My 2025 Tidal Rewind Report featured Eva Cassidy's artistry, highlighting her posthumous album Nightbird and its impact.
My Album of the Year 2025
Bondi Beach good guy without a gun…
A good guy without a gun can indeed stop a bad guy with a gun as proved by Australian, Ahmed Al Ahmed, in Bondi Beach.
Itching to catch up
Noraly Schoenmaker, a female Dutch motorcyclist, explores the world solo sharing her adventures through the YouTube channel Itchy Boots and her book, Free Ride.
Not “kiff’ at all
A critique of David Scott, known as The Kiffness, who promotes dangerous ideologies related to Christian Zionism and white supremacy in South Africa, highlighting concerns about bigotry and nostalgia for apartheid.
Remembering Jimmy Cliff
A recollection of the music of Jimmy Cliff and a tribute following his passing.
Mountain time
Beach or mountains? Which do you prefer? Why? The mountains, of course. It's no contest, really. Why would I choose a polluted stretch of sand infested with half-naked humans over solitude, fresh air, clear vistas, and the majesty of a giant immovable rock? And unlike Joe Bonamassa, I may not have a girl waiting for … Continue reading Mountain time
Grab ’em by the pinnas
Online outrage, hatred, anti-intellectualism, and gullibility, driven by treacherous world leaders is exasperating and quelling my desire to write. Despite this, a humorous Twitter post has made me re-evaluate my interest in writing.
Land of the bended knee…
The political landscape under Donald Trump, emphasizes the necessity of critical thinking among citizens, and the consequences of ignorance and authoritarianism in America and its global impact.
You Don’t Mess with the Zohran
Zohran Mamdani's socialist policies challenge political norms, embodying hopeful change against authoritarianism, despite opposition from powerful figures like Trump.
The next Revolution
Daily writing promptInvent a holiday! Explain how and why everyone should celebrate.View all responses When we finally wake up and get around to doing what's become essential to save the world from the looming threat of widespread plutocracy, a day should be set aside to celebrate that glorious achievement. It would be the day we … Continue reading The next Revolution
From the pressroom to the ballroom
The content critiques American societal issues, highlighting the fragility of capitalism, the spectacle of building a ballroom in the White House, and the troubling role and defense of lies by former Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre.
Moon trippin’
Daily writing promptHow much would you pay to go to the moon?View all responses There is only one compelling reason I would dearly love to visit a barren rock devoid of breathable air and the conditions necessary to sustain life. But only under two essential conditions. And, I would pay as many bags of cash … Continue reading Moon trippin’
No man left behind, except when it involves Israel
Fighting for peace is like screwing for virginity.-George Carlin I think the first time I heard the trope "No man left behind" was in a Hollywood movie. It's generally employed with dramatic effect to suggest that the U.S. would go to exorbitant lengths to ensure that no U.S. soldier would be abandoned in combat. This … Continue reading No man left behind, except when it involves Israel
Christine, aka Tilted
As much as I love music, I'm also fascinated by the musicians. The persona is as much a part of the art as the music is. The music, to me, becomes even more enjoyable when there are intriguing characters behind it.
The false Christianity that’s infiltrated South African churches
The content critiques Christian Nationalism, highlighting its historical ties to bigotry and its troubling impact on modern politics and morality, advocating for love and compassion over hostility in faith.
Snorting nitroglycerin?
The Norwegian Nobel Committee has proved once again that politicians cannot be trusted to award the Peace Prize to "the person who shall have done the most or the best work for fraternity between nations, the abolition or reduction of standing armies and the formation and spreading of peace congresses," as willed by Alfred Nobel.
Why I have nothing but contempt for electoral politics
If humans lost the ability to lie, the electoral system, heavily reliant on deception and funding, would likely collapse, transforming political participation and accountability.
El teu nom Palestina (Your name Palestine)
Lluís Llach, one of the artists featured on my Tidal music streams for September this year, is probably not very well-known outside of Spain. Llach is a Catalan singer-songwriter who was a preeminent member of the Nova Cançó (New Song) movement in Spain, which defied the brutal fascist dictator Franco, who ruled from 1939 to … Continue reading El teu nom Palestina (Your name Palestine)
Just an old dog learning new tricks
Daily writing promptWhat skill would you like to learn?View all responses When I made the decision to retire, I didn't envisage learning new skills to keep myself occupied. I arrogantly believed that I had enough hobbies and sufficient existing skills to absorb the idle time available to me. As it turned out, Isaac Asimov was … Continue reading Just an old dog learning new tricks
America is sick…
It appears that America is unwilling to address one of its most pressing problems. It wants to spin it, monetise it, luxuriate in it. That heroism that the thinking world wants is hardly likely to materialise until human rights are revered more than Second Amendment rights.
Jobless heaven
Daily writing promptList three jobs you'd consider pursuing if money didn't matter.View all responses If money didn't matter, why in the world would I consider doing three jobs, let alone one? Besides, I'm retired, and the thought of working for another corporate thief again gives me the shudders. I don't envy anyone who has to … Continue reading Jobless heaven
Eurovision blues and a red card for Israel?
The world seems helpless to stop Israel from completely annihilating the entire population of Gaza. Complicity in the genocide by the U.S. and England, mainly, is proving impossible to restrain. While protest action is brave, ethical, and morally justified, it has been largely ineffectual as these complicit governments enact violent reprisals and laws to combat them.
Memorable albums
Daily writing promptWhat's your all-time favorite album?View all responses I really can't say what my all-time favourite album is for sure. I rarely have a favourite "anything" that remains fixed forever. I am constantly discovering new music that supplants previous artists and genres that once held a position of favour. What I'm trying to say … Continue reading Memorable albums
Taking back Jesus
There is nothing Christian about Christian Nationalism. It is the worship of power, social power, economic power, political power in the name of Christ and it is a betrayal of Jesus of Nazareth.
