Just Curious » FEATURES

New Chev Spark Launches in the Cape

XtraLargePtyLtd — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 22:28:28 +0000

Anyone who flies me to Cape Town just to Drive around in a car that the rest of Mzansi hasn’t driven wins in my books! So it’s no surprise that the guys at General Motors South Africa get an accolade for consistently being great hosts and look, maybe they will score another one by the end of this piece for best entry level car manufacturer! So read on!

It’s a beautiful day in the Mother City, the sun is out, it’s a bit windy but perfect Cape Town weather to take the Brand New Chevrolet Spark for a spin! Upon arrival at the Cape Town International airport is a Chevrolet Cruze that is desperately yearning to be driven by yours truly, to the warehouse just outside Cape Town where the new Chev Spark is to be revealed to the Media!

After what seemed like a 25 minutes drive , I finally arrive at the venue where this chic and funky looking stylish car is hidden! About 20 of them are covered and at this point, the excitement is hard to contain as I’m minutes away from witnessing the birth of the New Chev Spark! General Motors Head Brian Olsen took to the stage and summoned every one inside the cars to deliver an outstanding Audio presentation, and we all listening to him from the comfort of the Chev spark! Through the car speakers nogal! So no doubt in my mind that this ride is fitted with the best High-Tech thingy ma-bobs! Its a cute lil’car so for all of you who do cute this is it! Call it a City Car mainly for the young at heart females, looks like all entry level cars are designed for women lately, wonder what this says about guys!

So after the launch! Its was all systems go and time to see if this car can do more than just putting a spark on the road! With 5 doors, colour coded handles and bumper, the exterior of the New Spark will definitely turn heads, with an upgraded grill that resembles that of all big cars within the Chev range! The new Chevvy Spark is nothing like its predecessor! Available in the 1.2 LS and L model, the spark almost has all the features that maketh a great car that is deemed relevant in 2010! The interior boosts an analogue speedometer flanked by a digital tachometer, ice-blue lighting illuminates controls when the car is switched on! Front seat passenger has about 1067mm leg room and about 1010mm and 893mm Leg space and 947mm headroom for the passengers at the back!

The car is really designed to do everyday city activities so I’m not sure that drive through the wine yards of Cape Town did justice to my experience! Perhaps a drive in the City, filling up the boot with groceries and having passengers on board will change my outlook on the car! So this car better be on my drive way when I wake up lol!

After the Long drive we were treated to a Private concert by the Friends of Chevrolet! Now if you’ve been out of town for a while you will be excused! DeeJay Zinhle was on the ones and twos while I was rekindling my dying relationship with the not so holy waters! Thembi Seete and her equally talented younger brother, who’s also her producer took to the stage and took us down Boom Shaka memory lane. Metro FM’s Lupi danced like a true Boom Shaka fan!

Stoan and BFF Speedy reminded us that age ain’t nothing but a number especially if you’re rocking the right skinny jeans, Hi Top sneakers and colourful tshirts!

And how can I forget Liquid Deep? Their performance sent me on a fairy tale searching mission! But then again there was more Jagermeister in my body than blood *Hides*

Thanks to Chevrolet South Africa for looking after us! And my driver back to the airport was the best! He put up with my bad singing lol

By XtraLargePtyLtd ©

11 Bafana Excuses That Need To Go!

Brown Shuga — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 21:31:22 +0000

My favourite part of any football match is the losing coach’s post match interview because I can almost always predict what he is going to say. Okay, it’s not exactly part of the game and neither is it my favourite actually, ‘coz the part where the shirts come off is more interesting but for purposes of this article, we’ll call it my favourite.

Pitso Mosimane & Kirsten Nematandani. Photo by Themba Hadebe

Having watched these post match interviews by the many Bafana Bafana coaches we’ve had in the past, I have come up with a couple of excuses that our new coach, Pitso Mosimane should not dare utter. Frankly because: We’ve heard it all before!

We are still building the team

…..Well, the best thing about Pitso’s appointment is that he has been in the national team setup for years now. His role was not just that of an observer, he was involved and very much a part of the decision making when it came to team selection. The whole building of the team thing will not fly, we have a team & we expect results.

