Justine Bishop

05/07/2023

In little over a day, Meta will be releasing a new social media app called Threads. Said to rival Twitter. The app is described as "Instagram's text-based conversation app."

Want to get a cheat code to download the app ahead of its release?

Simply head to Instagram, type 'Threads' in the search bar and click on the 'admit one' ticket that appears.

Are you keen to try the new app? Let me know in the comment section below👇🏽👇🏽

04/07/2023

Eina, Dit Brand!

Toe die hadidas vanoggend met hulle skaamtelose gejubel begin, is ek al lankal wakker.

Sien, ek het gister van die OK Grocer se "spicy" chicken strips geeet en nou betaal ek swaar vir my sondes.

Toe ek die gegor in my maag voel hier skuins voor 4am toe weet ek - hier kom groot @ #$%

My ma het immers altyd gese iets wat brand as jy dit eet brand twee keer soveel as dit weer moet uit. Well that was no lie!

Knyp help ook niks as dit wat nie rent betaal nie, moet uit. Gebede ook nie want nie Liewe Jesus of Allah of Moeder Teresa kon my vanoggend help nie.

Ek het later so met een boud op en een boud af op begin bounce om net bietjie air te circulate - maar als tevergewe.

Khaleesi se drake het my geklop - sommer six love!

Al die kerm en kreun en emmers-vol sweet maak n mens moeg!
Ek voel die slaap kom, hier waar ek nou le, op my maag, met die ceiling fan aan.

Ek sal na my nap maar n briefie onder buurvrou se deur ook moet instoot. "Sorry Mevrou". Dalk n chocolate bygee. My badkamer en haar slaapkamer word mos net deur n cement-blok muur geskei.

En later is dit weer ek en die OK Grocer, maar hierdie keer loop ek vinnig verby die deli reguit medicinal supplies toe vir n potjie Vaseline want, eina, dit brand!

06/02/2023

Idols South Africa To Take a Bow

After 21 years, Idols SA has announced that the 19th season will be its last.

Crowning it’s first winner in 2002, the hit talent show franchise has been the source of much laughter and many tears.

While many early-day fans are rejoicing in the news, one can’t help but feel slightly melancholic. It is, after all , an old friend we are bidding farewell to.

The Idols South Africa Winners were:

Season 1 – Heinz Winckler
Season 2 – Anke Pietrangeli
Season 3 – Karin Kortje
Season 4 – Jody Williams
Season 5 – Jason Hartman / Sasha-Lee Davids
Season 6 – Elvis Blue
Season 7 – Dave van Vuuren
Season 8 – Khaya Mthethwa
Season 9 – Musa Sukwene
Season 10 – Vincent Bones
Season 11 – Karabo Mogane
Season 12 – Noma Khumale
Season 13 – Paxton Fielies
Season 14 – Yanga Sobetwa
Season 15 – Luyolo Yiba
Season 16 – Zama Khumal
Season 17 – Berry
Season 18 – Thapelo Molomo

Who was your favourite?

Let me know in the comment section below🎶🎤

17/01/2023

That caption is GOLD! 🤣🤣

Source: Instagram

17/01/2023

🎾HARRIS ON FIRE AT AUSTRALIAN OPEN🎾

Local tennis star Lloyd Harris is swiftly returning to top-form after surgery forced him off the court during the second half of last year.

He scored an upset win in the first round of the Australian Open on Monday when he beat Italian 17th seed, Lorenzo Musetti, in a nail biting five-set match.

After nearly four hours on the court, Harris walked off victorious, beating the Italian 6-4, 6-1, 6-7 (0/7), 2-6, 7-6 (10/4).

He will now face Hungary’s Marton Fucsovics in the second round.

With local sports teams often being the cause of great anxiety and frustration, we should really throw more of our weight behind our solo sportsmen and -women who are flying our flag high.

I predicted a couple of years ago that Lloyd Harris Fans would go down as one of the greatest tennis players of all times and I stand by my words. When great talent is combined with a quiet yet fierce determination, success is bound to follow.



📷: News24

12/01/2023

If Mzansi was a Dress.....

