WOW. What a weekend. I’ve only written this now as it was a big weekend and it started in style, thanks to Patrón and ended with taking some time to recover…

Día de los Muertos also known as Day of the Dead is originally a holiday celebrated in Mexico where families celebrate and remember those who have passed on. Aside from the celebrations, families dress up in their best and join the festivities and amongst the foods served for kids and adults, Tequila is served to the adults members of the families.

Friday August 13th may not traditionally be known as Día de los Muertos in South Africa but in Cape Town, folks have their own traditions and Cape Town is known for not only doing things differently but better. The scene was set and the Friday the 13th came and what a night it was.

Keeping with tradition, what better Tequila to be served with this celebration than Patrón. On the subject of dressing up, Friday the 13th was a big mix of glamour, voodoo and all the witch doctor darkness you’d expect and local celebrities looking nothing short of sizzling and sexy while those who were made the extra effort for the theme, definitely looked the part as if they had come straight from the grave.

Dark damp lighting and an artistic atmosphere together with the perfect blend of Patrón Tequila and VIP guests, ensured what would set the scene for a perfect evening. A mixture of burlesque and dark performances and music to match accompanied the atmosphere perfectly. VIP’s were treated to the smooth Patrón Silver. Believe us when we tell you, it went down. Well.

This is one of the best Tequila’s you’ll find and in terms of the range of Patrón, it comes a close second next to Gran Patrón Platinum. Well some prefer Gran Patrón Burdeos but Silver is definitely second not only in my books but many of the VIP’s on the night.

As the evening unfolded and the Tequila flowed, attendees celebrated the night as well as the whole range of Patrón Tequilas. Once the acts had completed the floor opened up to quality DJ’s and music at which time I’ll simply say, if you were not there you definitely missed out because in some cases what happens at the party, stays at the party.

Speaking of parties though, honestly I’ve had a number of brands and if you want quality, try Patrón. If the Silver or Gran Burdeos is not for you, there’s also the Añejo, Reposado and XO Cafe flavours which will definitely get you in the mood.

If you’ve missed out, take a look at some of the pictures, which offers just a small glimpse into this sexy evening. Can’t wait for the next one… [Some videos will be uploaded in a few days]

June 3rd in Cape Town not only marked the birthday of a good friend but also the launch of a new vehicle. The Aston Martin Rapide. While I love all things powerful, beautiful and coupe [in terms of vehicles of course…] this all changed with the launch of the Aston Martin Rapide.

Yes, this is a four door Aston and Aston Martin have not only managed to keep the looks but managed to create a car that seats four and this time went out their way to go over the top in terms of attention to detail, secret gadgets and just pure refinement. Every design line is smooth and flowing inside and out and there’s that sense that you’ve arrived once setting sight upon this vehicle. Let’s not forget the power brought to you by the 6 litre V12 engine from the DB9 pushing out 350kW. The boot isn’t very big but it does have a dual compartment which can be revealed by lifting a panel and it has funky magnetic catches. Now there’s definitely no excuse now not to buy a sports car if you have a family.

Stepping inside the vehicle, you’re not only basked in luxury and comfort but also the soft and comfortable bucket-style seats really make you feel in control, whether you’re the driver or passenger. This is because all four seats are designed in this way and separate, not to mention hand-stitching adding to the sense of luxury and detail. Everything in the interior fits, from the long centre console which stretches all the way to the rear, to the screens in the seats. For those times that the family may not want to hear that sonorous and torquey V12, not to worry, there’s a 1000w Bang & Olufsen that will definitely keep you entertained especially for those audiophiles. There’s some secret gadgets to this vehicle but you’ll have to check that out for yourself.

The designer of Aston Martin as well as the beautiful One 77 featured in the Johannesburg launch but while that wasn’t at the Cape Town launch, the Rapide, beautiful people and great company more than made up for it. It is really Power, Beauty, Soul. The Aston Martin Rapide in South Africa will cost you R2.8 Million (± €300000) but that’s perfect because you’re not only getting a sports car but a family car as well.

http://www.astonmartin.co.za/
http://www.astonmartin.com/

This weekend past marked the launch of the 458 in Singapore. The idea behind this launch was more of a soft launch on the part of Ferrari to a select few so it could quietly slip into the market in Singapore. Reason for this is that the demand for the 458 Italia is so great. So far the waiting list in Singapore alone is around 18 months and on the increase, local dealerships are struggling to keep up.

