George Bernard Shaw

Can you believe it's been almost a year since I've decided to update this blog? When I started this, it began as an almost weekly thing, expressing my thoughts in a space that I could go back on to reflect if need be - or that people could read in order to maybe get to know a side of me that they weren't too familiar with. As time went by, it became more of a tedious exercise, something that took effort, something I didn't necessarily feel inclined to write. My feelings towards the blog had changed. With time, my outlook and original opinion had changed. Ultimately that's what I've been thinking most about recently, change.

George Bernard Shaw, an Irish playwright and and scholar, had some interesting opinions on life and the problems that surrounded social interactions within life. He condemned the democratic system of his time, believing that the people that had the power were either too ignorant or apathetic to help those that had none, and that individuals were ruthless, greedy and only strove to serve their own ends. I sometimes wonder if Shaw referred to each class as a whole, of if he meant individuals within said classes. If he meant individuals, did that include love? Were people so driven by self-interest that sometimes they became blinded to love and the concept of what *should* be the most important thing in our lives? Maybe I'm just a hopeless romantic. Maybe I'm the blind one, the ignorant one, the apathetic one.

One of my favourite quotes by Shaw is as follows:

There are two tragedies in life: one is to lose your heart's desire, the other is to gain it.

This has always been a quote I've loved and hated all at the same time. The obvious tragedy of the two is to lose your hearts desire. No one likes being left. Being alone. Loneliness can consume a person. It can change them.

The not obvious tragedy in the quote is to gain one's heart's desire. People have different interpretations of this quote. Gaining your heart's desire may not always be everything you thought it would be. You may have this idealistic approach to love, perhaps even a little bit ignorant when it comes to the flaws of the person you've fallen in love for. Your heart's desire might not be able to live up to what you originally thought, or perhaps simply because you no longer have anything left to pursue.

Life has *changed* for me. The people I love and the people that loved me, have changed. The circumstances, have changed. My goals, my aspirations, the ways in which I think, have changed. Things I was certain about before, I might not be certain about anymore.

I used to think I knew what love is. But in it's complexity, it's deep, overwhelming, complicated self, does anyone ever really *know* what love is? Can they define it? How do they know for sure?

Escapism

From Wikipedia: "Escapism is mental diversion by means of entertainment or recreation, as an "escape" from the perceived unpleasant or banal aspects of daily life. It can also be used as a term to define the actions people take to help relieve persisting feelings of depression or general sadness."

Now that definition wasn't completely satisfactory for me, so I decided to further delve into the depth of the internet to find one that was.

From Urban Dictionary:

Escapism
	An addiction to doing things that make you forget the world. Someone that is a victim of escapism is often found in self denial about things in life, becuase they find it unbearable to face the world. A victim of escapism usually has bad grades, daydreams way to often and has major mood swings. They also have trust issues and are secretly wishing they were dead.

Haha, now that is a lot more acceptable, albeit slightly sarcastic and amiable. The key word, in my opinion (which I guess defines a blog, the author's opinion) is "addiction". I've had a few conversations with close friends on exactly what addiction is. If you think about it, addiction is relative. For a gamer, a few hours a day playing a game you love is completely acceptable but maybe for someone who doesn't recreationally enjoy playing games, this might seem like an addiction. But isn't that relative to the guy who trains a few hours at gym each day. Or the girl who sits in the park, after her high school classes, reading her novel. They are habits relative to each person. Why not do something you enjoy, right? Of course then the argument is brought forward that an addiction is only labeled as such when a line is crossed and the addiction has a negative affect on a persons behaviour. 

The reason I wanted to talk about escapism and addiction is because I'm trying to find a way to increase my daily motivation to do what I do. I've been working a lot recently, at a small restaurant near to my apartment, namely Banana Jam Cafe. Don't get me wrong, the work is great, but I've also signed up with Intec College, through which I'm studying Mathematics, Economics and Accounting, in order to [hopefully] get into UCT (University of Cape Town) next year. After a long days work I get home, take a few breaths, and ultimately end up spending the rest of my evening playing games. This leaves little to no time for studies. However if I work less, I have less money to afford to study. It's a vicious circle of priorities.

