studying, not to take a study from breaking.

7. If you have a boyfriend or girlfriend, especially if they are not in Grahamstown, please tell them that you need a break. You need to focus on your educaton and future, you do not need additional distractions. Besides, its only for 2 months.
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8. Ask other people for help when you if you are stuck or when you do not understand a concept or idea. It would be advisable to ask tutors or lecturers,but asking fellow stdents could also work, provided you ask people who know more than you do and who actually do better than you.

9. If you study in a group, beware of the socialising temptation. This occurs when three or more students turn a study session into a chill session. Should this occur, run away as soon as you can, as far away as you can. Seek another group with more ambition or just study alone. You were born alone anyway.

10. After spending an entire day studying as hard as you can, remember to rest. The body and mind need time to recover. If you don't you will blackout during your exam, or even worse, you culd get bags under your eyes. Totally unattractive!

These 10 tips ought to make this exam season a breeze. So use them, have fun and good luck.

Sunday, October 25, 2009

Fruitless Feminism, but you gotta love Friedan


This one time in the car I was ranting, as we all need to do, to my mom about how unfair the world was.
My little sister popped up and asked apprehensively “Simone, are you a feminist?” the tone being somewhat negative.
Hmmm, me a feminist?
Is that what I sounded like?
It is something I subconsciously adhere to as nothing boils my blood more than when someone puts women down, even if they ARE right. However, I have never branded myself as a feminist, defining myself into such a specific attitude.
Reading ‘The Feminine Mystique’ by Betty Friedan, I love and am very grateful for the way things have changed. People in the early 1900s praised men as if they were God’s gift to Earth. Women felt guilty if they spent too much time reading, rather waiting for their children to wake up to continue their house-wife job. None of their own goals were pursued, leaving them with a proven sense of emptiness. No real purpose other than to bear children, watch them grow up and then die.
YES! Pick me, pick me….
I am now juggling with the idea of either equalling with men, living in the world they have constructed, or whether we should create a new, better one. The latter is probably the most difficult and idealistic, but once attained could prove so much. The problem with women is that they do not respect each. Cheating, back-stabbing and malicious behaviour goes on a considerable amount. I, myself can admit to being guilty to some extent.
For now, nevertheless, the only thing we can do is defend our dignity, for equality will never be a sure thing.

Friday, October 23, 2009

Fat kid you are not alone: By Siyasanga Sijadu



Flash, pose, pout and smile for the camera! Fast paced world of the fashionista, drug filled fantasy that all young girls dream of. Tyra Banks, Naomi Campbell and Kimora Lee Simmons the personification of beauty and poise. Peal off the glitz and glamour and you find a dark world which swallows you whole. The strange thing is that they do not tell this to that fat kid drowning her sorrows in diet coke and a lean salad.

Obesity may be the leading cause of death in countries such as the U.S.A. However the impossible standards set by thin doped pin up girls is causing more deaths than the plague. Young boys and girls try to lose weight in the hopes of fulfilling the image of the runway model. Crash diets, binging and under eating are just some of the extents we take to look like the cover girl image of that high paced magazine.

The extent to which our journalism portrays these women and men is encouraging low self esteem in young people. Gone are the days where curvy was the in thing. Gone are the times where one was accepted for who and what they are. We are living in an era that promotes anorexia and young women who look like walking skeletons. The question is then this, how many young people must suffer in silence before our media stops feeding us with impossible dreams?


They say SEX Sells, but at what price?

Thursday, October 22, 2009

Student Journalism 101- The Crash Course

The life of a student journalist is one which involves both many challenges and many thrills. While it is highly exciting when in the process of chasing after a story, and enquiring about the what, who, when, why and how of it all, it is equally disappointing when your only source disappears or does not want to print the story anymore or when their information turns out to be bogus. So to make the entire experience less painful and frustrating, I have compiled a short list of guidelines on what to do and what to avoid in the wonderful world of student journalism.

 Firstly, while information held by the police station and other organs of the state is supposed to be open to the public, try as much as you can to have official documentation from someone with authority which entitles you to the access of state information.

