SA News

For many years consumers had a modicum of protection when it came to protecting themselves from being electrocuted or maimed. Our authorities were very strident when it came to ensuring that unqualified persons did not do work on any electrical installation. Combined with that electrical goods suppliers only dealt with registered electricians at their trade counters, electricians had very close working relationships with their local municipalities and ensured that they followed the rules and safety guidelines.

As an old participant (some may say ‘Ancient’!) in the electrical contracting industry I well remember the opening of Gqeberha’s very first DIY Electrical Supply shop – then (and still now) I find it very difficult to stomach someone ‘aiding and abetting’ a private citizen to do electrical work that may invalidate their insurance and/or place their families in danger.

BUT, the biggest sin in my mind is the large suppliers who supply to all and sundry at the same price without ensuring that the client is at least qualified to do the work in a safe and acceptable manner and issue a CoC once it is done. After all – would you trust your brother’s friend’s girlfriend’s cousin, who is in Grade 11 to prescribe antibiotics for you?

Solar Installations combine a number of learned skills in order to complete the task – electrical, mechanical, roofing, safety. The proper tools required are expensive and necessary to ensure a proper and safe installation that will last 20 years. The experienced installer will be in a better position to also specify the correct Balance of System components to ensure that your entire system last for 20 years.

To assist you in your decision around who to choose for your project making Straton Solar developed a Solar Installer Best Practices checklist for you to download and use in your journey to energy freedom.

And now it would appear that the CGSO (Consumer Goods and Services Ombud) has been lumped with the problem of unscrupulous suppliers and dubious installers in the Solar Energy Industry and has issued an alert that it has seen an uptick in the number of complaints about solar systems and generators – saying that almost 50% of suppliers are simply refusing to cooperate with the office’s investigations.

The ombud says that from 1 February 2022 to 9 February 2023, there were 202 complaints relating to solar systems and generators.

Most of these complaints relate to the following:

• Installers are failing to issue compliance certificates to show that their products comply with the Occupational Health and Safety Act. This includes not disclosing the criteria that need to be met for such a compliance certificate to be issued, or that an additional fee needs to be paid.
• Accepting payment and not delivering the goods or not installing the systems within the agreed timeframes.
• Poor workmanship and installation.
• Warranties not being honoured.
• Incorrect equipment bought either by or for consumers, and suppliers refusing to accept returns.
• No aftercare services.
• Misleading advertising relating to the type, size and wattage of inverters, solar panels and batteries.
• Inflated prices for panels, inverters, batteries and installation services.

The ombud, Magauta Mphahlele, advises against going the DIY route with solar as most consumers lack awareness and technical knowledge about the product and installation. Incorrect installation could also nullify the manufacturer’s warranties.

“Consumers are, generally speaking, not clued up on the requirements of systems or their limitations. As a result, consumers are suffering enormous financial losses by purchasing incorrect equipment and/or appointing unqualified installers.”

Forty-six percent of cases have had to be terminated due to a lack of cooperation from suppliers. Mphahlele says this is of great concern because it meant that complainants did not receive any redress.

“This outcome proves that there are high levels of non-compliance around the Consumer Protection Act [CPA] in this sector, and we call on suppliers and installers of solar systems and generators to ensure that their service standards meet the requirements of the CPA and other manufacturing and safety standards required in terms of other laws of this country.”

So far, the ombud has resolved 134 complaints, giving consumers a total of R277,273 in refunds. It has also instructed suppliers to rectify shoddy workmanship and replace faulty inverters, solar panels, generators and batteries.

Boilerplate and Editor’s Notes.
More Info on Would You Do Your Own Brain Surgery? here:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MyPE
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StratonElectrical/

CLICK HERE to submit your press release to MyPR.co.za.

Press Release Views since 1 July 2022: 151

First Published here: https://mypr.co.za/would-you-do-your-own-brain-surgery/ – MyPR is a free press release site distributing releases from well known brands, small business and artists to on and off line publications and social media.

Did You Know? Cradock was founded in 1813 on the banks of the Great Fish River to cater for the migratory farmers who settled in this ruggedly beautiful area with its excellent grazing, abundant water and healthy climate.

Vitamins are crucial for the health and performance of racing pigeons. While pigeons can produce some vitamins on their own, they do not produce all of the vitamins necessary for optimal health. In order to ensure that racing pigeons receive the necessary vitamins for immunity, metabolism, fertility, reproduction, and growth, it is important to provide them with pigeon vitamin supplements or racing pigeon supplements.

Grain mixtures, even when varied, do not provide enough vitamins to meet a pigeon’s needs. Additionally, the nutritional value of grain decreases when it has been stored for longer periods of time. Therefore, it is recommended to provide a regular supply of extra vitamins to racing pigeons. Nowadays, almost all vitamins can be manufactured synthetically, which is beneficial for racing pigeons that may have a more limited range of food compared to wild pigeons.

During certain periods, such as heavy loads, competition season, moulting, breeding, and growing periods, racing pigeons require more vitamins than usual. Vitamin supplements, whether organic or synthetic multivitamin preparations, can provide the necessary vitamins to support the pigeon’s health during these periods.

It is important to note that both water-soluble and fat-soluble vitamins are important for pigeons. Water-soluble vitamins, such as C, F, and B complex, must be given to pigeons regularly since animals cannot store them in their bodies. On the other hand, fat-soluble vitamins, such as A, D, E, and K, accumulate in the body, and heavy overdoses can be toxic. Therefore, it is crucial to use vitamin preparations that have been specially developed for racing pigeons and to follow the dosage instructions closely.

Different vitamin supplements are recommended for different periods. For racing season, Omniform, Colombine Vita, Form-Mix Plus, and Carmine are all good options. Omniform contains 12 vitamins, 19 amino acids, and inositol, which promotes good muscle function. Colombine Vita is a multivitamin complex that comes in powder form, supplemented with glucose, and can be given to pigeons during the breeding period or after a vaccination or medical treatment. Form-Mix Plus aids in tissue growth and repair and resistance building, while Carmine reduces the production of lactic acid and muscle cramps, giving pigeons better stamina.

During the moulting period, B-Chol is a recommended vitamin supplement. B-Chol contains sulfur-containing amino acids and vitamins, including B12, which promotes the removal of harmful substances and protects the liver. It can be administered after a course of medication and before the start of the season to stimulate down shedding.

For the breeding period, Supervit is a good option. It is a powdered multivitamin complex containing 10 vitamins and 4 trace elements, which helps fortify pigeons during the breeding period. Due to the high amounts of vitamin D3 contained in it, Supervit is perfect to give to darker-colored youngsters. The production of vitamin D requires sunlight, which darker pigeons may lack.

In addition to these recommended vitamin supplements, Avi Forte Gel is also a beneficial supplement for racing pigeons. Avi Forte Gel is a water-soluble gel that provides instant energy and essential vitamins, minerals, probiotics, amino acids, and electrolytes to pigeons during periods of stress such as heat stress, racing, and transport, resulting in immunity constraints.

In conclusion, providing racing pigeons with necessary vitamins is crucial for their health and performance. Vitamin supplements can help ensure that racing pigeons receive the necessary vitamins during specific periods, and using specially developed vitamin preparations for racing pigeons and following dosage instructions closely is important. By providing racing pigeons with high-quality vitamin supplements, pigeon fanciers can ensure that their birds are in optimal health and performance.

Visit Camelus to shop pigeon supplements online in South Africa.

