Respect for the 96

It's been 25 years, of heart break, pain, suffering and more importantly, fighting for justice, justice for the 96 people who were killed on that day, the 15th of April 1989. You've heard the stories, read the articles and seen the pictures of what transpired at Hillsborough but still to this day the families of the fallen are seeking the truth. Their fight is ongoing and they have the full support of the club and many fans from around the world. This blog post isn't one to highlight what happened that day but I felt the need to write this to educate the few who seem to not realise the significance of it all. 

I'm an avid twitter user and I follow some fans of the opposition, there's always banter going about and given Liverpool's resurgence in the Premier League, its gotten a bit heated from time to time but I don't mind that, what I do mind is them picking on the club about this day. I saw comments such as "always the victim" and "what about Munich" doing the rounds. Let's get one thing straight, this isn't about who's tragedy was more important. All tragedies are deemed that because they are, tragic, it's sad to see certain members of the opposing fans thinking this is a competition. Yes, this one does generate the most interest in the press and media, firstly because the case is still on going to find out the truth, secondly this tragic event hit the footballing association world wide and enforced changes that are still applied to the modern game. 

It's because of Hillsborough, football globally had to re-look safety measures for fans in stadiums. It is because of Hillsborough, standing terraces were banned and only all seated stadiums were deemed legal for clubs. It is because of Hillsborough, policing at grounds on games day were jacked up and better training for emergency situations were implemented. It is because of Hillsborough, we are able to enjoy football games in an environment that is safe for everyone. The consequences of the 96 lives that were lost, served as a catalyst to make the game safer for the paying fan, who knows how many other accidents were prevented because of these changes. 

So you see, as much as it does affect the club, this day in history affects football worldwide. Coming back to Munich, yes that air disaster that killed 23 passengers on the plane that was carrying the famed Busby Babes was tragic and should be honoured in its own right, one cannot compare it to Hillsborough simply because of the differences between the two disasters. Nothing was changed after that plane crash in terms of air safety or in football and as sad as it was, it was an accident. The people who died in that flight deserve respect and not made to be in comparison to anyone else. 

In the same way each and every member of the 96 that died at Hillsborough deserve respect as well. They left home to watch a football game and never returned home, then made out to be the cause of the accident and labelled as criminals and drunks by the media and police. For 25 years their families have been fighting to clear the names of the innocent deceased and subsequently the Hillsborough Inquiry began in March of this year. For all those years, justice finally seems to be coming for those who loss their lives that day and hopefully bring peace to the families affected. 

The out pouring messages of support came in from all over this weekend and today with various clubs and supporters of other clubs showing their solidarity with Liverpool FC and the families because they know, it could have been anyone, it could have been them. So I urge each and every football fan out there, no matter which team you support, no matter what tragedies you or your club have incurred, have some respect for the 96, because of them, we are now enjoying a safer experience at stadiums all over the world.

You'll Never Walk Alone

Monday Choon: Lune - Leave the world behind (Ludovika Bootleg)

Its been little over a year since the world bid it's goodbyes to the Swedish House Mafia, with their last performance at Ultra 2013 bringing an end to their One Last Tour. Since then we've seen new DJ's emerge from the ranks to take the world of electronic dance music by storm but still the sounds produced by the Swedish trio seem timeless. One of my all time favourite tracks from them is "Leave the world behind", released in 2009, it was the song that put them on the mark for greatness. It has emerged that they will be releasing a movie soon, entitled Leave the world behind with Lune doing the cover of the song. It's a different take to the orginal, giving it a very eerie feeling but at the same time done brilliantly well. Today we feature the Ludovika bootleg but watch the original video as well which features the former members. 

Bucket Babe: Gabrielle Pollock

South Africa as a country is truly beautiful and we're lucky to have this land blessed with beautiful home grown girls as well. Take today's featured model for example, she's only 21 but already she's taken the world by storm, born in the Eastern Cape, this gorgeous young lass took a chance with a competition and from that it just sky rocketed her into the industry, she soon will be jetting off to the USA to strut her stuff there for work. She's set herself high goals but she has the right attitude to achieve them, age is on her side and we wish her all the best. She may look familiar to you as she was featured in our top 20 for the Swimsuit SA competition, voting is still open so keep on voting!

