The control of the mass media

I was watching a documentary the other night about allegations that the moon landing was recorded in a studio. Although this is not a new idea, it did get me thinking about what control we have on information fed to us by the mass media. Within this group, I include, all print, television, film, radio media, the internet. although this list is not exhaustive. (Even blogs)

We do not see what is happening outside of our immediate bubble and therefor rely on the mass media to furnish us with news of ‘world’ events or information we may seek. We only have to look at how two different versions of the same news item are put across to us on ,lets say by two different television stations or in two different newspapers. This is largely because the reporter’s and the editor’s subjective views are laced into the story, giving it a different slant to their competition, who are doing the same. Some reports are really very different. The point of this is not how different storys are manipulated but that we get most of our information from the mass media.

It is obvious that nobody can really be everywhere and witness everything, so as a result, everybody relies on the media (the internet included) for information.

This is obviously open for abuse in that the media can convey pretty much what they want to the gullible masses, who, like sheep, swallow it all, or at least most of it.

To claim that the moon landing was filmed in a studio may seem far fetched, but is it really that far fetched?

Again, I am not arguing the fact that it was, but that there is a possibility that it could have been. The film, ‘Wag the Dog’ takes this to a more tangible level. A false war is filmed and presented to the public as true, to increase the existing president’s position for re-election. It is obvious that the media has to obtain it’s information from one source or another, be it from eyewitnesses or from other sources. It follows then, that the source could also furnish the facts it deems fit, be it a form of censorship or just subjective views. Thus, already tainted information, is further contaminated by those in the media, and at the user end, the public get a moulded story.

If we do not witness it first hand, then we fall prey to the version we are fed and with the special effects of modern times, unless it is totally ridiculous or futuristic, we would have difficulty telling what is real and what is not. And if it is conveyed in the print media, then there is only need for touching up by the use of words. The digital era is such that digitally touched-up photos appear to be the real thing.

Granted we probably do get lots of truth through the mass media, however, not being equipped with the tools to detect how much is true and how much is either subjective or complete untruth, we are unable to detect what we should or should not believe. This makes us pawns to the powers that control these media towers. Be it large corporations or governments. We just need to look at the difference between SABC and E-TV news reports or documentaries or on a global scale, that of CNN and BBC.

  

Globally, the mass media are very much the same in that they control what is conveyed to the masses and as a result, the masses are molded to believe what the powers behind the media want them to. Many countries have  media outlets, who are either controlled or are sympathetic to certain politicians or political beliefs. How do we, as the masses protect ourselves? Well, the cruel truth is that we cannot. The only defense we may have, is to read a number of different publications and watch as many different news broadcasts from different broadcasters as we can, then we could place all together to form our own opinions. But, us being humans we already have preconceived affirmations and we choose the form of media that agrees with or justifies our own views.

Due to the impartiality of the media, we will never get just the facts and we will always be led by the nose to believe what they want us to.

The Police Chief who couldn't

Today we go back to the murky world of South African politics. Last week, Thursday, acting South African Police Commissioner, Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, was being grilled in parliament by the National Assembly's oversight committee.

Answering questions about investigations he replied that 'powers beyond us' were dictating who was to be investigated and who was to be left alone. He continued, 'We have been told in many instances, of late, we don't have the right to investigate certain case dockets.' He further went on to claim that the 'powers beyond us' had instructed him to hand over case dockets to the inspector general of intelligence.

One such case, could be that of Richard Mdluli, crime intelligence boss, who had charges, including murder, fraud and kidnapping, against him, suddenly dropped. Furthermore, internal probes into corruption and using the police division's funds to fund cars, houses, family holidays and to illegally employ family members as 'covert agents', were dropped on the orders of an un-named senior National Prosecuting Authority official. This, despite Inspector General for Intelligence, Faith Radebe, recommending the probes continue.

Lt General Mkhwanazi, obviously did not elaborate on who the 'powers beyond us' were though and Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa (well through a spokesman of course), has stated he knows of no such instruction. This is the obvious response. Not a believable one- but obvious non the less.

