by Bushtots
Money, makes the world go round, or so they say. You do need it though to buy that new game you want, or perhaps you want an ice-cream party? Instead of asking your parents to pay for everything all the time, you would rather save up a bit first and then pay for part of or all of it. Mum and dad will be more likely to match the amount you have saved up than they would to foot the entire bill. There are two ways in which you can save: you can open up a savings account in a trusted bank or you could get a piggy bank (clear plastic jar will work just as well). You can then add a portion of the money you receive into your savings.
But if the global economic crisis has also hit your pocket and your money isn’t getting around as much as it was before, how do you ask for more pocket money? Well before you ask, think about the possibility of starting your own home-based business. Remember, it is probably a good idea for you to negotiate more responsibility around the house when requesting an increase of your allowance. In this way, your parents feel that you are more deserving of the money.
Monday, May 25, 2009
Hip Hop and House music
By Bushkids
House music has become known all over the world, and in Africa itself. With its characteristic kick-drum one every beat, it is strongly influenced by elements of soul and funk-infused varieties of disco. The origins of house music are hotly contested but this music has people moving across the globe as it rises in popularity.
Hip Hop on the other hand has also had audiences the world-over bobbing their heads to its beats. Unlike House music, Hip Hop is more widely recognized as conveying messages that depict the state of not only the music genre itself, but also where we are in the many different struggles that we are facing in our lives today.
No matter which genre one listens, music plays a big role in our lives. When asked what role music plays in their lives, some people said:
"Whenever I feel down, I always listen to music and relax and take away the stress"
Lesedi (15)
"For me, music sets the tone for my day because if I’m happy I won’t listen to music that is sad, because then I, myself would be sad. So music plays a huge roles in my life. I don’t know what I’d do without it."
Ashley (15)
House music has become known all over the world, and in Africa itself. With its characteristic kick-drum one every beat, it is strongly influenced by elements of soul and funk-infused varieties of disco. The origins of house music are hotly contested but this music has people moving across the globe as it rises in popularity.
Hip Hop on the other hand has also had audiences the world-over bobbing their heads to its beats. Unlike House music, Hip Hop is more widely recognized as conveying messages that depict the state of not only the music genre itself, but also where we are in the many different struggles that we are facing in our lives today.
No matter which genre one listens, music plays a big role in our lives. When asked what role music plays in their lives, some people said:
"Whenever I feel down, I always listen to music and relax and take away the stress"
Lesedi (15)
"For me, music sets the tone for my day because if I’m happy I won’t listen to music that is sad, because then I, myself would be sad. So music plays a huge roles in my life. I don’t know what I’d do without it."
Ashley (15)
Poverty
By Bushteens
Crime, unemployment, denial of rights to access decent housing and, the ever increasing food prices – all of these are linked and interlinked in a nuanced manner. These are part of the many faces of poverty. Moreover, what does the future then hold for young people who are living in impoverished conditions? Not much as we discussed in our show. Very often, the very structures that we inhabit set us up either for failure or for success. However, in a large number of our impoverished communities, the former rings all too true for thousands of young people. Education was cited as the answer, but failing your matric is not the end of the world. There are plenty of alternatives out there and it is imperative that you know what they are so that you can create a plan that is best for you, with a back-up in mind.
Crime, unemployment, denial of rights to access decent housing and, the ever increasing food prices – all of these are linked and interlinked in a nuanced manner. These are part of the many faces of poverty. Moreover, what does the future then hold for young people who are living in impoverished conditions? Not much as we discussed in our show. Very often, the very structures that we inhabit set us up either for failure or for success. However, in a large number of our impoverished communities, the former rings all too true for thousands of young people. Education was cited as the answer, but failing your matric is not the end of the world. There are plenty of alternatives out there and it is imperative that you know what they are so that you can create a plan that is best for you, with a back-up in mind.
University of Minnesota students pay us a visit!
This Saturday we had the pleasure of hosting a number of students from the University of Minnesota. The day began at 09h30 when they arrived. This was followed by a tour of the station. The rest of the morning was spent engaging with the CREW as they prepared for their respective shows or as they brainstormed for the following week.
Monday, May 18, 2009
Global Warming 201
by Bushteens
Global warming has been talked about to shreds, and whilst it is safe to say that a large number of people know what it is, you will be surprised to know that a large number of people still do not know what it is. A brief description of global warming was advanced, with the bulk of the discussion focusing on the effects of global warming namely in the form of insanely weird weather patterns as well as myriads of other natural disasters.
