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Showing posts from 2008

Life on the High side

Gotta love Malawi. The biggest basketball game I've ever gone to was at the KEY Arena in Seattle. Someone had offered my roommate and I free tickets to watch the now defunct Seattle Sonics play the Portland Trailblazers. I felt like I needed a telescope to watch the actual players because our tickets were not so expensive so our seat numbers were way, way, way up in the Arena. I had to content myself with watching them on the floating screen. Here in Malawi, apparently, our biggest indoor arena is at the College of Medicine. It's elusive, I've never been there for any game so far. So it's ABC that offers a good gym that's available for public games (there are other places but they are either small or outdoors, I read in the papers that govt. is commencing construction of a big sports complex in Lilongwe next year, that's good news). So anywho, ABC gym is not so large, matter of fact, I'm amazed that not only can I see the actual players down to the lac

A confluence of Paths

" Two roads diverged in the middle of my life, I heard a wise man say, I took the road less traveled by and that's made the difference every night and every day." - Larry Norman- 2008 has been quite a year, I almost don't want it to end. As I reflect on events that happened this weekend, I am truly blessed to be a unique human being, traveling on the road less traveled. Lord, bring it on, I KNOW you'll take me there. pic:www.sneakerfiles.com

On "Tough" Posh Malawian Schools and dress codes

Posh schools in Malawi are a hybrid of quality education and snobility...and a sub-hybrid of nostalgic-colonial-eraism and cosmopolity. Been there, done that, bought the t-shirt! From Primary to end of secondary,went to two that classified as posh posh (but then if you count every African school with a pool as posh then 3)whether I got quality education is debatable, whether I'm a snob, well I flatter myself that I'm not, so why then does my nose always point upwards (gravity is losing it's strength)and on the colonial nostalgia, I treasure all the fun stuff like games of rounders, hockey....I think the printing press at ol' Cambridge needs to move to Nairobi. Cosmopolity? that's a plus in this global village. Anywho, it was quite interesting to chat to a new breed "posh-schooler". She's 11. Back in my day, you expected two things only from a posh school: 1. posh, and 2. posh. but this girl goes to a religious posh school and I didn't know whethe

Now Mariah, who could it be for me?

The song below by Mariah has always been a favorite but after my events this year I could do with Santa dropping off a surprise of that nature on my doorstep :-) hmmmm, now who could it be? Now, not as young as the hunk in the pic here Santa! Goodness No! Holding on to me so tight What more can I do Baby all I want for Christmas is you You All the lights are shining So brightly everywhere And the sound of children's Laughter fills the air And everyone is singing I hear those sleigh bells ringing Santa won't you bring me the one I really need Won't you please bring my baby to me Oh, I don't want a lot for Christmas This is all I'm asking for I just want to see my baby Standing right outside my door Oh I just want him for my own More than you could ever know Make my wish come true Baby all I want for Christmas is You All I want for Christmas is you baby All I want for Christmas is you baby.

Holiday Fear

I'm stepping into the unknown here. This will be the first Christmas in all my years on this planet that I will not spend with family (of any sort). Stepping into the unknown is frightful. No cable to watch all the Christmas movies, no Christmas DVD's, no Christmas music even. No raisins for mince cup cakes, no eggs for nougat, well at least there is the stocking I'll put up. No tree!!!! Fingers crossed that Santa will put in an appearance, my list is a yard long.....

Weekend of Champions

If there is one thing I fear, then it's cabin fever. You know, stuck at home with nowhere to go and nothing to do. This weekend however i allowed myself to go crazy a la Gnarls Barkley's song "Crazy" and pretended to be snowed in. I stayed inside all day saturday and all night. I felt antsy but it's good to take it easy. I tried my best to read but reading on the bed isn't easy, I slept most of the time. I wore shorts and a tank, tied my hair back and let all the exhaustion leave me. I miss my usual brain stimulants: movies, music, phone conversations, etc. but it was all good. The Buckaroo is officially well rested and needs to put in a productive week this week. no excuses.

Reading The Shack

I have been going to a little volleyball place called The Shack here in Lilongwe. Good place to meet new people, eat, and watch the game. Wondering now if that was a premonition for a book that has simply just fallen into my lap, "The Shack" by William P. Young. I am yet to make up my mind on this novel but as Mike said, it is rather interesting. Well worth the read so far. An average, distraught man returns to "the shack" to meet God and God is not what he expects, He's not what I expect: in the kitchen dancing to music through earphones, gardening, and fixing things. Sometimes I think it's bordering on, well, blasphemy but then again religion has been manhandled by man so long that what may be the truth appears to be blasphemous. I wonder what my Systematic Theology and Old Testament Biblical Theology professors think of it. ...Elousia? I was quite interested in the Multnomah Princess Legend, unforgettable. Reminds me of learning in Bible College abou

