AUG 2014

UK Edition

INFORMATIVE. FUN. SPORT. TRAVEL. FOOD. HEALTH. MOTORING.

78 EFFRA ROAD WIMBLEDON SW19 8PP 0208 542 4655 http://www.coffeecupwimbledon.eu/

Aug / 2014

CONTENTS@ Feature 6 Scotland-Yes or No ?

@ Afrikaans10 Vrou soek Boer

@ What's so Funny ?16 Government Tender in SA

@ Book Review19 Alexa

@ Entertainment Guide20 London by Night

@ Super Saffas24 EVOID = 85 !

@ Arts & Crafts28 How to make paper flowers

@ Food & Drink30 Mieliebrood @ Recruitment35 How to use the “Two Salaries Comparison Calculator”

@ Gadgets & Toys45 The latest gadgets and toys available

@ Travel 54 Horse Riding in Dorset

@ Sport60 Celebrating Champions

2424

54

It's August !

Cant believe how this year is flying right out the window. We have been spoilt with good weather for some time but it seems as if things are about to return to normal.

Our highlite of this month and if not the whole year was the Evoid show at The Halfmoon in Putney. What an amazing show it was. Do yourselves a favour and make a plan to see them perform, you will not be dissapointed.

Well take it easy and catch you laters !

http://www.africancomedyshow.com/

https://www.facebook.com/sasweettreats/timeline

Could Scotland become a successful independent country? Of course! Even No politicians agree:“Supporters of independence will always be able to cite examples of small, independent and thriving economies across Europe such as Finland, Switzerland and Norway. It would be wrong to suggest that Scotland could not be another such successful, independent country” ~ David CameronAs an independent country, taking into account all our resources, we’d be the 14th wealthiest in the OECD (described as the “rich nations’ club”). This compares to UK at 18th. With independence we can make this wealth work much better for the people living here - and that is why a Yes is so important.No politicians want us to believe we are too poor to be independent, but the reality is very different: Scotland’s got what it takes to prosper with a Yes:We’ve got the people! Scotland has a population of 5.2 million people which means that roughly half of the 200 countries in the world are smaller than Scotland, and roughly half are bigger. Some of the wealthiest and happiest countries in the worlds are a similar size – like our Scandinavian neighboursWe’ve got the talent! We have more top 200 Universities per head of population than any other country in the planet. Our research tops global leagues for quality.We’ve got the experience! We’ve had a Scottish Parliament and Governments for 15 years now and we know that making our own decisions works. We’ve chosen to keep the NHS in public hands, to support free University education and support free nursing and personal care for the elderly.Few, if any, of the 200 or so other countries in the world can have been as well prepared for independence as Scotland is. Scotland is more than ready! And we’ve got strong economic and financial foundationsWe’ve got the resources! We’re Europe’s largest oil producer, and second largest gas producer. We have oil reserves worth up to £1.5 trillion in the North Sea which will generate jobs and revenues until “well after 2055” (according to the UK government). Then we’ve got massive renewables potential, with 25% of the EU’s potential for offshore wind and tidal energy, and 10% of wave power – extraordinary assets for the future.We’ve got the industry! As well as energy, we have thriving sectors in food and drink, life sciences, engineering, creative industries, financial services and tourism; and,according to the Financial Times, would be among the top 30 exporters in the world on independence.We have strong public finances! For every one of the last 30 years we’ve generated more tax revenues per person than the other parts of the UK. AS the Financial Times reported in February, Scotland’s national accounts are healthier than the UK’sAll this adds up to a country that could be wealthy and prosperous.In fact, if you divide our national wealth by our population, Scotland is wealthier than France, Italy and the UK. So if Scotland “can’t” be independent, who can?

http://www.yesscotland.net/

The referendum is the biggest decision in our country’s history.

We think that the case for staying a part of the UK is a compelling one – and it is based around a simple notion: We have the best of both worlds in Scotland.

What this means in practice is that we have all the amazing things that makes us Scotland and we also have the safety and security of being part of one of the biggest economies in the world. We have our own Scottish Parliament making decisions about our health, education and emergency services and we get to share risks and rewards with the rest of the UK when it makes sense to do so.

Alex Salmond has based his entire case for breaking all of this up on endless assertions that somehow we can leave the UK, but keep all the benefits of membership. It isn’t credible. The facts don’t support it.