Some say this is the sexiest modern Ferrari yet, some would go with the California and some the 599 GTO but there’s no denying the 458 Italia. It has a very sleek and simplistic design. It’s full of detail but they all integrate nicely into a simple design. For example the interior is very minimal and there are no stalks around the steering wheel. Everything is controlled on the steering wheel itself or on the dashboard. Even the new transmission is simpler and the 458 is really just an easy car to drive and cruise in. But then again, you own a 458, so who would want to just cruise and not have to fight with the steering or transmission. The construction of the vehicle does result in some compromised leg room for the driver though so this is a downside but thankfully the lack of a clutch pedal will allow for more room.

The 425kW 4.5litre V8 really puts things into perspective when it’s on the road, especially with those massive 20″ wheels. The result will rocket you to 100km/h or 62mph in just under 3.4seconds and you better believe it and be ready for the fury unleashed. Driving on public roads will take a lot of restraint and discipline as this is about as quick as you’ll get in a Ferrari next to the 599 GTO which is just a nudge faster.

The quality of the car is up there with what’s expected from a car of this value and from Ferrari. When driving the 458 it’s very tame or so it seems and because of this deception created, the car can be easily be over-driven but again, it’s a Ferrari, it’s what you can do. The 458 really embodies what a Ferrari is, it’s so much more than power, beauty or elegance. It can just stand there and be appreciated for what it is, a Ferrari. For those that experienced the launch this weekend, it was special and hopefully when you experience and see this beauty you’ll know what I’m referring to.

http://www.ferrari.com/

So following on from my last post which spoke about success in the Twisted Guide To Success, I decided to write a piece on happiness. Now I know what you thinking and without saying it, it’s been quiet a discussion lately out there in the virtual world, so I thought I’d share some things about happiness and maybe it works for you, maybe it doesn’t but I think it’s relevant so have a read.

You’ve probably been wondering why is that person happy or why are they never brought down by problems. Well firstly I believe happiness is a conscious choice we make. Aside from that there are other aspects which can lead to a happier life if we want a more subtle transition instead of just choosing. We can live a happier life too and I thought i’d touch on a few points which are relevant to my life and perhaps you’ll find some value in this for yours.

We live in a world where everything is available to us really quickly through the powers of networking and the internet. With that comes a lot of negativity in the form of news. It’s everywhere, and while it’s good to know what’s going on, it’s bad to be consumed by every bit of news. You’ll find that happier people know what is happening around by finding out what they need to know by themselves instead of taking up all their time and energy glued to the news. Think of all that time that could be used for more constructive activities and creating positivity in your life.

If you’re wrong in life which we all are or if you fail somewhere, it’s always good to admit your mistakes. Admitting your mistakes allows you to acknowledge what’s happened, deal with it and move on. If you never admit your mistakes or acknowledge your failures, you’re lying to yourself and it’ll hinder you not only moving forward but being also being happy as it’ll constantly hold you back.

We all have busy lives and we’re so busy working and socialising and doing other things we hardly find time for anything. It’s very important to make time not only for yourself but also to share things with others, help other people out if you can and give back. Not only is this gratifying but it teaches us more about ourselves and you never know when you one-day need help and will know how it feels to be in that situation. When you give selflessly you receive not only in double measures but also in joy and happiness.

Opportunities and things always prevail themselves to us, sometimes when we least expect it. We must always try and be ready for this and be prepared to live in the moment and take them and grab them. The same goes with goals and with what we want. Don’t waste precious hours of the day or precious moments focussing on negative things or not doing anything. Instead use those times to do something good or positive and you’ll see the difference soon. Know why you’re doing certain things and know how it fits into your life. Live in that moment and you’ll open up a world of possibilities which you can then choose to live in.

With all of the above I’ve mentioned, possibly the most important point here is decisions. As I said earlier happiness is a choice. By this I mean it is a state of mind. The mind is a very powerful tool. If you’re being positive and creating that energy but also being aware of your surroundings, taking the time out to know yourself and learn more everyday, giving back, with all of this you’re changing your mindset and living not only a more fulfilling life but also a happier one. We all have downs in life but it’s how you handle it and how you choose to handle it. This is why we’ve got to choose to be happy and allow our minds to think differently. This will not only make a difference in your life but in the lives of others around you.

We can’t expect things to change overnight but hopefully this will allow you some insight into your own life and how you can change and get rid of the dead wood in your life, whether it be emotions, friends, characteristics or even lifestyles. Using this hopefully you can ignite something inside that will lead to your choice to be happy as well as loving a happier life in the long term.

Aside form the Queen Mary II which is stopping over in Cape Town briefly, the Oracle boys have docked in Cape Town harbour too. None other than Larry Ellison CEO of Oracle and Record Executive David Geffen are here with their yacht the Rising Sun.