Never mind the fact that I haven't been able to sleep in days due to love, or the lack-of. Sigh. Yes, I did recently feel the sting of the loss of a loved one through a break up. Another relationship dying to the complications of a long distance relationship. I did warn myself before. I knew the risks. And yet the passion for another human being seems to overwhelm the brain and any form of logic. This might be another reason I seem to be swaying towards this habit of escapism recently.

Discovered an awesome, highly literate, self empowered "rapper". I use inverted commas because I think he's more of a poet than a rapper, but I guess general consensus might suggest a rapper is more suitable. His stage name is Macklemore. Birth name is Ben Haggerty. He is not signed by any big brand music label. He created everything he has released with his own production team. He's done it solo folks. I find this very impressive, especially in the modern era where everyone strives to find a label.

He has some serious work, and some... not so serious work. His ironic single, "Thrift Shop" is huge, and has over 100 million views on youtube.

He does do a lot of serious stuff that really seems to get to me. I love the pride for the sport he loves and the way he takes exerts from live commentary from the games and uses them in the song.

My favourite however is a song entitled "Wing$". You can see with the title that he seems to be implying something about commercialism. The songs meaning is quite intricate and I'll allow you to decide for yourself what he is trying to get across to the listeners. I love it though.

There was a point to this blog before I started writing it. Now I've forgotten. Maybe in a few days when I'm feeling more able I'll get back to you.

Mike

There and back again

You thought I forgot about this didn't you!

I don't really know who I'm talking to when I say "You" but I guess the ambiguity is what makes it that much easier to offload anything on the mind, with no restrictions and/or limitations.

The last time I made a post here was somewhere in August last year (2012). I haven't actually read what I posted all those months ago because six months ago I was in a very different space, both physically and emotionally, and I guess even a bit spiritually. So, if I were to go ahead and read what I wrote(typed?) back then, I'd be scared that it may influence anything I have to say today, now. Which would be unfortunate because it wouldn't be 100% sincere. So instead I'm literally going to ramble about whatever crosses my mind.

Ok, let's start with the relatively important milestones. 

I'm back in South Africa. 

I finished work in New York in late September and decided to spend some time with family after living on another continent for almost a year. So I headed to Durban to visit my loving mother, and by pure chance the dates coincided with my aunt, uncle and cousins' visit to South Africa (they immigrated to Australia several years ago and I hardly ever see them, once every few years would be accurate) so it was awesome spending some family time with them. Being away for so long makes one appreciate family that much more. I have to constantly remind myself to be more appreciative of my family and show them on a regular basis just how much I love them. 

I got my learners license while I was in Durban! FINALLY. Probably about six years later than most people I went to school with, but it was probably due to the fact that I was always slightly apathetic about the whole deal - my reasoning being that if I didn't own a car, and wasn't going to own one soon, then why do I need to know how to drive it? But that changed when I realised I could simply "borrow" my friends'/parents' cars. So at the moment I've signed up for driving lessons and hopefully within the next month or two I'll be a certified driver. I am excite.

After Durban (October) I decided to travel around South Africa a little, visiting a few old friends, and some relatively more recent ones. I went from Durban back to Joburg, followed by a stint in Pretoria, back to Joburg, then Cape Town, BACK to Joburg and finally ending back in Durban (December). While in Durban I decided I'd pick up a "holiday" job while visiting family, bar-tending at the local night club (entitled XS NiteClub in Umhlanga). This was a very.. interesting experience, to say the least. It was definitely not as financially prosperous as I had hoped it would be, but eye opening nevertheless. Twas awesome to have Christmas with both parents though, with my dad moving to Durban in December as well (another coincidence, I know right?). I'm trying to think of the last time I spent Christmas with both my parents on the same day and I can't remember any specific year since the divorce, which is over ten years back.

