ABU vs ABC's

....just so you know, I'm a Man utd fan and  it was so refreshing to read this next email published on football365.com. Read it yourself, AFC fans won't like it, who cares, it makes sense though:

United Love-In...From A GoonerI am an Arsenal fan since 1994 (since two seasons after football was 'born'). Fair to say, I have witnessed the rise of United, the arrival of Arsene, the treble-winning side and the Invincibles, followed by Abramovich and the Special One, and now the Sheikhs at Manchester. I have seen a lot of the Premier League, and have a point to make about ABUs.
For the past few seasons, there comes a time when we realise that we cannot win the season, and concede defeat. It may come after 35, 30, 25, (or, as this season), after three matches. Once we reach that time, most fellow fans start sub-consciously supporting another team (while obviosuly wishing the best for Arsenal). ABUs being huge in numbers, have chosen Chelsea, Liverpool or City, variably over the past few seasons. I however have always supported United.
Grudgingly I have to admit that I have great repect for them. Love him or hate him, you cannot deny their manager is a bloody genius. They build teams the right way, with a perfect blend of youth and experience, buy players when need be, have a never-say-die attitude, etc etc. I could go on for a while. My point here being that I really admire them. Since the Russian oligarch came to our shores, and bought Mourinho along with him, money has been spent wildly, this methodolgy taken to new levels by The Nosiy Neighbours. And I hate it. I hate the way they have inflated player wages and transfer fees. Their bullying has cost a lot of other clubs (especially mine), and I hated the way they have spoilt many a careers, and have tried to, and succeeded in, buying titles. Yes, I am bitter, had it not been for them, we would definitely have had more titles. But also, had it not been for them, Everton, Villa, Spurs, Liverpool and a couple of others might have done much better.
My point here is that far from being an ABU, I am an ABC (Anyone But Chelsea and City). Hence if I know that Arsenal will not win the title, I always prefer Manchester United over the Mafia Millions and the Petroleum Billions. Far from hating United, I prefer them happily over the other two teams I genuinely hate. My question is, am I the only Arsenal fan who feels this way, or are there others as well? ? Is everyone an ABU, or do we have some more ABCs??
Come on United, go win the 20th.
Shubhanshu Chawla, 24, New Delhi. Arsenal (If Pep complains, about the pitch, he is right, but if Arsene does so, he is moaning???)
PS. I am fully aware that Chelsea and City are big clubs with a rich history and a loyal fan base, I mean no disrespect. But even the most ardent supporter can't deny things would have ben pretty different, if the moolah hadn't been pumped in.

(Source): http://www.football365.com/mailbox

Football joke of the day

English Premiership predictions:  ...


Man Utd and Arsenal last 7 games: WWWWWWW.
Man City last 7 games: WWWLWWD.
Chelsea last 7 games: DLWLWLD.
Liverpool last 7 games: ROFLMAO
(Written by): Zam in Zim (Super Rugby this weekend?)

(Source): http://www.football365.com/mailbox

FIRST WEDNESDAY FILM CLUB

 

FIRST WEDNESDAY FILM CLUB PRESENTS... "THE HAJJI" by, Zwelethu Radebe April 4th     7:30/8:00 pm Free Screening

"THE HAJJI" - Every soul shall taste death. Studio 4 YEAR:   2011 DIRECTOR:   Zwelethu Radebe GENRE:   Drama DURATION:   43 min AGE RESTRICTION:   PG13 SYNOPSIS: Adapted from Ahmed Essop's short story by the same name, The Haji tells a story about brotherly love and betrayal. When Hassen returns home to Fordsburg from his pilgrimage to Mecca he receives a message that his estranged brother Karim, who is seriously ill, wants to reunite with his brother. The strictly religious Hassen still holds a grudge against Karim for having rejected his family and turned his back on their friendship

Well if you have nothing to do on a Wednesday, well every first Wednesday of the month from Feb - Dec, join most of us @ Atlas Studios for (FWFC). See and read above for the next movie preview. Get there early, so you mingle, network, brush shoulders with SA's celebrities or just to (shela) UJ students and get free popcorn and food.

A bit about FWFC:
(Atlas Studios has hosted the First Wednesday Film Club (FWFC) since it's inception in 2004. What started as an initiative aiming to encourage young filmmakers to share their work, be exposed to films of different genres, network and be creatively inspired has, five years later, grown to become an institution.
Initially the target group was professionals in the film and TV industries, but over time the film club has grown to reach a broader group of film lovers who are interested in watching specific films that are not available on the local film circuit and who value the easy going and inspiring atmosphere of this monthly event. With one screening per month - the first Wednesday of the month - the FWFC exposes and explores different countries and themes. Food that matches the theme or country of the evening and music by well-known DJs contribute to give the audience an artistic and culinary experience in addition to a creative boost. The films are followed by vibrant and interesting discussions and Q&A sessions with attending filmmakers.
While being inclusive and continuing to attract a growing audience, the FWFC has managed to remain intimate enough for the patrons, many of them well known profiles in their respective fields, to feel so at home and at ease that they come back every first Wednesday of the month.)