His spokesman, Zweli Mnisi, when asked if there would be an investigation into these troubling claims, was quick to shoot the idea down, as is ANC fashion. He added that as the statements were made in a public forum in parliament, we should accept that the media and/or the committee would have asked for further clarity, should they have wanted or needed to, at the time.

From mine, and I am sure the public's point of view, the claim by an acting head, of this enormity, is very serious. Especially since there were many fingers pointed at President Zuma for wanting Mdluli reinstated and his charges suddenly being dropped without cause. It raises the question as to how many other cases have been swept under the rug, that the public does not even know about. It also shows the level of political interference in the running of police matters.

The South African Police is in a very bad state of health. With two of it's previous heads being investigated (one in jail, the other fighting for his political life), the many cases of brutality and murder hanging over it's head by it's force members,  the laziness and unwillingness to assist people by many members, their arrogance and bulling ways and the number who are up for armed robbery, murder, theft, fraud and other charges, in their private capacity for crimes they were involved in while off duty.
There are good cops, do not get me wrong, but the force as a whole, has no respect or trust int he public's eyes anymore. Many have even said they are worse now, than the 'apartheid police'.

Our President is the rotten apple on top of the heap and he has proved that he is doing what he can to solidify his base of power, and thus ensure his second term. He will choose police heads, who will serve as his puppets, knowing well that they will keep their hands off his allies. This is an open secret.

What we need are career policeman to head up key police positions, not career politicians. The police need to be independent and need to have the scope to investigate anybody and everybody, who warrants an investigation. Their should be no intimidation or instruction, that certain people are immune to investigation.

The reality is that the Zuma crowd will continue to consolidate it's position, changing laws and key allies as the cumbersome train moves ahead, destroying everything in it's way. The destination is a second term, and right now, that seems to be a priority.
Sadly, in the process they are running a country into the ground and ensuring it's citizens, their salary payers, are a distant second to their own power needs and self enrichment, and that is why, until Zuma is out of government, this country will continue it's downhill slide. 

Let's ignore the shark studies and be an idiot

Last week, off the beaches near Gordon's Bay, David Lilienfeld was attacked by a 4-5m Great White shark, while surfing. Sadly, his leg was bitten off, and David died from his injuries.

Blame was quickly placed upon a film crew, filming a shark documentary, Shark Men. Part of the filming process, involves shoving large quantities of chum (berley), which is a mix of chopped up fish and fish oil, into the water, to attract sharks, who have a very sensitive sense of smell. Their permit was quickly revoked by the Environmental Affairs Department.

Gregg Oelofse, the City of Cape Town's head of environmental policy and strategy also responded by wanting to see how viable it was to put shark spotters in the areas. (Shark Spotters began in 2004 to spot sharks and alert those in the water in time). Apparently, the water is deep close to shore, thus making it more difficult to spot sharks, so he is calling for an assessment as well as a public meeting to discuss the idea.
He added, that the main concern is safety and whether the community had a need for increased safety measures.

We will come back to that.

In Australia, a study has shown that due to human interaction with sharks, by way of cage diving and other activity using chum, shark behaviour has changed. It was found that shark's time their presence in the area, according to the times of the cage dives or other activity, as it usually works on a set time schedule.
However, it was also found that sharks remain in an area longer when chumming and teaser baiting is introduced. The number of sharks had also doubled.
World wide studies have confirmed that when sharks are attracted to areas, for the sake of tourism, many problems occur. Included in this may be an increase in aggression, changes in predation, sharks relying on the teaser baits as a food source, as well as increasing the number of other fish that feed on the chum.  This is of course just a short summary, to get my point across.

