Wednesday, 29 October 2014

COMEDY: 31st October 22h00 What Kind? Halloween Edition Comedy Improv Show

Ghosts, Ghouls, Goblins and Vampires... Don't forget to head on down to The Catalina Theatre this Friday 31st October at 22h00 for our crazy What Kind? Halloween Edition of our monthly hit improv show.

What Kind? Is our South African version of the long running UK & USA tv series Whose Line Is It Anyway? with Drew Carey, Ryan Stile, Colin Mochrey and Wayne Brady that had us all howling with laughter in the ninety's & noughty's!

Our talented cast of professional actors returns for their fourth consecutive show and belly laughs are guaranteed (the show officially ends at 11:15pm but our cheering audiences have never let us finish before midnight!)

There is a dress-up competition and the best dressed audience member will win a nice prize to take home.

Did we mention that there will be free wine?... No? Well, there will be free wine. You're welcome.

Book your tickets (R80pp) at http://online.computicket.com/web/event/what_kind_improv_comedy/843673371 or at any Checkers or Shoprite store... Or, after a nice dinner at the wharf (if you're brave enough to party in your dress-up!) You can stroll along to the theatre at 9:30pm and buy your tickets at Box Office (next to Zacks)

See you there! #WhatKind
Regards,

Sandy Bigara
www.sandybigara.com

RACISM: Response to a Racists Questionnaire

The following article is In response to a hectic status/comment debate/discussion that started in a positive thought provoking way and, due to a racist jobbie, ended in confusion and offense.  The answers to her list and to ours are exactly the same word every time. 


Googled the answer and got this. Lots of this. (This is a clue)

I worked together with a friend of mine, Nelisa, and we came up with our own set of Questions... in response to a previous set of questions (originally written by the antagonist/protagonist/racist/rebel/activist?) A list of questions that also all had the same answer... at least the questioner thought that they all had the same answer... (I spent some time googling these questions trying to come up with the correct answer to each ... my effort was not well met unfortunately and I was told to hand over my home, job, money etc and leave South Africa to go... where? Dunno, cos I am South African. Passport and all says so... so, yes.) 



Look at them. Smug bastards.

As close friends (Sisters even, if Facebook's 'family' Status is anything to go by) of different colour, race and cultural groups - Nelisa and I have laughed and cried over race issues - working our way forward as friends. Sometimes she helps me to understand the complexities of racial understanding in South Africa, sometimes I get it... and sometimes I get my dear husband to make her awesome coffee, we eat a lot of jelly tots, but I digress. Cheetos as well. Add chocolate to this. And pasta. 

We have found that laughter is the best way forward. Let's see how well you do in our Questionnaire! 



Another clue. You're welcome.


These are the original racist questions to which my friend and I are responding:

1. Who is responsible for deforestation of the rain forests and wild trees
2. Who is responsible for the extinction and death of Wild Animals and Sea Creatures?
3. Who is responsible for the world pollution and man made illnesses.
4. Who is responsible for the wiping out of other races of human beings and the enslavement of others.
5. Who decided that the access to food should be sold and not freely obtained by all human beings on the planet.
6. Which people, no matter where you go on the Planet are always well off and own the majority of everything whether they are Natives of that land or not.

And as I said, the Questioner above, let's call her Sally, believed that each question had the exact same answer

The same answers to all of the questions in our next questionnaire: 




I can't even. 

Anyway, here is our list of Questions: 

1. What colour are most of South Africa's taxi's?
2. Finish the sentence: Clouds are ______.
3. What colour is fresh snow?
4. The non-black sections on a Zebra are ______.
5. The racist establishment in DC that houses the USA President, is called the ______ House. 
6. The colour of refined rice. (Which is also evidence of the power of imperialism)
7. Imperial Mints are ______. (Another sign of Imperialism!! *gasp*)
8. Holy Communion Wafers are usually ______.
9. The name of the rough paint used to paint houses is ______ wash. 
10. Sheep are ______ in colour.
11. A4 Printer paper is usually _______.
12. Finish the sentence: Icing sugar is _______. 
13. What colour sounds like the word "What" ______.
14. Finish the Michael Jackson lyrics: "It's black, it's _______. yeah. yeah. yeah." 
15. Women wait for their 'Knight on a _______ Stallion" 


The blatant racism here is just... shocking. 


