Pssst – A real treat for couples
As we turned onto the dirt road 5 kilometres out of Magaliesburg and bumped our way towards the outstretched arms of our weekend treat, I spotted the Whispering Pine rooftops peaking out of the swaying bending trees ahead, beckoning to us to come closer… Being a truly MetroHectic couple, often reluctant to ‘make that move’ and get out of the city, w…e had no choice but to give in and go forth and surrender to pleasure. It was too late to turn back to city temptation but instead, we turned our eyes to the magnificent setting sun. Let me state upfront that this idyllic haven is perfect for couples that just need to get away and spend some (don’t you just love this one) ‘quality time’ together away from cellphone signals and computer screens. Thanks to the generosity of the owner, Wayne, we were given the honeymoon suite for the night which was dominated by a wide yawning bed covered in crisp white soft covers – We thought it was too good to be true as we laid our eyes on the DSTV decoder – in the bush!?? (later were dissapointed at the limited channels available) But then we stumbled into the bathroom and stopped dead in our tracks as we stared at the spacious bathtub. Now we’re not exactly a petite couple and a bath that we both can fit into is a rare find indeed – but I got to tell you the stress of the city washed easily off our bodies as we lolled around together in the tub, staring mindlessly out of the adjacent window into the depths of the mysterious ravine forest bordering our cottage. Supper time soon came and we made our way hungrily towards the restaurant – this is when we realised the importance of stressing once again that Whispering Pines is best geared towards couples. We noisily bumbled our way into the ‘dining room’ which is situated in the main house – and once again found our movement abruptly halted as we stared at the line of four neat tables along the far wall, each housing a very quite whispering and in love couple. Now we are an in love couple – a very happy one at that – but I must be honest i found the soppy aeroplane love music in the background and the hushhush calm of the dining area a little too over the top for us. It’s fine if you need those things to help with the romance, but an instrumental version of ‘I believe I can fly’ is enough to put me off my salmon starter...
FRI NIGHT Jalsah – Celebrating the light of Islam
Feel like some Islamic HipHop? Let’s show the way and get to know each other better. The first Jalsah – meaning Gathering – offered at the University of Johannesburg this year will be held on the 18th March – both Muslims and Non-muslims are invited to bring their inquiring minds and a desire to better understand other people and cultures and to join in the evenings events. The… programme will feature Qiraat (readings from the Quraan), Islamic songs and recitals, slide shows, Islamic Rap together with Nazms and Nasheeds. All items on the programme will be accessible to people who do not understand Arabic, as it will be explained to the audience and accompanied by an English text where applicable. The Jalsah sold out last year and we therefore cannot guarantee that tickets will be on sale at the door. – SO BOOK YOUR PLACE NOW… Sanlam Auditorium University of Johannesburg Auckland Park Campus Corner Kingsway & University Road, Auckland Park 18 March 2005 19:30 for 20:00 R50 (adults) & R30 (students & children) For any queries, contact Ehllený at (011) 489-3058 or Mariam at 083...
Making a statement
Noxyrsox gets bored in traffic… One thing I love about driving in traffic is that you get the opportunity to read the bizarre bumper stickers that proudly adorn the boot of many a vehicle. They are guaranteed to make you laugh out loud or at least crack a smile (depending on how bad the traffic is). This morning I saw a great one and in sharing it with you I include some other classics:… A snake is a snake and,.,.,. When days are dark friends are few. What are you staring at asshole? A black man is always a suspect. A white man is always a racist. (You have to maintain a sense of humour in this country!) Beautiful lover My other car is a Ferrari Don’t talk to me, talk to my lawyer. And then I love the classic mickey-mouse-pulling-a-zap-sign stickers and the iconic marijuana leaf which I don’t think is going to get you anywhere when the police pull you over but hey, it looks cool. Keep your eyes open for stickers and the names of taxis – they are bound to brighten up your drive to work! ‘Thanx God I’m a Black man’ – says editista....
REM Review – Noxyrsox is chuffed
I always said that REM was one band I had to see before I died so seeing Michael Stipe get down on stage last night was absolutely awesome. He appeared dressed in black with a painted Zorro-type mask painted across his face, looking his usual strange self and proceeded to deliver pitch-perfect songs from a range of albums dating back to the early 80’s. Unfortunately there were STRONGno big screens on the side of the stage but rather one rectangular screen above the band which showed images of the live performance mixed with beautiful graphics and effects. I have never before seen a crowd so big in the dome and it made the atmosphere even more electric. I found myself staring over the thousands of raised hands throughout the show – completely in awe that such legends were RIGHT THERE! Highlights of the show were hearing ‘Losing my Religion,” ‘Everybody Hurts,’ ‘Electrolite’ and my fave, ‘Man on the Moon,’ as well as two Anti-US-Government songs which raised massive cheers. I still have a problem with the sound at Northgate, however, and I really wish we could just start going back to Joburg Stadium or Ellis Park for an authentic live performance feel. A band as big as REM deserves a big venue – enough of this bull about alternative venues not being safe. If people can go watch the rugby regularly why can’t we go watch the big bands where they should be? Besides all that though it was fantastic to see the band perform so flawlessly. My only complaint is that it was not nearly enough time for them to cover songs spanning nearly 4 decades and being such a big fan I wanted to hear them all. Oh well, this just gives me more reason to keep seeing them again and again and again. My parting words, in true groupie fashion – ‘I love you Michael Stipe!!’...
Bhangra Bash at Carnival City
Catch the popular Indian singer Priya Singh at Carnival City this Saturday – she is headlining a bill of talented performers in a concert on Saturday March 12th. Priya Singh and Friends appeals to a broad range of people from all ages with a show encompassing music, dance, comedy and ending with a Bhangra hosted by popular Lotus FM radio deejays…. Singing sensation Priya Singh has been performing as a vocalist since 1991, winning the Radio Lotus Impressions musical competition a year later when she was only 12 years old. Since then she has amassed an impressive list of achievements including sharing the stage with internationally acclaimed Alka Yagnik during her 1996 SA tour, performing at the Antakshari and Saregama shows as well as other internationally acclaimed music events including a concert performance broadcast on Sony Entertainment Television Asia. She released her debut album Manzil in May 2002, and features in the recently released South African multi-artist album of African lullabies, the Tula Project. Other leading artists sharing the bill include Hoosen Vally, Umita Kalyan, Himal, Sarika Kissoon, the Trishina Singh Dance Troupe and Preneshan. Ashok Ramchunder, popularly known as the ‘King of Chutney’, will perform his repertoire of up-tempo music which has thrilled audiences for a decade while the comedic talents of Krijay Govender, of Isidingo fame, will keep the audience in stitches. Also joining Krijay from the Isidingo cast will be Jack Devnarain who plays the character of Rajesh Kumar. The audience can expect a unique entertaining departure from his usual television character viewers are accustomed to. Priya Singh and Friends starts at 7pm at Carnival City on Saturday March 12th. Tickets can be reserved at R47, R88 and R130 and are available through Computicket on 083 915 8000 or For more information, call 083 701 2735...
We will be back!