Secondly, always make enquiries and get background information, even if you were there or you have an eye witness. Try to get more than just one account of what happened. Researching, or getting the story behind the story makes the story more accurate and reputable.

Thirdly, gossip is not journalism. Just because the people in the dining hall are talking about something, does not necessarily make it a good story. Stick to the readership of the publication for which you are a journalist.

Fourthly, always proof read your work or get someone to read it for you. Because journalism is an area which is ruled by pressure and deadlines, we are prone to errors in facts, names, spelling and grammar. Proof reading your work encourages a good result at the end.

Lastly, just be you. The reason why you are not working as Vuyani Green on SABC is because you are not Vuyani Green. While it is good to appreciate outstanding journalists, it is not advisable to mimic their style of writing. Be yourself, it adds a little something extra. If you stick to these guidelines, you are fast on your way to being, not just a student journalist, but an excellent one at that.

One globe, one world…

The concept of globalisation has been a topic that has been of recent popularity around the people I know. As much as all of the countries in the world love to “shine”, in terms of their uniqueness, we are all slowly becoming mirrored reflections of one another.

There is the humongous influence that the Western world, and especially America, has over a many of individuals around the world.
There’s an example of the “diamond cross” that Madonna came out on, on stage at a concert not so long ago. Some argue that, that is a blasphemous act, I know I would.
So, popular culture can be pinned, to some extent, as being partially responsible for the loss of our cultures. The clothes we wear, even the language we speak has changed drastically from the way things used to be “way back in the good old days”.

The food we eat at home is also changing slowly. The traditional meals that used to be of utmost importance are no longer seen as such. Instead we substitute our roots with fast foods like McDonald’s and other fast food outlets.

So…I pose the question: In the quest to bring the world together as one through globalisation, is the fact that we are losing ourselves, our cultures and traditions not being affected by this “new” world that we are living in? And, are we simply going to let it happen?

That is my food for thought for you today!

Monday, October 19, 2009

Agliotti plus Money minus Kebble equals Selebi

The case of Jackie Selebi is one of an interesting nature indeed. Selebi faces two charges of corruption and one of defeating the ends of justice relating to payments he allegedly received from slain mining boss, Brett Kebble and his associate Glenn Agliotti, who is accused of murdering Kebble. Agliotti has agreed to be a state witness in this matter based on a deal where in return for his "frank and honest" testimony, he will receive indemnity from prosecution on charges including corruption, money laundering, racketeering and defeating the ends of justice. http://www.timeslive.co.za/news/article154211.ece


So far, the case has been postponed, almost postponed, then postponed again, new evidence introduced, and at some point, files which held material facts of the case went missing. While some strongly believe that these things happen and it could happen to anyone, Gerrie Nel mentioned in a News24 article that he is convinced that Selebi is somehow pulling strings behind the scenes and that the police are either loyal to the accused, or he is still in charge. http://www.news24.com/Content/SouthAfrica/News/1059/92c62b6d51c7443db818f66fd4f72260/04-05-2009-11-31/Crucial_file_missing_in_Selebi_case

It is very interesting how the postponement of the case by a few days and the introduction of a video as preliminary evidence has succeeded in causing the only witness whose story seemed to stand a chance, to appear a compulsive liar. http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?set_id=1&click_id=13&art_id=vn20091014042721349C846664

While it is the country's position that a suspect is innocent until proven guilty, one cannot help but wonder how much one's position, influence and contacts can manipulate their footing.

Sunday, October 18, 2009

Selebi, Scandal, and Some Sassy Style...

Since 1994 South Africa has been THE rainbow nation. We didn’t have a civil war, our leaders won a mutual Nobel Peace Prize and from then on the country was restored to everyone equally. However, through these years, scandal and corruption passed unnoticed through the hands of the wealthy and powerful. Some of it has been left buried in the past, but now, years later, what was thought to be secret has turned into the biggest soap opera drama in recent years: The Selebi Case.

Playing the role of former national police commissioner, Jackie Selebi is the accused. Guilty until proven, he is being targeted by the Scorpions, who are no longer even in practice. He has been charged with accepting large sums of money from Glenn Agliotti, convicted drug lord and everybody’s friend. Agliotti first sided with the NPA and now, with immunity under his belt if the truth is told, is on Selebi’s side. But even his new story is deemed a lie by Selebi’s advocate.

