This was meant to be a monthly column.  But because of my outlandish addiction to Social media sites I couldn't find the time to write an article or find any new methods of living without social media.  But don't panic because in the past couple of weeks. I have developed a brand new method of living without social media. Exclusive to Example Magazine.  I hope you're prepared.

LIFE WITHOUT SOCIAL MEDIA PART 2 -  OUTSIDE TOPLESS REGGAE DRINKING

YOU WILL NEED…
1 garden or outside grassy area (or if in a densely populated area a flat roof or patio).

Extension Cables which reach your designated zone.

2x Large loud speakers.  

1x Laptop (preferably Macbook)

1x Internet Access

1x Spotify account (optional Itunes could do the job but will limit tune selection)

1x large playlist of reggae / dub / dancehall

A selection of Beanbags or Cushions. (Duvets could also be brought into play here)

1x Sunny Day

9x HOURS

4-6 x Large Bottles of Cider

At least 1 (preferably more) partner


Instructions.  

Pick a very sunny day. Preferably with no clouds in the sky and a positive forecast for the afternoon and evening.  Aim to commence outside topless reggae drinking at around 2-3PM. Which should give you enough time to prepare for the days' events with a couple of bacon sandwiches.  

ATTENTION - Make sure you purchase your cider early on as most retailers do not store their cider in refrigerated cabinets but instead often leave it in the warm on a shelf. You will need extra time to refrigerate the cider before you commence Outside Topless Reggae Drinking.  Please note if you are short of time you can use the freezer to shorten the amount of time it will take for your beverage to be at an acceptable temperature.

Whilst you wait for your alcohol to cool down you can begin to prepare the designated outdoor topless reggae drinking area.  Disperse your cushions/beanbags/duvets amongst your friends. Aiming to maximise comfort and also sun exposure.  Ensure that your speakers are close at hand and that your laptop can be positioned squarely on your lap and comfortably be plugged into the soundsystem.  For this i used a 15ft phono cable with Phono to Mini Jack adapter. However you could just bring your speakers closer.  

When your area is prepared retrieve your cider (which should be adequately cooled) and gather your friends.  Spread yourselves evenly across the area and take a few minutes to absorb the high Kotch rating of your new surroundings.  When you begin to feel at ease and the sun begins to gently warm your face. It is time to begin the Outside Topless Reggae Drinking.

Ensure that all of your social media ties are cut for the afternoon. If you have never used the Logout button on any of your accounts then don't worry. There's a first time for everything.  You will feel strange, almost naked for the first half an hour or so away from your news feed. But this does get easier as time passes and believe me the rewards are well worth the effort. You may even find yourself conversing with your fellow outside topless reggae drinkers perhaps even having a laugh! Ensure also that any Blackberrys are left squarely within the confines of your house. They're fucking shit and have the potential to ruin the atmosphere of any outdoor topless reggae drinking event with their business like overly complicated network synergy that nobody even needs but have been convinced that they MUST have.

At this point you are ready to remove your upper body clothing but keep it close at hand in case you need to go to the shop suddenly or simply hide your shame.  Girls you can also get involved with this as well. We're not sexist.

Begin you're first reggae song and commence drinking. There you have it Outside Topless Reggae Drinking.  At first you may be a bit wobbly but once your chosen cider begins to take effect you will find yourself getting into the flow a lot more.  Continue to select tumping jamaican beats throughout the afternoon until bored.

You may wish to bring a barbecue into the equation at some point during the afternoon. However I wouldn't recommend this. It distracts from the drinking reduces the ketch level of the surroundings and makes everyone smell of smoke.

If you're stuck for tunes to play I have provided a handy playlist below...

Iration Steppas - General
Cutty Ranks - Chop Chop
Barrington Levy - Here I come
John Holt - Police In Helicopter
Sizzla - Marijuana
Capleton - Jah Jah City
Mungo's HI - Fi - Clouds refix
Anything By King Tubby
Beenie Man - Gimme Gimme
DMZ - Anti War Dub (avoid general dubstep apart from these two)
Tes La Rok - Up In The VIP
Buju Banton - Champion
Nucleus Roots - Meditation Dub
Johnny Clarke - Roots Natty Roots Natty Congo

Use related artists to go from there.  Good luck!!!