Need to gel and start playing as a team

Here is a fact: In the national team setup, there is no time to “gel”. Players just need to get on with it & this applies to every national team on planet earth so let’s save this excuse for club football.

We wasted our chances

……If anyone knows why coaches think telling us they wasted their chances makes the loss acceptable, please enlighten me. We know you wasted your chances, we were watching the game. The question is why?

We were just unlucky

…… I guess we shouldn’t even have training sessions then, it’s all about luck in football! Just pitch for the match and hope that luck is on your side.

It’s football, you win some, you lose some

….. Actually, in our case it’s been “win some and lose more” so how about you win more and lose some?

They came better prepared

….. Oh please! What? They found out about the fixture before you & therefore had more time to prepare?

We have learned from our mistakes today

…..and what happened to the lessons you learned after your last loss?

We are trying out combinations

…..During a game? What do you do during training then?

We lost it in the middle of the park

…..Actually, it was in the middle, left, right, more like you lost in the park period. What’s your plan?

There can only be one winner

…and that winner can never be you?

We Were not composed in front of goal

…..Okay, let’s go back to the basics: What is the point of a football game? My limited knowledge of football tells me it’s to score goals. So, if we can’t score goals then why are we playing?

_____

These are the 11 excuses I do not want to hear from my new coach who is going to give Ghana a friendly beating on 11 August AND still go on to qualify for AFCON 2012: Egypt, or no Egypt.

Any other excuses you don’t want to hear? I think I’m covered.

Ford Figo Launched in SA

Brown Shuga — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 09:29:25 +0000

Ford Southern Africa launched the new Ford Figo last week. The press launch was held at the popular Radisson Blu Gautrain Hotel (Yes, there is actually more to the hotel than just ZAR) and JC writer, XtraLargePtyLtd (gosh, this name is long) and I went along for the “ride”.

The event kicked off with Ford representatives giving us a “classroom” style lesson on the new car and why they think it is the best small car in the market. According to Ford, research has shown that there is a growing market of young buyers, particularly among women & the Figo is Ford’s way of offering a platform for these young women to enter the vehicle market, affordably without sacrificing on style and comfort.

Here is what I learned about the Ford Figo:

It is available with a choice of two of Ford’s class-leading, fuel-efficient engines, the 1.4? Petrol Duratec and the 1.4? Turbo Diesel Duratorq.
All models are equipped with five-speed manual transmissions.
Some of the standard features MP3/iPod connectivity, dual front airbags, ABS with EBD and PATS (Passive Anti Theft System).
The Figo comes with a 4-year/120 000km fully comprehensive warranty and 5-year corrosion warranty.
Service intervals are 20 000km for petrol derivatives and 15 000km for diesel.

Okay, lemme stop there before this starts sounding like an advert heheh.

They didn’t just tell us about the car, we got to drive around the streets of Joburg in them little princesses. It really is a girl’s car, if you’re a man who is driving a Figo, do not even look my way. And no, XtraLargePtyLtd, you did not look cute driving it

Back to the car:

I really enjoyed driving the car and I liked the petrol model over Diesel. Am really not a fan of the noises that came from the diesel version….
Xtra and I weren’t the only guests at the launch….

Media from India visited South Africa to attend the Ford Figo press launch and their visit included a dealership visit and tour of the Ford facilities.
Rella Bernardes from Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa (in green) was a great host and I loved that we had women talking to us about the car. Guess it would not make sense for a man to stand there and tell us what’s good for us.

Some of the tasks we had to do with the car included no fault parallel parking, which I mastered and got full points for. I had to do this coz Xtra was not up to the task.. *straight face*

To show just how huge the boot of the Figo is, we had to pack all those items in the boot within 60 seconds.

…and shame my partner carried all the heavy items

FInally we managed to get everything in, and closed the spacious boot.

(didn’t mean to “dunusa” there, let’s concentrate on the car)

After all the driving around, it was time for a little fun, as we went paintball shooting. Not sure what this had to do with a Figo but it was fun & our shots were on target!

