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There is something about living out a dream that puts a perma smile on your dial for about a week afterward.

A few years ago, a successful businessman bought a piece of land out in Ashton. There were vineyards on the farm and the farm sold the grapes off to various co-ops and cellars. The man fell in love with the farm and had a dream of one day being able to make his own wine. He cultivated a brand out of nothing and improved the conditions on the farm, adding new vineyards and olives to the offerings on the farm, and purely through a network of friends and business connections, grew his brand of wine (that which the wife and daughter didn’t consume) into something which he could call “his own”.

The farm has impressed more people than just the man. It has won various awards for its grapes, and recently won the “Best Block” of vineyards in the entire Robertson valley. People who go to the farm leave with a sense of peace and quiet, as if they have been somewhere where time ceases to exist. The beauty of the farm, the quiet it presents as well as the energy it exudes once led another man to describe it as “Holy Land”.

The man’s dream continued and he has relentlessly pursued growing this brand, putting his heart into this project. He has read countless books, connected with industry stalwarts and spent his evenings on the internet researching projects which could be implemented on the farm.

There is something truly romantic about wine making, and for a man who is best described as a “metal trader” the idea of something as romantic as this is a stark contrast to dealing in rock and stone with value. The crude, cutthroat world of trading on an international level is very far removed from crushing grapes in one of the most beautiful valleys in the world.

When this picture arrived in my inbox yesterday is brought a big lump to my throat. I am someone who believes in defying the odds and taking on the impossible. I know how much has happened and how far removed this picture is from the man who knew how to pour wine a few years ago, who in this picture is making a blend of 3 wines. His first wine. This is history in the making. Proof that you should never give up, and follow your dreams, no matter what other people say.

I salute you, dad.

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as the week gets into full swing, I hope, that at some point this week, you feel like this…

pure, simple, unadulterated, exuberant, amazing, fantastic joy!

I`m going to go out there and experience it…

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How was that? click here for more info…

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So much can change in a day. The fate of the world can change in a day. Look at the falling of the towers on a fateful day in September. I believe it was the 11th.

That led us to war, which could not take the world out of financial crisis. One day. So much changed.

If we look locally, the fires in the Stellenbosch area have changed the entire 2010 for many people. Their crops covered in ash, affecting what looked to be the greatest harvest in 10 years. Others will spend 5-7 years re-building their farms and vineyards where they burnt down.

On a smaller (read: much) level, sport changes our lives in many ways. There are many sports in which the events take just a few seconds, but can change a life entirely going forwards. Think of Usain Bolt at the Olympics. He was well known until then, but those 9.67 seconds changed the rest of his life.

Think back to how the lives of 20 men were changed in 1995 at the World Cup Rugby. They were average earning men, who all became millionaires after that day. They held the nations hopes on their backs after that. Some had strong, stable bodies and dealt with the pressure. Others ended up with hookers and cocaine blasted on the covers of scandal celebrity magazines (ai, hoe kon jy Joost!)

Its just one day. 24 hours. Entire series shows on major networks are based on 1 day. 24 hours of action, split into 24 weeks, just to show us how much can happen in 1 day!

This thought process obviously stems from how many people surrounding me are going to be doing Ironman South Africa in 10 days time. 4 months ago they couldn’t believe how long it still was to go, and “amazingly”, they are all stressed because there are only 240 hours left until they take on what will be one full day that will most likely change something about them for the foreseeable future.

That’s the beauty of Ironman. Each Ironman is unique, as every person racing Ironman is unique. The race is extremely peaceful, which is in start contrast to the weeks leading up which are HECTIQUE and full of fear. Once out on the swim course, there is no fear of not finishing. The bike goes by very very quickly and you are onto the 2nd lap of the run before you can even start reflecting on what an amazing day it has been. In fact, full reflection of the day and the changes it will take forwards with you will only happen in the days after the race.

