Insomnia Induced Insanity

Anchors Aweigh

2011-08-29T14:44:00.000Z

I can't believe I haven't posted in over a year! That's mental and yet totally understandable. Since moving back to South Africa, life has taken on a certain pattern that can be seen as a slump.
I've got an office job that I'm starting to hate. I work, I got home, I have a few drinks and watch tv before going to sleep.

That's it.

Next week I turn 27. And it scared me. What the hell was I doing wasting my 20s away in an office when I should be seeing the world?

So I've made a very big decision - I've decided to go work on a cruise ship. Hopefully forever.

So far, the list of requirements is scary. I'm going to have to lose half my office sponsored body weight. So I've moved the healthwalker into the tv room and plan to start walking. I may have to quit drinking too...hmmm.

In the meantime, I've been tentatively accepted to study through the University of London! So i'm going for the impossible - earn a degree while working 12 hour days trapped on a tin boat in the middle of the ocean. I can totally do it.

First challenge - let's see how long i can keep this new job. My boss is a Swiss nutcase!

With Enough Red Bull...

2010-02-09T19:32:00.000Z

I can get my work done and still pull through tomorrow without sleeping.

Yeah, it's been a while, but blogger is blocked at work and home internet is just not happening.

I somehow talked myself into a second job which is physically straining and a general pain if it wasn't for the money, free Red Bull and unlimited internet.

I'm also studying this year - as soon as my course material comes through.

All this while working a very demanding full time job that eats my brain and my life.

To be honest, I miss blogging, but my life is SA isn't nearly as interesting as my exploits in London, so I'm working my ass off to get back there. Recession? What recession?

In the meantime, I'll try not to die of boredom.

Me, Again

2009-11-12T17:46:00.000Z

I know I haven't blogged here in forever, but internet access is few and far between.

But I'm still alive and still not sleeping.

New hobby! I found LiveJournal and have been sucked into fandom and the writing of fiction.

Wish me luck!

Watchmen Soundtrack

2009-02-16T08:32:00.001Z

Open letter to Suits in Media Companies

2009-02-02T06:09:00.002Z

Dear suits at Warner and Viacom

Fuck you very much in the ear for removing my favourite music videos from youtube.

Not everyone in the world has the luxury of owning cable or the accessibilty to iTunes.

I hope you get throttled by your ties.

Insano.

Cushiness...

2009-01-29T08:07:00.003Z

Since coming back from the UK, my ephedrine connection has been lost. Which means I'm not hyper all day anymore.

Which is ok, as my job isn't as insane as it was in London. I work normal hours, behind a computer, on a cushy office chair with numerous smoke breaks. After sic months, my system has learnt to deal with this and I now get some sleep.

Well, not really sleep. More like a snooze with intense dreams as my brain hasn't yet figured out how to shut down when I close my eyes. Also - not having internet at home, means that I can't surf until the sun rises - which i'll totally do.

Its a bit of a double edged sword really - stay up all night only to crash at 3pm at my desk or go to bed at a reasonable hour and still crash at my desk by 3pm.

Maybe its because I'm bored. Bored stupid! and my brain is trying to be proactive in keeping me on my toes until I'm intellectually stimulated again.

Who knows?

All I know is that at this moment, sitting at my desk, watching my inbox fill up really quickly, I would rather be at home sleeping on my couch with my cat on my stomach.

Fanatical

2009-01-22T06:57:00.002Z

*dusts off blog*

Hello again old friend. Sorry for the temporary abandonment - life got in the way.

I've been back in SA for exactly 6 months and 6 days and so far, I've chalked up:
1 x job
1 x car
1 x flat (seeking flatmate)
1 x new hobby
1 x new step dad
1 x brother in law

Not bad for six months work.

So yeah - My mom and my sister have decided to walk down the aisle - to thier respective betrothed. Which means 2009 is the year of veils and bad DJs, hen parties, dress fittings and venue hunting.
Personally - I just want to show up and get drunk. Possibly laid, too.

But nooooo.... being the big sister / oldest daughter means I'm pulled strapped into the rollercoaster kicking and screaming all under the guise of being 'Head Bridesmaid / Maid of Honour'. WTF?

What do you have against weddings? I hear you ask.
Well, nothing, really. I've been attending and organising weddings since I could walk, and I generally have no issue with them. Especially if the reception has an open bar.
But lately, I've become extrememly disallusioned about the whole holy matrimony concept. Its a fucking joke. And I don't see the point in losing your mind trying to arrange the perfect wedding only to spend half that in a few years trying to undo the knot you tied while under the influence of regular shagging.

I've got a bonfire ready - bring on the big white dresses. I wanna see 'em burn.

Back Online

2008-10-09T13:09:00.000Z

EGHADS!

I just saw now that I haven't posted since I left the UK.

I plead no interwebz access!!!
Until now.

So a quick recap since July.

Had to come back to SA since my visa expired.
Currently sleeping on my mom's Couch of Doom!
Am now saving up to go back as a student - wish me luck!

Got a permanent job and as of today, am proud owner of a little Opel Corsa Lite!

Will be updating more often from now on.

Chain and ball...

2008-07-05T22:43:00.001Z

Dear Mr Brown,

Fuck you and your beauracratic, immigrant red tape in the ear.

Insano

Universally Screwed

2008-06-26T16:19:00.002Z

Dear Universe,

Firstly, than you for letting me exist. I like existing. Being cognisent of my existance and being able to enjoy the simple things you provide in the hours I spend in your company.
Like chocolate, Haagen Das, good lager (Peroni and Red Stripe come to mind), music, sunshine, thunderstorms and of course, family.

I do, however, have a small complaint to lodge with you. While I enjoy the simpler things you provide, I am, afterall, human and bein that, have dreams and aspirations and even, on a good day, hope and optimism.

So, then, why, I have to ask, do you instill those things in me and then make it hard as fuck to reach them?
It's like putting a huge 70% off sale sign in the window, only to find that none of the shoes fit and all the clothes are pink. Not fucking fair, is it?

I've been really good, sending out positive karma into your world and what do I get in return?
Sucky ass jobs that pay nothing, continuous let downs and disappointment.

In truth Universe, you have decidely pissed me off. I've been working so fucking hard and all I keep getting is a big Fuck You in return.

This can't continue. Is your ultimate plan for me to end up spending a year on my mom's couch getting grossly fat, marrying some loser and popping out five kids then dying of a anti-depressant overdose? I mean, really. I have a sense of humour, but that just isn't funny. Like Rob Schieder movies - not funny at all.

So here's my offer to you, ruler of destinies and lives. In exchange for givin me a fucking well deserved break, I will never, ever bitch when I have to deal with stupid people. In fact, I will love everyone in the world and never think ill of anyone, no matter how much of a moron they truly are.
I will also sell you the soul of my first born. You can have my cat's soul too.

Eagerly awaiting your reply, in the form of something good finally happening.

Thank you,

Insano.

The Fratellis - Mistress Mabel

2008-06-15T23:15:00.005Z

You all know I'm a huge Fratellis fan, so imagine my delight at thier new album!! Althoug, in this new video of thiers, Jon Fratelli looks an awful lot like early Jack White...hmmm

Burn, Time, Burn

2008-06-15T22:46:00.002Z

As Muse sang, time is running out.

I have two weeks.

in which, I have to sell my soul to a rich relative, relocate, pack, move and basically start from scratch.

In a way, I hate that I can't get an EU passport. Really hate it. Makes life difficult for myself.
Maybe, if I throw myself at Gordon Browns feet and plead my sorry ass case to him and convince him that without my EU passport, the world would be a much more pathetic place, he might heed and take pity on me before promptly deporting my ass back to SA.

On the bright side. Had an awesome dream last night: Gerard Way, Jensen Ackles 'n me. nuff said.

And then the sun came up...

2008-06-11T04:56:00.002Z

Went to the ULU last night to watch Seether.
Glad I didn't have to pay for my tickets cos the show kind of sucked ass. All thier songs sound the same! You can practically hear the record label twisting the knobs on thier creativity. Or maybe the lifestyle has killed thier run?

I haven't slept for 48 hours now.

But the last 12 haven't been my fault.
My bed partner snores. Loudly. And annoyingly and no amount of prodding or shushing is working. And I don't have a living room couch to escape the noise to. Living with other people sucks!

Wanted:
1 bedroom flat with small patio/roof terrace.
£80 pw all bills included.
No psycho neigbours.

Keep dreaming!

Boned..

2008-05-28T00:46:00.002Z

So I'm a freak of nature.
I've decided, at least.

it's 1:45am and I'm still up.

And it's raining.

I like rain. Not the pissy types that lasts weeks. More of the 'wham-bam-lightening-bolt-up-yo-ass' type of storms. You know, horror movie storms. They fucking rock!

Just thought I'd throw it out there.

I'm currently watching season 3 of Bones.

Yes, I'm that much of a geek.

The Art of Losing Your Mind

2008-05-26T09:28:00.000Z

Here's a little experiment.

what happens when you combine the following factors?

Ephedrine
Insomnia
Work deadline
vodka
redbull
friends
bank holiday
and
erm...red wine

A lot of shit and you can't remember why.

I had been up since Friday.
Literally.
No sleep.

I'm working on a really tight deadline and have yet to pull a miracle from my ass.

My mates invited over to a little house party type thing yesterday. I brought my computer along as I have sooooo much work to do.
When I got here, one was already drunk. The other drunk on lurve (love).
I set everything up, poured myself a vodka and rb and got to work, while talking shit and generally hanging out.

I fell asleep at my computer. At least that's where I think I fell asleep.

I woke up in a bed and had no idea why/how I got there, why my mate was pissed at the world in general and feel as though I should be apologising for something.

All I know for sure is that I had a really bad fuckng nightmare. One of those surround sound, technicolour, goes on forever and I just might die kind of nightmares. Every part of me hurts and I can't explain it.

Was it athe lack of sleep? Exhaustion? Stress? Alcohol?

I can't be sure.
I'm not sure of anything at the moment.

All I know is that I'm shaking.

And I'm not even cold.

Somebody, pass the meds...

2008-05-19T11:51:00.002Z

I've never been one for the easy life. Not that I know of. I get bored, very quickly.

But the past few weeks have been just a bit too much excitement for me. I can feel it in my bones. I'm tired. Very very tired. Like, badly in need of a beach and cocktail kind of tired.

Alas, my calendar will not be open until at least 2025.

I've been kept really busy with one website that I review for here in the UK. Its a spur of the moment kind of reviewing. For example:

Last Tuesday, I had work all day, then zipped off to an exclusive launch party where I met many lovely people. One of them being Ms Spain. She doles out the tickets of gold to me. She mentioned having tickets for a Vampire Weekend show that night.
My face lit up - oh yes please!
i got the tickets, hauled ass over to Electric Ballroom and watched the riveting gig.
But I was alone. My plus one meaning absolutely nothing as all my mates have set routines and couldn't break it for an impulsive break to a show.
At least there was free beer.
The week before, I had gone to The Wombats at the Brixton Academy, Give It A Name Fest 08 at Earls Court, Melody Gardot at Bush Hall, and Flykiller at 229. And then there's the singles to review too.
Yep, its a full time thing.

But my week didn't end there.

