Soweto has hosted many amazing events and happenings in the past few months such as the World Cup final (and the amazing opening game), Super 14 final and test rugby matches.

And now the next big thing to hit Soweto is the versatile and unconventional wine brand Versus as we embark in making the great Soweto Wine Festival a more funky affair.  

So please join us for a glass of wine at this great event. Our wines suits every pocket and palate and we are looking forward to pour a glass or two for you

For more details, visit:  sowetowinefestival.co.za

Spring day just around the corner and it seems that love is in the air as a few of my mates recently got engaged.

We (the unconventional folks at Versus) was wondering what is the lamest and unconventional ways to get engaged.

Here is a list of the 7 lamest ways to propose marriage.

Can you add a few?

The list:

7. In a Twitter message:  “Dearest Guinevere, U R the luv of my life. Please make me the happiest man in the world and marry me. Text me your answer”

6. On an answering machine:

“Hi babe. I can see you’re not there. Like I was just wondering, sort of, if you fancied getting hitched like on Monday. That is if you haven’t got anything better to do that morning?”

5. On the phone.

“Hi, is this the Lorento’s?”

“Yeh well this is Mike. Could I speak to Mary-Anne please?”

“Oh she’s in the shower”

“Would I like to leave a message? Ehh O.K.”

“If it’s not too much trouble could you ask her if she would like to marry me?”

4. At the deportation office, even though there are plenty of witnesses there to chose from.

3. In your apartment while going over your bills.

“Priscella, I’ve just been going over the numbers and it would seem that if we got married we could save $1500 a month on our taxes. What do you say?”

2. “Wow I didn’t see that van coming. Are you O.K. ’cause I have  something I want to ask you?”

And the #1 worst way to propose

1. In a McDonald’s with an edible ring hidden inside a double whopper. The guy who actually did this deserved to be turned down.

Source: taitegallery.net

Hey, Hey,  Hey its Friday and surfed the net for something else and came across a few Gary Larson cartoons.

I showed it to some of the other unconventional folks (my wacky colleagues) and they loved it.

These unusual and funny cartoons has been around for many a year and this week’s Versus unconventional person/ artist of the week goes to Gary Larson the legend

Here are a few of his cartoons

Research shows that people are more superstitious on Fridays the 13^th. This day has been seen as a day of bad luck since the eighteen-hundreds and will occur if the month starts on a Sunday.

The fear of Friday the 13th is called friggatriskaidekaphobia, (I have a fear of pronouncing this word in public) and 17- 21 Million Americas are set to be affected by the fear of this day.

I did a little survey among my collogues and it seems that some of the unconventional folks at Versus has friggatriskaidekaphobia.

A UK  survey found that one in five Britons (21 per cent) are more likely to regularly follow superstitions on Friday 13th: from saluting a single magpie to avoiding cracks in the pavement, due to their fear of risking any bad luck in the current economic climate.

According to the research, over a third (34 per cent) of people will act with caution or look out for omens of good or bad luck this Friday.

According to the research, over a third (34 per cent) of people will act with caution or look out for omens of good or bad luck this Friday.

The research, for Warner Bros, also reveals the nation’s main superstitions.

After breaking a mirror, most people would count walking under a ladder as their main concern.

Other fears include opening an umbrella indoors, spilling salt and putting shoes on a table or bed.

Walking on cracks in the pavement and stepping on three drain covers finish the list.

The UK’s top 10 fears, superstitions and signs of bad luck ranked in order of ’superstitiousness’

1. Breaking a mirror

2. Walking under a ladder

3. Friday 13th

4. Opening an umbrella indoors

5. A black cat crossing your path

6. The sight of a single magpie

7. Spilling salt

8. Placing shoes on the table or on the bed

9. Treading on cracks in the pavement

10. Walking over three drains

Source: telegraph.co.uk

Trying to kill time at work I spotted this funny prank.

Pat you are mean but original so you take the Versus unconventional deed of the week.

I’ve seen some weird and unusual families on TV, but who is the most unconventional?

Families like  The Bundys  (Married with Children) , The Harpers ( Two and a Half Men), the Osbournes and of the Mafioso family of the The Sopranos.

We (the unusual folks at Versus) are having a discussion at work of who is the most unconventional TV family.

What’s your call?

Check out this site for some of the weird TV families.

Source: askmen.com

Sometimes the simplicity of life’s little things is what make us the  happiest. This is one of the thoughts of 1000 Awesome Things blogger , whose feel-good blog has become a resounding success.

