Well it seems 702 follows carefully as to what happens on the blogosphere. I was listening to their streaming audio and in their news broadcast they said that Neil Watson (the person behind the suspicious website crimeexposure.co.za) was 'Skye' of 'samaleprostitute.wordpress.com'. The reporter on 702 referred to Neil Watson as a famous conman.

The lawyers behind some of those named in Neil Watson`s blog have managed to get hold of him, and got him to remove the offending material. It has been replaced by an apology from Neil Watson.

Neil Watson is also known as Juan Duval Uys or David Baxter.

You see De Lille, no government regulation was required. You were able to achieve a satisfactory result in regards to the slanderous statements made against your ID member without having to resort to draconian measures.

- More information on Neil Watson from the Citizen
- Blog post at constitutionallyspeakingsa.blogspot.com on Neil Watson

When researching information out there in regards to certain scientific theories I came across a lot of pseudoscience websites that try pass themselves off as real science. A lot of the information contained in these sites is false. These sites seem to appear to push their own religious agenda's as real science as to try pull more ignorant people into their clutches.

I found the following websites to have false and misleading information that more than bordered on the fraudulent:

www.creationism.org
www.creationscience.com
www.icr.org
www.answersingenesis.org
www.drdino.com
www.sixdaycreation.com
www.nwcreation.net
www.answersincreation.org
www.natcenscied.org
www.csfpittsburgh.org
www.csm.org.uk
www.creationresearch.org
www.creationdefense.org
www.worldbydesign.org
www.bhcsa.org
www.halos.com
www.trueorigin.org
www.creationscience.net
www.highschoolscience.com
www.evidenceofcreation.com
www.creationdigest.com
www.creationscienceoc.org
www.ecreationscience.com
www.antievolution.org
www.reviewevolution.com

(satire)Protect your kids from this type of dishonesty by adding the above list to Net Nanny or another such child protective monitoring software. Stop the insanity and make sure your children get a real education that will help them succeed in our global village.

If you know of any other such websites that are trying to pass themselves off as real science please email me or leave a comment here, and I will continue to update the list(/satire). Lets teach our kids responsibility to truth over blind obedience to myth.

Edit, included satire tags.

Yup folks, sorry to bring this up again, but the simple folk on the Internet need a bit of a clue. While I am sure a lot of you think your pastor knows more about life than Dawkins, us us in the real world actually need to know the truth. Now I know if your pastor has a child with his sister he may deny the theory of evolution, but luckily the pastors work is to promote a cult that glorifies death and not to figure out how to keep life alive. Otherwise we would all be stuffed.

Evolution is pretty simple.. here it is; evolution is the change in a population's inherited traits from generation to generation.

The theory of evolution explains how this happens through different mechanics such as mutation, gene drift, speciation and others.

So this is a challenge to all those religious folk there to prove science and evolution wrong. If you can prove evolution wrong I will personally with every possible resource available to me, get you nominated for a Nobel Prize in science... because honestly, thats the least you deserve if you can prove evolution wrong.

So preachers, priests, domines, clerics, rabbi`s, pastors and other people of the fraud, sorry I mean cloth, who deny evolution are welcome to "put their money where their mouth is.". Lets see if they have the ability to be honest.

For those of you who do not want to prove it because you see no value in the Nobel Prize, think of the large amount of cash you get with it. Im sure your mega-church could use the money to buy another SUV.

I came across this movie today while browsing some local forums. Mark "The Knife" Faje does some amazingly daring (stupid) and yet awesome juggling trick in an audition for "America's Got Talent"

I really want to see this guys next performance!

I consider this a book that every South African should read to get perspective in their lives. Its honesty is most refreshing and Al Lovejoy`s ability to capture in words the essence of a culture and history of a generation of south Africans is amazing. Al Lovejoy has earned a lot of respect from a generation of youth who appretiate the truth. Thank you Al.

Other reviews:

‘Acid Alex is quite simply one of the most shocking autobiographies I have ever read. It is also well-written, addictive, excellent.’

– Sue Blaine, Business Day

‘Heartbreaking! Entertaining! Intelligent!’

– Erns Grundling, SL magazine

‘Nothing I have read has sketched the scorched social landscape of South Africa’s last half-century with such intensity and honesty. Read it.’

– Charles Thesen, Marie Claire

‘There are elements of Hunter S Thompson, Herman Charles Bosman, William Burroughs and William Wharton. But in the end it is an amazing story told in a unique voice. A voice moulded by pain, a voice honed by a government reformatory..., whetted by the SADF, and sharpened by Pretoria Central.

It is the story of a man who went to hell and came back, a morality tale, a Bildungsroman, the narrative of a f*ckup who found redemption, and the anthem of a lost generation.’