Now I skipped past something fairly important. In fact I should probably say some one, because when/if she reads this at a later stage she might slap me for calling her "something". When I mentioned that "stint in Pretoria" I was actually visiting a very old school friend, and at his 21st, I happened to meet someone. And yes, when I say "meet someone" I mean MEET someone. She's pretty amazing, but when I looked back on previous posts I noticed I spent way too much time going on and on about how much I was in love and how supposedly perfect my girlfriend was. Not that I don't feel the same way, but no one really wants to read that, other than her and me. But yes, her name is Bee - short for Bongiwe Nhlangulela, and she's awesome. Beautiful. Amazing. Sexy. Cute. Funny. Breath taking. She makes me very happy and I hope one day she can see herself the way I see her. This was in early November, but by chance she happened to be in Durban a lot of the time I was there too, so we got to spend a lot of time together, with the family too. We're coming up on three months. AND it's her birthday tomorrow - wonder if she thought I'd remember? 

So - back to the main story here. After Durban, I moved back to Cape Town in January. It's been almost two years since I lived here, so it's fairly familiar to me, considering I'm staying in the same area I lived before. I'm sharing a flat with two of my friends (that only move in in the next week or two) but I'm feeling really excited about the next year and what's to come. I found a job fairly quickly, working as a waiter at Banana Jam Cafe just down the road. It's a less-than-10-minute walk, so I'm very happy that I got so lucky with it, the vibe, ambiance, staff and people in general are very chilled, after my first day I already dig the job. Of course it's only second priority because I also have a new development as far as my studies go. I'm not sure if anyone remembers - or if I did even mention in my blog - but I applied to UCT (The University of Cape Town) last year. Well I got my application back (late last year) and to my disappointment found that I had been denied entrance due to low matric marks. So what I'm doing this year is basically "re-doing" matric, with INTEC College, I guess you could call it a bridging course. This was as per the advice of multiple parties, including UCT. If all goes to plan, I will get good enough marks come the end of the year, re-apply to UCT, and get in this time. So as I said, work is second priority and studying is first, but I still need the moola to keep me going (rent, water/elec, food, internet, strippers, etc).

So yeah, that's the past six months in a relatively short synopsis. Of course I'm sure more interesting events did occur but I can't exactly recall what happened on a day to day basis.

Watched quite a few movies recently. Les Miserables was spectacular, don't miss it. Flight was also very sensational, especially the first twenty minutes, cinematography was mind-blowing.

I'll leave you on a humourous note. Some funny pictures (for the entertainment aspect of this blog!) and The Lonely Island (Jizz in my pants, I just had sex, Shy Ronnie, etc) posted a new video. #YOLO

Au revoir!

It's been awhile..

Well, it's been almost two months since I took the time to write (technically speaking - type) anything of real substance. I'd like to use the excuse that I've been busy. Which would be partially true. I've been working the same amount as usual. However - you see, the hours aren't exactly the most accommodating for relaxing writing time. To be honest, I don't really know which hours are good hours to write. Often there have been things I'd like to have said to people, but I felt slightly apathetic. Nothing inspired me to write.

A lot has happened over the past two months, I suppose. As far as working in New York goes, much is the same. I've gone into the city a few more times since the last time. Met some interesting characters. On one occasion a friend and I only ended up getting back on the train home at 6am. I have to say, it has been a long time since I've done anything like that. Probably since high school. For some reason, at the time (possibly due to our levels of intoxication) we found it hilarious that I sat next to train commuters (most likely on their way to work in the morning) who had fallen asleep, and pose in some ridiculous manner. See below:

I'm officially in the system for applications for the University of Cape Town (UCT). I wrote the entry test, and sent in my end of high school marks, both of which are relatively important. If I do get in, it's going to be a close call. I didn't do as well as I should have in high school. *sigh*

In any case, if I don't happen to get into UCT, I'll be taking a year to study through the University of South Africa (UNISA) instead. Hopefully after that year, I'll re-apply to UCT and get in - second time lucky. With a year of tertiary education under my belt and - hopefully - several good marks that could translate into credit towards UCT, my application next year will be more likely accepted than this year. Of course, there's still a small chance I might get into UCT this year. I'm going to write a motivational letter, and get reference letter from some of my employers in the past 3 years since I finished school, as well as my previous teachers, all of which I hope will have good things to say about me. After sending in these references and my letter, my chances MIGHT improve, albeit not by much.

So - things are starting to move on a bit with regards to school, which is always good, right? Either way, I think I'll either be at UCT or UNISA next year. Cross fingers and hold thumbs for UCT though.

