Hans' Milieu

Recently my arm has been feeling a lot better. Although I cannot drive yet, I do have the insatiable urge to get out and do anything, just to have some fun. Being homebound for almost four months can have that effect on a person. As a result, and because the last time was so much fun, I organised another session of Sushisha Madness. What prevailed has affectionately become known as, “Raughing out Roud: Lound 2”!

The all too familiar venue was none other than ‘Sushisha’, the Eastrand’s one and only Sushi and Shisha bar, located next to Jimmy’s Killer Prawns in the Key Largo Centre in Boksburg. Shisha, for those not in the know, is basically, what we in South Africa would colloquially call, ‘Hubbly Bubbly’ (also known as Hookah). Humorously, we never even had any ‘hubbly’ but we did devour the delectable Sushi that was on offer!

As it so happens, every Wednesday and Thursday Sushisha have a special where, for only R99, you may “eat as much sushi as you can”, just as long as it if from the conveyer belt. What with the recession and all, this is a great deal. A deal so good that, even when full, we could not help but abuse our already distended stomachs.

Talking about money, I am actually thinking of writing a blog post about ‘Recession Antidotes’. Basically a how to guide of going out and having a great time for less than one hundred bucks. In fact, over the last several weeks, I have gone to a few places and had amazing times for, remarkably, less than that. True story.

What was supposed to be an evening between close friends, eventually turned into an orgy of familiar strangers. You know how it goes. One friend requests the invitation of another, who just to happens to invite another two people, and so on and so forth. So from a manageable group of eight, we ended up with a distinctive gathering of 18, plus a birthday girl. Needless to say, the evening actually worked out incredibly well. It was great to meet new people, rekindle old acquaintances and, of course, spend time with good friends.

Personally, I do not think that Sushisha was prepared for us all, considering how we filled a majority of the venue. I kid you not when I say that we were actually making the Asian sushi chefs sweat like Chinese factory workers. The moment a new dish was created, we vacuumed it off of the conveyer belt. Much to the detriment of a few other customers who were left patiently waiting for our ravenous hunger to subside. In hind sight, I am quite sure that the ‘maître d’ regretted seating us so fantastically close to the mouth of the conveyer belt. Even so, the manager kept on sending over ‘shooters’ to our table. Perhaps in an effort to draw our attention away from the tiring sushi chefs. I have got to say, it was a clever move. Not only did it make us all even ‘happier’, but it spurred on the ordering of even more salacious beverages. Which lead to the formation of entirely unforgettable memories and moments. “Ra ha ha”!

Ultimately, a great time was had by all with many new memories to boot. Check out the photographic album for all the ‘Engrish’ influenced moments.

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Until the next time “Milieunairs”!

I am a great fan of the Harry Potter series by J. K. Rowling. Anyone who knows me or who has followed my Twitter feed or Facebook status updates, can attest to this fact. Perhaps more so than they would like.

Ever since the third book, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, there has always been one aspect of Harry’s universe, an aspect I always considered could be a real possibility, that, more than anything, I wish I could experience. The longing has always been there, at the distant edges of my psyche, buzzing around my stray thoughts like a hard to catch ‘Snitch’. Not magic. Not the Time-Turner. Not even a draft of Felix Felicis. Nothing but the warm and slightly intoxicating taste of Hermione Butterbeer!

Alas, I hear your cries of doubt, but fear not Millieunairs for the fabled drink of drinks does indeed exist.

For the last two weeks, I have taken to scouring the Internet in search of the perfect Butterbeer recipe. Some have certainly come delectably close, but none, that I can tell, appear to have perfected a brew like Madam Rosmerta’s. That is, I dare say, until now!

Through hours of gruelling brewing, I have managed to create, what I believe to be, the drink J.K. Rowling herself envisioned. Two variants, each unique, but both filled with delicious near butterscotch-like, tipsy house-elf inducing, goodness. Just in time too, for what better way is there to celebrate Harry Potter’s birthday (31st July) then with a mug of warm tingly Butterbeer?!

