A Half-Century of Posts, Bigger and Better Malls in JHB South, And An Uplifting Song by NICKLEBACK

* This week's FGM post being the 50th that I have put out.
The realization that we have put out a half-century of blog posts feels wonderful.
The very 1st post was done in November 2008 and was entitled "Of chocolate gifts, Bafana Bafana, and Bo-makhelwane."
This post was well received by the first few readers. And here at work - without letting me know- somebody printed out this post and put it up on our notice board.
This public display had created such a buzz in the office.
To this day I still do not know who put up that post on our board.
Whoever you are and wherever you are, my dear colleague, many thanks.
I am still standing today because of those first few words of praise from my colleagues after they read that 1st post.


* The recent revamping of 'our' mall -The Glen Shopping Centre - in the south of
Johannesburg. This is the place where 'yours truly' and many other Joburg south citizens spend our working lives. The mall is now much bigger with more stores and parking bays.
Besides the many new stores like 'Incredible Connection', 'Hi-Fi Corporation' and
'Game' - there seems to be lifts everywhere one goes. The GLEN mall has suddenly become like one of those swanky malls north of Johannesburg. A colleague even joked that there is a real danger of us - old inhabitants - getting lost in these new surroundings.
But this is all good. This expansion is a sign of growth in this part of Jozi.
We have just gone upmarket here in the south, ladies and gentlemen.


* Some inspiration from the latest song by NICKLEBACK - the Canadian rock band. Nickleback are the original gravel-voiced rock band.
I am loving the lyrics of their latest song called "If Today Was Your Last Day".
These are lyrics to live by. Here are some excerpts from the song:

"If today was your last day.
................................................
Would you call those friends you never see?
Reminisce old memories?
Would you forgive your enemies?
And would you find that one you're dreaming of?
Swear up and down to God above,
That you'd finally fall in love if today was your last day.

If today was your last day.
................................................
Would you make your mark by mending a broken heart?
You know it's never too late to shoot for the stars.
Regardless of who you are.

So do whatever it takes.
'Cause you can't rewind a moment in this life.
Let nothing stand in your way.
'Cause the hands of time are never on your side."


The melody in this song is also very good.

So, if what would you do if today was our last day?



THANK YOU UNIVERSE. THANK YOU FOR OUR 'FEEL GOOD MOMENTS".


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Our FEEL GOOD poem of the week:

50 Ways
_______

50 ways to get inspired.
So many ways.
50 ways to stay positive.
To get lifted.
So many ways to say life is not so bad.
Half-a-century ways to laugh,
To smile.
To feel good.
So many ways.
50 reasons to love Mzansi.
Many reasons to stay.
To stay committed here.
50 posts to say life is good.
If you choose your focus.


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SO, SOUTH AFRICA AND THE WORLD OUT THERE, WHAT MADE YOU

FEEL GOOD THIS WEEK?

Let us know at - feelgoodmovement@gmail.com
====================================

Dousing of Flames by Julius Malema, Varying Reactions to Our 'Kuduzela' Prize, Trevor Manuel's Apology

* The ANC Youth League's President - Julius Malema - coming out in support of the Free State University rector -Professor Jansen - over the latter's pardoning of the Reitz 'four'.
The Youth League met with Professor Jansen on Thursday. After this meeting, Julius Malema said that they - as the ANC Youth League - were fully behind Professor Jansen in his efforts to transform the university.
Malema's support for Jansen is greatly welcomed by some of us who had cheered the Professor's pardoning act. We are relieved that another public figure - in addition to Archbishop Tutu - has declared his support for Jansen.
In the days following his pardoning gesture Professor Jansen had been a subject of unprecedented criticism by some sections of the nation. Not only did they call for his removal from office, but some went as far as to say he must be 'removed from society' i.e.killed.
Now, the 'President' has spoken.
Can we now please all get back to the task of building this nation of ours.