Boilerplate and Editor’s Notes.
More Info on How to Keep Your Racing Pigeons Healthy with the Right Vitamins here:

CLICK HERE to submit your press release to MyPR.co.za.

Press Release Views since 1 July 2022: 160

First Published here: https://mypr.co.za/how-to-keep-your-racing-pigeons-healthy-with-the-right-vitamins/ – MyPR is a free press release site distributing releases from well known brands, small business and artists to on and off line publications and social media.

Did You Know? Cradock was founded in 1813 on the banks of the Great Fish River to cater for the migratory farmers who settled in this ruggedly beautiful area with its excellent grazing, abundant water and healthy climate.

During his State of the Nation Address on 9 February, President Cyril Ramaphosa said that the Minister of Finance, Enoch Godongwana, would reveal a tax incentive related to rooftop solar for households and businesses during the 2023 Budget on 22 February.

As is customary every year this year Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana has once again invited South Africans to make inputs on what they would like to see reflected in the upcoming National Budget Speech. Citizens are encouraged to submit their views on: municipal finances, government spending priorities and what these should be, addressing a large budget deficit, stabilising State-Owned Entity finances, managing the energy crisis, tax revenues and debt sustainability. Should you still wish to do so then contributions can be sent through this link https://bit.ly/3ruszsi  on the National Treasury website.

Here then is our small contribution Minister:

The Minister needs to remember that these days before people take any action they ask a simple question; “What is in it for me?” Very few people act altruistically and for the greater good so any form of incentive needs to take that into account whilst also catering to the greater good.

At present the root cause of our loadshedding woes is that there is too little power being produced to service consumers across the country.

As a result the entire country has retreated once again into a ‘laager mentality’ wherein most people are desperate to ensure that they alone have power to run their fridges, routers, fridges and a few lights.

If one compares the price of a reasonably sized (5 kW) grid-tie only system with a 5 kWh Lithium Ion backup system (with three solar panels) the prices are surprisingly close.

BUT, when you look at the return on investment for both, the Grid Tie system will pay for itself within around 6 years WHEREAS the back-up only system will NEVER pay for itself.

ALSO, when you look at the fixed price you will pay per unit of electricity produced over the life of the system then there is no comparison – less than R0.70 as opposed to over R2.60 per unit.

IN ADDITION, a Grid-Tie only system has lower maintenance costs.

PLUS, Grid-Tie systems can send electricity back into the Grid thereby helping the entire country reduce loadshedding – almost like crowdfunding a solution!

SURELY a government that cares and seeks a “better life for all” will encourage it’s citizens to rather spend money on product that will offer a long term return on investment (Grid Tie only) rather than one that is, strictly speaking, just a consumer good that costs money?

“It is our contention that the Minister should HEAVILY incentivise Grid-Tie only solar installations,” says Straton Solar.

There are a number of reasons why this make sense:

1. No heavy batteries and the associated mining and transport concerns
2. Excess power being pumped back into the grid can be measured and compensated for
3. Grid Tie only systems don’t ‘waste’ electricity on keeping batteries topped up
4. Grid Tie only systems are quicker and easier to install
5. Municipalities will make more money from the sales of electricity to Grid Tie only systems during peak hours

Government could do the following:

Heavily incentivise Grid Tie only solar panel numbers per household based on a standard 5 kWh system and then have a downward sliding scale from that point on for systems larger than 5 kW. Training subsidies could stimulate new entrants into the market. Incentives could be ‘bumped up’ for areas in dire need of assistance. Government could place Grid Tie only on the roofs of ATTP (Assistance To The Poor) homes that are suitable and go into a contract with the homeowner who will get an additional quota of free power should they keep an eye on and do minimal maintenance on the system that government has installed. Stimulate the local manufacturing market for inverters and Solar Panels. Insist on Tier 1 panels and solar equipment only. And, most importantly, run the incentives lean, mean and clean.

Let’s not run like a bull into a China Shop with a whole slew of incentives but rather start with the root cause which is the lack of electricity across our entire country and how we can ensure that “what is in it for me” is adequately taken care of whilst solar installations the country over send excess power back into the grid. The first step then is the root cause which can be adequately addressed by Grid Tie only systems.

Eventually Government/Eskom could develop/install huge storage mechanisms for the abundant free power being sent back into the grid. That power could be sold back to the consumer during peak hours which would help with loadshedding and make clean power available to consumers.

And then, if necessary, government could introduce further incentives for hybrid battery back up solutions as well. But, maybe after a few years we will not need to buy back up batteries for our homes and business.

Boilerplate and Editor’s Notes.
More Info on Dear Minister Godongwana and @TreasuryRSA – THIS is a Valid Suggestion for Solar Incentives here:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MyPE
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StratonElectrical/

CLICK HERE to submit your press release to MyPR.co.za.

Press Release Views since 1 July 2022: 216

First Published here: https://mypr.co.za/dear-minister-godongwana-and-treasuryrsa-this-is-a-valid-suggestion-for-solar-incentives/ – MyPR is a free press release site distributing releases from well known brands, small business and artists to on and off line publications and social media.

Did You Know? Cradock was founded in 1813 on the banks of the Great Fish River to cater for the migratory farmers who settled in this ruggedly beautiful area with its excellent grazing, abundant water and healthy climate.

• Agreement Hailed as “An Industrial Relations Miracle”
• Private Sector Labour Ready to Effectively Serve Consumers for Next 72 Months
• Wage Agreement Negotiation Lessons Learned
• Solar PV Installers Recognised by ECA (SA)

During the latter part of 2022, the ECA(SA) and South African Equity Association (SAEWA) reached a historic six-year labour agreement for the South African Electrical Contracting Industry. The planned date of commencement is 1 March 2023.

ECA (SA) National Director, Mark Mfikoe called the agreement “an Industrial Relations Miracle”, and expressed the wish that business in South Africa and elsewhere would copy their blueprint.

In essence there will be no strike nor lockdown on any of the issues contained in the collective agreement for the next six years. “We have delivered 72 months of industrial peace,” said Mfikoe.

Mfikoe praised stakeholders and the key role played by Dave Alcock, Stephen Khola, Michael Straton (Straton Electrical, Gqeberha), Robert McAlpine (SAEWA) and Deon van Deventer who drove the negotiations to their fair and successful closure.

The agreement sets out what the wages are going to be for the next 72 months as well as all the allowances, contributions to benefit funds and social security benefits applicable to the employees employed in the Electrical Contracting industry.

The ECA (SA) has taken cognisance of the various new categories of employment which now also cater for Solar PV Installations whilst committing to add other electrical industries employment categories during the life of the new collective agreement. Refrigeration, reticulation, electrical mining work will all be incorporated.

At the commencement of wage negotiations, there were 15 wage areas. One of the key demands of the union was to end up with one wage area. The ECA (SA) reasoned that the economic situation of the country justified differentiation and the compromise ended with an agreement that recognises three wage tiers.

The contributions by Dave and Michael – who crunched the numbers and produced a magical spreadsheet – were used to shape arguments and convince each other. The industry players and not the hired guns, delivered these wage negotiations.

Celebrating the historic agreement Mfikoe concluded by saying; “Congratulations to the team that delivered this milestone and well done to the industry that chose these credible individuals to deliver on their mandate – employees and employers alike. What a game, what an outcome. Well played!”

Boilerplate and Editor’s Notes.
More Info on Electrical Contracting Industry Signs Historic 72 Month Labour Agreement here:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MyPE
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StratonElectrical/

CLICK HERE to submit your press release to MyPR.co.za.