The Doctrine of Hand-outs and Photo Shoots

The Buckaroo started this entry differently so if this sounds like an entry written by a bi-polar blogger, well, that's life.... I had the rare privilege, yesterday of seeing two players on the "African field" (if I may call it that). The diplomat, and the missionary. The difference was a matter of just a sentence. And dare I say, an attitude. The diplomat was visiting a support program for underprivileged children and he came bearing gifts, he said, “Let these gifts go to the students that have done well academically.” There were few gifts, but they were practical (... and of course they bore the emblem of his embassy). Now, see, that was my language. Isn’t that how life is? For the children there are the important things in life, like education, that should be encouraged with incentives. The missionaries on the other hand had bags and bags of freebies: for example, sun glasses to be distributed to all them children. Now kids like such things indeed! It’s like ca

Fun at Kumbali Cultural Village

My only other visit to Kumbali was in the company of tourists and was very short but last night was super fun. I got the opportunity to rub shoulders with corporate Malawi and can I tell you, it's been years since I ate dinner served in cauldrons under the skies. The last time I did that I was 11, at Mafutseni ranch just outside of Manzini, Swaziland. I have treasured that memory for so long and last night was so fab I feel like deleting that memory. I won't. It's good to experience the simple things of our African life amidst good and educative conversation. It was an IT conference and I hopped on with friends in the IT world. Didn't know much so I kept munching while everyone talked about cantennas and open access, etc. What was in the cauldrons? ah, don't remind me...atcharred beef stew(I love Atchar, gots to get me some in Zomba, Atchar capital), stewed cabbage, beans, greens, steamed rice....aaaaahhh! you get the idea.

Farewell Mirriam Makeba

Sad news here in Africa today. Farewell Miriam Makeba November 10, 2008, 10:00 Tributes continue to pour in for the late singer Miriam Makeba. Makeba (76) died of a heart attack after taking ill near the southern Italian town of Caserta. Musicians Yvonne Chaka-Chaka and Sipho Hotstix Mabuse say they will miss Makeba dearly. Publicity manager Mark Lechat says: “She was a person who was larger than life. She meant so much to so many people. The space she filled is going be an empty one from now on. But as she always said that when one door closes another one opens and for that she was a woman of great stature who had an ability to take people on a journey of hope and resilience.” South African Foreign Affairs spokesperson Ronnie Mamoepa says: "Miriam Makeba - South Africa's goodwill ambassador - died performing what she did best - an ability to communicate a positive message through the art of singing. "Throughout her life, Mama Makeba communicated a positive message to the

On Basketball, Love, and Grace

Disclaimer: to the makers of the movie Love & Basketball, you have no idea.... Love and Basketball Can a weekend ever have less drama? I read in the paper (not early enough) that there was going to be the biggest basketball tournament on November 1 (at Saint Andrews International School SAintS) in Blantyre. Now, am I so high and mighty to think that all things basketball have to be told to me in good time so I can make a grand entrance, ahem, no. The tournament was between the Southern Malawi all-stars (read Blantyre and Zomba) and Central Malawi all-stars (read Lilongwe). If you follow this blog you'll remember that there was once a Mr. Zomba Nice Guy and a Mr. Lilongwe Nice Guy (potential boyfriends). We have moved on from those days as there is now a Mr. Blantyre Nice Guy. Now I'm not a finicky woman but as Christian Carter and John Gray would agree, I need the scientific skills to spot and keep a "Keeper". Anywho, back to my drama. So Mr. Blantyre Nice Gu

Ode to Child Soldiers

Ode to Child Soldiers If he were your son your brother, your nephew your grandson would you turn a blind eye and hope that "it will all work out in the end"? as the visions of what he's forced to do made to do taught to do keep him awake at night and make him delirious during the day If he were your son your cousin, your friend your own would you hope he'd forget the "skills" of murder rape and crime he's been made never to forget would you pray it away think it away brush it off if he were your own? What would you do? or most importantly What Would Jesus Do? pic from www.soschildrensvillages.org.uk

On Malawi's Finance Minister being # 1 in Africa

I heard it from a good source (still trying to get all the official info.) that our Finance Minister, Goodall Gondwe has been voted best Finance Minister in Africa. Ah! the joy of hearing a positive report on a continental scale. Congratulations to him and I wish him all the best in the implementation of his policies. Komanso a DK (Turtles) ndiye kuti ntchito mukugwira nanga sinanga Capitol Hill yonse ili mweeeeee ndi chimwemwe. Ayi, gwirani ntchito musawachititse manyaza a Bwana Gondwe kumeneko!