Yeah, so, there's that. Anyone can make a list, and make sure that all answers are exactly the same... I do suggest though, before making an accusatory racist list like the first one above, check your facts - wikipedia is great, or if you are a hipster then the Encyclopedia Britannica is surely at your local library - and, good luck with that. 

Anyways.......... I hope that you all have a good day. Make friends with someone who is different to you. Broaden your horizons guys. 















THEATRE: 7inch Stilettos by Thabiso Radebe

7inch Stilettos
Produced and directed by Thabiso Radebe,
Catalina Theatre on Wilson's Wharf
October 31 and 01 November
19h00
R60 (Just the show)
R120 (John Dorys and Show)
R120 (Spur and Show)
Book via Computicket, or at any Shoprite or Checkers stores, or at the Catalina box office open 1hr before each show.

Regrets no under 15's (15 VNL)

Durban is yet again the stage for good LGBTQ theatre, Thabiso Radebe - fresh from his well received run of Sofia Town - is bring us the sequel to High Heels with Balls - a gutsy drama piece that brought about good honest dialogue amongst viewers. Not for the faint of heart, and most definitely not for sensitive viewers, Radebe hits at sore points and speaks out aloud the questions that are so often asked.
A brave individual willing to stand in the gap and generate dialogue.

This week at the Catalina Theatre, Thabiso Radebe introduces another run this year of "7inch Stilettos" which sees Radebe and Sisanda Tshali collaborating with fine artist Sphephelo Mnguni.

Radebe's portrayal of Joyani is poignant and emotive.
"We are confronted with choices everyday. Sometimes we get them wrong, and sometimes right. Wrong tends to sting more than right satisfies. Bad and good decisions can get even thornier to make when they get more personal, involving ethics and morality."

Read the WN.com review HERE

 7inch Stilettos circles Joyani Maqa, a 25 year-old homosexual who chooses a path that destroys him. He flees home after his family has been murdered. Living on the streets, he's involved in the sex trade business, drug use and murders. His choices have become a burden to him as he seeks a direction
to a better Future.

Read IOL.co.za review in isiZulu HERE 

Contact Thabiso on 0835291361 or email thabiso.sbani@gmail.com

Poster by Mondli Madondo.

Monday, 27 October 2014

FOOD: My weekend... The Good Food & Wine Show

Speechless. 

What an INCREDIBLE weekend! The Clover & Selati Sweet Treats Theatre was pumping, there was standing room only :)  


So many cute and happy children - worth every stiff muscle from doing all of those action sing-alongs ha! 

So much colour! Here with Chef Katie Kasambala. 



The MISSING is ridiculous!!! The Good Food & Wine Show SA DBN was like a **festival of awesome** this year! 

Sarah Holloway Rainbow Experiential Marketing), Lentswe Bhengu Africa on a Plate), Sherwyn Sean Weaich (The Gourmet Bushie, Ultimate Braai Master), Candice Courtney (So Whipped), Katie Kasambala Little Cooks Club Durban North),Amy McKenna, Daniela Dotan (Daniella's Macaroons), Katelyn Williams & Ewan Strydom, Claire Winstanley Expresso Morning Show - SABC 3), Siya, Mishal Mookrey (Mela) & more... you made this weekend ROCK. 

Big loves from the Diva (Singing Chef) *kiss *kiss (Now put your left leg out... left leg in... )

THEATRE: Arno Els in Ahno it’s Arno - The Naked Truth


Ahno it's Arno - The Naked Truth

WHEN 
Friday October 31 @ 18:30

HOW MUCH 
R110 per ticket (includes Dinner, Wine, and the Show)

WHERE 
Colombo / The Factory Cafe (369 magwaza maphalala rd aka Gale street)

TICKETS 
Book your tickets via: email - info@the031.com phone - 072 122 7561

Comedian, Musician, and National Champion Arno "Ahno It's Arno" Els has finally pulled himself towards himself and put together a journey of a show - an hour and some odd change of comedy and music. 

