Like the rest of the world, all of us at Grazia were really saddened by the death of Robin Williams. Since he touched all of us through his inspiring performances at one point in our lives, we decided to pay tribute to the screen legend.  Here is the Grazia team’s favourite Robin Williams movies and why they loved it.

When I was little we didn’t have a TV at home so going to my granny was extra special because she always rented videos for us. I will never forget lying on the couch with my gran and 2 sisters watching Mrs Doubtfire. And every time I have caught it on TV since then, I end up watching it again and again. I just love it. - Cheska Stark (Digital Editor)

Mrs Doubtfire for sure… Who wouldn’t have wanted her as a nanny growing up. I think I watched that movie once a week when it came out. - Nonki Xapile (Junior Fashion Editor)

What Dreams May Come, it totally touches the hopeless romantic side of me! -Mbali Soga (Beauty Editor)

It’s hard for me to choose just one. Each and every one of his movies formed a part of my childhood. From Aladdin, to Jack to Mrs Doubtfire and Jumanji. I must have seen them all about 40 times. Right now, the one I keep thinking of is What Dreams May Come. I imagine him in a heaven where he’s reunited with his pals John Belushi and Christopher Reeves. I see them all having a massive laugh, with Robin finally being happy and not haunted by his demons. That’s how I’d like to remember him – as finally being free.  - Sonja Raath (Deputy Editor)

 I don’t think I can choose one favourite. Every movie of his that I loved came at the right time in my life. Mrs. Doubtfire when I needed a good loud laugh. Dead Poets Society I watched in high school, such an important time for me, it held depth and meaning, and affected me more than I think. Aladdin, well that’s just a classic and so fun. Birdcage – one of my most favourite movies, everyone must watch it. He’s brilliant, and flamboyantly gay – bravo! Jumanji was scary, but my siblings and I were obsessed with it. I cannot chose one. Robin Williams is incredible, and his upbeat energy is contagious. I’m terribly saddened by his passing, and the fact that’ll never meet him – but my heart warms up thinking about him. I feel like this coming weekend will be dedicated to the above movies. RIP Robin Williams, you are missed. –  Araffa Mpungwe (Beauty Assistant)

Aladdin, I was (truthfully still am) obsessed with Jasmine. I even asked my mom to paint my wall with Aladdin and Jasmine on their magic carpet for my bedroom. I also had Jasmine clothes from Woolies! I was in Grade 2 when It came out, and I remember watching it with my brother at least 10 times during our school holidays.  - Michelle Cory (Senior Designer)

Robin Williams as Genie in Aladdin. I know all the words to his first song in the movie (when he comes out of the lamp for the first time). Genie made that movie. His wit and one liners were hilarious and no one could have done a better job than Robin Williams. – Denise  Khoele (Junior Designer)

Dead Poets Society, I could watch that movie a million times and never get tired of it! Such an inspirational movie. - Amber Ham (Fashion Assistant)

Dead Poets Society.  Professor John Keats was a constant voice in my head growing up, “seize the day, make your life extraordinary”. He was an embodiment of my obsession with the power of words and english literature, and reinforced my choice to major in it years later.  - Saskia Bruinders (Digital Editor)

Good Will Hunting and Hook, I like movies with  happy endings! Although he was brilliant in it, Patch Adams was just too sad… and I was unhappy at the end of Mrs Doubtfire as well. – Mathilda van Graan (Publishing Manager)

Honestly, I didn’t realize until Tuesday’s tragic news broke just how much of an impact Robin Williams made on me during my life. Looking back, he was a constant presence during pretty much all of my childhood and adolescence. And that means I can’t really pick an all-time favourite Robin Williams film. How do you choose between Toys, Hook or Mrs Doubtfire? Or Dead Poets Society and Good Morning Vietnam? You don’t. You watch them all. But, I’ll definitely be re-watching Death To Smoochy and One Hour Photo this weekend. No one will argue that they’re his greatest roles, but they’ll always be favourites of mine.  - Guinevere Davies (Senior Writer)

This is a really tough one for me because he was one of my favourite actors. So, I have a tie between Mrs. Doubtfire and Patch Adams. Firstly, he reminds me SO much of my own dad in terms of looks and mannerisms when it comes to with how he deals with people especially children, so Robin Williams’ death was almost personal to me because he has always had a special place in my heart. In both movies he puts the kids first (whether it be his own or the kids that are patients) and just like Mrs. Doubtfire, my dad will do anything when it comes to spending time with my sister and I . Patch Adams succeeds in making me cry every.single.time. He stands up for what he believes in even when it means standing up alone and has the courage to genuinely follow his dream. Once again something my dad has always instilled and encouraged me and my sister to do. It sounds cliché, but I don’t care, it’s true! RIP to an amazing acting legend. – Wilmarie van der Merwe (Digital & Marketing Assistant)

