Welcome to dogdogblog.com – an eclectic collection of articles about film, television, politics, humour, food, culture, South Africa, and anything else that seems interesting. Because life is all about telling other people what you think…
And please check out www.davidfleminger.com for more info about the blogger-in-chief.
The (Potential) Upside of Coronavirus
I’m glad I grew up in the 80s, when we still had a future. Now, any sense of certainty about what the next month, year, or decade may bring is truly gone. As an amateur futurist (and aren’t we all these days?), my current thinking is that every crisis comes [continue reading]
Warning: this article contains personal opinions, trigger points, sweeping generalisations, and subjective conclusions based on anecdotal evidence. It is the start of a discussion, not the final word. Proceed at your own risk.
I – Growing up Racist
It’s taken me a long time to admit it, but I am a [continue reading]
South Africa - How Fucked Are We?
Yassis, I’m depressed about the state of our nation. And that worries me. I’ve always been the one who is upbeat about South Africa (you know the one). I love my country deeply. It is part of my identity, part of my self. I just can’t imagine living anywhere else. [continue reading]
Sandringham ‘Township’ is a misnomer
Recently, I saw an alarmist post making the rounds on social media and email. It reads, in part: “I am not sure if you are all in the Glenhazel/ Sandringham, Fairmount area – but if you do have any connection there, then please get involved in the proposed development of [continue reading]
I am now midway through a family vacation to Canada and it's been great to see everyone again. Paradoxically, it feels like it was only yesterday that we all got together and yet we instinctively know that it's years rather than miles which separate us. But it's all good.
And what [continue reading]
How do you solve a problem like Malema? Part Three – At least we don’t live in North America
For Part One, click here.
For Part Two, click here.
Of course, Malema isn’t a uniquely South African problem, or even an African problem. Every country in the world has its Malemas; those hate-filled zealots who fervently believe that what they are right and everyone else is wrong. In a way, it’s [continue reading]
How do solve a problem like Malema? Part Two - Julius and Stalin
For Part One, click here.
Here’s the rub about Julius Malema: he is a troll that feeds off attention. But we can’t stop reporting on him because he is a very dangerous troll who needs to be tracked at all times. And that’s why I’m breaking my self-imposed vow to stop [continue reading]
How do you solve a problem like Malema? Part One - Don't feed the trolls
OK, seriously, you guys. Julius Malema is a troll, and we have to stop feeding him. To be clear, I’m not talking about the mythical beast of Norse legend. I’m talking about the modern kind of troll – strange denizens of the web who prowl internet comments boards and social [continue reading]
Name That Theme Song - the kiddies edition
Here's a special kiddies edition of the Theme Song Quiz - featuring 10 title tracks from cartoons and kids shows. With one or two long-running exceptions, these shows were wildly popular back in the day (along with LPs, cassettes and other analogue gadgets that are all but unknown to anyone [continue reading]
Pop Pilgrims visit the real-life locations behind famous movie scenes
One of my favourite features on the excellent AV Club website is the Pop Pilgrims series - a fascinating look at real-life locations that were featured in memorable movies scenes. From the Texas Chainsaw Massacre house, to the Exorcist steps, to the Night of the Living Dead cemetery - the [continue reading]