Categories
Computing

Google Sightseeing, South African style

As pointed out by Cherryflava and Marc Forrest from Satellite ZA, Google Maps is now starting to cover areas of South Africa.

The two sites above have a multitude of interesting locations covered in Google Sightseeing style. Commentary.co.za also has a bunch of good spots to check out.

So now I’m joining the hunt for some more interesting satellite sightseeing locations in .ZA:

Alphen Park, Benoni, South Africa (the suburb where I live).

Lakeside MallThe Lakeside Mall, Benoni, South Africa

East Rand MallThe East Rand Mall, Boksburg, South Africa

Categories
Entertainment Music

Changing Tune

So, surprisingly, it was not very difficult to figure out how to replace a guitar string on my acoustic once I had a bit of guidance from guitar.about.com.

I got a set of extra light gauge strings, it was recommended by the guy at the store, so I’m guessing they should be fine to use – especially for this beginner.

Now I just have to change the other five strings and find my wire snippers…

Categories
Entertainment Music

‘Burst’ at Charelli’s

Thursday evenings are quickly becoming “new music talent scout evenings” for Brad and I. Last night a four piece rock outfit going by the name ‘Burst’ took the stage at Charelli’s.

From the outset it was obvious that the guys were not as polished as other acts we’ve seen, but somehow that was a good thing. Having a performance that is a bit rough cut fitted them well. Their slightly less polished solos (at times – they like to pretend they can’t play), the odd off-key singing note, and some slightly deviant cover versions proved that they are a working band, but they enjoy doing what they’re doing too – rocking out.

Their repertoire was good – older Green Day hits like ‘Basket Case’, Collective Soul’s ‘December’ (always an awesome song played live), Better than Ezra’s ‘Good’ and some ZZ Top got them off to a lively start.

On their next set they chased down Pink Floyd’s ‘Another Brick in the Wall’ in hybrid form of Part 1 and Part 2. This was followed by the likes of Smash Mouth’s ‘I’m a believer’, the Rolling Stones’ ‘Paint it Black’ and a phenomenally powerful and energetic rendition of Metallica’s ‘Until It Sleeps’ – the highlight of their set by far. It became plainly obvious that ‘Burst’ is all about hard rock music.

More followed with Live’s ‘Lightning Crashes’ (the lyrics were way off base but it still sounded good, and hey, the song was in fact played specifically for Brad and myself) – cheers to Burst for their audience involvement, despite a dismal performance by that very audience who looked like a bunch of clones watching TV or something. They then wrapped things up very neatly with more including James’ ‘Sit Down’, U2’s ‘With or without you’ (the lead singer was professing some Irish blood) and a good, heavy cover of Creed’s ‘My Sacrifice’.

The lead vocalists’s voice was far more powerful and rich than that of the lead guitarist. Although there were some songs only the lead guitarist would have been able to sing, the lead guitar should probably concentrate on his sometimes sketchy guitar work a little more (he was awesome at solos though).

Ultimately it was a good performance – they did what they were expected to do and they did it well. Hopefully they’ll be playing again soon. Thanks to ‘Burst’ for a great evening’s entertainment.

Categories
Freedom

Mbeki for President!!!

I caught a glimpse of a true president yesterday – someone who stood up and said enough is enough to corruption in his government. Sure Thabo Mbeki had plenty of opportunity to hide behind the principle of “innocent until proven guilty”, but apparently there is sufficient evidence to implicate Jacob Zuma from Shabir Shaik’s verdict alone.

The result: Thabo Mbeki fired Jacob Zuma’s ass.

Well done Thabo! That took grit and courage – it took a true leader to defy the many Jacob Zuma supporters within your own political party and ultimately show them who is the boss.

Categories
Freedom

My Shaik-Zuma Opinion

Four words to comment on President Mbeki’s required actions following the conviction of Shabir Shaik and the implication of Deputy President Jacob Zuma in a “generally corrupt relationship”:

“Thabo, fire JZ’s ass!”.