* The many different responses from our customers when they receive their
KUDUZELAS.
A Kuduzela is a form of a Vuvuzela, which is a trumpet-like instrument that is blown in celebration at our local soccer games. A Kuduzela is made of a Kudu horn instead of synthetic material that is used to make a Vuvuzela.
FNB customers stand a chance of winning a Kuduzela when they purchase cell phone airtime through the cell phone banking service.
On receiving a 'KUDU' some customers are taken back by its appearance. It is about the size of an outstretched arm, black in colour and thick in width.
Some tell us outright how happy they are to have won. They have hardly won anything in their lives, they tell us. Others want us to show them how to blow it i.e how to make it produce a sound. And this we cannot do of course. Getting a sound out of a 'KUDU' is an acquired skill, just like blowing a trumpet.
Those that I love are those customers who may be witnessing this handing over of a 'KUDU'. They suddenly want it too, despite them not using the cellphone banking service. They tell us that they are prepared to buy it if they have to. But you can't buy a 'KUDU'. You can only win it.

From this clamour for Kuduzelas it looks like Mzansi people are going to be blowing up a storm during next year's FIFA World Cup.


* The minister of national planning - Trevor Manuel - admitting that the expensive ministerial car - a BMW limo - that cost around R1,2 million was a mistake. He said that in retrospect he should maybe have bought a less expensive car - notwithstanding the fact that as a minister his car allowance allowed for this purchase. He apologised to the nation for not leading by example, especially in these financially trying times.
To hear Mr Manuel make this public admission felt good. If there is any belt-tightening that has to be done by the nation it has to start at the top with our leaders in government.
Just like when he was minister of finance, Mr Manuel continues to inspire South Africans to be good citizens.

"Awe Trevor."



THANK YOU UNIVERSE. THANK YOU FOR OUR 'FEEL GOOD MOMENTS'.



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Our FEEL GOOD poem of the week:

On Second Thoughts
_________________

On a 2nd take,
Maybe you were right Prof.
Maybe you were right all along.
On second thoughts,
Maybe forgiving someone is not such a bad thing.
Maybe we are better humans.
Far more than we credit ourselves.
On 2nd thinking,
Maybe you have seen the future Prof.
A future of racial harmony.
A future of a united Mzansi.
On second thoughts,
Stay where you are Prof.
That seat belongs to you.
The Gods have willed it.
Even the 'President' concurs.


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SO, SOUTH AFRICA AND THE WORLD OUT THERE, WHAT MADE YOU

FEEL GOOD THIS WEEK?

Let us know at - feelgoodmovement@gmail.com
=====================================

South Africa Ready for FIFA's 2010 World Cup, And 3rd FGM Blog Followers

* Things slowly and nicely shaping up for our hosting of the FIFA's World Cup next year.
 All the hosting stadiums are ready. We are told-by the LOC - that the newly built
ones are left with a few minor touches here and there.
And on the football front, we are glad that Mr Carlos Parreira is back to steady things on the Bafana Bafana ship.
Internationally, it is starting to look like we may just get to have all the currently hot players gracing our shores. Argentina's Lionel Messi - the Barcelona F C maestro - will be here. Argentina just managed to qualify.
Ronaldo and his Portugal, and Thierry Henry and the French team, are all still on track to come. These two stars just need to first help their respective countries to do well at the play-offs after both Portugal and France failed to qualify directly.
We will put them in our prayers.

Otherwise Mzansi cannot wait, ladies and gentlemen.


* Thulebona Mhlanga becoming the 3rd official FGM website follower. She is the silhouette figure next to Zak and 'Mathuso.
Thulebona is a student at the University of Johannesburg. And, she is also the first member of our FGM Volunteers charity project.

"We are happy to have you on board sisi. With your support the
FGM community can only grow from strength to strength."



THANK YOU UNIVERSE. THANK YOU FOR OUR 'FEEL GOOD MOMENTS'.


===========================


Our FEEL GOOD poem of the week:


We Are Ready
____________

Mzansi is ready.
Africa is ready.
We are ready to host the world.
Let FIFA's party start.
Let its extravaganza begin.
We are ready to do it justice.
Let Bo-Messi.
Let Bo-Ronaldo and Thierry.
Let them come.
Africa is ready to show its hospitality.
Let the hoards of football-loving 'peeps' descend.
Let them descend on us.
KE NAKO.
KE NAKO INDEED.


