I am bringing into the AAC aspects of online addiction that includes Internet pornography, online gambling, social networking aka Facebook, MXit, cellphone addictions and its results. After interviews with Dr Anwar Jeewa on Channel Islam and over 200 talks at schools across South Africa, I know its real. Dr Helgo Schomer @ UCT and Dr Andrew Thatcher @ WITS will be able to confirm this.

Anyway please see the press release for Friday’s protest action. I will be there, along with Warren Whitfield, the Chairman of the Addiction Action Campaign to answer any and all questions from the press with a live press conference immediately after the march and handover of the memorandums to SABMiller & their cadre

• I’m available on 0829407137 to chat before Friday..

Warm regards
Ramon
p.s. Ek kan onderhoude doen in Afrikaans, geen probleem!

On Friday 30 October 2009, the Addiction Action Campaign will be holding its first protest action in SANDTON.

“Is it right to profit from addiction?”

We will be handing over memorandums to the “Addiction Industry” detailing our demands for them to become accountable for the harm their products cause. Specifically, we demand that certain industries i.e. the Alcohol, Tobacco, Gambling, Pharmaceutical and Pornography industries address their human rights abuses by complying with the following requirements:

1. It is time to measure what percentage of their consumers have become addicted to their products.
2. The measurement methods and outcomes must be announced and be open to public scrutiny.
3. The profits made from and harm caused to people who are addicted must be calculated and disclosed publically.
4. A firm commitment must be made by all companies who profit from addiction, to raise their Harm Reduction spending, to match the profits they make, or harm they cause, whichever is greater, within a reasonable period of time.

We are saying that it is a human rights violation to profit from people who are addicted and that it is only fair to return to those who are affected profits that are collected, via harm reduction methods which include:

1. Access to treatment for all South Africans.
2. Harm reduction education.
3. Acceptable addiction prevention campaigns.

Companies, individuals or organisations we have asked to collect memorandums include, but are not limited to:

TISA (Tobacco Institute of Southern Africa), PIASA (Pharmaceutical Industry Association of SA.), Innovative Medicines of South Africa, NAPM, SMASA, National Gambling Board, National Responsible Gambling, JT Publishing (Hustler), Adult World, SAB Miller, ARA (The Industry Association for Responsible Alcohol Use), SA Liquor Brand Owner’s Association, Distell, Brandouse, KWV, Douglas Green Bellingham, E Snell & Co, Pernod-Ricard, The Really Great Brand Company, VinPro, Wine Cellars SA, Tsogo Sun Group, Casino Association of South Africa.

AAC PEOPLE BEFORE PROFIT PROTEST

WHERE

• SAB Miller, 65 Park Lane, Sandown, Sandton

WHEN

• 09h00am to 11h00am

PARKING

• We suggest that press and protestors park at Sandton City Parking and walk down 5th Street to Park Lane.

PRESS COMMENT

• AAC Chairperson Warren Whitfield will thank the crowd for attending and will disperse them before 11h00am. He will then be immediately available for interviews or comments as well to provide the AAC’s plans for the future.

PRESS PACKS

• Press packs will be available at the protest and will include a statement as well as a copy of the memorandums given to all stakeholders.

MEDIA ENQUIRIES

People may not be aware that Ramaphosa, a prominent businessman and political luminary, is also a supporter of the arts – particularly the JPO. On the evening of the 22nd, he will be lending his personal charm and professional clout to help the orchestra secure funding through 2010.

“I am thrilled to be able to host a phone-in radio programme in support of this wonderful, highly skilled and dedicated orchestra of top-notch musicians,” says Ramaphosa.

“In addition to their soul-elevating performances, the JPO does fantastic work in developing promising young musicians and holding outreach programmes in the townships. I would like to encourage – no, challenge – businessmen to put their money where their mouth is during the live phone-in, and do their bit to ensure that arts and culture continues to flourish in South Africa.”

