Portraits of Africa

Within my photo series “Portraits of Africa” here is the image of a young African boy.

Portraits of Africa

I just love Black & White Photography and how it adds depth to a picture, especially portraits and expressive faces.

“Portraits of Africa” are shot on a simple NIKON Coolpix P90 with a minimum of post-editing, ideally nothing at all.

This past weekends seminar was invaluable. Those who attended have been working on the XOrc 2012, testing and familiarising themselves with the various features that the new version of the XO has to offer. It’s always exciting keeping pace with all the new developments and additional feature a script has introduced. The XO2012 is no exception. Why do I work with the WP based Semiomantics XO themes? after much testing over the years I have found that not only is Semiomantics is the best performing script its also the most versatile. As Yorgo says, there are 10o1 ways the layout can be manipulated to create a new theme.

Mobile ready

Technology is going mobile, therefore the focus for a web designer  means making sure that the designs implemented are lightweight and fast loading and clearly seen and navigated on any mobile device. What looks good on your desktop pc may not necessarily impress a visitor on a mobile.  So, a theme must be flexible and responsive, across browsers and cross-platform compatible. What you see in the IE browser is not always what you see in Firefox! How a site looks on a smartphone is not the same as on an iPad.

Semiomantics XO2012

I am still working and experimenting with the new Semiomantics features and exploring the possibilities. As the theme is tuned to CSS3 and HTML5 cutom design can make the theme more visually stimulation for a visitor. Included here is a first draft of a demo site undergoing some customisation.

Updated my Flickr photostream: http://www.flickr.com/photos/zonicholas/6802062847/
hope you like it!

Hakamela Conferencing

We are pleased to announce that the Conference Services website  “Hakamela Conferencing & Event Management” will soon be under construction on Semiomantics XO 2012.

Hakamela Conferencing

Hakamela Conferencing & Event Management will open its doors in Pretoria, South Africa. This high-demand Service Company  will be run by professional Conference Management Expert Lynn Sakuinje.

Web Design South Africa will be designing a simple, practical and user-friendly website that will target top 10 positions on Google under the relevant keywords and focuses on high visibility on the mobile web.

South Africa Medical Equipment and Furniture

Medihope is a progressive company engaged in the selling, renting and repairing of medical equipment and furniture. Our qualified technical team has serviced, maintained and refurbished hospital furniture for major hospital groups such as Medi Clinic George and Bayview Hospital Mossel Bay, local clinics and old age homes in the past 11 years.

South Africa Rehabilitation Aids for Elderly and Disabled

Medihope specialize in selling rehabilitation aids for the elderly and disabled. Our range of products includes, bath and shower aids, commodes and toilet aids, hospital furniture, bedsore prevention, back and neck support, walking and mobility aids, incontinence aids, oppo support, wheelchairs, diagnostic equipment and first aid kits.

Hospital Beds and Hospital Furniture in South Africa

Medihope also specialize in selling new and refurbished furniture from Germany, China and Taiwan and have since sold hospital beds and other hospital furniture to hospitals, old age homes, frail care units, clinics, private practices and individual clients.

We firmly believe that our excellent after-sales service, unique experience and knowledge of hospital furniture, which we are known for, separate us from our competitors.

Geneva Pharmacy George Special Offers

Geneva Pharmacy in George

The Geneva Pharmacy is located in Stander Street, Genevafontein in George in the Western Cape of South Africa.  This pharmacy is conveniently situated and offers ample parking.

Pharmacy in George

At this privately owned and managed pharmacy in the Garden Route town of George you as the customer come first.  You can be assured of the best advice and personal service.

Special offers from Geneva Pharmacy in George

Geneva Pharmacy in George offers on going specials on a number of medicines. This includes Adcodol, Corenza C, Propain and more.

Special offers

• Adcodol – 100 @ R50
• Corenza C – 10 @ R45
• Syndol – 18 @ R20
• Betapyn – 18 @ R20
• Pynstop – 20 @ R20
• Propain – 18 @ R20
• Venteze Inhaler  @ R25
• Asthavent Inhaler @ R25
• Slimming Mixture  200ml @R80

Home Creations – Month End Specials January 2012

Home Creations in George

Home Creations in George offers a range of art and craft supplies, home décor items as well as a wide range of fabrics and materials. Materials include Poly Cottons, Organza, Tafetta and many more.

Home Creations January Month End Specials

The Home Creations Material Shop in George offer various specials on home décor and materials until the 5th of February 2011.
The month end specials at Home Creations run from 23 January to 5 February 2012. The Shop will be open on Sunday 5 February from 9am to 1pm.

•  Selected Home Décor & Pewter Boxes – Now less 30%
•  Tapestry 150cm – R34.95 per meter
•  Suede (upholstery) – Was R59.95 Now R44.95 per meter
•  Polyester Georgette – Was R29.95 Now R14.95 per meter
•  Poly Cottons Plain/ Printed  – Now only R12.95 per meter
•  Mini Matt 150 cm – R15.95 per meter
•  Snow Look 150cm – R19.95 per meter
•  Vinyl – R38.95 per meter
•  Organza 150cm – R10.95 per meter or buy 30 meter or more at R7.95 per meter
•  Polysilk Curtaining 280cm – Was R100 per meter Now Less 35% R65.00 per meter
•  Heavy Duty Plastic Thick Quality – R12.95 per meter or at R10.95 per meter for roll
•  Winter Checks/ Nude Spandex / Select Suiting – Was R39.95 per meter now only R25.00 per meter
•  Tafetta (all variants) – 150cm at R17.95 per meter and 280cm at R34.95 per meter.

Special on Organza and Polysilk Curtaining

The special on the Organza and Polysilk Curtaining is valid until the end of February 2012 or until stocks lasts.

•  Organza 150cm – R10.95 per meter or buy 30 meter or more at R7.95 per meter
•  Polysilk Curtaining 280cm – Was R100 per meter Now Less 35% R65.00 per meter

Knysna  Accommodation Special for February 2012

Beauchamp Place Knysna

Beauchamp Place is a 3 star guest house on the banks of the Knysna Lagoon. It is conveniently located, close to the main road and centre of town.

Guest House accommodation in Knysna

This guest house in Knysna offers accommodation in comfortable en-suite rooms. All rooms have a private entrance and balcony or door leading to the garden.

For the month of February 2012 Beachamp Place offers a special on accommodation.

• Stay in one of the ground floor en-suite rooms for only R195 per person sharing or R295 per single person.
• A hot and continental breakfast is available at R75 per person additional.
• Subject to availability, Valid until 29 February 2012

 George Old Car Show Accommodation Special Offer Windymere Cottages George

Windymere Cottages George

Windymere Cottages is situated just outside of George in the heart of the Garden Route, only meters away from the well-known Fancourt golfing estate, on a farm with the most amazing views of the Outeniqua Mountains.

George Accommodation

The accommodation at Windymere is ideal for your visit to George. Ample safe parking is also available.
Windymere offers accommodation in self catering cottages and rooms just outside of George where you can relax and unwind.

George Old Car Show  – Accommodation Special offer

For the weekend of the 11th and 12th of February 2012 Windymere offers a special offer on accommodation for visitors attending the George Old Car Show.

• Cottages:  Stay two nights or more in a 4 sleeper cottage for only R500 per night.
• Rooms: Stay for two nights or more in a 2 sleeper room for only R380 per night.
• Subject to availability

Acrylic Paint in Mossel Bay for School Projects

ECbeads in Mossel Bay is now also a stockiest of Jabtex’s newly developed artist medium, Tascal Craft Acrylic is a unique, water based, pigment rich paint medium that can be applied to any surface. This can be used to create acrylic, water colour, and gouache or oil effects.

Art Supplies in Mossel Bay

Whether you need paint brushes, paint of canvas, ECbeads offers it all. Here at ECbeads in Voorbaai, Mossel Bay you will get a range of art supplies, mediums such as Craft Paint, Tascal Paint and Fabric Paint as well as extenders.

ECbeads and Art Shop in Mossel Bay offers a range of beads, mosaic necessities, wooden blanks, serviettes, sequins, costume Jewellery as well as fabric paint, acrylic paint, decoupage, Filana Clay and bronzing. Here you will find that we have excellent prices and offer advice on our beads and art supplies in store.

Paint for School Projects in Mossel Bay

You can now get your paint and paintbrushes for school projects from ECbeads in Mossel Bay. Here are various mediums to choose from and Con and Esme’ are standing ready to give advice and tips.

For more information on ECbeads click here

Tandem Skydive Valentine’s Special in Mossel Bay

Skydive Mossel Bay brings you an exciting and unique Valentine’s Special. Bring your partner to Mossel Bay Skydive and experience the thrill of tandem skydiving over the scenic coastal town of Mossel Bay.

Mossel Bay Skydive

You can now treat the special someone in your life to a truly unique and exhilarating Valentine’s treat at Mossel Bay Skydive. Experience the thrill of jumping from up to 10 000’ AGL (above ground level) at 200 – 290 kph from up to 40 seconds.

Book a tandem skydive for two and get a beach landing and bottle of sparkling bubbles for free.

Offer valid from 10th to 19th of February 2012, weather permitting.

This will surely be a Valentine’s you and your partner will never forget.

For more information on Skydive Mossel Bay

New Semiomantics XO Theme for WordPress

The above Screenshots represent just some of the pages, features and looks the 2012 Edition of the high performance XO Theme for WordPress has up its sleeves. The above site is the fruit of the 2 Days Ycademy Online Seminar for Semiomantics Developers and designers.

The 2012 Edition of XO is focused on even more flexibility in as much as editing, cross-browser and cross-platform compatibility are concerned.

The Site displays perfectly on Mobile devices, showing responsiveness also of the plugged in scripts chosen of which some have been adapted to satisfy the high standards of Semiomantics Publishing Scripts for Excellence.

The site elaborated at the Ycademy Online Seminar this past week-end features some smashing features, such as:

• Background Slideshow, customizable for each page, post or archive
• Built in Directory
• Media Library for YouTube and Vimeo
• Pro-sliders which can be deployed anywhere on the site
• In addition to the responsive design, a separate light Mobile Version is available
• Bold and Efficient Navigation
• Built in Custom Fonts
• Social Network connectivity and publishing
• and much more.

The XO script is well commented and offers designers a clean and straight forward environment for custom developments. XO uses best practices for WordPress development and makes the best use of the possibilities offered by the WP back-bone, assuring smooth integration and optimized conflict handling.

XO is a great playground for designers. The DIY version allows anyone to adapt layout and colors to taste right from the back-office; there is no need to have any knowledge about coding or designing. The theme behaves like a Chameleon and adapts to specific needs with just a few clicks of the mouse: pre-configured layout elements transform your XO quickly into a Magazine, Newspaper, personal Author Blog, a Media Hub, a Shop, a Marketing Machine, a Social Media Publisher, a Product Promoter or a Fan Site or most anything your imagination dictates.

For the professional designer, XO offers a well commented environment. Custom code can be added right from the dashboard or, as I prefer using a child theme. XO is tuned for HTML5 and CSS3 use, making it a modern and inspiring framework for exceptional design effects.

Out of the box, the XO Theme for WordPress provides a stable and reliable, robust and optimized solution for common use. It provides built in features such a slider with multiple transitions and a one click selector for easy use.

Layouts can be easily adapted to needs and purpose of the site. In fact, most custom designers rely on the theme engine to format efficiently layouts.

The site featured in the above gallery uses a few pro plug-ins to add functionality in function of customer requirements. The integration of such add on scripts is a relatively simple process for designers and developers.

XO has been developed for high performance, productivity, excellence in publishing and flexibility. For the professional users, the XO Theme constitues a solid base with a huge potential for customization and creative artistic expression.

The release of XO Version 3.3.x is planned for the first week of February. The present Release Candidate has been thoroughly tested. A few minor issues will be taken care off before XO will be available to the public.

If your site is running on Semiomantics XO suing basic customization, the theme can just be overwritten. (Save your custom CSS beforehand.)

