@Pigspotter : Hero or Villian of the Twitterverse?

IOL News called him " ... the talk of the town ... ".

My Digital Life asked the question "If @pigspotter's actions results in preventing a crime from being committed (Speeding, traffic infringements) then surely what he is doing is legal."

On Friday (2010-09-17), Johannesburg Metro Police laid a charge against @Pigspotter. 

According to the Mail & Guardian,  his charges include " ... crimen injuria, defeating the ends of justice and defamation of character ...".

This comes as no surprise as earlier in the week Metro Police spokesperson, Wayne Minnaar, in an interview with News24, had threatened to arrest for the said charges.

During the past week, local and international media (TimesLive,  Newser.com, India Times, Herald Sun, Earth Times), online and otherwise have carried this story. With all this attention, @Pigspotter now has 15 101 followers compared to the 6 000 followers he had on Twitter at the beginning of the week.

The reality is that this is no longer a one man issue but has become voice for the dissatisfaction South Africans have with their police force in general. One only has to briefly glance at Pig Spotter's Twitter page to see this.

The general public is actively contributing to the tweets that Cliff (aka @Pigspotter) makes.

The Twitterverse's response to the news that charges have been laid against Pig Spotter has been phenomenal. 
These are some of the tweets:

1.   Mokola_coza :
   
   
   
   So #JMPD has laid charges against #Pigspotter? Wonder If they have laid any charges lately against all the corrupt #JMPD cops. #JMPD sucks.
   
2.   shona
   
   
   
   @pigspotter #pigspotter cops on rivonia onramp south, sandton side.   
3.   freshfishjhb
   
   
   
   Saturday Star Headline; "PIGSPOTTER ROASTED" If our mate @pigspotter is done-for then lets use #pigspotter instead. YES/NO? 
4.   mikestopforth
   
   
   
   if we keep updating #PigSpotter or replying @PigSpotter with updates do we also get charged? #incomparablystupid --> http://is.gd/fgfF0 
   
5.   LewEvil
   
   
   
   It's a sad day for freedom of speech. We'll be toy-toying outside the court! Viva @pigspotter #pigspotter 

Clearly, should he get prosecuted the "Robinhood" effect will come into effect and the twitter masses will carry on the torch. How the @Pigspotter saga is going to end, one cannot tell but one thought keeps popping up in my mind. 

One should never underestimate the power of social media, especially if the issue in question resonates with the general public. - TMH

'Lights please?' - The Dark Continent No More

I'd like to think I stay reasonably abreast of technological advances as well as innovative concepts through my weekly consumption of tech-related Internet portals.

In most cases, I will either read then shelve the information in the back of my mind; other times I am moved to tweet about it, hopefully getting  the word out to like-minded folks.

 On rare occasions, I will try and assimilate this new knowledge / technology into my own projects either to improve them or just to see how the implementation would work in a South African context.
Sadly, though, being based in South Africa can limiting in terms of what one can do to leverage new technologies in the Information Technology and Communications (ITC) sector.


South Africa has, traditionally, always been last on the queue for everything in terms of new technology - stoves, mobile phones, auto mobiles, computers and we won't even mention the subject of broadband but I’m sure you get the idea.
Most will argue that implementing new technology is expensive as a rule anywhere in Africa. This being so due to low technology penetration.

They would be mostly right, it is indeed costly. However there are innovations that piggy-back off the existing infrastructure, a good example would be the telecommunications networks.


On closer examination, a different picture emerges as you find that the bottle-neck in technological progress moves from being socio-economic to just being economic.


You may find a single entity fighting to keep a monopoly on ITC systems or  entities run by "dinosaur" executives afraid to embrace the ever-changing information technology landscape. A classic case of 'don't mess with a working formula' syndrome. In some cases the "dark continent" is simply being overlooked as a market by key decision-makers because of misconceptions.

It's interesting to note that those business entities, like MTN, who dared to venture into Africa, have been rewarded with healthy profits as locals of various age groups embraced those technologies whole-heartedly.
Even my 83-year-old grandmother has joined the technology bandwagon, she doesn't part with her mobile phone. Introducing her to Nintendo’s Wii gaming console should make for interesting results.

These are exciting times and the message to all players in the ITC field is simple: Adapt or 'go out gently into the night'.
The consumer is now in the driving seat, Nokia and Apple know know all about that. The former only realising that after losing considerable market share in a short period of time. - T. Bengu

Takemehome Team @ The 2010 World Cup in South Africa

Almost a month after the first FIFA World Cup final was held in South Africa, the Takemehome Team has released their short movie showing the world cup experience through their eyes.



These clips follow the first clip above, previously posted by the guys at Takemehome. Driving through Soweto, we managed to dispel the stereotype of violence associated with Soweto.



Instead, Sowetans are revealed as a friendly people with a sense of humour and a passion for soccer (or football if you insist. :) )
As some will realise, one can visit Soweto and come out unscathed, it is quite an experience to see how the other half lives.





