x squared plus 10y = 720

if x>1 solve for y...

Thank god it is all over, for now. :) After 4 hours of the most intense testing conditions I have ever experienced I completed the GMAT exam yesterday. For those who are asking "g what"? it is just an entrance exam for the MBA course idea with which I am still toying for next year. It was a stressful experience, but more than stressful it was bizarre. I arrived early, having been told I should be there at 07h45 (gulp) for an 08h30 exam. This is so they have enough time to "register" you before taking the exam. The registration process involves having your ID verified, your photo taken, you fingerprint electronically scanned into and your signature captured onto the system. It was an exercise in new technology I tell you.

Then you are escorted to the testing centre - a little room with computer cubicles. You are not allowed to take anything into the centre, not even a bottle of water. My request to be allowed to take a jumper in was even met with slight concern! Once I had proved there was nothing in the pockets though, the request was approved :) Your little workstation is monitored by cameras above your head. Felt very sorry for the invigilators who have to spend 4 hours watching two people sit at a desk. When you reach one of your optional breaks between sections you have to wave at the camera above your head and sit back to wait for someone to come fetch you. Then your fingerprint is scanned again to log you out so you can go pee, have a drink etc. Then your fingerprint is scanned to log you back in and you are taken back into the testing centre. So 1 hr, break, 75min break, 75min again.

Anyway, the Maths section was a disaster. But the Verbal (such a misnomer for an entirely written exam testing your correct use of language and grammar) section pulled me up, thank god! Get my final scores in 20 days, so we will see.

So now I can get back to the craziness that is prepping for Balkanology as we scramble to find a new venue at the 11th hour and not stress about x squared and story sums :) Chat again soon!!
love
kx

Work sucks!

In response to Paul's post the other day about his life of unemployment, i offer a cautionary note... Work totally sucks ass!

S'true!

I know i started a little late, and even though the money is kind of cool, i would MUCH rather be unemployed again. Its not the hard work, mind you. I worked way harder as a student, for way less money, but there is something totally choking and constrictive about working for DAH MAN. Again, i have a pretty cruisey boss, jeans and t-shirts are standard work attire (casual fridays???), but still, afternoon naps are a no-no, and wake-and-bake is frowned upon. I once went to a curry restaurant in Hobart, Tasmania where one of the young ladies serving me was wearing a cap that said "Work Sucks". It was kind of funny because her bosses clearly could not read english but her customers could. She was right though, work sucks.

So anyways, this is kind of a stupid post with no pictures of polo games, or leisurely picnics in the park, but that's because i sold out and became part of the soulless corporate machine that is polluting our earth into extinction.

Happily though, i am really getting into the new Interpol album, so check it out if you can...

Kind regards,

#30101979GA

Jozi!!?

2 months in Jozi and I'm still jobless and bored.
But the weather's good, it's great to be near family and old friends again, and it was pretty lekker having some of julle around for this weekend.

Jozi is still Jozi...... people in cars want to kill you, people in bars want to be your new best friend..... or kill you. There's still no sea and not a hell of a lot to see.

Random pic's:

Grace's 3rd b-day


Spring day at Emmerentia


Sunday watching Polo..... cos that's what you do here


A horse....... cos Kerry wanted pic's of horses


But for those of ya that will be in Jozi on the weekend of the 28th and 29th, there are some good musicians out for the artsalive fest.

Here's a preview

Vieux Farka Toure


K-os


So if you're nearby (or just need to get your ass outta Kimberley) come along.

....now back to another day of doing nothing.

Chao amigos

Kids today!

Despite having only just been born, Baby Liam (of Claude and James fame) has his own blog now... Linkage to your right...

In the absence of any interesting news, here is a little music treat:



Apparently in the choir behind her are members of Broken Social Scene, New Pornographers, The National and Grizzly Bear!

And on that note, I heard a terrible rumor that some readers of this blog still do not know who The National are.

Lesson 1:



Lesson 2:

Since baby Liam does not have a facebook account...