Hmm, what else have I been up to. I saw a Coldplay concert in New Jersey.

It was quite something. I don't have much footage of it because I forgot my camera (I know right - idiot!) but you can take my word that it was an amazing, unforgettable experience. Plus, it was awesome seeing an old family friend back from South Africa. I miss those friends. I'm approaching a year now, away from my old friends and family.

I'm also in the process of applying for my British visa. If all goes to plan, I can save enough money to travel around England and Ireland during October, November and December, before I "settle down" into the varsity lifestyle. I guess I see it as my last real chance to be free, and fill the beast that lives within me, that secretly desires to travel for the rest of his life.

Saw my first live baseball game. To be honest, it wasn't as exciting as I thought it would be. The actual game that is. The atmosphere and stadium were amazing, totally blew me away. I was literally speechless when I finished walking the stairs, and stared onto the open field, with thousands of crazed fans screaming and shouting. Not the most complimentary pictures but oh well.

Watched a whole lot of decent movies recently, both on and off screen. I have a cinema buddy here, someone who is as enthusiast about going to the cinema as I am. If I could go three times a week - I would. I saw The Dark Knight Rises (which was epic), Total Recall (the Colin Farrell version - also pretty good, I'm a sucker for futuristic sci-fi movies), Brave (really cute, funny, and worth my time completely), Savages (very explicit, both in the violent and sex scenes - not that I minded at all, in fact I admired the direction that was chosen with most scenes, but you have been warned - don't take your kids or young siblings to this movie). I've also seen several movies recently, that have been out for awhile, but the most notable was The Hunger Games. I'd been waiting to watch it for ages, after reading the first book I'm pretty much hooked to the series. The only reason I haven't continued is because of my lack of free time. But come October, that series is gonna be read and reread by yours truly. Also - The Lucky One was pretty good. If you haven't given it a watch I'd recommend it to all, if merely to please your inner romantic. Makes you think about fate, and how sometimes life takes us where we need to be to meet those that we end up falling madly and deeply in love with.

I've been obsessed with buying nerdy and funny shirts recently. On my next entry I'll upload them all, but for now I'll show you my favourite, and also the only one I have online at this moment in time. I bought this shirt for a close friend and she's been so rude, hasn't worn it once.

I purchased a high definition video camera, specifically to start filming. I don't know what I'm going to film, but I know that I just have to start, somewhere. I have been feeling this urge to film, and get all my ideas out there. So I took a few dollars (ok - more than a few) out of my wallet to pay for a camera, lens and memory card. It arrives late this week. I simply cannot wait. I might actually make a short documentary about New York and the people I've known, met, live and work with before I go back to South Africa. We'll see.

For those interested, this was what I purchased:

Canon EOS Rebel T2i 18 MP CMOS APS-C Digital SLR Camera with 3.0-Inch LCD
Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II Camera Lens


I've been told that the brand (Canon) was a good choice. I did do quite a bit of research, and looked at a few different options, but ultimately this was my final choice. Let's hope it was a good one. Simply CANNOT wait till it arrives.

My internet just completely fucked out. I lost about 15 minutes of writing, because of the fact that I have to share with several different people and it just cuts out when it feel like. *sigh*. I don't even feel like repeating myself, because it won't be eloquent or genuine, but I'll try do my best.

My sister, Kathryn, recently asked me to download some music for her, so that when I get back to SA she can have this huge collection of soft rock, acoustic, and indie rock. God, I love her taste in music. It's in the genes, haha. Anyway, one of the bands she asked me to get was Manchester Orchestra - which I had previously not been acquainted with. I listened to some of their stuff, and it was decent, but nothing amazing. By pure chance however, I stumbled upon some music that Andy Hull had created and written, as a solo side project. He is the lead singer songwriter, rhythm guitarist for Manchester Orchestra. I fell in love immediately. His side project is called "Right Away, Great Captain!". If you'd like some more info, click here.

I'm going to share my two favourites (so far!), because sharing is caring.

