Publications
Hello, Weekend.
And just like that, it's December. The holiday season is here, and a festive atmosphere is in the air. It's downhill from here to the end of the year. In this weekend's edition, we have a very special interview with the iconic Antjie Krog. She has an incredible way with words that I find absolutely mesmerising and magical. We're also sharing an excerpt from Matthew Perry's new book in which he describes in his own words the shocking truth about his lifelong struggle with drugs. Our very own Futhi Masilela tries out Neutrogena's new turmeric range. Having struggled with acne in her teen years, she was keen to put the product to the test and give her honest opinion.
Happy reading. Herman.
Antjie Krog: ‘If a poem can lessen a single person’s pain, then it was worthwhile’
By Johan Myburg
In Plunder and Pillage, her new volume(s) published in both Afrikaans and English, the latter translated by Karen Press (Human & Rousseau), Antjie Krog develops her familiar themes of family, body and land. This time, however, she considers these in the harsh light of pillaging and plunder, whether by nature, humans or old age. The poems reveal a painful fragility and yet also finding comfort, a nourishment in remarkable moments of beauty: the delight of an egret in a vlei, watching over a young child who is discovering the world around him, and remembering the raptures of love. Krog speaks to fellow poet Johan Myburg, winner of the 2022 Herzog Prize for his collection Narreskip, about themes, processes, translation and titles.
How Matthew Perry's drug addiction started when he was just seven weeks old
By Matthew Perry
In an extraordinary story that only he could tell, Matthew Perry takes readers onto the soundstage of the most successful sitcom of all time while opening up about his private struggles with addiction. Candid, self-aware, and told with his trademark humour, Perry vividly details his lifelong battle with the disease and what fueled it despite seemingly having it all. In this excerpt, Matthew reveals the shocking truth behind how his addiction started when he was still just a newborn.
REVIEW | I no longer wear heavy makeup because I have nothing to hide
By Futhi Masilela
A little backstory - When puberty hit me, my skin took a turn for the worst, and as I got deeper into my teen years, my spot-prone skin followed me all the way to my second year in university. I had acne everywhere on my body, and I mean everywhere, my face, legs, arms and back. There was even a time when I wouldn't show my skin, even during the scorching summer. Fortunately, I found a good doctor who offered me some medication to take and a spot-removing cream, and sis has been looking stunning ever since. I received the Neutrogena Turmeric range a couple of months ago and tried it out for myself.
Beautiful from birth: Bullied for the birthmark on her face but that didn't stop her from being a model
By Aimee Braniff Cree
Anna Nevina, 24, has defied the bullies that said she would never fulfil her dream of being in the limelight because of her facial birthmark that bullies likened to a face that had been punched. She was born with a port wine stain birthmark on her face. A port-wine stain is a type of birthmark, and it looks like maroon wine was spilled or splashed on the skin. Though they often start out looking pink at birth, port-wine stains become darker as kids grow (usually reddish-purple or dark red). Anna has fought her way out of believing what had been said about her. She pursued modelling, and it has worked out for her.
YOU MIGHT HAVE MISSED THESE STORIES THIS WEEK:
Matric exams are nearly done - here are 3 great used cars for first-time owners or young drivers: The matric year can be stressful – and fun too. On the downside, there are exams. But the upside means turning 18 - and hopefully getting your first car after getting your driving licence. Or perhaps you're done studying and in your first job and can now afford to purchase your first vehicle. With hundreds of different models to choose from in the used car market, which one should you buy - and why?
What’s in a veil? Why people wear them, plus all the contemporary options available: Whether you view it as part of tradition or just a simple accessory to accompany your wedding gown, a lot goes into choosing the perfect veil. But why do brides wear veils? When it comes to the history behind wearing a veil, there are reportedly many schools of thought.
Fasting, ice baths, and dying: Chris Hemsworth tells us 5 amazing things about his new docuseries: In a mind-blowing new National Geographic docuseries, Limitless with Chris Hemsworth, life and death meet head-on in a way never explored on screen before. Directed by Black Swan's Darren Aronofsky and starring Thor's Hemsworth, the six-part series delves into the reality of mortality and the science behind living longer. In an interview with News24, Chris shares five things he learnt from filming the show.
READ IT:
Across the Kala Pani by Shelvyn Mottai(Penguin): In 1909, four women board a ship in Madras to cross the Kala Pani, the ‘black water’, to Natal. On board the ship, the women will form friendships and alliances. They will help each other through trial and trauma, even after they arrive and are separated.
MAKE IT:
Peanut Butter Biscuit Fudge: This cheat’s version of fudge gives the real thing a run for its money. And it’s so easy to make that even kids can whip up a batch.
WATCH IT:
Wednesday (3.5/5 Stars): Smart, sarcastic and a little dead inside, Wednesday Addams investigates a murder spree while making new friends - and foes - at Nevermore Academy.
(Cover photo: Brenda Veldtman/Cover design: Herman Eloff)