The Rising Sun is currently docked here in Cape Town and what a sight it is. The Rising Sun was originally meant to be only 120 metres long but Larry Ellison actually wanted it to be 138 metres instead. Upon this decision one needs to look at Microsoft’s Paul Allen’s Octopus Yacht which is around 128 metres and wonder…

The boat is built by Lürssen in Bremen, Germany, and was designed by the late Jon Bannenberg. The Rising Sun has a total living space of 8000 square meters. In addition to being CEO, Larry Ellison also loves sailing and owns the american team for Americas cup which is an annual yacht race.

Specifications Of The Rising Sun.
Length: 138m long / 452.75ft
Cruising speed: 28 knots
Four diesels giving an output of 48000 horsepower.
Production cost: $200 Million
Total living space: 8 000 square meters.
Large inside swimming pool
Extensive wine cellar
A Cinema
Basketball court that doubles as a helicopter pad
Suites for 16 guests
82 rooms on five storeys
Space for private submarine

It shows, taking chances and working smart pays off for living the lifestyle.

Thanks to CAR Magazine, I had the pleasure of attending the Franschhoek Motor Museum Concours & Time Trial event last weekend. If you’re not entirely certain what I mean by this, it’s a show dedicated to special vehicles featured on the day which stand in the Franschhoek Motor Museum.

The setting was the beautiful L’Ormarins Wine Farm, the same farm that sponsors the annual L’Ormarins Queen’s Plate Race. Once again a big problem, the heat. It was 38 Degrees out and not a breeze in sight surrounded by a cloudless blue sky but it was worth it. The area where I was had dedicated parking, a great lunch and an assortment of drinks. One of the most welcomed feelings aside from the beautiful cars, which I’ll get onto in a moment was the air-conditioner which definitely helped on such a scorcher.

After enjoying a great lunch, thankfully there were shuttles which transported the public up and down around the grounds, which in the heat, was welcomed. At arrival in the pit area I was greeted with selection of beautiful vehicles. All ticket holders could freely view the cars on display in the pit area. All the cars parked in the pit area were taking part of took part in the time trial around the track. Cars on display included a number of classic and modern cars including Mercedes CLK DTM, Ferrari 430 Scuderia, Ferrari 308, Shelby GT500, BMW 3.0 CSL, Ford GT40, Porsche 912, Porsche 911 GT3RS, Datsun 240Z as well as some new cars from dealerships on display which included the Ferrari California and the Maserati Gran Turismo. Drivers of these vehicles were also on hand to discuss specifications, cars and share some interesting stories.

Just after thinking that was it, after the pits, I made my way to the museum. The Franschhoek Motor Museum has a collection of over 200 cars but only normally disaplays 80 at a specific time. Inside the museum buildings are a range of cars, ranging from the early days of the penny farthing right up to the modern sights and sounds of racing cars, Ferrari’s and the Mclaren F1.

Some of the highlights at the Museum were an astounding collection of Ferraris, MGs, Aston Martins and perhaps the biggest highlight of all for me was the Mercedes 300SL Gullwing. This is the vehicle that spawned the new Mercedes SLS AMG and this is one vehicle you’ve got to see in person. It is beauty and class personified. Inside the grounds in between the buildings there was a Porsche display boasting some of the latest Porsche releases including the full range: Boxster, Cayman as well as the face-lift models of the 911’s including the Turbo, Carrera S, GT3 and the newest Porsche model: The Panamera.

After taking a shuttle back to the VIP air conditioned marquee, the real business began on the track with the cars tearing down the road. The track starts off with a long straight before taking a sharp 90 degree bend heading past a spectator area and under the bridge past the VIP area before taking slight bends and ending off with a straight before turning around at the halfway point and heading back. There were some close calls for some of the cars and one particular Shelby bowed out in a not so spectacular fashion on Day 1 of the event. Regardless though, it was fun for all but what an event.

If you’re into cars, good wine, sophistication as well as good social company, be sure to check this even out when it happens again. In the mean time you can go and visit the Franschhoek Motor Museum and maybe go on a tour.

http://www.fmm.co.za/
http://www.carmag.co.za/

Yesterday evening marked the local launch of the new Rolls Royce Ghost. Launched in just about the perfect location exuding nothing but Grandeur, the Rolls Royce Ghost was unveiled in Cape Town yesterday under what would seem the perfect setting with the evening summer sky complimenting the environment.