1000 Awesome Things is a blog, updated daily, that enumerates the little things in life that make us happy. It’s a reminder that even the smallest of feats, like “#936 Perfect parallel-parking on the first try” or “#572 Learning a new keyboard shortcut” are a reason to smile.

The site was launched in June 2008 and has been counting down from 1,000 ever since. Now at post number 449, the site is so popular that creator Neil Pasricha even released “The Book of Awesome Things” in April. When asked what will occur when he reaches number 1, Pasricha said, “Something very awesome will happen.”

Well done to Neil Pasrisha , whose unconventional way of looking at little things is an inspiration and has given the folks at Versus a daily dose of smiles.

Cheers to Neil. He is my unconventional guy of the week.

Can you add a little thing in daily life that makes your day?

To view more visit: 1000awesomethings.com

Only the best becomes the winner of Idols. But some people have become ‘famous’ for doing stuff not directly related to their singing abilities.

This guy, who auditioned for American Idols, was rated one of the worst idols performers ever.

His clip got more than 1.3 million views on YouTube. 

We really had a good laugh at this guy and his unique way of performing Ricky Martin’s song. He is the unconventional guy of the week .

Keep Flying is a simple idea. An idea that matters. And an idea that belongs to all of us .It believes that its all of our responsibility to fly the flag. Every South African Brand; Every South African, and to recognize what the flag symbolizes: Us, and our unity.

A unity that brought the World’s Greatest Tournament to life in a way only we could. A unity that still reverberates across continents a world away. A unity that says to the  world, and ourselves: “Hear us, each one of us, as one. Our time has truly come”

“Keep Flying” is simply that. A call to fly the flag. A call to keep flying.

For more info on this initiative visit keepflyingtheflag.co.za

The World Cup is over and now it back to the real world. In the World Cup spirit, many people bought a vuvuzela and little did they know that there is a few alternative and unconventional uses for this South African ‘horn’.

The unconventional folks of Versus Wines thought these are pretty useful post World Cup vuvuzela uses:

1. Use it to blow some life into a slow-burning braai fire
2. Use it as a cheap hearing aid if the batteries on the old one go flat
3. Use it as a poop scoop
4. Use as a self-defence weapon
5. Use it as a toilet plunger
6. Use it to wake up teenagers in the morning
7. Record the sound and use it as your cellphone ringtone
8. Fill with cement and use as a dumb bell
9. Use it if your car hooter has packed up
10. Use to borrow some petrol from your neighbour

Source: yworld.co.za

I was sad when England was eliminated from the World Cup but sometimes there is humour in tragedy.

 This is great ‘poster’. I enjoyed “An Inevitable Production” at the bottom.

I saw this video clip on 2oceanssvibe.com. It looks pretty real but I don’t recognise which stadium it is. Is that Cape Town? Were you there? Does anyone know anything about this?

Real or not this clip gets the nod for Versus’ unconventional moment of the week

Wanna win some wine? Upload (to our Facebook page ) your craziest or funniest World Cup fan pics or best banners and stand a chance to win wine prizes.

South Africa is gaining fans as celebrities are using social media sites like Twitter to talk about their love for our great country.

Celebs like Will.i.am (Black Eyed Peas), Alicia Keys, Akon and R Kelly all Tweated about South Africa and they promised to be come back.
Will.i.am, of the music group Black Eyed Peas, posted pictures of himself and singer Alicia Keys celebrating South Africa’s first goal at the opening match, and enthused: “20 years ago no one would have never (sic) thought the whole world would come to south africa for world cup…this is historic”.

They were among the litany of celebrities who visited South Africa for the tournament, including British Princes William and Harry, hip-hop artist K’Naan, rapper R Kelly, Mick Jagger of The Rolling Stones fame and former supermodel Kimora Lee Simmons.

The model gushed to her fans about the Cape Town, posting pictures of the landmark Table Mountain from her room.

On her departure, Kimora promised to come back and stay longer.

“I am very sad 2 b leaving the gorgeous S.Africa! Thank u 2 all 4 ur luv and kindness! We’ll b back very, very soon! Team Fabulosity SA rocks,” she said.

Singer Akon declared his love for the country and the continent by posting mini-videos shot at different locations around South Africa.

“South Africa rocks, this is the place to be,” the star said on Twitter.

“Thank You S. Africa!!,” said R Kelly on his departure.

The distinctly South African vuvuzela, the noisy plastic horn which has become a signature sound at World Cup matches, has become a trending topic on Twitter.

Even world football president Sepp Blatter has a Twitter account where he enthuses about the games and the organisation of the event.

I think this is awesome that the word of mouth marketing of social media is improving the image of Mzansi.