I got an email from a very pissed friend who called me "a self absorbed loose cannon".
Now, I can take being called a loose cannon. Its not the first time. But self absorbed? Ok, maybe. Sure. A little.
So I took the line and started my own brand - Loose Cannon UK.

While I'm doing the branding for that, there's that little niggly thing called Strung Out that needs planning (well, its all planned, only the posters need to go up). There's negotiations for other gigs going on. Lots of networking. Lots of madness.

And then there's this 56 day tour of Europe I'm in the middle of putting together. I have 10 days to confirm it all.

And the cherry on my preverbial pie - I've discovered that my little sister is depressed. Badly depressed.
The only problem, is people in South Africa view depression as a self indulgent excuse to laziness. My father, unfortunately is one of those people.
My little sister has every reason to have depression. She's been through so much in her 17 years, I'm not surprised. My dad believes that therapy is a 'wham, bam, you're cured' kind of deal. He has no idea.

And this more than anything bothers me. Stresses me out! I wish I was back home just so that I can help her. My mom tries, my other sister just gets frustrated. I feel helpless. And it's the last thing I need right now. I'm already feeling the pull of the drain.

Oh, yeah, and I work in a full time job that mentally and emotionally drains me of my sanity.

Meds. Now. Please??

Sun is Shining...

2008-05-12T08:34:00.001Z

The weather has been awesome for the past two weeks.

So shiny and bright and hot that all you want to do is break out yoru reggae collection and chill out in the park with a six-pack.
I spent yesterday doing exactly that, except without the reggae music -it played in my head though.

I have a feeling that this is going to be an awesome summer. I'm gettin optimistic right here and now. Wonder how long I'll be able to keep it up for?

Shit storm while the sun shines...

2008-05-11T19:28:00.003Z

Today was a perfect day. Like Lou Reed perfect.
the sun shone wihout a cloud in the sky and a pleasant breeze throughout.

And I spent it in the park with a few good mates of mine. I dare you to compete with that! A few Heinekens, strawberries and custard later and the perfect day was done. Now back to the evils of reality!

Work, work, and did I mention work?????

I'm back...sort of

2008-05-09T06:59:00.002Z

I know my updating has been sparse lately, but I have a very good reason.

I'm fucking busy.

I've decided to grab the proverbial career bull by teh horns and wrestle my career out of it by myself.
Sure there isn't the comfort of steady pay, cushy chairs, free weekends and free coffee.
But at the same time I don't have to listen to colleagues bitch about thier stupid offspring, I work with people who actually know who Offspring is, no staff meetings, no performance reviews and no corporate wear.

Sure I'll still be serving pints as the back up income, but I'm not going to wait around for someone to hand me my dream job. I'm tenatious that way.

Now, between reviewing gigs for Seatwave.com and cross posting them on WickedRock, I'm also trawling MySpace for venues to book my two month tour of Europe with two amazing bands.
I'm not going to lie - its fucking intimidating. But, dude, I'm from Jo'burg. It takes more than a continent filled with morons to intimidate me.

Now if you need me I'll be over here reading smut on LJ working hard at finding bookings.

I Lost My Specs...

2008-04-28T08:50:00.001Z

We Are Scientists
Shepards Bush Empire
24-4-2008

I know its the Monday after the show, but I've just stopped bouncing around from excess energy produced at the gig.

By the time we arrived at the Empire, my mates and I encountered teeming droves of teenies. We gulped nervously. Why all the teenies? Isn't it cool anymore for 20-somethings to go gigging? I missed that memo.
We took our places in the pit - second row from the barrier - and waited.

The opening acts were dull - to say the least. I didn't catch thier names as they didn't give them. There was a moment when Keith (Murray of WAS) joined them onstage for a song.

The lights went out and suddenly, the (now) duo hit the stage, opening with Brain Thrust Mastery's Ghouls. The Empire erupted! Swaggering through hits 'Nobody Move', 'The Scene Is Dead' and 'Inaction' just to remind us why we loved them to begin with, before injecting newbies such as 'Lets See It', 'Chic Lit' and leading single 'After Hours'.

Keith then took an ill judged jump off the stage towards the barrier during 'Tonight' to do the whole 'greet the fans' thing. Little did he know a close aquaintance of mine was a bottle of wine down and took it upon herself to grab and squeeze his ass. He had no choice but to laugh it off and quickly retreat back to the stage before the girls kidnapped him and they couldn't rip through 'Dinosaur', 'Lousy Reputation', 'Its a Hit'.

All the time, the crowd needed no prompting. Arms in the air, clapping madly away with voices raised in anthemic union. Shu!
Encore rounded off the night with 'Lethal Enforcer', 'Worth The Wait' and 'Great Escape' (which seemed to be written purely for this gig).

As good as thier albums are, seeing these boys live is a must! Smooth, professional, booming, anthemic (i like that word), swaggering and exhilerating!

Good job

Elastic is your friend

2008-04-21T18:05:00.002Z

I never thought I'd say this, but,
Fuck Me! I need to lose some weight.

I didn't realise it before.

tonight, that is.

I was going through my small collection of clothes in preperation for a date I'm going on...yes, a date. But nothing fit! My old black slacks (of which I have 3 pairs) and I didn't want to wear a dress. So I threw on my old trusted jeans. Now I'm heading out the door, plans brewing for my 'look good for summer' plan.

so far i've come up with:

No more pizza.
No more beer (only vodka and cranberry juice)
No more kebab runs (haven't done one in a while anyway)
No more eating anything at all. (ok, maybe i'm overreacting with this one)
Use those trainers I bought. About three months ago.
Get more exercise (athletic sex is accpetable)

Any other ideas???

Growing Pains...

2008-04-20T20:40:00.002Z

I'm a fan of 'coming-of-age' sitcoms...Friends, How I met your mother, The Class etc etc etc...

My problem is, no one has made a sitcom about someone in my position. In all fairness, my sister has started to write a sitcom about my moving over, but I still feel like an idiot when I watch these shows...albeit I do liek a good sitcom.

Only...
I never went to varsity.
I haven't had a lot of boyfriends
I'm not neurotic
I'm not a size 2 either.

My mates aren't all hotties.
niether are they sub human stereotypes.

I'm not a stereotype either.

Maybe if I was, things would be easier...

Cross country flight, take me home...

2008-04-18T02:18:00.002Z

I got home around 1:30am.
1 bottle red down.
spent 15 minutes looking at photos from my last vaca home.

fuck me, but I miss everyone back home. Every single person I know (except my dad's wife). I especially miss my sisters, my mom and my mates - one of whom is in the US. I feel so alone. But, according to Facebook, I actually have friends here.

guess I should stop the drinking at all hours and get some sleep.

there are other schools of thought...

The Reason I've Been Busy...

2008-04-17T09:46:00.002Z

2008-04-14T11:56:00.002Z

Dear Makers of Bottae Vintae Pinot Grigio,

Firstly, kudos on making a wine so close to vinegar, it should be lablled - for pickling purposes only. And then getting the Pinot Grigio name out there and used by celebs who know nothing about wine, just so that you can sell your travesty of a wine at hyper inflated prices.

I don't drink your wine, but I do have to serve it to a lot of people, against my better judgement, but what can you do?
Have you heard of this new fangled invention called the 'Screw Top'. No corkscrew needed. No cutting my knuckles to shreds on the thick foil you have covering the cork. Thanks to your product, I literally bleed for my job. I don't need anymore bloodloss, thank you.

Please, go off, work on that vintage a little more in R&D before attacking the general public with it.

Thank you,

Insano 'Bloody Knuckles' Insomniac

2008-04-08T13:39:00.002Z

I Will Follow You Into the Bar...

2008-03-30T20:21:00.002Z

I must, as a rule, never, ever listen to Death Cab for Cutie while drinking.
Have you ever heard any of thier tunes?
If you have, then you'll get what I mean. if not, then haul your ass down to CD Warehouse and buy every copy they own...it's only karmically right.

I'm not a fan of Sundays. Not because it's a religious day etc..(unless you're Jewish, which makes Friday your Sunday..but' I'm sure you know what I mean...)Anyways, I'm not a fan of sundays because, as a child, a Sunday always ended with a blow out of sorts onmy dad's part and a morning wasted listeneing to threats of Hellfire and Brimstone.
Now, it's purely because I finish work at 5am and spend most of the day sleepign until I get hungry...and then all teh shops are closed...fuckers!!! I'd like some yoghurt at 6pm on a Sunday.

Aside from teh supermarket's Sunday early closing rule (I got my wine anyway) nothing much has happened in my life.
Ok, so I called the ass. manager a dick. I maintain he asked for it.
I need a vacation. Very urgently. but have far too much things to do to allow for such a luxury.
missing my mates like mad.

I'll go finish my wine now...

Go on...Push My Buttons

2008-03-17T20:24:00.004Z

I have a lot to bitch about:

Like people not getting back to me about serious gigging.
Like teenyboppers stealing wristbands from me by lining up from 3am so I can't get to see a band I like.
Like my job pretty much sucking.
Like me feeling the empty part of being single.
Like missing my mates back home fiercely.
Like having to beg favours from my mates because my job pays so porly i can't afford to get my posters printed up.
Like nearly getting mugged on Sunday morning (I did punch the 7ft hoodie for his sad attempt at taking my cell before jumping back onto the bus. Mind you, I was a bottle of wine and a 12hr shift down)

But today's post isn't about me. It's about all the loonies I see everyday in the city, on my bus, muttering or ranting to themselves, smelling like a toilet and looking as though they've fallen through the cracks of the matrix.
And I wonder to myself - sure, London is a tough city. It's big, intimidating, unfriendly, harsh etc etc. But is that an excuse to go off the deep end and creep out tourists and old ladies on buses by telling them that the little purple men have taken over the government and HQ is in your left pinky?
I mean, really. Jo'burg is a far harsher place to live and therefore making it easier for a person to lose thier grip on this reality. But then where are we hiding all the Jozi crazies? And why isn't Ken Livingstone (mayor of London) not rounding the crazies up over here instead of tearing down major historical music sites (read:The Astoria) to replace them with railnetworks (which we frankly don't need).

Unless of course its the weather that is that final little nudge you need to fall into the mentally unstable abyss. If that's the case, then someone, please, bring me a straitjacket. I feel the madness approaching.

2008-03-16T14:33:00.000Z

Stitches, my ass...

2008-03-06T04:08:00.002Z

As I've often confided on this blog, I'm a wuss. A coward. A complete non player.

I've been asked by a band to be thier tour manager - my dream job, only, i doubt I can pull it off. Am shitting myself at the idea that if I fuck this up, I might as well apply to work at the Edenvale Tiger Wheel and Tyre with my sister for the rest of my life.

Anyways...

Tonight I proved that I care so much for my job I shed blood for it...literally. Some genius thought they'd put a 14oz glass inside a Jamiacan beer branded glass and when i tried to free the pair, the damn branded glass shattered in my hand, slicing my thumb to shit!

So fuckface ass. manager looks at it and goes "I've had worse, you don't need a doctor" over the tim burton movie happening in my thumb. Fucker!!!!
So i now have the tip of my thumb taped to the rest of it. Hope it decides to rejoin, or else I'm going to have a wierd thumb, and that's just wrong...
So in the Afternoon, I will brave the hospital once again to make sure I don't need stitches.

wish me luck!

I want a kitteh...