I'm too cool for Poole

I always say “stick to what you’re good at” and it’s a good philosophy. I’m good at whinging and moaning, so that’s what I do, and I do it well. The English are good at stuff too, for instance :

• Getting hideous tattoos



• Being fat



• Whinging about the weather (although admittedly, their weather is fucking atrocious)



• Having two planned pregnancies before they reach twenty
  

Things the English are not good at:

• Dressing (seriously, chav is sooooo last decade)



• Sport



• Food (with the exception of fish and chips, and mushy peas)



• Beaches



• Holiday resorts built around those beaches



• Holiday towns built around the resorts built around the beaches

I knew very little of Poole before going there for two weeks for work, but I soon learned that it is a major ’oliday destination for British folk that live around the area (mostly London) innit. Poole beach is aaaalrraaaaaaight, in a kind of “Blouberg is a cool beach if it was the last beach on earth and I only have 1 hour to live and I don’t have time to go anywhere else” kind of way, but really its nothing special. Despite the beach being of only ‘meh’ standard, it attracts a hell of a lot of pasty folk, and they all descend upon the coarse sand and freezing water every “English summer” to get some use out of their metal detectors and to ogle each others pasty manboobs. Sometimes they swim, but not often.

Not much happens in Poole, but on a Thursday night, all the classy Poole-folk break out their Kappa tracksuits and Burberry scarves and head down to the quay, where they consume many pints of piss-warm ale, and stare vacuously at the mounds of scrap metal piled high on the opposite quay. Often there are fireworks on a Thursday night, but not before there have been lots of fights, and everyone is nicely blotto, innit.

I was lucky, I only spent two weeks in Poole, some people have to actually LIVE there. I know, shame. You guys must be getting pretty jealous right around now, because I got to go to Poole and you had to stay at home enjoying the relatively balmy African summer. Don’t get you knickers in a twist though Philimon, my new mates from Poole are going to be visiting us all in three years to show us what it really means to be a football fan. And they told me they are leaving their contraception at home, so hide your daughters. Innit.

Peace out.

Ps The fish and chips in Poole is actually damn good (from the place we went to anyway), and boring as it is, its infinitely better than the cesspool of filth and aggression that is London. Seriously, what is it with London? That place is such a dump. Thanks to Brendan and Lauren though for looking after me, Asher for the free food and wine, and Sparry for the fush un chups.

CONGRATUMALATIONS!

Congratumalations to Dr G - yes it is official, Greg is now known formally Dr Abramowitz as he has recieved his PhD. Phil you will have to give up your Dr Phil status, eventhough you don't want too. Grek - hopefully you will pull off the cap and gown better than this lady and that your degree will not be written in Russian. We will be celebrating on Saturday once you are back!

some pics from "in other words" about to open this wednesday!!!!

RJD2 live at the Webster Hall, NYC

Me & Stu were at this gig!

My first B+W film

See below random pics from my first B+W film...

Cambodia B+W

Knysna and Misc. B+W

You know those stupid questionnaires that get sent around in emails (and now Facekak) where you answer a whole load of personal questions about yourself, so that your friends can laugh behind your back at your childhood crush (I see you Phil!). Well, because i have fuck-all else to do, here is a pictorial journey through my deepest and darkest...


My hero :


My new partner in crime:
(you have to have been at Mary's party, and have a reasonable knowledge of contemporary hip-hop artists to understand this)


My best friend :

My "I would consider turning gay and spending a night with this person if they were gay and fancied me" person:

My childhood crush :
(wtf was wrong with Archie? Betty was so much hotter than Veronica anyway, AND she wasn't a bitch)

My teen crush :

My adult crush :

Favourite character from the Goonies (No Phil, you're wrong!) :

My first kiss :

(it was an intense and thankfully short-lived affair)

OK, this is pretty stupid, but if someone can find the time (anyone else unemployed and bored shitless?) you should do one too, only make yours funny...

Samba and Curry

Had the most amazing night on Tues! Went to a Samba gig and was told I should pay the proper respect as I was witnessing Samba royalty ;) The group are called Mangueira and apart from being the name of a favela in Rio (I think) they are also supposed to be the top Samba band in the world. Now being pretty much a samba free zone until now I couldn't tell you if they really are the best, but they certainly are amazing and fun! Felt like being in a mini carnival. Sexy Brazilian ladies shaking it on the floor, mad percussion and a whole gig in Portuguese so I understood nothing :) But I loved it!! Tuesday is the new Saturday you know ;) The pic doesn't really do it justice. One should really use a camera to take pictures rather than a phone :)

Last night went and had the customary cheap curry in Brick lane! It was Yummy! Then went to a cocktail bar that was just gorgeous. Think Zingara type styling but with a more oriental feel (oh and some weird anatomy diagrams on the walls next to the boar's head :D) even got free cocktails! All in all its been a great week!

