At every level of progress in society, nothing gets done without women. Nothing about life *is*, without women. It is therefore not only unconscionable but simply idiotic to disregard the concept of equality as if you're currently in the 1950s.

The first Nobel Peace Prize was officially awarded in 1901. In 2026, a petulant, enabled & coddled president has coerced his way to ''accepting'' the award. The Norwegian Nobel Committee had to officially make it clear that this is not how things work. This is where we're at.

Despite what's generally regurgitated by our society: Mental healthcare, *is* [part of] healthcare. If you didn't take care [get to?] of yourself in the ways that you needed today, that's okay. You get to choose to do so tomorrow, again. (Whatever that means to- and for you.)

Constructively search for the beauty in this world. Find it. (Allow it to find you, too.) And, then: hold onto it. It matters that you do. It matters that you know that the beauty that You put out into this world, matters. Go.

One day, when it’s safe, when there’s no personal downside to calling a thing what it is, when it’s too late to hold anyone accountable, everyone will have always been against this. — El Akkad

It's a despairing time to be alive. Got me thinking: as a kid, when I was in public with my (late) mom, I had to emotionally prep for folks stopping her to chat. Me, being me, it used to be irksome, but as an adult, now — something that brings me comfort: her humanity & laugh.

Another thing about Maduro capture — this isn’t the work of fools, which means serious military people, and not just trumps dumb and dumber collection of idiots — went along with this. I’m so tired of seeing media frame this as just a Trump thing - this is maybe the most American thing he’s done.

Ever since Iraq, there's been a running joke on the Internet, whenever oil is discovered somewhere on the planet — that it is "about to receive some democracy". And, over the past 48 hours the cloak of amusement has just been completely removed through Venezuela, hasn't it?

Assuming they first had to get a feel for what folks' reactions would be, huh? Now, to do some more █████████ — before releasing the next batch, right?

This made me chuckle.

‘Carol’ as in ‘Christmas carol’ originally referred to dances performed in the round. It later referred to the song of merriment that accompanied said dances. ‘Carol’ is your mom’s friend who sells labradoodle sweaters on Etsy.

Bananas.

@groundup.org.za does exceptional work covering South Africa. Go follow them.

Yup.

Trump is, as a human being — an idiotic person. But, it'd be a mistake to think that there aren't people behind him weighing all the decisions he makes and doesn't.

I've been taking a break from social media over the past few weeks (here excluded) — but, Jesus, it's been difficult? I've been saying: fooor fuck's sake? About 100 times a day.

Presidents come and go. With or without respect. But, one hopes that it (respect) does remain intact for the Office. If nothing else, regaining *that*, is going to be difficult for the United States once the petulant child currently occupying it, leaves.

So no one told you life was gonna be this way? Your job's a joke, you're broke, your love life's D.O.A.? It's like you're always stuck in second gear?

An interesting time to be alive. Info is [generally] readily available to evaluate & come to a conclusion? In comparison to where we've been, it's simpler.. to establish *right* from *wrong*. But, adults are choosing not.. that? And, I mean: self-preservation/money, etc. but, yeah? Fascinating.

This is unconscionable and definitely unsustainable.

Love this for her.

Language shouldn't be policed, but we ought always endeavour for it to be *constructive*. On days like these, South African men usually use the phrase "protect our women'' (Our). Cringeworthy. It speaks to a sense of subconscious entitlement. (De-structive.) Unlearn, learn.

Please don't ever tell people: 'not having money / education isn't everything'; no elaboration. *Access* to money / education in *healthy* ways, matter. Particularly so within our socioeconomic context. Structures & systems ought to always be rethought & readjusted; justly.

It has, has it?

I urgently need South African journalists to stop saying someone was 'fingered' in a situation - when what they mean to say is 'implicated'.

Appreciating what's good about other people — does not reduce the good of who you know yourself to be. Truth, in whatever form it exists, still matters. It still matters.

Quick general reminder: we're at that point of the year where folks are, for various reasons and degrees of validity, irritable. But, a lot of 'em will be emotionally lazy to express that in healthy ways. Be constructive about it, but: protect your peace.