2008-03-05T01:51:00.002Z

Pass the shovel...

2008-03-04T11:44:00.003Z

I have a big mouth.
And it gets me into trouble. A Lot.
I should keep quiet. I should censor my ramblings.
I don't.

I also procrastinate. Which, in this day and age is a luxury I can ill afford. I have so much to do, yet I don't do it. I guess its because I'm so scared of failing on an epic scale and being reduced to working the reception at a relative's friend's auto shop for the rest of my life.

Well, nothing ventured, nothing destroyed, no one hurt and nothing to be hassled about for the rest of my life.

Ok, I'm going to go do that to do list. Now. Right after I've figured out why my computer won't play YouTube..

Humanity...

2008-02-23T01:55:00.002Z

I generally like people. I'm told I'm a people person. Friendly, amiable, funny etc etc. But I don't suffer fools. And because of this, I am in the wrong job.
Tonight, for example, I was so rude to a customer, I'm surprised I still have a job. Thing is, she fucking asked for it.
Stupid Customer: And I'll have a cabernet sauvignon and a pinot grigio.
Exhausted Insano: Large or small?
SC: Large please.
EI: Okie Dokie...*proceeds to pour requested drinks and places them infront of SC. She looks at the cabernet sauvignon with confusion*
SC: No, I wanted the white one.
EI: The white one? Oh! Right. Cabernet means red. You asked for a cabernet sauvignon as opposed to the sauvignon blanc...blanc meaning white.
*SC's jaw drops open*
EI: Don't worry. I'll change it for you. But, would you like the white pinot grigio as opposed to the red pinot grigio that we stock?
SC: You should have checked with me first.
EI: Yeah, because we sells bottles of white cabernet sauvignon. Listen, if you don't know your pinot grigio from your pinot noir, you have no business drinking wine.
*SC's mouth flaps open and closed, very much akin to a fish, pays quickly and marches off.*

Joe, the assistant manager whom I have no regard for tells me after work that he never wants to hear me speak to a customer like that again.
Fair enough, but she was a complete idiot.
Fine. I plead severe PMS.

And so my general opinion of the human race just fell another five notches!

Nuff Said...

2008-02-12T11:34:00.000Z

I'm a Dummy

2008-02-04T08:35:00.000Z

I'm not a graphic designer. I imagine things, scribble them onto a piece of paper and pray that someone translates it into whatever I saw in my head.

Not anymore. With no graphic designers at hand to help me, I got myself photoshop cs3 and after spending a day trying to figure it out, I went and got Photoshop CS3 for Dummies.

Because, afterall, that's what I am.

The Pygmies Are Coming...

2008-01-30T01:32:00.001Z

My right shin looks like I've been playing paintball with a bunch of pygmies and lost.
In fact, I lost a fight with the bus steps. Yes, I'm the loser that falls in through doorways, trips over my own feet, drops things for no good reason and generally have the co ordination of a toddler.
A casual look will incite thoughts of me being abused by some pimp. But no, I'm doing all the bashing, smashing and tripping myself.

Is it the universe trying to tell me something?

Probably not.

Well, back to work. Got a gig to arrange and customers to alienate.

Pass the arnica oil first.

RIP Heath Ledger

2008-01-23T01:57:00.000Z

This evening I received a text that broke my heart.

Heath Ledger, one of my favourite actors, was found dead in his Manhattan apartment last night. Officials believe it was due to a drug overdose.
To be honest, I really didn't see that one coming.

The first time I ever heard of this awesome Aussie actor was when I watched 10 Things I Hate About You - a modern adaptation of Taming of the Shrew. Heath stole the movie and my young teenage heart. I have been a fan ever since. Who can forget his daring knight in A Knights Tale or the surfer in Lords of Dogtown? A Grimm Brother or The Patriot's son. His last role was that of The Joker in the lastest Batman installment. I'm sure its going to be his greatest.

My most heartfelt condolences to his family. He leaves behind ex-wife Michelle Williams and thier young daughter.

Get your umbrellas ready - the shit is about to fly...

2008-01-19T01:36:00.000Z

The curse of South Africa

by
Moeletsi Mbeki

Published 17 January 2008

Mineral wealth has distorted the economy for generations. Moeletsi Mbeki, brother of South Africa's president on why people want jobs not handouts

The conference of the African National Congress that was held last month was billed as a heavyweight contest between the party's president, Thabo Mbeki, and its deputy president, Jacob Zuma. The conference turned out to be much more than that. It was a complete rout, not only of the president, but also of his cabinet, the sitting national executive committee, and of Mbeki's economy team.

The December conference saw the ANC swing from the centre towards the left, if one believes the rhetoric. Jacob Zuma, the new president of the ANC, mobilised the support of the Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu) and the South African Communist Party (SACP) in order to fight for leadership of the ANC.

The ANC is caught in a quandary. On the one hand, its members and leaders want to preserve the economic system inherited from the apart heid era so that they, too, can benefit from it through, for example, Black Economic Empowerment (an affirmative-action programme, initially designed by South Africa's big corporations, that favours the new black elite) and social grants from the government aimed at alleviating poverty. On the other hand, they hanker for change that will ameliorate the growing inequalities and pauperisation among black South Africans. They blame individuals within the organisation for not bringing about the socio-economic changes they would like to see, but do not dare to initiate themselves.

Much of the impetus behind the emerging instability in the ANC, however, is financial rather than ideological. The only solution would be for a leadership to emerge, from either within or outside the ANC, that has meaningful policies for building a more inclusive society in South Africa. Black Economic Empowerment and social welfare programmes do not fundamentally lead to such social inclusiveness. If anything, they entrench the inequalities inherited from the past and exacerbate new inequalities among the blacks.

The undoing of President Mbeki and his cabinet was that they failed to understand that, with Zuma's rise, a new phenomenon of populism had entered the ANC. They also failed to understand the potential of populism to appeal to the black working class, the black poor in general, and a wide array of disgruntled people associated with the ANC who felt excluded from the inside track.

Their mistake was to see Zuma as a paranoiac who didn't deserve to be taken seriously. Mbeki compounded this error by standing against the populist Zuma but refusing to engage with him in public debate. He thereby appeared to be afraid of Zuma. This encouraged Zuma and his supporters to press ahead with their campaign and, paradoxically, Mbeki's silence persuaded many ANC members that Zuma's claim of persecution was valid.

Placating the poor

South Africa is able to undertake both Black Economic Empowerment and large social welfare expenditures because of its vast natural resources, which are now selling at a premium due to the rapid industrialisation of the large countries of Asia. South Africa's fabulous mineral wealth has been seen as a blessing since the discovery of diamonds and gold in the 19th century. What gets overlooked is the curse that goes with vast natural-resource endowment.

Since the current commodities boom started in the late 1990s, the ANC government has been ratcheting up public spending on the welfare of the poor. Why? Out of the goodness of its heart, reply ANC leaders. Not so, say doubters: rather to placate the poor so that they do not rebel, but most importantly to buy their vote.

In his address to the ANC conference, President Mbeki went to great lengths to explain the good things the ANC government has done for South Africa's poor. He noted that the number of South Africans living below the poverty line fell from 51.4 per cent in 2001 to 43.2 per cent in 2006 and that the number of people receiving social grants increased from 2.6 million in 1999 to more than 12 million in 2006.

But are South Africa's poor happy and grateful to the ANC government? In theory they should be, given the largesse they are receiving. But judging by the support that Zuma and his communist and trade union allies have been able to mobilise among the poor against the mainstream ANC which runs the government, it appears South Africa's poor are very far from happy. This is where the resource curse comes in.

A country develops when it is able to harness the energies of its people and put them to productive use. There are, of course, exceptions to this rule. Oil-producing countries are one. For very little effort, petroleum-producing countries pump crude oil from the ground and sell it for fabulous prices to foreigners.

South Africa is similar to oil-producing countries in that it, too, has natural resources - gold, platinum, diamonds, coal, iron ore, and so on - that are valuable to foreigners, who are willing to pay South Africa top dollar for them. While it takes more people to dig out South Africa's minerals compared to those employed to pump up crude oil, mining is still a small employer. Despite employing very few people, mining, however, makes a huge contribution to the country's wealth, in that it accounts for more than half of export earnings. The value that the few people employed in mining produce far exceeds their income. The government, therefore, has large revenues from mining activity that it can redistribute to the rest of society that does not work in the mines. This is what is called a resource curse - governments of resource-rich countries think their people need not work and will be happy living off social grants.

That is precisely the trap into which the ANC government has fallen. At least a quarter of the South African population receives social grants that would not be possible if South Africa were not mineral-rich. Without mineral wealth to redistribute, the government would have to work harder and be more creative to find solutions to unemployment and poverty.

Resource wealth makes it possible for the government not to have to put an effort into redeveloping the economy to create more jobs, and instead it sustains the unemployed and their dependants with social grants.

But do such grants make people happy as the ANC government expects? Paradoxically, while social grants contribute to putting food on the table, at a broader level they make the recipients more insecure because they do not know when the government will withdraw or reduce the size of their grants. Second, the grants accentuate the humiliation that unemployed people feel from being dependent and unable to look after themselves and their families. Every time they collect their social grants, recipients are subjected to all manner of humiliations by the government officials who administer the system. The rest of society stigmatises recipients as idle, worthless and parasitic.

What do South Africa's subsidised and marginalised people do to regain their self-respect? They support demagogues who claim that they, too, are marginalised, and therefore want to replace the ruling elites with people-friendly governments. This, in a nutshell, is what happened at the ANC conference and in the months leading up to it.

Zuma, with the support of Cosatu, the SACP and the ANC Youth League, ran a campaign that told ANC members, most of whom are poor, that he, like them, is despised and marginalised by the elite who run the party and its government. Zuma argued there was a conspiracy by the elite to ensure that he, and poor people like him, are kept away from power and therefore do not benefit from their struggle against apartheid.

Zuma's message resonated with many trade unionists, such as the general secretary of Co satu, Zwelinzima Vavi, who grew up as a farm labourer and worked his way up to where he is today by fighting against discrimination and humiliation under apartheid.

Winners and losers

Did all the passion and recrimination at the ANC conference produce winners and losers? Leaving aside the rather tarnished image of the party, a few bruised egos and what will turn out to be short-lived elation by others, the conference, viewed in the context of the country's future, reproduced the stalemate into which the ANC has been locked since 1994. January 2008 is, therefore, the month in which the country has gone back to business as usual.

As for Zuma - in reality, his was a pyrrhic victory in a phoney war. In the coming months he will be back in court facing corruption charges that could lead to his being imprisoned for many years to come. The case is scheduled to start in August.

The giant trade union federation, Cosatu, which devoted so much of its energy and resources to Zuma's campaign, has come out of the melee a loser. Its leaders are at each other's throats and there were no changes made to the ANC's conservative economic policies, such as the independence of the Reserve Bank, about which Cosatu has been unhappy for many years.

Cosatu ended up as cannon fodder at the hands of disgruntled ANC and SACP politicians who used it as a proxy to fight their battles. Ultimately, under a populist regime, the masses are the main losers.

Moeletsi Mbeki is a deputy chairman of the South African Institute of International Affairs, an independent think tank based at the University of Witwatersrand in Johannesburg

Icky Thump

2008-01-14T08:11:00.000Z

Despite having a computer and mostly workin internet, I haven't blogged because, well, I haven't had much to talk about.