Gabrielle Pollock

Bio

My modelling career all started when I left East London to do the Elle Fresh Face finals in Cape Town. Not only was I lucky enough to get the April cover of Elle 2011, but I signed a contract with Boss Models whom I have been working with ever since. I love living in Cape Town, and as I am an active trail runner it really is the perfect environment for me. However, modelling has given me the opportunity to travel to places such as Hong Kong, Milan and New York, and I absolutely love the adventure behind exploring a new city! I have just been placed with Wilhelmina in LA and am making the move there in May, which I am so excited for! In my spare time I like to read, box, play music and am currently studying part-time through UNISA. My ultimate dream is to be a Victoria Secret Angel and see my star in Hollywood one day. I have long way to go, but I'm always ready for a challenge. ;)

Links

Twitter: @gabspollock

Instagram: gabriellepollock

Q&A

1. Hot girls and hot cars go hand in hand, what ride would you like to see yourself in?

• 458 hands down! I test drove it early this year and it was sensational!

2. What sandwich are you most likely to make for me? and will it be toasted or plain?

• toasted bacon, avo, pesto, rocket and roasted pine-nuts.

3. What type of music gets your booty shaking?

• Golden oldies are always a winner.

4. Dream cover shoot?

• Vogue.

5. If given a choice, full time model or full time executive, what would you choose?

• Full time model - I've done it for two years and it's what I love - I have enjoyed every second of it!

6. Everyone loves popcorn (well I think they do) what is your topping/ sprinkle of choice?

• Sour cream and chives occasionally but you can never go wrong with plain salt..

7. Growing up you must have had someone you aspired to be, so who is your role model?

• I had the pleasure of meeting Nelson Mandela when I was in primary school, and he will always be an inspiration to me.

8. Obviously being a female you would love fashion, favourite label/ designer?

• I am obsessed with fashion. The first thing you would see upon entering my apartment is probably my big pile of Vogues, Elles, Cosmos and Glamours spilling over my coffee table!

9. Anyone holding that hand yet? or is it available?

• I'm currently seeing someone.

10. Which city is your dream party destination?

• New York. The energy and drive there is infectious I love how you can live the city lifestyle, but get the break you need in Central Park or an hour away in Long Island or the country.

Microsoft YouthSpark Live

One of the major news stories to break out this week was that Nigeria's GDP overtook SA's. We as a country consider ourselves as the leader in Africa yet another country that's normally shrouded in instability is performing better than us on an economic level. Unemployment is a major contributing factor to the countries GDP and with almost a quarter of SA's population being unemployed, it doesn't look very promising for the future. Out of that figure, it is estimated that 70% are youth, which is a greater cause for concern seeing that that is our future. Government alone cannot alleviate this problem and needs help from the private sector, step in Microsoft SA with their YouthSpark initiative. 

The first YouthSpark event was held at Wits University, last year in May with a turn out of just around 1000 students, the day proved to be very knowledgeable for students considering a future in IT. Microsoft showed attendees the various tools on offer to help them in choosing the right path in their career choices. The day was not only for the students to learn but the feedback Microsoft received was tremendous. It was a similar case when they took the road show to Cape Town and King Williams Town. 

The next stop is this weekend on the 12th of April in Durban, the venue, DUT (Durban University of Technology). It's bound to be just as good as the others but it needs student participation, the event is free of charge, so if you're a student, learner or budding entrepreneur, be sure to register now for a seat as space is limited. 

You can register online at www.youthsparklive.com with the registration code "Durban", alternatively you can email saevent@microsoft.com or call call the contact centre on 0860 22 55 67.

Monday Choon: StadiumX feat Taylr Renee - Howl At The Moon

You read the artist names and the title of the track, it doesn't ring a bell but this is practically the unofficial anthem of Ultra Miami 2014. The Hungarian Duo, David and Sullivan, otherwise known as StadiumX say their goal is create a new energetic sound with a blend of house, electro and progressive which result in that "Big Stadium" sound. They signed on to Nicky Romero's record label, Protocol and if this track is anything to go by, we will be hearing a lot of good tunes from them in the future.

Discovery East Coast Radio Big Walk

Rally everyone you know because the annual Discovery East Coast Radio Big Walk registration is open! The walk which can be done in stages of 5km, 10k, 15km and 20km is one of, if not the biggest of its kind in KZN and the route follows our gorgeous coast line. 

Taking place on May 18th, the walk promises to draw in the thousands like it did last year, transforming the route from uShaka to Peoples Park into a sea of yellow and white. I was part of the many last year, which was my first time and quite honestly couldn't figure out why I didn't do it before?