Source: http://www.atlasstudios.co.za/filmclub.php

FNB Systems Problems

As you may now be aware, FNB internet bank experienced problems last week Tuesday, 20 March 2012, and after trying my best to log on and make a few transcations, I got tired and logged out shaking my head thinking that FNB is losing it and will end up like the other banks I have used previously. Only to get and email from the group CEO the next day apologising for the inturuptions and explaining that, FNB experienced a massive power surge in their data centre on Tuesday, which resulted in the interruption of the banking systems. According to FNB indications suggest that this surge was in the range of 12 000 kVA, which is equivalent to eight times the strength of a typical lightning strike (WOW).

If you inconvenienced by the system outages, FNB issued a statement on their website that they will be reimbursing any additional charges to their customers. They will automatically reimburse bank charges, so check your bank statements. But reimbursements will be considered for the period between, Tuesday, 20 March 2012 to the close of business Thursday, 22 March 2012. Customers may also approach their branches, our Call Centre’s, or their relationship banker if they believe they have other claims as a result of the outages experienced

Was this power surge caused by the other banks trying to discredit FNB, who knows? What do you think? I just hope we don’t experience such again.

(Source):https://www.fnb.co.za/news/archive/2012/20120322refund.html

2012 BMW 3 series: Tested

Throughout the whole day I have been thinking and waiting for the time I get to my hands on the new BMW 3 series, since I organized a test drive yesterday with BMW Hyde Park Auto. Launched this month, the long awaited is over for one of the most best selling cars in the history of BMW and in South Africa, I swear every person in Jozi drives a 3 series.

To my knowledge 4  derivations were launched in SA so far, namely the 320i, 320d, 328i and the 335A. So when I go to Sandton I was expecting to get behind the wheel of the 320i but lucky for me, I found the 328i which packs an 8 –speed automatic transmission BMW TwinPower Turbo parked outside and my heart skipped a bit.

Without wasting time and only one look inside the car, I was behind the steering wheel of the 135kw  BMW 328i, my sister next to me and my friend Gcina, the salesman responsible for this test drive giving me a few instructions, I was off. First robot the car switches off (don’t worry that’s the  Active Cruise Control kicking  with Stop & Go function) which saves u gas in traffic. I got to experience the Stop & go function in January whiles test driving the new 1 series, and it works even better in the 3 series, guess that’s why it boast figures of  at 6.4l/100km’s consumption.

The Heads up display is just what u need in a modern car, no need to be looking at your dashboard whiles dodging a taxi in traffic or trying to beat a red traffic light, of changing the radio station on the multifunctional steering wheel, whiles thinking about the metro cop with a speed camera hiding in the bushes.

The Automatic  with steptronic’s gear change is seamless, it doesn’t even feel like a change gear has happened, I was asking what gear I’m on and Gcina advised me to check my rev counter. As I made an illegal u-turn (Jozi style) I put my pedal down and the car climbed a hill like Usain Bolt doing 100metre in under 10secs. The new 3 series has drive recognition (let me explain) after sometime if picks up your driving style, and the car literally does everything for you, quicker gear change up and sharper breaking.

As I was still falling in love with the drive, I was back in the parking lot, what a bummer, but I had to takes a few pics, see above and also spot the differences from the outgoing 3 series. The front part is lower and sharper more like the Z3, which increases aerodynamics (don’t look at me explain, visit your nearest BWM dealer)

The car looks amazing, new front lights with day light time driving and also available for the back lights which make the car even look more stylish,  new side mirrors with indicator lights (finally). It’s got a huge boot, which you can open just by sliding your foot underneath the car for the days when your hands are full of groceries. A keyless entry system and of course stylish alloy wheels for a sportier look and a BMW feel.

The interior is plush with high quality materials, 3 spoke multifunctional speaking wheel as previously mentioned, armrest for those long trips. It's got ample legroom as well as headroom to accomodate my 1.79 frame even when sitting at the back which is very impressive.

Unfortunately my test wasn’t that long for me to test the sound system. I was concentrating in the drive and everything new in and out.

I love this car, the old downside is that the back of the car doesn’t look new, looks like a small 5 series or even more like the old 3 series, but with that said, I love the new 3 series. I know I’ll be seeing it more and more on the roads and it’s about to shake up the 2 rivalries Merc C class and Audi A4, so let the battle begin.