Throughout the day, you will be touched by stories of beauty, of pain, of feeling totally amazing and very very swak. You will have more calories than most people consume in a week in the space of a few hours. You will swim, bike and run further than most people will in their adult lives. What an incredible to take the first steps towards a life built around balance. A life built around a prosperous, wealthy, healthy outlook to everything.

And you will do it in lycra…

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so last night, along with the Urban Angel (who is running a Glaceau Vitaminwater competition today), we headed for what was termed “a brightly colored building” in Loop Street.

Upon entering, we were greeted by this amazing wall of color:

Go on...

Try it we did. A freshly faced angel waltzed over and asked us… “do you want to know moooooooooorrree?”

She spat out the following without taking a breath, wavering her gaze or losing focus. She even lifted and dropped her tone at exactly the right moments…

[who are we? excellent question. you shouldn't trust your body to just anyone.]

hydrate responsibly, people!

upon this bombshell, we dove into the fridge and sampled every flavor in about 3 nanoseconds. All of them were fab, and the little “saffa-isms” on the bottles are like schweeeet my bru (hundreds if you’re from Durbs bra).

The party was fun and all, until we spotted the “Fun Wall” whilst lounging on a purple daybed.

We got into wigs, plastic guitars, angel wings and FREAKING HUGE bowties (picture to follow shortly – my people are just checking with the copywriting department on album release times etc…) and got our picture taken, twice. May have been 3 times.

Anyhoo, this stuff is awesome. Get some…

where?

basically, at the moment, its healthy spots like Osumo and co, and soon, because they rock, you will be seeing it everywhere. launch was only last night, but keep an ear to the street and it will be in your “local” faster than the shake of a lambs tail.

Rock on!

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Cape Town, South Africa, March 2009 – This month PUMA introduces five limited edition sneaker styles, a tribute to classic Japanese monster movies from the 1950s – 1970s.

Each style brings an iconic monster to life, highlighting its signature features with various fabrics and textures – from mirrored leather and bolt hardware to reptilian embossed leather, spikes, and sculpted eyerows. The tongue lining lists the monster’s “skills” and the monster’s artwork is printed on the sockliner.

Iconic PUMA silhouettes such as the First Round, PUMA Mid, Clyde, and Stepper are completely transformed through meticulous design details and cinematic nostalgia. With artwork inspired by classic movie monsters like, Godzilla, Mothra, King Ghidorah, Mecha Godzilla, and King Kong, the collection consists of five styles – Lizoid King, Moth King, Terror King, Mecha King, and Ape King.

The First Round Lizoid King is inspired by the original Godzilla, has reptile-embossed greenish leather and a sculpted eyerow. Spiked rubber scale details protrude from the collar, along with Godzilla-like eyeball in the place of the FOT (on the heel).

The Clyde Moth King based on the classic movie monster Mothra, has a colourful upper with an embroidered graphic inspired by Mothra’s wings. This combined with faux pony fur used on the formstrip, vamp, and eyerow creates a rich look. There is a transparent moth-like eyeball detail in place of the FOT (on the heel), skill description on the tongue lining, and Moth King graphic on the sockliner.

The First Round Mecha King is based on Mechagodzilla. The shoe is designed with mirrored leather on the upper, complete with bolt hardware that mimics Mecha Godzilla’s metal robotic frame. Bolts are also embossed in the midsole, with a transparent ice outsole that reveals a graphic print on the bottom. A clear triangular piece of plastic used for the FOT mimics Mecha Godzilla’s eye.

The last style, but certainly not the least, is the PUMA Mid Ape King. Based on the well known King Kong, the shoe uses furry faux pony hair on the upper that mimics King Kong’s furry body. Cuts in the material reveal red pops underneath, as if it’s been slashed. Textured leather is used on the formstrip, vamp, and eyerow, inspired by King Kong’s skin.

The Terror King range will be available exclusively from A store as of 2 April 2009 where it will be supported by an in-store art installation by contemporary artist Warren Lewis.

A store is situated at Shop 2 Mooi Kloof, 34 Kloof Street, Gardens, Cape Town and at Shop 9 Intaba Centre, 13 Vineyard Road, Claremont. For more information contact the A store on (021) 422 2888 or visit their website www.astoreisgood.com. Contact PUMA on (021) 551 0832 or visit www.puma.com.