Like Lions Do:

Gasoline Family:

They have many more great songs, but I'd encourage you to do a bit of exploring yourself. Buy some of their music. Appreciate good music where appreciation is due. I pre ordered the new Mumford and Sons cd. So very excited :D

Probably one of my all time favourite bands. On a relative note, I'll be watching Bob Dylan live, in less than half a month - assuming all goes to plan. YAY.

So, I had several other paragraphs before my internet dropped, and I lost all of it. I'm sorry but it's almost 3am and I'm exhausted. I feel like I owe something. More of a description of the past two months of my life. Even if it's just myself that I owe it to. But I really am simply too tired. I'll try make my next entry when I get my camera, in a few days. Time to watch some tutorials on my editing software. Hollywood - here I come (haha, yeah right!).

-Mike

When you move me, everything is GROOVY

It's been over three weeks since I've written anything - at least on this blog. Not quite sure why that is. I guess I figured that if I really wanted to say something, then I would. And up until now, I haven't needed to say anything. Although - to a certain extent, quite a bit has happened in the past few weeks.

Since we last spoke (or at least since I spoke, in this monologue I refer to as a blog) several new arrivals at my current workplace have occurred. It's always nice seeing new faces, meeting new people, being exposed to different viewpoints and opinions. Even if you don't agree with them. Sometimes I enjoy being challenged, at least in intellect and opinion. Life would be relatively boring without some form of intellectual stimulation. I guess that's a good description of what I've missed the most since high school. "Intellectual stimulation". I miss that feeling of originally being wrong, but later realising your mistake and learning from it - ultimately being consistently more correct due to aforementioned mistake. More on my pursuit of stimulation later (intellectual or otherwise).

I went into the city yesterday for the second time since I've arrived in New York. We spent the whole day doing absolutely everything we could. "We" being myself and a good friend of mine, Richard. There's actually a funny story about how Rich and I met. When travelling around Ireland, almost 2 years ago, a friend of mine was good friends with Rich, and I met him in my travels, but since then I hadn't seen him. Then in February this year, when I briefly visited Ireland to see a very close person to me, Rich helped me out. He wasn't actually in the city I arrived in (Cork) - however he organised a friend of his to pick me up and take me to where I needed to go. He helped me out in a tight situation, and I was - and still am - always thankful for that. Then a week or so ago he told me he was also in New York, and we immediately made plans to meet up, as he hadn't been into NYC yet. Unfortunately, I don't own a car in the US, so now it was my turn to organise with one of my friends to pick him up from the bus station, and in turn get him to where he needed to be (my place). If there is a god, then he surely is sniggering at the series of coincidences. Or perhaps it's just karma. Guess I'll never know.

We did everything we could in the limited time we had. I presented to Rich the experience that is Starbucks. We both were fortunate enough to witness the underground subway for the first time. We went way to the "Top of the Rock" (aka the Rockefeller building) and saw the city 70 floors up. We went to enjoy the broadway show entitled "Harvey", which blew both of us away. It was the first time either of us had experienced anything like that. The lead actor - Jim Parsons (also known as Sheldon Cooper by many from "The Big Bang Theory") was truly amazing, however all of the actors were exceptionally marvelous. I recommend this show to anyone from all avenues of life. Neither Rich nor myself are particularly art/theater inclined, however the show is so funny you won't stop laughing from start to finish. Central Park was amazing too, as expected. All in all, it was a great - albeit exhausting - day. To finish it off, we ended up having a pizza in Little Italy as the sun was setting (I know right - we're practically two walking cliches).

Here are some of the better pictures from the day:

Outside the David Letterman building - I'm a big fan of his show

Rich in Times Square for the first time

Epic "Top of the Rock" shot

THIS GUY - is EPIC

A cool Central Park shot - contrasting the bustling city and the thriving park

Other than Rich arriving, I've made several new friends, and developed quite a few new relationships. We (me and some of my new buddies) went to see "Prometheus" in the cinema about a week back. I wasn't amazingly impressed to be honest. It wasn't exactly what I expected when I saw the trailer (I'll link it here for you).

It is definitely a film that everyone has to see and make their mind up about though. Don't allow my despondency to influence your decision on whether or not you'll go watch it.

On a relatively similar note, I've discovered another director/producer who seems to have done quite a few films that have inspired me - even more than I originally thought possible. His name is Lewis Bennet.