As for the news you have all been asking me about... the dreaded interview. It was a veritable disaster :) And this is not just a "kerry disaster" as some of you have put it. It was the real deal. Anyway, I am actually really glad it went badly. Sparked off a whole weekend of contemplation along the lines of "why when my commitment to this is questioned, does it fall flat?" Kind of reached the realisation that I don't want to study film for two years in London. Also reaching a (very scary) realisation that I might want to jump off the film train all together for a while. Long story, but the basics are pretty simple. I want to do something more contributive (is that word?), something more worthy and less greedy. So the idea is to get back to CT as fast as SAA will let me and rethink the life plan. Hey if I could work for an environmental NGO and make doccies on the side my life would be complete. So anyone know any NGO's looking for a great project and logistics manager type person? :)

Now for most of you this is irrelevant but for Tals: Saw Janey yesterday and met the baby Edward :) Here they are. She send her love. (Feel like evryone else has had a chance to put baby pics up in the past :) ) Speaking of Baby pics... Anyone got any new ones of Liam!?? Claud???

Something random

Something fun for those not on dial-up

Ms Fraser is in the money!

I just wanted to give you guys a heads-up that Alex has just received ANOTHER scholarship for her studies from some rich philanthropists, God bless 'em. So bladdy congratumalations!!!!
DRINKS ARE ON ALEX!!!

Ew, that Daddy Warbucks and Orphan Annie picture is creepy.

OLA

OK, I´ve arrived in Beunos Aires and finally have something to say. Watch this space Greggles I´m gonna post some stuff soon. But I ain´t budging until you post that photocopied image of your unemployed ass on the blog. We discussed this...come on now... you know it will spark some discussion.

New York !?

Only in New York....




I've just got back from watching Rodrigo y Gabriela at a gig in Central Park. Was pretty crazy.......

Jo Ma se Coffee Shop!

Yes, it the middle of Laung Prabang, is JoMa's bakery and coffee shop on Sisvang Vong Road (my favorite Laotian road name especially if you say it very fast...) and the make excellent coffee and a really nice cup of early grey too.

Ending the travels

Well I'm back in New York after traveling through the US, Mexico, Peru, Bolivia Argentina and Brazil. All the amazing things i managed to see and do are only exceeded by the number of things that I had to miss due to lack of time. This trip really required a full year...... so I'll have to do some saving for the next one (who's joining me?).
I'd like to say that it was all an incredible learning experience and I grew so much as a person, but no, it really was just a great holiday. I didn't even manage to learn that much Spanish.
Above are just a random selection of photos from along the way. Below is a vid that I tried many time to upload along the way, but was thwarted in my attempts by slow and tempremental connections. It's from the salt flats in the South of Bolivia.

Anyhows, I'm back in Jozi on Tue, so all of yous over there watch out (or just get in touch.......that would be nice).
Chao

p

Music, Mud & Marvelous Mayhem

Well all, it has taken me a while to get clean and have the ringing in my ears subside, but the recovery is going well. So, got back from Glastonbury at 22h00 on Monday Night after a 6 hours in the parking field waiting for each and every car in the two adjoining fields to be towed by tractor through the bogged down exit. Our little hire car didn't have a tow hitch so we the rather bizarre but hilarious experience of being PUSHED rather than pulled. A huge tractor with a tire as a bumper came up and shoved our little tin can of a car along from behind! So funny!Anyway, we did eventually get out of the field and drove away from a weekend of amazing music ankle breaking mud and crazy freaks.

Laura and I caught the bus down on Thursday afternoon and after trekking across the entire site we found our way to our posse's base camp among the Caravans and Camper Vans. For future reference if you ever go to Glastonbury, I highly recommend trying to camp in the caravan area. Its a bit of a walk from the site, but you're on high ground (so best defence against mudslides and floods) and have fewer people using your loos (a def bonus by Sunday morning). We were there as Laura's boyfriend and his mate had organised a weird Fold Out Caravan (yes they apparently do exist). So after the Aussie connection through a barbie together Lau, Simon, Jonny and I headed into the site for a bit of a pre show wander. [Weather at this point, chilly but dry]