As important as it is to acknowledge all the [wilful] injustice in the world, we need moments of reflection to remind ourselves that goodness, too — exists, and that *it* ought to be our guiding light. If you're observing Diwali, may it be a pleasant experience to you & yours.

The moment folks just tacitly accept things around them without questioning its validity or, sense of justice - that's when those things become normal. It is important to continuously guard against it. To that end, I'm glad that things like the No Kings protests exists. It's a good initiative.

New York mag published an article about how kids running around yelling “6-7!” is stressing grown ups out and I guess, yeah, part of the existential experience of aging is not knowing what the kids are talking about but I find this hilarious and mundane and not worthy of think-pieces lol

It's a good sense of inner comfort when one gets to straighten up around one's living space after putting it off because of life things during the other days of the week.

Quick reminder: Palestinians deeply love their family, friends, and land. They deserve to be free in it. Nothing about that is 'complicated'. This was as much true more than 75 years ago, as it continues to be true today.

Today is World Mental Health Day. A moment in time to raise awareness to the fact that, amongst other things, 'feelings' in- and of themselves, aren't 'bad' or, that they make you seem 'weak'. You get to be human. Constructively, and beautifully, You.

If politicians and public officials spent half as much time as they do being petulant adults in Office, we'd have better room for competence on the ground; in practice. It is important that we don't allow them to chip away at our Institutions for their own vested expediencies.

I was in a queue earlier, and getting annoyed. But, it's pretty difficult *staying* annoyed at the incompetence of a supermarket when you've got that new Taylor Swift on your earphones. That shit sounds like the smell of a goddamn beautiful flower.

A reminder: in case you're feeling mentally and emotionally exhausted from the everythingness this week has been (continues to be), and it is practicably doable - make some time to get back in touch with yourself. Whatever that means to- and for you. You get to.

Don't be dissuaded by this world: there's still value in constructive loyalty and trust.

I look forward to a day when it isn't 'controversial' to say: yes, that was an Apartheid State who, with the help of all to whom it made greedy sense — that oppressed and suppressed what ought have always been a Free Palestine. That it's a simple truth.

I've been unavailable on here for a while. But, I couldn't any longer. I had to go scream into the wind. Palestine, The Madlanga Commission. Fuck! Disinformation is too much. Why is there a lack of questioning? Fuck! Also: is nobody just doing their jobs any more? Fuck!

Apropos of nothing, but: if you and I have differing views on whether or not pineapple should be on a pizza, we'd be in: *disagreement*. *That* designation stops once you choose to be bigoted, & make it your brand. Then, I'd no longer respect you as a person, and bid you adieu.

Suicide is not selfish. If anything, it is a tragedy - brought on, in a lot of instances, by the weight of depression: a mental illness. Prevention through constructive treatment, is an option. Destigmatization thereof is a healthy starting point.

So, Walmart - in the form of its physical stores - is coming to South Africa? But, now see, that confuses me? According to the Supreme King of Oranges, ''terrible things are happening in South Africa'' and yet, the largest employer in America, is comfortable investing here?

Grief is a motherfucker. But, ultimately, it is love that doesn't know where to go. Be its guide.

I don't know how many films have Celine Dion songs featuring prominently, ironically or, whichever capacity? But, ones I've seen've been good. What I'm *glad* about, is that, in terms of being such a legendary talented artist, her music has such a delightful & respected reach. Dis vir my mooi.

Xciting new vocabulary addition.

It's 2025. Give people the flowers they deserve while they can still smell ‘em. Appreciating the beauty and/or good in someone else, doesn't reduce/dismiss any of it in You. Shall I repeat that?

As a reference: Apartheid in South Africa, to a significant extent, only came to end because it became economically unsustainable for that regime. Not out of the goodness of their hearts. Actions like these are meaningful, and more are needed.

Quick reminder: get back in touch with your mental health today. It doesn't have to be perfect. It gets to be whatever you need it to be.

In any given situation, please know that: male, is not the default. white, is not the default. rich, is not the default. You get to choose to not be idiotic.

I'm always conflicted observing Women's Day. When you look at our socioeconomic reality, women are not respected, are they? So, I see value in acknowledging moments towards it becoming a common practice. I have hope. Like an Ngoyi, a Joseph, a Moosa, and a Williams-De Bruyn.