We also had to attempt driving over balloons with the front wheels…

Let’s not mention how XtraLargePtyLtd struggled with this task. heheh

The car is very comfortable, an easy drive and would make a great “first car”. I would need to drive it for longer than I did (maybe a week or two) to have an opinion about its other features so maybe if Ford could … *hint hint* make a plan….

5 SA Celebs Who Should Be WAGs!

lebza4sh0 — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 22:02:58 +0000

As I was watching soccer tweets during Phillip’s month 11 June-July, I realised that all the women/ girls I was following were watching soccer to drool over the poor players. They even decided to put amadoda wa bantu as their avatars (no name and shame game LOL). Some didn’t even mention names but the jersey numbers.

That includes our celebs, so I decided to compile a list of celebs who qualify to be WAGs and Chomee did not even cross my mind. I mean, there are just those celebs who qualify to be the face of Ambi lotion. (I don’t have anyone in mind, #justsaying #itsjustblogging). WAGs are (Wives and girlfriends of footballers) by the way, not abo- makhwapeni.

SA WAGs are expected to always look good, love free stuff (goody bags), wear fake nails and wigs na maphondo from Downtown Jozi and wear designer clothes, shame sisono if isoka lakho alina zaga. Mr Price never disappoints. The cars they drive should also say a lot about them.

I always thought WAGs are supposed to be hot, mara tjo di WAG tse dingwe ke dikobo thle. I guess there can be only one Victoria Beckham. She’s arrogant but she got the looks to back her up. Felicia Modise, Teko’s wife told Drum Magazine (24 June 2010-p14) that “she’s no diva either and makes no over-the-top demands.”

As far as I know the WAGs that I know in SA aren’t doing it for me, don’t know about you, so I decided to come up with celebrities that I think would make perfect WAGs.

1. 1. Uyanda Mbuli, leaving her will be the biggest mistake. She’s stylish and classy.

2. 2. Bonang Matheba, like it or not your gal B would make a gorgeous WAG. She’s the hottest thing in the industry at the moment.

3. 3. Shashi Naidoo, she was voted as the sexiest women at FHM magazine what more do you want?

4. 4. Khanyi Mbau, I’m only putting her on the list if she can just agree to marry Keneilwe Letsholonyane, she must just take it or leave it nje. (I hope I’m not insensitive).

5. 5. Nonhle Thema, as much as they say she’s over rated, I still think she would make a perfect WAG. Jealous down yena munhle maan.

With my top 5 hotties, now I think I want to be a soccer player when I grow up. Well, let’s hear your top 5, we obviously can’t agree on the same people. *drum roll*

By the way, what do we call guys who are dating soccer players (female soccer players that is, like bo Banyana Banyana so)?

By Lebza4sho ©

Count Down To Big Brother Repeat

Brown Shuga — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 20:23:57 +0000

They call it Big Brother All Stars, I call it Big Brother Repeat. I understand MNET’s (& everyone else who’s done an All Star version) reasoning, these housemates were loved/caused a stir and everything but there’s something about it that takes the “BB fun” away from it. Big Brother is about strangers coming together to share a house. They have to deal with beeing cooped up in there, with no way to escape, and have to deal with one another. It’s all about how they handle all of that. Now, if they’re bringing people who have done this before, who are not strangers, is it still Big Brother?

It doesn’t really matter whether I am for or against the concept. The bottom line is that on Sunday, 18 July 2010, AFRICA will be welcoming 14 brand new old housemates back into the Big Brother house.

Former housemates like Mwisho, Tatiana, Lerato Sengadi, Mimi, Sheila, Munya, Latoya, Uti & Hannington (as per my sources) are will be revealed on Sunday and I’m looking forward to seeing what Mwisho is all about, seeing that I never watched BBA 1.

Seeing that Ofunneka was seen around town with Lerato, I guess it’s safe to assume that she’s also one of the returning soldiers, and we all know WHY Nigeria Mnet would bring her back. Lerato Sengadi (@Leratoliscious) has stopped tweeting while Uti (SirUTI) is busy denying twit-rumours that he’s one of the returning housemates. Guess we’ll see on Sunday.

