Congrats to Miss October

the Bucket would like to send its congratulations out to former Bucket Babe Alexis Fox on being named Miss October 2012 Playmate for Playboy Mag SA. The sexy vixen from KZN is most popular for her Frisky Friday and fitness pics on twitter has finally been given the chance shes been craving for, to appear in Playboy and we're delighted with it as well! You can catch Alexis this weekend at SEXPO which is taking place in the Expo center in Nasrec where I'm sure she'll be more than happy to sign some mags for the fans. Below are some of the pics from her shoot, go out and buy your copy of Playboy SA October edition now!

You can also like her Facebook Page: Miss October Alexis Fox

Follow her on twitter: @alexis2fox

 

Congrats again Miss Fox! lots of love from the Bucket!

Ford ST Experience

We South Africans love our cars, if you don't believe me just look at the NAAMSA monthly stats. The younger generation tend to go for the sporty cars and as such, sales of "hot hatches" dominates this end of the market. The most popular one being the Golf GTi but over the years many rivals have come to challenge it such as the Toyota RunX RSi, Opel Astra OPC and the Ford Focus ST. From the 3 challengers the Ford ST stands out from the lot, it didn't boast the most power but in terms of all round performance it was one of the best and it had the looks to suit. The Focus has a rich motor sport heritage in the world of rallying as the late Colin Mcrae won multiple WRC titles in his car, so the guys at the Ford factory know what they're doing.

The new Ford Focus ST is about to hit the market and its faster, more powerful and more good looking than before. As awesome as the car is, it does come at a price and not everyone can afford one and see all that it holds, so Ford have put together a competition dubbed "The ST Experience" where by 200 lucky people could win a chance  to spend a track day with the all new Focus ST as well as an unbelievable first prize.

The ST Experience is giving over 200 people the opportunity to encounter the All-New Focus ST before anyone else, at their local track, with pro racing drivers. Each winner will also receive an ST cap, keyring and full blown online race video featuring themselves.

One lucky person will also win an exclusive international behind-the-scenes tour of the Ford Focus Factory in Germany and secret testing ground in Belgium, to experience how the Focus ST is designed, manufactured and tested.

This isn't a competition with a million entries and one prize. There are 200 CHANCES to experience the All-New Focus ST.

People can enter at: www.STexperience.co.za

Monday Choon: Porter Robinson - Language

Relatively unknown, Porter Robinson of the USA is a 20 year old Electro house DJ. Starting mixing at the age of 13 and now signed to the same label as Skrillex, "Language" is his first hit track. Having being featured on beatport top 100 electro house charts as well as getting plenty airplay on many of the EDM stations this one is sure a hit.

Braai for Heritage

Often when the 24th of September comes around, its seen as a welcomed break for many from the hectic working week. Many use the day to relax or catch up with odds and ends, like they do on many other public holidays. Its sad that such a few of us take note of why we have the day off . Since South Africa dubbed the rainbow nation is home to such a multicultural population that Heritage Day is set aside to for each of the groups to be proud of the cultural background and beliefs, also to learn about others.

Seeing that the people of SA come from such a diverse cutural spectrum, its funny how we all are pretty similar and like similar things, one of them being having a braai. There's nothing better than to sit around a fire with friends and family, sharing a cold beverage and while waiting for your food to get done on the open flame. This here may seem like nothing but its something that has been pushed for by Jan Scannell, better known as Jan Braai.

In 2007 he and Arch Bishop Desmond Tutu helped encourage nation building by celebrating Heritage Day by doing something we love, having a braai! It was then "National Braai Day" was born, there was some upheaval from the Government that people were losing the true meaning of the day so the name was then changed to "Braai4Heritage". Last year Jan travelled to th e 3 major cities being Joburg, Durban and Cape Town whilst having a braai in each one for the day, I was fortunate enough to join him in Durban. This year he travelled the country doing "9 days, 9 Provinces, 9 Braais" wasnt lucky enough to join him this time around as work had kept me busy. Jan also has released a recipe book this year titled "Fireworks" so look out for it at your nearest book store.

Jan Scannell

So come Monday the 24th, dont forget to celebrate your heritage, light a fire, throw a chop on it and enjoy a dop!

The truth about the 96

Its been in the news for the past week and has been the focal talking point in much of the Premier League fixtures this past weekend. The fans and people of Liverpool always knew the truth but lies and cover ups said otherwise. For over 23 years the families and friends of the victims of that tragic day in Sheffield fought for justice and the truth, last week their pleas were finally heard and documents containing the truth were made public for the first time. These documents proved what was always said, a large scale cover up by the police of the incident that claimed 96 innocent lives on the 15 of April 1989. Its also went to show that of the 96 deceased, 41 could have been saved had the police allowed rescue workers into the stadium. It was the largest footballing tragedy in the UK and it changed football in general forever as the English FA then put a ban on terraces in all stadiums as they had to be 100% seated for crowd control and general safety.