When asked what the reason was, he responded by saying: "I'm broke. But also, i think I've found my voice and I'm ready to make people laugh, and leave them with something to ponder when they crawl into bed that night."

He's been around the block and performed with some renowned acts in DBN, JHB, and CPT as well as winning the 2014 DSOC Young Gun Of The Year Award.



Arno is also a respected musician in the Durban music scene and "The Naked Truth" sees him combining music and humour to get across what words simply can't.

Audiences can look forward to him diving head-first into topics such as relationships, addiction, procreation, growing pains, the struggles of being afrikaans but lacking culture, and where we'll find ourselves in the future as a human race.

The naked truth is loosely based around "myself, my thoughts, my shallow, yet vast narcism, and my love for everything alive."

Follow Arno Els on: Facebook // Twitter // Instagram

Thursday, 23 October 2014

QUESTIONS: Who IS Responsible...

Recently I was involved in an interesting debate about the usual White/Black issue in South Africa. I was saddened by the use of the same old rhetoric "Go Home!" "Give back your land/house/car/finances" "Whites are the Devil" I then had a look at one of the commentators Facebook pages and saw that he had recently posted a few questions, leaving them open ended - but the "Answer" to each was the word WHITE. I decided to have a look and see what answers I could come up with that were a bit more informed. 

I have had to do this very quickly - I'm leaving for a work weekend - otherwise I would have been a bit more thorough and added my own two cents worth. 

I just feel that by slapping every non-black culture with the name "WHITE" it stirs up all sorts of trouble. It de-humanises us and makes it a case of US and THEM. Instead of WE. 

Take care everyone. 

________________________ 

"I can ask you 7 questions that all have a common answer that indicates who is responsible for The Worlds problems and current state:

1. Who is responsible for deforestation of the rain forests and wild trees
The answer: Human beings are responsible.

According to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) secretariat, the overwhelming direct cause of deforestation is agriculture. Subsistence farming is responsible for 48% of deforestation; commercial agriculture is responsible for 32% of deforestation; logging is responsible for 14% of deforestation and fuel wood removals make up 5% of deforestation.[9] - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deforestation

The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) reports (2005) that the Earth's total forest area continues to decrease at about

13 million hectares (32.5 million acres) per year. Or
250 000 hectares (625 000 acres) per week. Or
35 714 hectares (89 000 acres) per day. Or
1488 hectares (3720 acres) an hour. Or
25 hectares (62 acres) a minute. Or
0.4 hectares (1 acre) every second.

An American Football field measures 0.53 ha (1.32 acres). So about 4 football fields every 5 seconds!

Many people think the actual figure is much higher, because these figures were provided by each country, and may not include illegal logging.

A report from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the U.N.: The State of the World's Forests 2003 notes the percentage of forest lost between 1990 and 2000.

Burundi (15 000 hectares, 9%) and Haiti lost the most (7 000, 5.7%).

Some countries increased their forest cover. Among them:

Israel 4.9% increase
Ireland 3%
Cuba 1.3%
China 1.2%
UK 0.6%
New Zealand 0.5%
USA 0.2%

2. Who is responsible for the extinction and death of Wild Animals and Sea Creatures?
The Answer: Human Beings are responsible.