We know that when you look at the facts for yourself then you will come to the same conclusion as the vast majority of Scots: we are better together as part of the UK.

The decision we take in the referendum will be irreversible. There will be no going back. That s why we have to be 100% sure of the facts before we vote.

We love our country and want the best for our future. Scotland can have the best of both worlds: more decisions taken here in Scotland, backed up by the strength, stability and security of the United Kingdom.But we know that with so much information coming out every day, it can be difficult to get the facts you need to make the most important decision in our history.This document sets out the factson the big issues. All the information in this document comes from impartial experts, economists and employers. We even quote the SNP themselves – so you can get all the facts you need.There is a strong emotional argument for emaining part of the UK family, but the cold-hard facts are so overwhelmingly against breaking-away from Britain that we think they speak for themselves.

http://bettertogether.net/

https://www.facebook.com/travelhouseuk

DRUKDRUK

https://www.facebook.com/VrouSoekBoerMovie/timelinehttps://www.facebook.com/VrouSoekBoerMovie/timeline

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Di6jnprRFgQ

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Pieter-Dorfling-Afrikaanse-musikant-in-Europa/104926022935057?sk=photos_stream

Pieter Dorfling

http://www.jamgds.co.uk/

Government Tender in South AfricaGovernment Tender in South Africa

The Minister of Public Works wanted to remodel her office, so she invited different contractors for tenders.

One was from Johannesburg, one from Durban and the last one from Soweto.

"OK gentlemen, I want a nice job ," She said, "Let's hear from Jhb?"

The guy took out his ultrasonic measuring device and laptop and began measuring, scrawling on the computer, calculating.

Eventually he said "R90 000, Madam Minister,"

"That seems like quite a lot of money! Why R90,000?"

"You see," he replied, "that's R40 000 for material, R40 000 for labour and R10 000 for my profit".

She seemed OK with that and turned to the Durban contractor. "So how much do you want to do the job?" she asked.

The Durban fella took out a rusted tape measure, broken clipboard and a blunt pencil. He took some measurements, scratched some calculations on the back of his Rothmans box and came up with a figure of R70,000.

"That's interesting!" said the Minister,. "Explain the R70 000?"

"Simple, Madam Minister, I got a brother-in-law in the hardware trade, so that's R35 000 for materials, R30,000 for my guys, and R5,000 for my profit and all."

She was amused but happy to accept the explanation.

Then she asked the Soweto contractor for his quotation. He just smiled, looked the minister in the eyes and said, "R270 000!"

"Yoh Yoh Yoh!.... How did you come to that amount without even taking your measurements? What is that amount for?"

"That's R100 000 for me and R100 000 for you!"

"So what about the remaining R70 000?"

"We hire that guy from Durban to do the job!!!"

http://morerandomkak.com/

https://www.waveapps.com/https://www.waveapps.com/

Review: “ALEXA is the 2nd novel in the explosive new crime thriller series. By far one of the best crime books I've read in a long time...exceptional...it has the necessary three "Gs" for a great story. Gripping, Genuine, and pretty Gruesome… highly recommended…the characters and storyline are true to life.” – Adrian Kilian – Polaris

With relentless action, unexpected twists and nerve-racking suspense only a TC Chadinha crime thriller delivers, ALEXA is an explosive reading experience.

BOOK DESCRIPTION: Shortly after American business tycoon Arthur Morgan relocates his family to Cape Town, South Africa, his sixteen-year-old daughter Alexa is abducted. No ransom demand is made. Amidst a serial killer investigation where young girls are slaughtered in cult-related killings, Detective Captain Frank Dempsey from the Serious and Organised Crime Unit is called upon to find the missing girl. He identifies a link between the Cult Killer’s victims and Alexa’s abduction. The chase is on to locate the tycoon’s daughter before she’s butchered and exhibited at a construction site like the other girls. Understaffed and racing against the clock, Frank relies on the help of his buddy and renowned criminal profiler Dr Liz Hamilton, to save Alexa and catch the killers. With pressure from the Police Commissioner to produce results, Frank reverts to unorthodox tactics, which see him demoted and exiled. In an unsuspected twist, Frank’s house is searched. DNA evidence originating from the Cult Killer crime scenes is found, resulting in his arrest. Is Frank behind these brutal slayings, and why? Did he take Alexa? Agent Nick Crowley and Dr Liz Hamilton are left to make sense of the mayhem. Is Alexa still alive? Will they find her in time?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: TC Chadinha was born in the year 1966, in the rough mining town of Brakpan on the fringes of Johannesburg, South Africa. In 1987 he joined the South African Police Force and was recruited into the Security Intelligence Unit—the equivalent of America’s CIA. He was employed as a covert operative in high-profile criminal operations across Africa. On TC’s appointment as a commissioned officer he became the founding commander of the Counter Intelligence Unit in the Mpumalanga Province. After a successful stint he was inducted into the infamous Murder and Robbery Squad as a Senior Detective Captain, second in command of two Units. In the years that followed he experienced evil as his constant companion.