Never before has a dress been both so astoundingly beautiful and so unequivocally representative of our country as the one Ndavi Nokeri is wearing in the Miss Universe pageant.

Designed by the crazy-talented Juan William Aria, the dress was inspired by the sand from Ndavi's place of birth, Gabaza Village in Limpopo.

Our reigning Miss South Africa, who comes from humble beginnings, has already paved the way for a new generation of formidable women who are destined to take the world by storm.

Does she have what it takes to take the crown? She definitely get's a 'YES' from me!

📷Photos: Miss South Africa FB Page (SJ van Zyl Photography)

💄Makeup: Arty
💍Jewelry: Bellagio
💇🏾‍♀️Hair: braidsbythandekile

12/01/2023

Has Charlize Finally Lost the Plot?

Charlize Theron has gone viral once again but this time it's got nothing to do with the 44 remaining Afrikaans-speaking people in the country.

Instead, a 21-second long video of her (seemingly) in the bathroom, repeatedly saying "Sittin' on tha toilet", has resurfaced on TikTok.

At first glance, the former Benoni bokkie has clearly lost her last marble - something which, according to her haters, was only a matter of time.

As it turns out, Charlize is still compos mentis and the video was one of many that she recorded as part of a very extensive April Fool's joke.

In fact, it was first posted by Funny Or Die, a comedy video website, more than a decade ago and is a recreation of a viral video entitled 'Sitten on the toilet' by someone named 'Elonia'.

Other videos in Charlize's hoax series, according to E! News, include a faux s*x video in which the utters: "Move over, Paris and Kim. 'Cause I'm into some real kinky s**t."

Now that TikTok, Twitter and the rest of the world of social media have calmed down to a mild panic, everyone can sit and wait with bated breath in anticipation of the next celeb blunder.

Here's to guessing who will make the headlines for all the wrong reasons, next.

Video source: TikTok

11/01/2023

Borrowed this photo from a FB community I am a part of.

Unintentional faux pas or clever (dark lol) marketing?

11/01/2023

SAY WHAT??

The Ndlovu Youth Choir is performing on America’s Got Talent All Stars!

They were selected as one of just 60 acts and will take to the stage alongside the likes of Jackie Fabulous, Aneeshwar, Caly Bevier, and Alan J Silva.

This is a huge honor for Mzansi’s favourite youth choir and I can’t wait to see them perform again!

Simon Cowell said: “With more than 70 local versions of "Got Talent" produced across Europe, Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, Africa and the Americas, "AGT: All-Stars" brings together the most beloved and memorable contestants from across the globe for one of the toughest competitions yet. The best of the best will return to the stage to showcase their talent."



Photo: Ndlovu Youth Choir

29/12/2022

10 SADDEST TV SHOW DEATHS - RANKED

It's no secret that we become completely engrossed in the lives of our favorite TV show characters. We celebrate their victories, share in their disappointments, and often find ourselves completely devastated when they die.

I have shed many tears during the make-believe deaths and memorial services of some of my favorite characters.

The following 10 deaths were particularly sad.

10. Jack Pearson – This is Us

Poor Jack. He survived the fire we all thought killed him… and died after going into cardiac arrest shortly after. I cried, not only because I was quite fond of the character, but also because Jess Mariano (also portrayed by Milo Ventimiglia) never got the ending he deserved in Gilmore Girls either.

9. Jen Lindley – Dawson’s Creek

Although I was never on ‘Team Jen’, I was a hot mess when she died of an undiagnosed heart condition with Grams by her side (after leaving her daughter Amy in Jack’s care). She did not get the happy ever after she deserved!

8. Warrick Brown – CSI

Warrick was without a doubt the finest piece of eye candy in the entire CSI franchise. In the Season 8 finale, he is accused of killing a notorious crime boss. He is eventually exonerated after Grissom discovers that a corrupt cop was behind the killing. The team celebrates his acquittal at a local bar. As Warrick sits in his car after the celebrations, he is shot multiple times. He is found by Grissom and dies in his arms.

7. Neil Melendez – The Good Doctor

During the Season 3 finale of The Good Doctor, hunky Dr. Melendez died from massive internal injuries minutes after (finally) confessing his love to Dr. Claire Browne. In what world is this even remotely fair? Sob!