After the news broke about the revelations, tributes and apologies came pouring in to the club and the families, one the firsts were from Sheffield Wednesday FC whom it was at their stadium, Hillsborough that the incident occurred. Football clubs and fans took it upon themselves to show solidarity towards the fallen. Many paid tribute at the eternal flame at Anfield and during the weekends fixtures some of the clubs played the famous "You'll never walk alone" before kick off. Its wasn't just in the UK as clubs in France, Italy and even Texas paid tribute.

It wasn't a requirement for them to do that but it was done out of their own hearts, so it wasn't expected from everyone but welcomed from those who did. Obviously with some clubs there are great rivalries but even at a time like this that was forgotten as shown in the fixture between Everton and Newcastle where before the kick off at Goodison Park, YNWA was played over the loud speaker. Now hate to single out a club and put blame on them and their supporters but certain fans of Man Utd were caught chanting "always the victim/ its never your fault" aimed at LFC during their game against Wigan on the weekend. It was condemned by the club and Sir Alex, my question is why? Fine they claimed it has nothing to do with Hillsborough but why sing about Liverpool in the first place? Yes we don't see eye to eye in most cases but why go on and sing that? What good did it do? After years of suffering from the lies, and now that the truth is out they still had the nerve to say that?

From Napoli

I think people need to draw the line when comes to these things, yes there's football but also real life. People were killed, they were fans just like them going to watch their team play but never returned home. Its because of their loss of life that safety measures have been bettered for us today yet they chose to mock them. Im not saying its only the fans of United to blame because I've heard that supporters of LFC also mock United by chanting "Munich" which hails back to the tragic planes crash where members of the Busby babes died. Also on twitter I saw many United fans arguing why they shouldn't pay tribute to the 96 and how those who do are not true supporters. I tell you what, the first Manchester United fan to stand up and sing YNWA will have the greatest respect from me.

The two teams meet this weekend for their fixture in the English Premiership and I just hope things don't turn nasty. For far too long supporters of the two clubs have been embroiled in this stubborn feud that's seen some nasty things being said about each other, its time for one or both to stand up and be the bigger person and stop this once and for all. Alex Ferguson said it himself, the clubs have done what they can, its up to the fans now.

In memory of the 96, the truth has been revealed, now its time for justice.

You'll Never Walk Alone

Monday Choon: Alexander Popov - Sun goes

  
Some chilled trance to get the week under way, heard this song on MixFM recently, tried to find more info on the DJ but for some strange reason I kept getting pointed to some swimmer. Anyway, cool track which is featured on many of the vocal trance albums this year. Enjoy.

Bucket Babe: Kerry van Niekerk

Greetings readers, its an absolute pleasure to bring to you another instalment of this segment. The east coast of SA has given the modeling world a fare share of beauties, from the likes of Candice Boucher, LeeAnn Roberts and the world famous Victoria Secret super model Candice Swanepoel, so when out in public you'll always be turning your heads as hotties walk by. This week I was fortunate enough to bump into one at the Red Bull party and after getting to know her, I just had to feature her on the blog. The name Kerry and modeling go down well and who knows where she could be in a few years...

Kerry van Niekerk

I am a second year student in Graphic designing at Style Design College. I am 19 years old. I danced my whole life doing ballet and modern. I am an animal lover and am passionate about the saving whales and dolphins. I hope to have my own cause one day to support these beautiful creatures. In my spare time i like to paint, take photos and spend time with my friends drinking coffee or clubbing. My modelling achievements thus far include: finals for Miss uShaka 2012 and finals for Czar Model Search and am currently in the first heat of Empyre Muse. I am in the process of being signed at an agency but am trying to save up for the test shoot. In the future I hope to working as the editor of Vogue or other fashion magazines. I dream of modelling for Guess and FHM.

Fans can follow me on twitter @kerryvanniekerk

Vote for Kerry in the Empyre Muse competition by liking her pic here! Votes close today so get voting!. 

Q&A.

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

Definitely a Lamborghini or a Bentley!

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

Definitely a good meaty sandwich, and definitely fresh!

3. What type of music gets your booty shaking?

Commercial, dubstep, drum 'n bass and deep house. The odd old school sing along song always gets me in a good mood.

4. Dream cover shoot?

Definitely FHM or Sports Illustrated.

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

Full time model. I really enjoy being in front of the camera!

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

Salt or double butter. Mmm i think I'm going to make some right now!

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

Recently single hey. It's time to focus fully on my future and dreams.

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

Candice Swanepoel and Candice Boucher are proof that Durban girls can make it. They keep me motivated when I feel I can't get to the top.

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

I love anything that looks good and feels comfortable. I see fashion as art so if it looks beautiful its a win for me! Anything local will always be my first option. 

10. Which city is your dream party destination?

Capetown or Miami !!!

Red Bull: #RedMonday

photo by @coaxel

This past Monday saw the launch of #RedMonday in South Africa which broke through the trends charts on Twitter before the events could start! The guest lists were limited and many had no idea what it was so let me bring you up to speed. Red Monday is essentially an international club culture concept event that has been created by the giant energy drink Red Bull. It has already taken off in Europe quite well and the guys at Red Bull SA are hoping it will be much the same.

photo by @Stormable

4 parties were held over 4 cities in South Africa, namely Joburg, Cape Town, Durban and Port Elizabeth. I attended the Durban one which was held at Boulevard night club on Florida Rd. The party focused very much around the launch of the new Red Bull "Editions" which are the flavour variants of the popular energy drink. Currently there were just 2 options being original and sugar free but soon the 3 flavours will be hitting the stores.

