Here are some predictions for 2010. The crystal ball was unfortunately more greasy than usual, so take these with a pinch of nerves and keep that tongue close to your cheek. In January, Darrell Bristow-Bovey formally returns to the literary scene with the publication of a new book called I Am My Own Wife. It…
A match is lit in the darkness and the room suddenly glowers with three silent faces watching their gang leader light his cigar, then slowly exhale with relish. “So you have good news,” he mutters to his three right-hand men. “Akmal Shaikh has been released, on the grounds of mental disability.” The three men nod…
The case of Brandon Huntley — in terms of the divergent reactions of South Africans to his attempts to get Canadian refugee status, not so much what he did — has become one emblem of the current South African collective consciousness and subconsciousness. That emblem is the denial of racism conflated with the accusation that…
It is nearly the end of the year. And in a time honoured tradition spanning the last three hours, I have compiled my shit list. These are the things and the people I feel need to be flushed down the proverbial john. Those little flecks on the toilet bowl of humanity that have spoiled an…
In the vast majority of criminal justice systems across the world, a person who is mentally disabled to a degree that they are incapable of appreciating right from wrong in terms of the law, is deemed to be incapable of committing the crime for which they are charged. Moreover, and even if the above is…
A British man will be executed in China in the early hours of tomorrow morning when a shot is fired into the back of his neck. Akmal Shaikh, who was arrested in the Chinese city of Urumqi for being in possession of 4kg of heroin, was only advised of the “good news” on Tuesday. That…
So much for dubbing Copenhagen Hopenhagen at the recent UN world climate change conference — judging by the lukewarm “accord” that was finally “accepted”, the hope was disappointed. Just how serious this failure to arrive at a strong, international, legally binding agreement really is, is difficult to over-emphasise. What it demonstrates is the accuracy of…
“You saying that you want me. So press record, I’ll let you film me”. Sounds enticing? Well what about “Do you like what you see? You want to video me”? Even better –”What? You want me naked. If you liking this position you can tape it on your video phone.” Beyonce is one of the…
What is it about the festive season that makes people want to kill themselves and each other? Strange question, I know, but I spent the night of the 25th and early hours of the 26th December with the drunks and depressives at hospital in the casualty department. I could probably count on one hand the…
Although self awareness isn’t a safeguard against misery or a guarantee of happiness, Socrates’ guiding value has significant value. As the non traditional Latin inscribed on a plaque above the Oracle’s door in the Matrix film trinity advocates: “temet nosce” (“know yourself”).
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