http://www.amazon.com/ALEXA-Frank-Dempsey-Crime-Thriller-ebook/dp/B00IMTWLU8/

London by night – 6 Things That Will Leave You Hankering For MoreLondon by night – 6 Things That Will Leave You Hankering For More

London may be exciting by day but it’s when the sun goes down that the capital really comes alive. As night falls, all over the city a number of vibrant cocktail bars, spectacular theatres and cool clubs open their doors. With all of this on offer nightly, it’s no surprise that they say London is the city that never sleeps.

6 Best Things To Do in London…At Night

1. Take a ride on the London Eye

Just when you thought the London Eye couldn’t get any more exciting. It’s now open until 8.30pm during the summer months, meaning that you can hop on board and experience London’s dazzling skyline by night. Why not try the Champagne Experience? For just £35, you and your guests can enjoy a glass of Pommery Brut Royal Champagne and will be accompanied by a personal guide ensuring that you won’t miss a thing during your 30 minute ride.

2. Watch a West-End show

You cannot visit London without watching a West-End show. Head to London’s Theatre Land to soak up the electric atmosphere and sample the delights of the capital’s most loved district. Take your pick from one of London’s popular musicals, classic plays and incredible operas. Just some of our favourites here at Eating London include Wicked, The Lion King and War Horse which definitely cannot be missed!

Sightseeing TourWant to take a tour of the capital’s famous landmarks at their most spectacular? Then hop on board one of London’s iconic open top buses for an unforgettable sightseeing experience. Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square, Tower Bridge are just some of the stops on the London by Night Sightseeing Tour will pass by and many more exciting landmarks. There really is no other way to end your visit to the capital so make sure you embark on this tour!

4. Party ’til the sun comes up in Shoreditch

If you’re a bit of a party animal then Shoreditch is definitely the place for you! This vibrant district is full of cool clubs, hip eateries and late night bars. Stop by the Golden Bee and choose a cocktail from their impressive menu to enjoy on the rooftop terrace or if you want something a little wilder then head to XOYO. With the coolest DJ’s, newest tunes and upcoming bands on offer this club is the perfect place to dance the night away.

5. Laugh all night at the Comedy Store

Next time you’re in London, get yourself down to The Comedy Store. Every night, The Comedy Store showcases some of the most hilarious comedians in the world and is pretty much guaranteed to make you laugh your socks off. Nestled in Piccadilly Circus, it’s no surprise that this is one of London’s most popular comedy venues and welcomes an incredible 3000 guests each week. What’s better yet? It’s open seven days a week so you really have no excuse not to go!

6. Taste wine at Vinopolis

If you love wine, then Vinopolis is the place for you! Located on London’s Southbank, Vinopolis is the capital’s only interactive wine experience. Embark on a self-guided wine tour and take your pick from over a hundred wines, spirits and champagnes. Need to soak up that all of that alcohol after your tour? No problem! Vinopolis is home to an impressive five restaurants serving everything from Italian to Mediterranean – the perfect way to end your evening.

Bring And BraaiBring And BraaiSaturday, August 3012:00pm – 8:00pmGoring BeachWorthing, West Sussex

https://www.facebook.com/events/779518678792037/

Doppie en ChoppieDoppie en ChoppieSaturday, August 23 at 10:00amCatton ParkCatton Hall, Catton, Walton on Trent, DE12 8LN Swadlincote

https://www.facebook.com/events/624628137651304/

SokkieSokkieSaturday, September 272:30pm – 11:30pmMorley Village, Wymondham (near Norwich off the A11), Norfolk.

https://www.facebook.com/events/703917452978784/

Image by Aqueous Sun Photography

They are back !!!!