Being entirely self-sustaining, the JPO’s continued existence is reliant on donations from members of the public, proceeds from ticket sales and corporate sponsorship.

These various sources of funding enable the orchestra to invite international artists to perform in South Africa, in addition to offering varied and high-calibre programmes during its four six-week symphony seasons every year. The JPO also regularly lends its players’ musical mastery to operatic, ballet and Education and Development productions.

Established in 2000 following the demise of the National Symphony Orchestra, the JPO has made great strides in its quest to be nationally and internationally recognised as South Africa’s leading philharmonic orchestra. A significant number of the 48 symphony concerts it presents annually are broadcast on Classic FM.

The live phone-in fundraiser on Classic FM 102.7 on the evening of 22 October is aimed at helping it carry on its good work, providing employment for classical musicians, developing and educating up-and-coming talent – and, of course, delighting lovers of fine music.

Should you wish to participate in the on-air fundraiser, the studio phone is 082 234 4000, or phone (011) 789-2733.

@realcharlize are you really, the real Charlize? How's Stuart doing? Ek hoop julle kom meer gereeld kuier in Gauteng. Miss julle vreeslik in reply to realcharlize #

just got off the phone with Vanessa Carreira re: TABOO MISCHIEF CALENDAR http://bit.ly/1EMKbA Friendly lady… #

Powered by Twitter Tools

Him and his wife died 10 years ago in a tragic car accident near Colchester. His daughter and only child survived the accident. As an ex-headboy of the school and an exceptional leader amongst his peers, I thought it befitting that I should donate a trophy and prize money to a grade 12 learner for “exceptional leadership abilities”, in memory of my friend. I’ve presented this idea to the school and they’ve agreed to it, as well as a couple of other specific conditions that relate to the dispensation of the prize money. Part of these conditions were that the school must invite Eugene’s mom and daughter also to the event, in view of the initial presentation of the award.

Great was my surprise (and disappointment!) when at the time of the presentation of the award NO mention was made that the trophy was presented to the school “in memory of Eugene Exford RIP 1999” (as stipulated in the agreement I’ve made with them). I was sitting next to Eugene Exford’s mother AND his surviving daughter at the time. If I did not stand up and say something at this crucial junction, I would have failed in my duty to my friend, his family and one of the greatest leaders Uitenhage High has ever produced. I stood up to my feet and corrected Mr Ernie Heynes (the MC at the time). The other MC, Mr Joseph Paul Slingers, Jr was in the same class, 10D, with Eugene Exford and myself, and he also neglected to mention anything during the multiple opportunities he had as the co-MC for the evening.

To his honour, I must say the Mr Ernie Heynes afterwards apologised to for the confusion around the hand-over of the trophy – to wit that they did not announce the name as stipulated in my agreement with the school. I acknowledge that some level of pressure on finalising the programme came into play. However, it is tradition at all institutions that present awards or trophies, that the names of the donors be announced, and more specifically the name of the award or trophy be read out. This is also common sense. This can become a very sensitive issue, so I expect Uitenhage High school, as a professional, public institution of high standing, to take take great pains in not mucking this up.

Regarding the dispensation of the prize money – the school asked to award a specific amounts of money to the winner of the “Eugene Exford Leadership award” and to each of the winners of the best all-rounder awards in every grade – not to the only to the specific winner. To my surprise it was announced during the proceedings of the event that the money would not be paid directly to the award winners but that “it would be paid towards the learners’ school fees for the following year”. Since this was so blatantly against our initial agreement, I have assumed that the MC has made another unfortunate blunder with this announcement. The following day I’ve sent my awesome PA (Yusuf Moses) to the school with a cheque in the name of each of the prize winners to present to them personally – a very small token from my side to thank and encourage these learners personally for their hard work and commitment. As it panned out my assumption was horribly wrong – it was no blunder on the side of the announcer; oh no – the school has in fact blatantly dishonoured our initial agreement.

I take issue with the school for not only breaking these agreements but with various times in the past that they’ve broken specific agreements I had with them. If anyone is interested I can provide examples of this. The pendulum swings both ways.