If you are using a custom version with custom developments or a child theme, some of your customization will need to be adapted to the enhancements of XO 2012. This concerns namely custom headers and footers as well as custom functions.

Support for developers and designers is available as usual at our Ycademy Online Calls and Seminars or through Semiomantics Pro Support.

Related posts:

1. Semiomantics Thesis Interpretation
2. WordPress Shop Version 3 by Semiomantics
3. Semiomantics XO Blog
4. Semiomantics XO 2010 Edition
5. Ycademy Online Seminar January 2012

Saturday was a busy first day at the Ycademy seminar on ‘Semiomantics XO with CSS3 and HTML5′. The new Semimantics XO2012 is a sound base for further developments on  an already top performing script. Using both CSS3 and HTML5 it is  now possible to add elements such as video and audio straight into the code without the use of external plugins which often slow the  opening process or create conflicts. The focus today is on speed, and this is greatly enhanced with the use of HTML5 especially for mobile applications.

With CCS3 its also possible to add new elements to create more visually stimulating  web designs.

CSS3 & HTML5

Sunday will be another stimulating day packed full of information and workshops on creating content and design with CSS3 and HTML5. This is just the begining of an exciting year ahead at Ycademy, and more exciting, stimulating and cleaner designs for our customers. More coming soon.

Bianca Gubalke Mobile

Bianca Gubalke Mobile – a first pre-seminar sketch for a mobile version! The little icons stand for Social Network icons like Facebook, Twitter etc, which I would design myself to fit into the overall picture I have in mind.

Bianca Gubalke Mobile

We are living in times of rapid change and the explosion of the mobile market. People use their mobile phones to search the net, to find what they want, to compare it and – to buy it. Sales figures triggered via the mobile net are staggering – and as web designers we have to adapt – which means also to focus on new technologies and learn new languages.

Over the past years, Semiomantics has always evolved along with WordPress Developments. Remarkably, the latest WP update allows for much more creativity. While our Semiomantics based author blogs display perfectly on smartphones through integration of the right plugins and settings, there’s much more scope that we will be looking into at this weekend’s Ycademy Seminar 2012 – which is also a testing ground for the new Semiomantics XO 2012 – to be released soon.

In that sense, I am looking forward to the evolution of Bianca Gubalke Mobile!

Web Design Trends 2012

The upcoming first Ycademy Seminar 2012 will focus on Web Design Trends 2012 in terms of what they mean for our brand-new WordPress based Semiomantics XO 2012.

Web Design Trends 2012

In order to follow and implement Web Design Trends 2012, learning new languages like CSS3 and html5 has become crucial – especially also due to the unfortunate conflicts around Flash which cannot be seen on the exploding mobile market. Accordingly, this weekend’s fully online YCADEMY Seminar will need focused attention and strong nerves! That’s the price to pay to be and remain a qualified Semiomantics expert!

MadMax is ready – are YOU?!

The Jordan Spizike lineup will continue to release new and exciting colorways for 2012. One of the anticipated colorways set to drop is the University Blue/Orange. This particular Spizike will come equipped in a combination of plush nubuck, smooth leather, and the iconic elephant print throughout the shoe. The translucent orange outsole add contrast to the blue upper. The release date is unconfirmed, but stay tuned to Global Sports for the latest info we should have them in by the end of January 2012.

Monkey Valley Resort on Mobile

I just got some screenshots directly from the iPhone in Europe to demonstrate how the new Monkey Valley Resort Website actually looks on the Mobile web – and I’m absolutely thrilled! The quality and resolution are just outstanding and I left the image big so you can appreciate it here even though the picture may take a moment to load. This is soooo sexy!

Above, you see the Frontpage of the Monkey Valley Resort Website, which features a large elegant slider displaying the various chapters and attractions of the hotel resort 30 kms out of Cape Town, South Africa. What is remarkable here is how beautifully the slider displays – all based on new technology as, sadly, Flash does not display on mobile phones and this forced us to adapt in our Semiomantics Website Development, learning new languages like CSS3 and HTML5.

Monkey Valley Resort on Mobile

Much if not most of today’s business on the Internet is piped in one way or another through the mobile web… a reason why Monkey Valley Resort had to be visible on mobile.

Here is a horizontal version (probably 1 : 1) … and of course you can zoom up text or whatever you are interested in… and get to where you want to go in a fast and user-friendly way, eg. Click and BOOK!

The Importance of Functionality

The Importance of Functionality in terms of Website Design has a lot to do with the ease and user-friendly interaction between the website and the website visitor: the website has to communicate to the visitor what it is all about in an attractive way, guiding through what it has to offer and fulfilling almost intuitively what the visitor is looking for and making it easy to follow through with the desired action – say to book a room in a hotel…, to buy, pay and even download say an ebook… or to simply offer various sights of a specific area or place that shows the visitor what he can expect, eg. in a holiday resort or when researching a new home in real estate.

Today, being visible on the mobile web is crucial to the success of any website or Internet business – and therefore one of the most important functionalities of a website or blog.

Nowhere more than on the Internet do we see such rapid and continuous change and do we have to adapt, learn new languages and keep developing our knowledge and skills on an ongoing basis as in the virtual arena. A website or blog is not built to last forever and it needs a regular allocation of funds (budget) – it’s a project in constant development, adapting to the changes, changing with the trends and always trying to offer readers and visitors something new, something modern and going the extra mile to capture the traffic that leads to business and success.

Responsive Themes for WordPress

Responsive Websites become a must in 2012. This tutorial demonstrates how to make your WordPress Theme Responsive.

In very simple terms: Responsive Web Design aims to display content adapted to the visitors screen size. This means namely that the layout width must be fluid, i.e. expressed as a percentage of the width of the screen, typefaces expressed in em and images must be scalable.

Responsive WordPress Theme XO by Semiomantics

Practically speaking: a responsive designs can be viewed on a smart-phone or on a large PC screen, the display will always be the same and adapted to the size of the screen or browser window. n stead of using multiple style-sheets for different screen sizes, designers use Media Queries which allow to create multiple layouts using the same content. To achieve scalability, CSS media queries, such as min-width or orientation are used.

A quick and easy way consists in creating a child theme; this allows you to upgrade your theme as the case may be without altering your customizations.

1. Create a new folder in your wp-content/themes folder and name it anything you like; for the purpose of this exercise I call it “responsive”

2. Create a style sheet in your new Child Theme folder (call it styles.css).

3. Suppose your main theme is called “wptheme”; paste the following into style.css

 /*
 Theme Name: wptheme Child
 Theme URI: http://www.yourdomain.com/
 Description: Child theme for wptheme
 Author: Your Name
 Author URI: http://www.yourdomain.com
 Template: wptheme
 Version:1.0
 */

The only line you really need to respect is Template:wptheme; this line refers to the parent theme folder.

4. Import the parent themes style-sheet by adding now the following line to your new style.css:

@import url(“../wptheme/style.css”);

5. Define the screen sizes you design for. (Smart-phones, tablets, PC) To test the result we just create different h1 color values for the different screen sizes:

@media screen and (max-width:320px)
{
h1 {
color: #ff0000;
}
}
@media screen and (min-width:321px) and (max-width:768px)
{
h1 {
color:#00FF00;
}
}
@media screen and (min-width:769px)
{
h1 {
color: #0000FF;
}
}

Having set these basic parameters, you can now apply styles and layout values to taste, such as vertical navigation display on small screens.

To make images responsive we will need to take some WordPress specifics into account and there fore we will intervene with CSS3 and Media Queries and modify styles.css and functions.php of our theme.

Add the following to your style-sheet to make images scalable:

img{max-width: 100%;}
img{ -ms-interpolation-mode: bicubic; }

Now the images will be re-sized to fit horizontally, while the vertical scaling is still defined by WordPress. We need to remove WordPress image height and width values to scale our images proportionally.

In WP, image classes come with a with and height properties; we delete these properties like so:

change in your WP editor:

<img class=”imgclass” src=”../images/imagethumb.jpg” alt=”” width=”100″ height=”100″ />

to this:

< img class=”imgclass” src=”../images/imagethumb.jpg” alt=”” />

This will work for your post and page images, however not for the images created by WP dynamically, such as post thumbnails. We need to delete with and height properties dynamically with a function.

Add to functions.php:

function remove_wp_width_height($string){
return preg_replace(‘/\/i’, ”,$string);
}

Now you need to make a final modification in your template and replace:

the_post_thumbnail();

with the following:

echo remove_wp_width_height(get_the_post_thumbnail(get_the_ID(),’large’));

That’s all!

Hopefully the above will help you to do additional customization wok and as the case may be, to adapt your great themes to the requirements of 2012 Web Design.

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Herolds Bay Accommodation

Herolds Bay Self Catering Accommodation

The Herolds Bay 714 a double storey penthouse apartment on the 7th and 8th floor of The Herolds Bay is located in the popular seaside village of Herolds Bay and offers self catering accommodation.  Distance to sandy beach with two tidal pools is only 250. meters away.

Accommodation in Herolds Bay in Penthouse

This penthouse in Herolds Bay offers guests an open plan lounge, dining room area leading to the fully equipped kitchen and balcony with uninterrupted views of the ocean. The lounge offers a flat screen TV with DSTV (Selected channels).  The kitchen is equipped with modern amenities; here you can cook with a sea view! A guest toilet is also available for your convenience.

The Bedroom Herolds Bay 714 are on the 8th Floor

Upstairs this luxury apartment offers accommodation 3 bedrooms all with en-suite bathrooms. Two of the bedrooms also offer sea views. Sleep with the sound of the ocean and the fresh air of Herolds Bay.

Under Cover Parking for Two Vehicles at The Herolds Bay

Under cover parking is available for two vehicles and a lift will take you to the apartment on the 7th floor where the comforts of this luxurious apartment in The Herolds Bay awaits you. Guests are also welcome to make use of the swimming pool as well as the designate braai area in the complex.

Entertaining a young child on a wet Saturday afternoon resulted in a sticky face and hands, a big happy grin and a tray of gingerbread men, and of course they needed decoration after being baked.

It’s never easy finding things for children that they want to do when it’s cold and wet outside, but cooking seems to go down well with our young grandson. It certainly is a fun way to spend a few hours  together and they learn so much without realising it. The only draw back is the cleaning up afterwards.

Gingerbread men

Gingerbread man

It’s funny how this tradition of baking a gingerbread man has caught on and stayed with us even in the 21st century. Wikipedia states ‘…Gingerbread dates back to the 15th century, and figural biscuit-making was practiced in the 16th century. The first documented instance of figure-shaped gingerbread biscuits appearing was in the court of Elizabeth I of England. She had the gingerbread figures made and presented in the likeness of some of her important guests…’

There are many versions of the Gingerbread Man story and probably as many versions of the gingerbread man recipe which is basically like a biscuit recipe with ginger, syrup and spices added and then cut out into the shape of a gingerbread man. A short bake in the oven and we have something  tasty to eat too. How you decorate your men is entirely up to you or the children who made them.

Attending this weekend 28/29 January 2 day seminar “Semiomantics XO with CSS3 and HTML5″ Click here to check out the details.

George Caravan Park Accommodation Special for Old Car Show in George

The Old Car Show in George takes place on the 11th and 12th of February 2012. The George Caravan Park offers an accommodation special for participants and visitors to this event.

Special Rate on Camping Sites

The George Caravan Park offers a special rate on camping sites for the duration of the Old Car Show held in George over the weekend of the 11th and 12th of February 2012.

Private blocks at George Caravan Park

The George Caravan park offers 16 Private blocks each with own kitchen and ablution facilities are available at only R200 per site for 4 persons. Additional persons charged at R60 per person. Maximum of 8 persons per site.

Caravan Park in George

126 shaded sites with communal ablution facilities as well as two self-catering bachelors units are also available at this caravan park in George.

Address: S33.99631 E22.51931

 Midas George Old Car Show 11 & 12 February 2012

The Southern Cape Old Car Club is proud to host the 16th George Old Car Show on 11 & 12 February 2012 at the PW Botha College, York Street, George.  For the second consecutive year, the Midas Group has come on board as the name giving sponsor and the show will once again be known as the Midas George Old Car Show.

