Simple Plan

Hey.

Do you guys remember Simple Plan? Oh man...like it was yesterday. I remember seeing the video above, for the first time; I think I was 12. I loved them soooo much. They just gave this pop-punk kind of aura; that makes you want to jump up and down on your sofa or bed, and all around your room; banging your head around! I thought the lead singer, Pierre, was really hot as a young teen, and I had a huge crush on the drummer too...dreamy! With hits like, Crazy, Shut Up, Perfect, Addicted (this one was actually the first one of them I saw and fell in love with. I was blown away); it just brings back so many pleasant memories. They were coined a “bubble gum rock” band by a radio DJ one time...that’s not true though. They are way better than that.

Anyhowzer, they are thought to be releasing a new album really soon, and you know what? I can’t wait, to be honest. I want to see if they still got it; that spark.

Nature Talk

Hey guys!

So I had a pretty unstable but yet boring week. I was writing tests and completing labbies(lab reports); you know, same ol’ same ol’. Last weekend I spent time with my mom in my home village. The picture above; I can explain that. Well I was trying to take a picture of the beautiful sunrise in the country side...well, in my defence, there was overcast and it was a little dark. I also took the picture through the window because the grass was really thick out and I was afraid that snakes might...well, you know. Anyhowzer, the sunrise is more beautiful than the picture; honest!

There were also other beautiful moments. I’m talking about huge puddles created by the recent rains on the roadsides. Oh my gosh; such beauty. The puddles were garnished by cattle and birds and other animals; and it just looked gorgeous. The water was sparkling in the sunlight and I felt like a tourist in my own country. However, by the time I realised I had a camera, my mom had passed by the puddles; we were driving back to the city. I know, right. I should have taken pics of those. It was a very refreshing experience. Oh ja, I honestly also spotted more than five different species of birds!

Nature is such a phenomenon that we need to take advantage of. If you need to refresh and unwind, just spend time in the green and listen to the birds sing or something. Appreciate as well. Instead of just watching it on the telly, go out and experience some fresh air...oh, and take pictures. Don’t be like me; have a camera in your bag, but you don’t use it.

I’ll see ya real soon!

Interview 3

Name: Andile Tyolo

Age: 20

Hometown: Mahalpye

Favourite Musician/ Band: Liquideep

Favourite Book: Tough times never last, but tough people do; by Robert Schuller

Favourite Food: A dish made from beans and maize (the maize is cooked initially on the cob, dried and preserved, and then cooked again with or without the beans).

Hobbies: Reading novels and eating.

Faculty: Social Science

Major:  Social Work

ZT: Describe what you study.

AT: It involves subjects like statistics, economics, psychology etc. There are mostly no tests in this course; but instead there are research assignments, essays, role plays and oral presentations.

ZT: What do you intend on doing on doing after graduating?

AT: Start a business. I’m yet to decide what the business will be.

ZT: Would you recommend your course to others?

AT: Yes; for those who are passionate about the course and helping people.

ZT: When you were around the age of 8, did you ever dream of doing what you’re doing now?

AT: No. I wanted to be a teacher and a journalist. I wonder what happened.

ZT: Any hidden talents?

AT: I can really dance

Just Go With It

Hey guys. 

I couldn’t go to the movies this weekend. I was too busy preparing for tests and I was not even in the city; I went home for a funeral. Anyway, I’ll give a mention a movie I can’t wait to watch! Just Go With It starring Adam Sandler. I'm sucker for his movies, so I can't wait to see what he pulls out of the box this time. It has Jen Aniston in it, btw. 

So, how many of you are as eager as I am for some mindless humour?

UB40

Do you remember UB40? I’m sorry, but even if you didn’t like their music, someone in your family had to be a fan of this reggae act. I think growing up in the ‘90s, UB40 has to be one of the most listened to acts in my country, and I’m guessing, all around the world. With hits like “Red red wine”, who can forget these legends? Oh, and remember “I got you babe”? I actually never knew that it was a cover from Sonny and Cher, but hey, a hit is a hit. I think it’s safe to say that their hits will never expire with time.

They've actually recently released an album late last year, which includes a DVD. They are very much still active and if you’re a die hard, hopefully you’ll get your hands on it.