Press Release Views since 1 July 2022: 150

First Published here: https://mypr.co.za/electrical-contracting-industry-signs-historic-72-month-labour-agreement/ – MyPR is a free press release site distributing releases from well known brands, small business and artists to on and off line publications and social media.

Did You Know? Cradock was founded in 1813 on the banks of the Great Fish River to cater for the migratory farmers who settled in this ruggedly beautiful area with its excellent grazing, abundant water and healthy climate.

• How Much does an Off-Grid System Cost?
• The difference between Off-Grid and Grid-Tie
• Do you know what type of solar system you have installed?
• Of the 4 types of solar systems available which one give the best ROI?
• Which Solar System SHOULD be incentivised FIRST by government?

Beleaguered South African Electricity consumers have now latched onto a new social media meme whenever we install a solar panel or two and a battery…

We all rush to our favourite hang out and proudly boast of how we are going “Off-Grid” and then we quote a number – normally somewhere South of (below) R150 000.00.

When asked the question; “So does that mean that you do not EVER receive a municipal or Eskom electricity account?” one is often met with silence.

Lets backpedal a bit and define the different types of systems on offer:

1. Off-Grid – this will include many more panels than normal, at least an 8kW inverter, batteries to match, additional power generation options such as wind, generator or other portable generation AND will cost you far NORTH of R250 000.00. PLUS – you will have officially removed your municipal (Eskom) meter and cables connecting you to the municipal (Eskom) grid. This system will power your entire premises with or without loadshedding as you will be COMPLETELY INDEPENDENT.
2. Hybrid – where you have around 10 t0 16 solar panels, normally a 5 kW inverter, batteries from 2.5 kWh and up, connection to the municipal (Eskom) grid, a smart meter (as supplied by the Municipality) and that will have cost you from R125 000.00 to around R200 000.00. PLUS you will still receive a municipal (Eskom) electricity account. This system will ONLY power certain essential electricity circuits on your premises – dependent upon your inverter and battery size.
3. Grid-Tie – where you have a varying amount of solar panels (10 to 16 is still the norm), normally a 5 kW inverter, connection to the municipal (Eskom) grid, a smart meter (as supplied by the Municipality) and that will have cost you from R75 000.00 to around R125 000.00. PLUS you will still receive a municipal (Eskom) electricity account. Straton Solar likes to call this option – the HIPPY OPTION as it is the cheapest and MOST COST EFFECTIVE option over the life of any system, PLUS as most feedback more electricity into the grid than those systems with batteries they ASSIST the grid in reducing loadshedding far more than other other similarly sized system. “Frankly says Alan Straton; “Our government should be heavily incentivising GRID TIE ONLY systems only!” This system will be OFF during loadshedding. “But,” says Straton Solar, “if you want the best Return on Investment over a 20 year period and your view is that loadshedding will be solved in the next 5 years then just get a small portable backup solution and your entire solution will come in below R100 000.”
4. Battery Backup – here you will ONLY have an inverter and battery to power your essential circuits. You can have a ‘wired in’ solution where a battery is supplied and an essential sub distribution board is created to power circuits during loadshedding OR you can purchase one of the myriad portable solutions available. Here you can spend from less than R1000.00 (for a router backup only) to R200 000.00 for a Tesla Powerwall.

“My best advice to potential clients is still for them to not make emotional decisions around loadshedding but to rather look at the long term numbers and long term return on investment,” says Straton. When you install any system with batteries you will have to buy new batteries at some stage. With a Grid-Tie only system you will save heaps of money over the 20 year lifespan of your system – current pricing indicates that you will pay LESS THAN R0.70 per unit of electricity as a FIXED COST over the life of your system as opposed to around R2.65 per unit for a decent Hybrid System and approaching R4.00 per unit for an Off-Grid system.

“BUT – if you are a profitable business seeking to reduce your taxable income then install the largest renewable energy system that you can afford – your ROI will then happen from Day ONE,” advises Straton.

Boilerplate and Editor’s Notes.
More Info on When is “Off-Grid” Actually “Off-Grid”?

CLICK HERE to submit your press release to MyPR.co.za.

Press Release Views since 1 July 2022: 184

First Published here: https://mypr.co.za/when-is-off-grid-actually-off-grid/ – MyPR is a free press release site distributing releases from well known brands, small business and artists to on and off line publications and social media.

Did You Know? Cradock was founded in 1813 on the banks of the Great Fish River to cater for the migratory farmers who settled in this ruggedly beautiful area with its excellent grazing, abundant water and healthy climate.

A business is only in business if it has sufficient paying customers to cover costs and generate profits.

This is what makes sales teams so vital to the sustainability of any company.

Except for a lucky few, salespeople across all industries have to work smarter and harder to keep businesses afloat.

Online sales training can be an effective way for businesses to provide their sales teams with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed.

Research undertaken by Streetwise Guru has identified that online training offers several benefits over traditional in-person training, including:

1. Convenience: Online training allows salespeople to learn at their own pace and on their own schedule. This is particularly useful for salespeople who are frequently on the road or have busy schedules.
2. Cost-effectiveness: Online training can be more cost-effective than in-person training, as it eliminates the need for travel and accommodations. This can be especially beneficial for businesses with large sales teams or those that operate in multiple locations.
3. Customization: Online training can be customized to meet the specific needs of a sales team. For example, a business could create customized training modules for different products or target markets.
4. Scalability: Online training can be easily scaled to meet the needs of a growing sales team. As the team expands, new salespeople can simply be added to the online training program.
5. Tracking and evaluation: Online training platforms often come with tools for tracking and evaluating the progress of salespeople. This can help businesses identify areas where salespeople need additional support or training.

There are links to the leading online training courses on https://streetwiseguru.com/

To be effective, online sales training should be well-designed and engaging. This may involve incorporating interactive elements, such as videos, quizzes, and simulations, to help salespeople retain and apply what they have learned.

In addition to providing sales skills training, online training can also be used to introduce new products, update salespeople on company policies and procedures, and provide ongoing support and development.

Overall, online sales training can be a convenient and effective way for businesses to provide their sales teams with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed. By leveraging the benefits of online training, businesses can improve the performance of their sales teams and drive sales growth.

Online sales training can be an effective way for businesses to provide their sales teams with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed.

There are several situations in which online sales training may be particularly useful:

1. Onboarding new salespeople: Online sales training can be an effective way to onboard new salespeople and get them up to speed quickly. By providing new salespeople with access to online training modules, businesses can ensure that they have the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in their roles.
2. Providing ongoing training and development: Online sales training can be used to provide ongoing training and development to sales teams. This can be especially useful for businesses with large sales teams, or those that operate in multiple locations. By providing ongoing training, businesses can ensure that their sales teams are up-to-date on the latest products, sales techniques, and company policies.
3. Training sales teams in different locations: For businesses with sales teams in multiple locations, online sales training can be an effective way to provide consistent training to all team members. This can help to ensure that all salespeople are using the same sales techniques and strategies, regardless of their location.
4. Training sales teams on new products or markets: When a business introduces new products or expands into new markets, it’s important to ensure that sales teams are knowledgeable about the products and markets they will be selling to. Online sales training can be an effective way to provide sales teams with the knowledge and skills they need to sell these new products or services.
5. Improving the performance of underperforming sales teams: For sales teams that are underperforming, online sales training can be an effective way to identify areas for improvement and provide targeted training to address those areas. By providing targeted training to underperforming salespeople, businesses can help to improve their performance and drive sales growth.