I feel very, very frustrated in my dealings with the school. I know that I will probably not be able to make the magnitude of contributions of the Jeeva’s or Mr JP Keyter to the school but I try my best to at least do my little part. But as it were, I feel that I will have no further dealings with the school in the future. They might not feel the lost in monetary value but I’m afraid that the lost of a heart that once beat warmly and lovingly for my alma mater, would make this place a fraction of a degree more colder.

In the past I’ve experienced both challenge and support from Uitenhage High. This can be confirmed by speaking to people like previous principal, Mr Slingers, Sr. or current principal, Mr Timothy Heynes, as well as others like Mr Simon Adams, his wife Mrs Adams, Mrs Mac Redcliffe, Dr Carlos Bezuidenhout, Prof Cecil Arnolds, etc.

This trophy was purchased October 2008 and handed over to the school several months ago so it could be ready for this year’s Awards evening. It is 2009 now and 10 years since the death of him and his wife in the terrible car accident. Neither him, nor his mother or his only surviving daughter was acknowledged throughout the entire evening’s proceedings during the principals’ welcome, the various stages of the two MC’s or during the “Vote of Thanks” by Mr Chris Rossouw.

You decide for yourself how you feel about my reaction. I do not believe in my heart of hearts, this school deserves the cash donation, and therefore I have decided to give it directly to the winners. I am extremely proud of Charl-Jade Petrus, the new deputy head boy for winning this award, and the R500 cash donation that goes with it. I hope he buys airtime and joins us on Facebook with at least some of the money.

Dear TEDizens,

A TED Prize wish is about to be granted. We’d love you to participate.

On September 27th, 1pm PDT, Karen Armstrong, joined by the Dalai Lama and three other Nobel laureates, will unveil plans for the launch of the Charter for Compassion. The event will include short TED talks on the true meaning and significance of compassion by some of the world’s most inspirational figures.

We’d love you to watch the event, live-streamed over the web … and to consider joining thousands of people around the world for the celebration of a truly giant idea, perhaps the biggest idea humanity has ever had.

Please be part of this. Details here.

Best wishes,

Amy Novogratz, TED Prize Director & Chris Anderson, TED Curator

Ramon Thomas

The event promises to have a host of exciting activities to look forward to and you are supporting a good cause while doing so. As South Africa’s leading expert on the psychology of technology & dating in the 21st century, I take pride in our social responsibility through our partnership with Faces of Hope Foundation. There will be a ton of opportunities to meet interesting people and some beautiful women lol.

The movie will be screened on Thursday, 29 October 2009 @ the Zone in Rosebank. Their will be lucky draws for Hampers and give-aways from Eyes Slices, Cocktails from Original Iced cocktails to welcome you, Stunning prizes include accommodation, a mini auction for the signed copies of the book by the author Jim Stovall and R1000 voucher for Amrita Medi Health Spa in Krugersdorp. Beautiful flowers presented by OS Flowers, a Melrose Aesthetic centre voucher to the value of R5000 and much much more.

The event starts at 18:00 for 18:30 welcome drinks and snacks. Ramon Thomas will be the MC for the evening. Everyone to be seated at 19:15 – Then there will be give-aways and our auction, hosted by David James aka Koobus from District 9 – which will be filled with wonderful prizes.

The Ultimate Gift screening stars @ 20:00. The movie is a truly inspirational film which will have you captivated. Barry Ronge may make an appearance and other celebs have confirmed their support and interest in this event. Please support this great event for a great cause. Faces of Hope raises funds for individuals who need financial assistance for cancer treatment and awareness of various cancers.