Driving Lessons

Hello guys and girls!

I’ve been going to driving school for the past...I don’t know, 5 months (don’t judge me; try juggling school work and driving school!) So let me just say, for firsties, that the instructor is just an awful, vulgar man! He should be banned from teaching, it’s so wrong. Okay, when I’m not driving, he’s very sweet and kind; cracks jokes etc. But wait until I get behind the wheel, then all hell breaks lose. It seems as if I do more wrong than good, basically. He will get the major huff from absolutely nothing. He yells for no reason.

He goes, “Did you check your mirrors?”

I nod, but then check my mirrors again.

“Eyes on the road, jeez! Oh, don’t be harsh with the accelerator. Is that how you treat your man?” (I actually laughed at that one; what a funny man).

I say, “Oh, I don’t-.”

He cuts me short, “Eyes on the road and slow down!”

I slow down but then a bunch of yells and instructions come pouring in simultaneously. You can’t stop him.

“Eyes on the road- check your mirrors- keep on the road! What are you thinking about? I thought you said you didn’t have a man! (I know, right? Totally unnecessary)- slow down; do you want to take the car in front apart?- accelerate before I fall asleep- you’re unbelievable- Come on, love, we haven’t got all day on the road- Pete’s pyjamas, slow down!- did you check your mirrors?- eyes on the road- Honestly, I swear you’re doing this on purpose- will you accelerate already?- stop; that’s a stop sign, you idiot! – You know, if you’re not going to listen to what I say and do your own thing, then what am I here for? Eyes on the road, dammit!”

I think you get the picture. You see what I have to go through? No wonder it’s been five months; how in the name of jumping jelly beans, am I supposed to learn how to drive in dire traffic, when my instructor is just terrible?

I think that deep down inside he’s scared. So he uses hurtful, confusing instructions and yells them out...it’s panic. But I’ve control of the wheel; nothing will happen. I’m not a bad driver. I’m not freakishly terrible or out of control. I’ve got a number of witnesses who can verify that I’m not terrible...I’m not.

Interview

Name: Koketso Tangane

Age: 20

Hometown: Palapye

Favourite Musician/ Band: Hydromanmonna (ie. Hydro-man-monna)

Favourite Book: The Power of Now; by Tolle Eckart

Favourite Food: Anything

Hobbies: Reading and sitting in silence.

Faculty: Humanities

Major:  English

ZT: Describe what you study.

KT: I’m an English major; English in the angles of literature, phonetics, linguistics and psychology. Literature is really fun, I love it. My favourite author is Kristnamurti- he’s really deep. If you read his stuff just once, there’s no need to ever read anything again.

ZT: What do you intend on doing on doing after graduating?

KT: Going into business. I’m an entrepreneur.

ZT: Would you recommend your course to others?

KT: Definitely. It helps in terms of learning how to understand and live with other people around you.

ZT: When you were around the age of 8, did you ever dream of doing what you’re doing now?

KT: No. I’ve always wanted to in business. When I was younger it was probably due to the fact that I adored the tailor made suits the business people wear.

ZT: Any hidden talents?

KT: I write poetry and music.

Holes

This is an extraordinary book by Louis Sachar. Let me tell you, it’s honestly one of the best books I’ve read in my life. It’s very intelligent; the whole plot and how things unravel in the end. I had so many “oh ja!” moments.

In a nutshell, Stanley Yelnats’s family is blanketed with bad luck...well, the men in his family that is. The whole reason runs back to his great, great grandfather who is thought to have dragged the bad luck into the family, after screwing up a deal with a gypsy. Now, after Stanley is falsely convicted of stealing a famous baseball star’s shoes at a charity auction, he gets sent to a camp for juvenile delinquents; “Camp Green Lake”.

This camp is very dry and hot, and it hasn’t rained in years. The boys are required to dig holes during the day in the heat as part of their character building whatsit. Which is not true; the warden is looking for something and is using the boys to dig it up for her.


 Well, the story is told at many different angles concerning camp Green Lake and how is came to be; i.e. from the past and present. Stanley tells his story and how it feels to dig holes in the heat and just the general living situation on the camp; the food, no water, the other boys, his new friendships, yellow spotted lizards, etc.  Well I don’t want to give everything away, but once you read it, everything will make sense.