Overall, online sales training can be a useful tool for businesses looking to provide their sales teams with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed. By leveraging the convenience and flexibility of online training, businesses can improve the performance of their sales teams and drive sales growth.

Boilerplate and Editor’s Notes.
More Info on Helping salespeople to be at the top of their game here.
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Siyathetha
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StreetwiseGuru/

CLICK HERE to submit your press release to MyPR.co.za.

Press Release Views since 1 July 2022: 331

First Published here: https://mypr.co.za/helping-salespeople-to-be-at-the-top-of-their-game/ – MyPR is a free press release site distributing releases from well known brands, small business and artists to on and off line publications and social media.

Did You Know? Cradock was founded in 1813 on the banks of the Great Fish River to cater for the migratory farmers who settled in this ruggedly beautiful area with its excellent grazing, abundant water and healthy climate.

Konica Minolta South Africa — Trends are interesting, but real business growth comes from consistently doing the basics well

By Mohammed Vachiat, Head of Sales, and Innovation: Konica Minolta South Africa The frenetic pace with which 2023 has started…

First Published here: https://mypr.co.za/solar-installer-best-practices/ – MyPR is a free press release site distributing releases from well known brands, small business and artists to on and off line publications and social media.

Did You Know? Cradock was founded in 1813 on the banks of the Great Fish River to cater for the migratory farmers who settled in this ruggedly beautiful area with its excellent grazing, abundant water and healthy climate.

Goldster is a targeted online community that addresses health and wellness issues for those of an wanting to live the best quality of live for as long as possible.

The name Goldster is a play on words – Oldster, Youngster, representing the golden years of your life.

Local winepreneur and well know Gqeberha resident, Olga Hafner liked the product so much that she nagged and nagged the founders and, as a consequence, South Africa is the first country to be targeted as a stand alone community in the world. Yet another kudo for Gqeberha and residents like Olga who are often at the forefront of new technology, product and thinking.

Find out more about the Goldster Health Service and sign up for a free trial here: https://goldster.co.uk/ghs-south-africa Hint: Do NOT click on the Join NOW button to the top right of the screen but rather scroll down a tad and then click on the Join GHS Now button which is the link to the 3 month free trial. Monthly subscriptions are 9.99 Pounds and the break even for the site is quoted at around 12 000 subscribers so you are probably assured of a site with longevity.

Goldster has a simple and yet ambitious aim: To help 100 million people age well over the next 10 years using non-drug interventions.

Interactive topics that are tackled by Goldster include Diet & Nutrition, Exercise, Stress Management, Improved Sleep, Physical Activity, Mind Body Movement, Mindfulnes & Meditation, Nutrition & Cooking, Art & Design, Music, Writing, Reading, Fashion & Style, Music Therapy, Coaching, Positive Psychology, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Massage, Reflexology, Health Education, Academic Learning and Intellectual Interests.

This full interactive platform allows platform subscribers to engage and interact in learning and activities. Those who feel ‘technologically challenged’ have a guiding angel ‘in the room’ during every live session to help them overcome their challenges.

Goldster’s three person leadership team consists of:

1. Mike Reid – the Founder & Chairman who worked at a number of top financial firms around the world. Salomon Brothers 1987, Credit Suisse First Boston London, Tokyo, Asset Trading Group, CSFB London 1989-94, then Global Head of Risk Arbitrage Nomura 1994-97 and Founded Care Visions in 2000.
2. Mark Carter – the Co-Founder & Managing Director who introduced media and invited guests to Goldster at Olga Haffner’s beautiful home in Walmer on Wednesday 8 February 2023. Mark is a Healthcare Executive with a 19-year track record of innovative healthcare delivery in Australia, Singapore, and China for large scale populations alongside digital integration.
3. Dr Zara Quail – the Clinical Scientific Research Lead. Zara works on research & development of evidence-based, decision-support pathways for non-pharmacological interventions that promote healthy ageing for older people.

Interestingly even Charles Dickens lives on in Goldster through Book Club presenters Humphrey and Lucinda Hawksley. Lucinda is the great great great grandaughter of Charles Dickens.

Negotiations have been opened with major medical aid providers for a discount to every member that joins Goldster.

• Is a figure of R130 Million too low or too high?
• Is this sustainable when a business is already in crisis?

We are all familiar with the fact that loadshedding is expensive – for the country, its economy and our global reputation. We aslo need to stop and consider just how much loadshedding costs the every inept Eskom every month in lost turnover.

Think of Electricity as an ephemeral time based product – you either lose it or use it and can never really ‘catch up’ your consumption once it is lost. Have you tried making your lights burn twice as bright after loadshedding or your pool pump work twice as fast? What is lost is lost forever. “This is a lot like what happens when you install Solar PV on your roof – what you do not use as self consumption or to charge storage devices is lost to the grid or to heat,” says Straton Solar.

Eskom has a bewildering number of tariffs for different electricity supplies making an accurate estimate of Eskoms charges per kWh a bit of a thumbsuck. Suffice to say that if one looks at charges to Local Authorities those range from 80.27 c/kWh (for Off Peak) to 488.82 c/kWh for Peak.

During January so far (daily figures below) Eskom has shed 89 932 MW of electricity due to loadshedding. That is equal to 89 932 000 kWh.

Lets ASSUME that the average price per kWh that Eskom charges (to direct and municipal customers) is in the region of R1.45 per kWh.

Contrast that with what the South African consumer pays on average which is estimated at R2.56 kWh.

Let’s take the amount of kWh shed in the month of January (89.932 Million) and times that by R1.45 (our ESTIMATED average price charged by Eskom for Electricity) and we get a LOST TURNOVER figure for Eskom of R130 401 400.

Can any business afford to lose R130 Million in turnover month after month?

Factor in the bloated salary bill, fraud, failed maintenance, uncertain futures for employees, political bosses with no clue and zero motivation I would say that Eskom is on the final slope to becoming a pimple in history. Frankly even renewables will not be able to fill that gap fast enough to provide electricity as we used to know it before loadshedding.

Date and Amount of Electricity shed (MW)

• 09 January: 3,371
• 10 January: 3,527
• 11 January: 5,088
• 12 January: 6,409
• 13 January: 5,124
• 14 January: 4,82
• 15 January: 4,81
• 16 January: 5,594
• 17 January: 4,666
• 18 January: 4,723
• 19 January: 4,736
• 20 January: 3,581
• 21 January: 2,576
• 22 January: 3,503
• 23 January: 3,821
• 24 January: 3,703
• 25 January: 3,762
• 26 January: 5,891
• 27 January: 3,592
• 28 January: 3,228
• 29 January: 3,407

TOTAL: 89,932 MW

Maybe it is time to trade in that 4×4 to buy a 5×5 Solar System rather.

Boilerplate and Editor’s Notes.
More Info on How Much is Eskom Losing in Turnover During Loadshedding? here.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StratonElectrical/

CLICK HERE to submit your press release to MyPR.co.za.

Press Release Views since 1 July 2022: 727

First Published here: https://mypr.co.za/how-much-is-eskom-losing-in-turnover-during-loadshedding/ – MyPR is a free press release site distributing releases from well known brands, small business and artists to on and off line publications and social media.

Did You Know? Cradock was founded in 1813 on the banks of the Great Fish River to cater for the migratory farmers who settled in this ruggedly beautiful area with its excellent grazing, abundant water and healthy climate.

Are You Jade, Chloe, Megan or Ava?

On Wednesday evening 1 February 2023 the Built Environment Ladies Association (BELA) hosted Simon Clark from Simon Clark Hairdressing and Make Up Artist Kayleigh Stopforth in a personal development event at the Beach Hotel.