6. Mark Sloan - Grey’s Anatomy

Of all the deaths in Grey’s Anatomy, this one hit me the hardest. Sloan spent two months in hospital after the plane crash in which Lexie died. He only woke up once before slipping into a deep coma. After being on life support for 30 days, Derek and Callie decided it was time to let him go…. Wouldn’t it have been a nice touch to see him ‘cross over’ with Lexie waiting with open arms on the other side?

5. Amber Volakis – House

Amber wasn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but she was Wilson’s. After a bus accident, Amber ended up unconscious in another hospital. She ends up dying from complications from a flu medicine she was taking. What makes her death so devastating? The fact that she was woken up from her coma just to say goodbye!

4. Finn Hudson – Glee

Finn Hudson was the most popular boy in school and the love of Rachel’s life. On 31 June 2013 Cory Monteith, the actor who portrayed the role of Finn, died of an accidental drug overdose. Monteith was not replaced and Finn Hudson was written out of the series. No acting was required during the ‘memorial’ episode as the cast was genuinely heartbroken and tearful by Monteith’s sudden passing ☹

3. Quentin Fields – One Tree Hill

Quentin wasn’t the most likeable character at first, but once he ditched his bad attitude, he became one of my favorites. He was a valuable member of the Ravens and was idolized by Nathan and Hayley’s son Jamie. Quentin was shot dead during a gas station hold-up by Xavier, the same thug who attacked Brooke. During Quentin’s funeral. Jamie lays a cape on his casket… “Grief is like the ocean, it’s deep and dark, and bigger than all of us”.

2. Billy Thomas – Ally McBeal

‘With all of my heart. Forever.’ I loved Billy Thomas for never truly giving up on Ally. And I hated him for dying and leaving her…again! I did not expect him to die, not after his tumor was deemed ‘benign’. When he started hallucinating in court though, indirectly professing his unwavering love for his childhood sweetheart, I knew ‘this is it, he’s going to die’. And he did. I cried almost as much as Ally did.

1. Justin Foley – Thirteen Reasons Why

Justin Foley made many bad decisions in his life, including remaining friends with Bryce Walker and getting involved in the drug dealings of his mother’s meth-head boyfriend. For the most part, Justin redeems himself and is even adopted by Clay’s parents. After collapsing while dancing with Jess at their prom, it is revealed that he has AIDS (a huge educational opportunity was sadly missed here). Justin’s condition worsens swiftly and he dies after sharing a few touching moments with Jess and Clay.

Photo: Thirteen Reasons Why - Netflix

One Tree Hill Grey's Anatomy Dawson's Creek

28/12/2022

Tragedies....

They bring us together and they break us apart.

I have been feeling exceedingly melancholic ever since I read about the gas tanker explosion in Boksburg on Saturday.

The last time I felt like this was early in 2019 when a concrete walkway collapsed at Hoërskool Driehoek in Vanderbijlpark, leaving 4 students dead and many more severely injured.

I can't explain why these tragedies, in particular, not only left me feeling heartbroken, but eerily uneasy as well. Perhaps it is because children, who should still have the rest of their lives ahead of them, perished. Or perhaps it is because, in my mind, these harrowing situations could've been averted.

It is no secret that countless schools across the country are in dire need of even basic maintenance. It is also no secret that in many towns and cities across the country, acceptable levels of service delivery and common sense are both very rare commodities.

As if the affected communities have not already been brought to their knees by these tragedies, they also have to contend with the interference of political parties, irrationally calling for the heads of whoever they can lay the blame on.

Then there is the media, of course, who will do whatever they can to sell just one more newspaper. The appalling interview with the mom who lost four of her children in Saturday's explosion (which was commissioned by SABC News), will undoubtedly haunt me for months to come.

Tragedies shake us... and shape us...

As forlorn as these situations may be, there is nonetheless a single strand of bright woven throughout the despair.

In times of tragedy, we band together. People from all walks of life are drawn to each other, tentatively clinging to each other and the hope that this too shall pass.

In the wake of loss, we reach out to those in need, desperately trying to replace calamity with kindness.

At our core, we care. We might even be inherently good.