Of all the articles my favourite was published in the Sowetan: ‘Fashion highlights at Selebi Trial’ http://www.sowetan.co.za/News/Article.aspx?id=1078906 commenting on the impressive style from both Selebi and his wife, with details from her make-up and hair do to her matching bag, in a serious tone no less!

This is the biggest, most scandalous court case since Jacob Zuma’s and we all know how that ended. Maybe five years form now it will be over, without us knowing the truth.

Saturday, October 17, 2009

I shot the sheriff

The law is what we would all like to think can protect us from various dangers in this fleeting world. But, what happens when the ones who are supposed to be the upholders of the law cause harm to those they are meant to protect.
This story explores a serious incident that occurred where a soldier shot a sheriff, who was at his place of residence, following court orders to confiscate some of the soldier’s movable goods.
This story makes for a good read because the reporter (journalist) got a secondary source for more information about the incident. The source is Tshwane’s police spokeswoman Captain Tessa Jansen. There is also an interview that the reporter managed to get in support of their story.
There is also a time and date as to where and when the incident took place, this verifies the incident further. The reporter also explains that it was not clear why the sheriff was confiscating the soldier’s goods.
The headline of the story is captivating because it uses language that is related closely to the law. It is also a good headline because you would not expect a person who is meant to uphold and stand by the law to harm a fellow law upholder. So, the headline is a contrast.
This article leaves a heavy question hanging above your head as to why is the soldier, who is meant to protect, hurting those he is meant to be helping to uphold the law?!
Is the current economic situation, with inflation and such, also causing those, who are a minute part of the legel system, to go as haywire as the rest of the population...If so, then South Africa is in for bigger problems than we already have.

Thursday, October 15, 2009

Barack Obama:The new revolution

By: Siysanga Sijadu

Its amazing how people still find it hard to be led by a black person. Barack Obama has won the Nobel Peace Prize for his extraordinary efforts to strengthen International Diplomacy and Cooperation between peoples. Not only have people been quoted as saying he is not a good candidate, now they have been quoted as saying "he has done nothing". Blind are the fools who believe that chaos brought forth by the George Bush Administration can be cleaned in a few months. Blind are those who claim that Hillary Clinton or John McCain should have led the United States to a new dawn.
http://nation.ittefaq.com/issues/2009/10/16/news0844.htm
To be frank, Barack Obama has been a breath of fresh air. He brought to people new found hope, united the Disunited States of America and gave life to Martin Luther King's dream. After 911 and the invasion of Iraq, the American President was a healing force that drew people across the globe closer to one another. His efforts to take U.S military troops out of Iraq was a stepping stone in the creation of new bonds between the Western and Muslim world. His closure of Guantamo on his first day in office was a feat no American President has attempted.

Truth be told, Barack Obama is not Jesus Christ, he is merely a black man who is going to lead the world to the future. His critics must simply eat humble pie and accept that he is here to stay.http://blogs.timeslive.co.za/minor/2009/10/09/obama-nobel-peace-prize-announcement/

Friday, October 9, 2009

The journey seems shorter when you have company


Because no man is an island, life provides us with friends

Where there is light, there is hope

a comic strip!

Thursday, October 8, 2009

To listen or not to listen


Today I was part of a conversation where for some unknown reason the topic arose of music preferences. We started discussing why it is that certain people prefer certain types of music and why others prefer them not. It was strange and entertaining all at once because I was told that I enjoy jazz because my brain is stale and I am way too mature, then when I brought up the argument that I als listen to cpious amounts of simple plan, maroon 5, fall out boy and so forth, I was told that this is a sign of the  younger me deep within trying to grasp at the remaining straws of my youth. This really interested me, I never thought it would, but it did. Think about this, what kind of musci do you like and why do you like it? What about the kind of music you absolutely abhorr? Why do you? Anyway, no matter what it means, jazz rocks