Two takeaways that resonated from both professionals were these:

1. “There are only three main hairstyles in the world: The One Length Cut, The Layer Cut and The Graduation Cut” ~ Simon Clark.
2. “If you look good, you feel good. And, if you feel good, you do good” ~ Kayleigh Stopforth paraphrasing George St. Pierre.

Simon spoke on Hair Trends for 2023 and first took us on a journey to the 1920’s in which the Bob Cut dominated. As the economic pressure in the world loosened we saw hairstyles becoming looser and longer. After the Second World War the economy contracted and so did the length of women’s hair. With the rise of the internet and social media the lines between short and long and shape became more blurred.

In 2023 the different cuts are defined more by personality type than actual cut, leading to the question asked by Simon; “Are You Jade, Chloe, Megan or Ava?“

Your 2023 hairstyle is now defined as follows:

1. Jade – A fashion forward, bold and loud woman who probably had the one side shave look long before it became a ‘thing’.
2. Chloe – A trendy, current and contemporary woman.
3. Megan – Feminine, safe and steadfast with a hairstyle to match.
4. Ava – a practical, simple and neat short hairstyle.

These latest hair trends are further defined by Marie Claire as being one of: Blunt Bob, Red Hair Revival, High Shine Styles, Bold Bright Blondes, Dramatic Chops, Shades of Brunette, Going Grunge or Bangs Baby Bangs.

What Simon has noticed locally is a trend towards High Shine Styles and the move to healthier eating and better products to support these styles.

Simon does colour and hair by appointment only.

Kayleigh Stopforth introduced the BELA ladies to “5 Steps NOT to skip when doing your makeup”:

1. Skin Care – involving a routine of: Cleanser, Serum, Moisturiser and 35+ SPF
2. Primer – and the benefits
3. Concealer – and here we learned that almost everyone has dark rings under their eyes and that ladies can conceal them with a concealer that has slight orange undertone.
4. Makeup Brushes – the use of the correct brush is important.
5. Use of Multi- Purpose Products – for example bronzer and blush duos for cheeks and eyes.

Kayleigh advocates Cruelty Free products and offers Makeup and Wine Workshops for women seeking step-by-step lessons on how to apply their own makeup.

At the close of her presentation there was a lively question and answer session from the ladies present who did draw parallels between their industry and makeup as both make extensive use of Primer, Foundations and even Concealer.

Kayleigh also stressed the need for women (and men) to practise good hygiene and eating habits whilst minimising their exposure to the sun, harmful UV Rays from devices and screens, alcohol and smoking.

Stopforth pointed out that the skin is our largest organ with adults carrying about 3.6 kilograms and 2 square meters of it. Your skin is not a static organ – on average a skin cycle is 5-6 weeks. At the age of 19-21,the process can take 14-21 days compared to a middle-aged adult where it is estimated to be 28 days. As we grow older, this skin cycle slows to about 45-60 days in our 40’s and 50’s.

Both speakers emphasised that often more expensive products offer a better and longer return on investment offering some tips on how to minimise the spend.

About the speakers:

Simon Clark:

Simon went to school in Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), Kariega (Uitenhage) and Edinburgh before studying hairdressing at Images 1, going on to get his Masters in Hair Color from Wella College.

Clark was twice a national finalist in the International Trendvision award and a national runner up once.

Clark served on the national Education panels for Wella and Schwarzkopf and was on the Hairdresser call List for the New York, London and Paris Fashion weeks. He was also invited to work back stage at the 2020 Oscars but COVID put paid to that.

At home he has a Fiance and 2 dogs (both rescue Bull Terriers, “The best breed in the world,” says Simon). He also enjoys running, mountain biking and Hockey.

Contact Simon here: +27 72 130 0475 | www.simonclarkhairdressing.co.za

Kayleigh Stopforth:

Kayleigh Stopforth is a Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) based makeup artist, with over 7 years experience in the beauty industry.

Kayleigh started her journey working as a sales consultant for Inglot Cosmetics in Edgars.

In 2019 she took a leap of faith to pursue her passion in makeup full-time as a solopreneur.

She has since worked with various local and international brands, such as Mohair, Pandora, Fila and Spec Savers. Some of her highlight achievements have been working backstage at the 2020 AFI Fashion Week in Cape Town, as well as working as part of the production crew for an award-winning short film by How Now Brown Cow Productions, The Hive, in 2021. The Hive was filmed in Makhanda (Grahamstown).

Despite the nationwide lockdown that happened within her first year of starting her own business, she has grown to become one of Gqeberha’s top makeup artists. Not only does she specialize in bridal and special occasions, but she has recently tapped into the educational market to host workshops to teach women how to do their own makeup.

Contact Kayleigh: +27 82 730 8492 | www.kayleighstopforthmua.com

Related: BELA Events

Boilerplate and Editor’s Notes.
More Info on Hair and Makeup Trends for 2023 here.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100082946182029

CLICK HERE to submit your press release to MyPR.co.za.

Press Release Views since 1 July 2022: 154

First Published here: https://mypr.co.za/hair-and-makeup-trends-for-2023/ – MyPR is a free press release site distributing releases from well known brands, small business and artists to on and off line publications and social media.

Did You Know? Cradock was founded in 1813 on the banks of the Great Fish River to cater for the migratory farmers who settled in this ruggedly beautiful area with its excellent grazing, abundant water and healthy climate.

There’s plenty more T20 action coming to the St George’s Park Cricket Stadium after the successful hosting of SA20 matches featuring the local Sunrisers team.

This time it will be the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, with the first ball due to be bowled at the iconic stadium in less than a fortnight.

Fans will find that the stadium has a completely new look for the tournament, but that the action and entertainment will once again have them clapping their hands, stomping their feet and dancing in the aisles, says Dr Mark Williams, Chair of the Nelson Mandela Bay Local Organising Committee.

St George’s Park Cricket Stadium was selected as one of just three venues for the tournament – the other two being Cape Town and Paarl.

“To have been selected as one of only three cities to host this tournament proves that St George’s Park is not only a first-class cricket stadium, but that we are a first class city with the necessary infrastructure to host international sporting events.

“It is another chapter in the St George’s history of cricket transformation. In 1960 the stadium hosted the first international cricket match involving South Africa women, when they played a test against England, which ended in a draw.

“In 2023, the action will be much faster and the crowd will be treated to spectacular boundaries as the teams play off the pitch prepared by our world-class grounds team.

“They have been working day and night after the SA20 to ensure that St George’s Park Cricket Stadium remains a sought-after venue for local and international matches and series,” says Williams

The first ICC Women’s T20 World Cup match will be played in Cape Town on Friday 10th February when South Africa meet Sri Lanka.

Williams urges local cricket lovers to bring their families to be part of the action.

“You don’t want to miss the opportunity of seeing the world’s top women cricketers in action.

“Women’s sport is one of the fastest growing sectors in the sports industry. Cricket, in particular, has seen tremendous support from stakeholders across the world.

“Locally, we have a number of promising schoolgirls who are provincial and Proteas players of the future.

“We look forward to hosting fans and teams from across the world and are sure the residents of the Nelson Mandela Bay will come out and show their support,” he adds.

The fixtures for St George’s Park are as follows:

• 14th February Australia vs Bangladesh 19:00
• 16tth February Sri Lanka vs Australia 15:00
• 18th February England vs India 15:00 and South Africa vs Australia 19:00
• 20th February India vs Ireland 15:00

A double header derby on Saturday 18th February will see the top four women’s teams in action.