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On Sunday, 26th August 2009, I participated in the 702 Discovery Walk the Talk charity event. I was entered representing, and on behalf of, the South African charter of the Monash Alumni Committee.

This is the first time I have actually participated in an event created specifically for a ‘charitable’ cause. It is also the first time since breaking my arm that I have participated in any kind of physical activity. It may also be my last, that is until my arm heals completely of course or until I can learn to stop sustaining additional injuries!

Upon taking part in the Walk the Talk event, I had no idea what charity it was for. For all I knew, it could have been in support of the ‘Foundation for the protection of Swedish Underwear Models’. Unfortunately, that was not the case. A quick Google search revealed that this years Walk the Talk was in support of the ‘Laureus Sport for Good Foundation’. A foundation that I personally, have never heard of before. Apparently, this is what they are about:

Laureus’ core concept is simple, brilliant and daunting: to create global awards that recognise the achievements of today’s sports heroes; to bring sportspeople together; united in achievement but divided by sporting code and then, once that community is brought together, put their reach and the support and investment of Laureus’ Founding Patrons and Partners to work by supporting a message that can help social projects around the world who are using sport as a tool for social change. That message, simply, is Laureus Sport for Good (Laureus.com, 2009).

Alright, I think I get it. So, this foundation honours sports ‘heroes’ in the hopes that they will somehow, once attaining some kind of sponsorship deal, bring on social change within ‘disadvantaged’ communities? Kind of like how South African cricketers have spurred on the underground movement of illegal ‘cricket-eering’ in the middle of crime ridden Johannesburg?! 

So, to put things into a mildly cynical perspective: I fried my lily white forehead, while speed walking a five kilometre course in under 50 minutes, butchering my tender loving feet in the process, thus incapacitating myself even further than I already am, in order to help some company foundation honour sports “heroes”, who, according to the mission statement, may not actually end up helping anyone? Seriously?!

Look, don’t get me wrong. Considering I do have dreams of entrepreneurial grandeur that are mildly fuelled by philanthropic desire, I am all for charitable endeavours.

Subsequently, all ranting and cynicism aside, the impressive fact remains that over 50 000 people participated to help make a difference in this years Walk the Talk. No matter how small each persons individual contribution may have been, a difference was made. After all, Gestalt psychologist Kurt Koffka once famously said, “the whole is other [greater] than the sum of the parts”.

So although I do feel that the Walk the Talk event could have raised funds for a different charity, just the notion of so many people compelled toward actively participating for change, in itself, is a testament to the progress of South Africa as a democracy. To have overcome adversity for positive change, even if only for a day, is enough to be considered a great achievement and inspiration to all.

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Even after all of my raving, if I had the choice of doing it again, I would do so without hesitation. Next time though, I will just use different shoes and take Baz Luhrmann’s advice…

Until the next time “Milieunairs”!

I am now officially 24 years of age.

This year my birthday fell on a Friday. So, to celebrate, I went out with my parents, Aunt Magalie and Freddy, to the Butcher Shop in Nelson Mandela Square. We had a great time especially considering that there were these lovely pieces of jailbait sitting at the table next to us, also celebrating a birthday. Freddy eloquently tweeted about it citing “celebrating Hans’ birthday with him, while he’s staring at the rack behind me…”. Yes, good times! However, the real party only took place on Saturday.

For my 24th birthday I was privileged enough to be able to take close friends and family to watch Wayne Brady perform live in the Big Top Arena at Carnival City (all expenses paid). Hence the blog title Hans’ Brady Bunch 24th Birthday Bash.

To cut a long story short we all had an absolutely incredible time. It was legend… wait for it… dary! Wayne Brady must be one of the most talented people alive. This is not an over exaggeration. Honestly, I have never seen anyone perform with such a high degree of versatility. From singing to pure unadulterated adlibbing, he was spectacular. Even days after watching the show, friends and family who attended still cannot stop taking about it. If you have not seen Wayne Brady perform live, do yourself a favour and do so. Even if you are not a fan, it is, without a doubt, money well spent.