Siyasanga Sijadu's Apartheid at its best


Barcelona

13 July 2008


I arrive in Girona, Spain just because. Something about my friend and a boy and partying and me, who just went along for the ride. You know when things happen for a reason, well this is one of the best examples from my life.
After a long night at the airport and a somewhat shorter bus ride to the city, I arrive and marvel. Shanty towns flow down the mountain, giving the image of a tropical forest filled in with messy wooden structures. It flowed into the city, no border, just a continuous growth from the poor to the wealthy. Ground floor shacks to multi-story apartments.
I walk through the streets, where the pavements are covered with pentagon designed tiles and the finest designer shops intertwine with intricately carved buildings.
Barcelona is rich in architecture, beauty, nature and people, wonderfully attractive people. The urban scene is bustling with skaters, graf artists and fashion from another planet. My home, my niche, my heart, it is all there.
The only problem is that I ain't too god at the whole learning language thing, so my Spanish yet to be desired, even by a level one learner.
But this is my love. My passion, my recommendation.
So go, see and experience.
Ciao ciao,
xxx

Thursday, October 1, 2009

Mission: Hunt down Thami D !! By : Siyasanga Sijadu

The idea that one can grab the attention of a busy well known individual could be seen as absurd. I have been playing this notion in my head and I still do not see how it could work. We are talking about a famous journalist who has a busy schedule as we spaeak. Who are we to clutter his plate even more? Who are we to bother him when he is trying to lead a separate life from his work? Are we worthy of his time?

Well, we are the future of journalism. Four young females with sleek tongues and upbeat personalities. We have been assigned the task to track down Thami Dickson and get an interview with him. A true task indeed, a task we shall grab with both hands. A mission that we shall conquer, for we won't back down and we won't take no for an answer.

We hungry, thirsty and feisty. We are worthy (we will stalk the man if need be).

Monday, September 28, 2009

***-....The truth ....-***


I found this quote in a book I have kept since about grade 9.


I am not sure who it is by or where I got it, probably one day while watching TV, or even my owm little spark of imagination.


"It's not enough to be a witness, I have to write it down."


Haha, how I love finding something that is relvent to the future. It is like when I used to read the Blunt magazines (used to as they aren't printed anymore AND not even the webite is up anymore :( BLEAK) I never really knew what was going on, even though I retained all the information. I found myself deeply submerged in this world that was so beyond me. I used it to praise the writers, editors and photographers. Their world was better than a celebraty's.


These people were MY idols. And the best was, they were in my age group, average Joes (And the rare Jills) just writing what they witnessed. That impulse, or talent, showed my the world of skating, surfing and most importantly, music.


The amazing music scene in South Africa. Ok, not THE BEST, but some extraordinary talent. WE have our own fights, expressions and influences and they need to be explored and exhibited. From electro to rock, drum and base, metal and kwaito, SA is amazingzing and my first love.


And that's the journ I want to explore. I want to tell poeple what I have witnessed and the beauty of it all.


Because some say it's an addiction, others a love affair. But for some, it's a way of life.

My blog is my lease on life!

My name is Simphathisiwe Sibeko, known in the blogosphere as Zoey from cowANDchickenANDcoward. I am a 20 year old female who is passionately in love with the colour blue, food, laughter and having fun in all shapes, forms and sizes. I am a firm believer in the thought that each person is entitled to their opinion on anything and everything and I am well aware that "common sense" is not always common, but I am fond of using wit and charm to push the envelope here and there. Many people are under the notion that I am hard to please and complicated, which is untrue and a misrepresentation of who I am. I love laughing and the cause of my laughter is not always the most intelligent cause. My main motto in life is " Do what you can to maintain happiness within and around you". As a result, my life is driven not by what I want and can get out of it, but how I can live to make the lives of others easier in a way that will make me happy. I unwind by watching movies, cartoons and eating junk food. I wish I had more will power to resist this poison to my body. I am not keen on reading, but when I do read, I want to read something worthwhile, so I will probably research for a while until I find something seriously worth my while. I hate lies, no matter how entertaining they may be, so I encourage honesty at all times. I am as knowledgible as I should be about politics, so I intend to ask many questions which will assist me in this regard. Taking into consideration my personality and those of my group members, our blog is meant to be a worthwhile read. We will have many random polls and topics, but we will ask the questions many other people are and were afraid to ask and we will explore aspects of life which many are afraid to even acknowledge existence of. Our blog will be pleasantly shocking, significantly inspirational, unbelievably funny and insanely addictive addictive. Our intention is to make you forget what you used to get up tobefore cowANDchickenANDcoward came into your life.