A Bee in my Bonnet

What do you do when you have a bee in your bonnet? Of course we are not being literal here but what do you do? You either take off your bonnet and get rid of the bee or let it sit in there and expire on it's own. I don't know if anyone ever tried to make a flap in their bonnet so that the bee could have good ventilation in the hopes that it can make honey in there. Suppose that did happen, then the bee being in the bonnet becomes beneficial. What am I trying to say? I've usually looked for negative solutions to what could potentially be a positive "problem". I've just recently learned that I don't have to run from confrontation. Where there is a bee, there should be honey in the offing. Deduce that... "Let today be your SOMEDAY. Aspire to inspire before you expire." Anon.

University of Malawi Quota System

I used to hear when I was a child that the quota system was introduced in the University of Malawi student selection and Kamuzu Academy student selection to limit the number on Northerners entering into those institutions. I was doubtful then, thinking everybody thought Northerners didn't deserve to be treated so. Forward to 2008, suggestions are put forward that the quota system at UNIMA be re-introduced. The suggestions were put into effect and in today's paper I read that 2 senior staff members went to court and got a court injunction to stop this quota system. I thought, well, they sound like learned men, they are probably doing it for some good reason. Then I read their names, and their lawyer's name.... Northerners! What do you know? It looks like they probably know what I knew as a kid. Hail Entering institutions on MERIT and down with the quota system!! Let all be free to enter! Amen

A lesson for me

DISCLAIMER: The thoughts from the book mentioned below contains ideas that I believe are effective and helpful, the beliefs held by the author in his personal life are in no way my own. I apologize to all men and women for my uneducated opinions in regards to men/women relationships in entries such as the October 1 “Quoting Jaime on Vain Games Men Play.” It's a blessing to have embarked on a new personal development research, I am actually studying myself now, finding out what I need to know about relationships. There IS so much to learn especially for one who thought being 25+ is enough to take on the challenge. Expecting I would be using the phrase, "I already knew that" often. I am reading John Gray’s “Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus”. Man, there is so much I need to learn from that book. Some critics have made their comments on that book, as for me, ME LIKEY because I relate so much to the women described in there, and here I was thinking I was pretty A

Rest in Peace Chimwemwe Festino

Two people sat together on the night bus, or the “night compost” as we called it then. It was sometime in 1997. I was 16, he was much older. Fresh on my mind was the fact that I was going to my 3rd Secondary School. I had attended Kamuzu Academy for my first year of Secondary, had been very playful there and was deemed not capable of making it into the next class- I had been 11- I have since forgiven myself for failing everyone. Hmm. I had proceeded to study at St. Theresa’s High in Swaziland, my parents decided to return to Malawi a year and a half before I completed my Secondary-I have since forgiven them for failing me. Hmm. I was now riding on the bus to my third and last Secondary School. A boarding school. About 7 hours from home. The school was Mary Mount Girls Secondary School in Mzuzu. He was heading to Mzuzu for goodness knows what. All I remember was we sat next to each other and started to talk. Strangers heading in one direction. Chit chat. I wanted to sleep

Journey into the Mind

What makes a mind? What breaks a mind? Does being mindful of something make one’s mind better than the one who never minds? Never mind. I just want to know, What makes a mind strong? What makes a mind weak? Does being headstrong help one get one’s way better than the one who is naïve? Bear in mind, I do know that minds are made Minds are broken Minds are strong Minds are weak Minds accomplish Minds destroy Mind your manners Never mind Don’t mind me, bear in mind, Remind me…what am I on about?

Gr8 weekend for Malawi!!

Two Firsts for Malawi. Malawi had two firsts this weekend: #1. The Malawi Football national team qualified for the first time ever in the Africa Nations Cup, or so I hear, and #2. Malawi’s Big Brother Africa representative, Hazel Warren is the first Malawian housemate to ever survive a nomination for eviction. On second thought, Zein might have been nominated alongside Bruna in BBA1. Ah forget it! It’s still great that with that much competition Hazel survived. Congratulations Malawi! Way to go on the international arena! Malawi woyee!! Kinnah woyee!! Inenso woyee!! Story below: ----Blantyre, Malawi - Malawi's less-fancied national football team, the Flames, scored twice to reverse a first-half goal deficit and send the much-fancied DR Congo out of the Africa Cup of Nations in an explosive match played at a packed Kamuzu Stadium in Malawi's commercial capital, Blantyre. Twenty-year-year-old Chiukepo Msowoya's 80th-minute goal means Malawi now has the best chance in o

Making Good on a Promise

The Buckaroo made good on the promise to find out more about the little old lady that showed up on our doorstep, yes, the one with the Cape accent in the last entry. It turns out she IS from the Cape in South Africa. Hers is a grim story. Years ago she was married to a Malawian pilot who brought her here to live. Her husband died in an accident later on and, I can’t believe people do this but, yes, her in-laws came after all the property she owned with her husband. She became a destitute. She decided she was going to continue to live here for the sake of her children. Now all her children are grown but one of them died leaving behind 3 orphans. She now has to work (and she’s clearly a senior citizen) to support these children and herself. She's too old to work full-time for my friend so she works once a week for her and once a week for one of the neighbors. I don't know is she works anywhere else. She lives just outside of Lilongwe City in a high-density peri-urban locat