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SO, SOUTH AFRICA AND THE WORLD OUT THERE, WHAT MADE YOU

FEEL GOOD THIS WEEK?

Let us know at - feelgoodmovement@gmail.com
====================================

Professor Jonathan Jansen's Move, Ghana Under-20 Soccer Team's World Cup Triumph, And Horoscope Sign 'Write Ups' for Eternity

* The decision by the new Free State University Rector - Professor Jonathan Jansen - to pardon the Reitz 'four'. These 'four' are the 4 white former students( residents of the Reitz hostel) of the University who were caught on camera taunting and degrading black blue collar employees of the University. These acts by these students were deemed racist in nature and the students were subsequently expelled.
The rector said that not only will the the students be allowed back to finish their studies, but the University will no longer pursue the court case against them.
This act of forgiveness by the Rector must be applauded. It was a bold decision which was taken at a risk of a backlash.
It must be seen in a broader context of nation building.

"Nice one, Prof."


* Ghana's Under 20 soccer team doing Africa proud by winning the FIFA Under 20 World Cup on Friday night in Egypt. They defeated Brazil 4-3 on penalties.
This was the first time an African country had won this tournament and it calls for a popping of champagne.
The 'Black Satellites' - as this Ghanaian Under 20 team is known -' represented' big time.They played the last hour of the final game minus one player - Daniel Addo - who was sent off for a dangerous tackle.
And they achieved this victory against the mighty Brazilians.
Could this win of a big FIFA tournament by an African team be a taste of things to come when the biggest FIFA tournament comes to Mzansi next year? Could next year indeed be Africa's time?
The possibilty of this African dream coming true is thrilling.


* An astrological star sign 'write up' of all time. It was written by Jonathan Cainer - the resident astrologer of THE TIMES newspaper. In this 'write up' Mr Cainer captured the essence of what we are about here in the FEEL GOOD MOVEMENT.
For the VIRGO sign this past Friday, he wrote:

"There is always a reason to reject an idea or to find fault with a plan.
There is something about a situation that you can critisize if you choose.
People are never faultless or flawless, so it does not take much to see
aspects of their character that have much room for improvement.
Tolerance requires patience. It needs faith. Faith demands
intelligence. For only the cleverest amongst us can see the true value of
trust and optimism. Lead the way to a better world this weekend. Look
on the bright side."

After reading that, I was speechless. I was totally and completely blown away.




THANK YOU UNIVERSE. THANK YOU FOR OUR 'FEEL GOOD MOMENTS'.



=================================


Our FEEL GOOD poem of the week:


Just For That Chance.
__________________

For the chance to forgive.
I would climb mount Kilimanjaro.
I would cross the widest of rivers.
And scale the highest of walls.
For the opportunity to be a bigger person.
Just for that chance.
I would give up my right to be renumerated.
I would work for free.
For the chance to make another feel good.
For the chance to say: let by-gones be by-gones.
For the chance to make a contribution.
A contribution towards a better South Africa.
Just for that chance.
I would pay the ultimate price.


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SO, SOUTH AFRICA AND THE WORLD OUT THERE, WHAT MADE YOU

FEEL GOOD THIS WEEK?

Let us know at - feelgoodmovement@gmail.com
======================================

Nobel Prize Committee's Surprise Choice, Puff Johnson in SA, And 'Umhlangano' with a Difference

* The announcement that the Nobel Peace Prize for 2009 has been won by US President - Barack Obama. The Nobel Prize committee said it gave the prize to Obama for his efforts in working towards a future peaceful world. In particular, they sighted his work in taking steps to creating a world free of nuclear weapons.
While a few jaws may have dropped at this selection, we welcomed it. Mr Obama has started his presidency on a good and positive note. He may not have achieved his goals as yet, but as the Nobel committee itself stated, he has not only given America hope for a better country, but he has given the world hope, too, for better international relations where problems are solved through dialogue.
And, by winning this huge and influential prize so soon after his history-making victory at the recent US Presidential elections, it is starting to look like this man - Obama - is a child of destiny.