Friday Morning woke to the gentle pitter patter of rain. Thrilled that my tent appeared to have remained dry I was in good spirits and keen to get into the chaos.
First up, The Earlies, who fittingly enough played early on the Pyramid Stage (the main stage). I'd never heard of them but they were great. Even when the torrential downpour began they kept the crowd going. That downpour however, forced me to invest in an incredibly unsexy army surplus rain poncho in an attempt to keep hypothermia at bay as my legs were soaked. The poncho worked. And despite three more tropical-like downpours, I remained dry-ish for the rest of the day.
Saw a bit of Modest Mouse at the Other Stage (appropriately names I feel)- they rocked and were so full of energy. Very cool.
Caught The Magic Numbers final tracks - big inflatable versions of the four of them and thousands of people singing along. The sun even came out to play too
Bloc Party were amazing but let down slightly by some shoddy sound. The weird sound issues were to be a recurring thing at the Pyramid stage.
Then possible my festival highlight.... Arcade Fire on the other stage with an incredible sunset! With so many of them on stage you never get bored. And they had organs, accordions, percussion that were just incredible.
Having not sat down all day I am afraid to say that I didn't make it through all of Bjork. I was knackered, overwhelmed and just wanted my sleeping bag. Think it takes a day or two to let go and get into a rhythm and Friday took a lot out of me :D

Saturday woke to clouds but no Rain (Yay!) Weather became such a pivotal thing so I am sorry if you are getting bored by the weather reports.
Headed down to the Chill n Charge tent - a whole tent with lots of stations for your to charge your phone over your morning coffee. So many stations and only two that fitted my phone!! So a long wait ahead of me, I settled in and read the festival Daily. a little mag published every day by Q magazine with interviews, weather reports, schedule changes etc. They had some great music and bands doing acoustic sets. Heard Peter and the Wolf - surprisingly cool and made the wait very bearable. Also heard Just Jack (not of Will and Grace fame) kind of poppy streets I guess? He was fun though.
Then phone boosted it was off to see the Bees with Jonny at the Jazz World Stage. Guess the Isle of Wight is considered far enough away to classify as world Music? They were amazing as always. Doing the Chicken payback dance in the mud with loads of people!!! all good.
Then a bit of wandering through the Circus fields (wicked trapeze stuff), Tipi Fields (mud wrestling), Avalon Fields (great folky acoustic stuff) until reaching the Klaxons on the Other Stage. I didn't know much about them but they were great. Seriously rocked out.
Took my little self off to Paul Weller and was not disappointed although I hear maximo Park were a highlight of the festival. That is the big problem with Glasto, you are constantly suffering from serious missing out syndrome. You are always having to chose between things you really want to see. Wish I could bend the space and time like Hiro, do the whole of Glastonbury. Would probably take months, but it would be incredible (for those going who the hell is Hiro... one word people... Heroes!! see it.)
Then the Kooks had us all singing Ooh La in a good practice for the upcoming Killers sing a long. I know lots of you have reservations about Brandon and his boys, but they were amazing! Real performance and rock, 50 000 people singing "I've got Soul but I'm not a Soldier" is pretty crazy. I was jumping around in my wellies and loving it!

Sunday started with rain and would rain most of the day. Had to make my way back to the Chill n Charge but got there early so only q-ed for a bit. had run out of credit as well so had to make all sorts of friends during the day to keep in touch with the posse. By Sunday morning i had found my mojo.
Saw the Waterboys and did Irish turns in the mud (no mean feat I tell you) and they set me up for a great day.
The Cold War Kids blew me and the clouds away (albeit briefly). They were a definite highlight too. Then it was on my mission to explore the park and the green and healing fields. The park is a new area that they started this year with small venues, lots of random installations and the Silent Disco. It is how they get around the 1h00 music turn down. You get handed headphones as you walk in and everyone gets to listen to the tunes nice and quietly. Also headed up to the Stone Circle to get a full view of the site. It is huge, really like a temporary town.
Headed back to Jazz World to see Beruit. Had never heard of them but was intrigued by their interview in the Daily. Think Balkanology but less hectic beats and more chilled. Very cool, but I was in the mood for something a but more energetic to keep warm as the clouds rolled in again. So took myself off to rejoin the gang at the Go Team! Jumping and dancing in the rain and mud with Lau. Gotta love Go Team.
Then a bit of kaiser Chiefs and more rocking out in the mud. This is so hard to do. the Mud at this point is like an ankle deep layer of glue. Foot say GO, boots say NO. So hard not to fall over :) and hysterical to people watch.
Then it was off on a bot of a Sunday goodbye glasto wander, dance tents, other stage, jazz stage just catching bits and pieces of anything going on. It was a really good way to wrap things up.

Ok this has gone on for far too long... Time to sign off. Suffice to say, it was an amazing weekend, if a little hard on the senses at times. The mud came out of my clothes, the tent has been packed away and its all just photos now. So here are some of the pics I took on my phone. Now I gotta get myself together for my interview with the films school tomorrow (gulp)
Lots of Love to you and miss you all!!
kxx

Glastonbury 2007

I told you

It's because of that damn Westerford banner. I TOLD you not to put it up.

Random pic follows...