Causes of Ocean Pollution & Marine Life Deaths:
1. Sewage
2. Toxic Chemicals From Industries
3. Land Runoff
4. Large Scale Oil Spills
5. Ocean Mining
6. Littering
Water pollution, by the discharge of wastewater from commercial and industrial waste (intentionally or through spills) into surface waters; discharges of untreated domestic sewage, and chemical contaminants, such as chlorine, from treated sewage; release of waste and contaminants into surface runoff flowing to surface waters (including urban runoff and agricultural runoff, which may contain chemical fertilizers and pesticides); waste disposal and leaching into groundwatereutrophication and littering. - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pollution

Oceans are the largest water bodies on the planet Earth. Over the last few decades, surplus human activities have severely affected the marine life on the Earth's oceans. Ocean pollution, also known as marine pollution, is the spreading of harmful substances such as oil, plastic, industrial and agricultural waste and chemical particles into the ocean. Since oceans provide home to wide variety of marine animals and plants, it is responsibility of every citizen to play his or her part in making these oceans clean so that marine species can thrive for long period of  time.
Mining for materials such as copper and gold is a major source of contamination in the ocean. For example, copper is a major source of pollutant in the ocean and can interfere with the life cycles of numerous marine organisms and life.

3. Who is responsible for the world pollution and man made illnesses.
The Answer: Human Beings are responsible.

Pollution:
1. Sewage
2. Toxic Chemicals From Industries
3. Carbon monoxide Emmissions
6. Littering
7. Over population
8. Lack of hygiene

The biggest killers: cardiovascular disease, cancer & diabetes.

According to the World Health Organization, the 10 leading causes of death in 2002 were:
1.     12.6% Ischaemic heart disease
2.     9.7% Cerebrovascular disease
3.     6.8% Lower respiratory infections
4.     4.9% HIV/AIDS
5.     4.8% Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
6.     3.2% Diarrhoeal diseases
7.     2.7% Tuberculosis
8.     2.2% Trachea/bronchus/lung cancers
9.     2.2% Malaria
10. 2.1% Road traffic accidents


4. Who is responsible for the wiping out of other races of human beings and the enslavement of others.
The Answer: Many cultures (black/white/mixed) globally have partaken in Genocide, and/or colonisation in the past thousands of years.


5. Who decided that the access to food should be sold and not freely obtained by all human beings on the planet.
The Answer: Homo sapiens principally using the Danube river, at a time beginning 35-30,000 BC
Trade is the transfer of the ownership of goods or services from one person or entity to another in exchange for other goods or services or for money. Trade is sometimes loosely called commerce orfinancial transaction or barter. A network that allows trade is called a market. The original form of trade was barter, the direct exchange of goods and services for other goods and services. Later one side of the barter was precious metals. Modern traders instead generally negotiate through a medium of exchange, such as money. As a result, buying can be separated from selling, or earning. Theinvention of money (and later credit, paper money and non-physical money) greatly simplified and promoted trade. Trade between two traders is called bilateral trade, while trade between more than two traders is called multilateral trade.
Trade exists for man due to specialization and division of labor, in which most people concentrate on a small aspect of production, trading for other products. Trade exists between regions because different regions have a comparative advantage in the production of some trad-able commodity, or because different regions size allows for the benefits of mass production. As such, trade at market prices between locations benefits both locations.
Retail trade consists of the sale of goods or merchandise from a very fixed location, such as adepartment store, boutique or kiosk, or by mail, in small or individual lots for direct consumption or use by the purchaser.[1] Wholesale trade is defined as the sale of goods that are sold asmerchandise to retailers, and/or industrial, commercial, institutional, or other professional businessusers, or to other wholesalers and related subordinated services.[2]
Trading is a value-added function: it is the economic process by which a product finds its end user, in which specific risks are to be borne by the trader.
Trading can also refer to the action performed by traders and other market agents in the financial markets.

6. Which people, no matter where you go on the Planet are always well off and own the majority of everything whether they are Natives of that land or not.
The Answer: Indian Americans are the richest race in the world – (not to be confused with Native Americans)

I have searched online and can not find a website that shows RACIAL % of land ownership / business ownership. This has led me to believe that the question above can not be answered correctly and honestly.

LIFESTYLE: Interview with Palmist Charmaine Meager

I had an incredible experience recently.  I really wanted to share the experience and hopefully inspire some of you to give it a try! Ok, so, I nervously sent a picture of my sweaty palms to Palmist Charmaine Meager, and her reply gave me goose bumps… You know when someone links you to an amazing video online, and most of the way through the video your mouth just sort of hangs open? Well, reading her assessment of my hands had my mouth hanging open in amazement. I think I read her reply about 5 times. You can photograph your hands and email them to her, or scan them like I did. Easy peasy. She does the reading and includes her bank details for an EFT.