Shadows, Taximan, I am a Fadget, songs that many of us grew up with in the 80,s. Then they were gone, only to be rediscovered in London in the United Kingdom a good 20 or so years later. And guess what, it's as if they had never been away !!Except for a few greys, nothing has changed. Brothers Erik and Lucien Windrich are still as good at performing their famous songs as they were when they started. Their on-stage presence and deliverence of each and every song is , as far as I am concerned, of an even higher quality and standard as it was in the 80's. They still connect with their audience like they had done in the past and they sure know how to get everybody involved with their performance.I know that Evoid will generate a whole new generation of followers judging by the number of younger people that joined in and sang many of their songs by heart.

Evoid will be performing in SA during August so tell all your SA connections not to miss their amazing shows. In summary all I can say is “Evoid = 85” ! and by this I mean that they are as good , if not better than they were in 1985.

http://www.evoid-official.com/http://www.evoid-official.com/

http://www.tunaradio.net/http://www.tunaradio.net/

http://www.halfmoon.co.uk/

How to Make Paper FlowersPaper flowers can be as beautiful as real flowers. Follow the instructions on how to make paper flowers given here and create them to decorate your home.

Paper roses, or for that matter any paper flower, can be a great way to add color and decoration in your home, or even to gift to somebody. Even though they may be imitation flowers, with the development of crepe paper, making artificial flowers has become an art today. These days, paper flowers look so real, that they seem to have come straight from a horticulturist's garden! However, unlike what many people think, artificial flower-making has been around for a long time. In the old times people used to make intricate flowers out of various materials like scraps of silk, nylon, tissue paper, and so on.

Once you discover the thrill of transforming paper into myriad types of flower, in all their colorful variety, it will become an absorbing and inexpensive hobby. There is something magical about seeing paper bloom into flowers, using the dexterity of your hands and imagination. The best part is, you can enjoy seasonal flowers all year round! Whether you want a spray of daisies for the patio or sunny yellow daffodils to brighten up a dull nook in some area of your house, they are easy and fun to make. Imagine the joy of that...

Materials RequiredMaterials Required

Once you master the art of making paper flowers, you can volunteer to supply them as decorations for occasions like weddings, high school proms, or any community functions, thus earning some spending money. The materials required are fairly basic, which can be bought at any hardware, department, or stationery store. They are also available at stores which stock flower making materials.* Crepe Paper: They are available in two kinds, single and double. Double crepe paper, which is also known as Duplex, is particularly useful when you want to make many flowers, especially the ones that have different tones of color on the upper and lower sides of the petals. Although it is not essential, as you can stick two layers of single crepe of different tones together to achieve the same effect.* Paste: Ordinary paste with a stubby, stiff brush is the best. Avoid using mucilage, rubber cement or glue, as they are not suitable.* Scissors: You will need two pairs of them. One pair of sharp, heavy shears to cut through several layers of paper, and the other a lighter weight pair to create petals and leaves.* Green Card Stock or Tissue Paper: This is used for making the leaves.* Others: Artificial stamen, green pipe cleaner or wire, floral tape, paper clips, pins, chalk or pencil.

Instructions to Make Paper FlowersInstructions to Make Paper Flowers1.Take 10-15 sheets of colored crepe paper of different sizes. You can use multicolored papers if you what to make flowers of different colors. Use a pencil or chalk to draw a pattern of a flower, according to your choice, on the topmost layer of crepe paper.2. Fasten the crepe sheets together with pins or paper clips, and then use the scissors to cut the papers according to the pattern you had made. You can cut out various sizes of this pattern.3. Arrange the cut sheets of crepe paper together in such a way that the smallest is on the top and the largest at the bottom. Then using a pin, pierce a hole in the center of the petals of your flower.4. Draw together the petals, starting from the bottom, to form the flower, and then insert the green pipe cleaner into the hole in the center. Twist one end of the pipe cleaner so that it doesn't slip out of the hole. Then, use the floral tape to tape the petals at the point where the pipe cleaner has been inserted.5. Then, make leaf patterns according to any design you choose. If you want sturdy leaves, use green card stock, and for wispy leaves use green tissue paper. Cut out the leaves with the scissors.3. Use the floral tape to fasten the leaves to the stem of the flower.4. To create a realistic looking flower, add the artificial stamen at the center of your paper flower.5. You can repeat this process to make as many flowers as you want.