– Caspar Greeff, Sunday Times

‘Truly, as Koos Kombuis says, this is “an astonishingly breathless story” … Besides being a great read, Acid Alex is an invaluable record of a type of mania that gripped a certain type of South African in the last quarter of the 20th century. It’s a book that’s going to appeal to many young South Africans who currently have to turn to the United States for their myths of pointless excess, and it’s going to inspire them. Not necessarily in a particularly savoury way.’

– Chris Roper, Mail & Guardian

This book is more than just a suggested read.

When I wrote up my last piece on the Shofar Christan cult I never perceived that it would receive as much attention as it has. I received numerous emails in my inbox from many different people from many different walks of life with more information on this cult.

Firstly, I wish to address the use of the word 'cult' in this article and in my previous one. Wikipedia defines the definition of the word cult, as the following:

"In religion and sociology, a cult is a term designating a cohesive group of people (generally, but not exclusively a relatively small and recently founded religious movement[1]) devoted to beliefs or practices that the surrounding culture or society considers to be outside the mainstream."

By the above accepted definition of the word cult, I believe it is safe to refer to this 'cohesive' Stellenbosch Christian group going by the name of Shofar Christian Church as a cult.

To ratify my above on conclusion, lets look at the second part of that definition, "devoted to beliefs or practices that the surrounding culture or society considers to be outside the mainstream.". Off the top of my head I can think of two points that would qualify that point:

1) Their Creationist stance on evolution and naive belief that the Theory of Evolution is false is outside of mainstream beliefs. For instance it is almost completely accepted in the real science world (outside of a few nutters), and is even accepted by the Vatican and the Catholic Church (the largest organization of the Christian faith)

2) Preaching in pubs and clubs. I know this one is pretty trivial, but darn Shofar people..., "Have you NO clue?" I have a suggestion to those of you who get haunted by these strange people when you are looking for a little R&R. Two words. Water balloons.

Now, I suppose Shofar Christian Church could try do to me what they did to jeeva.net, and send a letter from a lawyer complaining about 'defamation of business', but if they do that.. and if they are a business... What happens to all those tax breaks they get for being a "Church"?

Now that I have got the word cult of the way I want to move onto information more relevant to Shofar Christian Church. One of the more interesting emails I got was from Al Lovejoy, the author of the book Acid Alex (I will supply a link to where you can purchase this brilliant piece of work in my linkblog). My girlfriend was the one who heard excellent reviews about this book a couple of months ago and purchased a copy for us to read.

The book Acid Alex is a wonderfully honest look at certain South African cultures during some very difficult times in South Africa. The author of the book is frank and honest, and pretty much lays his story out in such a way that leaves you humbled.

When I read the book I remember reading about a possibly dangerous cult in South Africa and about some of the more darker aspects of the 7th Day Adventists (who are still waiting ;)), and other dubious religious people Al Lovejoy came across.

I received an email from Al Lovejoy pointing me to have a look at his book in reference to my last article on Shofar Christian Church. Then it all clicked. The book that I had read several months before was linked in a way to this cult and a whole lot more became clear.

First, lets look at a little at the history regarding Shofar Christian Church and how it came to be. A businessman by the name of Fred May and his wife Lucille May started the campus cult in 1992 in Stellenbosch (South Africa).

A little bit about Mr Fred May. Fred May has never been ordained through an established church, Fred May has no degree in theology and his highest level of tertiary education is a B.A. Fred May appears to use American Creationist ("praise the lord and pass the loot Bible Belt heroes") Rhema style preaching.

Mr Fred May has a deep contempt of the Roman Catholic Church as well as the NG Kerk and regularly has a go at them from his pulpit.

Fred May is almost like South Africa's own Ted Haggard in the hypocrisy of his belief and teachings... however there is currently no evidence that he has taken Crystal Meths or that he is hiring a male prostitute.

Al Lovejoy had the following to say about Fred May and his organization,

"These are the voices of very, very angry and defensive - so called "Charismatic Christians" who belong to a campus cult called Shofar here in Stellenbosch. The other is "His People" who now call themselves "Every Nation". I called out their founder leader, a self appointed man named Fred May through Die Matie, the University of Stellenbosch's newspaper - on the straight fact that he and his new associates in Rhema finance their businesses by means of committing Biblical fraud and extortion - thus committing heresy and financial theft. Fred May is the worst of them because he isn't just illegally stripping working people of 10% of their monthly earnings - he's stripping the students of 10% of their study loans, inheritances, bursaries, scholarships, parent's salaries, waitressing tips and pocket money…in other words - their tertiary education funds."