Oh sure I have my rants about musicians and albums and crappy jobs and the lack of good guys ou there.
But, who wants to hear me bitching about anything I care about?

Oh, wait, I finally got that tattoo I've been going on about.
It hurt like hell.
It was so worth it!!!! Now I'm part of the tattooed club.

I think I might actually be a little cool now. We'll see how it goes.

Cheers

2008...whether we like it or not

2008-01-01T04:50:00.000Z

Ok, firstly, I realise its been about a month since I last wrote anything, but to be honest, i have literally not had the time or inclination.

I thought, this being the first day of the new year, i should put something down...so here is is.

2007 was a weird year for me.
I finally finalised the career I wanted, while surprised myself by actually enjoying the crappy job I already have. I had a semi-relationship that ended with me being dumped. It was a constant battle between the need to keep as mobile as possible and my new dvd collection spawning meaning I now live out of more than two boxes.
My mother came to inspect my new lifestyle. I broke my wrist in a drunken episode. I saw some amazing bands and some really not amazing bands.

Every week I learned something new, either about myself or the world in general.

in short, 2007 was the year of discovery and decisions.
2008 will be the year of putting my choices in motion. And seeing more awesome bands.

I hope that this new year will be a pleasant surprise to you and that in a year's time, we can look back and say- wow, we made it through in one piece.

And here's to less laundry days and dreams coming true.

Play It Again...token black guy who has rythm

2007-12-06T10:49:00.000Z

Before you start...I know I spelt rythm wrong. Spell check failed me!!!

Anyways...

I've always been a sucker for old hollywood musicals. An American In Paris, Singing in the Rain, Les Girls, Gigi etc etc.
The ability to just burst into song and dance at will always facsinated me. So, in my insomniac state, I'm revisiting my old faves and realising that they're far sexier and daring than I originally gave them credit for. Anyone that laughs off musicals as fluffy little affairs should look between the adverbs and dance routines. They make Tarentino and Soderburgh look like wussies. In fact, there is a film still somewhere on the net showing Fred Astaire doing the rock 'n roll bull horn hand signal so synonymous with punks these days in the 1954 musical Band Wagon. I kid thee not. I can't find th epic, but get the DVD and pause during any of his dance routines and look at his huge hands....

Fred Astaire was the original punk rocker!!

One Rottweiler, please...

2007-12-06T02:18:00.000Z

I'm a pretty together person, mentally speaking.

Sure I have my bad days when I think I'm so lost and alone and that if a giant black hole opened up in front of me I wouldn't hesitate jumping into it.

But I generally am a pretty healthy person - mentally.

I know there isn't an international organisation spying on my every move just in case I crack the conspiracy around, well, everything.
I know where I am, and who I am.
And I keep my answers to the voices in my head pretty quiet.

And I don't suffer from panic attacks.

Well, not conciously anyway.

Until recently.

After the second attempt to break in to my room, I have not been able to sleep deeper than a light, weary doze. Every sound wakes me up. Every scrape on the pavement gets my heart racing. Every time I close my eyes, I think someone is going to get in and hurt me.

About two nights ago, I had the umpteenth sensation of absolute paralysis. My limbs were leaden, I couldn't move or speak. And I knew there was someone in the room with me. The fucker even had the audacity to speak in a corny 'bad guy' voice.
When I was able to force myself awake, I found that my window was tightly bolted and nothing was disturbed (apart from my mental state).

Now I dread going to bed. And irony of all, is I'm exhausted. I WANT to sleep, but can't. The paralysis I've had before, but the voice was new. And that freaked me out more than anything!

So I'm back to the whole flat hunting thing.
Shoot me now...

Read and Learn!!!

2007-12-05T10:06:00.000Z

reposted with the kind permission of minimcr.

Where's the tow truck?

2007-11-11T11:46:00.000Z

I'll be the first one to admit it -
I am wrecked.
I am tangled up and torn
On the shards of the love you gave
The thing I threw against the wall
Sadistically loving the sound
the cracking and the smashing.

Going in every which way
at exactly the same time
My mind is never where it should be.
My heart doesn't even factor into the equation.
You do the math.

Nothing you do will get through
The gates locked and barred.
I reflect nothing, absorb everything.
Hate me. Please hate me.
I'm loathed dry.

Honey, This Mirror Isn't Big Enough For The Both of Us

2007-11-11T01:03:00.000Z

I've recently discovered that certain people have been reading my little mental expose, who shouldn't, as I've written some really bad things.

I don't make any excuses for what I put down here.

This is the place where I rant. I spew the thoughts swirling around in my head, ever expanding until it feels like my head is going to explode. And if there are some injuries sustained in the crossfire, then get off the page!

Thank you for reading.

Cover Me In Gasoline. (Cos I'm gonna burn anyway)

2007-11-10T03:39:00.000Z

Some people wouldn't know a good thing if it bitch-slapped them across the face.

I'm not one of those people. I can see a good thing a mile away.
My good thing spoils me rotten.
My good thing is great.

Except for that little problem we have everytime I'm feeling a little too cosy.
Yep.
My good thing ain't so great then.

Could this explain why I'm really starting to dig my good thing's colleague, who is not only good looking, but single too?
Did I mention there was an irish accent involved?

So my guilty concious has me up at 3:45am typing this instead of staying in bed where its warm and cosy. Well, cosy to the point of claustrophobia.

I'm so gonna burn in hell for this.

Good thing I like the heat.

Schengen...no?

2007-11-06T11:00:00.000Z

Ok, so, the accountant? the one whose bed reputation is, well, less than reputable, has asked me on a long weekend in Europe!!

The question remains...who is Bridget Jones? Me?, or Accounting boy???

Switzerland is looking good...

for references, watch Bridget Jones: Edge of Reason...

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!

2007-10-31T10:11:00.000Z

Blocked In

2007-10-29T00:51:00.000Z

Last night I did something I have never done before - I stormed out of my shift.
Granted, it was 4am, technically the end of my shift, I had no painkillers to numb my throbbing arm and I was told that the men I was working with believed I wasn't pulling my weight at work.

I have two words for those fuckers: FUCK OFF

Do I need to breakdown exactly why I cannot change kegs (aside from my keg room ban), or carry boxes of wine bottles, or pick up trays of glasses???
Do I? Honestly?
Please direct your attention to exhibit A - My right wrist. Currently still in its fibreglass casing. And thanks to you, insisting I do more than my fair share, set my healing process back by two weeks.

And now you're bitching about me not pulling my weight?

So I left at 4am. Leaving them to clean up the debris of a Saturday night club by themselves. Besides, I was in charge of the cloakroom all night.
Batman even bought me a few beers.

I have, however, registered with Office Angels and hopefully, with christmas coming on, there will be a lot of temp positions for me to fill that won't require me lifting anything heavier than a telephone.

So due to my awful week having to deal not only with ignorant co workers, but also every idiot to walk through the pub doors. I'm sick of the human race and have instead, barricaded myself inside my room for the next few days to work on my blogs and story in peace.

Nothing better than being cosy with my laptop and Billie Holiday.

Empty Fridge

2007-10-25T00:52:00.000Z

How do you know you work too much?

You wake up one day to find your fridge empty.
I haven't had a full day off in weeks and this morning I woke up craving some yoghurt only to find my fridge void of anything edible. It's pointless going shopping as I have to be at work in a few hours anyway.

And I have soooo many other things to do. Better things to do.

Totally messed up my broken wrist the other night, so after two weeks of drug free living, i'm back on teh painkillers. The strong ones.
This fucks me up, so I get asked if i'm high by customers.
No. I'm in pain.

At least I have Sunday off.

Karma - You Bitch!!!

2007-10-20T02:20:00.000Z

I am a bad person.

I have to be.

There is no other reason for the shit that happens to me.

Tonight I lost my cellphone - the T-mobile one.
And I think I know exactly where and when I lost it. Only, I was too Jo'burg to pay attention to the guy who was trying to tell me I lost it.

This is payback for ditching the GI and his mate at the club. But in my defense - it got very wierd between the two of them and me. I ducked the moment i could, got a burger, called my mate and hauled ass home.

No wonder I lost it.

Now comes the please explain part to the cellphone shop. FUCK!!!! I have work at 11am. its currently 3:30am. I'm so screwed!!!

MCR, Fall Out Boy and Linkin Park for MTV Awards

2007-10-08T09:56:00.001Z

From the Kerrang! site.My three fave bands to battle it out with one of the biggest joke of an award ceremony ever.

read more | digg story

BAD AUSSIE !!

2007-10-06T03:23:00.001Z

Mothers and Jobs

2007-10-06T03:12:00.000Z

I've thought for the longest time that my mother is uber cool.

Recently, namely the last 48hrs, i've realise that she is, in fact, embarassing. In that loud, obnoxnious way that i get after a few.

So I took her with to a concert I bought tickets for way before she decide to come visit.

We then go to my pub for Vote Pedro.
She LOUDLY mentions that my boss is a hotty (which he is, but as if he needs to know it!!!????)
We then finally get on a bus home - she needs chocolate. We get chocolate.
She's now passed out on my bed.
I[m too tired to sleep, yet i know this weekend is going to be tough. My god - another 15 days of this???

Got a blush out of her about the vibrators on display at Selfridges...
hehehehehehehehehehe.

OCD ADD

2007-10-02T11:43:00.000Z

Due to my sucker-for-punishment gene, I kindly obliged my boss on Monday night to stay on a few hours as Dave, one of the barmen couldn't come in. Ok, so he promised me £20 as well. I still need to see it - by the way. I was suppose to finish at 9. I finished after 12.
Let's recall that I only have one functioning arm.
I can't open a bottle of wine, carry heavy loads or flair bottles (not that I can normally, but it does sound cool)
So tonight, I had to work until close. I was fed up by 5pm already. So I suckered the asistant manager to let me go early -10pm.
I SHOULD be cleaning my room.
I'm watching the MCR concert from Projekt Revolution.
I SHOULD be writing cd reviews for my other website.
I posted a movie trailer instead.

I also realised, in a eureka moment spurned on by my slight red wine haze, that after trawling numerous websites and other emo related things, that DEPRESSION is not alqays the miserable child in the corner wearing black. Oh No!
In fact, depression is most commonly hidden by this little fucker:

So be warned..its the smiley fucking happy people of the world that are the most depressed.

Echo Falls California Blend

2007-10-01T00:01:00.000Z

I've realised that there is a lot wrong with my world.

Firstly, I may work 100hrs a week, but nonr of them seems productive. If I could spend as many hours behind my laptop as I do behind my bar, I'd be infamous!!!!

My hormones are back to normal this week, but the drama keeps coming...

Nats had 2 siezurs on Thursday night. Guess who spent the night in A&R with her..,yep, me. I had an hour's sleep before heading to work. Luckily Lou gave me her couch for another hour..so I had 2 hours of sleep to my name. For a Friday night. The one that has every chav from zone 6 decide to drop in and ask for Malibu. I really need my stupid people shirt!!!

Saturday saw me sleeping late then going to work from 9-4am...only to land cloak room duty, which isn't too bad, unless you have a book. I didn't - was bored stupid!!!!