Theme for 2012 Midas George Old Car Show

The theme for the 2012 Midas George Old Car Show is Convertibles and once again the public. All exhibitors are invited to take part in the “fancy dress” competition hosted on Saturday 11 February.

Pre-registration for Old Car Show Exhibitors

Old Car Show exhibitors should take note that pre-registration of vehicles is required before or on 31 January 2012 as no late entries to this event will be accepted at the gates.  Vehicles younger than 1975 should also pre-register as they will need special approval to be exhibited at the show.

Classic Car Auction at the Midas George Old Car Show

In February 2011, Protea Hotel, in collaboration with Aucor, arranged the first every Classic Car Auction at the Midas George Old Car Show. Between 10 – 15 vehicles was auctioned in 30 minutes. This year, even more excitement can be expected as the auction will now be an hour long and double the amount of cars will be on auction. This will take place on Saturday 11 February from 13h00.

Midas George Old Cars Show – Event for the Whole Family

With more than 900 cars expected at the Midas George Old Cars Show, the Castle beer garden, model cars and a variety of food stalls, the show promises to be an event for the whole family to enjoy.

Entry fees at Midas George Old Car Show  are as follows

• Saturday Adults: R35, Scholars: R15
• Sunday: Adults: R15, Scholars: R5

For more information on the show, visit http://www.scocc.co.za or contact Chris van Staden on 082 491 5254 or Marlene Quinot on 084 415 7987

Semiomantics XO 2012 for WordPress

The brand-new Semiomantics XO 2012 for WordPress – soon to be released – will be the central topic of the first Ycademy Seminar 2012, to be held this coming weekend.

As “Publishing for Excellence” at “Web Design with Passion” demands consistent learning, experimenting, an adaptation to trends and almost daily reassurance of the script’s leading SEO performance, the global Semiomantics Team is currently testing the new script and exploring different ways of presenting themselves or their products and services online.

Semiomantics XO 2012 for WordPress

I am very pleased with the more adventurous ways we can explore with the new Semiomantics XO 2012 for WordPress… and I know we haven’t even started! I am looking forward to creating the Wedding Website on this extraordinary WordPress based script.

Sliders are the Trend 2012

With sliders being an important part of the Trend 2012 as Website Design and “the Look” are concerned, I am currently experimenting with a fading slider – although extremely frustrating with often failing Internet connections and extremely slow lines down here… it feels like the sun flare is targeting us specifically and knocking us out completely!

Besides using sliders in the header or sidebar widgets or even blog posts and pages, we can now use them even in the background – which opens a lot more creative options and perspective.

At the Ycademy Seminar, we will work on becoming familiar with the new features of the XO 2012 and improve our knowledge of CSS3, HTML5 and jQuery so we are in a position to ‘play’ with the script, explore new avenues and, last but not least, adapt XO to our customers’ needs.

To be continued. . .

Home Creations in George

 Material and Fabric Shop in George

Home Creations is located in Shop 7 in the Joubert Plaza, Market Street, George. This fabric, haberdashery and craft shop offers good quality products at fantastic prices.The Home Creations shop in George stocks a wide variety of materials. This includes dress fabrics, selection of curtain and upholstery fabrics and tapestry.  They also have a selection of fabrics for evening and wedding dresses including taffeta, embroidered organza and beautiful bridal lace.

Home Décor from Home Creations

In addition to the luxurious fabrics available at Home Creations they also offer a selection of embroidered tablecloths, table runners,  tray cloths, dollies, cushion inners and covers as well as other home décor items.

Art and craft supplies in George

The art and craft section at the Home Creations shop offers a range of art and craft supplies ranging from scrap booking accessories, decoupage paints and blanks, various other paints, beads as well as kiddies art kits all at affordable prices.

Monthly special offers from Home Creations

Home Creations offers exiting monthly special offers. Specials generally run from the last week in the month to the first Sunday of the new month. Visit the shop or watch the local press for more details.

Wedding Flowers and Bouquets in the Garden Route

Marianthus Cut Flowers in Mossel Bay offers all brides to be and wedding planners, wedding flowers and bouquets that will suite your style as well as budget.

Garden Route Wedding Flowers

Ronel, the owner of Marianthus Cut Flowers in the Garden Route, will built your wedding flowers around what the bride wants. Any wedding revolves around the bride and is a reflection of the brides taste, style and personality.

Fresh Flowers for Weddings in Mossel Bay, Garden Route

Marianthus Cut Flowers will not only provide you with beautiful, healthy and fresh flowers for your wedding, they will deliver them as well. Whether you want to do your own wedding bouquets and flowers arrangements or want Marianthus Cut Flowers to handle it all for you, they are here to assist you in colouring in your wedding!

No wedding is too big or small!

For more information on getting the perfect flowers for your wedding contact Ronel from Marianthus Cut Flowers today still.

South Africa Beauty Academy

Mossel Bay Beauty Academy

Create Me Beauty Academy in Mossel Bay,  first opened their doors in June 2012 under the ownership of Danica du Plessis, a qualified beauty therapist, who graduated from the Elizabeth Beauty Academy (Port Elizabeth) in 2004. Here Danica achieved her Cibtac, Itec as well as Seta Diplomas. Opening Create Me Beauty Academy was a dream come true for Danica.

Beauty Treatment in Mossel Bay

Students of Create Me Beauty Academy in Mossel Bay will have a choice of training in the following beauty treatments and techniques; skincare and eye treatments, manicures and pedicures, hair removal, make-up , massages as well as Electronic Face Treatments.

Professional Beauty Therapists in Mossel Bay, South Africa

Create Me Beauty Academy offers those who wish to pursue a career in skincare and excellent not-to-be-missed opportunity to get trained by professional beauty therapists in a scenic and relaxed atmosphere of Diaz Beach, South Africa.

For more information on enrolling for a course at Create Me Beauty Academy

Oh dear, another trend and dilemma!

This Social Media puts me in a spin!
Do I Digg or do I Flickr?
Do I Mash or do I Twitter?
Circle here, Foursquare there,
Where should I really dare.

First it was the SEO,
Now its Linkedin, have a go!
Build the traffic, cause a jam,
Hostings going crazy with too much spam.

Do I tick or send a click?
Will what I do really stick?
For every action will there be some satisfaction?
Connecting, rejecting who or what
Communicating on YOUtube, Who cares a squat!

Do I Google or skip over and test out Noodle,
Make some pages? or Meetup with friends I’d not seen for ages.
Facebook, Empire, Tumble or Stumble
Or better still do I just fumble.

Fingers crossed it does the trick!

Reading, believing, staying in touch,
Tips and tricks and all that stuff.
When will it end this media run
It’s getting boring and now no FUN!

Social Media Marketing

Putting some fun back into social media marketing. Just enjoy!

Herolds Bay Accommodation 714

Herolds Bay Self Catering Accommodation

The Herolds Bay 714 is located in the popular seaside village of Herolds Bay and offers self catering accommodation.  This double story penthouse apartment is only 250 meters from the sandy beach with two tidal pools.

Luxury Apartment in Herolds Bay

The ground floor of this luxury apartment in Herolds Bay offers guests an open plan lounge, dining room area leading to the fully equipped kitchen and balcony with uninterrupted views of the ocean. The lounge offers a flat screen TV with DSTV (Selected channels).  The kitchen is equipped with modern amenities; here you can cook with a sea view! A guest toilet is also available for your convenience.

3 Bedroom Apartment in Herolds Bay

Upstairs this luxury apartment offers accommodation 3 bedrooms all with en-suite bathrooms. Two of the bedrooms also offer sea views. Sleep with the sound of the ocean and the fresh air of Herolds Bay.Under cover parking is available for two vehicles and a lift will take you to the apartment on the 7th floor where the comforts of this luxurious apartment in The Herolds Bay awaits you. Guests are also welcome to make use of the swimming pool as well as the designate braai area in the complex.

Amenities of  Herolds Bay 714

• Washing machine/ dryer combo
• Dish washer
• Fridge/ freezer with icemaker
• Oven and 4 plates with hob
• Espresso machine
• Convection oven
• Kettle, Toaster, Wine cooler
• Drying rack for laundry
• Iron, Ironing board
• Cutlery, Crockery
• DSTV
• Linen & towels
• Braai facilities are available in the designate braai area in the complex.

Bed configuration of Herolds Bay 4217

• 3 en-suite bedrooms, Sleep 6 persons
• Bedroom 1: 1 x Double bed, en-suite bathroom with bath and shower (Sea view from bedroom)
• Bedroom 2: 2 x Single beds, en-suite bathroom with shower
• Bedroom 3: 1 x Double bed, en-suite bathroom with shower (Sea view from bedroom)

Rates of Herolds Bay 714

• Current rates: (As from January 2012, rates are negotiable)
• Winter (1 May – 31 Aug): R450 p.p. (min fee charged per night: R1350)
• Summer (1 Sep – 30 Apr, Excluding peak seasons):  R550  p.p (min fee charged per night: R1650)
• Peak Season 1 (1 – 13 Dec): R750pp (minimum fee charged per night R3000)   Minimum 5 nights stay
• Peak Season 2  (April/Easter Holiday):   R650pp (minimum fee charged per day R2600) Minimum 7 nights stay
• Peak Season 3  (13 Dec– 10 Jan):   R800pp (minimum fee charged per day R3200) Minimum 14 nights

Above rates are negotiable

• Daily Cleaning Service available at an additional R90 per day
• Subject to prior arrangement

The many styles and color schemes offered for the Air Jordan over the years have spurred a large secondary collectors market. Shoe collectors are known to buy, sell and trade Air Jordans through ebay, sneaker conventions, consignment stores@ Global we’ve always loved Jordan’s even though back in the days customers be like “naah bro we want Air maxes” but we stuck to our Guns & pushed & pushed till we got our message across so much so that 2011 was the craziest year ever for Jordan’s @ Global  Jheeeze U lot really went in !! here is a few favs of ours what were yours ?

TOP SEO Performance on Semiomantics

Here’s today’s example of TOP SEO Performance on Semiomantics XO 2011 (soon to be updated to XO 2012):

Earlier today, I wrote a small article for Monkey Valley Resort on “Best Tapas in Cape Town” as that’s what Darren Byrne from Thorfynn’s Restaurant at Monkey Valley Resort wanted a photo of on a hot Saturday afternoon yesterday.

While his interest is that a maximum of people see the News and visit his restaurant, my goal as a web designer is to ensure the message I put out on the Monkey Valley Resort Website reaches Google Top 10 – meaning a maximum of traffic and visitors to the website. Here’s the resultrank 7 out of 709,000 search returns and climbing! Ammmazing – Ole!

TOP SEO Performance on Semiomantics

A day earlier, I prepared the brand-new menu en al for “Best Valentine’s Dinner Cape Town” on 14th February 2012 at Thorfynn’s Restaurant HERE and – lo and behold – captured position 5 within a few minutes… and -as I just tested – am holding it to this moment without further intervention or support – see the screenshot here (click on it to enlarge it):

Best Web Design South Africa on Semiomantics

And to end this post, the day before I followed a request by Monkey Valley Resort founder Judy Sole to promote ‘a bit more beach’ – and did a simple article “Visit Noordhoek Beach”. This post just shot up to spots 1 and 2 on Google Top 10 :

…and as I saw just now, after 2 days, it has captured even spot 3!

No doubt: Monkey Valley Resort has chosen simply the Best Web Design South Africa on Semiomantics – high SEO optimization, a captivating design and high functionality! Unbeatable and proven on a daily basis!

And as the Internet becomes increasingly sophisticated… quality counts!

Geneva Pharmacy

Pharmacy in George

The Geneva Pharmacy is located in Stander Street, Genevafontein in George in the Southern Cape of South Africa.  This pharmacy is conveniently situated away from the headache of traffic and parking hassles!