Source: sport24.co.za

The ever popular Stellenbosch Wine Festival has taken a different format this year as festival goers will be visiting the farms. The wines from the company of winepeople^TM have arranged a lovely programme and activities for festival goers.

Bring the family and come and enjoy some of the best wines in one of the most beautiful parts of the county.

Arniston Bay, Kumkani, Versus and Welmoed will the wines that will be showcased at this great festival.

Here are some more details about what we’re planning for the Stellenbosch Wine Festival:

• - Kiddies corner: Face painting, jumping Castle, colouring in fun
• - Tickle your tummies: Spitbraai/ potjiekos. The Duck Pond restaurant will be open daily.
• - Free wine tasting!
• - Specials on selected wines daily
• - A complimentary cool de sac with every case of wine purchased, and other POS materials on sale.
• - Foosball fun
• - Massages for the ladies
• - A jazz band
• - A magician

For more info about the Stellenbosch Wine Festival please visit wineroute.co.za

Someone over at YouTube has the World Cup bug, and must like the sound of vuvuzelas. The site has added an icon (a soccer ball, no less) to some (not all) videos which enables a user to drown out the sound of the video with the blare of vuvuzelas

Although criticized by many, blowing vuvuzelas is a tradition at South African soccer matches. Vuvuzela simulators have even become popular apps on both the Android Market and App Store.

The other day, the unconventional folks at Versus tried to make a vuvuzela orchestra but I must admit it was not in the league of Bach or Mozart.

The placement appears to be random, though I found one on a soccer related video (as shown).

The vuvuzela has come under scrutiny from soccer players, fans and the media. It seems that some people believes that  this instrument are deemed to be extremly anoying but it is not a new thing.

Check out this painting from the 17^th century, this guy is really anoyed by this ancient vuvuzela.

I like the vuvuzela ,it gives this World Cup a unconventional and African feeling.

Viva, Vuvuzela, Viva.

With my football fever reaching fever pitch I investigated a bit to find some weird World Cup stats

The first World Cup was held in 1930 and is held every four years. (It wasn’t held in 1942 and 1946 because of World War II.) Brazil has won a record five World Cup titles, and Brazilian Ronaldo holds the individual record for most World Cup goals with 15. But there are some other facts that aren’t as well-known about the World Cup:

1)      The first goal

The first World Cup was held in Uruguay in 1930. Many believed American Bart McGee scored the first goal in the World Cup, against Belgium in the 40th minute. But a dispute erupted and FIFA determined the first goal was scored by Frenchman Lucien Laurent in the 19th minute against Mexico on July 13, 1930.

2)      The first Red Card

The red and yellow card system was not introduced until the 1970 World Cup. The first player to receive a red card was Chile’s Carlos Caszely in 1974 in a match against West Germany in the 67th minute.

3)      Youngest Player

The youngest player to play in a World Cup match was Northern Ireland’s Norman Whiteside against Yugoslavia in 1982. He was 17 years, 41 days old.

4)      Largest Attendance

The highest attendance for one match was in the 1950 final. The official attendance was 199,854 for the match between Brazil and Uruguay in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

5)      Most Consecutive First-Round Eliminations

Scotland holds the record with eight: 1954, 1958, 1974, 1978, 1982, 1986, 1990 and 1998

6)      Most cards in a match

 20 Cards – 16 yellow and 4 red cards in the 2006  “Round of 16” match between Portugal and the Netherlands

Source: ehow.com

The Soccer World Cup is finally here, and millions in South Africa and abroad will be anticipating with bated breath to see what the outcome is going to be and which team will ultimately walk off triumphant with the much acclaimed golden trophy.

Many of us will be watching the matches on our televisions at home. Although there is no doubt that this won’t really compare in atmosphere and hype to watching the event live at one of the stadiums or fan parks across the country, here are some fun tips on how to liven things up and make these gatherings something to remember:

Build the atmosphere

Many South African homeowners are doing a really good job – with great displays of flags on front garden walls and gates. Commuters too are showing huge enthusiasm, with mini flags flying loud and proud from car windows, and let’s not forget how ‘Soccer Friday’ has helped build hype around this much anticipated event.

So, if you are hosting a soccer viewing party at your home, you need to bring some of this hype and excitement indoors – recreating a vibey and fun atmosphere inside for all your guests to enjoy. You can do this in many ways – use balloons in the colours of the teams playing, by including various flags and soccer-themed souvenirs and accents dotted around your entertainment areas, and requesting that all your guests come dressed for the part in their soccer t-shirts, custom-made hardhats and of course, with their vuvuzelas (you might want to add ‘bring ear plugs’).