A Tithe is not a Christian law or required in Christianity, but rather old Jewish Mosaic Law. Biblical teachings appear to indicate that although tithing was practised extensively in the Old Testament it was never practised nor taught within the first-century Church. Instead the New Testament scriptures seem to teach the concept of "freewill offerings" as a means of supporting the church (I Corinthians 16:2 and II Corinthians 9:7).

In fact the earliest groups sold everything they had and held it in common to be used for the furtherance of the Gospel (Acts 2:44-47). Such practices are testified to in the Acts of the Apostles. Also in Acts one can find a narrative relating to a man and wife who promised to sell a piece of property and donate it to the Church. Instead they only brought part of the selling price before the Lord and were struck dead for lying to a prophet of God, one of the Apostles.

These were clear examples that the first-century Church did not establish nor insist on a 10% (or tithe) rule but instead emphasized freewill giving. Clearly the Church believed in making offerings of money or goods to God dependent upon the conscience of its members.

Denominations and sects view tithing differently. As tithing was only a requirement found in the Old Testament, some consider it to be a practice that has no place in modern Christianity.

However, that does not stop the modern pulpit pushers from fleecing their gullible flock for as much money as they can.

Someone wrote into the Sunday Times with the following letter regarding the off spin sequel cult called, "Every Nation";

"I have been a faithful member of Every Nation Stellenbosch Church where the accused Fred Van Der Vyfer also attends. Coming from a very poor background I still had to commit to paying monthly tithes with my student loan and weekly offerings. I was told to commit my time to disciple students but when I needed someone no-one was there for me. The church expected me to be in meetings even when my studies and family life were not going too well. The pastors only made time for the wealthy students and never had time for the poorer students. They invite the wealthy students to their homes for lunches and supper but the poor students often don’t even have enough money for food. The pastors also make contact with the parents of the wealthy students and visit their homes but the poor students’ parents are never contacted.

I see this church as merely exploiting the poor to make a name for itself. They want to show they have all kinds of people in the church but it’s not real. They don’t show any compassion towards the poor. They don’t have any black or coloured pastor in Stellenbosch, and only white pastors preach who can relate to the white students. Whites go into the full-time ministry and get paid by the church. They don’t work but disciple the wealthy students on Stellenbosch campus.

Paul Daniel was the founder of His People (now Every Nation) and he fell into sexual immorality with many females in the church. The church has a history of oppressing the poor and rejecting them when they need help. The church has expanded to Somerset West where they serve the wealthy people and no poor people. They don’t have any projects in the poor areas like Kayamandi or Cloetesville to give food, clothes with the money as they believe it’s about God and themselves. They are not committed to the poor. The poor students in the church tithe but the money is not used to help any poor community."

Since we are on the topic of money, lets have a look at the testimony of Al Lovejoy and his book Acid Alex. Some of you may be thinking that he is just bad mouthing Shofar Christian Church and Every Nation for his own personal financial gains from the sale of his book. To set the story straight I am quoting directly from Al Lovejoy himself,

"On the 28 February 2007 I donated 100% of the current and future proceeds from the sale of Acid Alex, including international distribution rights and the movie rights (less 15% agent's fees) to an NGO children's foundation that is mostly my brainchild but in reality will eventually become a more lucid entity via the efforts of a number of people both here and internationally."

I can tell you right now Al Lovejoy is doing more good for the people of this world than the Mr Fred May. I wonder if Fred May donates a 100% of his profits to charities? Nope, he does not give 100% of his profits to children charities..his "church" and his "God" need the money. Of course.

There is a real lot of information coming out about these dangerous cults that masquerade as 'Christianity', if you are one of your loved ones have fallen victim to one of these Christian Cults, please leave a comment or email pb@pickledbushman.com with the information so your story can be shared.

Source information:
- http://thechiz.co.za/archive/2006/10/17/The-real-deal-with-al-lovejoy.aspx
- http://www.acidalex.com
- http://www.sundaytimes.co.za/PrintEdition/Lifestyle/Article.aspx?id=456264
- http://www.sundaytimes.co.za/News/Article.aspx?id=466838
- Previous Shofar article by pickledbushman

UPDATE EDIT: http://prometheusongebonde.wordpress.com/2007/02/23/when-ignorance-is-called-god/#comment-2237

Update 19-02-2011 from a reader email submission:

Reader submission:

I’ve been living in Stellenbosch for over 10 years now and have had
(too) much exposure to Shofar and His People/Every Nation, thus I am
in a position to confirm almost every one of the “negative claims”
made here against it, first hand.

I’ve also observed many of their services and dealt with many of their members.