Reverse Xenophobia

I got a fright this morning when I thought I had woken up in South Africa (Mzansi)! I now live in a new part of town with a friend and my friend was happily entering the new day in another part of the house when I heard a knock. I assumed it was one of the people employed by my friend, I opened the door and found this little old lady on the door step. she is black so I spoke to her in Chichewa. She responded in a strangely familiar English accent, it took me back to the time I lived in Swaziland and watched TV 1 (now SABC 3 or something or other). Now for those of you who don't know what TV 1 is, before Mandela's time, TV 1 was the channel in South Africa you watched if you wanted to watch the shows that appealed to Afrikaans-speaking South Africans. I picked up a few Afrikaans words and phrases thanks to that channel in those days like "Goeie more Suid Afrika!" just before the morning news and "Ja" and "Asseblief" etc. The English accents that

Dollar Dollar Bill Y'All

According to AP News, "Washington's financial bailout plan is now law." Recovery is on the way but it's time to wonder...is this Global Village idea ideal? When America has a shake up in their economy, we all have a shake-up in our economy. And some are so keen, this past week some stood on the figurative roof tops and proclaimed "your end is nigh Africa, the American economy is in recession." Well just because someone gets on a roof top doesn't qualify him to speak intelligently on such matters, it only makes his voice heard by more than a couple people. I'm not an economist but all I know is that maybe we need to get the chinks out of this Global Village thing so that shake ups in one area of the world don't spell doom for the rest of the world. Wishful thinking? Maybe...

Quoting Jaime on Vain Games Men Play

Disclaimer: This entry is based on a conversation with a very "young at heart" man. His views may be different from your own. My take on this might change by tomorrow. He might be more vain than regular guys. This is just an insight, nothing's set in stone... Enjoy! Jaime is a few years younger than me, he doesn’t know it but he’s still young enough to spill the secrets of the trade to the Buckaroo without too much prompting from me. How do I describe Jaime? Apart from being young and successful, he has a way with the ladies, hence the nickname he has borrowed from US star LLCoolJ (Ladies love cool James). So after going through some icky emo-stuff I cornered Jaime with the question, “Why do (grown) men act funny when a woman starts to like them back?” Following is the, ahem, conversation I had with him: Buckaroo: So, ayise (friend), tell me, why is it that men act so weird? when a woman a guy has taken his time pursuing does actually begin to fall for him, the g

Prophets of Doom

image from doomonger Uncanny! There is something I've noticed about our Malawian culture, this thing I've noticed is bad, bad enough that I am evening blogging about it. Normally I leave all the negative comment-making to foreigners who live here or have lived here or are yet to live here. This though is an inside thing so Malawians, let me have your ears. I'll start with an example: In the past month we’ve had the Big Brother show beaming on TV’s across the continent. It IS the biggest show on Earth. 12 countries sent in representatives as housemates, 6 men, 6 women. Now, the buckaroo, not being blessed with her own TV and let alone Digital Satellite TV decoder, has been making stops over to friends’ homes where a bunch of people will gather to watch the highlights of the show, mainly the launch, the eviction shows, and the nomination shows. These shows fall on Sundays and Mondays, respectively. With no exception, there will always be at least one member of the vi

Anonymous Response to VRPRA's Entry

Dear Thandi, Actually, I don't agree with you. Your VRPRAs are basically friends. We all have friends for a reason. One of those reasons is to give us advice. When you're in a relationship or like a guy its hard to see the forest through the trees. Our judgement gets clouded by our emotions and logic goes out the window. Like you once said yourself, no matter how many degrees one has hormones are not logical. When we're dealing with men, we're dealing with hormones not logic. At such times we need our friends who don't have the problem of dealing with hormones when it comes to that guy to give us advice. Everyone woman needs a true friend who can give her proper advice and help her take the blinders off. Even the most wise woman wears blinders when it comes to a man she likes. The problem is that we sometimes go shopping for friends who will tell us what we want to hear and not what we know we should hear. We search for friends who will help suppress the voice of re

Volunteer Relationship Psychologists and Relationship Analysts

Disclaimer : This is not targeted at any of my friends, it’s an inspiration I got over time going through different encounters with various friends, not one particular one. Some of them my own personal issues. It’s meant it inspire into action not to belittle anyone or anything else negative. If anyone is offended of my friends, all I can say is GIRL YOU GOT ISSUES!! GET OVER YOURSELF HA HA HA!! Every once in a while a young lady wants to get married. To get there one needs to have a man in her life that she knows will propose and she’ll be more than happy to say yes. Now the potent combination that Q presented in one of his poems at Umunthu comes into effect to derail some women, i.e. upbringing, Hollywood, and lust. I’ll add one more, the plethora of , I’ll call them , “Volunteer Relationship Psychologists and Relationship Analysts” AKA VRPRA’s. I will make my own confession. I have been a VRPRA myself and I have sought the counsel of sundry VRPRA. Generally VRPRA’s don’t sig