It's just such an immense pity that once the dust settles, once the wounds heal, that our togetherness subsides too and we return to our ways...

hurting instead of healing...

16/12/2022

After learning about tWitch's death, I decided to dust off something I wrote almost 5 years ago....

🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤

Hannah Baker had 13 reasons for killing herself in the controversial American drama series, 13 Reasons Why. Some days, amidst a crazy-busy life, I feel like I might only need one, but this isn’t about me. This is about how su***de is increasing at an alarming rate and how people, even celebs who seemingly ‘have it all’ choose to die at their own hands.

We live in a global society damaged by greed and self-love. Bullies are no longer restricted to school playgrounds and the putrid stench of p*er-pressure has far outlived our teenage years.

Two decades ago hardly anyone personally knew a su***de victim. Today we all do. Our parents, our siblings, our children, our friends and our heroes on stage and television are all losing the battle against their tailor-made demons and bidding farewell to life. We cry for them and sometimes even condemn them when what we really need to do is understand the very elusive ‘why/’ and prevent another soul from falling victim to the darkness too.

This is no attempt to glamourize su***de but rather one to try and enforce understanding. The recent su***de of Linkin Park front man Chester Bennington has just reiterated the notion that anxiety and depression isn’t fastidious. It doesn’t care who you are or where you come from. It doesn’t distinguish between a 6-figure bank balance or an empty account. If it wants you it will take you and you are going to have to put up one helluva fight to escape its formidable clutches.

Depression manifests itself in many ways: A belief that you are not worthy. A supressed appetite and subsequent eating disorder. A need for isolation and withdrawal from society. Everyone experiences depression differently. We each have our own demons to slay.

I clearly remember the day Kurt Cobain shot himself. It was 2 days before my birthday and I was devastated. Ironically enough, amidst my tiny pile of birthday gifts I would find my very own copy of ‘Nevermind’, a gift from the coolest mother alive who loved the band as much as I did.

That was my first real encounter with su***de and probably the one that affected me most as an impressionable pre-teenager. Kurt wasn’t the first icon to kill himself (remember Virginia Woolf & Ernest Hemingway?) and he certainly wasn’t the last.

What started out with a seemingly isolated incident soon avalanched into a flurry of celeb su***des that could fill an entire Hollywood morgue: Alexander McQueen, Junior Seau, Robin Williams, Gia Allemand, Chris Cornell and now, Chester Bennington to name but a few.

On 18 May 2017 Audioslave and Soundgarden vocalist Chris Cornell hanged himself in his hotel room. He was found on the bathroom floor with a red exercise band around his neck. Cornell battled with substance abuse for most of his life but was drugs to blame for his death or was the high life of a mighty rock star simply not all it was cut out to be? The world was shocked to learn about Chris’s death and one person in particular took it harder than even his family did – Chester Bennington.

Bennington and Cornell forged a friendship through music more than a decade ago. Both were troubled musicians and found comfort in an accepting friendship. Chris even went as far as naming Chester godfather to his 11-year old son. When Chris took his own life he took a piece of Chester’s with him. Chester lost his friend, his confidant and in the blink of an eye his demons doubled in size. Chris lost his battle against life and Chester would follow shortly after.

Chester came from a broken home and he too battled with alcohol and substance abuse for a great part of his life. He also battled with something a lot more sinister and apparently shameful – depression. His struggle with anxiety was apparent yet completely disregarded. What finally pushed him over the edge far enough to hang himself on the birthday of Chris Cornell will remain unknown but speculation has been running wild since his death on 20 July 2017.

Were the bad reviews Linkin Park’s 7th LP ‘One More Light’ received the final straw for an already emotionally drained Bennington or was it, in fact, the death of his friend that brought him to the realization that ‘if he can’t beat it, neither can I’.

Over the years as front-man of rock group Linkin Park, Bennington penned many a song that could have read as a su***de note but it is an inclusion on ‘One More Light’ that really hits home.
The lyrics to ‘Heavy’ affords one a glimpse into what might have been going on inside of Chester’s head at the time of his death.

‘I'm holding on
Why is everything so heavy?
Holding on
So much more than I can carry
I keep dragging around what's bringing me down
If I just let go, I'd be set free
Holding on
Why is everything so heavy?’