Initially I watched the movie first when l was a lot younger and that’s how I actually got the name Ziggie. There’s a character in there called Zigzag, and let’s just say after the movie, people started calling me Zigzag. Now it’s just Ziggie, of course J. Anyhow, this book is witty, crafty, sad, funny and a general good read. Oh, also, the descriptions are pretty vivid.

Ziggie most definitely recommends this one!

Puddle of Mudd

Hey y'all!

Do you remember “She Hates me”? Oh my gosh! those were the days. I remember waiting for the video on TRL (Total Request Live), every single day, just to see it. The song was very catchy and it's worth remembering. I don’t know, the band kind of just...disappeared from the scene. Well maybe not in their country, but I haven’t heard of them until now.

The band was formed in 1992 and has had quite a series of band member changes. They actually have been releasing albums since then.
 They recently released a series of compilations from their existing hits, in October; and yes, “She Hates Me” is in there! 

Win a journal!

I really didn't know how to take a picture of this. I hope it works :) Anyway! Stand a chance of winning this journal, primarily inspired by reading Anne's Diary. Just answer the question below.

Q: What was the first post I ever made, complaining about being a freshman?

Note: Just reply to this post to enter (i.e, comment). This compo is exclusive to followers only. To enter, you must be a follower of this blog.


Deadline's the 28th of this month

It's just my voice!

Hey!

Oh, a lot has happened since we last talked. As you can probably see, things are pretty busy on Ziggie Talk. No more random drop-bys that I used to do. It’s really sad if you really think about it. If you want a testimonial from me, I’d tell you that I’m pretty exhausted already! Phew! But it’s sooo much fun.

Anyhowzer, I attended an afternoon chemistry lab a few days ago. I had just completed my experiment where we were testing for ions in various salts and stuff. So I went over to hand over my report and the lab demo (demonstrator), asks me something; he says, “Are you done?”

“Yes, I’m through,” I replied.

Then he looks at me all funny, like he’d discovered something on my face. I was kind of hoping that it wasn’t the blackhead I was poking at in the morning.

He continues, “Your voice is very soft and you speak very slowly.”

I of course looked puzzled and...well, puzzled.

I said, “Really?”

“Yeah, you see!?” he screamed.

“What?”

“There!”

I wanted to slap him, but instead I nodded. He signalled me to sign out of the lab. C’mon, I don’t talk slow...I don’t. Well maybe my voice is a little soft but I don’t talk slowly!

Anyway, I hardly got any sleep that night because I realised that our former housemates may have left with my kunfu DVD. It’s not just any DVD, it’s “the DVD”. It’s called 7 Secret Rivals. Every time I thought about it, I lost all form of sleep in my system. I have to get it back! For all I know, they could have moved really far.

I guess it’s my punishment because I lie a lot. Well, the woman –bless her heart- was so excited she was moving. She was smiling, jumping about, laughing. So she slipped into my room and said,

“Are you going to miss us?”

I forced on a smile, “Yep, I sure am.” which was a lie of course.

I could most def do without them, I’m just being honest. It’s a long story. But if I’d told the truth, I would have sounded mean and rude. I’m not mean or rude – never- it’s impossible. I mean, I have a “soft and s-l-o-w” voice after all.

Anywho, that’s it for today...and this week. I hope to see or hear from you again. Enjoy the weekend.

Byeee!!

Fashionably Thursday!

Ziggie Talkers....Meet Gwen!...

Lead model of Fashionably Thursday...

Gorgeous ain't she?

See you next time...wait, that'll be tomorrow. Bye!

Interview with K.

Name: Kiara

Age: 20

Hometown: Ramokgwebana

Favourite Musician/ Band: Beyonce

Favourite Book: Lord of Ice; by Johanna Lindsay

Favourite food/ dish: Apple Crumble

Hidden Talents: I can act and sing.

Faculty: Science

ZT: Describe what you study
K: I'm a biology major, with a minor in chemistry.

ZT: What are your intentions after graduating?
K: I want to work in the forensics department. Investigating crimes and murders and stuff.