M-Net Movies Showcase channel 108 on DStv will be screening a special tribute in memory of the legendary comedian. You can watch the following Robin Williams movies this weekend on Saturday, August 16 and Sunday, August 17:

Saturday 16 August 2014

14:45     Robots

16:15     Hook

18:45     Happy Feet

20:45     Good Will Hunting

23:00     Deconstructing Harry

Sunday 17 August 2014

11:45     Awakenings

14:00     The Big Wedding

15:30     The Fisher King

18:00     Good Morning Vietnam

Sandton’s favourite eco-friendly music festival returns to Sandton Central Park, Saturday 23 August

Nokia Rise & Shine is proud to present:

AL BAIRRE

SHORTSTRAW

ZEBRA & GIRAFFE

MATTHEW MOLE

FLOAT PARADE

NAKHANE TOURE

DEATH BY MISADVENTURE

RUNAWAY TRAIN CULT

Gates open bright and early at 8am. Our wonderful Yogi, Karen, will host a light Yoga session on the lawn at 9am, before a full day of music, food, nature and friends. Delicious cuisine will be provided by a number of high-end vendors sourced from the top food & design markets.

Sandton Central Park is on the corner of Grayston & Sandton Drives, with the entrance to the Park on 5th Street. It is a short 2km tuk-tuk ride from Sandton’s Gautrain Station – a great eco-friendly way to arrive. Parking is available at Nelson Mandela Square and Sandton City for a flat fee of R10.

Nokia Rise & Shine, in association with Johannesburg City Parks, plant 1 tree for every 50 people who attend. The event has raised 227 trees since its inception, resulting in a Green Footprint.

TICKET INFO: 

R100 – Limited early-bird online pre-sale

R150 – Online pre-sale – www.riseshinefest.co.za

R250 – ‘Green Ticket’ Online pre-sale (includes a tree planted on your behalf)

R200 – At the Gate

Children under 12 are welcome free of charge accompanied by an adult

No 13 – 18 year olds

No food or drinks allowed through the gates – we have a marvelous selection of healthy, delicious options, including fresh coconuts.

@RiseShineFest @NokiaRSA

Comment with your details to win 2 tickets to the event!

Comp closes 22 August at 14:00

For two weeks SA’s rock and indie bands have been submitting their entries in the hopes of being selected as a Vodacom Open The City finalist. After an intense judging session, this year’s panel has chosen the four finalists. And here they are:

 P.H.Fat

The Kiffness

The Plastics

Bye Beneco

Vodacom is now giving the power to you – the music fans – to decide which one of these four local bands will be named Open The City winner and share the stage with Vodacom In The City’s international acts Rudimental, MGMT, Crystal Fighters and The Presets.

Public voting has opened and there are two ways to vote for the band you want to Open The City on 3 October:

1. Visit http://www.vitc-competitions.co.za/, and click to vote for your band (make sure you read the Ts&Cs);

2. SMS the band’s name to 48477

• SMS “PHFAT” to 48477
• SMS “KIFFNESS” to 48477
• SMS “PLASTICS” to 48477
• SMS “BYE BENECO” to 48477

(Standard SMS rates apply, follow the link in the reply SMS for Ts&Cs).

This year’s judging panel included Rowen Gangulu (Vodacom), Blaise Janichon (Seed Experiences), Sotiris Moldovanos (5FM), and Diane Coetzer (renowned music journalist), who had a tough time choosing the finalists from the impressive list of entries received.

Last year the voting got fierce – and fun – as each band finalist jostled for votes by creating their own “vote for us” videos, memes and heartfelt pleas on social media.

Public who vote before the end of August will stand the chance to see the finalists compete in an exclusive event on 5 September at the Open The City Session gig at Town Hall, Newtown.

Space at the Open The City Session is limited – But Vodacom is giving fans the chance to win two tickets to the gig simply by voting. Secure your spot at the front of the stage and get voting via www.VITC.co.za and SMS.

Plus if you have your photo taken at the Open The City Session at one of the Vodacom booths, you could win a chance to be on the exclusive Vodacom VIP Deck at Vodacom In The City. More details at http://www.vitc-competitions.co.za/

Voting closes on at midnight on 12 September and the winning band, the one that receives the most votes, will be announced on 17 September.

Open the City is brought to you by Vodacom, headline sponsor of Vodacom In the City 2014, a Seed Experiences event. Follow @Vodacom, @InTheCityJHB and #VITC2014 for all the Open The City news and activity.