Many are of the opinion that the only person who could save Chester killed himself only months earlier. Whatever the case may be the burden he had to carry became too heavy and on 20 July 2017, Chester Bennington hanged himself.

Approximately 1 million people die from su***de every year. That is 16 in every 100 000 people.

One life taken every 40 seconds!

If you still haven’t watched ‘13 Reasons Why’ for whatever reason I urge you to do so now. It won’t make you less of a man, I promise. It may, however, paint you a very grim picture of how our actions and reactions can impact a life of another to the point where they give up on life altogether.

There is nothing glamorous about su***de and contrary to what you may believe it isn’t a selfish act, nor is it a sign of weakness.
What su***de is, is a small victory for those we call the victims. It is the one thing in the universe they had full control over – their own mortality.

As a society we need to send out a message that it is OK to not be OK. What’s not OK is to bully, to ridicule, to belittle and to ostracize. If we fail to find kindness within ourselves and instead continue with our malicious ways we might as well tie the next
noose ourselves.

‘I tried so hard
And got so far
But in the end
It doesn't even matter
I had to fall
To lose it all
But in the end
It doesn't even matter’ – In The End, Linkin Park

15/12/2022

Ek wil n pleister op jou seerkry plak
En jou trane in vlinders verander
Ek wil jou styf vashou
Totdat jou gebroke hart weer heel word
En die leegheid in jou oe
Weer in n sprankeling verander

Laat my n pleister op jou seerkry plak
En jou hand vashou deur die verlange
Ek wil jou menswees koester
Tot jou pikswart dae weer reenboog is
En jy herinner word
Aan die vreugde van n skaterlag

14/12/2022

The brightest smiles....

I first fell in love with tWitch (Stephen Boss) when he competed in the 4th season of So You Think You Can Dance in 2008.

Saying I was disappointed when Joshua Allen was crowned winner is a terrible understatement.

Since then tWitch went on to do great things, including starring in Magic Mike XXL and becoming an executive producer on The Ellen DeGeneres Show.

Today, at the age of 40, he was found dead in an LA hotel with a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head.

Another beautiful, vibrant, and talented soul choosing death over the pain of living.

How many more RIPs before we abolish mental health stigmas forever?

How many more goodbyes before we start saying hello?

Too many...
Too soon...

RIP

(Photo: TMZ)

09/12/2022

These images depicting a fashion show for seniors, are the work of Malik Afegbua, a film director and virtual reality creator from Lagos, Nigeria.

Stirring. Thoughtful. Exquisite.

You can check out more of his awe-inspiring work here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/malik-afegbua-04606b66/

03/12/2022

Pantone announced its color of the year yesterday and it is MAGNIFICENT!!!

'Viva Magenta' is an earthy yet striking crimson red that aims to keep us grounded in nature while we continue to move towards a virtual world.

Personally, I am in love with this gorgeous, moody hue.

Does it get a 'yay' or a 'nay' from you?

27/11/2022

Yes, I did the thing.😱😱

Vana is a generative art studio that can create self-portraits of you in infinite styles

These are some of the more absurd portraits I received. I am especially fond of the one that makes it look like my face is covered in 100's and 1000's. YUM!

Want to get your hands on your own Vana gallery?

Check out the link in the comment section 👇

25/11/2022

The annual '16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence' campaign kicked off today.

This is a cause very close to my heart, for many reasons. If I was granted one wish, it would be to eradicate GBV in all its forms.

Unfortunately, wishes like these only come true in fairytales.....

If we want this campaign to have any real impact, we have to collectively, as a society:

🛑 Stop using language that blames victims, objectifies women and normalizes s*xual harassment.
🛑 Stop making excuses for abusive men
🛑 Call out each other on our toxic, abusive behavior

Are you ready to take a stand against GBV? Leave a 🧡 in the comment section below if you are.

19/11/2022

I call spending time on this site 'procrastination with purpose'.

I have always yearned to travel the world, and Window Swap allows me to that. (to an extent, at least)

Check it out here and share your first 'window view' in the comment section. I will do the same.

https://www.window-swap.com/Window

Open a new window somewhere in the world

14/11/2022

Marketing marvel or mishap?