Sonrise at Umunthu Theater

I went to attend Q Malewezi's recital that I blogged about. It was held at the Umunthu Theater in the heart of Lilongwe. It was great, it reminds me of my childhood when I was told that poetry was good and not boring. Growing up poems take the backseat, music and movies offer more instant gratification but this way of storytelling - Poetry - remains so beautiful. Congratulations to Q for an excellent presentation and ahem, I love freebies, can I negotiate a free "iPoetry" t-shirt from ya? There will be a "Poetically Correct"event once a month (which I believe will be open-mic and hosted by Q) at Umunthu Theater. Check out Umunthu at www.umunthu.com for more info on them. and Q's website, www.fulltime-poet.com and www.abstrakbeatz.com for info on his magazine.

Philly Eagles, Dang Terrell Owens!

I'm entitled to a pick of three football teams having lived for at least more than a couple months in three States. So between the Seahawks, Denver Broncos (Idaho shares with Colorado in Football), and the Eagles, I've always been for the Philly Eagles. Of course in College football I'm down for Boise State Broncos all the way, still have the orange and blue on my mind... Anywho, I'm quite ticked off that TO (or Terrell Owens) my former favorite player back in the day when he played for the Eagles was yesterday up there in his current team, Cowboys, playing a part in defeating our Eagles. I mean I'm happy for your career and all but hey, that stinks!! Cowboys 41, Eagles 37

Tha Gosple

Congratulations to Aubrey Mvula aka Tha Gosple for his first album! I won't hate, I appreciate... Gosple, dude, you was a kid, knee high to a grasshopper when I first saw u in them baggy basketball shorts shooting hoops at ABC. Now look at you! Proud of you dude. Wishing you the best in your music career, and you is a chartered accountant too? No way! that's what's up!!! Umm, HALLELUJAH!! Check out Tha Gosple's mad rhymes @ his blog: Write & Rights godlyrix.blogspot.com

Of Zain and TNM

I got wise and got a TNM card. Got so excited when they introduced the free calls after 11 PM and then got excited again when my usual cell line, Zain, changed the easy talk time from 6pm to 6am to from 9pm to 9am. Who doesn't want to use their bonus airtime in the morning on their way to work. Smart. A few days ago, TNM gave us the free texting time from 12pm to 10 PM, just for that day. So I crossed the floor again to TNM, just for that day. I usually keep my TNM card on standby for such exciting times, so Zain, you know I'm ur girl. Wow, am I beginning to love capitalism? Can't help but enjoy watching these cellular networks try to outdo each other, now MTL has come up with a cell phone, so now you can walk around with your land line, shah! it'll only get better... pix: Zain and Old School TNM (no copyright granted to me, don't arrest me-O)

Qabaniso "Q" Malawezi presents "Sonrise"

This is so exciting, a few years ago there was a blackout in Lilongwe, a literal one and to save on candles, my then housemate and I decided to vacate our home and spend the dark hours at a neighbors, well, only until the power came back. There was an interesting mix of people there, people that have since grown to pleasantly surprise: one of them being Qabaniso “Q” Malewezi. Q, on that dark night when there was no power introduced himself to us and told us he had just returned from England and his vision was to promote indigenous music here. He was skinny and brought a drum with him. I was like, “OK, Good Luck Ohn.” Lesson 1: never underestimate nobody (sorry Grammar teacher but I just couldn’t resist Ebonics….) Now that skinny, drum-carrying man is the brains behind Abstrak Beatz Entertainment that brings us among other modes of quality entertainment, the Abstrak Beatz Entertainmet magazine. It’s a modern, informative, creative, and entertaining youth mag, and it’s FREE! Bottom l

Big Brother Africa 3

This time last year Big Brother Africa 2 came out. I see-sawed between elation and utter disappointment with that season. Elation because the world could be forced to see that Africans are far from the backward homo-sapien they portray us to be and disappointment because our vices are just as bad as the rest of the world. In my idealistic brain I tend to believe we have more class when it comes to morals, ah well, no. Last night I watched the launch of Big Brother 3. I noted that this season they have taken beauties and hunks. For the first time, Malawi is represented my a woman, Hazel Warren. for the sake of being patriotic I'll certainly root for her, I do hope she represents Malawi well, and Africa. My favorite hunk though is the Nigerian.....check them out: Hazel and Uti

Of Charcoal and The Law

It all started when a truck-load of charcoal wanted to make it's way past The Law. Apparently there was a scuffle over some shady business I'd rather not discuss, the end result: three casualties and riots, teargas and smashing of windows, blown tyres and the truck's crashing into a minibus with passengers (not in that order but it all happened). It is terrible stuff to happen in this country, I neither side with The Law nor sellers of charcoal on this one. A bad situation that got worse.