Now - unfortunately - I cannot link you directly to his videos as they aren't uploaded on youtube. But I would encourage anyone and everyone to check out his profile on Vimeo, located over HERE.

Some of his short films that I thoroughly enjoyed include the Sandwich Nazi (https://vimeo.com/43312066), Feet (https://vimeo.com/36318497), Parrot Island (https://vimeo.com/37871771) and Asian Gangs (https://vimeo.com/41227051). The rest of his short films are very good too, and you can view all of them via his profile.

Everyone loves Adele, right? I can't get over her live performance ability. I recently watched her live dvd (Royal Albert Hall), and was so impressed that I felt inclined to actually purchase it (yes I spent real $$ on something that I could easily acquire online for free, unbelievable - right?!). Although it wasn't for me, I sent it to someone else who might appreciate it as much as I did.

There are many points in the DVD that move me, especially when Adele talks in between songs. Here is an example of how she really is a such a pure and good person (at least in my mind). To quote her little speech "I'm not bitter anymore. I'm proud of him". I can relate to her words, as I'm sure many of you can.

On that musical note, I downloaded the new Linkin Park album recently.

I've been trying to analyse it, playing through the whole album, deciding whether or not I like certain songs, etc. It is similar to some of their new stuff, but also similar to some of their older stuff, which makes it quite unique in my mind. I would recommend all LP fans to go out and buy it (or be cheap like me and download it [I will later buy it - when I see it in a store, I always do that with good musicians]) even if just to make their own minds up over the album. My favourite song so far has to be "Powerless". It resonates with me - for what reason I am uncertain of.

Another song that I simply CANNOT get out of my head is Drive By - Train. I won't say anything else other than - you try listening to it and not singing along. It's impossible. I myself, tend to both sing AND dance.

Last but not least, the University of Cape Town application process is slowly but surely progressing. Within the next few days I'll be submitting some documents that will allow me to write the "National Benchmark Tests" (NBT's) in a country outside of South Africa. Thus allowing UCT to have some form of an idea of my current capabilities, being out of school for three or so years now. My boss is going to invigilate the exam, haha. Poor him, he has to sit there and watch me write for 2-3 hours. At least once it's over I will be able to continue the application and hopefully within the next month or so I'll know whether I will be studying at the University of Cape Town in 2013. Fingers crossed, holding thumbs.

I realise this was quite a lengthy entry, I probably should write more consistently, but I need the motivation to do it, sorry folks.

Till next time.

Mike

New York, New York

Yes, I have arrived. In fact - I've been here since last week Friday. Sorry for the lack of blog entries, been relatively busy recently. When I arrived on Friday, it was a long day with all of the paper work, the HR business, sexual harassment videos, workplace safety, etc. For those of you who have worked in any professional environment you'll know what I'm referring to. On Saturday, Sunday and Monday it was Memorial Day weekend here in the States, so we were tossed right into the frying pan (not sure if that's the right expression) and as such it's been pretty hectic. But the club itself is really cool. It seems a lot more laid back than my previous club in Florida. The people are much younger, and the general vibe is pretty chilled. The accommodation is "decent". I mean - it's simply a bed and bathroom that I've been provided with in my room, but I guess it's free so - can't complain right? Plus, the view is awesome. Here's the balcony view:

 Being half an hour outside of NYC itself allows us to enjoy the "countryside" while still getting into the city with relative ease. In fact, on my day off (Tuesday), I went into the city for the first time - ever. It was so overwhelmingly amazing. I couldn't keep my eyes on one thing for more than a minute because by that time something else had caught my attention. There was simply just SO much happening, everywhere. God, one day I hope to live in New York City. We took the train into the city, a mere half an hour. Here are some of the better pictures that were taken.

Grand Central Station

The famous Oyster Bar Restaurant

Times Square

Broadway Avenue

The Hard Rock Cafe

Celebratory Double Fist Pump

My favourite Times Square photo

Even though we did only stay five hours or so, the whole trip was amazing. I'm definitely going back next week. I LOVE NYC. Literally. You know - like those hoodies always say? [I <3 NYC].

