The Kissing Game

This is the funniest viral I have seen in a while, check it out below! Oh and happy new year to all my beloved readers! Stay Cool - Courtesy, the Islander

Triple Threat Match: Ruffalo VS Norton VS Bana

When looking at the names of Ruffalo, Norton and Bana, you must be thinking of one thing.. that's right folks, the green goliath himself, the Incredible Hulk. In the last 7 years we have seen 2 Hulk films of which both acclaimed actors Eric Bana and Edward Norton have played the frail and tormented soul of the Hulk, Bruce Banner. My opinion, both actors gave an awesome performance of the Incredible Hulk. The problem was in each movies scripts. Ang Lee's unique disposition as an Action Director led him to make the Hulk into a Jarhead action star. Regrettably that's what he knows best. Louis Letterier unfortunately only saw it fit to reclaim elements of the successful TV show, "The Incredible Hulk" in which starred acclaimed television star, Bill Bixby.

In an effort to change the direction of the hulk storyline.. we may see Leterrier bring on a brand new actor. That actor may be Mark Ruffalo, star of tough movies such as 13 going on 30 and... well thats the only movie i ever saw him in. Big question remains... does Ruffalo have what it takes to become the disturbed Dr Robert Bruce Banner. Or has marvel shot itself in the foot once again?

Ryan Reynolds as Green Lantern!!

After much anticipation, Entertainment weekly finally revealed the picture most Comic Book fans have been waiting for! Ryan Reynolds as Green Lantern! The rumors of him being in a CGI suit can now be confirmed as true. Check out this awesome pic to the left!

It is here!

After waiting for approximately 9 years, sitting through a "f@#% load" of traffic, the World cup is finally here. South Africans have a golden opportunity to witness and host the grandest stage of them all. This comes after various painstaking bids of acquiring the World Cup. I remember watching Fifa Prez, Mr Sep Blatter pulling Germany's name during the 2006 bid. Boy were South Africans pissed, especially at one particular New Zealander from the committee who refused to vote. What was his name again? Anywho the point is that we got the World Cup, the question is... will we get to keep it? For most soccer enthusiasts, the answer is no, for good reason as well. Bafana Bafana has had a string of coaches from varying backgrounds trying to teach them how to play football. Carlos Alberto Parreira, who resigned initially in 2008 came back after his replacement couldn't communicate with his players... and vice versa. After 10 wins and a loss in the last 3 months, Bafana Bafana are ready to take on the world. Lets hope they do us proud! Jacob Zuma: "My hands are itching to give this (the world cup trophy) to that man." (Aaron Mokoena).

Top 10 Music videos from the 80's

You may have gathered that the Islander is a budding sports journalist and comic book connoisseur. Apart from that, I have a fetish for old school music. So I thought I would share my top 10 1980s music videos with you kind folks. Enjoy!!!

10. "Safety Dance" - Men without hats (1983)

9. "Need you tonight" - INXS (1987)

8."What a feeling" - Irene Cara (1983)

7. "Take on me" A-Ha (1985)

6. "I wanna dance with somebody" - Whitney Houston (1987)

5. "Relax, Don't do it" - Frankie goes to Hollywood (1983)

4. "Wild boys" - Duran Duran (1984)

3. "Billie Jean" - Michael Jackson (1983)

2. "Never gonna give you up" - Rick Astley (1987)

1. "Thriller" - Michael Jackson (1983)