Wayne Brady: Making it up – Prince Impersonation & adlib lyrics

After the show, we all headed to Carnival Cities ‘Lotta Foods’ buffet area to continue the party. It was here that we were all able to eat and be merry! As always, my moms famous chocolate cake made an appearance, along with the gorgeous Charlize Theron!

Okay, Charlize was not physically there, perhaps only in spirit… and on my cake! To decorate my cake, my folks put together this pretty cool and totally geeky rice paper print, of a very sexy Charlize Theron who is, allegedly, thinking the following:

“Benoni boys are HOT! Happy Birthday Hans”! (Love it!)

Overall, this was one of my best and most memorable birthdays. Consequently, I would like to send out a great thank you to all those who managed to make my day just that much better by being there. You all know who you are! Additionally, I would like to give an extra special shout out to my parents. Thank you so much for everything mom and dad, without you both and the Lord above, none of this would have been possible. You both mean the world to me!

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What about the presents you ask? Quite simply, I have been spoilt rotten, by my parents as well as by my fantastic friends and family. Some of my gifts from my folks are still on order. Do not worry, you will now what they are soon enough *wink wink*.

Until the next time “Milieunairs”!

It is once again that time of year. A time of the year which proudly salutes how many years one has existed as well as serving as a macabre reminder of the time one has left. Above all, however, one’s birthday offers an unbarred opportunity to let loose and party until the sun comes up!

Today I will be spending the day with my beautiful parents and most likely end up shopping up a storm. This evening my folks and myself will eat out and most likely watch a newly released blockbuster. Tomorrow night, however, is when the real party begins! I will spill all the juicy details on Sunday but, if you are curious for a hint as to what we will be doing, click here.

In honour of my 24th birthday, I will post 20 useless interesting facts of life as well as four juicy morsels of information about myself, for a total of 24 pieces of information.

‘20’ Facts of life:

1. According to a recent survey, more Americans lose their virginity in June than any other month.
2. An eyelash lives for about 5 months.
3. An Octopus has 3 hearts.
4. A whale’s penis is called a dork.
5. An ear of corn always has an even number of rows because of the genetic formula which divides the cells.
6. The Titanic was the first ship to use the SOS signal.
7. The owl is the only bird to drop its upper eyelid to wink. All other birds raise their lower eyelids.
8. When you blush, the lining of your stomach also turns red.
9. Google is actually the common name for a number with a million zeros.
10. The attachment of the human skin to muscles is what causes dimples.
11. The plastic things on the end of shoelaces are called aglets.
12. The only part of the body that has no blood supply is the cornea in the eye. It takes in oxygen directly from the air.
13. Do you know the names of the three wise monkeys? They are: Mizaru (See no evil), Mikazaru (Hear no evil), and Mazaru (Speak no evil).
14. If saliva cannot dissolve something, you cannot taste it.
15. The housefly hums in the middle octave, key of F.
16. A blind chameleon still changes colours to match the environment.
17. "Typhlobasia" is the practice of closing one’s eyes when kissing.
18. The word "queue" is the only word in the English language that is still pronounced the same way when the last four letters are removed.
19. A sneeze can travel as fast as 100 miles (200 kilometres)per hour.
20. Every time you lick a stamp you consume 1/10 of a calorie.

‘4’ Facts of Hans Haupt:

1. I have three beauty spots on my face.
2. I have a five centimetre long scar at the back of my head, obtained when I slipped while getting out of the bath as a child.
3. I cannot bend my left thumb without bending all of my other fingers on the same hand.
4. I am still a Virgin and not ashamed or embarrassed to admit it.

I hope you enjoyed my birthday post and that you will stop by again soon for a full recap of ‘Hans’ Brady Bunch Birthday Bash’!

Until the next time “Milieunairs”!