#VITC2014

Website: www.VITC.co.za

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InTheCityJHB

Twitter: @InTheCityJHB

Instagram: InTheCityJHB

WIN 2 DOUBLE TICKETS TO THE SHOW!!! COMMENT BELOW WITH YOUR DETAILS!

MTV South Africa’s very own Nomuzi Mabena wowed at the VMAs wearing Quiteria & George. Accompanied by Roger Goode, Billboard noticed how good she looked; “Correspondent for MTV south Africa @nomozzlie is #bringingit on the #VMAs #redcarpet.” Don’t miss the show tonight!  After the show airs today at 8pm there are a number of repeats.

03:00 CAT – Monday 25 August – LIVE BROADCAST – VMA MAIN SHOW

20:00 CAT – Monday 25 August – PRIMETIME PREMIERE – VMA RED CARPET

21:00 CAT – Monday 25 August – PRIMETIME PREMIERE – VMA MAIN SHOW

08:00 CAT, 18:30 CAT, 24:30 CAT – Tuesday 26 Aug – VMA MAIN SHOW REPEAT

13:10 CAT, 22:00 CAT -  Wednesday 27 August – VMA MAIN SHOW REPEAT

09:30 CAT – Thursday 28 August – VMA MAIN SHOW REPEAT

20:30 CAT – Friday 29 August – VMA MAIN SHOW REPEAT

14:00 – Saturday 30 August – VMA MAIN SHOW REPEAT

22:30 CAT – Sunday 31 August – VMA MAIN SHOW REPEAT

Saturday 30-Sunday 31 August – VMA takeover weekend, hosted by 5fm DJ Roger Goode

Electric Vines is a live music festival taking place at Arabella in the beautiful Robertson Valley in Western Cape taking place on 30 and 31 December 2014. This can’t-miss two-day party provides the perfect setting to celebrate 2014 and bring in the New Year, all while enjoying the awesome local and international artist line-up under the stars and amongst the vines.

With some of the hottest South African and International acts secured for Electric Vines, the entertainment line-up over the two-day festival is rivaled only by the perfection of the location.

Band line-up to date:

Prime Circle

Matthew Mole

Sun City (Australia)

MonArk

Goodluck

Pascal and Pearce

Just Jinjer

Cath Grenfell

Gangs of Ballet

Jeremy Loops

Jesse Clegg

YOU COULD WIN: 

• 2 VIP WEEKEND PASSES (Valued at R4000) INCLUDES LUXURY TENT FOR 2 AT THE VIP HARAMBEE HOTEL
• A BOX OF 6 ASSORTED WINES FROM ARABELLA (Valued at R600)
• ASSORTED FESTIVAL MERCHANDISE (Festival Clothing/Survival Packs etc) Valued at R1000 

To Enter:

Name one of the bands who will be playing at Electric Vines along with your name, phone number & email address (in the comments section below) 

Weekend Passes for standard tickets:

• Early Bird (1-30 Aug): R400
• 1-30 Sept: R500
• 1 Oct-30 Nov: R600
• 1 Dec – 28 Dec: R700

Weekend Passes for the VIP experience:

• Early Bird (1 Aug – 30 Nov): R1500
• 1 Dec – 31 Dec: R2000

Single Day Passes:

1 Aug – 30 Nov: R300

1 Dec – 31 Dec: R500

Door price: R800

Bus Ticket: R300

The Electric Vines bus will shuttle you in style from Cape Town to Arabella Wines. The bus departs from Cape Town (TBC): 30 Dec 2014 at 08:00 and then Departs Arabella Wines: 01 Jan 2015 at 13:00. No single journey may be purchased.

Buy tickets: http://electricvines.nutickets.co.za/NYE2014

Accomodation: HARAMBEE TENTED CAMP: R3200 P/P

For those looking to festival in style, the Harambee Tented Camp provides the perfect accommodation for the two day event.

Included in the price of your two night stay:

• A bed complete with mattress and bedding. Can be booked double or twin
• Bedside table and lamp
• Towels
• Power connection for charging purposes
• Hot and cold showers (exclusively for Harambee)
• Flush toilets (exclusively for Harambee)
• Breakfast and coffee on the morning of 31 Dec and 1 Jan
• At an additional cost, guests can eat lunch and dinner at the Harambee restaurant
• Guests will also have their own bar located inside the Harambee camp

Alternatively, festival goers can book into one of Robertson’s hotels, B&B’s or guest houses, all of which can be found on the http://www.robertsonr62.com website.

 Links:

Website: www.electricvines.co.za

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ElectricVinesSA

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ElectricVines

Instagram: ElectricVines

Attention all fashionistsa’s! South Africa Fashion Week is proud to announce their fifth Designer Pop-Up Shop in South Africa, held in Brooklyn mall August 29-31.