Now back to our not so wise owl, Mr Oelofse. Despite the above study, showing the rather obvious likelihood of chumming being a cause of sharks in the area and those sharks posibly becoming being very aggressive (as was reported in this particular attack), Mr I put Safety First, wisely states 'We stand by our view that there is no link between chumming and the attack.' He further babbles, 'We are concerned by so called shark experts trying to form a link.' What a tool. If these so called 'shark experts' study sharks and their behaviour and they identify a link, why is this feeble minded fool trying so hard to deny it. He is obviously more concerned about tourism than safety. Perhaps he has shares in the cage diving industry.
If safety was a 'main concern' as Pinocchio is trying to sell to us, then even a slight link, would be enough to cause concern. Instead he voices concern that these 'experts' are spreading 'disinformation' and that there is 'absolutely no evidence to suggest it (chumming) increases the risk to surfers in the area.'

Oh, the so called idiots happen to be The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization.

It is idiots like that who will cause further attacks due to either his pure ignorance, or whatever other reasons he uses to deny the evidence of a scientific study, by 'so called experts'. I am hoping that by additional safety measures, Mr Lets Ignore Evidence, is not thinking of shark nets, that kill marine life, including poor sharks.

It is simple, accept the evidence from people who know more than you dear Mr Oelofse. Use shark spotters. Conduct your own study to prove there is no link. Otherwise, it is time to have a serious link at the cage diving industry and make some hard, human and shark life saving decisions.

However, we need to remember that sharks are precious. It is their ocean, we are visitors. As such, we need to accept the risks and not make sharks out to be human savaging machines, which they are not.

The legend of Jim Steinman

I am going to start off the week, writing my own thoughts and experiences of a musician, I consider the best songwriter ever to walk this planet. Jim Steinman.

Born 1 November, 1947 ,American James (Jim) Steinman developed into a song writing idol. I am not going to go through his life step by step, but rather the highlights for me.

One such highlight, which was due to change the landscape of music then, was in 1973, when Steinman wrote the music and lyrics for a musical, called, More than you deserve. One of the actors was one Marvin Lee Aday, or as we know him-Meat Loaf! They met and a friendship was formed
.
While being busy with other projects, they got together and agreed that three songs Steinman had written were exceptionable, and Steinman began to develop them for an album.
For roughly two and a half years, they tried to get the album signed to a record label, with no success. Apparently the music could be slotted into a defined genre, and thus, nobody would take a chance. Clive Davis of CBS, stated Steinman knew nothing about writing, or rock in general.
At last, 1977 saw the release of Bat out of hell (under the label of Cleveland International Records) and the beginning of a legendary duo had begun. (Bat is estimated to have sold over 43 millions copies worldwide)

Musically, Jim Steinman and Meat Loaf were made for each other- Jim's powerful rock-opera  musical style and Meat Loaf's, dramatic and large presence combined with a strong, emotionally rich voice, carried the songs off brilliantly. The music they made together stands alone on it's own throne in the castle of rock.

The first song that caught my imagination was Rock and Roll dreams come through (from Jim's solo album, Bad for good). Sadly I was young at this time, and could not fully appreciate what I was listening to. Having said this, I will never forget playing the tape until it stretched in my father's Peugeot way back then.
At that age I did not know about Bat out of hell (I was 8 when it was released in my defense), although I had heard the title song before, I was still developing my musical world.
Then came Total Eclipse of the Heart, sung by Bonnie Tyler (from the album Faster than the speed of night) . You know one of those-'where were you when Bambi's mom died moments?' I had one the first time I heard this song. It was on a Friday night and I was listening to Casey Kasem (I am sure) presenting the American Top 40, as was tradition back then. The song gave me goosebumps. I bought the record that next week. That cemented my passion for this great musician.
(The only other song I have felt this way for was Survivor's The search is over- just by the way.)

In the eighties came more classics, Left in the Dark (Barbara Streisand) and Read 'em and Weep (Barry Manilow).  Bonnie Tyler's classic duet wth Todd Rundgren- Loving you's a dirty job (but somebody's got to do it) to name a few. 