Evidence: The Sweaty Palms

There was an uncanny accuracy in her reading that blew me away. She also mentioned something that I have until very recently (after the reading) been quite secretive about – by the end of the reading I was in tears. 

“Palmistry is one of the oldest studies in the world.
In the original Hebrew of the book of Job (chapter xxxvii, ver.7), we find these significant words: "God caused signs or seals on the hands of all the sons of men, that the sons of men might know their works."
  
"Palmistry is said to have originated in India and then spread throughout China finding it’s way to Egypt, Greece and then to Europe.” - http://palmistryinhand.com/history-palmistry

"Palmistry" Enrique Simonet - La buenaventura 1899

I was so touched by her words that I decided to write about her work! The following is a Q & A that I did with Charmaine:

Q
What inspired you to learn about the practice of Palmistry? Who told you about it? When did you start?
A
I come from a line of Psychics. But my inspiration for studying Palmistry was definitely my Great Granny, she was a Faith Healer, Herbalist, and used to read tea cups and palms... I adored her and absorbed a lot from her, so developed a strong interest in palmistry and studying the hands at a very young age.

Q
What has been your most inspiring case so far? Do you sometimes form friendships with the people you have read?
A
My most inspiring case, was the shortest reading I ever did! And I could not see the lines on this woman's hands, because when I looked, all I saw was "money" pouring out her palms, and a big number 8!  So that is exactly what I told her, I said "in 8 days, you will receive money, LOTS of it... Turns out she had been trying for months to sell her farm, with no takers, one man had recently viewed it and wanted to buy, it would be around about another 8 days until they knew if his "bond" or "loan" was approved... She received her money!
The lines on your hand change with the experiences you have throughout your life, and I have had people come back for second and third readings every couple of months, so have gotten to know them well.

Q
What pushes you to pursue this field?
A
A passion, hands tell the story of your life, they can't be hidden, are out there for everyone to see, it is amazing how much you can tell about someone just by looking at their hands, before even studying the lines on their palms... It is an ancient Art, something you can study your whole life and there will always be more to learn.

Q
If you could read anybody's hand, who would it be and why?
A
Oscar Pistorius's of course.. So the Truth can be revealed!... :) Seriously though, I think to study the hands of a criminal, rapist, or murderer would be an amazing case study… To see what circumstances in their lives lead them to do what they did.

Q
Where are you based? 
A
I stay in Sherwood, Durban. But I choose to do "online” readings rather than face to face, That way I concentrate on just the hands, without being influenced by how the person looks, or how they come across.

Q
Do you require payment before you do your palm reading? 
A
Before or after, some banks take one or two days for a payment to reflect... When I receive an email of someone's hands (lines clearly visible) I do the reading send it off, and attach my Banking details underneath.

Q
Tell me about yourself, who are you? Where have you been? What are your dreams and hopes for the future? 
A
I was born and grew up in Zimbabwe, moved to SA when I was around 13 years old... I married (and divorced) here with three beautiful children and four (almost five) wonderful grandchildren. My children have been my life for the 19 years I've been divorced... I have found my Soul mate now at 50, he lives in America, and is the only man I see myself ever spending the rest of my life with, being Cherokee, our "Spiritual Beliefs" are very similar. I love the way my life is going."

To have your palms read, please email Charmaine at charmaine.meager@gmail.com

Wednesday, 15 October 2014

Are You a Toxic Leader?

1. They rarely demonstrate good traits. Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness, and self-control. You won't see them much in toxic leaders.

2. They seek a minimalist structure of accountability. Indeed, if they could get away with it, they would operate in a totally autocratic fashion, with heavy, top-down leadership.

3. They expect behavior of others they don't expect of themselves. "Do as I say, not as I do."

4. They see almost everyone else as inferior to themselves. You will hear them criticizing other leaders while building themselves up.

