Hail Image and the Saturday Independent

I would like to offer an apology to my very dear friend Kate Sydenham - I asked friends to email/bbm or facebook 'tag' me pictures of the hail storm on Friday night. Kate, among others sent me gorgeous pictures - with the rush to get them onto my blog I sent via my Blackberry email, and could not give credit to each photographer under the separate images as I could do if I was online.

 

The Saturday Independent (www.iol.co.za) saw my link on twitter, accessed my blog and took a photograph from there, without my consent, publishing it on the front page of the Saturday paper. I was given credit for taking the picture. If I had been contacted and asked for permission, I would have sent them directly to Kate and she would have had credit for the image taken.

 

I sincerely apologise for any hurt feelings and don't want my sources and friends to think that I do this regularly! I ALWAYS ask permission first before publishing any content.

 

Thanks for your time.

 

 

Sandy Bigara

sandybigara@gmail.com

Canadian Psycho Cannibal Magnotta New Victim?

The disturbing news about the 'Canadian Cannibal' has ended with an arrest inside an internet cafe... And now, there is the possibility that this was Mr. Magnotta's second dismemberment/murder.

A human head and other body parts were discovered in the Hollywood hills a while ago and police are now looking into the connection between Magnotta and this death.

Why is there so much cannibalism/necromancy and murder going on at the moment in the States and Canada?!

I've attached the CNN link below.

There are also some good articles linked at the bottom of this page:
http://edition.cnn.com/2012/06/08/world/americas/canada-body-parts-investigation/index.html?c=world

Take care and beware the Zombie Apocalypes (joking)



Sent from my BlackBerry®

Hail Storm Durban Photos

The freak storm hit Durban without warning this evening, lasting about 20 minutes or so.

As you'll see from the photo's the hail fell differently in the various suburbs - with umhlanga rocks drive being the hardest hit.

Have you got any photos? Email me: sandybigara@gmail.com

Take care!

Sandy Bigara
Sent from my BlackBerry®

Hail Storm over Durban!

Huge hail storm!

Anyone else caught in the hail?!
Sent from my BlackBerry®

Kaylene Lewis: What Actually Happened

A fantastic interview by Mervyn Naidoo via the Tribune:

http://m.iol.co.za/article/view/s/81/a/235865

Our thoughts are with Kaylene's family at this time.

Be vigilant with your teens on Facebook. Don't assume that they are aware of all dangers.

Sandy Bigara
Sent from my BlackBerry®

Glen View Guest House Rates

Glen View Guest House in Durban.

---

BED & BREAKFAST RATES

Single - R525 per person per night

Double sharing - R635 per room per night

The above rate includes an English breakfast

---

SELF CATERING

Single - R475 per person per night

2 sleeper unit - R575 per unit

3 sleeper unit- R675 per unit per night

4 sleeper unit - R775 per unit per night

English breakfast available at R55 per head

---

LONG TERM ACCOMMODATION RATES

7 night stay including dinner, bed and breakfast - R620 per person per night

1 month stay including dinner, bed and breakfast - R570 per person per night

3 month stay including dinner, bed and breakfast - R480 per person per night

All dinners are valued at R85 and can either be provided by us or we can issue the guest with a voucher to enjoy dinner at the various restaurants and fast food outlets nearby.


Laundry rates: R120 per 20 items (shirts, pants)
Wash, dried and ironed
Sent from my BlackBerry®

ARTIST PROFILE: Rene Tshiakanyi in 2012

Rene Tshiakanyi, South African Singer, originally from Congo DRC.

When a young man notices an unfair event reoccurring, if that young man writes a song – and that song goes viral causing a corrupt government to threaten his life, and the life of his family; causing him to flee to another country?... 

Then that man is remarkable. 

Someone who deserves the support of his fellow man.

Thinking nothing of his personal safety, Rene Tshiakanyi wrote a human rights song "La Presse s'efface" or, Journalists are being erased" when his friend, a journalist was almost killed. This prompted him to expose the dealings of a government that simply 'silenced' its foes or expose's. The video that accompanied the song recording caused an outcry among the country's leadership and eventually lead to Rene's fleeing of his homeland.