With most of us living fast pace lifestyles, many of us don't get in enough exercise as we should, this is the ideal way of getting some fresh sea air into your system and get those muscles active. It's also a great way to spend with your family. 

Apart from getting some exercise done, participants get a goody bag which includes a t-shirt and other nice surprises from sponsors and if you are a Discovery Vitality member you get a huge chunk of points to keep your vitality status in good nick!

"The Big Walk is more than just a participative event. It's about bringing people together and we at East Coast Radio are proud to be the facilitators of that kind of movement"  - Renee Burton, East Coast Radio, Marketing Manager.

“For the past 21 years of our existence, we have been driving home the importance that leading a healthy lifestyle plays in preventing disease, and extending life expectancy and improving quality of life, we believe leading a healthier lifestyle is a choice people make for themselves – we just help people to understand the benefits they will reap from leading a healthier lifestyle.” -says Iona Maclean, Head of Experiential Marketing at Discovery.

Registration is now open and you can do it via the East Coast Radio Website or at your nearest Total Sports, entries close on the 30th of April so best you do it now! Some info on the different stages:

• 5Km -  R60
• 10Km- R65
• 15Km- R75
• 20Km- R75 

Race pack collection will take place at Moses Mabhida Stadium on 15, 16 & 17 May 2014. The pack will include your Discovery East Coast Radio Big Walk T-shirt, a goodie bag and race number.

Bucket Seat: BMW X4

BMW have launched a new model, another one. Well it was launched at the beginning of March, this time its from their X range of SUV's. I know what some of you are thinking, "how many different blody cars are they making?", because I said the same thing. Having already the X1, X3, X5 and X6 in their line up, the X4 slots into the mid size Sporty SUV segment, essentially a baby X6. It's based on the X3 platform but its design is unique and mimics a bulky sports coupe, similar to its number sake brother the 4 Series...well 4 Series Gran Coupe.

Concept

I first saw the X4 in its concept stage last year at JIMS, although at first it did look small, when compared to the X5 in front of it, it was a decent size. The bulk adds to the size of the vehicle and with its broad tyres and huge rims it really did make the car stand out. 

Performance

The vehicle is equipped with everything that any other BMW comes with and its EfficientDynamics ensures that the driver is getting the best fuel consumption from the car, a figure that BMW claim to be a combined 8.3-5.0/ 100km across the range. There are 3 petrol engines and 3 diesel engines on offer, I gather we in SA will be getting all of them. The power output ratios range from 135kW/184bhp from the base to 230kW/ 313bhp range topping. All engines are twin turbo's so power isn't lacking in this big beast.  

Impressions

On first impressions this is a car, has the X factor, excuse the pun, its big and bold with that sporty edge, everything you'd expect in a BMW but I can't help think this vehicle is for those that want the X6 but:

• its too expensive for them
• its too big for them
• its an odd shape

Verdict

Although this follows a similar design concept to the X6, the car is more car like without the sharp sweeping roof line due to the length. I'm not all convinced by this one yet as I don't really see the purpose for it in the market but like I said in my previous post about the 2 Series Active Tourer, it gives the buyer more options when looking for a car. Also if you thinking what I'm thinking what I'm thinking, don't be surprised if sometime in the near future you hear about a X2, as it is this week BMW announced that they will be making the X7.

Monday Choon: Zedd ft. Matthew Koma & Miriam Bryant - Find You (Dash Berlin Remix)

Boy oh boy, what a weekend it was in Miami! If you managed to catch some of the live streams you would have seen why UMF Miami is probably the best Music Festival to attend. Every DJ killed it with their sets and I managed to catch a few even though it was in the wee hours of the morning. Zedd was the first DJ I manage to watch, his set on the Mainstage as usual was brilliant, loads of energy and he played a lot of his new stuff. After the set he said he loved the way the crowds sang along to all his songs. Today's choon is a new one from him featuring Matthew Koma & Miriam Bryant, the song itself is a great track and sure to get to the top of many charts but I decided to feature Dash Berlins Remix of it. One of the better ones out there. 

Music at the lake: MiCasa

Music at the Lake in conjunction with Old Mutual and East Coast Radio is back in April and this time round multi SAMA (South African Music Awards) nominees MiCasa are set to perform in the tranquil setting of the Durban Botanical Gardens. MiCasa are nominated for 5 awards at this years SAMA's in the categories, Album of the Year, Duo or Group of the Year,Best Dance Album, Best Music Video of the Year and Remix of the Year.