ZT: Would you recommend your course to others?
K: No, I wouldn't. This course is very time and energy consuming, and requires a lot of will power and strength. There's a lot of studying involved, many laboratory sessions that are 3 hours each, lab reports, essays, endless tests and quizzes and studying.If you miss a lesson (well, for me, that is), you stay behind...or you have to make up for it by studying for hours. Come here at your own risk and out of passion for the subject only!

ZT: When you were around the age of 8, were you intending on working someday in forensics?
K: No, I wanted to study medicine. But I've always loved sciences and dreamed to have a job in this field.

Note: This month's "In My Shoes" segment will feature strictly university students. Just to give those who are interested in going to college, an insight of what it's like. 


Bye!

The Diary of a Young Girl: Anne Frank

Rating: 5/6

This book is true story, chronicling the life of a teenage Jewish girl and her family during the Holocaust. Anne Frank was only thirteen years old when her family went into hiding to avoid being sent to concentration camps and the wrath of the Nazi’s on the Jews. Anne refers to her diary (calls it Kitty), as if it were a real person and describes vividly, her feelings about being so young and cooped up in a cramped space with seven other people (Her parents and older sister, another family of three, and a dentist).

The story in itself has a lot wit and humour, because well, it was written by a young girl. Of course when you are young, you don’t see the world as you would when you’re older. So it’s quite entertaining the way she describes her living relationship with her parents and the other tenants of the “Secret Annexe”, as she so referred to it. She also described her secret longings, sexuality, her lost friendships, the terrible food they had. Because this was a true story though, I found it really hard to smile or laugh at some of the funny things Anne wrote. I mean, I kept on thinking of how it must have been, in those days as a young teen, trapped from the whole world. I wouldn’t cope. From 1942 to 1944, Anne and her family remained in hiding until they were discovered and ultimately arrested.

So sad; that’s what this story is. I almost cried thinking about how they were arrested and ultimately, all but one (Anne’s Father), died. Anne’s last entry was so optimistic; it did not foretell what was going to happen. Anne was such a bright ambitious little girl; and I believe that if she’d survived the Holocaust, she would have been a writer of many famous works, besides her diary. She constantly described her love for writing and the stories and poems she planned on writing.

Reading this book gave me a new perspective in life. Look; I’m always complaining about how boring my life is, and how hard it is living through obligation. These things are not as extreme as being in hiding because of a war. I’ve actually never experienced war; heck, the last time I heard a gunshot I was 9. And it wasn’t because of a war; the vet people were killing stray dogs because there was an outbreak of rabies in my area (harsh, I know.). Anne used her diary to shield herself from feeling bad about her situation; to be optimistic; to have a companion who would make her forget for a while. This has made me determined once again with my own diary. Since reading Anne Frank, my diary is up-to-date. No more monthly entries; I visit it on a daily basis and I just unload. It helps, you should try it. No need to spend tonnes of money on a shrink; just give it a name and write to it, just like Anne did.

I strongly recommend that you read this book. It’ll change your life. I know it changed mine. J

What Happened to...Michelle Branch.

Hey there!

Do you remember that super fabulous song, “All you wanted”, oh and “Everwhere”? Yep, those sure were the days where music still kicked some major buttoozle. Michelle Branch sure made her mark back in the day because I loved those two songs so very much and the vids were sooo cool; especially the “All you wanted” video. It took me places. You know when something is so cool you can’t give it a description, or you can’t say what you really feel inside? That was how I felt with her image. I think I was 11 or 12...

Michelle broke into the music biz in 1998. In my own opinion, I think she paved way for musicians like Avril Lavigne and Kelly Clarkson, with that independent sort of unique punk rock chick thing going on. She made indie quite believable and she has a super hot voice! With collabos with the great Santana in her resume, it’s safe for her to qualify as someone who has really solidified her image in music. She’s sighted Zeppelin, Hendrix, Lisa Loeb, Alanis M., Queen ( I should have known; they influence a lot!), just to name a few.

As it turns out, Michelle has been active all this time, just a little quiet. I don’t know, I haven’t seen or heard of her on the scene in ages...but she’s been here. She’s done acting and released a couple more albums since those two mesmerising songs I mentioned earlier. She is set to release yet another album this year; so if you are/ were a fan, just keep your eyes and ears open. I’d still like to see what she’s got!  

See you later! :)