The new Rolls Ghost definitely has presence. Some may argue that it’s an overblown BMW 7 Series but it isn’t. Aside from the V12 and being based on the monocoque of the BMW 7 Series, the new Rolls Royce Ghost still retains what makes it a Rolls. It does however feel more like a car than the Phantom. Regardless though, the elegant interior and attention to detail is precise to say the least and layers of luxury can be seen everywhere from the bonnet mascot to the real wood on the inside and the soft caperts in the boot. What’s best is because this is a Rolls you can have it in any colour you want, and any design interior or exterior. Rolls Royce will do it for you. The V12 Powerplant I mentioned earlier will get you to 100km/h in just under 5 seconds but when you’re rolling in a Ghost that shouldn’t matter. This car by far is no slouch and there’s definitely a sense of the fact that you’re taken care of when you own a Ghost.

BMW may own Rolls Royce but no one could have done a better job on a new model while combining tradition and elegance with a bit of a modern flare. Unlike the Phantom, the Ghost is definitely more of an everyday vehicle. There is just an inexplicable appeal about it and this is one car you need to drive and be in to experience it properly. For those that think, yes but it’s probably expensive, a few have sold on launch night so think again.

http://www.rolls-roycemotorcars.com/

I’ve been wanting to go to the annual L’Ormarins Queens Plate a while now but due to work, vacation and other factors, each year it comes and it goes and I miss out on what you’ll soon find out is a wonderful event. This year however I made a point this year to make space in my social calendar and experience what the L’Ormarins Queens Plate is all about. I wasn’t too sure what to expect in terms of dress to be honest but kept in line with the blue and white theme, organised tickets and went out to the plate.

It has to be said that the L’Ormarins Queens Plate is really where it’s at. Picking up my partner in town was a bit of an issue, thankfully my vehicle isn’t exactly slow so getting there wasn’t a problem. It is not the annual J&B Met and by no means is this a bad thing, all it means is there’s not much traffic and it is a lot classier and sophisticated cut with style.

Yes, the queens plate is not only about sophistication but horses too. In fact you can definitely say that this is South Africa’s most prestigious annual horse racing event. For those who don’t know the people behind the event is the Rupert family’s L’Ormarins Wine Farm. If you were in attendance, you’ll remember it was definitely a hot event and here I’m referring to the weather too. Thankfully I was seated in a shaded area. The social part of the event quickly began as everyone started interacting and the drinks began to flow.

I’m not normally a betting man but When it came time for the races I decided to put some money down and to my surprise I had made the right picks in each of the races I placed bets on. With every event there must be something and this time there were a few queens [drama]. Thankfully that was in the minority and didn’t ruin a perfect day filled with socialising, horse racing and quality people. The amazing Pocket Power did it again by winning his fourth L’Ormarins Queen’s Plate event.

As the sun began to set and the heat died down, the evenings festivities began with Gang of Instrumentals, Just Jinjer, Goldfish and Shaun Duvet. It’s only a shame the night ended so early. The Queen’s Plate is definitely one of the top events I’ve been to and I’m confident it’ll be at the top of the events come the end of 2010. If you want a classy event with sophistication and style, horse racing and socialising, this event is definitely for you. What a beautiful day out. See you next year.

http://www.lqp.co.za/
http://www.thelittleblackbook.co.za/

I was talking to someone the other day when the word success came about. Now what is that? What is success really. Different people have different definitions. Some think it’s having a great job or investments while others define it as meeting the one or even being financially free. Well it depends and this is why I’m writing this.

Success is really a decision you make on what you want for yourself out of the life that you live which is generally based on goals. Despite how we are all different, anyone can achieve it. In essence it’s about moving forward constantly in life and setting and completing goals whether they are big or small. That’s what it’s about really and its got nothing to do with how much money you make or how good you are in bed. It’s much simpler than that as I’ve just described.

Everyone has ups and downs in life. But part of success is about looking past that and owning your actions and taking whatever situations present itself to you and taking ownership of that and using it, whether it be good to bad. This is where it begins. No blaming, just using what you’ve got and where you find yourself to work to your advantage.

Positivity is another point that must not be overlooked. No matter what happens always try and look for a positive avenue as negativity is draining and no one wants that. When you’re positive it’s easy to draw others toward you while negativity has the opposite effect. Because negativity is a draining energy you’ll drain positivity from others with your negativity therefore pushing them away. Remember that. As cheesy as it sounds. It’s true. Positivity also promotes focus and a clear mind which will allow you to better your success in life.

There are so many little paths which form success but at the end of the day together with positivity and taking ownership of your life you can discover what other elements drive you forward to success. Remember at the end of the day its your life and you have control and it’s all about what choices you make and how you live it that will determine success.

In the end you need to become the best you can be and achieve for yourself and no one else. Also you need to be yourself and not somebody else. In addition the goals and tasks you set for yourself must be completed. Once you realise this, you’ll see the success.