The clash between South Africa and Australia at 19:00 will be the not-to-be-missed duel of the tournament.

Tickets for the matches are available on www.ticketpros.co.za and at the stadium ticket office (09:00-16:00) weekdays.

Video: St George’s Park Cricket Stadium ready for ICC Women’s T20 World Cup

Boilerplate and Editor’s Notes.
More Info on St George’s Park Cricket Stadium ready for ICC Women’s T20 World Cup here:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Siyathetha
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SiyathethaCommunications/

CLICK HERE to submit your press release to MyPR.co.za.

Press Release Views since 1 July 2022: 118

First Published here: https://mypr.co.za/st-georges-park-cricket-stadium-ready-for-icc-womens-t20-world-cup/ – MyPR is a free press release site distributing releases from well known brands, small business and artists to on and off line publications and social media.

Did You Know? Cradock was founded in 1813 on the banks of the Great Fish River to cater for the migratory farmers who settled in this ruggedly beautiful area with its excellent grazing, abundant water and healthy climate.

The third running of the Nedbank Runified Breaking Barriers 50km ultramarathon takes place on 26 February in Nelson Mandela Bay and gracing its presence will be International Association of Ultrarunners (IAU) president, Nadeem Khan.

The presence of Khan at the event signals yet another sign of top-notch race organizing and hospitality which has seen the event receive not only gold label status from the IAU but also elite status from governing body World Athletics. This event was the first ultra-marathon in the world to receive elite status.

“I want to thank the organizers of the Nedbank 50km for the invitation to attend this year’s edition,” said an excited Khan. “The race has brought some outstanding performances in the previous two editions, and I am looking forward to seeing that momentum carry over to this year’s event as well.” Khan looks forward to the South African hospitality as well as the entire race weekend.

“Good races have certain aspects in common – good organization, good strategy and good visionaries laying down the path to the future and the Nedbank Runified 50km has certainly all these aspects in place – and their vision of a fast competitive event where records are broken has become a reality in the first two editions.”

With a fast and flat 10km loop which the athletes will have to navigate 5 times, athletes can’t ask for a faster course that is legal. Norrie Williamson, a World Athletics technical delegate and one of few internationally recognized course measurers in the country, is excited for the return of the event.

“The Nelson Mandela Bay authorities, NB Sport and Eastern Province Athletics have established a reputation for top notch organization and attention to technical detail which, together with a flat and fast course, maximizes the opportunity for yet another lowering of the 50km world, continental and national records,” said Williamson.

The event will also have an added incentive in that an official timing mat will be placed at the 42,195km mark affording athletes to also register Olympic and World Championship qualifying times.

“The majority of the worlds and Africa’s best athletes reside at altitude but have very few opportunities to race coastal marathons on the African continent which puts them at a major disadvantage,” said Williamson. “Having a certified marathon mark on this course is an opportunity for those who may not yet have the performance to be invited to either Europe or the Middle East to run a career changing time without the time zone challenge or travel fatigue.”

Ultra-running is a sport that is growing in popularity, attracting faster marathon runners but also in mass participation. “I envision the event growing not only in the caliber of athletes but also perhaps, an increase in mass participation in the event itself,” says Khan. “The 50km is definitely on the upswing and when we first initiated the idea of an IAU 50km World Championships it was meant to be a springboard for the marathon runners to step into the ultra-world and this is very evident in the 50km events we see globally today.”

The 50km world record has seen a big drop over the last 2 years. “The entrance of top marathon runners has brought faster times to this distance and made a mark in lowering that world record and the Nedbank 50km have done a tremendous job in that regard – inviting top runners to a very well-organized event,” said Khan.

The Nedbank Runified Breaking Barriers 50km is a by invitation only elite event, attracting world class runners from around the World. With over R1 million up for grabs in prize money and incentives, fans of the sport can also watch the action live with the event being televised by SuperSport.

Boilerplate and Editor’s Notes.
More Info on President Nadeem Khan to attend Nedbank Runified Breaking Barriers 50km 
Twitter: https://twitter.com/harwoodpr
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/harwoodpromotions/

CLICK HERE to submit your press release to MyPR.co.za.

Press Release Views since 1 July 2022: 102

First Published here: https://mypr.co.za/president-nadeem-khan-to-attend-nedbank-runified-breaking-barriers-50km/ – MyPR is a free press release site distributing releases from well known brands, small business and artists to on and off line publications and social media.

Did You Know? Cradock was founded in 1813 on the banks of the Great Fish River to cater for the migratory farmers who settled in this ruggedly beautiful area with its excellent grazing, abundant water and healthy climate.

This word is for all those times you dislike or are so revolted by something that it actually makes you shudder.

This is what abhor literally means.

It derives from the Latin. ab – ‘away from’ and horrere ‘to shudder with fright’, which is also the basis of HORROR.

In William Shakespeare’s day abhor could also mean ‘to cause horror’.

There are three uses of the word, abhor in Othello:

1. “abhor the Moor” ~ Act 2 Scene 1 — A seaport in Cyprus.
2. “Sblood, but you will not hear me:— If ever I did dream of such a matter, Abhor me.” ~ Act 1 Scene 1 — Venice. A street.
3. “I cannot say “whore,”— It does abhor me now I speak the word; To do the act that might the addition earn Not the world’s mass of vanity could make me.” ~ Act 4 Scene 2 — Cyprus. A Room in the Castle.

This article is one in a series of articles on the Origins of English Words and Phrases. As a professional writer one has to have an extremely good command of the English Language in order to communicate decent marketing and SEO Strategies for clients.

If you want to engage Alan to write or consult for you then please CLICK HERE to LEARN MORE and ORDER your first DISCOUNTED Article.

“It does abhor me now I speak the word” (Othello)

Boilerplate and Editor’s Notes.
More Info on abhor here:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MyPE
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AlanStraton/

CLICK HERE to submit your press release to MyPR.co.za.

Press Release Views since 1 July 2022: 315

First Published here: https://mypr.co.za/abhor/ – MyPR is a free press release site distributing releases from well known brands, small business and artists to on and off line publications and social media.

Did You Know? Cradock was founded in 1813 on the banks of the Great Fish River to cater for the migratory farmers who settled in this ruggedly beautiful area with its excellent grazing, abundant water and healthy climate.

The original literal sense of absymal in the 17th century, was ‘very deep’ and people did not start using it to describe something utterly appalling, ‘the pits’, until the beginning of the 20th century.

The word is related to abyss, which is from the Greek abussos ‘bottomless’.

What is the real meaning of abysmal?

immeasurably low or wretched: extremely poor or bad. abysmal ignorance/poverty. abysmal living conditions. an abysmal performance. having immense or fathomless extension downward, backward, or inward.

Synonyms for abysmal: bottomless, boundless, complete, deep, endless, extreme, illimitable, incalculable.

Using abysmal in a sentence:

• They were living in abysmal ignorance/poverty.
• Abysmal (horrible) living conditions.
• The team had an abysmal (awful) record.
• Her grades were abysmal. (terrible)

This article is one in a series of articles on the Origins of English Words and Phrases. As a professional writer one has to have an extremely good command of the English Language in order to communicate decent marketing and SEO Strategies for clients.

If you want to engage Alan to write or consult for you then please CLICK HERE to LEARN MORE and ORDER your first DISCOUNTED Article.

Boilerplate and Editor’s Notes.
More Info on abysmal here:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MyPE
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AlanStraton/

CLICK HERE to submit your press release to MyPR.co.za.

