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THE LATEST THINKING
The opinions of THE LATEST's guest contributors are their own.
The opinions of THE LATEST's guest contributors are their own.
The NFL 2023 Gold Rush Is On
Some football fans favor the NFL Draft, but Free Agency usually proves to be a more potent indicator of future success. In one week of furious trading, the 32 pro teams started blasting and digging, sending star players hurtling across the country. It is not too early to speculate on which teams will look the richest once the dust settles.
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Populist Dreams or Nightmare?
South Africa's already ragged economy faces a severe challenge in the coming week. Unable to rise above 10% in elections, and in fact polling around 4% in the KwaZulu province, the self-styled Commander of the Economic Freedom Fighters will try to force a national shutdown in the coming week. Civic organizations, and now Government, have indicated their opposition.
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Faces of Fascism
South African Twitterati, perhaps more openly than their American counterparts, are debating the need for a strong, decisive leadership. Someone who could take the reins of the ship of State and shake it up, to murder a number of malapropisms. Africa has heard this refrain time and time again. And it has usually ended in tears.
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We're Not Done Talking About Healthcare
In 2019, the World Health Organization published a report entitled, “Delivered by Women, Led by Men”. This report revealed that worldwide, women occupy roughly 70% of the healthcare workforce, but just 25% of senior positions. After everything our key workers went through during the pandemic, how has this issue not yet been resolved?
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Election Challenges in Nigeria.
Last week saw elections being held in Nigeria, the most populous country in Africa. With a turbulent political history, an ethnically diverse population, serious security challenges and a dynamic, young electorate eager for change this was never going to be an easy election. And many problems did arise. Now the Nigerian courts will play their role.
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One Year On
Am I allowed to join hundreds of other commentators in reviewing the conflict in Europe, and its implications? One year ago, despite assurances from its highest levels, Russia sent tanks, paratroopers and rockets into Ukraine. It is legitimate to ask how it will impact my life and what I am to make of it. Because this conflict will have an effect on everyone.
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Groucho Marx: A Timeless Talent on the Game Show Circuit
"What's My Line?" was a popular TV panel game show from 1950 into the mid-70s. One of its selling points was that it had the irreplaceable Groucho Marx as a panelist. Groucho had been a radio host for the iconic "You Bet Your Life, " on the air from 1947 to 1956, after which the show transitioned to TV in 1960. Marx left an indelible mark-- "Groucho glasses," created from the comic's trademark bushy brows, mustache, and prominent nose, will live on forever.
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And Then There Was One
Two great armies entered the arena, and the ensuing battle was worthy of the name: Super Bowl. What appeared in the first half to be an imminent rout by the Eagles turned into a super thriller, decided at the very end by a kick. Both teams deserve praise, not only for a memorable finale, but also for an entire season of excellence. Yes, we were entertained to the max!
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Burt Bacharach's Death Has Left a Gap in Music
The legendary Burt Bacharach passed away last week at the age of 94 from natural causes. He had a catalog of hundreds of songs he composed with lyricist Hal David. Singer extraordinaire Dionne Warwick, who recorded many of Bacharach's hits, said his passing was "like losing a family member."
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East African Awakening?
In the Indian Ocean where Sinbad sailed, where Swahili dhows traded for a millennium, hidden forces are at work beneath the surface. Political developments in this strategic area will influence African and global politics into the future. The stage is being set for a competition between France, China and India. At stake the wealth of Africa. When elephants fight it is the grass that suffers.
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We Are The Champions
Go ahead: cheer for one team or the other — you deserve it. We not only watch our gladiators, we also identify with them — their struggles, pain, and their triumphs — because we have all ‘had our share of sand kicked in our faces.’ In the NFL, this artificial world we Americans have created, brief and intense efforts determine who will be eliminated — until just one army plants its flag at the top of the mountain. Only one team gets to sing: “We are the champions!”
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Weekend Escape - Paradise and Snake
I visited a nearby nature reserve with the grandkids, a property that was originally acquired by a mining company and then developed as retreat for senior staff. Now open to the public it represents the Highveld - harsh, with great variations in temperature and rainfall. A small paradise for urbanites, but there is a snake! Mining development rears its head here too. Some photos for your enjoyment.
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Once More To The Coliseum
Now is the winter of our discontent — our wars and conflicts — the 'clouds that lour upon our house'. But seeking a few hours of relief, we gather in the coliseum, where gladiators risk life and limb to entertain us, to quash our worries. In this land of ours, during our harshest winters, this coliseum is called the NFL.
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Gatekeepers, Technology and Freedom
In a nearby mountain range are the remains of countless ancient villages, going back to the earliest ancestors of man. All are found near clefts or openings in the range, where animal herds would pass on their search for fresh pasture. Here predators, humans and animal, would ambush their prey. Business models over centuries lauded the value of control, of exclusive access to a product or a market. Not for long.
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Bengals Versus Eagles
The NFL Divisional playoffs were testimony to the fact that in today’s NFL, having a great quarterback is absolutely necessary — but not enough. Having star power at the wide receiver, tight end and running back positions — also very advantageous — but not enough. Offense wins championships, but in order to beat the best, a team has to have a very good defense as well.
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What Is Happening In The Congo?
The off-again-on-again civil war in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is flaring up anew. Neighboring countries blame each other, regional forces clash, and claims are made that mercenaries are present. What are we to make of this dragging conflict? I will risk a brief summary that will probably enrage several governments who have differing world views.
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