In 1984, saw the film Streets of Fire being released. (what a movie) which saw two Steinman songs leading the soundtrack. Tonight is what it means to be young is one of the best songs, ever to be recorded. I am not going further, as his body of work is massive and I am bound to leave things out. But, mention has to be made of the well crafted and musically sound album by Pandora's Box. (It's all coming back top me know being covered by Celine Dion, Meat Loaf and Bonnie Tyler).

I was captured by his brilliant word art, his powerful music and his tongue in cheek play on words.(Rebel without a clue, Bad for good). His magnificent use of piano, bass guitar and drums, being equals with the lead guitar, was masterful. I have never heard music as complete, or as powerful before or after. I have never heard lyrics, written with such breath taking magic. Once I have listened to songs written by Jim Steinman, I am unable to listen to anything else for a while, as it just seems so empty in comparison. This is what this music means to me. It is the pinnacle from which there is no comparison. I close my eyes, and allow this words to become paintbrushes on the canvas of my mind.

If I were to begin choosing brilliant snippets of lyrics, this piece would be pages long, as I would not be able to stop. It is of my opinion that he has brought the best out of the singers he has written and produced for, but there is no better combination, than that of him and Meat Loaf. I am hoping, that they can bury the past, and work together on a new album, with brand news songs.

Such is the case if I were to venture into my 'best of' selection. There are too many to choose from and as I think of one standing out,another jumps up and stands next to it. They are ALL brilliant, with no exception.

This piece is my humble dedication to somebody who has inspired me as a writer and has helped me appreciate the most complete music I have ever experienced, because with his music, you cannot simply listen to it, you need to experience it, to live it, and then, and only then, will you feel it burning deep within you. In his own words-

We'd be listening to the radio 
so loud and so strong.
Every golden nugget coming like a gift of the gods.
Someone must have blessed us when he gave us those songs

Friday Photo Day

Final Farewell to the Shuttles

 

The Space Shuttle was one of the pinnacles of human achievement in terms of technology. A craft that could not only re-enter the atmosphere after it's mission, but a craft that could be re-used. 

The prototype, Enterprise, was unveiled on 17 September 1976. 

12 April 1981, Columbia made it first orbit and return.

From 1981-2011, combined, the shuttles flew 135 missions, involving science experiments, launching satellites and space probes, building the international space station and launching repairing the Hubble telescope, to name a few. 

Six of these amazing craft were built. Enterprise, Columbia, Discovery, Challenger, Atlantis and Endeavor. They would exit the atmosphere aboard external rockets, which would fall off in different stages. It's re-entry was even more amazing. Despite it's bulky look, it glided perfectly till it's landing. 

They were not without disaster though. 28 January 1986, Challenger exploded into pieces, 73 seconds after launch, killing all seven crew members and on the 1st of February 2003, Columbia disintegrated upon re-entry, killing it's crew of seven. 

NASA announced the retirement of the aging fleet and Atlantis was launched on 8th July 2011, returning to earth on 21st July 2011, spelling the last mission for the shuttles. 

Despite bad viewpoints from many quarters, the shuttles performed remarkably for a long period. They were expensive to maintain and launch, but the technology is so far unmatched. Considering the numerous risks posed by space debris and mechanics, I think they performed above expectation. 

They will all be retired and be used as museum pieces in various museums and space centers. 

So far, NASA has no replacement and has to rely on the Ruskies for space transportation. I would have thought, with the success of the Shuttle program, their follow up would be ready upon the retirement of the shuttles. Obviously my thinking and NASA's do not go hand in hand. With various commercial space programs in the works, we will wait and see whether NASA can come up with another re-entry vehicle, before the private sector does. 

The final photo shows Discovery pigging backing a Boeing 747, as it circled the White House, the Capitol and Washington Monument, in a final fly over. This is my final farewell to a program that captured my imagination as a teen. A farewell, that does contain a lump in the throat. 

Norway's very own demon

Anders Behring Breivik....a 33 year old who's name will haunt Norway forever and send shivers down the spine of the rest of the world. Somebody who makes Charles Manson look like Cinderella.