Two days off was nice, got to spend sometime by the pool as well. The General Manager is pretty chilled here, he allows us to use the gym and fitness centre once most of the members have left (+- 9-11pm in the evening) so hopefully it'll be motivation enough for me to actually get fit. Going to set myself some goals, and try to get in there for at least half an hour every day for the next six months.

The people that I work and live with here are also really awesome. Very friendly. I'm looking forward to this season, I'm optimistic. Currently listening to a song by Jason Mraz that actually perfectly depicts how I feel, so I'm going to share that feeling with you guys. Here's "Living In The Moment":

"I will not waste my days

Making up all kinds of ways

To worry about all the things

That will not happen to me"

Peace in my heart - peace in my soul. This is what I strive to feel every day from here onward. Sure, this might not always be possible. But for a large majority of the time I believe that it is achievable. 

Have a good week folks, I'm starved so I'm gonna see what snacks I can find lying around, haha.

Cheers.

Mike

Love is blindness

The song is so brilliantly suited for the trailer. Two days ago a trailer was released, for a film attempt at the novel entitled "The Great Gatsby". I haven't read the book yet, but after watching the trailer I intend to purchase it as soon as I relocate (if I order it off amazon it will only arrive after I've moved, no point in doing that.)

Anyway, onto the trailer [I've watched it about 5 times, enjoy] :

The trailer leaves me with such chills. I love trailers that can do that. When she says "I wish I'd done everything on earth with you.." the ambiance and general emotion that the trailer and score provoke almost make me feel like she's speaking to me when she says it. Very good choice of song for the trailer. In case you were wondering, the artist is Jack White, doing a cover of a song originally sung by U2, Love is Blindness. An appropriate song to set the mood, at least in my opinion.

Ever since Inception I've had a weird fascination over Leonardo Di Caprio. I believe he was good in films like Titanic, Romeo and Juliet and the Beach but I also believe that with age his appearance and acting abilities have matured to the point of where I think he has only recently reached his peak, such as in films like Inception and Shutter Island. I simply cannot wait for this film (and book).

Got the news this morning that the visa was just approved. Finally, jeez. Talk about taking their time. I've been informed I will almost certainly be flying tomorrow (Friday). I cannot wait. The excitement is overwhelming. Although I will miss all that has past, and the relationships I've developed, but I also welcome the change and the potential for new experiences and new relationships. I may not have internet up for awhile (considering I arrive in NY over a weekend and that it may take a few working days to get net set up, depending on the accommodation I'm provided with). This sucks, because a lot of my day is taken up with gaming, and writing/blogging/publishing, both need internet to work :D

I wrote a very small piece for a small blogging site, specifically on gaming. For those of you who either game and/or play DotA you may [or may not] appreciate the blog entry.

You can find it located here: http://www.dogamingblog.co.za/dota-2-in-south-africa-my-thoughts-on-the-dgl/

Let me know what you think of it, and remember to rate it (by clicking on how many stars you think it deserves). If you think it's good, give it a good rating, and vice versa. I'd love to see what people think about my gaming blogs, because I believe that's where a large amount of passion lies, at least for me personally. I love writing/blogging almost as much as I love gaming.

Another awesome trailer I recently viewed was the for The Dark Knight Rises, the third and final movie in Chris Nolan's epic trilogy (same director that did Inception).

This also leaves me with that chilling feeling. So many good movies coming out this year. I'M GONNA GO CRAZY WITH EXCITEMENT!

So I've begun packing all my shit together (not that I have much other than my clothes and pc) and will be saying goodbye to everyone tonight. Bit of a weird feeling, however I think the excitement overpowers the sadness of saying goodbye, so that's alright.

All in all, I've loved my time here, taking all the good times and bad times into consideration I definitely would do it all over again. But now a new adventure must begin, and I simply "cannot wait" [I notice that I seem to use this phrase quite a lot, haha].

I'll leave you today with a song by one of my more recent favourite artist - introduced to me by an ex girlfriend coincidentally - Damien Rice, playing live in London. I particularly enjoy the live version because it's so relaxed. So fun. So comfortable. I will endeavor to try see him live at some stage in the next few years.

Keep safe guys, enjoy your weekend.

Mike