Edition Blue (Blueberry), Edition Red (Cranberry) and Edition Silver (Lime) are the 3, and being a Red Bull event, there was plenty to go around for free! Add to that the guys from Skyy Vodka arranging a limited amount of bottles for free to the guests to sample the editions as mixers. Having sampled all 3 on the night, I have to say Edition Silver is my favourite and it was also the general agreement from most of the party goers that night.

Apart from standing around and drinking Red Bull, there was a party to be had! Red Bull's mobile DJ box was on hand with a list of top DJ's taking turns to spin the beats. The crowd and vibe was great and many familiar faces were spotted, one would never tell it was a Monday night in Durbs! People partied the night away with Red Bull providing the much needed energy to keep them going through to the early hours of Tuesday morning. Looking forward to the next #RedMonday

@Stormable and myself

Monday Choon: Ferry Corsten feat. Aruna - Live Forver

One of my all time favourite trance songs has to be Ferry Corsten's Fire, theres just something about some of his music that gets me hooked and for some reason I can never tire of the sound. Live forever is another one of those tracks. I can almost say that it will be timeless and it will never get old no matter how many times I hear it.

Win a Mustang!

Yes you read right! AXE, the ultimate weapon of mass seduction for men are giving away the American icon of automobiles and YOU could win it! It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure it out, all you got to do is head down to your nearest stockist of AXE deodorants and purchase 1 or 1000...depending on how good you want your chances to be and sms the last 4 digits of the bar code to 37695 or enter via the AXE facebook page once you've "LIKED" the page, follow through to the Win a Mustang app and enter your details there.

To increase your chances of winning, you can become a fan via your mobile or share the competition with friends on Facebook. This has to be one of the raddest competitions at the moment, even though the petrol price is hitting new heights, owning your very own piece of American Muscle is priceless! All the best and don't forget to keep your receipts to verify your purchases!

Striker crisis

Headache for Brendan

Okay maybe the heading is making it sound more dramatic than it really is but with the departure of Carroll and management not being able to secure a 3rd striker before the summer transfer window closed, its fair enough to admit that Liverpool FC do have a problem up front. Brendan Rodgers obviously had a plan as all good managers do before the start of the season and Andy Carroll wasn't ideally involved in it so he was mainly benched and only thrown on when desperately needed. I agree 100% with Rodgers when he said he cant afford to have a striker of Andy's price tag being the 3rd choice and also with such a high salary, so it was a no brainer to palm him off else where but the idea was to get a suitable replacement, unfortunately that didn't happen and as explained by club owner John W Henry, its not only the fans whom were disappointed.

Linda Pizzuti and John Henry

Realistically speaking it wasn't a bad window for LFC, they secured to signings of 3 top players namely Sahin, Borini and Allen all of which found their way into the starting 11 and we cut off the highly paid players who weren't featuring that often, Carroll mentioned earlier being one of them and Charlie Adam being the other along with Maxi, Kuyt and others. Carroll, Adam and Kuyt whom we must give credit to for holding the team last season as they all provided valuable contributions and I wish them success at their new clubs for the season.

Andy Carroll on loan at Westham

Back to the problem in our strike force, in terms of 1st choice players there is only Luis Suarez and Fabio Borini for the boss to choose and sometimes like last Sunday against LeArse that combination just didn't do anything, Suarez being wasteful with possession whilst Borini was lucky to get a touch at times. We controlled the game well but much like last season the finishing just was not there. The stats were in our favour for most of the match but the important one being goals was not.

So what are our options?
 

Dani Pacheco

• We could always dig into our reserves where we have the likes of Morgan who impressed in our tour to the USA and there's Pacheco who I feel hasn't been given a decent run in the team. I've seen glimpses of the kid with the various managers we've had in the past 3 seasons and I really think if given the chance he could do well. He has great vision, he is pacey and knows where the goal is, perhaps he needs more confidence and being given first team chances will give that to him. 

Alessandro Del Piero

•  The other option is we look at a free agent, the thought did cross my mind at 1am on September 1st "what about Michael Owen?" then my brain kick started and I smacked myself for thinking such a thing. Anyway that wont happen seeing that he has signed with Stoke City. There were other rumours of recent linking Drogba to LFC, I'd take him in a heart beat but there is no way we could come close to matching the pay he's getting in China! Another one mentioned in the mill was Del Piero, the Italian legend who spent most of his career playing for Juventus was let go at the end of last season and looked certain he was going to play for Sydney FC but talks collapsed early this week. There's no doubting his quality and his experience will be invaluable to the players at the club but we all have to wait and see if Rodgers opts for any of them.

Didier Drogba

Until then there is really nothing us fans can do but hope and pray. The start of the new season does look like a disaster but its only been 3 games and not the easiest of fixtures too. We've shown we have the quality and there is a significant improvement by most of the players it just needs to start going in our favour in the final 3rd of the pitch.

You'll Never Walk Alone