Privately Owned and Managed Pharmacy in George

At this privately owned and managed pharmacy in the Garden Route town of George you as the customer come first.  You can be assured of the best advice and personal service.

Miracle Colic Remedy from the Geneva Pharmacy in George

The Chemist and owner of Geneva Pharmacy, Johann Klue, developed a number of remedies witch are available from the pharmacy. This includes his “Miracle” (as know by some of his clients) Colic remedy, a Flu Mixture, Migraine Mix and Cough Mixture.

Diabetic friendly products in George

The Geneva Pharmacy in George also stock a range of 100% pure and low GI diabetic friendly products.
These products include Sugar free candies, Low GI Strawdanair Jams, Maguey Sugar, Maguey Agave Nectar and more.

Health and Beauty Consultant at Geneva Pharmacy in George

A range of health and beauty products are also available from this Pharmacy in George. Various slimming products and advice are available. Karen Klue an AMC Senior consultant and Justine consultant is also on site.  Also enquire about hospital plan options.

Business Hours at Geneva pharmacy

• Monday to Friday: 08:00 – 19:00
• Saturday: 08:00 – 13:00 and 17:00 – 19:00
• Sunday: 10:00 – 12:00 and 17:00 – 19:00
• A 24 hours emergency service / No Call – Out Fee
• Free deliveries in George

Trendwise with Semiomantics XO2012

In a world of infinite choice, we all have our personal preferences when it comes to creating the Web Design for our personal websites and blogs – and this is exactly what many of our customers will tell us, especially if they have a business with set colors, fonts and logos. Of course, there are also those who haven’t thought about this issue, who may not want to be bothered with it (as this takes ample time and thought) and who expect us to suggest, advise and guide. This is where we should know and focus on current trends, put our personal priorities on the backseat, and design something fresh, modern and appealing where we are absolutely “Trendwise with Semiomantics XO2012″, which is currently going through a testing phase and will soon be released.

Most importantly, we need to think forward to adapt to the incredible developments and momentum on the mobile web: can people see our web design work on their iphones, smart phones and tablets? This is currently the driving power behind many decisions and as we want our customers to get the traffic and results they expect, this is what we need to focus on and ensure that they too see the advantages of certain essentials they might not initially agree with.

It’s all about functionality and thinking customerwise: let them see what your website is all about fast and in an attractive way, make navigation clear, quick and easy like a dynamic show. And let there be balance!

Trendwise with Semiomantics XO2012

With the new trends 2012 having been set, how can we at Web Design South Africa be trendwise with Semiomantics XO2012, the best WordPress based script to be released soon, and give our website or blog a New Look 2012?

How to give your Author Blog a Trend 2012 Look

Here are a few pointers as to how to give your Author Blog a Trend 2012 Look:

1. Color Trend 2012

I already wrote about the Color Trend 2012 HERE.

To repeat it quickly, the color of the year 2012 is a warm orangy red called “Tangerine Tango”.  It’s not too far off the color I am always using in my personal color scheme that marks “Web Design with Passion”. However, there are other trendy colors like ‘solar power’ and the ‘sodalite blue’ I used in my example above, in connection with ‘tangerine tango’.

Here you want to think of backgrounds, fonts, menu, graphics, links, hover effects etc. – however, don’t overdo it when setting it off against another shade or complementary color. What I learned in Typography many years ago with one of Europe’s two leading authorities in the field and a true friend, Professor Tuenn Konerding (Staatliche Kunstakademie Duesseldorf, Germany), still applies today: experiment massively… but then reduce, keep it simple, don’t use more than 2… maximum 3 colors.

I wish I had a better photo – but I am happy I can call at least this one up – for an extraordinary mind and spirit that left our planet far too early…

Interesting also the trend towards one-page websites and a comeback of the magazine theme (full layout Semiomantics XO). Of course, Apple-style layouts are still en vogue as they are a modern classic and simply good.

2.  Typography 2012

The focus is on bold letters and custom fonts that can easily be read on mobile phones. Interesting here the Google Font Library that can be added in form of a plugin and loads fast while making the look of the website more appealing.

Textures, shades and reflections are ‘in’ as well…

 3. Large High Quality Images

Less text but large, high quality images – meaning all forms of sophisticated Media Design – be it photos, graphics, videos… – especially for backgrounds but also for graphics, sliders (we will come to these) and whatever you integrate into your Website Design to attract and captivate.The use of light or shadow boxes – where pictures can be enlarged in an overlay-  is very much in the trend.

Actually, we have been ahead of this trend with Semiomantics XO 2011 already, and particularly with our comprehensive work on Evolution, my personal favorite… yet unfortunately on Flash which is currently not seen on mobile phones due to power plays between the ‘big boyz’ … but this too shall change one day once even they get it that ‘competition’ is out and ‘cooperation’ is in to save our planet – and this is NOT a trend but a Truth! Ask Steve on Cloud!

Meanwhile Evolution will… well, evolve!

4. Sliders are en vogue

And yet another feature where Semiomantics has been well ahead of the trend: sliders are en vogue! Besides that, in my view they are brilliant, practical, interactive, attractive, seen on the mobile web and add to the functionality of a website. At tleast the ones we use – they do come at a cost, but it’s well worth it – quality always had its price!

5. Connect to Social Networks

Finally, websites and blogs need to offer easy ways – meant are rather ‘loud’ icons (… I leave this to your personal taste…) – to interlink and connect to Social Networks like Twitter, Facebook, Google + etc. Today, people look out where they can connect, follow, share and register … and so the cybernet expands continuously and I sometimes wonder what all of this really means at the end of the day and for our environment! But that’s a topic for another day!

For now… let’s be aware of current trends and advise customers accordingly… there’s lots to play with!

Wholesale Suppliers of Roses and Cut Flowers near George

Rosenhof Flowers are flower growers and wholesale suppliers of roses and cut flowers. Offer fresh roses and cut flowers directly from the Rosenhof Estate near George in the Garden Route to the public.

Fresh roses and flowers directly to the public from Waboomskraal

Besides from being a wholesale supplier Rosenhof Flowers also offer fresh roses and cut flowers directly to the public. Take a drive to the La Rosa Blu Café in Waboomskraal approximately 20km from George, enjoy something from the restaurant, relax in the tranquil surroundings with breathtaking views and choose your flowers from our selection!

Artistic floral and decor services for functions and weddings

Rosenhof Flowers offers artistic floral and decor services for any event from weddings to corporate, fashion and private events. All Rosenhof Roses are grown naturally; you will not find any “tunnel roses” here.

La Rosa Blu Cafe – Venue near George

 George Wedding and Function Venue

La Rosa Blu Cafe has proven to be exceptionally popular venue in Waboomskraal near George for all kinds of functions, from corporate functions to private events and weddings. The venue can comfortably seat 120 to 140 guests.

La Rosa Blu Café – George, Waboomskraal

La Rosa Blu Cafe on the Rosenhof Estate just outside George in Waboomskraal is an eclectic mix of vintage nostalgia, personal flair and a delightfully relaxed, homely atmosphere that manages to make everybody feel at home. The family’s global frame of reference, shaped by years spent abroad, shines through in all aspects of the restaurant, from the music to the cuisine which range from exotic dishes to good old fashioned home-style cooking with a classy twist.

Venue for wedding ceremonies & receptions in George

La Rosa Blu not only caters for wedding receptions, wedding ceremonies at this venue are spectacular with the beautiful scenery in the background. A rustic old church is also available nearby. Photo opportunities abound within a 5-10 km radius of the venue and all services associated with weddings and functions can either be provided inhouse or sourced cost-effectively.

Catering at the La Rosa Blue wedding venue, George

Peter-John Snyman, the chef behind the wedding venue at La Rosa Blu and Rosenhof Catering was on the team involved in the opening of BBC Mater Chef John Torodes restaurant in London, The Luxe. His approach to La Rosa Blu cuisine as relatively simple and influenced by dishes traditionally enjoyed by “normal people like you and me”. The emphasis falls absolutely on quality of ingredients and the smile on his guests faces.

Rosenhof Flowers for weddings and functions

Rosenhos Flowers is a market leader in the cut flower business in the Garden Route and also formed the foundation for all that was to follow on the estate. Rosenhof Flowers are growers and wholesale suppliers of roses and cut flowers who also offer floral design for weddings and functions.

Rosenhof Décor and candle hire

The Rosenhof Estate’s very own décor and Arts & Crafts wing offers everything from draping & lighting solutions, décor hire, candle hire and sales to red carpets and vases for the many functions held at the venue. We also make our own candles and provide some of the top luxury lodges in the region with custom made candles for their specific needs.

The Wool Studio in George, Special offers for January 2012

Wool Studio – Wool shop in George, Garden Route

The Wool Studio is the local wool shop in George and stocks a large variety of wool and cotton for knitting and crocheting. This popular wool shop in George on the Garden Route stocks all Elle, Mirage and Fiesta wools, crochet and knitting cottons as well as wools from England, Germany, Turkey and China

January Special offers at the Wool Studio

The current special offers for January at the Wool Studio include KIDS BABY DK and Black 4-ply wool.

• KIDZ BABY DK
• Less 10%
• At R14,85 this is cheaper than plain Baby wool

• BLACK 4 PLY
• 200gr at R10 – This is a REAL bargain
• Cheapest Black wool costs R5,10 for 25gr

La Rosa Blu Café Restaurant near George

La Rosa Blu Café

The La Rosa Blu Café restaurant on Rosenhof Estate in Waboomskraal near George is an eclectic mix of vintage nostalgia, personal flair and a delightfully relaxed, homely atmosphere that manages to make everybody feel at home. La Rosa Blu Café is situated in Waboomskraal is a small valley situated on the N9 between George and Oudtshoorn, just before (or after) the Outeniqua pass.

Dining out at La Rosa Blu Café in Waboomskraal

La Rosa Blu Café offers unique products and service of exceptional value, at affordable price points and framed by an unmatched ambience the breathtaking setting of Waboomskraal. Here you can enjoy a dining out experience ranging from exotic dishes to good old fashioned home-style cooking with a classy twist.

A quick coffee or Sunday Lunch at La Rosa Blu

Whether you`re simply passing through and stopping for a quick coffee with the kids, a light lunch, some freshly baked ciabata bread, or a special Sunday lunch La Rosa Blu Café offers it all an much more!

You can even treat yourself to freshly cut flowers grown on the estate! All this only minutes’ drive from George.

Wedding and function Venue in the beautiful valley of Waboomskraal

La Rosa Blu is also home to the family`s other businesses, Rosenhof Flowers- and Events and offer guests the opportunity to wander through the Candle Shack or gardens and maybe discovering something unique to take home. La Rosa Blu also offers a venue for weddings, other functions and even kiddies parties in the beautiful valley of Waboomskraal!

Business Hours of La Rosa Blue

• Wednesday to Sunday from 9am to 5pm
• Bookings are essential, especially over weekends to avoid disappointment.

Tranquility Guest Farm

Tranquility Guest Farm

Guest Farm in Waboomskraal, George

Tranquility Guest Farm

Tranquility Guest Farm is located approximately 20km from George in the heart of the Hops Valley, Waboomskraal. The Farm is surrounded by the Outeniqua Mountains and offers a relaxing atmosphere.

Farm Accommodation in Waboomskraal near George

Tranquility Guest Farm

Accommodation at Tranquility Guest Farm is available in 3 self catering units all with private entrances and braai facilities. Two units are ideal for couples and one with 5 bedrooms is ideal for families and groups! Here surrounded by the Outeniqua Mountains in Waboomskraal near George you can where you can relax and unwind.  As the name says, the farm offers Tranquility to visitors.  For the energetic the farm also offers a number of walking trails!

Children are welcome and special rates can be negotiated.

Zorbing at Southern Comfort

Zorbing in the Garden Route

Southern Comfort Western Horse Ranch now offers you Zorbing! Join them between Knysna and Plettenberg Bay in the Garden Route for this new adrenalin and fun activity!