Apart from all the joys of paper flower-making discussed so far is the fact that paper flowers also make flower arrangement fun and more interesting, because they are easy to manipulate and arrange in various ways. There are plenty of books, magazines and websites where you can get ideas for arranging flowers, which you can copy. If you are a highly original individual however, you can always push your imagination and create unique arrangements of your own. So go ahead and surprise and amaze friends and family by gifting them a (paper) flower bouquet that will never wilt! Happy creating!

Personalised Scrabble Frames to order & other Bespoke items,

https://www.facebook.com/kimthecraftychameleon/timeline

http://www.cavaguard.co.uk/http://www.cavaguard.co.uk/

http://skatterings.weebly.com/

https://www.facebook.com/SaffaEvents

How to use the Two Salary Comparison Calculator

This calculator allows you to compare two salaries side-by-side. To get started, enter the first salary into "Old Salary" and the second into "New Salary".

If you are earning a bonus payment one month, enter the £ value of the bonus into the bonus box for a side-by-side comparison of a normal month and a bonus month.

Find out the benefit of that overtime! Enter the number of hours, and the rate at which you will get paid. For example, for 5 hours a month at time and a half, enter 5 @ 1.5. There are two options in case you have two different overtime rates. To keep the calculations simple, overtime rates are based on a normal week of 37.5 hours.

If you know your tax code, enter it into the tax code box for a more accurate take-home pay calculation. If you are unsure of your tax code just leave it blank and the default code will be applied.

If you have a pension which is deducted automatically, enter the percentage rate at which this is deducted and choose the type of pension into which you are contributing. Pension contributions are estimates, click to learn more about pension contributions on The Salary calculator.

If you receive Childcare vouchers as part of a salary sacrifice scheme, enter the value of the vouchers you receive each month into the field provided. If you signed up for the voucher scheme before 6th April 2011, tick the box - this affects the amount of tax relief you are due.

Select your age range from the options displayed. If you are married, tick the "Married" box. Similarly, tick the "Blind" box if you are blind.

New! If you do not pay National Insurance, for example, if you are over State Pension Age, tick the "No NI" box.

New! There are now two repayment methods for Student Loans, which are known as Plan 1 (same as the original method) and Plan 2. If you are repaying a student loan for a course which started before 1st September 2012, tick "Plan 1", if you are repaying a student loan for a course which started on or after 1st September 2012, tick "Plan 2".

You can now choose the tax year that you wish to calculate. By default, the 2014 / 15 tax year is applied but if you wish to see salary calculations for other years, choose from the drop-down.

When you're done, click on the "Go!" button, and the table on the right will display the information you requested from the tax calculator. You'll be able to see the gross salary, taxable amount, tax, national insurance and student loan repayments on annual, monthly, weekly and daily bases.

This is based on Income Tax, National Insurance and Student Loan information from April 2014

http://www.thesalarycalculator.co.uk/salaries.php

https://twitter.com/MarlonDMusic

https://www.facebook.com/groups/southafricansinireland/

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Tugela-Foods/210251665663790?sk=timelinehttps://www.facebook.com/pages/Tugela-Foods/210251665663790?sk=timeline

Apprenticeships offer work-based training designed around the needs of employers and which lead to national recognised qualifications. Apprenticeships can either train new or existing employees who are moving into a new or changed job role and need to learn new skills.

Apprenticeships are designed by the Sector Skills Councils, while the National Apprenticeship Service helps to fund the training. Business representatives from the relevant industry sector work with the Sector Skills Councils to develop the course content.

Depending on the sector and job role, an apprenticeship can take between 1 and 4 years to complete. Most of the training is on the job while the rest can be provided by a local college, a specialist learning provider or directly by the employer. Employers are also responsible for paying your apprentices’ wages.

Employment is expected to be for a minimum of 30 hours per week, except in a small number of circumstances. In these cases, employment must be for more than 16 hours per week. The length of the apprenticeship will need to be increased accordingly to ensure the apprentice has gained the required level of skills and knowledge to do the job.

Apprenticeship funding is available from the National Apprenticeship Service. The size of the contribution varies depending on your sector and the age of the candidate:

* aged 16 to 18 years old - you will receive 100 per cent of the cost of the training* 19 to 23 years old - you will receive up to 50 per cent* 24 years old or over - in some cases you, or the individual apprentice may have to pay for the entirety of the training.