I am convinced that Shofar fits the definition of a cult, (using basic
brainwashing tactics to exploit members for money), but I dare not say
it out loud in fear of being threatened by legal action. Thus also
why I prefer to post anonymously.
(I don’t know who pb is, but you’re welcome to contact me via email)

To those that don’t know much about Shofar, and genuinely want to know
more, I can confirm that:

SHOFAR BELIEFS:AND PRACTICES

a) they believe being homosexual is a sin and they’ll go to hell if
they don’t repent (they even reveal this on their website)

b) they aggressively insist that every word in the Bible is literal
and relevant, “directly from God” and that its accuracy is
undisputable.

c) they aggressively deny even the possibility of Evolution

d) they believe that the earth (and universe) is only 6,000 years old

e) they believe in “groot doop” - being physically baptised,
completely and full bodily submerged under water, as a necessary
ritual after being “reborn” and being accepted as a “true member”

f) they believe in “speaking in tongues” and views it as a blessing
(gift) from God (the Holy Spirit) after you’ve been “reborn”

g) they believe in “laying on of hands”

h) they vigorously believe in faith healing (and encourages this
instead of traditional medical methods)

i) they strongly oppose the use of psychologists and psychiatrists,
and going to one would imply to them that you don’t have faith in God
(and Shofar) to heal/fix your problems

j) they believe that God still speaks directly to every day members on
a daily basis

k) the founder, Fred May, claims to receive instructions directly
from God on a daily basis and he implies that everything he says (and
orders) are straight from “the big man upstairs”

l) they refer to Fred May as the “high priest” – and somehow he is
everyone’s (especially the wealthier or influential member’s) personal
friend… feel welcome to pop in for a cup of tea at any time, but don’t
expect him to lend you his Mercedes SLK

m) they believe in “holy ointment” and use this in several rituals
(usually normal olive oil… or wait, maybe it is extra virgin)

n) they believe in “driving out demons” from other people, using
“holy ointment” and prayer, this is done by regular members on a daily
basis

o) they pray for physical buildings on a per room basis and use their
“holy ointment” to make a smeary oily mark on the doors

p) their ‘sermons’ are regularly up to 3 hours long and they
encourage members to go to ‘church’ more than once on a Sunday when
possible

q) they encourage their “bible classes” as well as “cell groups”
during the week
(these have to be paid for separately)

r) they renamed their levels/foundations recently for public
relations reasons and also claim that “a lot has changed/improved
over the last year” when you confront them with certain illogical
things they encouraged (eg. dating only people from Shofar on the same
level)

s) they have a great focus on convincing members that the more they
give (money), the more they will be blessed and receive riches in many
forms

t) they preach the “tithe” to radical extremes and guilt-trip
students to view their student loans and pocket money, inheritance,
etc all as “church taxable” monies.

u) separately from, insisting (guilt trip tactics) on paying your
“tithe”, they have “gratitude donations” and “special donations” etc.
adding up extra, then also paying extra for bible study classes and
cell group membership and tons of books and CD’s, DVD’s etc that they
endorse (and have financial interest in)

v) they actively persuade members to boycott people or institutions
that they deem to be “against Shofar” or “against God’s word”(or at
least their interpretation of it)

w) they persuade members to see Shofar as “their new true family” and
encourage them to avoid anyone who doesn’t accept (or tries to
discourage them against) Shofar, including the member’s own family,
citing reasons like DEMONS possessing the family members or friends

x) they believe that one purpose is to “harvest souls for God”, even
using unconventional, intrusive and harassing tactics on complete
strangers in public

y) they ‘reward’ members who moved up high enough on the levels to
invite them on discipline missions (exposing them to dangerous and
exhausting places/conditions – oh and obviously the members have to
pay for this trip to Tibet or Zimbabwe themselves)

z) they use threats and intimidation tactics against people who they
portray to be against Shofar

oops, the alphabet ran out, so only 1 more for now: 

z2) they have security / bodyguards at every single service, (regular
members promoted to “ushers”) patrolling and securing the entrances –
usually fitted with ear pieces or radio’s and ‘well trained’ and
instructed to use force to “bounce” anyone they have on their “watch
list”

Most of the above would be seen as obviously radical and rediculous to
an objective, sane person.
Typical practices and beliefs connected to a cult - and many of them
dangerous and destructive to individuals and/or society.

Security analyst David Kierznowski shocked bloggers yesterday with a survey showing that 49 out of the 50 WordPress blogs he checked seem to be running exploitable versions of the widely used software. He said, 'The main concern here is the lack of security awareness amongst bloggers with a non-technical background, and even those with a technical background.' Mr Kierznowski also uncovered recent vulnerabilities in WordPress plugins that ship by default with the software, adding: 'WordPress users developing plugins must be aware of the security functions that WordPress supports, and ensure that these functions are used in their code.