Zorbing at Southern Comfort

Zorbing is the adventurous activity of rolling downhill in a big transparent plastic ball made of transparent materials.  The rider is strapped into the inner sphere of the ball and cushioned between a layer of air acting as a shock absorber and lessening the bumps while rolling. The fun begins when you get launched down the gentle slope at Southern Comfort gaining speed and going head over heels with each revolution.

Garden Route adrenalin pumping activity

Zorbing is great fun and a safe adrenaline rush. Join the team at Southern Comfort for this adrenalin pumping activity! It is a great activity for young an old, families and groups in the Garden Route.

• Weight Limit: max 70kg
• Age limit: 9 years to 99 years
• Price: R60 per roll (as from January 2012 for a limited time)

De Vette Mossel Sedgefield

De Vette Mossel Beach Seafood Restaurant at Pine Lake Marina, Sedgefield

Since October 2011 you can also kick off your shoes at the second De Vette Mossel Beach Seafood Restaurant along the Garden Route – at the water sport paradise of the Garden Route, Pine Lake Marina near Sedgefield. De Vette Mossel @ Pine Lake Marina is on the resorts own beach, Moonlight Beach (The only one on the shores of Swartvlei Lake.) Sip some wine, gaze over the water and indulge in seafood in abundance!

De Vette Mossel Beach Seafood Restaurant offers Superb Seafood

De Vette Mossel Beach Seafood Restaurant offers much more that perfectly prepared seafood – this is an experience – in unusual and informal surroundings – with traditional Cape fisherman culture in true West Coats style. Right on the beach. The only way to really enjoy seafood, is in abundance, sand under your feet, with the smell of the ocean – right on the beach – West Coast belief.

Fresh Seafood at De Vette Mossel – As Much As You Can Eat

de vette mossel beach restaurant

For 3 hours you can feast on as much as you want or can eat! A variety of fresh seafood is prepared on the spot at De Vette Mossel and served straight from the grid to ensure the best quality seafood possible! The menu consists of 9 courses all prepared and presented one after the other. Of each you may eat as much as you like – or can! But this is not as easy as it sounds…. The majority of the courses is prepared in full view on open fires in front of you – this guarantees off-the-grid-fresh seafood – as it ought to be.

De Vette Mossel is open right though the year

De Vette Mossel is open right though the year due to popular demand! During school holidays (December/January, March/April and September) De Vette Mossel has two eating sessions per day. Lunch session: 12:00 – 15:00 Dinner session: 18:30 – late. During off season De Vette Mossel will be open every weekend or when booked for functions and private parties. Saturdays: Dinner Session – 18h30 Sundays: Lunch Session – 12h00

Tariffs as on 17 January 2012: * Subject to change *

• R160 per adult
• R80 under 12 years
• R40 pre school

• Please note that we do not have Credit Card Facilities as we are on the beach.

• Cash Bar available – no own drinks.

Wedding on the Beach in the Garden Route

A wedding on the beach? It does not have to be only a dream! De Vette Mossel at Pine Lake Marina near Sedgefieldon the Garden Route can make your wedding day truly unforgettable – you are worth it!

Why have your wedding at De Vette Mossel

• De Vette Mossel is probably the best beach wedding venue in SA
• Exceptional menu @ unbeatable prices
• NO additional cost for venue
• Have the ceremony on the beach itself or on our wedding deck – if it is any closer to the sea, your will get wet
• Perfect view on the lake and beach

Weddings and Functions at De Vette Mossel in the Garden Route

We can also organize from flowers to a dance floor for weddings or functions at De Vette Mossel. Contact us to additionally organize the following for your dream wedding or even any function at one of our venues in the Garden Route.

• Oysters, strawberries & champagne on the beach
• Flowers & decorations
• Wedding cake & photographers
• Dance floor & music
• Or anything else your heart may desire, like the bride arriving by boat!

Venue for Birthday Parties,  Work Functions,Year-End Functions and weddings in Sedgefield.

De Vette Mossel lends itself perfectly to work functions, year-end functions, birthday bashes and other, where colleagues and friends can interact and enjoy themselves in an informal and relaxing atmosphere.

Open Air Beach Restaurant in Sedgefield on the Garden Route

Although De Vette Mossel Sedgefield is partly an open air beach restaurant; all seating is under canvas roofs. Furthermore, it is designed in such a manner that it could be adapted within minutes to such an extent that it can be fully operational even in case of even strong winds and rain.

Jordan Brand is set to reissue the Air Jordan 4 “Cement” in February, much to the delight of Jordan enthusiast around the world. Global have had a few pre release issues of this sneaker over the past few months and are letting you guys get a closer look at the sneaker. White leather coats the majority of the upper leaving the cement highlights on the midsole, heel, and top lace stay. For those with a Valentine’s Day date, you can look for these to drop on February 18.

Model: Air Jordan 4 ‘Cement’
Release Date: 18/02/12
Product Code: 308497-103
Colour Code: White/Black-Tech Grey

2011 came and went with a blur, but the prize release for Jordan Brand was the Jordan 11 ‘Concord’. Coveted by sneaker fanatics all over the world, the Air Jordan 11 “Concord” has been the subject of conversation since early last year. What will surely make the perfect gift for any sneakerhead, the “Concord” colorway sits just right against the mostly white upper and translucent outsole. Until they release, enjoy of few close-up shots of the OG sneaker. Available At Global Now.

Visit Product on our online store Click Here…

Model: Nike Air Jordan 11 ‘Concord’
Release Date: 23/12/11
Product Code: 378037-107
Colour Code: White/Dark Concord-Black

uMthwakazi Band at Monkey Valley Resort

Great news: the uMthwakazi Band will be playing at Monkey Valley Resort in Noordhoek, South Africa, on 29th January 2012 as of 2 pm! Besides this date being my birthday, it seems that I will be going for a heavy camera session with this dynamic group of musicians playing a contemporary and yet traditional mix of Xhosa indigenous music, classical and modern with an amazingly versatile young vocalist who handles variations between Jazz, Opera and traditionally African with ease and in a very personal style.

To give you a simple impression, here’s a video from YouTube, just click on the picture or on the embedded video below:

uMthwakazi Band at Monkey Valley Resort

Monkey Valley Resort has a history of musicians and bands playing at special occasions and especially on Sunday afternoons. Many guests will be pleased to see an African band like uMthwakazi complementing the beauty of the “Out of Africa” setting this unique Nature Resort just 30 kms out of Cape Town has to offer.

About Mthwakazi

Here’s a little bit of background about Mthwakazi:

uMthwakazi grew up singing in choirs. Afr winning Opera competitions, she worked in the theatre from the age of 13 years and later studied Xhosa Bow Music at the University of FortHare.

Ultimately, in 2009, she toured with Isango-Portobello, the Oliveir Award-winning South African Opera Company from Cape Town, to London, Paris and Holland with such productions as “The Mysteries” by Eric Abraham and “The Magic Flute” by W.A. Mozart, both directed by Mark Dornford-May.

On her return she persued her own solo music career where she staged with such icons as Madosini, Thandiswa Mazwai, Jonas Gwangwa, Sibongile Khumalo, Tina Schouw and Neo Muyanga.

She featured as a guest musician in a recently released album and appeared in a DVD performance by Simphiwe Dana.

uMthwakazi is currently recording her debut music record in Muizenberg to be released early this year, 2012.

We are very much looking forward to see this great talent LIVE at Monkey Valley Resort on 29th January 2012 – YEBO GOGO!

Monkey Valley resort will be rocking! Make sure you BOOK HERE.

uMthwakazi Band at Monkey Valley Resort

Great news: the uMthwakazi Band will be playing at Monkey Valley Resort in Noordhoek, South Africa, on 29th January 2012 as of 2 pm! Besides this date being my birthday, it seems that I will be going for a heavy camera session with this dynamic group of musicians playing a contemporary and yet traditional mix of Xhosa indigenous music, classical and modern with an amazingly versatile young vocalist who handles variations between Jazz, Opera and traditionally African with ease and in a very personal style.

To give you a simple impression, here’s a video from YouTube, just click on the embedded video below.

uMthwakazi Band at Monkey Valley Resort

Monkey Valley Resort has a history of musicians and bands playing at special occasions and especially on Sunday afternoons. Many guests will be pleased to see an African band like uMthwakazi complementing the beauty of the “Out of Africa” setting this unique Nature Resort just 30 kms out of Cape Town has to offer.

About Mthwakazi

Here’s a little bit of background about Mthwakazi:

uMthwakazi grew up singing in choirs. Afr winning Opera competitions, she worked in the theatre from the age of 13 years and later studied Xhosa Bow Music at the University of FortHare.

Ultimately, in 2009, she toured with Isango-Portobello, the Oliveir Award-winning South African Opera Company from Cape Town, to London, Paris and Holland with such productions as “The Mysteries” by Eric Abraham and “The Magic Flute” by W.A. Mozart, both directed by Mark Dornford-May.

On her return she persued her own solo music career where she staged with such icons as Madosini, Thandiswa Mazwai, Jonas Gwangwa, Sibongile Khumalo, Tina Schouw and Neo Muyanga.

She featured as a guest musician in a recently released album and appeared in a DVD performance by Simphiwe Dana.

uMthwakazi is currently recording her debut music record in Muizenberg to be released early this year, 2012.

We are very much looking forward to see this great talent LIVE at Monkey Valley Resort on 29th January 2012 – YEBO GOGO!

Monkey Valley resort will be rocking! Make sure you BOOK HERE.

http://flic.kr/s/aHsjxZqun2

Young artist Baby Kost, in his first music video of the year… check him out.

To purchase the ‘Put Ya Ls Up’ Jumper Click Here…

Posted By @junayd_1010

It was an absolutely glorious day here yesterdy, sun, blue skies, no wind with a few insects like wasps already buzzing around! better than some days during the summer last year and its only January.

Has the british summer arrived? I imagine not just a blip in the weather and of course we make the most of it. Seeing the beautiful day developing a quick decision was made to take a packed lunch and go visit the local zoo at Colchester, which is just a short distance away. Our grandson is absolutely mad about animals, especially the lions, rhinos and elephants.

Colchester zoo

Being winter time there were not that many people at Colchester zoo and it was easy to get around the various exhibits and see the animals and many even seemed quite eager to meet their visitors. A good opportunity to do a bit of clicking with the camera.

I will be uploading the rest of the photos to my Flickr account in the next day or so but here are a few that have already made it to my photostream. A beautiful day and some nice shots to remember it. Let’s hope we have a few more days like this.

Premiere Pro or AVID

As I have to get a completely new system with more RAM and punch to handle especially future Video production esp. as we are integrating more and more Media into our online website developments, I asked a close friend who is a Master Editor who trained professional editors for the German film- and movie industry, what he would suggest. He immediately advised to get AVID as “…it’s the industry standard around the world.  That’s what professional editors and post production houses work with today. ”

Hmmm. I must just have missed the beginnings of AVID when I left Europe to build a new future back home, in South Africa, as from mid 1995. Apparently the time when AVID as the first NLE achieved dominance in the market place and established itself as “the” brand. According to Mark Raudonis, “… AVID’s were universally adopted by any editor doing a film finish. Obviously, these were the cream of the crop of the industry’s talent.”

So I have to catch-up and make some serious decisions especially as AVID comes at quite a steep cost. Given the fact that I actually enjoy working on ADOBE Premiere very much, just being immensely handicapped by limited memory until I get my new machine, but that my future vision rotates around Media production, this needs some serious research and thought.

Interestingly, I see and hear from various sources including Cape Town professionals and Filmmakers’ Forums that ADOBE is being prefered and “… better value for money”. In a way, they put it down to personal taste – like “Cola vs Pepsi”. This all sounds quite controversial, although I get the impression that AVID is better, faster, more feature-rich and the professional standard, but definitely much more expensive and a steeper learning curve. There is some eye-opening discussion – also with some reference to pricing – in this FORUM. I do not know whether these answers came mainly from consumers of professionals. But it’s intrigueing… and if there’s anyone out there using either Premiere or AVID for their professional filmwork, I would appreciate some feedback.