Celebrate! Why won’t ya?
This essay is mainly intended as satire. But it's also a warning of worse things to come. Please don't tell on me to get me fired.
The assassinations we should be more concerned about
We are going to fulfil our promise that there will be no Palestinian state. This place belongs to us...
Remembering Ezgi
Just over a year ago, on September 6th, Aysenur Ezgi Eygi or Ezgi as she was known to those around her, became yet another victim of the Israeli murder machine known as the Israeli Defence Force (IDF).
Gaza genocide denial
If genocide is ultimately an act of erasure, denial is its final, comprehensive deed.
When joy trickles down your face
Daily writing promptWhat brings a tear of joy to your eye?View all responses Music is said to be food for the soul, but it often brings tears to my eyes, mostly evoking feelings of joy and happiness. However, sometimes it can also bring tears of sadness, but it's a good thing, if that makes sense. … Continue reading When joy trickles down your face
Israel’s greatest failure
Lies require commitment.
Top Ten Favorite Movies
Daily writing promptWhat are your top ten favorite movies?View all responses I've been hooked on movies since I was a little boy, tearing off from school to catch the afternoon movie at the local cinema. Except for the first movie on my list, the others are in no particular order. Life Is Beautiful - because … Continue reading Top Ten Favorite Movies
Need for Screed
Daily writing promptWhat do you enjoy most about writing?View all responses It's kind of wild to me that writing was invented around 3200 BC for the completely soulless purpose of documenting transactions, trade of goods, and keeping administrative records. We should therefore appreciate that some brave and enterprising souls, probably at risk of life and … Continue reading Need for Screed
Making the words rhyme for the first time
It's not the most creative, but it'll do for now... As I lie here in bedLost deep in thoughtI contemplate the day aheadWill it be a good fight I fought Or will I run and hideFrom the nasty world outside
Hypocrisy, denial and ignorance flourishes in lockstep with the Gaza genocide
Would it hurt to find out what is really happening?
Stormy Monday: Eva Cassidy called it alright!
The author reminisces about Eva Cassidy's incredible voice and tragic life, highlighting her posthumous success with covers like "Fields of Gold." Cassidy's Nightbird album is highly recommended for its emotional impact.
Winter retreat to Mpumalanga
Some winters, I seek refuge in Mpumalanga, South Africa, enjoying breathtaking landscapes, wildlife, and attractions like the Kruger National Park, while appreciating family time and the region's natural beauty.
Down With This Sickness Part Deux
David Draiman becomes an even shittier human being.
Down with this sickness
Despise the artist, not the art.
The world of Arduino
Daily writing promptWhat are you most excited about for the future?View all responses Education is our passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to the people who prepare for it today.-Malcolm X I'm retired, so there's no absolute imperative to learn new skills. And yet learning new things can never stop, for as Einstein is … Continue reading The world of Arduino
Revitalising the culture of protest
The emergence of a powerful rebellion in Western counterculture is evident, as artists like Bob Vylan challenge oppressive governments and promote support for Palestine, reigniting meaningful protest reminiscent of the Vietnam War era.
The future is now…
Daily writing promptWhat are you most worried about for the future?View all responses Worrying about the future is a futile exercise. We should be more worried about the now. Look around you. I'm not referring to your immediate vicinity, although that's a start. Look further. The world is a shameful mess. Wars, poverty, genocide, corrupt … Continue reading The future is now…
Oh mama I saw the world and it was good…
… Oh mama I saw the worldAnd it was goodAnd full of kindness-Beth Hart Every few weeks or so, a new song plays on repeat, both in my head and on my stereo system. Currently, Mama This One’s for You, a song written by Beth Hart, is occupying those spaces. Originally released in 2015, the … Continue reading Oh mama I saw the world and it was good…
Trump to make a clean sweep of all the Nobel Prizes?
Donald Trump's controversial bid for the Nobel Peace Prize reflects his political manoeuvres and support for contentious actions, while the awarding of such prizes often faces criticism for perceived biases and questionable recipients.
Israel sets the benchmark for hypocrisy
The essay contains only a handful of incidents of hypocrisy related to Israel. It is not meant as a definitive exposé of the criminally hypocritical behaviour of this depraved ethnostate.
International travel bucket list
Daily writing promptWhat countries do you want to visit?View all responses The last time I travelled overseas was in 2016, when the world was a much calmer, safer place. Spain was truly magnificent, and I hope to return someday. Since then, I have confined myself to local travel around South Africa, which has vast beauty … Continue reading International travel bucket list
On history, the pursuit of knowledge, and my poor damned eyes
Reflections on my personal journey of understanding Israel's history and the Palestinian plight, emphasizing the need to confront historical narratives while recognizing Israel's role as the aggressor in ongoing violence.
Release the hostages!
The Israel blockade on Gaza was challenged by human rights activists aboard the Madleen, but Israeli forces captured them, raising questions about the justification for Israel's military actions in light of hostages.
The rumble in the cradle
The rumble in the cradle between two heavyweight man-babies.
The rats abandoning HMS Genocide
As genocide unfolds in Gaza, more prominent individuals are voicing criticism of Israel, revealing hypocrisy among previous apologists as they confront uncomfortable truths about war crimes and their complicity.
That old nugget
Do you practice religion? Absolutely not! Practicing religion implies trying to get better at it. But what is it? Is it even tangible? Is religion an art form that you need to practice to attain competence? Does practice eventually make you an adept? Does it make you religious? Is being religious truly a virtue? Unfortunately, … Continue reading That old nugget
lenny unencumbered 