This is of particular importance to Cape Town in light of the fact that as we write this, hundreds of families have been displaced by the floods caused by the heavy rainfall over the weekend.
Global warming has been talked about to shreds, and whilst it is safe to say that a large number of people know what it is, you will be surprised to know that a large number of people still do not know what it is. A brief description of global warming was advanced, with the bulk of the discussion focusing on the effects of global warming namely in the form of insanely weird weather patterns as well as myriads of other natural disasters.
This is of particular importance to Cape Town in light of the fact that as we write this, hundreds of families have been displaced by the floods caused by the heavy rainfall over the weekend.
Life!
by Bushteens
That’s life! Or so they say when something unexpected happens and derails one’s path. But who are they anyway? The topic this past Saturday was life…..yes, we talked about life. Most people would argue that at approximately the age of 17, what would we know about life? Well, we know what we want for our lives and we see what’s helping or hindering us from getting there so we are well qualified to talk about life. Everything from the high food prices (not to mention the disparity between organic and non-organic foods) which make eating and staying healthy extremely difficult. As the saying goes – you are what you eat! How about the poor resources and infrastructure that plagues our communities? Poor sanitation, unequal and inadequate access to health facilities and the unsustainable use of non-renewable energy resources, make looking towards our future very bleak indeed. ‘But ah!’ we hear you say, ‘that’s life!’
That’s life! Or so they say when something unexpected happens and derails one’s path. But who are they anyway? The topic this past Saturday was life…..yes, we talked about life. Most people would argue that at approximately the age of 17, what would we know about life? Well, we know what we want for our lives and we see what’s helping or hindering us from getting there so we are well qualified to talk about life. Everything from the high food prices (not to mention the disparity between organic and non-organic foods) which make eating and staying healthy extremely difficult. As the saying goes – you are what you eat! How about the poor resources and infrastructure that plagues our communities? Poor sanitation, unequal and inadequate access to health facilities and the unsustainable use of non-renewable energy resources, make looking towards our future very bleak indeed. ‘But ah!’ we hear you say, ‘that’s life!’
Community Initiatives
by Bushkids
Ever so often, communities put their resources together to fight for the common good – the good of their communities. However, more often than not, outside resources are sought to enable the fight. Community initiatives come in all different shapes and sizes. They range, from sporting initiatives to crime-fighting initiatives. Each with it’s own mission and objectives, the aim at the end of the day is the same – to make the communities we live in much better, safer and more habitable.
Ever so often, communities put their resources together to fight for the common good – the good of their communities. However, more often than not, outside resources are sought to enable the fight. Community initiatives come in all different shapes and sizes. They range, from sporting initiatives to crime-fighting initiatives. Each with it’s own mission and objectives, the aim at the end of the day is the same – to make the communities we live in much better, safer and more habitable.
Peer Pressure
by Bushkids
How do peers influence each other? Is this influence always negative? Are there instances in which it is positive? What exactly, then do we mean when we talk of peer pressure?
Peer pressure, is often thought to be negative and perhaps for the most part it is. Millions of teenagers the world-over get influenced into adopting drug habits and engaging in risky sexual behaviour just to be part of the in-crowd. However, there are instances when the good prevail and those who engage in risky behaviours are influenced to change their ways. The trouble comes in differentiating whether it is really worth being part of the in-crowd when their habits are going to get you into trouble.
How do peers influence each other? Is this influence always negative? Are there instances in which it is positive? What exactly, then do we mean when we talk of peer pressure?
Peer pressure, is often thought to be negative and perhaps for the most part it is. Millions of teenagers the world-over get influenced into adopting drug habits and engaging in risky sexual behaviour just to be part of the in-crowd. However, there are instances when the good prevail and those who engage in risky behaviours are influenced to change their ways. The trouble comes in differentiating whether it is really worth being part of the in-crowd when their habits are going to get you into trouble.
Needs and Wants
by Bushtots
What is the difference between a need and a want? Wants are things that are not vital to your well-being. Needs, on the other hand, are things that without which you will barely survive. Needs include things such as shelter, oxygen and food. Here is a fun way to save and learn how to spend money on things that you need instead of things that you want.