Premiere Pro or AVID

So there’s quite some (recent) discussion as to whether one should be choosing  “Premiere Pro or AVID” on the Internet when checking it on Google.  As FCP is no option anymore, at least not now, the question is what we plan to do in terms of video editing: is it just for fun or do we have serious intentions to produce on a professional level. A good editor will certainly get good results on either but may have access to many more additional tools in an Editing Studio than a private person, however, from what I read it is worth looking at the AVID Media Composer and getting the hand on the trial version to see what it offers. There is quite some comprehensive setup – also for sound – and I personally like the look of it. Hopefully, I can find a machine in Cape Town just to get the touch & feel of it too and have a chat with the editior working on it. If it’s not for now, it can be part of the plan and once the right jobs come in the investment will be justified.

However… if I can achieve good results with ADOBE Premiere that would just be perfect! One just never knows until looking at things in depth, comparing them and knowing one’s purpose and – means!

And at the end of the day I like a good glass of fresh, pure water!

Children learn from an early age, as soon as they are able they mimic gestures, sounds, movements, just like a sponge they absord everything around. Just watch their eyes, they don’t miss a thing. Start them on the road you wish them to follow and they will continue. Surround them with books and they will learn to not only enjoy them but read them too.

Children’s books

The best news that I have heard for a long time is that Mr McD is going to be giving away childrens books with their Happy Meals instead of the rubbish toys they have lured children into their premises with. I must applaud McDonalds loudly!! Here in the UK the food in their outlets has improved and now we will improve children’s minds too. Body and mind well nourished! And what a great way to keep the young child occupied while eating, discussing the pictures or reading the story. For some children this book will just be an addition to their library, for others maybe just the one and only book they will own.

‘On The Run’ Global Sports promo video (Winter 2012) Canon 7D from Code Emphasis on Vimeo.

Color Trend 2012

So what’s the Color Trend 2012?

Clearly, neutral colors are out; we stay with the reds, the pinks and greens and especially bright colors with “Tangerine Tango” leading the hot palette… with a tan-tan musical note to it! Absolutely perfect for South Africa where a beautiful summer had us dance into the new year!

Seems they made a round in my garden… Web Design with Passion is fully in the trend! Now here’s for a tango!

Trend color two is “solar power” – a yellow that’s again a key color, this time with a maizy hue, totally within the global trend of a ‘green economy’ and definitely part of the above photo… You may even find a soft margarita green.

Color Trend 2012

Besides the Color Trend 2012 the emphasis is on being ‘bold’ and grabbing the viewers attention – which at the end of the day is the sense of every graphic, video, ad or website design! No wonder that the fonts should have depth in one way or another, meaning shadows, 3D effects, transparencies, gradients – just make it special!

Best is to extend this attitude across the background and add graphics, high quality large pictures, animations, videos, media… grab your visitors… and yes: retro and vintage are celebrating their comeback and if that’s what you like: integrate it and add your personal touch!

Bombus Terrestris or more commonly known as the  bumble bee is found here in the U.K. in early spring to late summer. I’ve had quite a few comments and questions lately from numerous people about some photos I uploaded to my Flickr photostream. The photos in question are shots taken of a bumble bee during the summer.

These shots were taken a while ago, in fact just on the spur of the moment. The day was warm, bees were buzzing around the blooming flowers and there was this small bumble bee staggering around beneath the plants on the patio. He was dozy enough for me to put a tumbler on top of him and scoop him up to carry indoors. A wonderful opportunity to capture a shot of  this little creature.

Close up Photography

With close up or macro photography you can get really close up to your subject and see details that you don’t normally see with the naked eye. Here on the bumble bee photo you can see so  much detail like the pollen on the back and the tiny hairs on the legs. The one draw back with macro photography is the lack of depth of field but this can be  compensated reducing the aperture but it all depends on what you are after. I enjoy taking close up photos as there’s so much detail we miss with the naked eye, especially in nature as you can see here on another photo, the wonderful detail of the wings. It just puts this category of photography on a different level.

This shot took a few minutes preparation, in as much that I used the table tripod here for support so that each shot counted. This was a moving target so I had to be quick. I have found the table tripod a really valuable accessory to have. Its small, neat, foldable and lightweight and fits into any camera bag. The camera used here is a Nikon Coolpix P90, a good chunky digital camera that is easy to use. It’s always good to have a camera close to hand, battery charged up and ready to use.

Global Sports and Listen Up London team up to present the Sixth installment of the Global Freestyle Fridays project Season 2, which features Trezee, for this weeks edition.

Global Freestyle Fridays is a project to get raw talent from the underground scene to show off their talent and have their say over a beat that suits them, so come down if you think you have a topic to rhyme about and kick off the weekend the right way with a freestyle friday.

Posted By Junayd Mohammed (@junayd_1010)

Vineyard Hotel Weddings

Set within beautiful gardens and a very elegant ambiente, Vineyard Hotel weddings must be amongst the most memorable in Cape Town, South Africa! The below photo shows the garden terrace opening onto immaculate lawns with flowering pink bougainvillea, white dietes and guinea fowl visiting to pick up some delicacies from the award-winning gourmet menu!!!

Vineyard Hotel Weddings

Vineyard Hotel weddings are ideal for couples on the go who seek to get married in Cape Town – meaning within the city and in close proximity to the buzzing Cavendish Shopping Center – while enjoying closeness to Nature and the majestic backdrop of Table Mountain. At this time of the year it’s just too obvious why Cape Town is called “the garden city”: absolutely everything is blooming… jacarandas are oceans of soft mauves splashing their blossoms onto the streets… and even the highways offer alleys of flowering shrubs like white and pink oleander and fiery red hibiscus to name just a few.

It is in this beautifully landscaped and lush garden bordering on the banks of Liesbeek River that we prepared and then celebrated a Cape Town Wedding with an Irish touch. At this stage, I am still busy sorting the wedding photos and wedding video clips, audios, sounds and music! It’s enough material for a feature film… and the photos from the next station of this multiple-place-wedding are already coming in!

Meanwhile, I have to work in a very reduced way while waiting for my new system with the required memory and punch to edit all this material and then create the Wedding Website! It will be yet another exciting learning curve – but it’s work I really love doing… and it’s just the beginning!

To be continued…

http://flic.kr/p/b86gjt

Enjoy!

Best Cape Town Weddings

Cape Town Weddings are a hot topic on Google right now as the Mother City and South Africa as a whole are exploding with the most glorious summer weather and Nature is in full bloom. However, at the end of the day, the best Cape Town Weddings don’t depend on a specific place but on the intention of the people gathering to celebrate the happy event! It’s always about the people – family and friends – who bring their love, joy and genuine goodwill to bless the new couple and ensure that they will be remembering their wedding day as the happy beginning of their united lives.

Best Cape Town Weddings

Of course, it’s also high season for photographers and videographers who aim at shooting the best moments of these Cape Town Weddings – each one with their specific style – some super-glamorous, others more journalistic or with an artistic touch, some like it colourful, others simply black and white. What is important is to capture the atmosphere and those very unique instants – mostly totally unexpected – that have a profound meaning and really touch our heart. In this respect the wedding preparations leading up to the event may be just as important as the wedding itself – and – as on this photo here – there are many things going through a loving mother’s mind when she ‘releases’ her daughter into a new and promising bond.

Wedding Website

I was asked why I was preparing a Wedding Website when normally people go for a so-called “Wedding Album”?

Well, one doesn’t exclude the other … and a form of a wedding album was delivered already to satisfy all those who wanted to see photos ‘now’, almost as it happened…. – however, and especially in today’s Internet-oriented world and with so many families being spread across the planet, there are many advantages to having a wedding website:

Firstly, you can seal your new bond by buying your new name (as a .com of course!) – it has something solid and lasting to it, don’t you think? That’s a good start…

Second, a wedding website can be fast and easily viewed on many devices by anyone who is given access from all over the world, and this for at least 35 years!

Third, a wedding website can be very interactive; friends and family can leave comments and, of course, the new couple can continue writing and adding pictures, videos and audios of their new life… like an online family-bio…

Fourth… and this I think is simply the best: you can easily turn a Wedding Website into a Family Website … adding the new events like the birth of a child, its first steps, its first drawings, its first so many things… as well as trips to exotic holiday destinations, their favourite recipes, when he meets the Queen or Donald Duck… or anything of importance that the young couple wants to share…

Fifth: a wedding website is a brilliant investment in your future, it is something that’s alive, vibrant and communicative – and it’s growing… extending that first moment when you gave meaning to your words into the future with all its promises, traps and surprises… for sure something your grand-children will enjoy !

Last but certainly not least: this wedding website belongs to YOU – it’s not exposed to the volatilities and risks of any social network where someone else is in control – no, this is entirely YOUR STORY – YOU ARE IN CONTROL!

And that alone is priceless!

Best Cape Town Weddings

Cape Town Weddings are a hot topic on Google right now as the Mother City and South Africa as a whole are exploding with the most glorious summer weather and Nature is in full bloom. However, at the end of the day, the best Cape Town Weddings don’t depend on a specific place but on the intention of the people gathering to celebrate the happy event! It’s always about the people – family and friends – who bring their love, joy and genuine goodwill to bless the new couple and ensure that they will be remembering their wedding day as the happy beginning of their united lives.

Best Cape Town Weddings

Of course, it’s also high season for photographers and videographers who aim at shooting the best moments of these Cape Town Weddings – each one with their specific style – some super-glamorous, others more journalistic or with an artistic touch, some like it colourful, others simply black and white. What is important is to capture the atmosphere and those very unique instants – mostly totally unexpected – that have a profound meaning and really touch our heart. In this respect the wedding preparations leading up to the event may be just as important as the wedding itself – and – as on this photo here – there are many things going through a loving mother’s mind when she ‘releases’ her daughter into a new and promising bond.

Wedding Website

I was asked why I was preparing a Wedding Website when normally people go for a so-called “Wedding Album”?

Well, one doesn’t exclude the other … and a form of a wedding album was delivered already to satisfy all those who wanted to see photos ‘now’, almost as it happened…. – however, and especially in today’s Internet-oriented world and with so many families being spread across the planet, there are many advantages to having a wedding website:

Firstly, you can seal your new bond by buying your new name (as a .com of course!) – it has something solid and lasting to it, don’t you think? That’s a good start…

Second, a wedding website can be fast and easily viewed on many devices by anyone who is given access from all over the world, and this for at least 35 years!

Third, a wedding website can be very interactive; friends and family can leave comments and, of course, the new couple can continue writing and adding pictures, videos and audios of their new life… like an online family-bio…

Fourth… and this I think is simply the best: you can easily turn a Wedding Website into a Family Website … adding the new events like the birth of a child, its first steps, its first drawings, its first so many things… as well as trips to exotic holiday destinations, their favourite recipes, when he meets the Queen or Donald Duck… or anything of importance that the young couple wants to share…

Fifth: a wedding website is a brilliant investment in your future, it is something that’s alive, vibrant and communicative – and it’s growing… extending that first moment when you gave meaning to your words into the future with all its promises, traps and surprises… for sure something your grand-children will enjoy !

Last but certainly not least: this wedding website belongs to YOU – it’s not exposed to the volatilities and risks of any social network where someone else is in control – no, this is entirely YOUR STORY – YOU ARE IN CONTROL!

And that alone is priceless!

Global Sports feature in REPVDO’s new show, “IN DA LOOP” which rounds up the latest fashion trends in urban street wear. In this episode we look at some of the latest jackets to swagger out your winter, from brands Trapstar, Mitchell & Ness, King Apparel and Global Sports.

To Purchase The Global Jackets Click Here…

Presented by Shyy & Obi Smalls

Posted By @junayd_1010

EC Beads is a Bead and Art Shop located in the Fruit and Veg City, Voorbaai, Mossel Bay.

Art Supplies in Mossel Bay

Here at EC Beads in Mossel Bay, your creativity can experience a boost as you have a look at our various mediums, art supplies and beads.