Soldiers and Parliament

I've heard both sides of the story: the opposition isn't too crazy about "threats" that the government will send soldiers to close down parliament if they carry on with dilly-dallying on passing the budget. and the government says that it's not a "threat", the Police and Army are the security to the parliament grounds so they'll simply be ordered to close the gates to the parliament should time-wasting be prolonged. I don't know what is what, all I know is that we aint a military state so let Malawian peace reign supreme!!! Abeg, Abeg (notice for once I've used "Abeg" twice. Malawi, Malawi, Malawi...how many times have I called you-O, listen-O, peaceful reconciliation is not for losers-O. Oho, ndanenatu

Bernie Mac, life and death

Bernie Mac was an artist that I took note of. He made me laugh and there was something very familiar about him that even though I'm Malawian and he was a Chicago native, it felt like he was family. I never met him, never met a star in my life, but it's so sad to hear of his passing. He passed away yesterday at Northwestern Memorial Hospital Saturday from complications related to his battle with pneumonia. Bernie's real name was Bernard Jeffrey McCullough (see I didn't know that either), he died at 50. Are you ready for death? What do you think about Jesus? He's THE Way, THE Truth, and THE Life - even beyond the grave. See, ever realized He uses "THE", meaning people think it's polite to say, "Well, there are many ways and truths and many pursuits for life, but nah, get it right, right now. He is THE Way, THE Truth, and THE Life. Amen

Olympics and Chinese construction workers in Malawi

I was an ardent supporter of parents who are believers in the "no TV running your life" philosophy. Well, now that the Olympic Games are here, I'm getting quite jealous of those who are getting to see all the action. I got a text from Wyoming at 4am telling me my fellow Malawians were on TV. I wasn't upset at the timing of the text, I was upset that I don't have a TV running my life. Fancy all those hours spent productively watching Beijing, sports, Beijing, sports, Beijing..... On another note, I was quite surprised to see a truck ferrying Chinese construction workers in Lilongwe. I've heard about Chinese construction workers elsewhere in Africa but to me this was a surprising sight all the same. Am I being idealistic in hoping that they will teach us their unique skills in building and pass the construction mantle back soon after? Abeg

Cuil

Cuil I just love this new search engine! For one, it's new, everything new, I just love. And then when you do search, it actually gives you cool excerpts of the search finds. I searched for something not easy to find on Google, an African thing, Google et al. turned up a handful of finds but CUIL came up with more finds (I'm yet to decide whether the finds were fruitful or not). From this Hemisphere....Here's looking at you CUIL!! sorry Jeeves, can't google you much these day, might Yahoo search you or MSN search you at some point but don't you just love cool cuil?

Yvonne Chaka-Chaka

It's a problem when one gets so used to Malaria being there and people dying of Malaria that it just becomes part of the norm. When Code, Malawi's Big Brother Africa representative last year, took up the task of fighting against Malaria, I was like, "Wack bro, why don't you crusade for the most popular things like HIV/AIDS and vulnerable children etc. " It's quite possible that more die of Malaria than AIDS and not enough funds are going into malaria research. What I know is that new drugs are coming up all the time as the parasite becomes resistant. Although I am quite suspicious of malaria drug makers, just between you and me, I think they make a killing. After all it's only in Africa that the disease is prevalent (pardon my ignorance but I have actually never heard of it elsewhere) so I think they have a field day: "Right, let's hit them with this SP." "Nah, we'll expire that SP next year, is it time to pull out chloroquine again?

TNM, Telekom Networks Malawi

Glad to see the day when you can talk on the fone for free in M-Dubs. Finally! TNM's new service, in which, for topping-up on your pre-paid account with $1 minimum, you can talk on the night of your topping-up for free from 11pm to 5 am. Makes me remember Verizon fondly...free nights and weekends, uhhhh....so, yes, good start TNM. glad to be talking on the phone for free right here in Malawi. I hope that you'll keep bettering your services. Big up TNM!!

A Day at the Police

I went to the Police today to make a statement over some stolen goods. I was pleasantly surprised, my last visit to a Police station was more than miserable but today, I could actually touch my confidence in the system being built. Well done our Police, that's the way to go. In my last visit, which was some years ago, my sister and I had just been jumped and we walked barefoot to the police station. The first thing they thought was that we were ladies of the night. Granted, no one should be walking barefoot to a Police station at night but hey, give some ladies the benefit of the doubt... but that was then. Today I'm happy to walk with my head up knowing that things are getting better. Nuff respect men in blue (and Khaki).