Press Release Views since 1 July 2022: 1,322

First Published here: https://mypr.co.za/abysmal/ – MyPR is a free press release site distributing releases from well known brands, small business and artists to on and off line publications and social media.

Did You Know? Cradock was founded in 1813 on the banks of the Great Fish River to cater for the migratory farmers who settled in this ruggedly beautiful area with its excellent grazing, abundant water and healthy climate.

Let’s first warn sensitive readers that we will be using two South African swear words extensively in this article: Eskom and Loadshedding.

If you have a weak heart or are prone to uncontrolled bursts of anger when things go wrong then please move on and read gentler tomes such as War and Peace or watch a particularly violent World War movie…

“With the advent/promise of continued loadshedding by Eskom for the forseeable future, let’s just say it outright – the solution to an infrastructural problems normally takes at least as long as the problem has existed to fix – if ever,” says Straton Solar.

Our loadshedding crisis began in late 2007 when South Africa experienced rolling blackouts. Eskom, in early 2008, introduced load-shedding to “protect the integrity of the grid”. This, after in 2007, Eskom warned that, over the next five or six years, the system would be constrained and called for a collaborative effort from all stakeholders to minimise the likelihood of power interruptions.

And here we are 15 years later and the situation has become even more dire. So, we could conceivably expect to suffer this crisis for another 15 years whilst solutions are sought to end loadshedding.

Now in 2023 we are, on certain days, subject to three bouts of loadshedding in a 24 hour period and, if those occur in periods when Solar PV production is lowest – evening to early morning then the backup power that we have available struggles to keep up and stay charged.

“Effectively, we have moved from a situation where a solar installation could cope with a 2.5 kW Lion battery for those infrequent times we found ourselves without power, to a situation where a 5 kW Lion Battery is enough to cope. BUT if those dreaded three bouts of loadshedding increase a much higher battery storage capacity of around 10 kWh will be needed,” says Straton Solar. *

“Of course we have many clients who do NOT have to upgrade their systems – the ones with enough foresight to have installed 14 kW Powerwalls from Tesla,” says Straton.

In most municipalities the sweet spot installation was a 5K Inverter, a 2.5 kWh Lion Battery and 5 kW’s of Solar PV panels. Now the demand has gone one further and Straton Solar have developed a turnkey standard system price for a 5 kW inverter, a 5 kWh Lion Batteries and 5 kW of Solar Panels – hence the 5×5 Product Name.

Straton Solar are offering clients in the Nelson Mandela Bay area the complete supply and installation their 5×5 Package which consists of: a Sunsynk Sun 5.5k Hybrid inverter, Earth Neutral Bridge for AC Protection, 10 x Tier 1 545W PV Panels, all Aluminium Mounting Structure, PV String wiring, connectors including surge protection and earthing, Battery disconnect fuse switch, LFP Wall Mount Sunsynk Battery 5.32 kWh 51.2V, AC installation for single phase hybrid inverter including surge protection (3kW to 6kW), Certificate of Compliance and completion of smart meter application forms all for R172 467.93 including VAT (Terms and Conditions Apply). Payment Terms are 20% with order, 60% of the total on the day that equipment is delivered and the balance on completion. Standard warranties apply and remote access and monitoring is included. **

* Consider that the average household in South Africa consumes 960 kWh of electricity per month – that is equal to 1.33 units per hour (obviously more in the peak periods for cooking and washing and lighting and less in the day when no-one is at home). Should you be unlucky enough to be loadshed from 6 to 8:30 pm and again in the early hours of the morning from 6 to 8:30 am then those 5 hours could represent 6.66 units of electricity which, will drain a 5 kWh battery. So, if you need longer times with electricity you may need to add another 5.32 kWh LFP battery or just bite the bullet and install a Tesla Powerwall.

** The 5×5 Package is also available for smaller businesses who could secure a positive ROI on the system from Day 1 if they utilise Section 12B of the Income Tax which allows for a 100% depreciation allowance on any renewable energy installation from day of commissioning.

If you are in Cape Town and wishing to sell back into the grid then you will do well to consider doubling up on the size of your inverter and panels. The rule of thumb for almost zeroing your consumption account is that for every 900 units of on site electricity consumption you will need a 5K inverter and panels. Double that consumption will mean doubling the installation size and so on.

The 5×5 Sunsynk Solar Hybrid Package and Installation from Straton Solar. Photo: Straton Solar

Boilerplate and Editor’s Notes.
More Info on Ditch the 4×4 – THIS 5×5 is Much Cheaper and Has a Much Higher ROI here.
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MyPE
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StratonElectrical/

CLICK HERE to submit your press release to MyPR.co.za.

Press Release Views since 1 July 2022: 96

First Published here: https://mypr.co.za/ditch-the-4×4-this-solar-5×5-is-much-cheaper-and-has-a-much-higher-roi/ – MyPR is a free press release site distributing releases from well known brands, small business and artists to on and off line publications and social media.

Did You Know? Cradock was founded in 1813 on the banks of the Great Fish River to cater for the migratory farmers who settled in this ruggedly beautiful area with its excellent grazing, abundant water and healthy climate.

An academy today is a place of learning or culture.

It is fitting then that the word originated with one of the most influential scholars who ever lived, the Greek philosopher, Plato. During the 4th century BC he taught in a garden in the north western outskirts of Athens called the Akademia, which was named after an ancient hero called Akademos and gave its name to the school Plato founded, known in English as the Academy. See also PLATONIC.

Plato’s Academy marked a revolution in ancient Greek education and was the first institution of higher learning in the Western world. It also inspired the creation of Aristotle’s school, which, like the Academy, became a center for scientific research.

At the age of seventeen or eighteen, Aristotle went to study at Plato’s Academy in Athens, where he stayed for twenty years until Plato died in 347 BCE. The Academy trained students in mathematics and rhetoric.

An Academy Award is an OSCAR, It is a statuette awarded annually by the academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences of Hollywood since 1928 for achievement in various areas of the film industry.

What is the difference between an academy and a college?

In contrast to universities that provide many study programs for various sciences, academies only provide one study program or one branch of science based on their academic name. Academies only have vocational programs up to the Diploma level and does not provide any higher programs.

Common misspellings:

acdamy (0.3%), acaedmy (0.3%), acadamey (4.4%), acdemy (3.4%), adademy (0.6%), acadamy (47.8%), academey (1.4%), accademy (7.5%), accadamy (3.1%), acamdey (0.3%), acadmy (3.1%), corss (0.2%), acedamy (0.6%), acedemy (6.9%), academny (0.3%), acdademy (0.3%), acidamy (0.3%), acadmey (12.0%), acadimy (1.1%), academt (1.9%), acadey (0.3%), acadmeny (0.6%), acedmy (0.3%), acacemy (0.3%), achady (0.3%), acadamys (0.2%), academ (0.9%), academeny (0.3%), acadmecy (0.3%) and adacemy (0.6%).

This article is one in a series of articles on the Origins of English Words and Phrases. As a professional writer one has to have an extremely good command of the English Language in order to communicate decent marketing and SEO Strategies for clients.

If you want to engage Alan to write or consult for you then please CLICK HERE to LEARN MORE and ORDER your first DISCOUNTED Article.

Boilerplate and Editor’s Notes.
More Info on academy here:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MyPE
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AlanStraton/

CLICK HERE to submit your press release to MyPR.co.za.

Press Release Views since 1 July 2022: 1,070

First Published here: https://mypr.co.za/academy/ – MyPR is a free press release site distributing releases from well known brands, small business and artists to on and off line publications and social media.