Information directly from Slashdot, but I believed the information was important enough to share.

Related links:

- http://blogsecurity.net/wordpress/articles/article-230507/
- http://michaeldaw.org/papers/securing_wp_plugins/

In what has to be classed as bizare, a clash between a 6-foot (1.8m) alligator and a 13-foot (3.9m) python has left two of the deadliest predators dead in Florida's swamps.

I am busy listening to Redi Direko's show on 702 streaming through my PC, and I have just heard another one of those stories that make me sick in the stomach. It seems not only are our Metro Cops in E Jozi lead by a ex kid bombing terrorist, but the cops under his command are just as debase.

In the story on 702 a young lady who runs a street kid shelter is been interviewed. She is on air for an appeal for more blankets, as the cops in their retarded 'boere*' wisdom have taken the blankets and the kids clothes to burn!!! This is while we are having such serious issues with the cold front that has moved through Jozi killing 17 people.

The Metro cop informed the lady who ran the shelter that the reason they burnt the blanket and clothes is so that the shelter kids will "go back home". They seem to forget that street kids have no homes.

So what we have here is an incident whereby the cops seem to have the authority to steal the clothes off your back and the blanket off your bed with no impunity. These Metro cops should be hauled in front of a Judge as soon as possible for charges on destruction of property and Crimes against Humanity.

As soon as I find more information on how to donate blankets to this shelter, and more information on whats happening, I will update this post so you know how you can get involved.

* Please note, I use the term 'boere' in the context of a retarded cop, and it has no ethnic connotations.

I came across this clip in the local MyADSL forums showing a comparrison between the Linux Ubuntu Beryl desktop look vs that of the new Windows Vista Aero desktop.

As you can see by the video clip, Vista Aero stands no chance against the vastly superior Ubuntu's Beryl desktop. Not only can Beryl degrade itself to look as simple as Aero, Beryl clearly shows that it surpasses Aero in just about everything. With fantastic new concepts for your desktop that are out of this world, there is simply no reason why not to switch to Ubuntu.

I read a news article yesterday about Patricia De Lille of the Independent Democrats reaction to a defamatory post about Simon Grindrod in some blog somewhere on the Internet. What is De Lille’s response? To go all George Bush Patriot Act on us!

De Lille fires off some slimy old lines about terrorists, pedophiles and the boogeyman to try take away your freedom of speech, so she can protect her little political people. I think the concept of Freedom of Speech completely evades Patricia De Lille. Freedom of speech does not mean censoring people. Freedom of speech does not mean centralization of information or power. Sure, there are some disgusting people on the internet, but on the same token we have disgusting people in parliament. Are we going to ban parliament because there are woman abusers in it?

What Politian’s like De Lille do is the same old story time after time. Something will upset them like this defamatory incident, and the next second they are on their soap box trying to incite the ignorant rabble for their “I-am-not-doing-this-for-personal-gain” crusade. One would think that Patricia De Lille would catch a bit of a wake up, especially after noticing how Freedom of Speech was thrown out the window during Apartheid, but one would be wrong.
De Lille seems to be a bit on the slow side when it comes to understanding the power of social networking and instead of dealing with rumors and the blogosphere in the correct method; she goes all totalitarian on us.

Of course she would have us believe that the “real” reason why she is doing this is to protect us from all the evil people out there (insert terrorists, pedophiles and co), instead of the real reason… Sis De Lille… sis! Take your attempts to stifle free speech and stick them somewhere liable. You seem to so easily forget, that the most important type of free speech to allow is that which you hate hearing the most.

I know for a fact this little escapade has cost her at least one vote. Mine. I used to be a strong ID supporter but now I have decided to jump the stupid ship. I need a Politian who has a clue and knows what’s going on in my world, and not just their world. I hear Helen Zille has a YouTube like Zoopy blog going… I think I will go have a look.

Find out more information here: http://www.mybroadband.co.za/nephp/?m=show&id=6490

Edit: The link to the Helen Zille's Zoopy page: http://www.zoopy.com/Helen
Edit: Link to the Mail & Guardian article quoting this blog post: M & G Article

The entire catalogue of information from 1,800 courses at the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) will be available free online by the end of the year. Once uploaded, it will represent one of the internet’s most important resources.

I have heard the uncountable propagandic reasons on why Piracy is bad for South Africa, how its hurts the economy, yada, yada, yada... You have all heard the well thought up storyline. So I thought I would add something to it, and give you a couple of reasons why piracy is both good for South Africa and good for Microsoft.