Are you up-to-date with current trends? Always wanted to have a look that you’ve spotted on the SAFW runway? Now is your chance! Grab your BFF and make your way there this weekend to get your hands on the latest designer pieces for summer from SA’s hottest local designers. Having designer pieces in your wardrobe before anyone else? Priceless!

Make sure to visit the GRAZIA stand to stand a chance of winning a styled designer look from KISUA worth R3000!

This weekend, the Grazia team hit Pinkie Fest 2014 at Mark’s Park Sports Club in Joburg. Donned in our finest pink gear, we took to the crowds to get up close and personal with all the stylish partygoers. From the Graeme Watkins Project to Prime Circle and Jack Parow, the festival’s line-up was pumping. And with the free pink drinks flowing, it was definitely a day to remember.

Steph Cook, Mike Harris

Simone Prinsloo, Bruwer De Jager

Tanya Saraiva

Angelique Roux, Maxine Eastoe, Kaelie Gardner

Nhlanhla Siluma, Anatiti Mkhize

Sasha Kangleas

Tamsin Kangleas

The Graeme Watkins Project

El Broide, Lee Roy Wright

Barefoot dancing and wine drinking were the order of the day at the Nokia Lumia Rise and Shine Festival last weekend.

Nokia hosted the music festival that boasted some of South Africa’s top musical talents, including Float Parade, Nakhane Toure and Al Bairre.

Festival-goers got limbered up for the event with an early-morning yoga sesh – there’s nothing like a few sun salutations to get you ready to move your bodies to some sweet tunes, right?

During the festival, the nimble and extremely balanced tried their hand – or feet – at tight rope walking while the focused engaged in some good clean fun at the Lumia ping-pong table to win awesome prizes.

We were on the look out for the Nokia Street Team who was on patrol with boxes full of costumes for some fun instagram-able pics.

No one was left high and dry as food stalls and a fully stocked bar supplied festival-goers with hearty organic treats and refreshing drinks.

As the sun went down on the Nokia Lumia Rise and Shine, Death by Misadventure took to the stage to close the show.

If this year is anything to go by, we will definitely be booking our tickets early for the next one.

Check out their Facebook page here for more pics.

The twitterverse has exploded with well wishes for  Fashion Police host, Joan Rivers. While undergoing minor surgery, the comedic legend stopped breathing and had to be placed in a medically induced coma. Reports confirm she is in a critical yet stable condition.  Melissa Rivers released a statement on Sunday, thanking the public for their “continued love and support, we are keeping our fingers crossed.”  The 81 year old’s legions of celeb friends and fans, including her Fashion Police co-hosts and fellow comediennes have all tweeted out their love and support.

The Reebok Spartan Race heads to South Africa

The much anticipated Spartan Race Series is proud to announce the arrival of the race in South Africa. With more than 100 events and an expected one million athletes worldwide this year, the world’s most successful obstacle race series will make its debut in Johannesburg on 1 November 2014.

“We’re excited to finally showcase this amazing experience in South Africa. We know the adventure racing community has been waiting patiently and we’re very happy to announce the hard work we’ve put in over the last two years has finally resulted in the race landing on South African soil. We’re preparing a super exciting undulating race course at a venue we will announce soon,“ said Spartan Race Director, Chesney Thomas.

The Reebok Spartan Race in Johannesburg will offer both the SPARTAN SPRINT of 5+ kilometers and the SPARTAN SUPER of 12+ kilometers. Endurance, strength, agility, speed, dexterity, balance and co-ordination – all of these qualities will be taken into consideration as the course is constructed with a focus on the venue’s terrain, as at all Spartan Races.

Reebok, which supports the series worldwide as title sponsor, is also extremely excited about the event in Johannesburg.

“Reebok is very proud to be assisting in bringing the Reebok Spartan Race to South Africa. This is a joining of two aligned forces, Reebok’s mission is to inspire people to be fit for life and the Spartan vision is to inspire people to test their limits and change their lives through the sport of obstacle racing,“ said Bruce Joubert, CEO Reebok SA. “In order for a fitness lifestyle to be sustainable Reebok has identified a need to compete, be measured and to have camaraderie thus avoiding routine and boredom. Spartan brings this to life for the participant and is a fantastic new adventure for any level of fitness enthusiast.“

The race will fiercly challenge its participants, at times making them question why they entered but all these thoughts will be put to rest at the end of the race as they finish and become proud Spartans. The different race categories cater for all in the Spartan community, as the Sprint challenges participants looking for speed and a shorter distance and the Super exists for those who seek a seriously tough challenge.