Sunday ha dme back at work for a private function - full of stupid people once again, asking for Archers and lemonade. Dude, we didn;t have it the first time you asked!!!! Take a hint!!!

Now I'm home - 1am. Trying to get a gig together for next Tuesday, AS WELL AS do the well overdue cd reviews for WickedRock. BLEH!

My mom arrives in 4 sleepies, or in my time - a few hours - so i'm freaking out!! Have so much to do!! Apparently my dad sent some money for my birthday so if it's enough, I'm gonna use it for a tattoo!

Fucking A.

In the words of Motion City Soundtrack - I'm too tired to go to sleep, tonight/And I'm too tired to follow dreams tonight.

Love that band!!!

Padded Cell Time

2007-09-20T06:17:00.000Z

I swear I need to be locked up. If just for the safety of my customers today.

I have woken up in the foulest mood ever!!!! And its only 7am.
One half of me just wants to go back to bed and hide under the covers with a bag of snack sized mars bars.
The other half of me wants to rip the man in my bed to shreds for just being here, wants to OD on painkillers cos my wrist is killing me, my head still hurts, my throat is still raw and now I wake up with a fucking cold sore on my lip.

THANKS!

I don't need PMS this week. Or for the rest of my life. I'm pretty insane without it. But now, I'm just a mess. A hormonal ticking time bomb that will, despite being injured and sick, take out the first fucker who orders anything more complicated than a pint of beer. Pity the fate of the idiiot who asks for a single gin and tonic with only two blocks of ice, three wedges of lime and fat free tonic water.
Today, ladies and gents, you drink it the way I pour it.
Or go somewhere else.
And if you ask me for coffee....duck and run is my best piece of advice to you as I will probably throw the coffee machine at you instead of a mere latte.

BLEH!

Today, I hate the world and everyone in it. If I was near a red button attached to an atomic bomb, the world would end by lunchtime.

Good thing I'm not. I guess.
Now pass the fucking mars bars and leave me the fuck alone!!!!

I'm ready for Jackass

2007-09-16T11:26:00.000Z

A quick update on the injuries...

1 Black eye (left) swollen closed due to large bump on forehead.
1 hairlIne fracture of the right wrist. Large bulky cast in place...makes doing anything a mission.
1 large purple bruise on right leg.
multiple bruises on left leg.

aching all over.

Thankful for Neurofen enhanced with codiene.

My mother is going to kill me.

whats my age again???

2007-09-15T10:47:00.000Z

I'm 23. Right? Right?

Well, if I'm 23, why the hell am I waking up with a blue eye and sprained wrist? And dodgy recall from the night before?

thing is, I had planned to go to Underworld with a mate of mine. He let me down - again. Was really looking forward to it, so I proceeded to stand at teh end of the bar after my shift and neck three double Sailor Jerry's, along with some codiened Neurofen for my aching back.

This will come back to haunt me.

My mate Laura finished work at 10 and decided to take me out instead. We went to the Worlds End, where I made friends with some S'Affas and a few other guys, flirted wildly, drank more, blagged my way into the club downstairs for free and partied like there was no tomorrow.

I also stepped wrong, fell off the small platform and landed on my head. That explains the bump on my forhead and the blue eye. I think I landed on my wrist cos it hurts like hell!!! I'm battling to type here!!!

Got home in one piece, but now I need to go get a wrist support thingy before work tonight.

I think I'll go again next time I'm off!!! It was awesome.

Just need to make sure Eve the big ass nigerian bouncer isn't working. I think we got engaged...

Ghosts....

2007-09-13T01:29:00.000Z

So I'm on facebook and one of my "friends" puts a video on my wall. So I watch it and KAK myself!
Its a video showing a ghost appear. Its either really good amateur or that ghost was seriously pissed off.
But I still had a right old chill run right through me!!! Now I can't sleep.

Great.

Its 2:30am. I only have to be at work at 6pm, but I worked a doubel shift today, am exhausted, and I want to get up early to go for a job interview.

Guess I'll be staying up to watch old Angel episodes.

Dammit! I'm such a fucking wuss. Maybe because I know that ghosts exist. I just hate the being surprised when actually appear part. And can't they do something about resembling the rotting corpse thing? Really. A little respect towards thier appearance will make this whole interplane relationship go down a lot more smoothly. If ghosts want us to see and interact with them, appearing out of nowhere at night in the dark will NOT help thier cause.
It doesn't work for spiders. I'm not seeing any benefits for them either.

Fuck...Still spooked.

URGH!

Muse has left the building...

2007-09-10T00:55:00.000Z

I am a fucker.

Its my day off today having worked 27 hours in three days. That is roughly about..half my weekend. I'm exhausted and have a pile of laundry to do (and with my slow washer will take the ENTIRE day) as well as a list of To Do that is a mile long.
So one thinks I'll get cracking on.
right?

WRONG!

The clothes are in the washer. I've paid my rent. I'm supposed to be meeting a friend for supper and then afterwards, meeting another friend for a gig.
Would much rather be staying on my couch watching old episodes of Angel and listening to music by punk bands with sentimental lyrics.

My week ahead is a blur of double shifts - Tuesday to Saturday. AND I need to get flat hunting for a new place before my mom comes over in three weeks AND I still need to save money for that AS WELL AS keep the new website updated and tweaked and cool and amazing and great and just simply rocking!

All these commitments and ties and responsibilities should be getting me down...but you know what? I kind of need it. I thrive under this type of pressure. Bring it on!
Just as soon as I've finished my Angel marathon.

Little Gold Bands

2007-09-06T00:53:00.000Z

Ah Shit!
I was doing some link updates for wickedrock and came across a headline that made my little heart sink into my stomach...

Gerard Way of MCR got married on 3 Sept to a bassist called LinZ from the band Mindless Self Indulgence.

Nice birthday gift Gerard.
*has moment of pure and utter sadness*

Right. Now that that's over...moving on.

Had a FABULOUS birthday, thanks for asking. My facebook was full of messages wishing me well. It was good.
J spoilt me rotten!

We went to the London Dungeon where I was picked on by the Toture Chamber Guy. And no, he didn't know it was my special day. The whole place was rigged to be beyond creepy and I have to say, I was thoroughly creeped OUT!
After a delish lunch, we hit Tussauds where I hobnobbed with the rich and famous. Nealry got a date with Orlando Bloom too!

After Tussuads, we foudn another little pub and killed time until the show. yep, up in the nose bleed seats, I watched WICKED! What an awesome show!!! WOW! I wanna be on the west end now!

Anywho...

Ended the evening at the pub with a few more drinks. The world was a good and happy place.

Until...

This morning I was rudely awoken by some reprobate trying to break into my room. He had a crow bar and had forced the window open, fucking up the latch. Well, let's just say in my stupor I shouted at him to fuck off before falling out of bed to survey the damage. Jamie went back to sleep while I freaked out.
He made up for it by going out later and buying and installing new, better, stronger bolts onto my window.

I'm still going to move. Most definitely.

2007-08-29T00:44:00.000Z

I have just finished reading this:

And as it turns out, I'm too old to be a scenester.

Fuck.

How am I going to explain my 17yr old antics now???

I turn a ripe old 23 next week. And while my peers are getting steady jobs, buying cars, having weddings and babies (not always in that order), I think I may have missed a memo somewhere as I'm still acting very much the kid I was in school.
Oh God!
I'm turning into the guys from that movie Old School. Right?

Its a double edged sword or a catch 22, depending on how you look at it. Am I being left behind, to spend my life chasing musicians and working crappy jobs all for a dream that is by most accounts unattainable?
Or am I the adventurer sailing into uncharted, albeit, well documented in movies, territory as the terminally single goofball/oddball aunt/friend who even at her decrepid age still throws her bra at the stage (not that I've ever done that, I think.)
Have the strangest feeling am turning into Goldie Horn's character in The Banger Sisters. The eternal groupie...BandAid.

Responsibility, bills, suburbia, domesticity, and other such things have me hitting the brakes and then furiously peddalling backwards. (and yes, I know pedalling is spelt wrong)

Is this normal?

But then again, who wants normal?

I revel in my abnormality. In my twisted relationships, my mediocore job, and my guilty pleasures. They are the things that make me the one person in my group of friends that apparently, according to facebook anyway, everyone likes about me.

I guess I'm just the better version of my 17yr old self.

Fucking A!

NEW WEBSITE!!!!

2007-08-24T09:28:00.000Z

Hey There!!!

A New BlogSpot has started up!!!

Check it out - HERE

Blankie Thief

2007-08-24T07:49:00.000Z

I don't know about the rest of you, but I cannot share my bed. This recent revelation came to me at about 3am when, while the rest of the world was fast asleep, I was wide awake.
Not because I was surfing YouTube or writing my soon-to-be-pulitzer-prize-winning novel.

No.

It was because the guy I'm seeing is asleep next to me taking up most of my already small bed and on top of it, he's snoring.
And i'm feeling just a little claustraphobic.

Now, I'm usually the first one to want to cuddle, but sometimes a girl just wants to stretch out on the full extent of her not-quite-double-but-bigger-than-3/4 bed and snooze without the interruptions.

Not that I don't snore myself, but it's my room dammit and if that is an indication that I AM indeed sleeping, then leave me be! Its not everyday I sleep that deeply.

So yesterday I walk into Carphone Warehouse to get some airtime for my pay-as-you-go phone.
I walk out with a brand new phone and a contract.

I'm such a sucker!

But the phone is uber cool and free! And the contract costs less than what i'm spending now.

Still.

I'm a sucker.

Being this, I'm also working the most insane week of my life next week as over here Monday is a public holiday, which means everyone is either at the Carling Reading/Leeds fest, on the continent, or waiting in bated breath for the Notting Hill Carnival.

I'm going to neither. FUCK!

Instead, between shifts, birthday parties and juggling the men in my life, I'm going to be working on getting my new project off the ground. (and I'm not talking about project kidnap-Gerard-Way-for-a-weekend-in-the-Maldives project - that one's on hold until November)

Face it, We're all being tracked by the government.

2007-08-16T00:01:00.000Z

A few months ago, at the persistance of one of my mates, I joined Facebook thinking i was going to go through another MySpace thing of wierdos tryin to chat you up and bands sending you thier crappy GarageBand made music.

However, since joining, skeletons from my closet have surfaced and found me.
A very good friend from primary school is living in my city, my neighbour from when we were toddlers found me and my sisters friends have searched me out.

I'm startin to feel a little violated instead of connected.
If anyone can track you down, then the government must be having a field day with all the info. who's in which country illegally? Who is datin who? Who was really responsible for the walls of the biology lab being painted in cow feaces? (not me)

I guess with the world becoming so globalised, the chances of you running into someone you went to nursery school with at the local mall is very slim (unless you live in Carletonville)hence the need for a website like Facebook.

I'm in a boring mood today...ignore me.

Only my Mates will get it...

2007-08-13T09:55:00.000Z

Snausages: So, an E-flat, a G-flat, and a B-flat walk into a bar.
Snausages: And the bartender says,
Snausages: "I'm sorry, we don't serve minors."
Myke: That struck a chord.
Snausages: Careful with those puns, you'll get in treble.
Myke: But they're key to my humour.
Myke: And very noteworthy.

Oh Lordie...we need coffee

2007-08-12T04:20:00.000Z

A lot has happened recently, so where to start...

