You've seen him, the cute 2010 mascot Zakumi. What does he have in common with our Zulu Mr. President, Jacob Zuma? Apparently, little Zakumis and little presidents of the republic are coming out of the same Chinese factory to satisfy the needs of fans all over the country, and possibly the world.

It seems the dodgy goings on of top politicians, soccer players and golfers have temporarily suspended World Cup fever. Then there is the absolutely mad story of our intelligence minister's wife and the drug mules. While it may be easy to grow despondent on such news, it is rather, as Stephen Grootes points out here, encouraging that action has been taken and continues to be taken.

Still on a very serious note, I hope all readers out there can join us at Shine 2010 in absolute outrage at the bizarre decision to suspend Togo from the African Cup of Nations tournament for two years. The 'crime' committed by the Togolese, you will remember, was being the victims of an attack on their team bus, and subsequent withdrawal from the most recent tournament.

While the Egyptians won  yet again over Ghana, their triumph is somehow, unfortunately, overshadowed by the tragic event itself...and the subsequent fiasco of the unfortunate handling of the Togolese decision to withdraw.

There's been some antsy-ness with FIFA, too, as we take the final run in to the World Cup, with Kevin McCallum taking a bit of a run at the governing body. Makes for interesting reading, it does.

Yes, it's a crazy world we live in. Soon to be football crazy, though, and boy do we need an escape.