Monjo news

Michael Jackson - Remember The Time

monjo — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 21:39:56 +0000

The King of Pop, Michael Jackson, has died following a cardiac arrest. The news stunning his fans around the world.

Michael Jackson had a turbulent - though musically successful - life, from his humble beginnings in Gary, Indiana, to his time in the Neverland Ranch, there was constant pressure to perform and an inability to truly connect with reality. There were stories of him being bullied by his father; sleeping in oxygen chambers; he had a pet chimp; rumours of child abuse; and, his bizarre marriages.

However, Michael Jackson will be remembered for his extraordinary music and dance videos that revolutionised the music industry. His Thriller album is officially the best-selling, with sales in excess of 50 million.

His career had began over a decade earlier with the Jackson 5 in 1969, whilst his first solo offerings came in 1971. Set for a comeback 50-date tour at London’s O2 Arena that had broken all ticket-sales records, it was clear that Michael Jackson still had aspirations to carry on defining music.

Perhaps, Michael Jackson’s greatest achievement was to transcend the racial divide in the USA and become a true global icon. Whilst already famous and highly successful, his appearance at Motown 25 gave Thriller’s sales a whole new dimension after his groundbreaking performance of Billie Jean. The Moonwalk inspired a million imitators.

With an impressive back catalogue, Michael Jackson has a legacy that will remain important even in a century’s time. As the fourth best-selling English-language music act (after The Beatles, Elvis Presley, and Bing Crosby) and the best-selling artist of the last 30 years, it is clear Michael Jackson has massive appeal.

Many people have a favourite Michael Jackson song, mine is Give in To Me, from his 1991 Dangerous album. Over 30 million copies of Dangerous have been sold to date and the album was followed by a successful world tour. I was fortunate to see Michael Jackson in concert at Wembley stadium in August 1992.

The concert was a stop-start affair, punctured with costume changes with the gaps filled by music videos to introduce the songs. The effects were spectacular and everything was very impressive. There was rumour the concert may have been cancelled, it certainly started over an hour late, due to Michael Jackson’s health. The UK media had speculated that Michael Jackson’s face may melt and this explained his frequent absences from the stage.

His recent albums did not receive great critical acclaim or impressive sales figures by his standards. Partly this can be put down to his tarnished reputation - who wishes to associate with a man accused of child abuse? -, but fundamentally it was because he had been superseded by newer acts. Though Jackson often worked in collaboration with stars for his own songs, the musical style probably betrayed his own roots and did not appeal to many of his early fans, especially so with the Blood on the Dance Floor album.

There was perhaps an element of inflated self-importance with 'HIStory’; whilst ‘Invincible’ was very reflective, in part sad, yet defiant. He could and would go on. If only that were so…

RIP Michael Jackson
29 Aug 1958 –> 25 Jun 2009

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Match Reports

monjo — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 14:51:38 +0000

Game 1

A couple of missed kicks from Jones early on, a nearly try from Monye that went to the TMO, a disallowed try for crossing, and some poor scrum and lineout play cost the Lions dearly in the first half. The Boks scored an early try and had a number of penalties converted and led 19-7.

Early in the second half, the South African forwards demonstrated some awesome mauling. However, once again the Lions had a try disallowed on the TMO’s watch after 50 minutes. The Lions suffered also from some ill-discipline in the second half, which ruined some opportunities. However, a hard-won try in the 67th set the Lions on fire and Monye again just missed out scoring a few minutes later. The Lions ascendenscy was even transferring to the scrum and this led to a Philips’ try after 75. And then the Lions even started to cause mayhem in the lineout… yet, ultimately it was just too late and had the Lions taken a chance earlier in the game they could have won from a Stephen Jones penalty - instead they had to search for a try rather than take the three points.

Game 2

Game 3

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Lions Tour

monjo — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 13:33:30 +0000

Today is the first Test of the British and Irish Lions’ tour of South Africa. The Lions have warmed up with six wins against makeshift sides; whilst nominally Super 14 club sides, they have been devoid of their Springbok internationals.

A Lions tour is one of the great traditions of rugby as 1000s of Brits follow them around the world. Twelve years ago the Lions won their tour of South Africa, so the Boks will be seeking revenge. Just as they were then, the Springboks are the world champions. However, this time their side is far more complete with arguably the best front row, lineout and scrum half in the world. Their back three is full of pace and in Francois Steyn has a brilliant kicker.

The British & Irish Lions also has plenty of talent and goes into the three-test series with plenty of confidence. Yet, I cannot help but feel that they will be doing well to not only avoid a 3-0 series defeat, but will be doing well not to have any heavy defeats. To achieve something the Lions will need to rely upon arguably the best central partnership in rugby - Brian O’Driscoll and Jamie Roberts. On top of this plenty of heart. My British patriotism suggests my heart hopes; though my head thinks not.

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Ghana at the Burj

monjo — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 07:37:18 +0000

I saw some of the Ghanaian national football team this morning whilst having breakfast at the Mugran Restaurant at the Burj Al-Fateh hotel in Khartoum. Ghana are playing Sudan later today in Omdurman in a crucial Africa Group D qualifier for 2010’s World Cup in South Africa.

The temperature for the match is likely to be scorching, as the past two weeks have been around 43-45 centigrade (the official air temperature), with surfaces in the sun significantly hotter, and this is likely to play a significant role in shaping the game. Personally, I find just sitting around outside quite a physical challenge - and a short walk quickly becomes tiring. However, modern-day professional footballers are elite athletes.

I have been staying at the Burj for a little while now and would normally either miss breakfast or go to the Executive Lounge. Today, I fancied the sauteed potatoes and mushrooms, a proper cooked breakfast - albeit with chicken sausage, beef bacon, and the whitest scrambled egg ever - so it was quite coincidental I would see the Ghana side.

I assume they flew in from Kenya last night and will leave soon after the match. Khartoum is not a city where you can have an after-match beer. Though, with most flights seeming to leave around 4 or 5 in the morning, it is possible they’ll have to rest for a bit in the hotel after the game.

I will also be resting in the hotel… after exerting myself by going to the sauna!

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DreamHost Promo Codes

monjo — Sat, 13 Jun 2009 19:38:24 +0000

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