Food for champions:

As with any gathering based around the watching of sport, the food of choice is really good snack food – and a lot of it. Aside from the usual chips, nuts and pretzels, try to prepare or order some delicious snack platters that can be continually served throughout the game. Mini burgers and boerewors rolls, samoosas, sausage rolls, a sandwich patter, cocktail sausages, julienned vegetables with a delicious dip, bedevilled eggs – conveniently, all of these can be pre-prepared before the event and stored in the refrigerator until needed. Try and include some soccer-themed accents in the food if possible. And don’t forget those with a sweet tooth – no matter what is happening on the field – cupcakes, koeksisters and chocolate are always a winner.

Drink and be merry:

What would any sporting event be without a little bit of liquour? A good idea is to prepare some cocktails in the colours of the teams playing, which you can serve to your guests as they arrive, before kick-off. For added flair – decorate the drinks with a miniature cocktail flag of the teams that are playing. After the initial cocktail – beer, whiskey and wine (Versus Wines  off course) are the firm favourites amongst most South Africans. However, remember to drink responsibly, as your guests will need to drive and arrive home safely after the game.

Everybody wins:

To add a bit of excitement, devise a gambling wager for all your friends to take part in. Let each of your guests predict the score and put R50 into a kitty. At the end of the game, see who predicted the nearest score – and that person wins the entire kitty! Not only will this keep guests interested in the game, but it will add a bit of spice to the evening’s proceedings.

Source: property24.com

Soccer World Cup fever has hit the country and I realised that the game of soccer has many rigid and formal structures, stereotypes and strategies. But this guy is really taking refereeing to new, unconventional level.

Last night I met a few German soccer fans and we had great night with a few bottles of Versus wines.

Their English was pretty good and they told me about this hilarious TV ad about learning English.

Here is the ad. See it for yourself.

To my amazement and amusement a friend asked me if you get some points in soccer when the ball is kicked over the goal post. I realised that although Fifa et al. did everything to organise the World Cup they have not educated the sport illiterates about the game.

First you must remember that although you are clueless about soccer you can still enjoy the soccer party / braai / whatever with some Versus.

Here are quick guidelines for those who will score 0% for a soccer theory test. 

This is what you need to know in order not to look completely clueless during the following four weeks:

• Soccer is played by two teams with eleven players each (that includes the goalkeeper).
• Most soccer balls are made from synthetic leather. Many of them are black and white, but they can also be decorated in the colours of the different teams.
• Soccer players wear special shoes that give them a grip on wet grass. Soccer jerseys, shorts and socks distinguish the two teams from each other.
• Soccer is a winter sport.
• The aim of the game is to get the ball into the goal defended by the other team.
• The game lasts 90 minutes – 45 minutes a side with a short break in between.
• Any part of the body may be used, except the hands and arms.
• The goalkeeper is the only player on the field who may use his arms and hands to try and stop the opposing team from scoring a goal.
• A goal, which is scored if the ball goes over the line of the opposing team’s goal posts, a goal is scored. It is worth one point.
• Soccer is not a contact sport and no direct physical contact, such as shoving or grabbing, is allowed between the players.
• A soccer pitch, or field, is marked off with boundary lines, and can vary in size. It is usually rectangular in shape with the length more or less double the width.
• If the ball goes across the line on the side of the field, it is thrown in with an overhead throw. If it goes out at the end of the field, the goalkeeper kicks it back in.
• The section in front of the goal is large rectangle called the goal area. If a player breaks the rules in this area, a penalty kick is awarded to the other team. Only the goalkeeper can defend the goalposts during a penalty kick.
• So-called fouls include kicking the ball when it is in the air, tripping or touching other players, or using the hands and arms. The penalty for this is free kick for the opposing team.
• A yellow card is issued for serious fouls, such as fighting, disrespecting officials or their decisions, or flagrantly disobeying the rules more than once. The referee holds up the yellow card for everyone to see.
• Avoid conversations about offsides rules. These are complicated and the subject of endless discussions during and after the games, especially if fans do not agree with the referee’s decisions.
• Two officials watch from the sidelines and will raise a flag if someone has gone offsides.
• If an offence is repeated, a red card is issued.
• If a red card is issued, it means the player has to leave the field and is not replaced by another player, leaving his team one short. This does not lead to popularity.
• The referee keeps track of injury time when play is stopped because a player needs medical attention. This is added on at the end.
• If the game ends in a tie, the issue of who wins the game is resolved with a penalty shootout. This is a series of five penalty kicks per side. The team who gets the highest number of goals wins the game.

Source: health24.com

Congratulations to Cindy Wiid, Susan Ryall, Denise Myburgh and Hilary Klopper. They are the winners of double tickets to The Wine Show Joburg. Enjoy the show.