5. They show favoritism. It is clear that they have a favored few, while they marginalize the rest.

6. They have frequent anger outbursts. This behavior takes place when they don't get their way.

7. They say one thing to some people but different things to others. This is a soft way of saying they lie.

8. They seek to dismiss or marginalize people before they attempt to develop them. People are means to their ends; they see them as projects, not people who need mentoring and developing.

9. They are manipulative. Their most common tactic is using partial truths to get their way.

10. They lack transparency. Autocratic leaders are rarely transparent. If they get caught abusing their power, they may have to forfeit it.

11. They do not allow for pushback or disagreement. When someone does disagree, he or she becomes the victim of the leader's anger and marginalization.

12. They surround themselves with sycophants. Their inner circle thus often includes close friends and family members, as well as a host of "yes people."

13. They communicate poorly. In essence, any clarity of communication would reveal their autocratic behavior, so they keep their communications unintelligible and obtuse.

14. They are self-absorbed. In fact, they would unlikely see themselves in any of these symptoms.

Based on the list found at CharismaNews used with thanks.

Saturday, 11 October 2014

Making Memories Is What This Is All About

It is our LAST show today, yesterday's audience at Zap & Buttons blew us away with their brilliant rowdy behaviour and crazy actions! Don't miss out on this funny, action-filled adventure :)  

Zap & Buttons will finish off at The Durban Children's Theatre Festival at The Catalina Theatre at 2pm TODAY. Tickets are only R60pp, so book online or come down to the Wharf and book at the Box Office - and enjoy a day out with your little ones. Be sure to bring some slices of bread and feed the fish off the pier (they jump right up, clean out of the water!) 

Below the newly renovated theatre there are a number of restaurants to choose from: Zacks, Julio's, John Dorys, Casadena Spur, Oyster box and loads of smaller eateries near a bank of R2 coin rides! Boat rides set off in front of Spur - a wonderful day out at Durban Harbour. 

From Point rd/Mahatma Gandhi rd, turn right up Vic Embankment towards the South Coast freeway. At the train crossing go over the tracks (fun!) and turn right at the turning circle... follow along Boatman's way and turn left at entrance #2 at Wilsons Wharf (after the big blue wall with waves painted on it!) the theatre is right at the end at the waters edge.The address on Google Maps etc is 18 Boatman's way, Wilson's Wharf, Durban, KZN. 

Saturday, 4 October 2014

A Novel Idea OPEN DAY feat. John Ellis | Connecting Stars | Sandy Bigara | 3rd October 2014

Free of charge - pop in to A Novel Idea in Westville today, Rodger Sishi / Blair Atholl rd, (exit 10 off M19) next to the SPAR from 2pm - 8pm+ for a full and busy afternoon of arts, crafts, cake, science experiments, pavement salsa, classical music, folk rock, stand-up comedy, portrait artistry and more!

Hosted by the owners Tamsyn and Devan, this charming vintage styled shop is reminiscent of the Notting Hill film and has become a hub of activity and support for the Durban Arts community.

Support local, support this innovative and creative platform for Home industry and Arts.

The days itinerary:

Noel Johnson - MC

14:00 Volunteer Car wash in aid of Hope House

14:00 Face Painting & Children's Entertainment

14:00 Live Portrait Artist - Eugene

14:30 Hope House Presentation

15:00 Book Launch - Erica Keitzman-Kennedy Smith

15:30 Live Science Demonstrations

15:55 Book Launch - Amy Wortmann Tears of the Dragon

16:15 John Ellis Unplugged
www.facebook.com/JohnEllisOfficialFanpage

17:00 Poetry Book Launch - Irene Emanuel: Live Poets' Society & Open Mic

18:00 Free Beginner's Salsa Dance Class

19:00 Sandy Bigara - Album Launch - A Night to Remember

www.reverbnation.com/sandybigara
19:45 Open mic comedy

20:30 Connecting Stars chill session

www.facebook.com/connectingstarsband
Hope to see some of you there!

Regards,

Sandy Bigara
www.sandybigara.com