The Grammy's

Last night was the Grammy's and...

if you don't already know this, then where have you been?

Beyonce took home 5 accolades for her tremendous work over the past year, and thankfully Kanya West didn't appear on stage for no reason!

Other winners included Kings of Leon, Taylor Swift, Lady Gaga and the Black eyed peas. But it wasn't all glits and glamour, stars were also encouraged to donate to a cause to help Haiti in this difficult time.

Well done to all the winners.. we look forward to a year of awesome tunes!

Good news from Haiti

After 15 days, a girl has been pulled alive from the ruins.

The earthquake that hit Haiti over two weeks ago, measured a massive 8 out of 10, devastating the small island city of Port au Prince.

Darlene Etienne, 16 had been trapped by a concrete building that had collapsed in the quake.Amazingly rescue workers heard her faint cries for help while they were sifting through the rubble. Once she was rescued all Darlene could say was 'thank you.' It seems she did not have any major injuries but was suffering from server dehydration.

The fact that someone can survive such an ordeal is truly a witness of how much the human spirit can take. We wish darlene and all the survivors of this devastating earthquake a speedy recovery!

The Proteas coach resigns

The big news this week comes in the form of Mickey Arthur's resignation as coach of the South African cricket team.

It is not completely clear why he has quit his post but speculation suggests that it comes down to Mickey and Proteas Captain Graeme Smith having a huge difference of opinion and simply not being able to work together. However Arthur dismisses these rumours saying that it was just time for him to leave.

According to reports, the surprise resignation was just as much a shock to the rest of the Protea's team as it was to the public.

This resignation comes days before the South African team are due to leave for India.

A press conference is being held today (Wednesday) in Port Elizabeth, where Arthur is expected to address the media, amoung others and give reasons for his resignation.

Ethiopian Plane crashes

An Ethiopian airliner carrying 92 passengers has crashed off the coast of Lebanon.

The plane was last seen plunging into the Mediterranean sea.

The Boeing 737-800 is quite a new plane and started it sevice in 1998, also it is one of the most common type of plane flown.

It has not yet been determined why the plane crashed and an investigation has been launched into possible causes for the accident and a search for survivors is underway.

etv and the police

Police have issued e.TV with a supoena, forcing them to reveal the names of criminal filmed in an interview saying that during the Soccer World Cup they would be committing crimes that include theft and murder.

e. TV however says it is the duty of the Journalist to protect the identity of their sources.

In circumstances where people are not going to be hurt, we can understand this source confidentiallity but when criminals have admitted they plan on attacking people for their own personal gain.. We strongly disagree.

Ongoing crisis in Haiti

A week has gone by and the situation in Haiti has improved..

Unfortunately the problem is now with all the much needed aid being recieved from nations such as Israel and the US.. Haiti simply can't cope. They simply have no where to store all the supplies!

The Prime Minister of Haiti says that transporting goods is now a problem and even though they desperately need to get medical equipment to 'make-shift' hospitals, there is simply no adequate transportation.

If you are interested in helping out in some way, please visit www.cnn.com. A list of charities has been uploaded with requests for different aid.

SA beats England

Well it was a great result for South Africa as they won the cricket this weekend.

Many people suspected that they may not beat England but the boys banded together and did not dissapoint the South African fans. The over all result was a draw for the test series.

Outstanding moments inclided Wayne Parnell bowling out Kevin Pietersen after just 12 runs. We are sure this will cement his place in the side.


After 10 long weeks the English cricket team heads home today and we can only congradulate Graeme and his team on an excellent win!

Haiti earthquake

The tradgic earthquake in Haiti has caused extreme loss, with over 50,000 lives being lost and devastation on a mass scale.

Hospitals, homes, roads and surrounding buildings have been irrepairably destroyed and the remaining fraile infrastructure threatens to crumble at any sign of pressure.

This unnamed quake registered at an unbelievable scale of 7 out of 8 and came at 10pm earlier this week without any warning.

With the help of aid workers from around the world, including South Africa, relief and monetary donations, $100m pledged by the US- Haiti will hopefully be able to start saving lives, repair some of he wreckage and get the country back on it's feet.

With a history of hardship it is a wonder a country and it's people can withstand such a setback.

We keep the people of Haiti in our thoughs and know they can overcome this obstacle.

Eskom rate hikes

The electricity crisis is an ongoing problem in South Africa, with everyone knowing something dramatic needs to be done but what?

Eskom the country’s main energy supplier has submitted a proposal to the National Energy Regulator (Nersa) in Nelspruit suggesting that for the next 3 years electricity tariffs should be increased by 35% year on year.

While Eskom insists that this is the only solution to the problem and simply must be enforced, the trade union Cosatu, which represents the majority of the public, says that South Africa has a 40% unemployment rate and now these people, who are already struggling are expected to pay for electricity with money they don’t have.

Cosatu feels an increase below the 15% mark is more likely and realistic.

Authorities on the issue are due to meet this week to discuss the problem further and hopefully come up with a more suitable solution.

Rugby's Wannenburg admits addiction

Drugs are extremely addictive and should be avoided at all cost, except when prescribed by a doctor. Unfortunately no one is safe from becoming addicted.. not even national icons.. like Rugby players.

Recently Blue bulls Flanker Pedrie Wannenburg admitted that he was fighting an addiction to drugs and alcohol. This problem has almost cost him his job, luckly he is surrounded by people who care about him and are determined to help him overcome his addiction.

Wannenburg is now tested on a weekly basis by the team doctor and we wish him a full and speedy recovery.

For the full story get this weeks copy of Finesse magazine where Pedrie tells all.

Matric results released

After much anticipation and a long wait, the Matric results for 2009 were released today!

While many students are celebrating their achievements and exams past other are forced to face the reality that they will not be going on to University with their friends.

The previous year saw a total of 62.5% of students passing Grade 12 and Angie Motshekga South Africa’s Basic Education Minister said she expected this year’s results to be better.

However she along with many others were sorely disappointed when it was revealed that only 60.7% of learners passed their final examinations!

Motshekga was quoted as saying that the results were ‘very disappointing’.

All we can say is, congratulations to all of those who did pass! We are most proud of you and wish you nothing but the best for you future!

Understanding finance

In international news, children in England will soon be given lessons in finance as part of the new school curriculum.

Starting at age 5, children will be taught how to identify bank notes and by age 16 they will be taught (and expected to understand) about mortgages and loans.

According to Schools secretary Ed Balls: "It's vital that all young people leave school with a basic understanding of how to manage their money sensibly'.(Skynews.com)

We agree and think it would be a great system to implement right here in SA!

Zuma marries wife number 5

There was cause for celebration on the weekend when our President, Jacob Zuma married his fifth wife. Thobeka Madiba and the recently elected President have been legally married for a few years already and have 3 children together.

This past weekend’s celebrations however, saw them married in a traditional Zulu ceremony.

Guest included the like of Higher Education Minister Blade Nzimande and Kwa-Zulu Natal Premier Zweli Mkhize.

We are sure the event went off without a hitch and wish President Zuma nothing but the best!