My BloG...My sp0t...a wARmesT weLc0Me t0 yUo (the type of blogger I am)!


My name is Chwayita Njobe, a journalism & media student at Rhodes University. I am an energetic, fun-loving being and I’m excited about this whole blogging thing, it’s all quite new to me to be perfectly honest.
As a fellow blogger, myself and three other journalism students are putting our creative ideas, opinions, and personal interests together and are going to implement all of these ideas together on our blog.
But, my personal mission for this blog is to make you think. Whether that is thinking and speaking about power struggles in the politics of the world or simply about the daily topics that we, as students, discuss and argue about in and around campus, the options are truly endless. I am here to add humour, and to give an out- of- the- box perspective on everyday issues. I will also add my own creativity, such as my thoughts of the day, or even a poem or two that can be criticized or complimented by the viewer at hand.
As young people living in an environment filled with politics, poverty, wars and utter chaos, we all deserve a break every once in a while, and this blog is aimed at doing just that. My personal input will tweak your thoughts, hopefully not aggravate them too much, and is a spot on the blog that will help you escape the madness of endless assignments, hectic daily schedules and the meeting (or missing) of deadlines. We all just need to breathe, stretch and shake off the demanding nature of varsity life every now and then, and that is what I aim to help you do on this blog.
But, don’t get it twisted! I am aware of the fact that as a journalism student, I should push for heated topics, get everyone talking and debating their views on current topics. But, I do believe that we also need a break, and we all need to stretch our minds creatively. And, that’s where my (and your) random thoughts, poems and encouraging words for the weeks to come will be implemented into this blog.
Life’s filled with ups and downs, and words of encouragement are always appreciated…you can look at my positions in this dynamic team, as the yoga instructor of your minds, hehe!
As young people, we need to express ourselves as best we can, we hold more power, in our words and minds, and we aren’t always given the platform to express these suppressed views. That’s why this space will allow you to relax and reference your own thoughts, your own way, and through this blog…the floor is open!

Why do I want-not want to be a journalist.And, who inspired my decision.

Hmmm...why do I want to be a journalist?I want to study journalism because it will ultimately lead me to the editing world (magazine editing to be exact). I'm also interested in working my way up into radio (e.g. Yfm, or Metro fm), and journalism is teaching me the skilld i need to get me on every, worldwide frequency. I want to be a part of the media world, and to be successful in it..and journalism will help get me where I need and want to be!

My decision was inspired by, and was a result of the influence that radio personalities like Unathi (Metro Fm) had on me. She is from a difficult background, yet she managed to make it in radio, and is now a well-known and respected radio personality, and was a presenter for Top Billing last year (for a short while).And, I know that I too will be just as dynamic as she is...make sure to keep your eyes and ears open 'cause soon I'll be gracing youe television screen and waking you up on the freshest radio frequecy!

What kind of blogger am I?

By Siyasanga Sijadu
What Kind of blogger am I ?

Personally I believe one cannot say that they are a specific kind of blogger. My theory is that as a journalist you do not define the work you produce, it defines you. I believe that one cannot be put into a category, for this defeats the purpose of journalism. In a more simplistic view, I am spontanious. Hence I cannot fool neither myself nor my reader into believing that I will have a central focus when writting my blogs.

As a contributor to this particular blog, I will come across as the black sheep of the family. My ideology and the way I relate to certain aspects of life differ from those of my group mates. I come from an area that is primarily made up of black individuals. I enjoy "black music" and "black television".Any form of interaction between me and people of other races has been minimal. My group mates have a more naive sense of view, children of a Democratic South Africa. They have felt the full effects of living in a Democratic society.