Firstly, South Africa. This one is very simple.. every time you pirate some international software or media you help reduce the South African trade deficit. Yup, by not buying an imported product you help improve our trade deficit by that much. So if you want to use this line just remember not to pirate local products, otherwise you nullify the effect. However I will be honest, I doesn't seem like there is such a big demand for eGoli or 7de Laan media on the piracy market, but the world is a big place so I could be very wrong.

Now onto Microsoft. Loosing $1.5 Billion to piracy is bad. Assuming that figure released by Business Software Alliance (BSA) are truthful (its hard to trust these people), well Microsoft should be counting their blessings. That loss would be a lot more significant if all those people who couldn't afford Microsoft products (most of the world) moved to Open Source products.

This got me thinking, Microsoft most likely approves of piracy, so I did a little bit of an investigation and came across this information:

http://www.crime-research.org/articles/2383/

Which basically explains that due to Microsoft's insane pricing models most of the world can not afford their product. However rather than close all the holes in their systems they allow and need their product to be pirated. If they made it that no one could pirate their products they would loose ground to free Open Source alternatives.

Lastly, there is the myth that piracy is hurting the music industry. That's another fallacy. In fact it has been shown through RIAA's own research that people who pirate a song are more likely to go purchase the original music, and boosts music sales!

- http://www.newscientist.com/article.ns?id=dn4831
- http://news.com.com/Study+File+sharing+boosts+music+sales/2100-1023_3-898813.html
- http://news.com.com/2100-1027_3-5181562.html

Old corporate models of control of failing RIAA. Welcome to the power of social networking.

Over the last couple of weeks I have heard more and more disturbing information about this strange Christian sect called Shofar . The straw that broke that proverbial camel's back was when a fellow blogger informed me that he had had his website taken down by this cult.

I decided to do a little more investigation and what I have found out scares the heck outta me. This cult activly goes around to pubs and clubs, harassing and recruiting vulnerable lonely youth for sect.

The more I learnt about this cult sect, the more I was reminded of Scientology. People in this cult are "not allowed" to date people outside of their cult. Reminds you of Scientologist's "disconnects" does it not? However Shofar take it to a new level. Not only are you not allowed to date someone outside of this cult, but you have to date someone on the same "level" as you (apparently you get levels 1-7). Simple things like holding hands is also considered taboo.

This cult actively talks about "harvesting souls" for the "Lord of the Harvest". When reading their site I had to keep reminding myself that I was not reading up on ancient Celtic pagan sect, but rather a 'supposed' "Christian Church" in South Africa.

A bit more research revealed the following comments from people in the area who have had the misfortune on been on the receiving end of their brainwashing techniques.

"I'm one of those unfortunate people who have been prayed for by Shopharites in a pub. I would probably have moered those okes if I wasn't so stunned by their blatant lack of respect!", Jakes Lombard

"There was an incident on campus this week where a guest lecturer (lecturing on evolution) was intimidated by a few members of the Shofar group. After the lecture, they asked him whether he was an atheïst? After replying yes to this question, they spat at his feet and left. I find this degrading and feel that it is extremist!" Student at Stellenbosch University.

That second quote scared me even more! Here was a evangelical group, actively promoting religious myth over real life science! I don't know about you, but I sure think that South Africa has had enough backwards ideologies, and this is not helping the future prospects of our students on any level.

The fact that these people actually go after recognised and accepted scientific theory (that actually has sweet nothing to do with religion) should identify to you the problems this cult faces to us.

Lets make a quick list of the negative impacts the Shofar cult has had so far:

1) Negative impact on the person's social abilities. I have had numerous emails from people telling me how they got 'disconnected' from their friend's, how almost ever aspect of their social lives is controlled by the Church, and other techniques which appear to follow normal sect brainwashing patterns.

2) Shofar are against freedom of speech. Yup they so are. Not only are their recruitment methods very similar to Scientology and other cults, but they also attack our constitutional right to free speech like the Scientologist's. As noted earlier on, a fellow blogger of mine had his site taken offline by this cult, with threats from their lawyers. I asked my blogger associate on what grounds they wish to sue him on, his reply was, "defamation of company".

Shofar cultists... are you a church or a company? Make up your minds please. PS, Please ask your lawyers to email legal@pickledbushman.com. My advocates are standing by.

3) Shofar will 'harass' you in public places where you should be enjoying yourself such as pubs and clubs. Perhaps we should all go to their "Church" and get pissed? Fairs fair right? Since the damaging days of the Dark Age, mankind in enlightened cultures has tried to seperate religion from as many aspects of public life as possible. We learnt in the Dark Ages what happens when religious cults take power. Let us hope we do not allow them back into our public spaces.

