Waka Waka!!

Isn't it interesting how some of the most catchiest songs are comprised of the most simple guitar chords. If you play guitar the chords for the World Cup 2010 "Waka Waka" by Shakira are a loop of the chord D, A, Bm and G. If you play it and you feel it becomes too repetitive you can play some dead strings in the verses and pull the strum or a choppy rhythm back on the verse - certainly a fun little song to play. I was not crazy about it when I first heard it but darn it grows on you!

I met a real life Aussie tonight

Great! I was saying that I have not yet had a chance to meet one of our many soccer tourists. Well tonight I got the chance and had an interesting conversation with Mike from Cairns in Australia. I know now that Cairns is on the East side of Australia - right at the very top of the East side. It was wonderful to hear of the many good things Mike had to say about our country and our people. He was not reserved in saying that they had been outplayed by a better German team at the soccer game in Durban. I hope the Aussies find their feet in the next two round one games. What I liked about our Aussie friend was his openness to just ask if he could sit at our table and chat like we had met before. Mike did however convey the thoughts of his friends at home in their displeasure with the monotone drone of the Vuvuzela's. When I asked Mike if he would be taking one home with him - he put it across quite clearly about what would be said to him when he tries to get it through customs in Aussie :-) Why can't we as South Africans be so open and at ease in just making conversation with people we don't know - are we that closed off to one another...such a shame! I think the world and other cultures certainly have lessons we can learn from one another.

FIFA 2010 World Cup - the Vuvuzela : Toy Of Torment!

So, I have been reading more on the origination of the controversial Vuvuzela. Now the players and referees are complaining - how not unexpected was that!!

And they are justified - if the team members cannot hear each other on the field it is a perfectly understandable gripe. I don't mind the soothing sound of the Vuvuzela even though it seems that it did not originate in our country.

I see that many countries in South America, in particular Mexico, have been blowing horns at sporting events since the 70's. I do however feel that fans should be respectful enough to not blow their Vuvuzela's during the anthems before the game commences - that is just downright obstinate!

Can you believe this, some church in our country was at one time threatening to take legal action as they claim the Vuvuzela was their brain child - well good for them - it's not exactly something to seek to take claim for.

Oh, and it gets better. Now the guy who produces these toys of torment is now producing the ear plugs for people to purchase - clever little boy, produce the noise then make more money buy counter-acting the sound with deafness that most habitual soccer fans will fall victim to in a few years from now anyway!

Public holidays - a pain or a pleasure?

While we are all sitting at work contemplating our activities for this coming Wednesday's public holiday I must ask the question....what is the point of them? For those of us who do not essentially work for a company they are not that great to have. They mean we lose a day of productivity and they sort of throw everything out of whack. I have my church Small Group on a Wednesday night and these holidays throw a spanner in the works - am I the only one who feels like this or am I wrong in my way of thinking - or am I being a slave driver or am I being unwavering? Just wondering.

Misconceptions about South African living

Mmm, it is so strange how incorrect a picture the international news channels can give of a country. We are at present hosting the Soccer World Cup and I would love to know what our visitors from foreign countries think of our lifestyle. Is it true that some of our foreign citizens of the Earth still believe the Lions roam our streets???