To summarise my experience in the new BMW 3 series, I love it, I want one, I must have one (please God) this will be my next car and I hope to get it in a sport package.

To feel it for yourself, visit BMW Hyde Park Auto, 126 Rivonia Road, Cnr Daisy, Sandton Isle, Sandown Sandton and Ask for Gc for a test drive.

"Bad Girls" (Official Video)

This is the full version of M.I.A.: "Bad Girls" (Official Video), i think it's one of the most interesting and baddest videos of cars burning rubber in the desert. The stunts on this video are worth an appearance on a James Bond movie.
The full version of M.I.A's new single "Bad Girls" is produced by Danja. M.I.A. is currently working on her fourth full-length LP, which is set for release this summer.

Watch it and tell me what you think?

Joke of the day

"Cheap commodities attract a huge demand for their very low value." Economics. Thus, women mustn't pride themselves when they have a huge men following.

EPL Predit the Score

I must admit, I stole or copied this from the Sport24 staff who have a crack at predicting the results for each round of the 2011/12 English Premiership season. As they say, do it yourself, if you like, and see how you compare afterwards. So here goes my predictions below. I would like to do it for the PSL as well, but the fixture changes are too much for one man, I would need a team of experts lol.

THE PRIME MATCH

CHELSEA v TOTTENHAM
Saturday, 14:45

Chelsea lost their first game to Manchester City midweek for the first time under the caretaker management of Roberto Di Matteo who has revitalised the side which was a sinking ship under AVB. I think this will be a good tie against Spurs in a big London derby. Spurs drew 1 all with the Stoke midweek after suffering 3 defeats to top teams in the league. This game will show if they got what it takes to be a top 3 finisher to qualify for the Champions League. So I predict a draw in this match.
Prediction Score: Chelsea 2 Tottenham 2
Last season: 2-1

GAMES TO WATCH

ARSENAL v ASTON VILLA
Saturday, 17:00

PS: Arsenal 2 Aston Villa 1
Last season: 1-2   

LIVERPOOL v WIGAN
Saturday, 17:00
PS: Liverpool 1 Wigan 1
Last season: 1-1 

THE OTHERS

BOLTON v BLACKBURN
Saturday, 17:00
PS: Bolton 2 Blackburn 1
Last season: 2-1

NORWICH v WOLVES
Saturday, 17:00
PS: Norwich 2 Wolves 0
Last season: Not applicable   

SUNDERLAND v QPR
Saturday, 17:00
PS: Sunderland 2 QPR 2
Last season: Not applicable 

SWANSEA v EVERTON
Saturday, 17:00
PS: Swansea 0 Everton 1
Last season: Not applicable

STOKE v MANCHESTER CITY
Saturday, 19:30
PS: Stoke 2 Manchester City 2
Last season: 1-1  

WEST BROM v NEWCASTLE
Sunday, 18:00
PS: West Brom 1 Newcastle 2
Last season: 3-1

MANCHESTER UNITED v FULHAM  (The game I won’t miss)
Monday, 22:00
PS: Manchester United 3 Fulham 0
Last season: 2-0

http://www.sport24.co.za/Soccer/EnglishPremiership/Expert-UK-footy-tips-20120323

Movie review: Safe House

Safe House starring Denzel Washington who plays the character of Frost a wanted CIA fugitive on the run for years suddenly resurfaces in Cape Town, South Africa and has to be taken to safe house that is being looked after by a young CIA agent Matt Weston played by  Ryan Reynolds.
This is a action thriller from the start, although it loses that action towards the end of the movie and the script is a bit of a let-down, it’s a good must-see movie.Filmed mostly in Cape Town, the movie features a cool car chase in the city and rooftop pursuits in Langa Township.
If you are into action, violent kamikaze fights and lots of gun fights, then this is the movie for you.I absolutely enjoyed it and out of 10, I’ll give it an 8,( I know, I know) that goes to show I like action movies. Directed by   Daniel Espinosa this movie is still on circuit and opened in South African Cinema’s February the 10th.

Trailer link: www.youtube.com/watch?v=1IfQY4fNcnw

It's crunchtym for PSL giants

As all roads lead to Loftus tonight for the clash between PSL giants Mamelodi Sundowns meet Orlando Pirates on Tuesday at 19h30.
Both teams are fresh from weekend victories, as the Bucs beat Soweto rivalries Kaizer Chiefs in the Soweto derby and Sundowns dismantled Ajax with a 3-0 scoreline.
Sundowns is 4 points above Pirates on the table and this a Crunchtym game as Pirates can close the gap to just 1 point.

Who do you think will win this game?

http://www.psl.co.za/article.asp?id=1295181