Snow in Johannesburg

After all my carrying on about snow in New York, the first summer I am back in South Africa, it snows in Johannesburg for the first time in 26 years! The last time it snowed there, I wasn't even born yet.

IASPM in Mexico

The 2007 International Association for the Study of Popular Music (IASPM) is currently happening in Mexico City. If you have a better web connection than I have at the moment, you can follow it on this blog, and the associated webcasts.

Sardine run

I am currently on the KwaZulu Natal South Coast, where the annual sardine run started on Saturday. In the wake of the huge shoals of silvery-black sardines come whales and dolphins, and large flocks of sea birds that make for some spectacular viewing. Somewhat more amuzing, though, is the sight of little groups of frantic fishermen mirroring the birds and bigger fish in their attempts to capture more fish than they can eat. Quite a sight for a Monday morning!

brain drain

The Mail and Guardian online presents an interesting, and more nuanced, view on this thing popularly called the "brain drain", then what I have hitherto read. Well worth a read.