A Braai, is what the Doctor has ordered

Never been a party maniac but in Malawi, when the weather is good and you're feeling out of sorts...the Doctor orders a Braai (Bbq). Of course that's an imaginary doctor but I'll take his advice anyway, we're having a (hopefully) big braaii just to celebrate life. The "porn suspects" (as the paper calls them) have been arrested and released on bail I still say, arrest the computer geek who published the pix as well! To act and to sell, both wrong, innit? Justice should go across the board. That aside, I'm sad the Malawi Football team is out of the COSAFA tournament, and to think it was all because of Malaria.......

On the Porn Scandal

So now that prominent members of society have been exposed in this porn scandal, we're all pointing a finger at them. True it's bad what they were up to but the "computer fixing wizard" that uploaded the dirty pix file online is also bad. What happened to clients' rights to confidentiality. And the vendors selling the smut for MK600 are bad too. and so are the folks forwarding the pix as attachments. What happened to helping people see the light, things like counseling etc. ..we replaced that for public humiliation, shame on us. It's so sad that we can laugh at others when noone knows what we do in private. Remember what Jesus said, "He who has no sin cast the first stone...."

Bulesingisi

I’ve had a chance to encounter some unique ways of spelling English names. The first time I encountered this was when I was 16 and attempting to tutor neighbor kids. One kid told me his name was Christopher. I asked him to write his name, he wrote “Khilisitofa”. As a tutor I wanted to teach him the right way to write his name but as a romantic I decided he was, at age 13 or thereabouts, already attached to his name spelt that way, the “proper” spelling would be strange and alien to him. Today, I came across a list of names, many were spelt funny but “Bulesingisi” took the cake. How many letters in “Blessings”: 9 and “Bulesingisi”:11. I say, this Chichewarising of names i.e. insertion of a plethora of vowels- can make our hands weary of writing. Make no mistake, Jan is to John as Blessings is to Madalitso so what to do about “Bulesingisi”? Alas… I am of the mind to launch a “Spell Right” campaign… As a matter of interest, some choose to spell the name “Thandi” as “Thandie” (T

Malawi Wins

Again, Malawi carries the day with a 1-0 victory over Lesotho. Now I'm beginning to think our past run of losses was due to one coach who shall remain nameless at this point in time. Malawi, especially you Chiukepo Msowoya (yeah, you, you scored against Egypt as well) well done! Go Flames!!! Flames woyeeee!! Inenso woyeeee!!

Goodby to Dancing

I've enjoyed boogeying quite a lot this past year. I've had so much energy (a little bit of stress here and there) pent up during work weeks that it's been a joy to go out there on the weekends and just get down to boogey and refresh. Problem is, a lot of people don't see why a Christian should be out there boogeying in the midst of all that chaos (if you've been in some of those places you know what I mean). Paul in the Bible said, "all things are permissible to me" as he understood what he was doing but went on to say that he would not allow himself to be a stumbling block. Neither do I, if people are going to put question marks on this boogierthat will lead to matters of faith, well, I'm fixin' to... matter of fact, I've already fixed to be an ex-boogier. So, goodby "Place of Lighted Stars" and "House of Nt.." I'll miss boogeying but I won't miss being a stumbling block....so long loud music and light....alas

He's Alive

The Church I attend hosted an intercession session for Levy Mwanawasa's healing so I'm glad to hear he's alive That said, what are we going to do about the Budget here in Malawi?

Bus conversations

One thing I love about going on a long bus trip here in Malawi is that without fail, there shall always be talkative people who don't mind airing their intimate opinions to strangers they are never likely to meet again. I was on one such trip on Friday night, I got off work very late and took three buses home to the City of Zomba. The first and longest was in BigFoot Bus. Everyone was quiet to begin with until a drunk or mad man (we were not sure which) stood in the middle of the road and the bus had to swerve violently to avoid him. From the back of the bus a man could be heard lamenting, "Driver, if that happens again, stop the bus so we can beat the living daylights out of such a person. You know, important people are in here, if we were to pool the money in all our wallets together, do you know how much it will all add up to? A lot. some people in here have frowns on their faces, they might be on the verge of separation and they are busy thinking about how to apologize

Weekend

Finally, the week-end is here, the week was shorter, thanks to Independence Day but everything was packed into the week, it's actually busting (sp) at the seams! Anywho, I am yet to post the Tri-National basketball pix. had net problems itolo (yesterday). Going to Zomba City right now so will try again later on. In the meanwhile may the week-end be SWEET~!!!

The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

We'll start with the Ugly: Malawi came out position 3 out of 3. Zimbabwe won first position, Zambia was second. I won't be a fair-weather Malawian and diss our team. True, things would have been better if...but this is what we have on our plate now, let's go back to the drawing board somebody and let's kick some butt next time. Now the Bad: My phone broke, and I've misplaced my usb cord, so can't download the basketball pix right now. Hopefully the next post will be all basketball pix. Let's hope tomorrow. The Good: I had the most fabtastic week I have ever had. It was sweet, I'm reveling in the memories of it all...Hmmmmmm... and, yes, Malawi drew 0-0 with the Harambee Stars (Kenya). Not bad eh?