“We have developed the Reebok Terrain series shoe – the first of its kind – specifically for Spartan racers. It is waterproof, repels mud and rinses clean to help athletes stay light. These features make the shoe fully washable and athletes need not throw their shoes away after the race,” added Bruce Joubert, CEO Reebok SA.

The race is timed and judged by marshals and the results are entered into the global Spartan Race Series rankings, so that particpants are able to compare times with Spartans all over the world.

The event will boast a festival-like atmosphere with music and entertainment for all spectators as they follow closely and cheer on friends and family through the obstacles.

Registration: 

Enter here now

ABOUT SPARTAN RACE

The Spartan Race Series was voted Outside Magazine’s “Best Obstacle Race“ in 2012 and is the first series to introduce a global ranking and a World Championship. The first Spartan Race took place in Vermont (USA) in 2010. Since then it has enjoyed great success story the series growing to more than 100 races in 2014 worldwide.

What makes Spartan Race different?

Established in 2005 and venture-backed as of 2012, Spartan Race is the leading worldwide obstacle race event series designed by seven ultra athletes.

Our mission at Spartan Race is simple: To deliver the toughest possible endurance challenges that give the athlete the adrenalin rush of a lifetime! Participants will test their resilience, strength, stamina, quick decision making skills, and laugh in the face of adversity.

At the Reebok Spartan Race series we have established quality and safety standards that ensure that every Spartan Racer has an outstanding experience on a safe but challenging course. Each Spartan Race is different as we work as much as possible with natural obstacles in the terrain. We then add obstacles such as flaming-logs and muddy-ditches to the course.

The races are ranked, timed and judged and athletes compete in elite heats for prizes and for glory. Spartan Race are the first of their kind to have established a global ranking on which every participant is listed when he/she completes the race. There is also an Annual World Championship Spartan Race.

At Spartan Race we celebrate obstacle-course-racing as a sport and our goal is to challenge our racers to earn the right to call themselves a Spartan.

If there’s ever any doubt as to what it means to be a Spartan, look no further than our motto: You’ll know at the finish line!

Grazia South Africa Editor, Kerrie Simon-Lawrence, shares what you can find in the latest issue of Grazia and why you have to get it now!

Grazia South Africa – Issue 116 from AlternaTV on Vimeo.

Loved ones bid farewell to Joan Rivers yesterday morning at a private Jewish temple in Manhattan. Known for her lightening fast wit and sharp tongue, Joan became a comedic legend through her no-holds-barred approach, often poking fun at herself. Joan was a pioneer for women in her industry, and a notable style icon. Joan’s daughter, Melissa Rivers, said last week; “My mother’s greatest joy in life was to make people laugh.” Although that is difficult to do right now, I know her final wish would be that we return to laughing soon.” Grazia pays tribute to her beauty, spirit and genius with some of our favourite Joan Rivers quotes. Rest in peace, Joan.

1. “People say that money is not the key to happiness, but I always figured if you have enough money, you can have a key made.”
2. “I wish I had a twin, so I could know what I’d look like without plastic surgery.”
3. “The fun of working on the road means stealing from hotels. I’ve been doing it for so long, I have a set of towels from the Ark.”
4. “I don’t exercise. If God had wanted me to bend over, he would have put diamonds on the floor.”
5. “I succeed by saying what everyone else is thinking.”

6. “Looking fifty is great—if you’re sixty.”
7. “Never be afraid to laugh at yourself, after all, you could be missing out on the joke of the century.”
8. “The only way I can get a man to touch me at this age is plastic surgery.”

9. “I have become my own version of an optimist. If I can’t make it through one door, I’ll go through another door—or I’ll make a door. Something terrific will come no matter how dark the present.”
10. “At my funeral, I want Meryl Streep crying in five different accents”.

Images: Getty

We rang in the first weekend of Spring by hitting up Collective’s market this weekend.  It was a Saturday well spent, the market has loads to offer those who love design, decor, fashion, food and festival vibes.

Having watched the growing local design and fashion industries in Joburg and Cape Town, there is an increased demand from designers around the country for an alternative retail experience, particularly as many young designers are not in the position to take on the risk of a permanent retail rental space and still desire the physical interaction with their clients.

Collective has established itself as the leading monthly lifestyle market in Johannesburg.  Collective has moved to a new venue and has partnered with Mother Truckers, the best Food Trucks in Johannesburg. Internationally, the trend of Food Trucks has formed a part of the culinary landscape for years and South Africa is starting to recognise the appeal. The ‘planned spontaneity’ combined with an unusual sales space and gourmet street-style meals add to their appeal.