* The news that US 'r & b' singer - Puff Johnson - is planning to release the first single from her upcoming new album from right here in Mzansi.
Ms Johnson has been staying in our country since October last year. She has made SA her second home, we are told. In her own words, "South Africa a beautiful country with beautiful people."

"We are truly honoured Ms Johnson.We love your music too.
Who can forget that ground breaking album of yours-MIRACLE.
In here I particularly loved these two awesome cuts - 'Outside my window' and
'All over your face'.
You can stay here forever my sister, we won't mind."


* An Umhlangano( staff meeting) with a difference here at work this past Wednesday.
On Wednesdays we normally hold full staff meetings between 8 and 9 am. On this particular Wednesday(07/10/09) we were supposed to hold a special type of meeting called Umhlangano. An Umhlangano is held once a month and is basically a platform for voicing grievances by staff . And needless to say, these meetings can be tense and fractious affairs.
But on this Wednesday we decided to throw the rule book out of the window. We
decided to make ourselves feel good instead.
We started off by letting lose on the dance 'floor'. Music - at high volume - was put on, on the branches' hi-fi system. And we all got down and did our thing. Brenda Fassie's old hit - 'Weekend Special' - has never sounded so good.
After this highly invigorating dancing session, our manager read us this awesomely inspiring piece of writing about two ill men painting beautiful pictures in their minds as they lay in their beds in a hospital room.
This meeting was was ended by hugs all around.
We left the meeting highly energised and motivated. We were ready to 'wow' our customers.



THANK YOU UNIVERSE. THANK YOU FOR OUR 'FEEL GOOD MOMENTS'.


=============================


Our FEEL GOOD poem of the week:


A Prize For All Mankind
___________________

It's a prize for all seasons.
A prize for the right reasons.
It's a noble prize.
The Nobel prize.
It's a prize for peace on earth.
A prize for health on earth.
A prize for economies of the world.
It's a noble one.
It's a prize for nobility.
A prize for Bo-Obama.
A prize for Bo-Wole Soyinka.
A prize for Bo-Nadine Gordimer.
It's a prize for a better world.
A prize for future generations.
It's a noble one.
This Nobel Prize.


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SO, SOUTH AFRICA AND THE WORLD OUT THERE, WHAT MADE YOU

FEEL GOOD THIS WEEK?

Let us know at - feelgoodmovement@gmail.com
======================================

FGM Volunteers Project, New Street Lights in my 'Kasi', 2ND FGM Blog Followers

* In the spirit of last week's post entry about the 29-Day-Giving Challenge, we have decided to do our own bit of giving here in the Feel Good Movement. We have started a charity organization called The FGM Volunteers. And R10 of every FGM t-shirt sold will go to this organization.
Through this entity we hope to give back, so to speak. We will give of our time and a bit of money to good and worthy causes.
The reward for our volunteers, we hope, will be the satisfaction in contributing towards making this world a better place. More importantly though, we would like to do this contribution in a fun way. We would like to add a 'feel good' factor to our charitable acts.
In starting this project I have personally been inspired by a few individuals:

a) Mrs Linda Dickson - my supervisor here at work.

b) Ausi Jabu Mabaso - of Mbotane Business Solutions.

c) Mr Nelson Mandela and his Nelson Mandela Foundation - with their
creation of the Mandela Day( 18th July).


* A recent pleasing development in my 'kasi' of Protea North.
I have noted that our streets at night are suddenly brighter. This light fantastic is a result of the faulty street lights being fixed. Where at first there would light in patches because some street lights were working while others were out of order, these days the light is evenly balanced. The street lights are all now working. In the evenings are streets are like broad daylight. And I must say it feels safer to walk in these brightly lit streets.
I would like to say well done to the people responsible. People like our councilor - Ms Jabu Khanyi - and the Joburg City Metro municipality.


* The Feel Good Movement website getting its 2nd official follower. This time it is a lady called 'Mathuso Kao. And, yes, you will find her at the top right hand corner of this page, next to Zak.
All I want to say to her is this:

"We warmly welcome you my sister. We are truly humbled.
We promise to keep doing what we are doing and do it well."