4) Shofar seems to have a negative effect on a real education, such as their hostility towards scientific theory such as the theory of evolution. Imagine a world where all your biologists, and all those doctors where creationists... Imagine how much worse of our health and education systems would be due to religious bigotry...

A cult sect as militarized as this one needs to be investigated as quickly and thoroughly as possible to find out what harm it might be doing to local Western Cape community. I am instantly suspicious of people who offer prayer in return for cash or pretend to know what God wants. For those of you who are not worried yet, I advise you go see the documentary "Jesus Camp" http://jesuscampthemovie.com

I would like to find out more about this cultist sect known as "Shofar Christian Church", and if you have been harassed or have any information about this sect please email me at pb@pickledbushman.com . I did try contact Shofar for comment, but a lot of the links on their site are broken (including the contact link). If you think any of the above information is incorrect, please contact me on the email address mentioned earlier.

I will be writing more about this sect and others as I get more information. For more information please see:

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2381216748
http://www.sundaytimes.co.za/PrintEdition/Article.aspx?id=456264

EDIT

Shofar Christian Campus Cult Part 2: http://www.pickledbushman.com/index.php/2007/05/29/shofar_campus_christian_cult_part_2

I think one of the advantages that I have over David Bullard and his column is the fact that I can call Microsoft scum. Unlike Mr Bullard (whom I find very amusing) I have no desire or need to brown nose the larger corporations like many of the journalists here in this country need and want to do. However, this is off topic and I would like to get back on on track with the topic of my post, "Microsoft scum still hard at work".

A couple of months ago, I noticed Novell and Microsoft getting into bed together and this had me very nervous. Microsoft is not a Google, with Google's wonderful motto of, "Do no evil". Microsoft seems to have the motto, "Only do evil".

When the headlines reached Slashdot about Novel and Microsoft I was instantly very worried. For instance... what is Microsoft's motivation for getting involved with Novell? Well today it seems the truth has come out in today's news edition of ZDNet.

Microsoft claims that free and open-source software violates more than 230 of its patents, according to a magazine report published Sunday.

In an interview with Fortune, Microsoft top lawyer Brad Smith alleges that the Linux kernel violates 42 Microsoft patents, while its user interface and other design elements infringe on a further 65. OpenOffice.org is accused of infringing 45, along with 83 more in other free and open-source programs, according to Fortune.

It is not entirely clear how Microsoft might proceed in enforcing these patents, but the company has been encouraging large tech companies that depend on Linux to ink patent deals, starting with its controversial pact with Novell last November. Microsoft has also cited Linux protection playing a role in recent patent swap deals with Samsung and Fuji Xerox. Microsoft has also had discussions, but not reached a deal with, Red Hat, as noted in the Fortune piece.

http://news.zdnet.com/2100-3513_22-6183437.html

Now we know why Microsoft got into bed with Novell, so they can all of a sudden have a large amount of "patent infringements". Yet another example of a large corporation trying to stifle innovation through draconian copyright and patent laws.

MsDewey.com

I never have never used a search engine this cheeky before :) Its great fun for about 10 minutes.

If you are in South Africa I am sure you have heard all the commotion about the De La Rey song sung by Bok van Blerk. Our South African Department for Arts and Culture's issued a statement regarding the song "De la Rey" (which is a tribute to Koos de la Rey) regarding the controversy that arose due to the popularity of the song with right-wing Afrikaners, who interpret the lyrics as a call to armed battle.

For those who want to know what the song is about its basically about an event in the history of our country. In the song the Afrikaners fighting the British Empire in the 2nd Anglo-Boer War call on their general, Koos de la Rey, who was regarded as one of the finest military minds for his time. It was only through using dreadful tactics by Lord Kitchener such as 'Scorched earth' policy and confining all the woman and children of the Afrikaners in concentration camps, that the British Empire was able to bring the Boer warriors under control.

I am an English South African but even I found this song to be stirring and powerful. It reminded me about a very important event in our history and is a part of our cultural identity.

Now on to Impi sung by Johnny Clegg and Juluka. The reason I am writing about this song is because of the similarities it has with Bok van Blerk's 'De la Rey'.

This song is also about a great battle between the British Empire and the Zulu Empire called the Battle of Isandlwana during the Anglo-Zulu War. It was a noticeable event for the British Empire as it was the largest loss the Emipre ever sustained by any native force. The British force lead by Lord Chelmsford were taken by surprise beneath the mountain of Isandlwana by Zulu king Cetshwayo's impi (warriors)and defeated.

After looking at these two songs, one has to wonder why so many people are in a huff about the De La Rey song... Both songs sing about conflict with the English and both add identity to our culture.