Bafana Bafana - The road to the World Cup nearing the end

After many weeks of speculation and mass number of fat jokes from the most notable press from South Africa, Bafana Bafana's 23 man squad was finally revealed. Benni Mcarthy's removal from the world cup squad caused nothing more than a mild stir amongst the public. Perhaps, we have finally decided to look towards the future and no longer accommodate a fallen star into our newly acquired constellation. Then again, having spoken to the men on the street, they feel otherwise. Some of these esteemed citizens feel that experience is the real trick or rather essential to winning any championship, especially the football world cup. With Benni being a former UEFA Champion with Portuguese side, FC Porto well and league champions of several other European outfits, perhaps we are lacking a crucial piece on our chess board. As for the rest of the team, they seem to be going forward! In the last 10 games, Bafana Bafana have only lost 1 game, that being a final score of 2-1 to club side Santos. Below is a breakdown of the last 10 fixtures: With 5-0 drumming of Central American team, Guatemala, Bafana Bafana are looking great. The real test will be Denmark later this week. Denmark are known second rounders and have made the quarterfinals in France 98. They are certainly a force to be reckoned with! The final 23 man squad is below: Goal Keepers Itumeleng Khune Shu-Aib Walters Moeneeb Josephs Defense Aaron Mokoena (CAP) Matthew Booth Siboniso Gaxa Bongani Khumalo Anele Ngcongca Siyabonga Sangweni Tshepo Masilela Lucas Bongane Thwala Midfield Tsholofelo (Teko) Modise Reneilwe Letsholonyane Siphiwe Tshabalala Lance Davids Thanduyise Khuboni Steven Pienaar Macbeth Sibaya Kagiso Dikgacoi Strikers Bernard Parker

Siyabonga Nomvete Surprise Moriri Katlego Mphela

On behalf of the Islander republic, I would like to wish our boys in Gold and Green the best of luck for the 2010 Soccer world cup. Come on boys, do us proud!!!

Starbucks headed to South Africa

Yes ladies, gents and extreme coffee addicts. The infamous coffee franchise, Starbucks is headed to SA just in time for the 2010 Soccer World Cup. You may have noticed this brand on various movies, sitcoms and featurettes with the central character often wielding a cup of Starbucks coffee highlighted by the brown branded jacket (to prevent burning). Starbucks rules the roost when it comes to a decent cup of coffee, especially if you want a french roasted latte! However, at the Starbucks in 7th Avenue Manhattan, I noticed a few things that can be problematic for the South African initiative:

• There was literally no place to sit
• Out of the minimal number of tables, only a few were spotless
• Considerable lack of hot food, primarily packaged, possibly for the "on the go" worker
• Condiments such as napkins, sweeteners were not made available

These may be critical factors to the success of the infamous Coffee franchise. So how would they adapt to SA conditions? No doubt, as an active Marketer, I know that the South African market is one of the toughest environments to break into especially with a whole array of competitors waiting in line to take you down.! Here's what they will need to do in order to survive in South Africa. Post world cup strategy: The Starbucks braintrust needs to realise that by having it in a couple hotels in South Africa isn't gonna do them any good in the long run. Yes, the positive is that they will generate mass sales considering that rest of the World is visiting SA for the World Cup for one month. But what happens when they leave? Will hotel dwellers be just as tempted to go to Starbucks post world cup? Also is the hotel a destination venue. A good example of a destination hotel venue is the Southern Sun in Newlands, Cape Town. This particular hotel has a successful Indian restaurant known as "Bihari's". Also, parents have a tendency of taking their children to get autographs signed by the visiting Proteas and Springboks. However, although successful the potential of taking it a level further at a hotel is very slim. Starbucks needs to go to places which exemplify "Pop Culture". The malls in SA, such as Canal Walk, Gateway and Menlyn Park is a great start. They should consider a sit down style Starbucks cafe's in the bigger malls. Alternatively the smaller variety in the least frequented malls. Another suggestion is that they consider branching out in various universities throughout the country e.g. UCT, Stellenbosch, Rhodes, Wits e.t.c Why you ask? Well for starters, there is a brand familiarity with the current generation at SA universities with various film orientated media encompassing a Starbucks item e.g. Maid of honour featured Patrick Dempsey being the inventor of the Starbucks coffee jacket. At the moment, Starbucks will be available in select Southern Sun Hotels and Tsogo Sun Casinos in Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban Campaigns: Viral campaign via YouTube or a mailer will do wonders for them. Could feature them emerging in SA. For instance, "breaking the reigns campaign!" Advert could feature a woman going to a bland coffee shop in noi background after she notices the starbucks packaging in a bin she pulls the chains from her legs leading to the dull coffee shop and head for the Starbucks. An alternative reality game could be an idea! Call it "Drown conformity" by shifting a couple blocks in a pathway u can ensure the city is filled with delightful coffee of some sort. Final thoughts: I am relieved that a decent coffee franchise hits SA. Not many franchises in SA possess a diverse menu and often fail to reignite interest from the consumer public. Also, Starbucks made add that element of funk, most SA coffee franchises have been lacking!