The only means of highlighting views of the black "previously disadvantaged" is for them to be written down. That is where a blogger like me can have a say, that is where journalism is significant. At first glance I may appear as a politically driven blogger, this is true to a certain extent. I just want to be the voice of reason. I want to be that individual who sheds light to the secrets that would otherwise be hidden under the table.

In essence, I think I am tired of the statistics and the surveys we conduct, without going to the root cause of the problem. I want the black kid with "black education" to be seen as something other than a charity case. A chance for them to express their views and not feel that they are inferior or less important in post Apartheid South Africa. That is my sole purpose, and I would love it to come across in my blogs and in my future writings.
I think that is as short of a summary as I can give of the kind of blogger I am.

Sunday, September 27, 2009

What should you expect from this blog??

The following information shall give a detailed report on the kind of blog that our group wishes to produce. Through an analytical conversation on each of our views, we came across that two of us were similar in ideas and one was completely different. So, in order to incorporate the similarities and differences, we have decided to start a blog which talks about issues we have as journ students, showcasing who we are as well as including the arbitrary thoughts we might have on a daily basis.




The current trends in the 21st century have been primarily to sell sex, scandal, and celebrity. This has become a culture that we relate to, and identify with as the young people in the global community. We have become a society of young individuals who cannot relate to other aspects of our world and engage with matters that affect the global society. After careful analysis, we came to the common conclusion that we do not want to be sucked into the same wormhole. We understand that this decision may not necessarily make the blog as popular; however it could change a few mindsets.

We would like to enrich the youth in a more positive way. We want to reach the young talented and willing to learn individual. We want the curious person, with ideas and an open mind. We want the person who is able to not only think outside the box, but tear that box to wide open. We wish to have an audience that is not afraid to speak its mind. This is their platform to shine. We want to tantalize the young individual who has a tiny voice and who is not afraid to use it. This should be for the young person who would like to learn whilst having fun.

One could conclude that the blog will be an extension of the “nerd” who loves having a good time. The blog cannot live up to its’ full potential without the “perfect audience”. These are the people who will ridicule popular culture, and critique politics. We are looking to target the individuals who read for fun, and listen to good quality music in their spare time. In essence we are looking to reach the future cream of the crop. These are people who would have great impact on the world. It should be stressed though, that this blog is not one that excludes others who do not meet the ideal above characteristics.

Our target market is very specific, as we would like to set a very specific tone for the blog. Although the blog will not discriminate against those that do not fit the description, we want to reach as wide of an audience as we can. We are not looking to target academics, but we are looking for innovative refreshing young people. An audience that is not afraid to dream and wake up to wake those dreams a reality.



When running through a list of the links that caught each of our attention, we all had something different. Siya was all for the specific blogs on dinosaurs (http://dinosaurs.about.com/b/) or werewolves (http://www.werewolves.com/). However, when it came to the more ‘required’ material, we found a number of websites and blogs that we could learn from, both regarding what and what not to do. The first negative one was http://binowski.wordpress.com/ a blog composed of a journalism student. However, it was bland and too much writing or commanding as it had tips on not what to do and a very long newspaper article, instead of a summarised version. Not very attractive. A fun, cheeky blog on being a journalism student and all the highs and lows was found at http://blogs.pressgazette.co.uk/students/. It is more useful to the student with many questions of their future as it answers a lot. On my quest to discover the world of journalism blogs, I found one by UJACS in Australia (http://uqjacs.blogspot.com/) dealing with journalism as a course which lead to me to the link http://www.10000words.net/ ‘where journalism and technologies meets’, a really interesting website on lists of tips and fun information for journalism students. Another blog (http://thepiratesdilemma.com/) which deals with pirating goods and where the world is going in terms of free or fake goods being distributed is a prime example of how we would like to include not only items relevant to our proposed blog, but also videos, pictures and links that interest us an individual. It is so difficult to use other blogs to describe the way in which we wish to present our blog. I don’t think that it is something that happens in a week, rather an idea that is built upon and mothered until it grows into something beautiful and mature.



The character of our blog is that of an informative forum where one can also get their fix of everything from advice to random information and laughter jerkers.