Their blend of afro house jazz music has really taken the world by storm with hits such as "these streets" and "heavenly sent" earning them huge popularity. Lead vocalist JSomething also was featured on international trance group Cosmic Gates hit song "Over the rainbow" with him providing the vocals. 

MiCasa's latest album Su Casa is also doing well with popular tracks "turn you on" and the famous "jika" coming from it. I was lucky enough to see them perform live at the Ultra Music Festival on the Soul Candi stage, from all the acts that performed on that stage, they drew the biggest crowd by far. They really do have a great stage presence so one can only imagine how good the show will be here.

Venue: Durban Botanical Gardens
Date: 6 April 2014
Time: 14:30 (Gates open at 13.00)
Ticket price: Pre Sold R120, At the Gates R150 (Children between 8-12 pay R50 while kids under 8 are free)

Tickets available from webtickets

Make us dream

I've been adamant from the get go, this season (2013/14) all I want is for Liverpool FC to finish in the top four. But ever since that first game against Stoke, when goal keeper Simon Mignolet made his first league début for us, with many of the fans questioning his ability seeing that we all were pretty happy with outgoing keeper Reina, even with his selection shrouded with uncertainty, he stepped up and saved a penalty in the dying seconds of the game. It ultimately gave Liverpool the win and their first 3 points of the season along with full faith given to the new boy. Ever since that moment you couldn't help but wonder, maybe this is it?

It wasn't going to be easy for this side under the guidance of Brendan Rogers, the previous season we finished strong but we were no where near close to match the top four. With our key striker, Luis Suarez serving the rest of his ban carried over from last season, the team knew they had to dig deep and others needed to stand up, so did Daniel Sturridge. He fitted into the line up like a snug fit glove, his continuous scoring game after game didn't even make us miss Luis the slightest but we all knew that El Pistolero was itching to come back into the team. 

After he served the 6 game ban, he and Daniel forged a partnership that the Premier League hasn't seen in a long time. Dubbed SAS, which ironically is also the abbreviation of the British Special Air Service, they went rampant on teams they faced. The link up between the two was even better than Gerrard and Torres. Forget about mind reading, its like they both know each others movements before it can happen. We all knew at the time that what Liverpool have is something special but as we move into the business end of the season, we really are seeing how ruthless and commanding this strike duo are. 

Luis, even after serving a 6 game ban at the beginning of the season is the leagues highest scorer with 28 goals, Sturridge isn't that far behind the Uruguayan with 19. Combined the two have netted 47 goals in the league, that's more than the total managed by 15 other clubs! The current league partnership goal record is held by Beardsley and Cole, who managed 55 in the 1993/94 season. That's just 8 off SAS, with 8 games still left for Liverpool, many tipping the duo to break that record. Luis is also on course to break Alan Shearer and Andy Cole's joint record of 34 goals in one season, again with 8 games left I wouldn't put it past him. He's been in fine form with a short dry spell not to long ago saw him go 3 games without scoring but that fear was quickly put to bed after scoring in both of the last fixtures, including a hat trick on the weekend. 

The run in till the end isn't an easy one with Liverpool having to face both teams that are above them, Chelsea and Manchester City, along with top four challengers Spurs. They have also got to rely on the top two dropping points to take advantage and given the form they have been in, it isn't looking likely. Like I've said from the beginning, give me a top four finish and I would be happy, Brendan Rodgers also admitted that the team we have now is still short from a title winning team with some improvements and players needed to get us there. I tend to agree with the manager seeing that our defence isn't the most solid one in the league and our midfield is sometimes lacking but the work rate from most of the individuals is nothing short of brilliant. Guys like Henderson, Allen and Flanagan that don't often make the headlines put in the hard graft required of them week in and week out. They have got to be commended for getting the team where it is currently. 

If you look at statistics, everything points at Chelsea or Manchester City lifting the trophy in May and if they do it would be well deserved but there's something I heard during the course of this season, to win the league, the team has to have some luck on the way and I won't lie, there have been some times where we did get lucky. Also if Brendan Rodgers was planning on leading this team just to finish in the top four, I'm guessing Luis and Daniel didn't get the memo because they're making us believe we can achieve something greater!

You'll Never Walk Alone