Participating countries are: Angola, Botswana, Ethiopia, Ghana, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe. I’ve named 8 housemates… who are the other 6?

Sunday, 18 July 2010 on DSTV Channel 198!

Interview With Lulo Cafe (Podcast)

Eric Sayz — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 22:58:58 +0000

You can’t mention 2010’s hottest house DJs and not mention Lulo Cafe, born Sikhululo Maliwa.

He has just released his brand new album, What About Soul which features vocalist Nothende , Mariechan from Jamali and MXO.

Here’s how the interview went….

Lulo Cafe’s “What About Soul” is available in stores.

By EricSayz ©

Website: www.lulocafe.com
Twitter: www.twitter.com/lulocafe
Facebook: Lulo Cafe Fan Page

World Cup Closing Ceremony Pics

Brown Shuga — Sun, 11 Jul 2010 18:52:57 +0000

ONE WORD:

WOW!

…. and MADIBA was there

We’ll ignore Graca Machel’s “controlling”tendencies.

Trophy arrives in its Louis Vuitton Bag..

Whatta closing ceremony, well done South Africa! This was awesome!

and of course, we had someone tryna take chances…

…but he was stopped in his tracks…

*Sigh of relief*

Pics: FIFA.com

Mzansi Magic, We Like, We Like!

Brown Shuga — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 20:46:59 +0000

One thing about us South Africans, we like shooting things down before checking them out or giving them a chance. Yini? Do we do this because we are so used to disappointment? Someone said this about me yesterday and it hit home so I’m using it on YOU. lol.

I’ve been puzzled about why people are already bashing Mzansi Magic even before it starts, like why can’t we wait for it to go on air first and then start complaining? Personally, I think it’s going to be great and if this release below is anything to go by then, damn, we’re in for a great time!!

In their own words, here’s the great news from MNET:

Mzansi Magic, M-Net’s new local entertainment channel launches Monday 12 July and has lined up a raft of superb homegrown entertainment shows that are set to become instant favourites with viewers.

She’s already a dominant force on South African radio and has given some insight into her heavyweight talents on the national broadcaster and in print – but now comes Redi Direko’s biggest coup yet: her own television talk show! Beaming out on Mzansi Magic- DSTV channel 107 – on Tuesday 13 July at 19:30, Direko’s new show immediately establishes the soon-to-be-launched channel as a place where South Africans of all backgrounds can connect with each other on their life’s journeys. Titled Redi - the half-hour talk show features everything South Africans have come to love about Direko – her warmth, her searing intelligence, her sense of humour, her inimitable interviewing style – and combines it with a side of this young South African that has yet to fully emerge.

“We will be looking at the journeys of transformation that South Africans are making in their daily lives, whether it be towards sexual liberation, financial prosperity, artistic expression, recovering from abuse/trauma or plain bad/good luck. It’s the life-changing stuff that we all encounter in our everyday lives, but approached in the lightest way possible,” Direko explains.

Next up is Top Ten at 10: My Life In Music – a music show with a real twist that’s produced in association with Gauteng radio station, Kaya FM and hosted by the inimitable Thabo “T- Bose” Mokwele. The guest on the first show on Wednesday 14 July at 22:00 will be none other than African National Congress Youth League President, Julius Malema who recently made his passion for music clear in a speech at the Southern African Music Conference. “Our radio show has always celebrated South Africa and its talents and when the opportunity presented itself to stretch that brand we welcomed it with open arms! Top Ten at 10 is but a window into what we can deliver as a show and it’s a grand opportunity that will not only mirror what South Africa represents but start a few constructive conversations,” says Mokwele.

Top Ten at 10: My Life In Music is also about getting under the skins of well known celebrities as well as politicos, musicians, actors, businesspeople and more – but in a unique and compelling way. Filmed entirely at the Kaya FM radio studio and also broadcast on the station, the weekly show sees the likes of Malema talking about the 10 songs that have provided the soundtrack to their life so far. Life stories will be told through Top Ten at 10: My Life In Music – also, viewers and listeners will get an unexpected glimpse into the personal lives of famous people.