We aim to take a casual approach on serious issues because often the seriousness of issues makes talking about them such a taboo. So we seek to eliminate the seriousness of the issue without making light of it, of course, so that it can be easier to discuss. In a nutshell, our blog is a place where anything goes.

We intend to discuss burning topics which are in our national news, while remaining loyal to more close to Rhodes topics. We will have quizzes about anything from the JMS1 course, interracial dating, the lack of MacDonald’s in Grahamstown, DP's, partying, animals and just about anything. Our blog will also offer motivational pieces weekly; basically some wise words which are meant to give readers the push they need to get through the days ahead. We will also display works of art and showcase books which people can comment on, after reading of course. We will try out new places and recommend them, or discuss terrible places which are never to be revisited, not even to use the bathroom. Our blog will generally be a topic-driven blog, which will be personal or diary-like from time to time. At the end of it all, we hope to create a product which will keep followers constantly online to check up on any new uploads. We seek to entertain our followers and get a lot of feedback from them, but most importantly, we want to give them something to think about, something which they perhaps have never though about before. Our language shall be our own, representing who we are and were we come from. Each of us has different backgrounds, home languages and interests and these shall be evident and reflect the diversity of the South African youth and more importantly, that we can work together to create something unique.

Once our followers have joined cowANDchickenANDcoward*, they will find it difficult to remember what life was like before they clicked the "become a follower" button.



*subject to change

Why do you/ don't you want to be a journalist. Consider people who have directly influenced you strongly in arriving at this decision.

My dream has always to become a lawyer, theatre actress or radio/TV personality. When I reached grade 12 and informed my parents of my ambitions and high hopes, they promptly informed me that these- especially the acting- were merely a far-fetched dream despite the drama awards I had received, my outstanding speaking voice and the fact that I was the chairperson of our school's debating team for 2 years in a row. I then decided that when I go to varsity, I want to venture into a career path that will please my parents, but not leave me miserable. So I am part of the JMS team because my intention is to become a media lawyer. This career path incorporates all my loves and it will please my parents because it will add me to the list of people eligible to get "stable" jobs. So I will not become a journalist and my reason is as stated above.

This dream has been inspired by Dali Mpofu who is the CEO of SABC. His job is such that he is hands on in the legal concerns of the company, while he is also part of the team of creative minds behind the SABC and he gives the final nod on anything which takes place at the SABC. With the knowledge I will acquire on the media and on law, I believe I can be as good or even better at his job or even a better one. Media lawyers- good ones- are few and far between and highly sought after by many media houses, not just in SA but elsewhere and I am convinced that this is an environment that will make me comfortable, satisfied and happy, yet leave me room to grow. The best part is that I will be able to get involved in TV, radio, other forms of media and law and these are my passions.

Grey-and-Pink Leopard Print Welcomes You :)

Ola!
I am Simone.
I am currently in my first year at varsity (Rhodes) studying journalism.
The following blog is made up of four different people.
This is what MY postings will be about:

My postings are going to be about me. My ideas, my thoughts, my feelings and my fights. Brought together with three other girls from my journ tut, we shall each go through these above things and eventually our personalities and differences will shine.

Writing has such a strong impact on those who read and I don’t want to influence people in a negative way when thinking about life.

Rather, assisting readers when it comes to questioning themselves and their beliefs so that they can fully appreciate who they are is preferred.

This may read like a propaganda speech in itself, but moving away from that by delving deeper into the idealistic approaches people subscribe to and prefer is more interesting than manipulating humans (at least for me). Taking a look at the good and the ugly in the messages one comes across is a better way to tackle the stitches of life.

Terms that only make sense to the ‘master’ in that field will be omitted unless necessary. My language is simple, yet tasteful, easy to understand yet not boring.
When the simplest problem is proposed in the most complex language, leaving out the average citizen it saddens me. Some of the most brilliant brains are left unacknowledged, never ever enabling them to use their full potential.
Two brains really are better than one and giving one to do all the work is placing too much of a constraint on the potential something can reach. And that’s how I hope we can all work together on it through this blog.

Tuesday, September 15, 2009


Arachnids...

This blog is going to be the best thing since sliced bread and avo!!