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Yes, I voted for myself. My favorite wine also happens to be the wine from our farm. I believe in my products and myself… Now go vote!

South African Blog of the Year:
from-the-couch.com

Best Entertainment Blog:
2oceansvibe.com

Most Humorous South African Blog:
2oceansvibe.com

Best Post on a South African Blog:
wonkie.com/2008/12/12/bring-me-the-head-of-kgalema-motlanthe

Best Original Writing on a South African Blog:
urban-ninja.co.za

Best Blog about Politics:
sarocks.co.za

Best Photographic Blog:
ramboguy.co.za

Best New Blog:
from-the-couch.com

Best Food and Wine Blog:
spitorswallow.co.za

Best Science and Technology Blog:
samsungblog.co.za

Best Music Blog:
blogs.thetimes.co.za/music

Best Design Blog:
wearenotfreelancers.co.za

Best South African Podcast:
thezashow.com

Best Business Blog:
daveduarte.co.za

Best Group Blog:
thoughtleader.co.za

Best Sports Blog:
urban-ninja.co.za

Best Green Blog:
urbansprout.co.za

Best African Language Blog:
watkykjy.co.za

Most Controversial Blog:
fokkendoos.blogspot.com

Best Travel Blog:
capetowndailyphoto.com

Best Personal Blog:
baglett.blogspot.com

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So, in part 1 we covered the general theme that this topic surrounds itself with.

Today I want to urge every guy or girl who is in a relationship to take action in that said relationship and stop applying Tweezer Philosophy to their loved ones.

I have done it alot in my life. I meet someone really nice, but there is this 1 thing…

We have all taken amazing people and treated them based on this 1 thing they do or are. STOP THAT S**T! You have amazing people around you and you treat them not based on how they treat you in general, but in how they may behave in one specific situation, and you cant get over it.

Someone who wants to love you and give you nothing but the best that they have on offer and are in general, quite an amazing person. Unless their 1 thing is that they cheat on you or feed skinned puppies to the poor, you should have a look and see if that 1 thing isnt something you identify in yourself. Is it something that irritates you about yourself, or something about them you cant accept in your life?

Dont take the 1 off thing someone does and treat them badly in general because of it – they may have wonderful things to add to your life. You dont always have to understand people and their isms. Acceptance or them, with all their flaws, is one of the greatest breakthroughs you will ever make. Just accept them as they are. Love them for their flaws.

Now go out and be great…

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Whilst I am certainly 100% behind this cause, I must say, I’m also very excited to actually WITNESS us pulling it off. And by “us,” I mean “the world.” That’s what they’re aiming for; you realise that, right? The whole WORLD is turning off the lights for one hour on March 28. Because of varying time zones, each city in the world has been given the exact time they should do it, so that it all happens AT THE SAME TIME!!! How radical is that? 1 billion people in more than 1000 cities worldwide ! And it’s not something that might happen, it is happening.

Before reading on, just make a note in your diary NOW. Lights out from 20h30 to 21h30 on 28 March (Saturday).

Naaaaiice. Here is the buzz:

Earth Hour 2009 is a global initiative by the World Wide Fund for Nature which acts as a worldwide call to action to every individual, business and community to take a stand against Climate Change. To show your support, sign up now and commit to switching off your lights for one hour on Saturday, March 28th at 8:30pm. Originating in Sydney, Australia in 2007, the Earth Hour initiative proved more than worthwhile when it witnessed 2 million people coming together to switch off their lights for one hour for this vital cause.

Earth Hour 2009 has one major aim: to unite the citizens of the world in the fight against climate change in order to convince governments and world leaders that our planet cannot wait any longer. There simply isn’t enough time, and therefore 2009 is a colossally important, if not the most critical year, to take action on climate change. 2009 is the year we decide the future of our planet.

Freaking awesome. No go sign up at www.earthour.org.za

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