Basketball: Malawi vs Zimbabwe

It was a good game, one we all thought Malawi would win last night at ABC Gym. But victory wasn't meant to be, we lost to Zimbabwe by ten points. The top five (longest playing) were Chikondi Mwendera, Dan Khomba, Daud Suleman, Weluzani Chingota, and I forget the other one (oops) more games tomorrow. it will be Zambia, Malawi and Zimbabwe playing tomorrow. I hope that I will have my camera handy!!! Go Malawi!!! Malawi woyeee, inenso woyee!!

Happy 4th of July

Happy 4th of July to one and all! It’s a great day and I’m irritating everybody I’m meeting with my flag I’m waving (the star-spangled banner), Washington DC tee and Take 6’s rendition of the Star-spangled Banner. I don’t know if I’m getting to have a solo bbq fest this evening or even have fireworks BUT it’s all good!!!!!!

"Go Hang"

Still can't believe Uncle Bob's government told the West to "Go Hang" how ever many times they want. Wow! Could this be history in the making, Oh, Zimbabwe?

Frozen Brain Thawed

I don’t know if it is just me but I feel that every year winter in Malawi gets colder and colder. I remember waking up fine in June or July several years ago but now I wake up with a headache and I can’t do with my flannels anymore. Last night I went to bed with a fleece jumper on. I tell you, soon we’ll need to stop building our houses with brick because we’ll need insulation!! I once joked about “Global Cooling” the other party took it as an opportunity to lecture me on the non-existence of such a thing: “You see Thandi, things need to “warm up” before they can actually “cool down” . Hence the term Global Warming, you see what is happening is…….” La da da, da da! Whatever. So as things cool, (or warm up first and then cool) my brain found itself in a jam. The usual man issues. I took 2 tests, the problem is I took one in, like, April or thereabouts and the other only recently. So the first one was on what type of people I am attracted to. Result : Super-Hero Macho types. And then rec

We lost but hey, didn't know Malawi could attract such a crowd

2-0 but at least we didn't go down too hard. Big up to our boys!! Now what is this I hear about Morgan Tsvangirai pulling out of elections. Now this news is like a bee in my bonnet. No opposition? I mean no significant opposition, this is bad news for our region. SADC needs to show it's leadership this time. What a year, Xenophobia in South now this? And what is this I hear from African American comedians joking about Barack Obama being "almost Black" not funny. Joking about, "Well, he do have some Black tendencies but that's about it!" Pick another joke to get rich by. Now you go'n say I don't know what I'm talking about, I have reason to believe I do. So go on and joke stuff that's smart.

New Malawian Immigration Fees, to like them or not to like them, that's the question

Just fyi if you're planning on coming to the land of the Red, Green, and, Black. Ahem, you know we defeated the reigning African Football champions, Egypt, last weekend, right? It's the place to be. At least this is more comprehensive than the immigration jargon in some countries I know (lol) and at least here you don't need to make a lawyer rich( I still don't get all that lawyer stuff) to get the papers you need. I mean, man, why complicate what don't need complication. Y'as heard? The home affairs office will now be charging a visa for Malawi in United States dollars, and the new requirement is that one has to obtain them from their home country or at a nearest Malawi mission from their home country.A transit visa is at US$50 (K7,000), up from K2,200. At a Malawi mission, the visa would attract US$70 (K9,800).A single entry visa is at US$70, up from K3,000.A multiple entry visa for six months is at US$150 (K10,500), up from K4,500. A multiple visa for one ye

Victory looks Red, Green, and Black!!

Congratulations Malawi!! Never thought I'd see this day. Kinnah Phiri, siyajabula kakhulu, you're the man!! Malawi's Russell Mwafulirwa (R) is chased by Egypt's Wael Gomaa (L) during the 2010 World Cup-African Nations Cup Group 12 qualifying match at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre on June 14, 2008. Malawi won 1-0. AFP PHOTO/STRINGER And from BBC: Egypt stunned in Blantyre Hassan Shehata's team were stunned in Blantyre African champions Egypt suffered a shock set-back in their bid to qualify for the 2010 World and Nations Cups, when they were beaten by Malawi. Hassan Shehata's team looked to have held on for a 0-0 draw, until stoppage time at the end of the game. But in the third minute of time added on Chiukepo Msowoya grabbed the goal which gave the Flames a famous victory to put them on top of Group 12. Malawi, DR Congo and Egypt all have six points from three games, with Malawi top on goal difference. The Pharaohs, reigning African champions, are down in third, a