Burger King opens in KZN

The King has arrived to KwaZulu Natal, well we already have a King but I'm not talking about the monarch, I'm talking about Burger King. Yes, the famed American franchise has finally hit our shores! The first outlet was opened in Cape Town last year and the response was incredible with people queueing for hours to get their hands on the variety of burgers on offer. 

I was lucky enough to be invited to their media launch on the 11th of April at the first store in KZN situated in the newly revamped Food Court of the Pavilion Shopping Centre. Speaking to members of the franchise, they said this would be the first of many for the province. They anticipated a big response for the new store, similar to that of Cape Town and Johannesburg, one of the reasons for that was a slight communication error from one of the local newspapers which saw the wrong opening date published which caused a huge crowd to gather at the store during their training day. 

The overall store set up is decent with a small eating area inside the store, reason being the spill of the crowd will flow into the food court area. The menu is quite extensive and what I liked is that each burger on the menu can be changed to suit your taste. You can chop and change to your taste buds desire, with extras such as cheese, different dressings and types of buns. The meals are offered in medium or large and your cool drinks are bottomless with a fountain situated in the eating area for refills. They also have a lot of side items on the menu ask snacks, such as chicken nuggets, cheese and chili nuggets and chicken wings to name a few. The dessert menu is sure to have the sugar lovers in a buzz with a wide variety to satisfy your sweet cravings. 

I ordered the Chicken Tendercrisp burger meal with a side of chili cheese nuggets and for desert I ordered the Hot Blondie brownie. The burger was a decent size and it had a full fillet of chicken and not processed junk, I ordered the curry cheese mayo and normal mayo with it. The combination was a good one and probably one that I'd stick to for the next time I order. The staff seem well trained and ready for the challenge ahead and they seem to be coping well with the demand as I've heard people are queueing for a maximum of 45 minutes at the recently opened store. 

Its a nice alternative to what we're used to and a major plus for is the fact that you can customised your meal, the bottomless refreshments and the extensive dessert menu is always a winner. I'll be sure to call again. Trading times are 10am till 10pm. 

website: www.burgerking.co.za

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.