A special thank you to all members of the public, foreign visitors as well as hip hop artists, such as Amu, Swatta Kamp, Slikour, Prokid, HHP and Mr Selwyn, for their "phat" tracks that we use in the movie.

We want the World Cup again, at least sometime in our lifetime. lol ... South Africa should be proud of hosting the best World Cup ... wait for it ... EVER! :)





Ayoba is the only word that summarises World Cup 2010 South Africa!

5 Job Winning Interview Tips

We all go through various emotions when going to a job interview, however, it is possible to ace that first interview. Here are 5 tips to remember, tips that will help you make an impression and hide your nervousness.

1) Dress to impress, smile more and relax - Just as you are nervous so are they and when they see you dressed professionally they will be impressed and will be more at ease. You smile will tell them how friendly you are even before you utter the first word.

2) Research the company where you are going for the interview - You don't want to appear lost or disinterested when they are explaining their company's operations to you.You will also be able to ask relevant questions, giving them the impression of how diligent you actually are.

3) Your body language is everything - Sit and walk up straight. Always give a firm handshake and keep your shoulders back. A positive posture reflects a positive outlook. 

4) Be honest - Nobody likes a liar. Potential employers like people they can depend on. So answer every question truthfully. It just might be the one thing that separates you from the competition.

5) Try to enjoy yourself, as much as they are interviewing you, you are also interviewing them - Ask questions as though you are already part of them team without sounding forward.

Keep these basic guidelines in mind and you will be well on your way into to that dream job.

Takemehome.co.za to cease activity on Facebook.com

As from 1 August 2010, Takemehome Jobs will cease be active on Facebook.com.

We would like to thank you all for your love and support over the last the last year.We will continue to have a presence on Twitter.com (find 

takemehomecoza) and post vlogs on Youtube.com.

We will now focus on growing the Takemehome.co.za website 

and hope you will visit us there. :)

Much love,
The Takemehome Team

Takemehome Giveaways - 8GB iPod Touch Up for Grabs ... only 6 days remain!

With only 8 days of July remaining, in 6 of them one lucky South African will walk away a new owner of an 8GB iPod Touch!

*Using infomercial announcer's voice*  But that's not all ... you also get a free one year voucher from GConnect for Wi-FI hot spots around South Africa!

If that doesn't rock the socks off your feet then I don't know what will. :)

We would like to thank all those who have entered so far and would like to encourage more entries to keep coming.

Answer a simple question by SMS'ing 'SORTED' + the correct answer to 35530.

e.g. SORTED B to 35530.

Click here for details.

Winners will be announced on July 30th, 2010.

P.S. Two runner ups will get R250's worth of airtime! Get those fingers SMS'ing already.

PPS. Hint: Check out the example :)

Lift club Guidelines

So, you want to start or join a lift-club

Maybe you want to save on traveling costs, save the environment or save yourself from the hassle of our unreliable transport system. It shouldn’t be difficult, should it?

True, but keep in mind that whenever a group effort is required, certain cooperation guidelines need to be put in place and followed to keep everyone happy.

Costs - If you are the driver, set a fair reimbursement fee in advance and decide as to the due date. Passengers, there’s no such thing as a free lunch so be prepared to contribute in order to compensate the driver for petrol and a bit of wear and tear.

Safety - As the driver, make sure that the car is well maintained for the safety of your passengers.  Also check your insurance cover. There may be legal, monetary and insurance risk implications involved in routinely carrying extra passengers.

Time - Be on time. This applies to both driver and passengers. A single 10 minute delay can result in 2 hours in traffic. Also, if you cannot make it on a certain day, let everyone know in time to enable them to make alternative arrangements. Agree on a maximum waiting time and stick to it. Also keep in mind that your commute together serves only one purpose – to travel to or from the agreed destination. Save your trips to the grocery store for weekends and pick up your dry-cleaning during your lunch hour.

Respect - Be respectful of others’ property – be careful when opening and closing the car doors. You wouldn’t want to damage the car. Drivers, for the comfort of your passengers, make sure that you car is clean. There is nothing worse than sitting on old takeaway containers on your way to work.

Car Rules - To make the ride pleasant for all, discuss and decide on:
Food, drink and smoking, radio, music and volume.

Above all use your common sense and show common etiquette. Examples: - Don’t bathe yourself in cologne before jumping in the car. In the cramped quarters of a car strong scents can be especially irritating to others.

Don’t carry on long and detailed business and personal phone calls – keep it brief and to the point.

Discussion and agreement on these simple points will ensure you not only arrive  alive but  happy. - G. Yona - TMH 
Picture by Studentvillage.co.za

Takemehome's Crazy Cuz Cameraman

I won't say much ... :) You just gotta love family!

Takemehome Wants You!

Student wanted to be a part-time journalist for  

Takemehome.co.za.
The candidate can be of any colour / race or gender and must 

reside in South Africa. 