Bookings and payment call Kerrin Black on 082 823 6861 today. Here’s the official trailer for this film:

Na 5 albums en 11 musiekvideos as ‘n onafhanklike kunstenaar, musiekvideos op MTV in die VSA en Channel O, asook ‘n nominasie as een van die top 5 kunstenaars in die musiek kategorie van die “Top Billing Lifestyle Awards”, was Sean klaar met die musiekbedryf…

Fritz vertel toe vir Sean hoeveel hy hom respekteer weens sy gedisiplineerde werks etiket, sy gesonde lewensstyl en musiek vernuf, en ook weens die feit dat hy dekades tevore kontak gemaak het met die groep, The Invaders, van wie Sean se pa, John Burke, die leier was.

Frits het ‘n uitdaging aan Sean voorgelê – hy het ‘n beroep op hom gedoen om musiek in Afrikaans te maak, om Afrikaanse musiek meer van ‘n internasionale popklank te gee met sy unieke mengsel van dansmusiek, hip-hop en R&B.

Sean het eers hewig vasgeskop omdat hy alreeds 2 jaar tevore besluit het om uit die musiekbedryf te tree om meer aandag aan sy besigheid te bestee, en ook omdat hy nooit daaraan gedink het om liedjies in Afrikaans te skryf nie. Alhoewel hy beide Engels en Afrikaans as Eerste Taal vakke op skool geneem het, is hy Engelssprekend, en was dit veral ‘n vreemdheid om “rap” lirieke te skryf in Afrikaans.

Fritz het sy arm gedraai om ten minste een liedjie te skryf en op te neem om sodoende ‘n gevoel vir Afrikaanse musiek te kry. Na die geboorte van die liedjie “Somerdae”, het die Afrikaanse gogga omtrent vir Sean gebyt. Skielik was daar ‘n heel nuwe woordeskat wat hy mee kon eksperimenteer om homself uit te druk, en mettertyd was dit nie net iets wat hy in sy vrye tyd gedoen het om Fritz van sy rug af te kry nie, maar dit het ontaard in ‘n nuwe passie. Dit het ook weer die kreatiewe musieksy in hom wakker gemaak.

Sean wou ‘n definitiewe onderskeid tref tussen sy Engelse musiekpersoonlikheid en sy nuwe Afriikaanse alter ego, en dit het gelei tot die geboorte van Dj Dinamiet!

11 nuwe liedjies later, en Dj Dinamiet het nou ‘n volwaardige album wat hy beskryf as “”. Hy wil ‘n voortrekker van Afrikaanz wees wat die genre in ongetemde gebiede kan neem, wat voorheen ontoeganklik was. In die titelsnit “Ek Sit Die Koel In Afrikaanz” uiter Dj Dinamiet:”Ek wil musiek in Afrikaanz maak wat ruk in die kasie”! Dj Dinamiet vermeng ‘n potpourri van dansmusiek, hip-hop en R&B op hierdie album. Die album is slegs op die internet beskikbaar by Rythm Online as individuele snitte. Dj Dinamiet sal voortdurend nuwe liedjies byvoeg, en hierdie manier van album vervaardiging is uniek omdat ‘n gewone album slegs ‘n sekere aantal snitte op ‘n gewone CD skyf kan druk. Dit gee ook aanhangers die geleentheid om slegs die liedjies aan te skaf wat hulle persoonlik geniet, in plaas daarvan dat om ‘n volle album te koop om slegs ‘n spesifieke liedjie te bekom. Om te luister na die vollengte liedjies vir ‘n beperkte tyd, gaan asseblief na die webwerf. Maak dit jou eie deur dit te kry op Rythm Records website. Vind Dj Dinamiet op Facebook

@marlonparker we will be tracking your Mom 2.0 project closely to roll-out Dad 2.0 in the Eastern Cape in reply to marlonparker #

found that my Sony Ericsson w880i cellphone charges through the USB from my MacBook Pro It's Carnival in Uitenhage this weekend! #

is planning to watch The Cider House Rules tonight 10pm starring Spiderman & Aeon Flux #

hanging out with the Minnaar family instead me watching The Cider House Rules tonight #

is feeling better because I found out that Videoland near Athens Cafe in Caledon Street is still open for business after 29 years #

is updating my Christmas card list and deciding who gets a card and who does not get a card this holiday season #

won the Extra Mile Award from the CIS Toastmasters club @ Old Ed's in Houghton, Johannesburg last night Wish I was there… #