Another surefire hit show is Headline, presented by Kuli Roberts broadcast live weekly from Thursday 15 July at 19:30. As is to be expected from a show with Kuli at the helm, Headline is set to deliver fast-paced, high-voltage and glamorous entertainment that has only one subject – the celebrities and wannabe shlebs who regularly notch up space in the country’s media. “What an honour, I am so excited to be on television and to be able to share the fabulous world of celebs with the Mzansi Magic viewers. I’m nervous and at the same time excited to be part of the Mzansi Magic family. I deserve to be alone as there is so much hotness to see and hear. Enjoy the ride sexy,” says Roberts.

Walking the fine line between humorous gossip and tactless trash the way only Kuli can do, Headline offers viewers the chance to get an intimate and close-up look at the lives of celebrities – and carry on the discussion after the show through Kuli’s Facebook and Tweet postings! But even though Headline will offer a welcoming space for celebrities, don’t expect Kuli to shy away from controversies. With her trademark style and sophistication, no-one is safe from Kuli’s spotlight – and episode one of Headline sees her heading to a private, but high-profile birthday bash, starring in her own photo shoot, and getting up-close-and-personal with Sal Masekela.

To catch Redi, Top Ten at 10: My Life In Music and Headline head on over to Mzansi Magic from Monday 12 July. Mzansi Magic is available to MultiChoice subscribers on DStv Select, DStv Compact and DStv Premium.

Press Release.

Comment:

This is exciting stuff, especially the REDI talk show and KULI on her own Entertainment show part. It’s gonna be EPIC! Viva Mantombazane!

Thumbs Up To DJ Zinhle’s Video!

Brown Shuga — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 23:08:15 +0000

She’s Mzansi’s pride!One of only a handful (if there are that many) successful female DJs and she’s just released her first ever music video. I can only imagine how nerve-wracking it must have been for DJ Zinhle Jiyane. She’s doing some groundbreaking stuff… running a female DJ school: “FUSE Academy“, a store called Spotlight Clothing, gigs all over the country (& outside), she’s my Superwoman-in-the-making!

Her new video for Pepe – Roots featuring comedians David Kau and Chris Mapane as her two “stalkers” is really funny and I love it!

LOL I’m laughing just looking at these stills from the vid. Anyway, I asked Zinhle about what inspired the video’s concept, why she used David and Chris and here’s what she said:

DJ Zinhle:

“I wanted a unique concept, something that would get people talking and excited. I really struggled with the concept unti David Kau offered to come up with one. Even better for me, he directed and featured in the video. David was the one who suggested the comedian idea and it was the best choice, they were so amazing. They got into character and even though I was laughing half the time, they were so serious about getting the perfect shots.. David knew what he wanted and was such an amazing director! It was a pleasure & very easy to work with him. “

Well, this is certainly one of those videos that one looks forward to seeing again… David and Chris are hilarious! Their dance moves, kwaaaa! Here’s the video, check it out and let us know what you think.:

I also think it’s cool that they used Twitter in the video. Chris & David follow Zinhle on Twitter so that’s how they get to know where she’s going to be.

She also features her industry colleagues on the vid, Bobstar, Miss Pru, Infinite Boys, DJ Yme, Dj Cubeur, DJ Zonke and the girls from her school, Fuse.

Oh, and ladies, look out for the daddy to be, DJ Lulo Cafe on minute 3:56! Hotness!

If you can’t see the video up here, check it out on this link:

“PEPE”

DJ Zinhle’s album, Feminine Touch is out in stores now and oh, the Pepe song is also nice! I found myself attempting those Chris Mapane dance moves too. Speaking of Chris, is he cute? I can’t seem to decide. Sometimes he seems cute and then these “comedian stunts” make him look not so cute… hehehe.