They should have excellent command of the English language, 

fun loving with lots of imagination.

If you think you are up for this, please submit a 100 word 

article on any subject you care to think of, to  

tbengu@takemehome.co.za.

(Keep it factual yet fun. :) )

Only one applicant will be selected and they will be paid R200 

for every article that is published.

Entries close on Sunday, 18 July 2010.

The successful applicant will be announced on Monday, 

19 July 2010, on the Takemehome.co.za website.

It had to happen, I am now an offical Owl City fan!

Owl City's hit single "Fireflies" creeped up on me while listening out for the Wackhead Simpson's pranks on the Rude Awakening (RAW) on 94.7 Highveld every morning.

Next thing I knew, I was hearing it everywhere until I realised that I had gradually learnt about 60% of the lyrics. I never could figure out the rest of the lyrics because I was just so taken up by the band's sound, which sounds similar to something a band called The Postal Service released.

At risk of sounding less than "all man", I'll admit that it makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. :D I said it!

Check out the video below (lyrics are below it), as see if you are not a squishy marshmallow afterwards. :P
 
Lyrics to Fireflies :
You would not believe your eyes
If ten million fireflies
Lit up the world as I fell asleep

Cause they fill the open air
And leave teardrops everywhere
You'd think me rude, but I
Would just stand and stare.

I'd like to make myself believe
That planet Earth turns slowly.

It's hard to say that I'd
Rather stay awake when I'm asleep,
Cause everything is never as it seems.

Cause I'd get a thousand hugs
From ten thousand lightening bugs
As they tried to teach me how to dance.

A foxtrot above my head,
A sock-hop beneath my bed,
The disco ball is just hanging by a thread.

I'd like to make myself believe
That planet Earth turns slowly.
It's hard to say that I'd
Rather stay awake when I'm asleep,
Cause everything is never as it seems.
(When I fall asleep.)

Leave my door open just a crack.
(Please take me away from here.)
Cause I feel like such an insomniac.
(Please take me away from here.)

Why do I tire of counting sheep?
(Please take me away from here.)
When I'm far too tired to fall asleep

To ten million fireflies.
I'm weird, cause I hate goodbyes
I got misty eyes as they said farewell

But I'll know where several are
If my dreams get real bizarre
Cause I saved a few,
And I keep them in a jar.

I'd like to make myself believe
That planet Earth turns slowly.
It's hard to say that I'd
Rather stay awake when I'm asleep,
Cause everything is never as it seems.
(When I fall asleep.)

I'd like to make myself believe
That planet Earth turns slowly.
It's hard to say that I'd
Rather stay awake when I'm asleep
Because my dreams are bursting at the seams 


If you liked "Fireflies", check out "Vanilla Twilight":

Forget Ocean's Eleven, Enter Msholozi's Eleven

So I found an email with that had a subject that read "FIFA World Cup - Player of the Year" in my mailbox and figured it was on of those chain mail one usually gets.

Imagine my surprise when I saw the jolly face of South African head of state, President Jacob Zuma (a.k.a. Msholozi), kitted out in football garb. The picture shows him in mid-stride, ball at his feet, looking very much a professional footballer if you excuse the protruding belly.

At first I grinned and laughed in amused shock then the grin turned to a smile in admiration. I saw a lesson in this despite being politically neutral.

When you are a leader, lead by example, work hard but don't forget to play hard too. :)

Twitter Fail Whale Now Common Sight - Fifa World Cup 2010

Getting a Twitter Fail Whale used to be a novelty among those that use Twitter.com regularly. Then came the 2010 edition of Fifa's World Cup!

During games of the month long tournament, Twitter capacity has been reached repeatedly and thus the Fail Whale is now a common sight.

One can safely guess that Twitter will be better prepared for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil ...
 we hope. :)

Takemehome.co.za's First Vlog

So I finally got around to trying out vlogging (hope I wrote it correctly *lol*) yesterday. I figured starting with something small like an introduction to Takemehome.co.za would do as a first attempt at vlogging.

It helped that this also coincided with the launch of a new giveaway of an 8GB iPod Touch with a years' free Wi-Fi courtesy of GConnect, at Takemehome Give Aways.

For a first timer, who wanted to see what I could do without editing the footage, I feel I didn't do too badly and hope you think so too. :D

Check the video out below and don't for get to enter our SMS giveaway. Check out http://www.takemehome.co.za/giveaways/ for more information.

Keep an eye out for the next vlog. In the next video, Takemehome.co.za will be at the One Million Flags March in Soweto! The word is there will be people like Ziggy Marley, his brothers, K'naan (Wave Your Flag singer) and many other South African artists giving a free concert at the Elkah Stadium Fan Park.

Spot you there with your vuvuzelas!

(Please Note: Takemehome.co.za, The Geek or any of its employees and / or associates are in no way affiliated with G-Connect, the free Wi-Fi is a special they have at the moment.)