Its currently 5:22am and I haven't slept for 48hrs.

Why?

Well, firstly, I discovered to my absolute horror that there is a huge, i mean,HUGE motherfucking spider in my room. (ok, not techinically in my room now as its last known position was under the washing machine, BUT it started in my room)
I have a huge fear of all things crepy crawly, especially when they have 8 legs and are teh size of my hand...so I've kept an eye on my floor just to make sure it hasn't decided to return to its spot under my couch...

This vigil has been made far easier by my new toy - my Sony Vaio laptop. Thanks J for buying it for me...I'm gonna pay you back.

So i have spent my last free evening before a 66 hour working week surfin the internet (for what I'm not saying) and keeping an eye on a VERY LARGE SPIDER!
the sun is rising as I type this, and I have to be at work at 11am.

Intravenous coffee, please...

Fangirls and The Simpsons

2007-08-03T08:29:00.000Z

This morning, I dragged my hungover and exhausted ass oout of bed to get to the internet cafe early enough to buy tickets for the MCR show in November. I missed the standing tickets by a few seconds, but I was able to beat the fangirls to seated tickets - take that! BUYA! Now I'm broke but happy.

Ever wondered what you'd look like as a Simpsons character???
Check it out!!!

This is me:

Vacation Station

2007-08-01T02:50:00.000Z

So i'm working another one of those really long weeks. We're looking at a 12 day week here. No breaks!
And you know what? I don't mind. keeps me out of trouble.

I'm going to see Motion City Soundtrack in October. And if you don't know who they are, sort yourself out!! They are an awesome band from the states with lyrics along the lines of 'Let's get fucked up and die/I'm speaking figuratively of course...'
See thier MySpace here.

Another interesting spot from the music world is this.
Apparently, at a show recently, MCR front man Gerard, pulled guitarist Frank into a clinch that had most of the gay men in the audience salivating and the girls in the audience weak at the knees.
When asked about it, Gerard claimed he was getting Frank back for something he did. It was either somethins so bad that required public humiliation, or a publicity stunt. I'm going with publicity stunt as Frank has often found himself in a kinky clinch with Gerard during shows...Download anyone????

I know i've been away from the blogosphere lately, but the combination of work and lack of computer is not helping. I should be getting my own laptop soon and then i'll be back to my brilliant blogging ways. I'll also be coming out with way more album reviews.
So far, I can't stop raving about the Arctic Monkeys new album!! And the White Stripes. Go get them. NOW!!!

Just between you and me...

2007-07-23T08:04:00.000Z

I don't know if I should be sharing this with the rest of the world (ie all five of you) but I just found out that Gerard Way of My Chem has broken his engagment. Cue the collective sigh of relief from a gazillion female fans.

the article can be found here.

Onto other news...

Saw the new Harry Potter movie the other day.
Now, maybe its because I read the books and know the subtext and context etc so I could follow the movie pretty easily.
All the other people in the cinema, however, were very confused. Comments like 'why has Potter gone all emo?' and 'Why is he acting like and ass?'

Has everyone forgotten that Potter is 16 in the movie? He is acting like a 16 year old boy. Perfectly normal under the circumstances.

The movie itself also kicked ass. I was rolling with laughter. Now that the last book has come out, everyone is reading it. Except me. I'll wait til it comes out in cheap paperback.

Must go gift shopping for my mom tomorrow. Its her birthday on Friday and today is my mate's birthday - Jeff!! Happy Birthday mate!!!

The Soapbox Scene

2007-07-16T04:04:00.000Z

Picture the scene.
A classy, somewhat upmarket pub in the West End of London.
A shiny, marble bartop crammed with beers from all over Europe on tap.
Insano behind said bar wearing a T-Shirt that reads - I'm not fluent in Idiot, so speak slowly. She's leaning against the back fridge, crammed with ciders, watching the crowded bar, or more accurately, the wall clock. Only 3 more hours to go.

A young man walks upto the bar. not much to describe with other than the words - Oh no.He orders a drink. Insano pours said drink for him before placing on the and requesting the £3.50 payment.

'So, where you from?' he asks
'Guess' she says, rolling her eyes.
'Australia?'
'No.'
'New Zealand?'
'No.'
'Canada?'
'No...South Africa.'
'Really? You know the problem with...'

You have no idea how often I get lectured about all the wrongs of my own country and what I must do to fix it. Usually by some limey 'rude boy' who hasn't left his borough, nevermind London.
Throw into the argument that I alone developed and implemented apartheid, committed worse human rights violations than Mugabe and I'm a raging racist.
All because I'm a white South African.

The East End of London has been barred from my pub for abusive behaviour towards an employee.
And for thier own safety - I throw a mean right hook.

It's amazing that in this day and age of internet and free information, people choose to remain ignorant on teh history and cultures of other countries. Sjy News is not the be all and end all in information.
In the words of Frank - You need to keep an open mind, my friend.

Fingers crossed...my cv is going to a potential employer today.

It's also the wettest summer...ever! My tan is suffering.

Onto Music:
Maroon 5's new single 'Makes Me Wonder'

I loved the first Album - Songs About Jane. The lyrics were sensual and intelligent. The music smooth and easy.

This new album? The songs have fallen into the disney school of songwriting - Lame lyrics, bubblegum pop tumes and Adam sings like Micky Mouse.
BLEH!

Its a Dogs Life

2007-07-08T08:43:00.000Z

Watch and Enjoy - the new music video from pop punkers Fall Out Boy. Note how Pete looks a little like Frank Iero with his long hair. (I'm going get my arse kicked for that comment)

BUT!

If you have trouble, along with the rest of the world, understanding what exactly Patrick Stump is singing, here are the lyrics.

The Take Over, The Breaks Over Lyrics

True Eventfulness

2007-07-06T01:34:00.000Z

I love the 24hr internet cafe in Tottenham Court Road.

Why?

Cos it's open 24hrs a day.
How do I know this?
Cos it's 2:35am and I'm in here watching YouTube and flat/job hunting.

Now if only they had coffee...

Annie sang it

2007-07-02T10:53:00.000Z

I've had a very depressing day...and it's only lunchtime.

Went to a recruitment company to register to see if I can get a normal job - no go. Apparently due to visa restraints, they couldn't accept me. Why do I feel the pub cliche is really starting to creep over me just like that silver/black stuff in Spiderman 3?
Should I throw in the towel, and just submit to the bar job? Or should I keep fighting an uphill battle?

So, my godsister is in town this week. I'm going to see if I can hang out with her over the weekend. It'll be nice to see her again.

I've also decided that I love my internet cafe.
It sits upstairs in this uber cool video store that has all these cult/classic movies and they play all my fave music on the pa system - Blues, jazz, white stripes. Nothing better than some good tunes when you're surfing soul destroying employment sites.

I love that its summer (despite the continuous rain).
I love the new White Stripes album.
I love my new purple linen.
I love kittens and raindrops on roses.
I love being able to pay my rent.

I'm going to rise above my bad mood and embrace what I have - erm....give me a few seconds here...
Fuck it...Pass the Haagen Das please.

Cos I have nothing new to say

2007-07-01T03:14:00.000Z

This is one of my fave MiniMCR strips...

If you like these little works of love, follow the link on the right or click right here

Jelly Tots

2007-06-25T05:35:00.000Z

Lots has been happening recently...

Ok, so no job has come into view, but I have been applying. Moving on.

My haircut keeps getting compliments from everyone! Yay me!
I'm not working as insane hours anymore and I think i've developed an immunity to caffiene (again).
Hit Portabello Market with my mate Alex yesterday and found the most gorgeous jasper and silver ring.

The new Motion City Soundtrack single has been released and teh video is HERE!!
I love this band and can't wait to see them in October!!!

There has been a lot of panning by the critics to the new Icky Thump album by teh White Stripes. I think it's pretty unfair as they keep measuring it against The Raconteurs (Jack's other band). The point is, that the White Stripes are SUPPOSED to sound like they do on this album, cos it's a WHITE STRIPES album, not The Raconteurs!!! Anyway, here's the single's video:

Also in the news: My Chemical Romance is starting work on thier next album. YAY! We may only see it in 2010 though, given the extent of thier touring which is going to be until the summer next year.

Well, I'm off to watch Pirates 3. AAAARGH!

Stoopid!

2007-06-12T05:07:00.000Z

So the White Stripes released thier first single 'Rag & Bone' on a limited edition red vinyl 7".

Fab.

If only I could coax my dvd player into opening wide enough to accept it. DOH!

Spent this week doing 4 double shifts in a row. I've clocked up about 66hrs a week in working. I had two days off, but being a sucker and laptop-less, I decided to take two single shifts covering today and tomorrow before my next double shift session starts.

Stoopid.

Speaking of...

I'm tired of dealing with the Stoopid people making Stoopid requests and asking Stoopid questions. Yes, they do exist.

No, we don't sell Malibu/Archers/J2O.

Which of the 15 types of brand lager do you want?

Ice with that?

No, I don't want to make you a cup of coffee - Starbucks is right next door. So fuck off!

Strangely enough, I can deal with this level of ignoramousy from the comfort of a desk, behind a computer screen, but not when I've been on my feet for nearly 15 hrs, emitting seven types of eau de booze, my fingers are raw from being plunged alternately into hot steam or ice and my face is shiny enough to require patrons to wear sunglasses when ordering.

I don't give a shit if you want two or four blocks of ice in your drink. I don't care if you only drink through a straw - cos we've run out. You ordered a vodka cranberry and so you will drink it the way I serve it.

Why?

Cos I'm the barman, and I'm always right.

Innit?

Engaged....Outraged

2007-06-04T10:18:00.001Z

I know that when someone you like gets engaged or married, there are two options.

1) Put your heart on the line and tell them, secretly hoping they'll break the engagement and sweep you off your feet.

2) Brood about it over a cup of hot chocolate liberally enhanced with rum, shrug your shoulders, wish them the best and get on with yoru life.

Gerard Way is engaged.

I'm taking option number 2.But only cos I'm a nice person and not deranged enough to actually track him down at the Muse gig on Sunday, kidnap him and then elope. I'd never consider the ways of getting past security, what natural drug i'd use to sedate him or which chapel to steal him away to.

I'm really not that mad.
Really.

Moving on...

Went to the first international football game at the New Wembley Stadium on Friday night. Saw Beckham in the flash.
He was all of 3 inches tall.
Apparently my ticket stub will be able to cover my rent in ten years time.
Couldn't it cover it now????

Still job hunting. Need to get out of the pub before I climb over the bar counter and strangle the next customer who asks a stupid question!!!!

Teenagers

2007-05-30T03:27:00.000Z

New MCR video...launched in New Zealand first...fuckers...

Watch and enjoy.

Summer in London

2007-05-25T03:37:00.000Z

Overcast yet humid, stuffy buses, stuffier tube, shorts on everyone including the booty-;icious size 28 sistas with cornrow beehives and the 80 yr old colonial pensioner showing off thier wrinkled knees and spotted, skinny legs.

Yep, Lonodn is beautiful.

Summer also brings with it festival season. And there is a festival for everyone from nu-ravers to old rockers and I want to gho to them all.