This is paid directly to the organisation that provides and supports the apprenticeship. In most cases this will be a learning provider. Large employers with a direct contract with the National Apprenticeship Service may receive the funding themselves.

https://www.gov.uk/national-apprenticeship-service#what-you-need-to-knowhttps://www.gov.uk/national-apprenticeship-service#what-you-need-to-know

Reuniting You With Your Investments In South Africa

Many South African citizens have left their country, and billions of Rands have remained behind. The Rand Group will take care of all the bureaucracy to reunite you with your funds. South Africans are now able to access their retirement annuities and other investments without any age limit. The Rand Group will arrange your tax clearance, opening of blocked account and deal with all the bureaucracy necessary to release your funds.

Many South Africans are unaware of the regulation changes of 2008 that now permit expatriate South Africans to cash in Retirement Annuities prior to their 55 year old retirement age. Making the effort to allow the Rand Group to access these funds left behind in South Africa and provide you and your family with a better lifestyle.

There is no need to write off your valuable investments or cash you have left behind. Let the Rand Group helps you to claim what belongs to you. The Rand Group has helped many South African expatriates around the globe to access their retirement annuities, endowment policies, inheritances and other cash among the millions of Rands currently left behind in South Africa.

Global Managing Director, Rudi Stander, proudly manages the team around the globe. Our processing centre is based in South Africa to enable the team to deal with the relevant authorities in their own time zone. Our telephone lines are available 24/7 in New Zealand and South Africa. So pick up the phone and talk to one of the team members in local time.

The Rand Group only concentrates on the repatriations of your investments in South Africa, we do not give Investment Advice. You also do not pay the Rand Group fee until your Rands have been successfully paid into your blocked account. We also assist with the transferring of your funds to your local account.

“Once again, thank you for your help with my matters, your experience and professionalism are much appreciated.”

Mr David Gordon of New Zealand

“Thank you so much. We really, really appreciate all your hard work with this. You have no idea what it means to us. God bless you (and I mean that).”

Mike & Edith Heyns of New Zealand

“

ADOBE CREATIVE CLOUDADOBE CREATIVE CLOUD by Howard Pugh

Last month I talked about pre planning photographs, especially when one can't afford the most expensive speed-sport cameras in the world. All will be revealed ...

For less than £9 / month (annual contract required) you are now able to get the latest version of Adobe Photo Shop Creative Cloud, with: https://creative.adobe.com/plans- Latest version of Photoshop- Latest version of Lightroom desktop, mobile, and web

Non Adobe Creative Cloud members will need to register and provide themselves with a username and password to sign-in.

There you have it for £9 a month and you can produce images like the one I took (below) at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. Well almost. You will need to do a two day course with me to show you what is possible. Please see my Full Page Advert in this edition of SA ExPat. I provide professional note files on Adobe Creative Cloud Photoshop techniques and a 1:1 camera / photoshop two day practical course:

The above Left Creative Cloud Photoshop image originated from the Nikon D90 j-peg fileabove right. With the help of Adobe Creative Cloud Photoshop, I added a soft top, a new front wheel, removed the crowd, other cars, grass and outdoor reflections, in exchange for a clean studio look that I am sure you will agree suits the lines of the Benz. Thank you Creative Cloud !

Now you will correctly say the sports car above is stationary. But lets walk before we run. When you are at an event, first try to photograph what is stationary. You never know when you might need to edit in some static detail with an action shot of the same subject ... of course utilising Adobe Creative Cloud Photoshop.

Below the front tyres on the photographs were slightly out of my camera's sharpest range of focus. Beforehand I made sure I had photographed the tyres of the same vehicle while stationary and in the brightest light possible to allow for my greatest camera lense depth of field or sharpness. The 'spare' stationary tyre shot:

Using Adobe Creative Cloud Photoshop''s Menu: Transform - scale - rotate - distort - skew - perspective functions, I was able to cut and paste the wheel (above left) from the red Merc Benz into my blog's first image (above right) - the studio-like lit Black Mercedes Benz. Using Adobe Creative Cloud Photoshop's layers and erase tool, I removed the silver stabilizing lever that clamps the spare wheel to the red, Mercedes Benz car. Finally I fitted the parts of the spare wheel I need and blended them with the original image. Job done :)Moving on three types of action shot all made possible by Adobe Creative Cloud Photoshop and it's Blur Gallery Tools:

- the static action shot - the selective motion blur shot- the selective pan-blurred motion shot

The static action Shot (below) - where tyre and side panel detail were copied and pasted fromthe same static car, add to the impressiveness of the the sports car cornering, i.e. as if the camera lense I used was sophisticated enough to freeze and capture detail of an accelerating sports car in shady, overcast conditions. Not quite real enough for me but it is a start:

The original action tyre (left) which lacks overall sharpness compared with the Adobe Creative Cloud copy and paste version of a separate, static tyre shot from the same sports car. The final close up is the Adobe Creative Cloud Blur Gallery technique of blurring any chosen part of the wheel in this case the center of the wheel is retained sharp:

Now we can add impact to the action shot by utilising Adobe Creative Cloud Blur Gallery Motion as seen above and below where the tyres are blurred on the outside while retaining focus in the middle of the wheel:

The final action example I find the most interesting and arguably the most true to racing images. Here I have used Adobe Creative Cloud Blur Gallery to achieve a pan-blurred background, as well as blurring the outside of the tyres while retaining majority sharpness on the body of the car and the driver. The image below very much gives the impression of race-speed cornering:

Then there is the pre-focused moment you anticipate happening. The movement is created for you by the dust and dirt thrown up as the sports car clips the edge of the meandering road. On my camera / Photoshop courses, I teach the use of the camera angle and simple focus, as well as zoom focus, depending on the capabilities of the camera lense. ISO settings too can make for a more interesting action shot - it is all in the planning. Adobe Creative Cloud Photoshop always has your back making you feel totally confident when you photograph your next action event knowing you have so many image-options available to you:

Next week LANDSCAPES & COUNTRY HOUSES with a little use of Adobe Creative Cloud's Perspective Crop Tool - Get shooting and I look forward to meeting you on one of my one-on-one camera photoshop courses ... sooner rather than later !!! :)

06-09-14

Star Trek Borg Cube FridgeStar Trek Borg Cube FridgeTen of ten Trekkies would love to have this geeky fridge. Exclusive to ThinkGeek, the refrigerator has green outer and inner lights. It can also be used to warm food. It’s powered via 120V AC or 12V DC, no Borg alcove needed.

Jibo Family RobotJibo Family RobotJibo doesn’t have arms or legs, but he can recognize your face and voice, understand commands in plain language, read your messages and reminders aloud, take pictures for you and more. Just don’t fall in love with him.

Swash Clothing Care SystemSwash Clothing Care SystemThe Swash Express Clothing Care System uses a scented solution and a heater to remove odors and light wrinkles from clothes. It can cut your dry cleaning costs and preserve your clothes from the wear and tear of washing.

http://theawesomer.com/

http://www.ygphotography-art.com/

Hand Knitted Beanies, Vintage Bonnets, Mittens, Booties and Mary Jane Shoes.

https://www.etsy.com/shop/NoahandNoohttps://www.etsy.com/shop/NoahandNoo

Horse Riding in Dorset

Beach horse riding in DorsetBeach horse riding in DorsetWith 1,700 bridleways and 37 byways, horse riding in Dorset is a widely appreciated and established activity. There are many local riding schools and stables available to be enjoyed by horse riders of all abilities. The stables, bridleways and byways can be found on the iCoast map

What do I need?* A riding hat – In order to go horse riding you will need a proper riding hat. Riding schools often lend or rent one.* High visibility clothing – Make sure you can be seen by other road users.* Body protectors and correct footwear.* Become familiar with the ‘Rules about animals’ section of The Highway Code.

Horse Riding SchoolsTuition is available from horse riding schools for children and adults of all abilities.

Horse riding on the beachThere are some beaches in Dorset which you are allowed to ride horses on. Check the links from the iCoast map for their location and the restrictions of riding on them. In some cases a permit is needed.

http://www.icoast.co.uk/

http://www.festival-of-motoring.co.uk/http://www.festival-of-motoring.co.uk/

http://www.davidmannall.com/

http://www.berkshirebiltong.co.uk/

COMMONWEALTH CHAMPIONS 2014

http://www.saracens.com/