Global Warming Workshop

by Yanga Basso

As part of the Away from Violence project, I put together a workshop on Global Warming. This is a form of indirect violence on ourselves. Put differently, in harming the earth we are harming ourselves and future generations. The workshop began by outlining what global warming is.

The phrase ‘Global warming’ refers to an increase in the average temperature of the earth’s atmosphere. There are two types of global warming – natural and man-made. There is not much we can do about the natural type as this is a part of the Earth’s cycle. However, we do need to worry and do something about our contribution to global warming. The sea levels will rise (goodbye Cape Town) due to the melting of glaciers around the world. This will also result in shortages of drinking water, strong hurricanes, droughts, heat waves, wildfires and other natural disasters.

Yanga Basso - Workshop facilitator

Are Humans Causing It?
Yes through industrialisation, deforestation and pollution. All these activities have combined to increase the concentration levels of gases such methane, carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide. All these gases are greenhouse gases which trap the heat near the Earth’s surface.

We are producing more carbon dioxide faster than plants and oceans can absorb it. There are three ways in which we can respond to global warming. Firstly, we can mitigate the causes and effects of global warming. This is done largely through capturing greenhouse gases at the point of production. The Kyoto Protocol, which expires in 2012, makes provision for this. Secondly, we can adapt to the changing environment. The measures range from the installation of air-conditioning equipment to relocating settlements that are in danger of being wiped out by the rising sea levels. Other measures include water conservation projects, water rationing as well as intervening to protect threatened species. Lastly, we can reverse global warming through geo-engineering. This is the process of directly changing the Earth’s natural environment to suit human needs.

These are all grand schemes, which are also costly to implement. There are ways in which we as individuals can help mitigate and possibly even reverse the effects of global warming. We can car-pool, turn off and unplug appliances, plant more trees, recycle and make sure that we stop using aerosol sprays that contain CFCs. These are not big adjustments but if we all do it, cumulatively they will make the difference that is needed to save our planet.

What is 'appropriate' behaviour in public?

by Bushteens

PDA, a.k.a. public displays of affection for those not familiar with the acronym. Acceptable or not? For which age group? Does age really matter? What about certain fashion trends, whereby pants are placed halfway down and one’s underwear is out on parade. Is that (un)acceptable? There are however, more basic things such as answering your phone in public. What is the ‘appropriate’ distance to move away from the rest of the crowd so that you can answer your phone? Should you even answer your phone if you are out in public and cannot step outside to take the call more privately? How loud should you play the music on your phone (and you don’t have earphones), for example if you are in a train on your way home?

These are just some of the questions that we tackled, the answer to most of these questions was – it depends. It depends on where you are, who you are with and why you are there. There is a time and a place for everything but you just need to be considerate of those around you.

The Life of a Celeb.

by Bushkids

We decided to take a further trip down star lane and delve deeper into the mystery that is the ‘celebrity’. This week though we also took a peak into their lavish lifestyles. It was more than just about who is wearing what but also about where they are living. With mega-mansions and flashy fast rides parked in the yard who wouldn’t want to be a celebrity. However, we also revealed the other side of the celebrity – the worker bee. All the money they spend they have to work equally as hard or even harder to make it. They also have to work to make their net-worth grow. It’s not all just fun and games.

Extinct Animals

by Bushtots

Dodos, Mammoths, saber tooth tigers – animals that we only see on television and in natural history museum displays. These and other animals, the most famous of which are the dinosaurs, roamed the earth thousands of years before civilization as we know it today. These mighty beasts certainly made their mark. Okay, not all of them were big and scary, a number were fluffy, others were small and quite cute actually. Big or small, they made their presence felt. More than anything, the fact that they are no longer roaming this earth alerts us to the need for us to pay better attention to the way we treat the earth and all living creatures. This also includes plants and trees – there are probably hundreds, if not thousands of plant species that are being wiped out daily. Never mind the animals that rely on this vegetation. Which plants and animals will not be there by the time your children and/or grandchildren grow up? Whose fault is it? It’s ours – so we need to do something to reverse some of the damage now before its too late.