Remember to join us at The Wine Show Joburg for a glass of wine and a game of Foosball.

I have a really bad case of Football Fever… I’m so excited about Bafana Bafana.

What can you do to contain your Football fever? Play Foosball.

This is a great game and is played all around the world. I did some research (OK, I just went to Wikipedia) and I found that this game was in invented in 1922 in the UK by a huge Tottenham supporter and it has grown immensely. Today there are number of shots and even an International Table Football governing body.

Here is a list of some of the Foosball shots:

“Pull Kick” – Pulling the rod to direct the ball to another man for a shot
“Push Kick” – Pushing the rod to direct the ball to another man for a shot
“Bank Shot” – Intentionally aiming at a side wall to ‘bank’ the ball towards the net
“Snake Shot” – When the ball is in front pin position, rotating the rod <360 degrees to hit the ball forwards
“Pull Shot” – Pulling the rod to direct the ball towards you before shooting with the same man
“Push Shot” – Pushing the rod to direct the ball away from you before shooting with the same man
“Pin Shot” – Pinning the ball under the foot of the man and then moving to either side bringing the foot of the man behind with the same man and striking the ball forward

Read more…

Versus Wine invites you 

Come join us for a glass of wine and foosball at our stand at The Wine Show Joburg (4-6 June).

Some wine snobs have made wine tasting much more complicated that needs to be. Wine is there to be enjoyed and tasting wine is not a daunting task.

Cathy Mason indicated the bare necessities about the glugging, gulping, spitting, swallowing and all you need to know to taste wines.

If you have never tasted wine before – then you’re in for a treat. There is nothing scary about winetasting – if you’ve got a tongue, you can do it! Remember – your palate is unique to you so whatever you taste is right and happily, the more you taste wine, the better you get at it. Here is a step by step guide to tasting wine.

1.    Look
Pick up the glass and tilt it in front of something white so you can see the colour properly. Does it have anything floating in it? Is it clear and bright? What sort of colour is it – dark, light, intense, pale – and is there a difference between the middle of the wine and the edge where it touches the glass?
Can you describe the colour – pale green – light lemon – straw – golden – deep yellowy brown might be words for white wines. Young, unwooded whites tend to be paler than older, oakier wines. Reds may range from – bright purple – clear ruby – dark maroon – semi black – brickish red – vaguely brown. Young reds tend to be brighter in colour which fades to a bricky, almost orange colour with age.
You are trying to assess the age, the condition and, possibly even, the variety of the wine in the glass.

2.    Smell
With the base of the glass on the table, swirl the wine round and round (if you feel confident, you can do this in mid-air but the table is easier). Try and use a glass which is wider at the bowl than the rim as it is practically impossible to spill wine out of these sorts of glasses so you can do it with a bit of dash and verve! You are doing this in order to mix oxygen into the wine which releases the aromas.
When you have swirled, stick your nose in the glass and take a good sniff. Does it smell clean and fresh? If it smells of damp mushrooms and wet cardboard, it may be corked. What sort of fruit can you smell? Swirl and sniff again. Is there anything else that isn’t fruity – tobacco, smoke, butterscotch, leather, honey, incense, flowers?
Try and remember those aromas as you taste for the first time.

3.    Taste
Now tilt your glass and take a decent mouthful. Move it round your mouth so it touches every part of it – different parts of your mouth and tongue detect different flavours so make sure you cover all your bases. If you feel really confident, you can suck in a little extra air through your lips to continue aerating the wine – don’t dribble though, that is really uncool! Swallow your wine and then think what it tasted like.
Does it taste clean and correct – if not, then could it be corked (mushrooms and cardboard again) or oxidised (smells and tastes like sherry or vinegar)? Is it dry, crisp, fresh and acidic or smooth, soft, rounded and fat? If it is a red wine, does it have high tannins – the same extracts as in a strong cup of tea which make your mouth dry up after you’ve swallowed the wine.
What fruit does it taste of – same as you smelt or different? What else does it taste of – other flavours? After you’ve swallowed it, do those taste linger in your mouth for some time or do they disappear completely – this is called the length of a wine or the finish.

Most importantly – did you enjoy that? Does it make you want to have more? Try another mouthful to see if you get anything different and to see if you’ve changed you mind at all. Jot down a few notes, have a disagreement with your neighbour as to your differing opinions and move on the next wine.

Uncomplicated and unconventional wine brand  , Versus,  believes that wine must be enjoyed and our back label also indicate that we’re really not into the pretentious wine snob stuff.

Source:www.food24.com