Mossel Bay Beads and Art Shop

EC Beads and Art Shop in Mossel Bay offers a range of beads, mosaic necessities, wooden blanks, serviettes, sequins, costume Jewellery as well as fabric paint, acrylic paint, decoupage, Filana Clay and bronzing.

Here you will find that we have excellent prizes and offers advice on our beads and art supplies in store.

Mosaic, Decoupage and Beads Classes Available in Mossel Bay

EC Beads not only offers a range of beads and art supplies, here you can also take part in classes in mosaic, renew, decoupage, beading and lots more! All the products we use for our classes are available in our shop.

Come and have a look around in our shop. We are here to assist you in making your beading and art experience hassle free and great fun!

SBTV took a trip down to Global Sports for this impromptu performance of Jareth’s “Pathway” featuring Lioness.

To Purchase The Clothing Worn Click Here…

FOLLOW JARETH ON TWITTER:
http://twitter.com/JARETHMUSIC

Watch the Official Video of “PATHWAY”
http://youtu.be/3SgkdP8oF70

Download Jareth feat Lioness – “Pathway” on ITunes NOW
http://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/pathway-featuring-lioness/id476233731?i=4762…

Posted By @junayd_1010

Sef Kadi rhymes over a hard beat whilst at Global Sports, check out his other stuff mad buzz from this artist.

To purchase any clothing from the video Click Here…

Posted By @junayd_1010

Global have received the gorgeous Jordan 3 Retro White ‘Pures’ in stock, the hot 2007 release has now become a very rare trainer, but as usual Global get hold of the exclusives for the insane Jordan collectors.

Model: Air Jordan Retro 3
Release Date: 05/12/2007
Product Code: 136064-103
Color Code: White/Metallic Silver

Happy Weddings in Cape Town on Google

Monitoring our SEO results on a regular basis is an ongoing process – also in 2012. We are determined to give our customers the very best service and help them achieve high rankings on Google Top 10. This is nothing we can nor should take for granted as algorhythms change and so many relatively volatile factors are involved, however, keeping an eye on the pulse and being flexible allows to firstly observe any major changes and then adapt accordingly and as fast as possible.

In this respect, I watched the results of  “Happy Weddings in Cape Town” on Google – this being a short and sweet article published yesterday on the relatively new website I created for Monkey Valley Resort HERE.

The result – and this within only 42 seconds – was absolutely astonishing: Position One on Google ahead of 2,560,000 search results! See the screenshot I took yesterday, below:

Happy Weddings in Cape Town on Google

This morning – basically a little less than a day later – I wondered how the ranking would look now – and here is the even more spectacular result: Positions 1, 2 and 3 on Google Top 10!

Cape Town Weddings

What does this mean in terms of Cape Town Weddings and Monkey Valley Resort?

It’s quite simple – yet demands highly qualified skills and the right WordPress based Semiomantics Script to be achieved: if you take the above screenshot as an example, you see a typical Google page. There are Google Ads at the top (on a  yellow background), Google Ads to the right (continued to the next page indicating this is a highly sought-after keyword and gets lots of advertising) – and then you see basically 10 websites competing for the top 10 positions on Google (this is page one of Google with a total of 2,560,000 search returns… with always 10 websites per page… do your own maths as to how many Google pages on this keyword combination alone there are…!)

It means that the 10 websites who made it to Google Top 10 are visible for anyone punching in “Happy Weddings in Cape Town” – perhaps because that’s what they want to go for while planning for their own wedding… – and of course these 10 websites are the one’s these people will click on! Logical – who goes any further if what they are looking for is on the first page?

It means that these 10 websites who made it to the top get all the attention… the clicks… the so-called traffic! It means that the potential of making a sale is divided amongst those 10!

Of course, there are all these Google Ads – meaning the owners of those websites pay heavily – 24/7/365 – to be visible on Page one on Google and get attention as well! It means that heavy Google Ads budgets are allocated each and every month – short-term, medium-term and long-term… and forever rising. A budget of $50 a day brings you nowhere given the price a click can cost these days! So do your maths again… and decide what makes more sense: investing in the right website (yes, there are updates and upgrades as the Internet changes all the time, that’s just as it is…) or be dependent on heavy advertising without a guarantee to get it right (keywords move like mercury…)

Google Top 10

The choice is – as always your’s! Nothing stops you from doing both: getting the right website and advertising with AdSense. But if you’re on a tight budget the answer is pretty clear – yes?

What is needed, however, is regular posting, meaning writing good content on a daily basis to keep things moving and alive. The Google spyders like to be stimulated and fed with new original material each day… and you may be in right competition on special keywords – like in this wedding example. In this case you either do it yourself, or you employ someone who takes on this important online marketing and publishing job – or you outsource to a professional who may be the best guarantee for continued success on Google.

Being visible on Google Top 10 – like you see above… meaning 3 positions of 10 on page one, means that you get 30% of the traffic! Meaning a large chance to get visitors to your website… and if your website is attractive and offers the answers and sales pipeline people are looking for, your online business will grow and bring you the desired success.

I hope I could explain this well and simple enough to respond to many questions received on the topic. It ain’t easy… I know! But being number one on a Formula One track ain’t either… and this is not much different, really!

If things aren’t clear yet, let me know…

Che Lingo lays down a hard freestyle for the new year. make sure you check it out.

To buy the clothing seen in the video Click Here…

Posted By @junayd_1010

Che Lingo lays down a hard freestyle for the new year. make sure you check it out.

To buy the clothing seen in the video Click Here…

Posted By @junayd_1010

Check the swag of this artist all dressed up in Global Stuff…

To buy anything from the video click here…

Posted By @junayd_1010

One of the artists that did a Freestyle Friday and a good friend has just released a official video check it out…

To buy the snapback worn in the video Click Here…

Posted By @junayd_1010

Cape Town Weddings

It’s that time of the year where many couples celebrate their love and add meaning to their words by getting married!

One of the Best Cape Town Wedding Venues is of course Monkey Valley Resort in the romantic Noordhoek Valley on the slopes of Chapman’s Peak – however, my favourite hotel in Cape Town itself – where we spent a couple of weeks when researching our future home – is the elegant and citywise optimally situated Vineyard Hotel in Claremont, Cape Town. Below is a view from the terrace towards the majestic Table Mountain range…

It’s here, in the lush and beautiful gardens… washed by light rains that very day until just a few minutes before the wedding… where stage one of the beautiful and very private Wedding Ceremony took place that I had the privilege to document.

All Wedding Photography & Videography will be integrated in the brand-new Wedding Website currently under construction.

Cape Town Weddings

What is relevant for Cape Town Weddings is probably desired by all newly wed couples, especially if their families and friends are spread all over the world as is the case here: they want some photos as fast as possible to show!

So this was my first focus… developing something to show fast! Accordingly, within a few days, the couple had an elegant online Wedding Photo Suite to send out and even print… followed by a short and joyful Wedding Video with special Irish harp music!

At this stage, the work is understandably private; I will be able to show more later as the development of the website itself proceeds. This will take a while, partly due to a strong emphasis of the ‘time before’ the wedding and the relating preparations, as well as the fact that I have to switch to a new computer with lots more memory and punch especially for media development (videos). On top of this, I will be using a brand-new Semiomantics Script to be released only in January 2012.

Wedding Photos

Meanwhile, there must be about 2,000 wedding photos and wedding video clips to view and select from… a real joy as here is real happiness to ‘work’ with!

Fingers crossed my PC system holds as I have hardly any space left and due to the devastating floods in Thailand, a main hardware supplier was washed away completely and we have to wait for new parts…

Green Energy and TeleComs in Africa

With the new year having started, and following on my article earlier HERE, one of my focus in 2012 also in terms of Web Design will be on “Green Energy”, picking up on a chapter I’ve always been actively involved in, also in my film work in Europe. I’ve spent some time over the holiday season to finally catch up on the African situation as a whole and South Africa in particular. After a number of discussions following COP 17 in Durban, I dug through heaps of materials collected at the AfricaCom Communications Congress in Cape Town (November 2011) to find out more about the correlation of Green Energy and TeleComs in Africa.

While “going green” has sort of become a marketing cliche that doesn’t rip people from their chairs anymore, the fact is that climate change and greenhouse gases affect and concern each and everyone of us – even down here in the relatively green boonies – and we better become aware of their potentially devastating impact on our environment, us as people and especially future generations.

Looking at the map indicating projected climatic changes for Africa – especially also for South Africa – the future is hot, dry and grim. No use pointing fingers any longer – it’s time to plan and, much more important: to ACT!

Fortunately, South Africa has serious plans in place – they ‘just’ have to be implemented :)

Green Energy and TeleComs in Africa

Seeing that AfricaCom reflected massive future-oriented planning and development on the African continent and being of the opinion that we should learn from the mistakes made predominantly in the industrialized Northern Hemisphere but not repeat them on our forgotten and comparatively poor continent where modern communication via handhold devices is and has been spreading like a wildfire over vast distances with no other form of communication and connection to the rest of the world, my interest was to see if and how TeleComs integrated the Green Energy concept in their massive operations in Africa.

While we take immediate note of the fact that “power” (electricity)  is a huge challenge throughout and this of course has decisive implications on how African countries operate and what their constraints and conflicts in terms of struggling and/or emerging economies in especially this connection are, the fact is that the ‘green’ element – in other words alternative energies – are increasingly part of the general planning, research and development. While this may seem like a drop in the ocean, it’s a beginning… and it creates awareness. It’s about TIME!

I listed a few examples to illustrate what some of the big TeleCom companies actually do:

1.
MTN : the company uses a new tri-generation power plant in Johannesburg (SA) to power data centres, offices and air-con systems. Here one needs to know that this 2-megawatt plant is powered by natural gas that is piped in over 874 km from Mozambique!!! It looks like a normal diesel engine but runs on methane! This tri-generation plant @ cost R32 million (about U$4 mio) allows MTN to register for the UN carbon credits project for corporates – a first in Africa! ROI is expected over 5 years due to large power savings from ESKOM (South Africa’s mega electricity mogul). This is a step forward…

2.
Meanwhile, MTN’s fierce competitior Vodacom say they are hard at work in terms of a low-carbon future. Their Vodafone Innovation Center in Jo’burg (SA) is powered by renewable energy. Expect something really ‘substantial’ over the next few years.

3.
Ericsson’s great “Millenium Villages” project (…connecting rural villages in Africa since 2007) focuses on renewable and sustainable electricity solutions using diesel, solar and wind power to turn their networks.

I add these:

4.
Samsung  launched its “Eco Management 2013 initiative” aiming at leading in sustainability within the industry… and being on track to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2013. They are already huge producers of mobile devices on the continent and their expansion plans in Africa are simply massive for 2012 alone! Good to see a environmentally conscious approach and clear goals set and implemented already.

5.
Apple has launched greener manufacturing initiatives and reduced its packaging of the iPhone leading to a reduction of 6% from the transportation of devices. They claim to be the “… only company in our industry that can claim that every product we sell not only meets but exceeds the strict energy guidelines of the Energy Star specification”.

While some may see all this as typical window-dressing, it all adds up and points in the right direction. However… much more needs to be done!

Thinking ahead for future generations – never mind our feelings for Mother Nature – , today’s highly profitable companies in the TeleCom sector have to be called to the table when it comes to introducing their products also in terms of planning good, emission-free Waste Management or Recycling. Especially in Africa… why? Because that’s where the negative climatic effects of first world industries and lifestyle hit home the hardest: the poor. And YES! We Care!

Time for responsibility and – Ubuntu!