Social Networking II

by Bushteens

Facebook, Linkedin, Twitter, Blogger, Badoo, Bebo, etc. we spend so much of our time on social networking sites and increasingly less time actually engaging face-to-face with individuals. The more commonly used sites are online and function as a community. You can socialize with friends, family and even strangers at time (but you must be careful). Online profiles can be organized and combined, limiting the hassle of checking and updating each profile manually.

We were also joined on-line by Lee Anne Morais, the Senior Marketing Manager Youth Segment MTN. She spoke to us in detail about MTN’s Ayoba campaign, as well as their Music Bundles. They aim to make it easier to download full tracks legitimately, especially those of local artists, whilst eliminating piracy.

Magazine Show

by Bushkids

Last week’s show was lighter than most of our shows. We focused on current fashion trends – from clothing for the summer and next autumn and winter to the latest must-have gadgets (on a budget of course). We also took a look into the (not so wonderful) world of celebrities. Who’s dating who and who’s broken up – what were they wearing, where were they spotted and of course who’s no longer friends with whom.

The Planets

by Bushtots

Earlier this year it was declared that there were only nine planets in our solar system now. As this debate rages on, we decided to speak about all nine planets. Why? Because one more will not make much of a difference. However, at the heart of our solar system is the SUN. It is the biggest item in our solar system and is said to be a mere star. However, whilst there may be many like it, they are much smaller.

1. Mercury is the planet closest to the sun. It is also the eight largest planet. In many ways it is similar to the moon, with its heavily cratered and very old surface.

2. Venus is the second planet from the sun and the sixth largest. Venus' orbit is the most nearly circular of that of any planet. It is the brightest object in the sky except for the Sun and the Moon. Venus is sometimes regarded as Earth's sister planet.

3. Earth is the third planet from the Sun and the fifth largest. It is the only planet whose English name does not derive from Greek/Roman mythology. The name derives from Old English and Germanic. It does have names in other languages. The crust is thinner under the oceans and thicker under the continents.

4. Mars is the fourth planet from the Sun and the seventh largest. The planet is said to have gotten this name because of its red color. Mars is sometimes referred to as the Red Planet. The name of the month March derives from Mars.

5. Jupiter is the fifth planet from the Sun and by far the largest. It is the fourth brightest object in the sky (after the sun, the moon and Venus). It has been referred to as a bright "wandering star".

6. Saturn is the sixth planet from the sun and the second largest. The word Saturday is derived form the root Saturn. It’s bands are fainter than those on Jupiter.

7. Uranus is the seventh planet from the sun and the third largest (by diameter). Uranus is made up mostly of rock and various ices. It has a blue colour which is the result of the absorption of red light by methane in the upper atmosphere.

8. Neptune is the eighth planet from the sun and the fourth largest (by diameter). Because Pluto's orbit is so eccentric, it crosses Neptune’s path making Neptune the farthest planet for a few years.

9. Pluto orbits beyond the orbit of Neptune (usually). It is much smaller than any of the official planets and now classified as a "dwarf planet". Pluto is smaller than seven of the solar system's moon. Pluto has not yet been visited by a spacecraft.

Social Networking

by Bushteens

Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, Netlog, etcetera. We spend hours on these sites, often chatting to people we know and on the odd occasion or two chatting to complete strangers. Although safety of young people using social networking sites has always been a point of concern, young people seem to be the greatest users of these sites. Whilst it is good that they are interacting with other young people, can social networks replace face-to-face contact? Are they teaching us any interpersonal skills? Furthermore, how conducive to studying are they? The amount of time we spend online detracts from the amount of time we could be reading books or doing some gardening. At the end of the day, it is convenient.