THANK YOU UNIVERSE. THANK YOU FOR OUR 'FEEL GOOD MOMENTS'.


==============================


Our FEEL GOOD poem of the week:


To Give.....
___________

To give is...
To say I am human.
It's to say anothers' suffering is my suffering.
It is to go beyond the self.
To say the whole is more important.
When we give.....
We feel better.
We feel good.
There is no better reward.
By giving.....
We become the best of the human species.
We become a Mother Theresa.
A Nelson Mandela.
A Mahatma Gandhi.
To give is to be great.


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SO, SOUTH AFRICA AND THE WORLD OUT THERE, WHAT MADE YOU

FEEL GOOD THIS WEEK?

Let us know at - feelgoodmovement@gmail.com
======================================

A Break from Taxi Operators, '29 Day Giving Challenge', And Heritage Day Celebrations

* The relative peace and quiet in the taxi industry, notwithstanding the fact that
the BRT transport system is now almost a month in existence.
At the launch of this bus system we had feared for the worst. There were rumours flying of a week-long strike by the taxi operators etc, etc.
In the end this strike never happened. We were spared the disruption and inconvenience.
And credit must go to the taxi operators themselves. They allowed sanity to prevail.
Big 'ups' to our taxi guys.


* Getting to hear about something called THE 29 DAY GIVING CHALLENGE. I read about this challenge in a link I received from Ms Jeanette Maw(www.goodvibecoach.com). Jeanette is a Law of Attraction teacher.
This challenge is about encouraging people to get into the habit of giving. Each participant is urged to give at least one gift per day for 29 consecutive days. And these gifts do not have to be all material things. One can give a friend words of encouragement, for example. Or you can give your time to a charity.
It is hoped that after 29 days one will have fully experienced the joys and rewards of 'giving' and therefore continue with the practice beyond the 29 days.
From a personal experience, I can vouch for the benefits of giving. On some days I would be left short from giving; even be tempted to stop the practice. But I never stopped.
When I look back now at how fortunate I have been in my life in some instances, I cannot help but feel that the Universe blessed me in return.
For more information on the 29 Day Giving Challenge you can visit www.29gifts.org


* A Heritage Celebration at work that was full of pomp, colour and culture.
24th September is a holiday known as Heritage Day here in South Africa. On this day all Mzansi citizens are urged to celebrate their different cultures.
At my workplace we decided to celebrate this day the next working day - Friday 25th September. We all came to work dressed in our traditional attire.
Some of my colleagues looked awesome. To the following few I doff my hat:

a) "Bessie Mnisi - in your Zulu gear - you were pretty and colourful my sister. You looked like a Zulu princess. Which you are."

b) "Sibusiso Cindi - in your Sesotho hat( mokorotlo) and Sesotho blanket - you 'represented' my brother. You reminded me of my 2nd home-Lesotho."

c) "Mahommed Jacobs - in your Islamic all white - you were like the Imam
himself. You looked holy and ready to fly off to heaven there and then."

And to all those that made an effort to dress up but I did not mention,  you guys also looked great.



THANK YOU UNIVERSE. THANK YOU FOR OUR 'FEEL GOOD MOMENTS'.


===============================


Our FEEL GOOD poem of the week:

An Industry We Need
_________________

It's an industry we need.
An industry we want.
It's our industry.
The taxi industry.
It's a cog in our economy.
It ferries the workforce to and fro.
It's a livelyhood for thousands.
It's an industry we need.
An industry we can't do without.
The 'Zola Budds'.
The 'scufftins'.
The 'Nyathis'.
We need them all.
It's an industry we have come to love.
An industry with colourful players.
Without bo-mshayeli.
Bo-queue marshall.
Bo-mnikazi.
This is an industry of industries.
Our taxi industry.


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SO, SOUTH AFRICA AND THE WORLD OUT THERE, WHAT MADE YOU

FEEL GOOD THIS WEEK?

Let us know at - feelgoodmovement@gmail.com
======================================