Last July the 22nd, this right-wing extremist snuffed out the lives of 77 people!  This is difficult to comprehend. He executed his carefully laid out plan so well, he manged to do so much damage, before being stopped. Firstly, this obvious right wing insanist, killed 8 people by bombing the offices housing the Labour Prime Minister, Jens Stoltenberg. (Who was not there at the time)
After this, he set off for Utoya Island. Cleverly dressed as a policeman, he spent more than an hour, shooting at people, who were attending a ruling party youth camp. 69 perished in the shootings. The island was small, and there was no escape for many.

Now the representation of pure evil is standing trial. Just looking at his cool demeanor and smile from hell, is enough to make you want to strangle him yourself.
His plea is ' Not guilty.' In his own warped words, ' I acknowledge the acts, but not criminal guilt, and I claim legitimate defence.' He also laments that he does not recognize the Norwegian courts. He justifies these horrific deeds as moves to 'save Europe from an ongoing war.'

Now, I am all for a public trial, but this is what this idiot wants. He knows he is screwed and will be using this public trial as an ideal platform to voice his ideology of cruel and evil beliefs. Already his attorneys are warning that Mr Evil's words will be hard to swallow. So far he has shown no remorse or emotion. So, why give him the opportunity? When he gives his testimony, do it in private so he cannot bandstand.
It is beyond doubt that he did the deed, and he has even acknowledged it. His is defending himself based on his right to fight for his ideology. How any court could take this seriously is beyond me. Surely his human rights should be outweighed by the damage his being allowed to exercise them might do. He cold bloodily killed 77 innocent people. His human rights should be burned. Why wast money on a 10 week trial?
Anders the screwball, has stated his biggest fear is for him to be declared insane and to be placed in a nuthouse. He believes this will undermine his message.

I say, declare him insane, which cannot be far from the truth. As he is an obvious threat to humans in general, place him in a solitary room, with a small window and virtually no contact with anybody. Give him his own version of hell. There is no punishment that equals 77 lives taken, but they need to give him the one things he dreads, not to be taken seriously and a place nobody can listen to his rubbish.

Zuma and his wives- a public disgrace

I was set on staying away from anything government related- but this I cannot ignore.

Jacob Zuma, South Africa's 70 year old president is set to take a fourth wife. The lucky blushing bride will be Bongi Ngema, a business woman.

In the Zulu tradition this is allowed, and I have no problem with him, or anybody else having twenty wives, if it is their tradition. My problem lies in the fact that Zuma is the president of South Africa, and as such, it's the taxpayer who takes care of his wives.

Presidential spokesman and Zuma sidekick, Mac Maharaj was quick to defend the boss and inform us that there will be no extra burden on the tax payer. According to the Presidency, the annual budget for 'presidential spousal support' is R15,5 Million!!!! (This was the last figure furnished- for the years2009-2010). Interestingly, double the cost of the presidents prior to him. Conveniently, last years budget is not yet available. Can't see it being less or even the same. Look at around R20 million.

The good servant Maharaj is, he assures us that none of this goes to the upkeep of any of the wives and they all pay their own expenses. (except for those listed below)
This little fund is there so our un-esteemed president can cart them around the world with him. I am sure this also includes a hefty spending money budget.

This is what is included in the Spousal Support:
1) Personal support staff (why would they need this)
2) Domestic and international air travel and accommodation. (and remember nothing less than the best class either)
3) Cell phone for spouses and their secretaries.
4) Equipment- for example, Laptops, Tablets, printers..
5) Special daily allowance for incidental expenses during official journeys.

Now on top of this we must remember that all of Zuma's wives sit on boards as directors and run their own businesses. So they are earning a pretty fortune. JZ himself earns around R2, 250 000 a year (R187 000 a month) without perks. And his wives are allowed to purchase luxury vehicles at our expense as well.