@cultvines welcome to my Zealot recruitment programme on Twitter in reply to cultvines #

@CiaoEnrico welcome to my Zealot recruitment project on Twitter More http://tinyurl.com/5cf9s6 in reply to CiaoEnrico #

@richardbranson welcome to my Twitter stream More about my work here – http://tinyurl.com/5cf9s6 in reply to richardbranson #

@yusufmoses welcome back to Twitter, Facebook. Updates from MXit (Spoink) is quickest whenever you are thinking out loud in reply to yusufmoses #

@Jordanbrown5 welcome to my Zealot recruitment project on Twitter Have a great weekend… in reply to Jordanbrown5 #

@CCSeed welcome to my Twitter stream. Look forward to your updates because it appeals to my right brain inclinations in reply to CCSeed #

@marcashwell welcome to my Zealot training project on Twitter Have an awesome weekend in Joburg. I'll be back soon… in reply to marcashwell #

@cocktailfrusion welcome to my Zealot support group on Twitter Anyway invite me to your next Fashion Shows. I model models moreover… in reply to cocktailfrusion #

thinks the American Pimp documetary is funny as hell. Truth is stranger than fiction #

@mattbacak welcome to my Twitterati fellowship More about me here – http://tinyurl.com/5cf9s6 in reply to mattbacak #

is on SABC3 Zooming in on Men now talking with Pepsi Pokane. This show is a rebroadcast #

wants to watch more South Park shows with Eric T. Cartman kicking ass #

@LadanLashkari it's awesome to find you on Twitter. It's been a long while since I read about you on Michel Fortin blog in reply to LadanLashkari #

is chatting on MXit with friends in Knysna, Uitenhage & Johannesburg #

is chatting on MXit with friends in Knysna, Uitenhage & Johannesburg #

listening to Randy Crawford while falling asleep and thinking of you my pudding pie, my honey bun and sugar plum #

listening to Randy Crawford while falling asleep and thinking of you my pudding pie, my honey bun and sugar plum #

a new low in eTV movie selection: The Last Ninja #

a new low in eTV movie selection: The Last Ninja #

is stopping by Storms River Mouth on route to Plett, Knysna! New experiences here I come #

is stopping by Storms River Mouth on route to Plett, Knysna! New experiences here I come #

is having dinner at Wu's chinese restaurant in Knysna. The Street Carnival is pretty small compared to Uitenhage's #

can't believe what a hoax the new Vampire movie Twilight is. Vampire in Brooklyn was better #

can't believe what a hoax the new Vampire movie Twilight is. Vampire in Brooklyn was better #

somehow ended up @ OC Club in Uitenhage with @yusufmoses #

Powered by Twitter Tools

This open day is to meet prospective clients for my new agency – provisionally called “Arli$$ Ari Gold Management” after my two favourite agents in television. You will get to know me, who I am, what I stand for, and what makes me different. Some of my client portfolios will be on display. And you can ask me anything. My fees are based on a more realistic mindset of what is required in the global recession. And because I leverage a very large online and real-world social network, I can afford to only charge you 10% flat rate. I make up the difference by asking you to do photo shoots or gigs for my own projects at no cost. All this is tracked, so you never feel like you’re being abused or taken advantage. And in each case we ensure you get testimonials, exposure and meet new clients to find even more opportunities.

The venue: Nino’s Rosebank, The Zone opposite Nescafe. And I will be there from 12-6pm before going to the Dr John Demartini Talk @ Montecasino tonight. I’m also working with TalentFinders.com as the new Marketing Director so I’ll handle your online and offline portfolios to maximise your income and reduce your effort. Leave it to me, and I’ll make it happen for you. As my awesome PA, Yusuf Moses, says at this junction “Let’s dance…!”