Either way, the comment section is something to behold!

17/10/2021

I was raised by a single mom who made sure that, by the time I turned ten, I knew all about ducks and googlies, and what Duckworth Lewis is all about.

The game of cricket has changed a lot since then but it remains one of my biggest loves.

This is an excellent read for anyone who loves cricket and, in particular, T20.

The rise of specialists, superspecialists, right-left pairs, six-hitting, wristspin, and more

16/06/2021

A brilliant read!

https://reachcreator.com/resources/back-to-office/

Who doesn’t love a good Zoom call? None of you. It’s OK. Neither do we. If you’re torn between wanting to stay working at home forever, because sweat-pants - or going back into the office just so you can p*e in peace without a nine-year old demanding v-bucks for Fortnite, then you might need a...

15/06/2021

It hasn't even been half an hour since the announcement and venues are already cancelling gigs.

There are no winners in this game!

I pray our creatives survive this, and that the rest of us do too.

04/06/2021

RIP Reef

You made a huge impact on the lives of countless people.

Your legacy will live on forever!

Photo: Rock it 4 Reef FB Page

31/05/2021

This!!!

Music video by Ndlovu Youth Choir performing Shallow. (C) 2021 Simco Limited under exclusive license to Sony Music Entertainment Africa (Pty) Ltdhttp://vevo....

28/08/2020

HIS NAME WAS NATHANIEL, AND HE MATTERED

He was not just 'some kid with Down's Syndrome'

He was Nathaniel Julius and he was only 16 years old when he was murdered.

Yes, I am calling a spade a spade. You cannot sugar-coat the senseless killing of an innocent teenager. You cannot tie a bright red ribbon around what happened simply because the heinous act was carried out by someone who was meant to ‘serve and protect’.

Nathaniel was shot, in cold blood, by a trigger-happy police officer who saw it fit to steal an unarmed boy’s life away from him. After collapsing on the ground, Nathaniel was thrown inside the van and driven to the Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital. This is where he died. Alone. Without as much as an ounce of dignity.

According to David Makhura, Premier of Gauteng, Nathaniel was killed in the crossfire of a shoot-out between the police and a gang. This happened after the police reacted on a tip-off about stolen car parts in the area. STOLEN CAR PARTS!

Although I do not condone crime in any form I can’t help but ask ‘Why? Why? Was such brute force required? Was anyone’s life in danger? Why are inanimate objects worth more than a human life?’

His name was Nathaniel and he was a son, a brother, and a friend. He still had his entire life ahead of him. No parent should ever have to bury a child. Especially not one who has died at the hands of another.

Please don’t tell me ‘Not all cops are bad’. I know that. We all know that. Even one corrupt, callous cop is one too many.
It is time we take a stand. It is time we lend a voice to those who have gone unheard for too long.

RIP Nathaniel. Change will come. Your death will not be in vain.

09/08/2020

Lets never forget why we celebrate Women's Day

An old African proverb reads: “If you educate a man, you educate an individual. But if you educate a woman, you educate a nation.” Today, exactly 25 years ago in 1995, National Women’s Day was celebrated for the very first time in South Africa. While the nation, as a collective, celebrates thi...

16/06/2020

As we celebrate Youth Day today, let's spare a thought for all the other children who, like Hector Pieterson, had their lives ripped away from them.

Let us remember all the victims of child abuse.
Let us remember all the victims of the gang wars.
Let us remember all the victims of all the heinous crimes committed against children.

Let us never forget.
Let us try harder to keep them safe.

RIP Michaela Williams
RIP Tazne van Wyk
RIP Sibusiso Dakuse
RIP Regan Gertse
RIP Stompie Seipie
RIP Masego Kgomo
RIP Jasmin Lee Pretorius
RIP Hastings Ndlovu
RIP Stacey Adams
RIP Courtney Pieters
RIP Mpilo Xaba
RIP Poppie van der Merwe
RIP Amaro Viana
RIP Mzwandile Zitho
RIP Enock Mpianzi
RIP Willemien Potgieter

RIP to every child who never got to grow old.

You will never be forgotten.