My point- why must the tax payer support his wives in the first place. Granted maybe travel with JZ should be covered- but laptops, staff and so on....R15,5 million....this is ridiculous. No surprise he wants to remain president. Another four years, maybe 5 wives later....who would not want that gig.

What it really is, is a shame! In a country where there is such high levels of unemployment and poverty, where R15 million could be used to better peoples lives by giving them houses, running water, power, even education. Spin it as they want, it is a disgrace. There is no justification to have such a high budget for his spouses. His wives have their own money, he is not struggling, yet they will still greedily take from their own citizens, citizens who are struggling to get through each day.
As I said- a disgrace.

The ANC Power Quest

A week or so ago, one of the Big 4 banks, Nedbank, found it's boss criticizing the government's leadership. Reuel Khoza labelled them, among other things, 'a strange breed of leaders. '

Those who know the ANC led government, know that they are not too happy with people, that means anybody, pointing fingers at the way they (un)do things.
In a response to Khoza's comments, Blade Nzimande (Minister for Higher Education and SA Communist Party leader) snapped back that those opposed to government were an 'ideological third force' with a fear of 'black majority rule.'
He obviously turn the race card up first, because that is the ANC's first line of defense. But, and a big BUT, he fails to note or acknowledge that the finger pointing is coming from black people, like Dr. Mamphela Rhamphele, WinnieMadikizela Mandela, Mangosuthu Buthelezi and Cleopatra Hani to name some.

This current leadership is desperate, at the moment , to cling to power. Jacob Zuma, is setting his chess pieces, to protect himself. He selects a head of police, who has charges of murder, robbery, kidnapping and assault, hanging over his head.  Miraculously the charges were dropped, out of the blue. Sadly this is not the only dubious appointment.
Then, Julius Malema, once Zuma's ally, is under the gun- mostly for questioning the Zuma and ANC leadership. Not for his other outrageous and racist comments, mainly for standing up to JZ,

To make it even more peachy, the tax payer will soon have anther Zuma wife to look after. (I still cannot understand why the public's money is needed to keep his wives in money and luxury cars. Does he not earn enough?)
Then comes the toll roads. The government has proceeded with this little pet project, despite massive resistance from the public, business and the unions. They are not worried about the ripple effect it will have on prices either. They don't care how the public will suffer.

Public money to the tune of between R10-20 Million is used for the ANC centenary celebrations. Further to this, it would seems that departments used public funding for transport and accommodation as well.
Then there is the complete was of money, sending three planes on Zuma trips, just in case one has problems. The continual use of public funds to upgrade residences, purchase cars etc, the fact that tenders are provided to the 'right' people, the arms deal inquiry that will now probably never see the light...the list goes on and on.

Then of course there is their claims that the constitution is a stumbling block for them to rule effectively, and the ANC leadership would like to change it. Together with the Media Bill, set to censure virtually everything they see fit and their wanting to review court decisions, it is clear the current leadership are bent on turning South Africa into a one party, Zuma controlled dictatorship. It is an open fact, seen from the recent past, that Zuma looks after those on his team, and discards those who are not. Sadly, he is in a strong position, and should anybody go up against him, in the December ANC leadership race, they had better be sure of victory. If they lose, they can be assured Zuma will assassinate their political career.

The fight for power is pretty consuming and passionate. The rewards are big- you have taxpayer money at your fingertips. You can make friends and family, petty wealthy. Nepotism and corruption are part of the leadership deal. Zuma, when he was elected, swore he wanted only one term. Now he is fighting and playing every trick, to remain in power.

When one reflects on this current leadership and how it is damaging South Africa, you have to think of people like the assassinated hero of the struggle, Chris Hani. A man who stood head and shoulders above what we have. Somebody who really cared about South Africa, it's future and a non racial country. With him as president, we would have had a sunshine future. With Zuma as a president again, I have these post apocalyptic scenes flashing in my head.
I just hope and pray that more and more people see the Zuma government for what they are. Money, power hungry trolls, who will do what they can, to continue to sit on their golden thrones at the expense of everybody else.