In August of 2008 Rene arrived in South Africa and lived with his uncle. He had no English language skill and had nothing but a will to live, and his guitar.

His first job in South Africa was a very sad experience – but it proved to be the catalyst for change in Rene's life. He worked as a domestic worker, doing maintenance and garden work for a family in Durban, unfortunately the racist abuse that he suffered at his 'Master's' hands proved to be too much. Being fed his lunch on the same plate that the family dog had earlier eaten upon was the turning point. Rene quietly but firmly told his employer 

"I am worth being treated with dignity' 

He then left peacefully. He still to this day feels no ill will towards the man, when I heard of the abuse that Rene suffered I was angry – Rene stretched out his hand to me and said, 

"It is where that man is... What good will our anger bring? Rather show him kindness…"  

Later on in his career, when that same man and his family ate a meal at a restaurant that, coincidentally, had Rene as their entertainment that day, Rene secretly offered to cover their bill in a show of goodwill. He was too late however, and the bill had already been paid...

He went home after quitting work, and over the next while he took up his guitar and sat on a street corner. He started to play songs that he loved. A passerby dropped a note at his feet… one fifth of what he earned for an entire day's hard labour!... a successful busker was born.

A woman named Eva gave him an opportunity to busk at the Mother Organic Restaurant and then Andre at the NSA Gallery allowed him to busk there. In 2009 through long hours of busking, Rene bought his sound equipment and lighting, in 2010 he bought a car, and set up his website, in 2011 he recorded a demo CD, and toured Johannesburg, Pretoria and Cape Town. So far 2012 has been busy, with a UK tour in his dreams... 

His style is quite unique; he sings passionately, he is focussing on developing his style – looking into vocal training as well. I personally love his French songs and wish that he would focus on these! When he loses himself in a song his voice takes on a warm vibrato that fills your heart, his guitar playing is crisp and interesting.

UPDATE: 2015 

Rene's career has gone from strength to strength and I will be doing another interview with him soon! Please take a look at the following links and show Rene some support:

Rene's Twitter Feed 

Rene's Fan Page 

Rene's YOUTUBE Channel 

Rene's Website 

Cow Toys For Sale

Selling my Cow Toy collection *sob!

Only available to South African friends due to postage costs.

Thanks!

http://www.facebook.com/CowToySaleSouthAfrica

Sandy Bigara
Sent from my BlackBerry®

Gateway Shoot Out

Sorry I have taken so long to blog about this but you just never know which BBM's are real and which are hoaxes.

I received this bbm earlier while walking around the relatively peaceful China Mall in town... :

"STAY AWAY FROM GATEWAY - a wild west shooting just broke out inside gateway all staff n customers r stuck inside stores n stock rooms , it is said dat sum have been shot n a few killed, plz stay away from gateway n keep all those trapped inside in ur prayers"

And a source of mine phoned one of the stores inside the centre, and it was confirmed by staff that there was a shoot-out in what appears to be a cash heist.

The shoot-out happened at about 1:30pm (according to www.ecr.co.za) and both suspects have been shot dead, this is as much as I know, I'm asking around for more details.

I saw on facebook that Gateway is denying any incident, although people are commenting first hand witness to the events, describing staff members fleeing from staff exits.

What are your thoughts? Does Gateway need to up their security measures? Have you ever been in a hold-up? What happened?

Keep safe,

Sandy Bigara
Sent from my BlackBerry®

Kaylene Lewis - Public Responses to Her Disappearance & Safe Return

We are all very happy that young Kaylene Lewis is home and safe. The support of the on-line and word-of-mouth community was, to say the least, impressive. Our community showed solidarity and the tip offs and assistance from everyone eventually paid off.

I extend a BIG well done to all involved in finding this young lady and bringing her home, from what I understand, people worked around the clock following multiple leads until she was found.

The following comments were posted after two of the articles, the original information page when Kaylene went missing, and after she was found.