I want to rock out at Download to screamo rock.
I want to dig out my 10 yer old day GLo outfits and try my nu-rave mov es at teh indie raver tent at Reading. - Granted, I may need new Day Glo as mine seems to have faded, a lot.
I want to trample around in wellies, beer in hand, head on another planet, watching gigs with other revellers. That's what the whole point of summer in europe is!!!

The crux is, I feeli like the kid who got left at school while everyone else got to go on the field trip.
Tickets are sold out, I'm broke and I have no one to go with me anyway...

But there's always next year...

And I also prefer AAA access...call me spoilt!

Pawned...

2007-05-23T01:37:00.000Z

It is with a sad and heavy heart (albeit light purse) that I hearby post this sad note:

My DVD collection is up for sale. I'm not too sure about eBay, but I will be parting ways with my collection of Audrey Hepburns classics, Viva La Bam season 2, Supernatural season 1, Clerks X, Romantic Comedies by the dozen and of course, the i-want-to-sit-and-listen-to-country-my-heart-is-so-broken one; Buffy the Vampire Slayer series box set.

But at least I will not be evicted from my room.

Excuse me while I go pine away to the screams of emo music.

Fun New Things

2007-05-23T01:27:00.000Z

I've been a little self pitying in the last few weeks, but can anyone really blame me?
er..ok.
Fine.
Taking blame like a big girl.

Over it.

So, I was going on about Minimcr, this wicked fantoon that I found and after a quick email, was given permission to show her hilarious artwork on my blog. Yay!
Mind you, you have to be a My Chemical Romance fan to appreciate the tongue-in-cheek manner of the toons. For example:

And of course you're bopping to Avril Lavigne's new single...I'm still dubious about the dance routine in the video itself, but it does get under your skin...

There's also the new Icky Thump video from The White Stripes. They Rock and anyone who thinks otherwise, can meet me behind The Phoenix after this for a little chat.
It hasn't made it onto YouTube yet, but I will show you all the moment it is!

Communism is looking good....

2007-05-21T03:14:00.000Z

So, not only do I slog my ass off but I get underpaid!!! I got screwed out of 11hrs work, which would have been my rent money!!!

Onto happy news:

There are two videos of a new interview with the awesome Gerard Way and Frank Iero on SURS at Bamboozle. Check out the two part interview here and here

Another cool thing I found was a fansite that has a comic series of our fave band:
Read them here!

I've also been job hunting like mad seeing as how this whole bar work is not working for me on a full time basis.

And the date...
It was nice.
He was very sweet, funny, intelligent and nice.
I'll give it a few more dates and see where it goes.
But there aren't any butterflies. I'd like butterflies.

And its still pissing down with rain.

Bring on the shoulder pads...

2007-05-18T02:02:00.000Z

Today is my first day back into the swing of 9-5. I should be dreading it, but for some strange reason, I’m feeling pretty upbeat about it.
Ok, so I’m a little bored at the moment because my workload is well, nil and I’m not technically supposed to surf the internet, which quadruples my boredom by a gazillion!
How can I not surf? There are new pictures to find on Buzznet and blogs to read and MySpace to explore and of course a ton of other time consuming things I can do that will make my day fly by!

I did manage to get a few hours of surfing in before being told it was a no-no, so I was able to catch up on what was going on in the world… such as:

Fall Out Boy is heading out to Uganda to highlight the work of a charity called Invisible Children. It supports children abandoned during the recent war in the country.
At least Pete is putting his face to some good use. Just, please, no one tell Angelina Jolie…she might adopt the entire country.

Ever wonder who was responsible for the recent rise in Emo bands? I have discovered that we have no one else to blame but The Smashing Pumpkins.
Yep.
The Pumpkins are reuniting (barring bassist D’Arcy) and MySpace Music thought it would be a fab idea to put together a tribute album for them. The contributors are all bands who were influenced by the Pumpkins in a major way, and looking at the list, we now know who to direct our dirty stares at.

Contributors:
30 Seconds to Mars
Hawthorne Heights
Panic! At The Disco
Academy Is…
+ 44
Deftones
My Chemical Romance

And just for the record, I happen to be a huge Pumpkins fan…

I also found my new favourite online comic – Mini MCR.
Basically it’s the scribblings of a UK based fangirl of the band and her comics generally take the piss but in a great way. Check it out!

Onto my life….
Last night was “Asshole” night at the pub. Every moron, chop, pleb and chauvinist in the Greater London area decided to have a drink at the Phoenix last night and pick on the staff. More than once I envisioned myself a Tarantino-esque heroine, shotgun in hand, splattering bloody brain matter belonging to the next puta who decided to come to the bar. And I wouldn’t blink an eyelid.
There would of course be blood everywhere. Except in the drinks.
Patron: Malibu and coke.
Insano: *pulls shotgun trigger, causing buckshot to shred patron’s head* We don’t sell Malibu here. Focker.

Patron2: Pint of lager.
Insano: *repeats above action* Give me a brand, puta. We sell 11 different lagers.

Patron3: Glass of wine.
Insano: *whilst smashing every available bottle of wine over patron’s head* Large or small? Red or White? Merlot or Sauvignon Blanc?

And you know what? I wasn’t even PMS’y.

Today at lunchtime I took a stroll down Wimpole street and to my utter delight, the sun was shining, burning away my body’s idea to evolve gills for me. My mood lifted instantly. I swear, I smiled at a cabbie or two. It was amazing!

Empty Days...

2007-05-17T03:07:00.000Z

I've whined about it before, and yet again, I shall whine....

I want my computer!!! I want my computer!!!
I miss the clickty clacking of the keys, the world of the internet and the infinite possibilities it holds. Dammit!!!

So I start work tomorrow morning in Wimpole str. Wish me luck!

In the meantime, bleow is the new single from The Used. Granted, Bert McKracken is not the hottest singer out there..(reminds me of a grungy Cobain) but thier songs are tight!

Bargain Hunting

2007-05-15T02:45:00.000Z

One of the fascinating things about the british is thier fondness of buying from a catalogue. Call me crazy, but I prefer to handle the goods prior to purchase.

Argos and Ikea are teh two major homeware places to go when furnishing one's home.

So Louis had to furnish her flat - the one above the Phoenix where I have been a temporary flatmate- with a few essentials eg a kettle, crockery, cutlery etc...

She takes me to Argos in Oxford Street. I was ready to grab a trolley and stroll up and down aisles a la Dion/Game in SA.

Instead, we went upto a counter that housed a keypad and a huge catalogue. (the Laminated Book of Dreams).

She then chose the items she wanted, filled in a little piece of paper, paid and then they brought the goods to a collection counter. We then wrestled our way down Oxford street carrying the goodies. This is no mean feat...Oxford street is awful!!! Everyone pushing to get to where they want to go, fucking tourists stopping dead in the middle of the pavement to gawk! Get a move on here!!!!

Onto other news...

I'm officially moved into my new flat - see pics below. I'm still moving my boxes one at a time from Nat's place to my new one..but at least today is my day off, so i can get far more done. Like laundry. ugh!

Dunno if I should mention this, but I have a date on Sunday.

The job hunt continues... Start working on Wimpole Str on Friday as a receptionist and one of the regulars at The Dignity (the third pub I work for) is a recruitment consultant and has asked for my CV. In the meantime, the three pubs are keeping me busy.

I miss my laptop.

Catch Up

2007-05-11T11:05:00.000Z

Things have been a little hectic of late.

This little insano has been flat hunting, job hunting and sleep hunting for the past few weeks.
Results?
Flat found - move in tomorrow.
Job found - start Monday
Sleep - pending.

The past few weeks have really shown me the amazing support system that can be built up by not pissing people off and working one's arse off.
For example...

I started working at the pub in December on a part time basis. Did my job well, didn't screw anyone over and generally had fun. When they found out my full time job was no longer there, immediate offers of full time employment was given.
Not only that, but my manager and mate gave me a couch to sleep on while I went about looking for a flat.
I guess, in a way, I really enjoy working in a bar. Just wish it paid more! The hours are awful, my feet and legs are in constant pain and the customers don't tip, but there's something theraputic about pouring that perfect pint and uber cool about mixing drinks.

Ok, I blame Tom Cruise and that movie of his - Cocktails. To a six year old, being a carribean barman is the ultimate cool thing.

I would rant, but i don't have the energy. Need to save it for tonight's shift. And tomorrow morning's move as well as tomorrow night's shift and I think i'm working Sunday too. Oh well, no rest for the broke.

But below are two vids I recommend...

I give you the new White Stripes single - Icky Thump.
About bloody time.

And here is the preview to the MCR video for Teenagers. Can't wait for the full vid to hit our broadband-waves!!! May 15 2007

In Review

2007-05-04T11:23:00.000Z

I just realised that I haven't mentioned anything about my insane vacation!

Here is the abridged cos I only have 20minutes left version:

1st weekend - 5- 9 April 2007
Left Gatwick airport after "donating" some of my luggage as it was deemed overweight. This included two pairs of jeans, old tekkies and my towel as well as my toiletries.
Landed on a warm Jozi day, went straight to the mall, bought new jeans and el cheapo tekkies for Splashy Fen.
Drove down to Splashy Fen. Spent first night in teh car.
Next day, after blantantly refusing to waltz around in a pink nurses uniform, Mike gave me a red t-shirt with a white first aid cross on it and a nurses hat. Proceeded to walk around the whoel day sellign cd's and drinking beer.
Day two was pretty much the same, although I had a friend in tow to keep me company. He got funnelled at one camp and had red sambuca lit in his mouth at another. Not bad for this 17yr old's first Splashy. My mom's two brothers came along with thier brood and just added to the mayhem. These grown men are still juvenile delinquents at heart.
Spent the entire fest in teh same jeans, living on wetwipe baths and fresh underwear.
Only got to see Sunday night's line up which was superb!
Harris Tweed, Chris Chameleon, Taxi Violence, and Lark kicked ass!!

2nd weekend - 13-16th April
It was Craig's 21st birthday party. Morrocan theme.
Having spent most of the week looking for something to wear, settled on beaded slip on's and gypsy skirt with a lot of scarves.
Got really hammered.
Went to the Doors afterwards where I yet again made an ass of myself. Severely hungover on the Sunday.

3rd weekend - 21-23 April
Lollipops 21st. Pirate theme.
Spent the whole day setting up and making teh awesome champers cocktails.
Drank a lot, DJ'ed, Lollipop disappeared, then her friend's punked out.
Saw birthday girl in hospital, where she sang Rehab while as high as a kite on painkillers.

4th weekend - 26 - 30 April
Went down to Sodwana Bay.
Pissed with rain the first two night.
On teh second night our tent ripped due to the storm. Promptly booked into a B'nB nearby for the rest of the weekend.

Came home.

Flight back was cancelled. Took later flight on SAA.

And that was my trip home!

Linkin Park played the AStoria last night. Wanted to go, but didn't have money and was exhausted from flat hunting. Still...it was a you-had-to-be-there moment.

Back on Form

2007-05-03T00:21:00.000Z

House Hunting is the singularly most depressing thing to do..ever!

Onto interesting news...

Turns out the boys of My Chemical Romance and fellow tour mates Muse have been struck down by a serious case of food poisoning. Seeing as how they were all chowing down on gourmet vegetarian dishes, makes one wonder what exactly caused the break(down)out. No seafood, no chicken, just veggies.
Well, here's hoping they all get well soon and get back on the road.