Addiction to Communication Devices

Meanwhile, Africa is the 2nd largest market worldwide in terms of handheld mobile devices and growing as this ‘addiction’ to communication devices won’t stop… and there are huge developments to improve communication, meaning this market will grow massively over the next years. While manufacturers will always find smarter ways to manufacture, package and recycle these mobile devices, what came through very clearly at the AfricaCom Congress is that “… there simply aren’t enough power and other required resources to take the kind of communication that first world residents are used to and replicate them in emerging markets.” (Africa Telecoms)

Fazit:

1. Green Technology for TeleCom leaders in Africa is an absolute must;
1. There is a massive and continuously growing need for sustainable power, meaning clean, ‘green’ and affordable electricity;
2. There is a huge interest in keeping costs down (eg. MTN spends over U$150 million on diesel every year in Nigeria and wants to reduce that with its tri-generation plant…) and… while I am not aware this was really covered at all at the Congress itself but it’s a growing concern everywhere:
3. A clean, ‘green’ and affordable way to get rid of the old devices, batteries, etc – meaning recycling or emission-free waste management are absolutely vital.

The Time is NOW!

There will be more…

Just can’t believe how quickly the last year has flown by and we are already day one in 2012. Here in the UK the passing of the old year was celebrated in London with a superb fireworks display with thousands of people crowding the streets to watch the spectacle.  This year will also be a rather special one in the UK for it  hosts the 2012 Olympics.

Happy New Year 2012

Happy New Year 2012

I take this opportunity to wish everyone around the world Peace, health, comfort and prosperity throughout 2012!  Above all let’s make it a year of PEACE, peace among nations!

Happy New Year 2012

This is definitely going to be my last post in 2011 – wishing YOU a very special, prosperous and fulfilling Happy New Year 2012 on a special and typically funny South African note! Right from Nature – what else?

Happy New Year 2012

Wishing YOU a Happy New Year 2012 gives me the opportunity to thank you – my dear friends, customers and readers – for your continued interest and loyal support over the past twelve months, which I know have been an extremely challenging experience for many! Here’s hope that we will all start with new energies, love and devotion to accomplish what we have come to do and excel with it!

Ta ra ta tata

Ta ra ta tata has become a known signal for our daily workshops and monthly seminars at Ycademy – so we will end 2011 on that note and shout it loud and clear at midnight – dancing to LIVE music that is! YEBO GOGO!

CHEERS!

Enjoy!

2012 New Years Party at Yellowoods Great Brak River -  Mossel Bay

Come and start  2012 at Yellowoods -The Place to Celebrate!
Good food and good wine in a relaxed atmosphere surrounded by Nature!

• Complimentary drink on arrival!
• Live entertainment -   Elvis show by Carl Erasmus

Dinner and Dance at Yellowoods Restaurant near Great Brak River

Menu

Starter

Mussel pot with garlic , white wine and fresh herbs served with potbrood, butter and jam

Main

• Beef potjie
• Chicken potjie
• Served with rice and mielie pap
• Salad bar

Dessert

• Chocolate fondue with a selection of goodies to dip!

Price

• R250 per adult
• R60 per child under 12

Time : 19h00 onwards
Bookings essential!!!!
Contact : Yellowoods @ 044 696 6766 or 082 778  4066

http://www.flickr.com/photos/zonicholas/6583820111/

Enjoy!

Global have released their latest beanie cap for the winter season, The ‘Collegiate Ski Cap’ has a emphatically comfortable fit with a very secure hold to the head without creating uncomfort to the wearer. Like all Global products this is no different when it comes to quality with double stitched interior and doubt quilted exterior for extra warmth and wear and tear. After a lot of debate over what colour schemes Global think will be hot for this cold season, we came up with a mixture of bright Reds and Blues and fused it with a slightly duller colour to emphasis the beauty of the colour scheme. There is a leather patch on the front to authenticate it is a genuine Global product which we all feel gives the hat a retro and classy look to top it all off.

To Purchase Any Of These Beanies Click Here…

Global Sports and Listen Up London team up to present the Fifth installment of the Global Freestyle Fridays project Season 2, which features Boss Belly, for this weeks edition.

Global Freestyle Fridays is a project to get raw talent from the underground scene to show off their talent and have their say over a beat that suits them, so come down if you think you have a topic to rhyme about and kick off the weekend the right way with a freestyle friday.

Posted By Junayd Mohammed (@junayd_1010)

Global Sports and Listen Up London team up to present the Fourth installment of the Global Freestyle Fridays project Season 2, which features Ard Adz, for this weeks edition.

Global Freestyle Fridays is a project to get raw talent from the underground scene to show off their talent and have their say over a beat that suits them, so come down if you think you have a topic to rhyme about and kick off the weekend the right way with a freestyle friday.

Posted By Junayd Mohammed (@junayd_1010)

Global Sports and Listen Up London team up to present the Third installment of the Global Freestyle Fridays project Season 2, which features J Lynch, for this weeks edition.

Global Freestyle Fridays is a project to get raw talent from the underground scene to show off their talent and have their say over a beat that suits them, so come down if you think you have a topic to rhyme about and kick off the weekend the right way with a freestyle friday.

Posted By Junayd Mohammed (@junayd_1010)

Global Sports and Listen Up London team up to present the Second installment of the Global Freestyle Fridays project Season 2, which features Micall Parknsun, for this weeks edition.

Global Freestyle Fridays is a project to get raw talent from the underground scene to show off their talent and have their say over a beat that suits them, so come down if you think you have a topic to rhyme about and kick off the weekend the right way with a freestyle friday.

Posted By Junayd Mohammed (@junayd_1010)

Global Sports and Listen Up London team up to present the First installment of the Global Freestyle Fridays project Season 2, which features Casper Jones, for this weeks edition.

Global Freestyle Fridays is a project to get raw talent from the underground scene to show off their talent and have their say over a beat that suits them, so come down if you think you have a topic to rhyme about and kick off the weekend the right way with a freestyle friday.

Posted By Junayd Mohammed (@junayd_1010)

Ember is killing it right now and with this Christmas special he show his talent of singing and rapping with a fairly tail story with a gangster twist.

Check it out.

To Purchase Any Of The Clothing Click Here…

Posted By @junayd_1010

Dirty Cash is putting in the work with another video in quick succession, keep a look out for this guy, also check out the clothing supported by these guys.

To Purchase Any Clothing In The Video Click Here…

Posted By @junayd_1010

Political P, Adz & Shallow on another collaboration together.

To Purchase Clothing Click Here…

Another Banger from Adz & Shallow, as usual sporting the Global Clothing brand.

To Purchase The Tops Click Here…

This month has been a busy one, not only with the forthcoming celebrations but with learning a brand new skill. Last months seminar provided some groundwork and basics and this month has been dedicated to implementing the new found knowledge. I haven’t progressed as far as I would have liked, however here is a small sample of what After Effects can achieve.

Merry Christmas with After Effects

There will certainly be more training,  learning and practice in the New Year!
I am already looking forward to a busy and rewarding 2012.

Happy Christmas 2011

As every year around this time, we had some lovely rains for Nature to breath and rejoice – followed by beautiful sunshine and an almost tropical heat inviting everybody to relax on the beach!

Many friends have arrived from overseas to spend a Happy Christmas 2011 on the sunny side of the globe, i.e. in South Africa.

Happy Christmas 2011

It’s not easy to write “Happy Christmas 2011″ when being aware of so much desaster in the world right now. I am thinking especially of our friends in Mindanao – but not only there…

In those situations it takes strength and courage to believe in ourselves as part of the universal “All that Is” – and with it in the promise the light at the end of the tunnel brings. As long as you keep seeing it! The people in the Philippines are strong in their belief and it’s part of their beauty… but they as many others need our loving thoughts and, where possible, our care and attention. This is what the real Christmas Message is all about… like a candle touching and setting alight the next candle…

I will take this picture into the night – magandang gabi.

A clip with XO 2011 Sites

 

The clip presents some of the custom sites built on Semiomantics XO 2011.

Semiomantics XO 2012 will be released in January to catch up with the latest WordPress developments.

• semiomantics xo wordpress

Related posts:

1. Semiomantics XO 2011 for WordPress
2. Best WordPress and Semiomantics
3. Semiomantics XO 2011 Release FAQ
4. Semiomantics XO 2011
5. WordPress 2.8 Baker

Yellowoods Self Catering Chalets Great Brak River  -  Mossel Bay

Self Catering Accommodations on Game Farm near Great Brak River

Yellowoods is situated approximately 8 km outside Great Brak River between George and Mossel Bay and offers accommodation in up-market chalets.  This is a truly unique Game Farm and resort where you can relax and enjoy the tranquillity of nature. Break away and relax in one of the 6 chalets at Yellowoods,  built on the banks of the Moordkuyl River amongst breath taking scenery. Here you can experience nature close by and still be only minutes drive from Great Brak River and the beach.

Accommodation on Game Farm in The Garden Route

The accommodation units at Yellowoods are equipped for self catering and offers modern amenities for your comfort.  Each unit also has a private deck with braai facilities overlooking the river banks.  Percale linen and starry nights promise for a good night’s rest on a game farm in the Garden Route.

Yellowoods a Restaurant near great Brak River on the Garden Route where you can expect only the best.

Guest  staying at Yellowoods are welcome to enjoy their meals at the Yellowoods Restaurant. Yellowoods proved themselves as one  of the fine dining restaurants in the Garden Route.
The fully licensed family Restaurant  offers an a-la-carte menu, Sunday buffet and Spitbraai on request. The hosts and Chefs Dianne Erasmus and Dietloff Henn are well known for their superb dishes .

Yellowoods also offers several activities for Old and Young

Various activities are also offered at Yellowoods. These include Adventure 4×4 trails, 4×4 Game drives, self drive game drives, rock climbing, hiking trails, foefie  slide across the river and animal touch farm for the kids!

Self Catering Unit 1 at Yellowoods

• 2 x Single Beds + Daybed. Bathroom with shower, toilet and basin
• Kitchen with fridge/freezer, microwave, toaster, kettle, crockery and cutlery
• Private Deck with built in braai and gas two plate burner.
• (Can be interleading with unit 2)

 Self Catering Unit 2 at Yellowoods

•  1 x Double Bed.  Bathroom with shower, toilet and basin
• Kitchen with fridge/freezer, microwave, toaster, kettle, crockery and cutlery
• Private Deck with built in braai and gas two plate burner
• (can be interleading with unit 1)

Self Catering Unit 3 at Yellowoods

• 2 x Single Beds + Daybed. Bathroom with shower, toilet and basin
• Kitchen with fridge/freezer, microwave, toaster, kettle, crockery and cutlery
• Private Deck with built in braai and gas two plate burner
• (can be interleading with unit 4)

Self Catering Unit 4 at Yellowoods

• 1 x Double Bed. Bathroom with shower, toilet and basin
• Kitchen with fridge/freezer, microwave, toaster, kettle, crockery and cutlery
• Private Deck with built in braai and gas two plate burner
• (can be interleading with unit 3)

Self Catering Unit 5 at Yellowoods

•  1 x Double Bed. Bathroom with shower, toilet and basin
• Kitchen with fridge/freezer, microwave, toaster, kettle, crockery and cutlery
• Private Deck with built in braai and gas two plate burner
• (can be interleading with Honeymoon Suite)

 Honeymoon Suite at Yellowoods

•  1 x King Size Bed. Bathroom with bath, shower, toilet and twin basins
• Private Deck with built in braai and gas two plate burner
• (can be interleading with unit 5)

Rates at Yellowoods

• Units 1 to 5: R 750 for 2 persons per night / Children under 12 – R100 per child
• Honeymoon Suite: R1 000 for two persons per night

Just a few days away from Christmas Day and still lots to do to be ready for the celebrations! and there is always lots of preparation to be done beforehand especially when it comes to making the Christmas cake. It’s not just the baking, but there is also the decoration. Following tradition, it has to be a rich fruit cake covered with a layer of marzipan and then decorated with icing. All this has to be done in separate stages and time intervals.

Christmas Cake 2011

Chistmas cake for 2011

This year we have baked Christmas cakes in a smaller, handier size. Each can be used as and when required without going dry, or indeed given as a Christmas gift. The cake itself is very moist, the fruit steeped in liquor for a few days beforehand, so you can just imagine the smell in the kitchen. Intoxicating! Each cake was then decorated with royal icing with a very plain and simple decorative design. My favourite is the cake with the single star.

On that note, I wish all my readers, a Merry Christmas and a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous 2012!