The market is the perfect place to spend a Saturday morning with your friends and family and offers the best of food and design every month. Collective takes place on the first Saturday of the month, from 09:00 – 15:00 at 9 Kramer Road (Cnr Kramer & Desmond), Kramerville, Sandton, Johannesburg. 9 Kramer is a newly renovated building in the premier design and décor destination in Johannesburg and with its new welcoming design, 9 Kramer is fast becoming the flagship building of Kramerville.

https://www.facebook.com/collectivejhb

 HERE IS OUR ROUND UP OF ALMOST EVERYTHING TO EXPERIENCE AT THE COLLECTIVE

SCARLIN 

www.scarlinbrands.com

THE BAKED BEAN

http://www.thebakedbean.co.za

SPIRIT JEWELLERY

www.spiritjewellery.co.za

VINTAGE AND CONTEMPORARY SHADES AND SPECS

LEATHER GOOGS

LOVE YOU LONG TIME VINTAGE CLOTHING STORE

ZIMKITA 

www.facebook.com/zimi.hene

http://zimkitahene.wordpress.com

LURE

http://www.lureluv.com/lureluv.htm

ME AND YOU CLOTHING

http://instagram.com/meandyouclothing
meandyouclothing@gmail.com

VERY VANIA

www.veryvania.co.za

BOTTOMS UP! 

https://www.facebook.com/BottomsUpFashion

THE MAKERY

www.themakerycolletion.com

OTHER JEWELLERS AT THE MARKET: 

BLACK BETTY- www.blackbettydesign.com

THE GOAT JEWELLERY- thegoatjewellery@gmail.com

ASH & STONE- www.shopashandstone.com

GANGS OF BALLET has been nominated as a ‘wildcard’ for the MTV EMA’s Best African Act category. The band is the the only rock band in the category and is extremely excited about this opportunity.

The 2014 MTV EMA takes place in Glasgow on 9 November 2014.

For this year’s local awards, they have introduced a pre-nomination phase where viewers will be able to choose one of the nominees in their local region.
Artists can mobilise their fans from 9th September until 14th September to vote via Twitter using personalised artist hashtags. The winning artist will join the other confirmed nominees for Best African Act, and have the chance to progress to the final stage, representing their region as a nominee for the prestigious Worldwide Act award.

Fans can vote for GANGS OF BALLET in this category on Twitter by tweeting using the hashtags #MTV #NominateGangsOfBallet.

#MTV #NOMINATEGANGSOFBALLET

Gangs of Ballet Contact:

Website: http://gangsofballet.co.za/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/GangsBallet

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/GangsOfBallet

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/GangsOfBallet

MTV South Africa’s very own Nomuzi Mabena wowed at the VMAs wearing Quiteria & George. Accompanied by Roger Goode, Billboard noticed how good she looked; “Correspondent for MTV south Africa @nomozzlie is #bringingit on the #VMAs #redcarpet.” Don’t miss the show tonight!  After the show airs today at 8pm there are a number of repeats.

03:00 CAT – Monday 25 August – LIVE BROADCAST – VMA MAIN SHOW

20:00 CAT – Monday 25 August – PRIMETIME PREMIERE – VMA RED CARPET

21:00 CAT – Monday 25 August – PRIMETIME PREMIERE – VMA MAIN SHOW

08:00 CAT, 18:30 CAT, 24:30 CAT – Tuesday 26 Aug – VMA MAIN SHOW REPEAT

13:10 CAT, 22:00 CAT -  Wednesday 27 August – VMA MAIN SHOW REPEAT

09:30 CAT – Thursday 28 August – VMA MAIN SHOW REPEAT

20:30 CAT – Friday 29 August – VMA MAIN SHOW REPEAT

14:00 – Saturday 30 August – VMA MAIN SHOW REPEAT

22:30 CAT – Sunday 31 August – VMA MAIN SHOW REPEAT

Saturday 30-Sunday 31 August – VMA takeover weekend, hosted by 5fm DJ Roger Goode

Tired? Hungry? In the mood to get kinky? There’s an emoji for that. With another 250 brand-spanking-new symbols on their way to your smartphone, the argument for emojis as the real universal language grows stronger by the day. So, will emojis ever replace the written word? Grazia investigates…

Back in the late 90s, Japan’s most popular mobile service provider, NTT DoCoMo, started offering clients the option of adding digital pictographs to text messages. They were pretty basic – think smiley faces, sad faces and love hearts. When other Japanese service providers started jumping on the bandwagon, the Unicode Consortium was created to standardize emoji use across all platforms and devices. When Apple started adding emojis (which literally translates as “picture letter”) to the iPhone in 2011, a global phenomenon was born. Today, we have more than 800 different emojis to choose from.