What to do in an Emergency

by Bushkids

Accidents do happen – some are more life-threatening than others. However, depending on the situation it is often better not to try and be the hero of the day. Rather let the trained professionals handle the situations. Here is what to do if:

1. There is a thief in your house: the first step is to ensure that you are in a safe place. If they have not spotted you, try alert anybody else who may be in the house then try and get out of the house to call for help. If they have spotted you, co-operate with them. Do not try to put up any resistance because this will increase the likelihood of them hurting you or anybody else in the house. Only once you are sure they have gone alert the police and the medical services if necessary.

2. there is a fire: if it is a small fire e.g. like a stove fire provided your stove is not a gas one, you can throw some flour or mealie-meal over the flame. If the fire is in the pot, simply place the lid over the pot and let the fire die down. Remember, never use water to put out an oil based fire. If the fire is slightly bigger then get a bucket of sand and pour it over the flame to put it out.

If a room in the house catches fire, begin by closing all the windows or as many windows not only in that room but in the rest of the house as well. As you exit each room, ensure that you close the door behind you, provided the door handles are not too hot to touch. Ensure that whoever else is in the house is aware of the situation and that everyone gets out of the house immediately. Call the fire department.

If a friend is on fire: tell them to stop, drop and roll. Remember that of you or a friend suffers from any kind of burn wounds, do not put anything greasy on the wound. Rather, rinse of the area under cool running water then go to the emergency room for assistance. You can put a clean dressing gauze on the wound to prevent dirt getting into the wound on your way to the emergency room.

If you get lost: if you were travelling with your parents stop where you are. Do not go any further unless you can see a police officer or security office nearby where you can request assistance and wait to be picked up. Alternatively, locate a public phone and call home someone who would be able to come and pick you up. Then find a safe spot to wait. Do not accept assistance from strangers especially those offering you a lift.

How to welcome visitors to our country

by Bushtots

We began by asking ourselves what makes us proud to be South Africans. What are the things that we are proud of in our country? Firstly, we are proud because our country has a rich history. Secondly, the diversity of languages, cultures and consequently the diverse range of people living in our country. Each individual is shaped by the history of our country but it is the spirit of ubuntu that prevails. With this spirit comes an appreciation for individuals who are culturally different. Hence, to welcome visitors to our country we must make every effort to make them feel at home. In showing what we are proud of and inviting them to share in our past, present and future we make them feel at home. Furthermore, also engage with the visitors and take interest in their languages, cultures and ways of life.

Health and Technology

by Bushteens

Technology has a positive impact on our lives – in most instances it makes our lives easier. The converse is also true, technology has made our lives too simple. Research needs to be done on each gadget to ensure that it is the best option for you. Is it going to help you in the long run or is it just going to make you lazy?

We were joined in studio by Ms. M. Arendse, the Technology educator at Immaculata High School. She spoke to us about the advancements in the technology sector that holds considerable prospects for our individual health.

Technology is used to solve a range of problems. Without it a number of individuals would not be able to live their lives to their fullest and many lives would be lost every day. However, we need to remember that technology is great but it remains unobtainable to the majority of the poor in our communities.

Body Art

by Bushkids

Tattoos, piercings on various body parts make up the bulk of body art. Is it just a phase that some people go through in their lives? A crisis of identity? At times, people get tattoos of loved ones or of items that remind them of loved ones who have passed on. Any form of body art can become an addiction though. In either case, there is a certain amount of pain involved and it is of the utmost importance to go to reputable establishments that will use sterile equipment.

Natural Disasters

by Bushtots

The Western Cape was recently hit by terrible winds and rain. The force of these winds was so strong that trees were knocked over and lives were lost. Although, it does not qualify to be called a natural disaster, we live in a world in which global warming is creating noticeable changes in our weather systems. The weather phenomena range from an increase in frequency and intensity of earthquakes, tornadoes, tsunamis and hurricanes to severe droughts and flash flooding. They leave behind them in most instances a trail of destruction. The question is, what are doing to not only halt but reverse these climate change?