It always amazes me how people are quick to make judgement with very little 'fact' at hand. But, at the same time, each comment expressed thoughts that have been verbally expressed in my presence with regard to this.

Perhaps someone from the family can post a comment as a reply?

I understand that this is a very difficult time for Kaylene's family, so, when/if someone can post any information or a reply to any of these comments, I will be grateful.

-What are YOUR thoughts?
-What would YOU do if this was your child?
-How do you encourage them forward at this point?
-How do we safeguard OUR children from an experience like this?

Here are the comments below, I have left them 'as is' and have not edited them in any way.

Anonymous / 22 May 2012 / 3:27 PM
Kaylene is my niece. Her dad had a call from a lady in PE who said she saw a girl possibly matching Kaylene's discription, but might not be her... She said she was on her way to JBAY... please anyone in JBAY / PE area please keep a lookout for her.. She should of reached Jeffreys Bay now if it is her. If anybody spots her please phone Quinton (her dad)on ----

Anonymous / 23 May 2012 / 5:53 AM
Perhaps the family should contact Brad Nathanson - a P.I. in Durban for assistance - he has a high success rate. His details can be found through an internet search

Anonymous / 29 May 2012 / 1:04 AM
Why is her father not on his way to JBay already????? I believe that Kaylene does not live with either of her parents, what does THAT say to a child? Perhaps she is a troubled teen who has done this as a cry for help or love, who can blame her if neither of her parents have her living with them? NO TEEN IS EASY, but they need stability and security, not to be farmed out to Gran. Gran brought up her kids, why must she bring up this one too?
Brad Nathanson is excellent but he has a living to make so his costs are high - I reiterate, if there is even a vague hint that Kaylene is in JBay, why isn't the worried father NOT hotfooting it down there?? Do you really rely on possible eye witness accounts when your child is missing? Come on!

The following comments were made after Kaylene was found safe, in Escombe, with a 34yr old male:

Anonymous / 31 May 2012 / 7:29 AM
Kaylene has been found in Queensburgh last night. A 34 year old man was arrested in connection with her kidnapping. Kaylene stays with her mother during the week and on weekends with her dad. How can you say that she doesn't stay with neither of them???? I know her dad and he is a good man, he won't do anything to her or hurt her. Her Gran never brought her up. Next time check your facts before you start pointing fingers at everybody!!!!!!!
Kaylene never went to JBAY, she was in KZN all the time. Another thing, she is not a troubled teen, she is very quiet and she always tell everybody where she is going.

Pat / 30 May 2012 / 11:35 PM
Gee that is really great.
Lets hope he gets what he deserves.
Pat30 May 2012 11:35 PM
Gee that is really great.
Lets hope he gets what he deserves.

Anonymous / 31 May 2012 / 1:55 AM
My heart, thoughts and prayers are with the family. The worst is over, but still a long road ahead.
Well done to the family, friends and all involved for your determination and dilgiance and keeping it in the media.
So good to hear some good news about our police force.
Well done Everyone.

Anonymous / 31 May 2012 / 1:58 AM
Kaylene, remember the child is always innocent. You are going to go through a period of self blame, it is natural, but remember the child is always innocent. It will help you through your healing.

Anonymous / 31 May 2012 / 2:12 AM
So pleased that Kaylene is home safe where she belongs. Prayers to her family that she can find peace soon from this dreadful ordeal.No young lady should have to put her father and grandparents through this. Kaylene I hope that you can be a happy young beautiful lady you deserve to be.
Glad you are home. A long road of healing now has to start and hope the end to happiness is found soon

Anonymous / 31 May 2012 / 2:29 AM
So glad she was found...we have been praying for her...Thank you Lord for answering prayer.

Please keep safe, make sure that you have the login and password of ANY teenager in your household under the age of 16 - spot checks are a great way to keep your child behaving appropriately. We like to think the best of our children, but the fact is that they are young and impressionable, protect them, safeguard them.

Take care,

Sandy Bigara
Sent from my BlackBerry®