If anyone has a right to be upset it should be the English! But were not, because those songs are also a part of our history and our identity as well and the songs simply rock.

My name is "Zukeka"

So I say, "I do not care"

Zukeka Jacob is a classic whiny South African that was previously disadvantage. Zu-ke-ka recently complained to the media how her name is "Zu-ke-ka", and we should all call her "Zu-ke-ka". Apparently she has problems with anyone who is not Xhosa... pronouncing her name, and in people been unable to pronounce her name she is basically calling them racist for not taking the time to kiss her ass.

We I am sorry "Zu-ke-ka", I have lived in this country all my life. My grandparents came here in the 1800`s and were of the french lot that arrived. I can honestly say that in the last 200 years, I would be surprised if ANYONE has EVER got my surname right.

Yes, I have to spell it for everyone, and so do so many of my mates. A lot of us have funny names or surnames.. its one of those, "things" about been human.

Then you take this common human character trait, and make it into a race based comment... well guess what Zu-ke-ka. GET A LIFE. GROW UP, and PRODUCE SOMETHING FOR AFRICA (instead of the whole "oh god! look at me, I need attention so I am going play the race card"... again)

I have a suggestion for you Zu-ke-ka... learn some of the other ethnic group names so you dont have to dance around the country changing them because of your stuttering.

Whiny, bias Zukeka Jacob... that's how I will remember you.

Original article here: http://www.news24.com/News24/Your_say/Your_story/0,,2-2127-2128_2110802,00.html

Freshly Ground!

Freshlyground is a South African Afro-Fusion band that is gaining massive support on both its home turf and abroad. The band is able to infuse their music with the different sounds of traditional South African music such as kwela and mix that all together with some jazz, blues and some indie rock.

Zolani's distinctive voice contributes much to the band's unique sound. There are very few South Africans both in South Africa or at home in another country who don't feel the prickle of hope and pride when they hear their songs.

I have been told that they were told not to play the track 'Doo Bee Doo' (featured above) at the unveiling of a parliament event the other day, As a certain chief whip said it was a marijuana song. The crowd went mad and they played as an encore. The chief whip then apparently walked out in frustration. Go Freshy Ground!

Band information:

Origin: Cape Town, South Africa

Years active: 2002 – present

Genres: Folk
Afropop
Jazz
Indie Rock

Labels: Sony BMG Africa
Freeground Records

Members: Zolani Mahola
Simon Attwell
Peter Cohen
Kyla Rose Smith
Julio Sigauque
Josh Hawks
Aron Turest-Swartz

Please find out more information about this band at http://www.freshlyground.com/

I was browsing through one of the local forums lately and I noticed a thread about David Bullard and his article he had in the Sunday Times ( http://www.sundaytimes.co.za/Columnists/DavidBullard/Article.aspx?id=452352 ).

I will be honest I have no idea who David Bullard was before today and I had to google a little bit to find out more about him. The first result explained why it was painfully obvious he and I were different types of people... This is the result I got:

If you didn’t join the ranks of those flashing their nouveau wealth around in 2006, you’re a loser, writes David Bullard.

That aside I went back to reading what he wrote. He is somewhat right in a certain perspective but very naive in others. I can understand his perspective on wanting to name and shame those those that he perceives to use their anonymity to launch personal attacks.

However, its often that anonymity that gets the news out and saves people. I have a couple of friends in Russia who blog. They re trying to get the news out there about what Putin is doing to their country. I have another blogger friend in China and several in Zimbabwe. All of them hide behind their anonymity.

A gay friend of mine in the USA in one of the more rural states *cough* Utah *cough*, runs a gay information blog but has to do it anonymously because of the persecution he may face by the simple country folk.

While what you say, has merit David, you seem to lack a grasp of the bigger blogosphere picture. There are a real lot of blogs as you have pointed out. You get all type, dumb ones, smart ones, colorful ones, bland ones. Just about everything. That's the point. Everyone is different, and everyone has a different perspective.

I would suggest you broaden your horizon a little, and should you wish I have several really really good blogs for you to read. I think you need a lot more perspective. In the mean time, remember this old saying, "The most important type of free speech to allow, is the speech you hate hearing the most", and not everyone who wants to say something is an attention seeking.... person :)

Just Jinjer is a local band from South Africa that has doing pretty well internationally lately. The song, "What he means" is up there with one of the best songs I have heard. Its music carries the message of our generation.

I hope more people are able to hear the message in this song..

In what has to be a remarkable show of insight into the power of social networking, a British Indie band is offering their album free to download off their website. This is one band, that seems to have googled it. It looks like the older corporate models are failing and hopefully the world will not have to tolerate the insanity that is RIAA much longer.

I love artists with scope.