Emojis can make your relationships stronger

When approached by New Tech City to see if they could maintain their two-year relationship solely via emoji communication for at least a month, New Yorkers Alex Goldmark and Liza Stark were more than game. There’s nothing like having your own special secret language to bring a couple closer together, right? Right.

But instead of limiting themselves to the emojis available on their smartphones, in a bid to expand their new vocabulary Alex and Liza put down cold hard cash to purchase and download all the emoji apps they could find. After each picking an emoji to represent themselves (a baseball cap-wearing guy for Alex, a brunette for Liza), it was game on. They had to manage 30 days of making plans, sharing life experiences and even just casually chatting with nothing but a string of symbols to string together and decipher.

Non-visual Alex admittedly found that emojis encouraged him to be more affectionate to Liza more often – he felt more comfortable sending her smiley faces with hearts for eyes than typing out “I love you” repeatedly. Liza says, “Somebody telling you that they love you is great and beautiful and wonderful, but getting those stickers, getting those emojis, was a different experience.” Alex adds, “The winking bunny goes a long way, let me tell you.”

But both discovered that while it is quicker to send a sequence of emojis than to type out an actual sentence, it takes a lot longer to figure out what someone is saying when they only use emojis. Especially if that message happens to be “Don’t come to drinks. My friend has had a death in the family.” Awkward.

Emojis show your state of mind

“I unintentionally began the project with a simple Facebook status that said, ‘Pretty sure you can do a complete psychoanalysis of someone based on their recently used emojis’, and people really responded to it,” says Brooklyn-based copywriter Daniel Brill of his decision to create the Tumblr Emojinalysis (emojinalysis.tumblr.com). It’s here that Dan uses emoji know-how to psychoanalyse anyone willing to submit a screenshot of their recently used emojis to him via Gmail or Twitter.

“I was texting and caught a glimpse of my own recently used emojis, and it was a dark scene. Lots of stressed faces, booze and exploding things. I had to ask myself, ‘Am I okay?’ I realised you can tell a lot about someone’s mental state based on their emojis. So instead of delving into my issues, I decided to analyse other peoples’ instead,” Dan tells us. “To date I’ve got over 6 000 of them and at one point was receiving hundreds a day. All the pressure has led to a host of new psychological problems for me. Everyone seems to be in on the joke, which is good, because I think taking my highly irresponsible pseudo-analysis seriously could be dangerous for your health. But people do get overly excited about receiving their analysis – one girl told me she was so excited she almost threw up.

“I’ve lost count of all the countries that have submitted but can’t think of many that haven’t. The Pile of Poop emoji may be the emoji that connects us all. Maybe the UN should adopt it as its flag.”

Why are emojis so popular all of a sudden? According to Dan, “I think they hit that crucial sweet spot of cute, funny and bizarre. If you can be in the centre of that Venn diagram, you’ve got a shot at becoming part of the internet-era zeitgeist. Plus, they’re incredibly versatile – have you seen the emoji music videos?”

Of his tongue-in-cheek social experiment, he says, “I suppose the most surprising thing about this project is how people have bought into the validity of the whole ‘emojinalysis’ idea – that your recently used emojis really can be a window into the state of your life. ABC News here in the US even did an article on it, where they consulted an actual child psychologist on the theory, and she agreed with it! At the end of the day, though, I’m just trying to make people laugh.”

Pictures soon worth 1 000 words

Even though the Emojipedia helps standardise the meaning of emojis across the world, the way they are used will always be up to personal interpretation. Simply stringing them together, without reproducing something that we already know, won’t make a language. Until we can agree on universal rules for using emoji in the correct sequence, they’ll always be a means of adding emotion and impact to messages, rather than being the message.

This is a glamorous event with invites extended to well-known celebrities, socialites and high profile individuals.  Set in one of Cape Town’s most beautiful venues, Grand Cafe & Beach, which offers a unique beach setting and will be transformed into a ‘kaleidoscope’ of colours where beach culture meets free-spirited, eclectic, romantic décor of oversize chandeliers, antique Indian rugs, Parisian café chairs and open windows to the deck and sea.

Guests arrive to welcoming cocktails and platters of gourmet canapés before enjoying a chic, bistro-styled dinner with old and new classics combining in a new-world fusion of beach café cuisine. There will be a lucky draw with prizes up for grabs and dancing to DJ  Renee Tanguy.

An evening not to be missed! Book early to avoid disappointment.

WIN  1 SET OF DOUBLE TICKETS FOR THE EVENT BY ENTERING YOUR NAME & CONTACT INFO IN OUR COMMENTS SECTION BELOW!

Click www.webtickets.co.za/sunfowerfund to book tickets.