Have much to rant about but no energy or time to do so.

So move onto YouTube from here and see what's playing.

Withdrawal Symptoms

2007-05-02T11:14:00.000Z

Ahh, it's good to be back in the land of broadband. One click instant access broadband.

It has however, been noted that I suffer severe internet withdrawal symptoms. How bad? Well, after a week without internet I would run these blogesque silyloques (i know it's spelt wrong) through my head, by week two, I was typing out things on my legs, by week three, I had gone into complete lack of information meltdown.

What was happening in the world? What had my fave rockers gotten up to now? What albums had been released? Who was being an ass on YouTube? Important matters that I couldn't find the answers to!!

But now I'm back. YAY!

And the news I've been able to find out, thanks to the brilliant Miss Modern Age, is this...

Pete Fall Out Boy Wentz has opened an alternative club. Well, it would be alternative if it weren't for the hordes of teenage girls waiting outside for a glimpse of People's hottest man of 2007. (sic)

Apparently Frank Iero of My Chemical Romance is rumoured to have married in Feb already. I'm still tryingto suss the facts on that one.

And finally...
The book for the summer has got to be: Everybody Hurts.

Written by the editor and chief contributor of Alternative Press Magazine, it gives those of us ignorant abotu the emo culture, a little insight, while keeping it's tongue firmly in it's cheek.

I'm also still job and flat hunting. The flat hunting part being of some urgency now.

Will do a nice long post about the debauchery of April at a later stage.

No Man's Land

2007-04-25T09:40:00.000Z

What a holiday i've had so far!

Two 21st birthday parties.
One music festival
One weekend on the coast.

Yet can't wait to get back to the UK.
Ok, more precisely, can't wait to get back to the land of BroadBand!!

Missing everyone in blogsville. Hope you're all still alive, kicking, screaming and blogging.

Cheers for now,

Insano

The Groupie in Me.

2007-04-10T07:38:00.000Z

Ok, as promised, I'm about to tell you about how this little insomniac got to watch her favourite band.

It all started last week wednesday when I saw on myspace that they were playing a secret gig at Koko and that you could only win tickets.
So I entered...and entered...and entered again. Rinse and repeat.

Turns out I didn't win.

So my mate Louis and I decided that even though we couldn't go see them play, the chance to see them...just see them...would be worth it.
So we set up our stake out in the pub adjoining Koko. This is the usual spot for the crew and sometimes lesser known bands to hang out.
I had an interview in the morning but by lunchtime we were both ensconced in a booth by the window with a good view of the street.
We also decided to keep an eye out for any minivans with tinted windows.

An hour later one pulls up. Louis and I race outside and end up standing not even a meter from the van when the door slides open and Bob (drums), Frank (rythm guitar), and Mikey (bass) emerge and basically high tail it inside.
We wanted to say 'Hi', and other cool things, but we were afraid of the inevitable stupid gene will kick in and make us say something stupid like 'I want to have your children!'. Also, my throat just squeezed shut, so I could barely croak.
The band didn't stop to sign autographs or anything as they were running late. DAMMIT!!

Louis and I retreated back inside the pub to await the second car carrying Gerard (frontman) and Ray (lead guitar). An hour later they arrive.
This time I remembered my cellphone and ran outside only to have it freeze on me!! But at least I saw Ray and Gerard...close up..ish.

Back to the pub. And there we sat, watching the line grow and stretch past our window, our hearts sinking with each arrival of more 14 year olds!

Suddenly some guy walks in flashing tickets. He was a tout. How the fuck he got the tickets if you couldn't buy them was beyond me. His story was that his daughter won them...a lot of them.

By now, I was quite a few pints down. I haggled, settled on a price and had to race to the ATM to draw the cash. By the time I got back, he only had one ticket left! Louis had left about an hour ago to run an errand and I was sitting with Sy when this went down.
So I bought the ticket. But it really really broke my heart to go alone!

But I went.

Pushed my way as far forward as I could. Took far too many blurry photos cos the crowd had fused at the hip and whereever teh kids moved, I was moved to. I may have a cracked rib due to this.
The last few songs had me on the balcony, getting better pics and pissing this one woman off who was sitting in front of me. Sorry? Sitting? at an MCR gig? old cow!

The show was great! check out the links to see footage! I can see my hand in one of the clips!!!!

Retreated back to the pub where I had another pint, discussed bringing them to SA with teh stage manager, somehow was given the general manager of Koko's business card and woke up to find a huge poster in my room. It was a good night.

Guess where I was on Monday...

2007-04-04T10:11:00.000Z

I was here!

In the front left block.

Fucking A.

Will elaborate in my next post.

The War of the Jeans

2007-03-29T11:06:00.000Z

So spending more time at the flat has its advantages.

I get to do my laundry more often, which means I have more clothes to wear.

However, I am havinga slight...no, major issue with flatmate P. Apparently we wear teh same size jeans (I wear guys jeans, cos they're more comfortable). Now, somewhere along the line, he decided that my jeans are also his jeans, and has been helping himself to my freshly laundered ones when he needs them.

THE FUCKER!!!!

No wonder I hardly had clothes to wear!!

So from today, I will be watching my jeans dry and then hiding them once dry.

Other news...My Chemical Romance is in town, again, this time playing at Wembley area. I don't have tickets.
But I have a lot of free time.
Now, how do you get to Wembley???

The job hunt continues....

Fall Out Boy - Thnks fr th mmrs

2007-03-26T02:40:00.000Z

New hilarious video from Fall Out Boy. Well worth the watch.

YAAAAAAWWWNNNN

2007-03-26T01:54:00.000Z

I'm writing this from an internet cafe.

Why?

My contract got terminated.
I don't have a personal laptop.

This means I get shortpaid by a week,
I don't have anything to listen to my music on,
Can't watch DVDs while getting drunk in my room waiting for the 4th to show up,
Am bored stupid.

I hate semi unemployment...
(I still have the pub job though...)

Was up until 3:30am watching british television...made me feel suicidal. Yes, the BBC is THAT bad.
Trying to avoid the flat today as am getting cabin fever. Kind of sucks when all you want to do is wallow in self pity, watch Audrey Hepburn movies, listen to rock music and drink far too much wine.

So have taken my sad ass out of the flat, into Camden Town to mosie about the markets and maybe take in the sun on Primrose Hill Park.

Despite having the time to do all of this, i prefer working.

Am I a sick puppy or what?

Dear Big Concerts...

2007-03-22T11:32:00.001Z

Dear Big Concerts,

As the premier (read only) international live show facilitator in South Africa, I think your company is lacking in a few areas.
Namely logistics and research.

Lets start with logistics.
You ran out of beer at last years Colab. You either over estimate or under estimate crowd attendance for gigs and then go on to book venues that are entirely unsuitable.
You either undersell or over hype events.
In effect, you haven’t found the right balance for your advertising and promotions.

Research.
Do you do ANY research, at all? If you do, fire that person immediately! They are obviously not paying attention to social trends or what the public wants. When was the last time they even went to a gig not sponsored by 5fm?

You work with 5fm.

You are obviously losing money, seeing as how your ticket prices are the far side of exhorbitant, that even touts find it hard to sell them.

You obviously need a good kick up the arse.

So hire me immediately!

Thank you,

Insano.

What I knew all along...

2007-03-22T11:27:00.000Z

This is going to be a long post, so bear with me…if you will.

Firstly, scientists confirm what we’ve known all along.

'Heavy Metal soothes teens'
22/03/2007 09:44 - (SA)
London - Teenagers who lock themselves in their bedrooms to blast out heavy metal music may simply be trying to cope with the pressures of being gifted, according to British research reported on Wednesday.
The study said that teenagers often work off the stresses and strains of being a bright outsider by listening to bands such as System Of A Down, Slipknot and Tool.
Researchers questioned more than 1 000 members of the National Academy for Gifted and Talented Youth, whose members rank among the brightest five percent of youngsters in Britain.
"There is a perception of gifted and talented students as being into classical music and spending a lot of time reading.
"I think that is an inaccurate stereotype," Stuart Cadwallader, a University of Warwick psychologist who is presenting the findings to the British Psychological Society Wednesday, told the Daily Telegraph.
"We are looking at a group with lower than average self-esteem that does not feel quite as well adjusted.
"They feel more stressed out and turn to heavy metal as a way of relieving that stress."
Cadwallader added that heavy metal fans often appreciate the "complex and sometimes political themes" of the music.
"It has a tendency to worry adults a bit but I think it's just a cathartic thing," he said.
"It does not indicate problems."
Many of heavy metal's biggest stars are closet geeks - Brian May, guitarist with Queen, is currently finishing a doctorate in astrophysics, while Iron Maiden star Bruce Dickinson is a history graduate, international fencer and qualified commercial pilot.

I think my playlist says it all…

Moving on, but staying in the music world…

Apparently, the MTV show TRL (Total Request Live) is going to be taped and aired in future. MTV says it’s cheaper this way.
Funny, that, seeing as how it is the most popular show on MTV due to its interactive aspect where you as a teenybopper fan can sms questions to whichever band happens to be visiting the Times Square studio that day.
In terms of advancement in media, MTV is taking a step backwards. But then again, they are owned by Viacom…

Which brings me onto another question…
If the UK is being treated to the single ‘I Don’t Love You’ by My Chemical Romance, then which single are they releasing to the rest of the world?
Is it fair to release certain tracks to certain countries only?
Can the record company then be upset for the copious video sharing that goes on?
Hmmm…

Plug It In

2007-03-21T11:01:00.000Z

In a shameless appeal and plug for good SA music, I am asking you, my readers, to help out a great SA band - Movie55.

Download thier 3rd single here

Singer, Garret Boone, and drummer, Roger Erian, formed the band in 2001. They were originally a cover band, entertaining audience’s country wide, but soon found their thirst for their own original music became overwhelming. They started to concentrate on their originals, with the cover band becoming a sideline project.

Movie55 released “Anyone in There” shortly thereafter and the song quickly climbed to no. 3 on the High5@5 music chart on 5fm as well as getting many hours on TUKSfm. The single created a massive stir among their fans and the release of their album, Anyone in There, was hugely anticipated. Since then, two new members have joined the band, and they are here to stay.

Movie55’s guitarist, Raoul Roux teamed up with Roger and Garret in 2004 and has never looked back since. Anton Beukes arrived on the scene three months later. Movie55 have since been in studio recording their latest album, Save Myself, which they completed in December 2005. All four members contribute to their highly original sound due to their extreme talent and diverse personalities.

Their hit single ‘Save Myself’ is, or has been, played on KofsiesFM, PukFM, RMR Radio, East Coast Radio, UCT Radio, and RSG. Movie55’s first music video is screened on MK89. Save Myself was also a featured cd on Barney Simon’s SA Show on Radio 2000 and on UCT (4 tracks played on each).

This is a very exciting time for this extremely talented band, Movie55 are ready to take the world by storm, Watch out for this band, they truly will blow you away with their stage presence, their musical genius, their moving lyrics and melodies, and with their dedication and talent.

Movie55 was rated one of the highlights of the White Mountain Music Festival line-up and will perform at Splashy Fen Music Festival in April 2007. 1100 cds have been sold at their gigs.

For more information on each individual member plus free mp3 and video downloads, please visit www.myspace.com/movie55.