Activity: Penny Harvest
You can save anything from between five cents to one rand a day to put into a piggy bank or jar. It may not seem like a lot of money, but over time you can save a substantial amount especially if you ask your brother(s) or sister(s) to save with you. Near the end of each term or year you can count the money with your mum or dad. This is also an opportunity to learn math skills, e.g. estimation, counting strategies, counting money, trading up to different denominations of change, or arrays. After totaling the money, figure out what your room needs. Then figure out what you want e.g. an ice-cream party, new board game, or fancy stickers. Should you spend the money on what you need or what you want?
Tune in next Saturday as we continue the discussion and offer some tips on how to save your money for the things you want.
What is the difference between a need and a want? Wants are things that are not vital to your well-being. Needs, on the other hand, are things that without which you will barely survive. Needs include things such as shelter, oxygen and food. Here is a fun way to save and learn how to spend money on things that you need instead of things that you want.
Activity: Penny Harvest
You can save anything from between five cents to one rand a day to put into a piggy bank or jar. It may not seem like a lot of money, but over time you can save a substantial amount especially if you ask your brother(s) or sister(s) to save with you. Near the end of each term or year you can count the money with your mum or dad. This is also an opportunity to learn math skills, e.g. estimation, counting strategies, counting money, trading up to different denominations of change, or arrays. After totaling the money, figure out what your room needs. Then figure out what you want e.g. an ice-cream party, new board game, or fancy stickers. Should you spend the money on what you need or what you want?
Tune in next Saturday as we continue the discussion and offer some tips on how to save your money for the things you want.
Emilio turns 12!
by Bushtots
This Saturday was filled with lots of cupcakes, chips and juice as we celebrated the first crown birthday in the Tots for 2009. A good time was had by all, especially the birthday boy as we wished him well and many happy returns!
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Entrepreneurship: Leadership versus Management
By Bushkids
Anybody can come up with a business idea, but it takes an entrepreneur to come up and implement a truly innovative idea. One of the main tenets of the capitalist system is entrepreneurship – and it is really this that will be the driving force of the economy. Anybody can be an entrepreneur – from the spaza shop run from the window of the house in the corner to the huge franchises that cater for practically every human need. If you have an idea, run with it – the worst thing that could happen is that you’ll have to try and try again, but you will make a success of it.
Anybody can come up with a business idea, but it takes an entrepreneur to come up and implement a truly innovative idea. One of the main tenets of the capitalist system is entrepreneurship – and it is really this that will be the driving force of the economy. Anybody can be an entrepreneur – from the spaza shop run from the window of the house in the corner to the huge franchises that cater for practically every human need. If you have an idea, run with it – the worst thing that could happen is that you’ll have to try and try again, but you will make a success of it.
Coping with Anger
By Bushtots
Anger was defined as an intense emotional reaction accompanied often times by stress. In today’s fast paced world, our systems are always carrying within them some form of tension. When this tension mounts, it is then that one gets angry. Useful tips when you are angry:
- if someone has upset, perhaps they said something that offended you, simply walk away.
- Take a long walk through the park or around the garden, focusing on your breathing as opposed to what angered you.
- Think about what made you angry, and then visualize it flowing through to your hands and out as you push against a wall.
- If you find that you are always angry, then perhaps speak to someone you trust – a family member or a close friend. If you are not comfortable doing so, you can consider seeking the help of a professional counselor or pshychologist.
No matter how you prefer to vent your anger, remember it is important for one to vent their anger, else it builds up till you erupt. Worse still, you could end up releasing it on someone who did not make you angry, costing you a friend in the process.
Anger was defined as an intense emotional reaction accompanied often times by stress. In today’s fast paced world, our systems are always carrying within them some form of tension. When this tension mounts, it is then that one gets angry. Useful tips when you are angry:
- if someone has upset, perhaps they said something that offended you, simply walk away.
- Take a long walk through the park or around the garden, focusing on your breathing as opposed to what angered you.
- Think about what made you angry, and then visualize it flowing through to your hands and out as you push against a wall.
- If you find that you are always angry, then perhaps speak to someone you trust – a family member or a close friend. If you are not comfortable doing so, you can consider seeking the help of a professional counselor or pshychologist.
No matter how you prefer to vent your anger, remember it is important for one to vent their anger, else it builds up till you erupt. Worse still, you could end up releasing it on someone who did not make you angry, costing you a friend in the process.
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