Efdemin (GER) from Dial Records fame will take the spotlight at TOY TOY’s residential playground, And Club in Braamfontein on Friday 19 September in celebration of their 3^rd birthday.

September marks TOY TOY’s birthday month. As Johannesburg’s top dance party brand, they will be celebrating three years of jam-packed dance floors and unforgettable acts, both national and international, by throwing their fans another stellar party, as done the previous two years.

 Having been a student of music and the arts and having previously worked as a music journalist, Efdemin very quickly made his stamp as a mainstay at the world famous Berghain club in Berlin, where he has lived since 2005. This producer DJ dons three albums under his name, the most recent one was self-composed whilst in Kyoto, Japan on an artist residency. The album, being entitled Decay, follows his self-titled debut in 2007 and the well-known Chicago, released in 2010.

 “His DJ sets are a lecture in tightrope walking” quotes Gerd Jansen. Efdemin transports you from being lost in a trans all the way through solemn waves to pure pleasure. He plays with reduced house tracks and renovates the straight and dry techno sounds. He has the knack to adapt remarkably to time and certain moments, making his sets of minimal, deep house and techno beats a show of serious pleasure and utter education – a journey only possible to be compiled by this one and only tour de force.

Join TOY TOY as they welcome Efdemin to South African shores in a sure reason for a big celebration!

 And Club – 36 Stiemens Street, Braamfontein

Doors open at 21h00

Tickets – www.webtickets.co.za

Early Bird: R100 (until the 31st August)

Online: R120

Door: R150

Spring is about to launch into full bloom and Johannesburg’s most popular Beer Fair is readying itself for a fantastic weekend of fun, food, live music and beer.  With an additional 3 breweries that have been added onto the existing list, we now have a total of 15 wide spread breweries with over 40 different selections of beers and ciders alongside the delicious variety of food vendors, from Mexican to a Champagne Oyster Bar.

Over the past few years South Africa has experienced an enormous hike in the craft beer market and it has become a growing trend. The Sandton Craft Beer Fair brings South Africa’s most exclusive breweries together and offers the public an experience of tasting, learning and enjoying about the beers and ciders on offer.

BREWERIES PRESENT

Jack Black

Darling Brew

Citizen

Devils Peak Brewing

SMACK Republic

Boston Breweries

SWAGGA Breweries

Backwards Bean Breweries

Aces

Copperlake

Porcupine Quill

Cape Brewing Company

Ubuntu Kraal Brewery

Windemere Cider

Brewhogs Microbrewery

SATURDAY 20 SEPTEMBER  BAND LINE UP

-       The Black Cat Bones

-       Dave Baudians

-       Tidal Waves

-       Cable Stealing Gypsies

-       Greedy Greg

-       Lost & Found

-       The Velves

SUNDAY 21 SEPTEMBER

Acoustic Live Music.

Kids play area. (Kids under 12 FREE)

So bring your friends, family and dress in your favourite Spring attire and come and enjoy the Sandton Craft Beer Fair!

The Sands: 58 Wierda Road East, Sandton, Johannesburg

Doors open at 11AM

Pre-sold tickets: R120 – https://thesands.nutickets.co.za/events

Door:  R150.

Follow Us:

Twitter: @SandtonBeerFest
Facebook: Sandton Craft Beer Fair & Music Festival

WIN A SET OF DOUBLE TICKETS! SIMPLY ENTER YOUR DETAILS IN THE COMMENTS SECTION BELOW.

If you’re ever wondering what to do in Joburg in the early hours of Saturday morning (because, you know, it’s no longer freezing at the crack of dawn so we should celebrate, right?), do yourself a favour and join Anna -belle Mulder on one of her #SheSaidWalks. We took a walk with Anna-belle, the writer of the SheSaidSheSaid blog, and boy were we blown away!

Without being overly history-class-esque, Anna-belle enlightened us with interesting facts about the city we all love.

We ventured over the Nelson Mandela Bridge, into Newtown and past Museum Africa. We even got to sit down with Brenda Fassie, who made a special appearance during our walk past Bassline.

Our walk down Main Road was blessed with beautiful statues and grand architecture – it’s amazing what you see when you actually get out of your car and put your feet on the pavement.

Cramers Coffee made for the perfect pitstop before we made our way through Ernest Oppenheimer Park. (Girls, if you’re ever wondering how big an engagement ring could be, the Cullinan diamond statue is pretty impressive).

We recommend you take your camera; wear a comfy pair of shoes and a back pack in order to fully enjoy the city. Take it from us, we’ll keep on walking with Anna-belle.

To book tickets for the next #SheSaidWalks, contact Anna-belle on:

shesaidsa@gmail.com