By the way, I’m waiting for David Kau, Chris Mapane and Ndumiso Lindi to shoot a “Single Ladies video” . It would be fun to watch! lol

Twitter: @DJZinhle

Top 10 Rich Men Every Gal Wants To Date!

XtraLargePtyLtd — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 22:55:16 +0000

Look, with the World Cup nearing an end, if you weren’t lucky enough to score a Big Shot businessman from abroad, askies! But all is not lost ladies. I’m pretty sure that by now you’ve learned your lesson and realized that all these men who were in South Africa aren’t necessarily rich but rather sports fanatics who had about four years to save up for the trip to Mzansi! After all, people knew about the World Cup six years before it actually happened so I wouldn’t be surprised if amongst our foreign visitors we had regular blokes who work at McDonalds or packers at Department stores!

So because I’m not selfish and I love happy endings, I thought to myself; “Wait a minute? Some of my South African sisters were probably taken for a ride by these international low-life-scum-bags and weren’t even paid a dime after they outdid themselves performing their best sex tricks, giving these foreign men sexual pleasures.Lemme be kind and introduce them to some elite South African businessmen who might wipe away their tears.?”

So if you play your cards right; a good chance to score permanent residency in Le Good Life is guaranteed! This is a once in a lifetime opportunity ladies and basically a copy of Khanyi Mbau’s Database! Happy Shopping!

Meet our Top 10 Pick of Powerful men!

10: Julius Malema

President of The ANC Youth League by day, Socialite by night and lashes out to the Media to cure his hang over! Very popular with the girls too!

9. Zizi Kodwa

President Zuma’s Spokesperson and Mr Extravagant! If you don’t know this guy, ask all the girls rocking real human hair, brazilian weave or indian hair! I won’t say much phela he’s a comrade and I don’t wanna disappear without a trace! *hides in exile*

8. Collen Mashawana

CEO of Vharani Consulting! Not shy to put his hand in his very deep pocket and he’s Venda ladies! If that means anything to you! Psss

7. Eric

He doesn’t need a surname he is THE Eric, son of Gabon President. God knows what he does but he’s filthy rich (Ask Babalwa and Precious Makgaretsa)
Big baller! Has money like dust!

Bongani

6. Bongani Mbindwane

CEO of Platfields Limited. Former Managing Director, Miyas Commercial Fishing; Director of various mining and exploration companies; Ubambo Investments; Property Tender Board Member and Property Committee Member, Western Cape Provincial Government; Environmental Consultant, ECS and City of Cape Town. – I hear he runs you a Moet bath and dries you using his tongue!

5. Fana Hlongwane

Made his millions if not billions through the arms deal. Known for his high-flying lifestyle in Johannesburg’s northern suburbs and he also goes by the name “Styles” because of his taste for the good things in life.

4. Kenny Majozi Kunene

Rich MuthaF*@ker! Co-owns ZAR! Plenty of other Businesses, ask Sophla GP!

Gayton

3. Gayton McKenzie

Former gangster turned businessman! Co-owner of Sandton’s new Night Club, ZAR! For those who like them Dangerous! Very good friends with number 4!

2. Wandile Motlana

Group Executive Chairman of Kensani PtyLTD he also co-founded Tirelo Capital in 1995, a joint venture with Nedbank Corporate. He has Coessa consortium which built the first major black-owned mixed use complex in Cape Town’s Foreshore under his belt. Also an investment committee member of Enablis and the Khula Loan and Equity Fund *Apparently Khanyi Cried and Begged to be with this guy, he eventually issued her with a retraining order! Kwaaaaaaa!

And our number one spot goes to Mzansi’s undisputed CandyMan! The Official Money Spender, Certified Billionaire! All the ladies loooooove him! Ask all the yellow bones, he must have hit on all of them! Drum Rollllllllllll!

1. Mabheleni Ntuli

Nuff Said! DONE!

And that is your list Ladies! Ten Rich South African Men all Gold Diggers want in their beds! Very wealthy and they lead very extravagant lifestyles! Look, I’m talking breakfast in Cape Town, lunch in Durban, supper in Mozambique and a private party inside the Gautrain!