Did You Know? Cradock was founded in 1813 on the banks of the Great Fish River to cater for the migratory farmers who settled in this ruggedly beautiful area with its excellent grazing, abundant water and healthy climate.

An ace was originally the side of a dice marked with one spot. The word comes from Latin as, meaning ‘unit’. Since an ace is the card with the highest value in many card games, the word often suggests a sense of excellence.

An ace was also a wartime fighter pilot who brought down many aircraft, and is now anyone who excels at something. In tennis an ace is a service that your opponent is unable to reach, and in golf it is a hole in one.

If you have an ace up your sleeve (or in American English – an ace in the hole) you have a secret resource ready to use when you need it. A cheating card player might well hide an ace up their sleeve to use at an opprtune moment. To hold all the aces is to hve all the advantages, again from the idea of a card game: a player holding all four aces in their hand is likely to be in a winning position.

A 1951 movie starring Kirk Douglas was titled Ace in The Hole – about a frustrated former big-city journalist now stuck working for an Albuquerque newspaper exploits a story about a man trapped in a cave to rekindle his career, but the situation quickly escalates into an out-of-control circus.

To be within an ace of doing something is to be in the verge of doing it. This comes from the idea of an ace being a single spot on a playing card and hence a tine amount.

In Australia, New Xealand and South Africa, to be on your ace is to be on your own.

This article is one in a series of articles on the Origins of English Words and Phrases. As a professional writer one has to have an extremely good command of the English Language in order to communicate decent marketing and SEO Strategies for clients.

If you want to engage Alan to write or consult for you then please CLICK HERE to LEARN MORE and ORDER your first DISCOUNTED Article.

Boilerplate and Editor’s Notes.
More Info on ace here:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MyPE
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AlanStraton/

CLICK HERE to submit your press release to MyPR.co.za.

Press Release Views since 1 July 2022: 751

First Published here: https://mypr.co.za/ace/ – MyPR is a free press release site distributing releases from well known brands, small business and artists to on and off line publications and social media.

Did You Know? Cradock was founded in 1813 on the banks of the Great Fish River to cater for the migratory farmers who settled in this ruggedly beautiful area with its excellent grazing, abundant water and healthy climate.

An accident was originally simply ‘an event or mishap’.

It came into English in the Middle Ages via Old French from Latin, ultimately derivind from the Latin caders, meaning ‘to fall’, which also gave us words such as cadaver, chance, decay, incident and occasion. The idea of an event ‘falling’ remains in the English word, befall. Later the meaning of accident evolved into ‘something that happens by chance’, as in the phrase ‘a happy accident’, and by the 17th century the modern meaning had become established in the language.

The full form of the proverb ‘accidents will happen’, which dates from the early 19th century, is ‘accidents will happen in the best-regulated families. According to Mr Micawber in Charle’s Dickens’ David Copperfield (1850), ‘Accidents will occur in the best-regulated families; and in families not regulated by… the influence of Wamon, in the lofty character of Wife, they must be expected with confidence, and must be borne with philosophy’. See also ADVENTURE.

Why is it called an accident? When we call something an “accident” it implies that no one is at fault and that no one, including the driver, bears responsibility for the outcome. The term “crash,” on the other hand, is more specific in terms of the action’s outcome without the unpreventable implication.

Deadliest aircraft accidents and incidents (Deaths: Date of Incident – Location):

583: 27 March 1977 – Tenerife airport disaster Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain
520: 12 August 1985 – Japan Air Lines Flight 123 Ueno, Japan
349: 12 November – 1996 Charkhi Dadri mid-air collision Charkhi Dadri, Haryana, India
346: 3 March 1974 – Turkish Airlines Flight 981 Fontaine-Chaalis, France
301: 19 August 1980 – Saudia Flight 163 Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
298: 17 July 2014 – Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 Hrabove, Ukraine
290: 3 July 1988 – Iran Air Flight 655 Bandar Abbas, Iran
275: 19 February 2003 – Ilyushin Il-76 crash Kerman, Iran
273: 25 May 1979 – American Airlines Flight 191 Des Plaines, Illinois, United States
269: 1 September 1983 – Korean Air Lines Flight 007 Sea of Japan, west of Sakhalin, Soviet Union
265: 12 November 2001 – American Airlines Flight 587 Queens, New York, United States

This article is one in a series of articles on the Origins of English Words and Phrases. As a professional writer one has to have an extremely good command of the English Language in order to communicate decent marketing and SEO Strategies for clients.

If you want to engage Alan to write or consult for you then please CLICK HERE to LEARN MORE and ORDER your first DISCOUNTED Article.

Boilerplate and Editor’s Notes.
More Info on accident here:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MyPE
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AlanStraton/

CLICK HERE to submit your press release to MyPR.co.za.

Press Release Views since 1 July 2022: 626

First Published here: https://mypr.co.za/accident/ – MyPR is a free press release site distributing releases from well known brands, small business and artists to on and off line publications and social media.

Did You Know? Cradock was founded in 1813 on the banks of the Great Fish River to cater for the migratory farmers who settled in this ruggedly beautiful area with its excellent grazing, abundant water and healthy climate.

The word ache is a good example of the way that English spelling and pronunciation have developedand in many case have diverged from eacj other.

This noun comes from Old English and used to be pronounced ‘aitch’ (like the letter H), whereas the verb was originally spelled ake and pronounced the way ache is today. Around 1700, though, people started pronouncing thenoun like the verb. It is the spelling of the noun that has survived, but the verb is said in the way the verb (ake) used to be.

The modern spelling is largely due to the lexicographer Dr Johnson who mistakenly assumed that the word came from Greek akhos ‘pain’.

Other pairs of words that have survived into modern Emglish with k-for-the-verb and ch-for-the-noun spellings include speak and speech and break and breach.

When can I say ache? An ache is discomfort that continues for some time. It is usually associated with a specific part of the body, such as a headache, a stomachache, a toothache, an earache. After you exercise, the next day your muscles will probably ache.

Synonyms for ache: anguish, misery, pang, soreness, spasm, twinge, hurt, pounding.

Is pain and ache the same thing? Unlike pain, ache can be used in the progressive form. For example: My back is really aching. I wish my leg would stop hurting, it really aches.

This article is one in a series of articles on the Origins of English Words and Phrases. As a professional writer one has to have an extremely good command of the English Language in order to communicate decent marketing and SEO Strategies for clients.

If you want to engage Alan to write or consult for you then please CLICK HERE to LEARN MORE and ORDER your first DISCOUNTED Article.

Boilerplate and Editor’s Notes.
More Info on ache here:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MyPE
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AlanStraton/

CLICK HERE to submit your press release to MyPR.co.za.

Press Release Views since 1 July 2022: 304

First Published here: https://mypr.co.za/ache/ – MyPR is a free press release site distributing releases from well known brands, small business and artists to on and off line publications and social media.

Did You Know? Cradock was founded in 1813 on the banks of the Great Fish River to cater for the migratory farmers who settled in this ruggedly beautiful area with its excellent grazing, abundant water and healthy climate.

The word acid originally meant ‘sour-tasting’, and came from Latin acidus. The term seems to have been introduced by the 17th-century scientist Francis Bacon, who in 1626, for example, described sorrel as a ‘cold and acid herb’. The chemical sense came along at the end of that century because most common acids taste sour.

The acid test was originally a method of testing for gold using nitric acid. An object made of gold will show no signs of corrosion if imersed in nitric acid, unlike one made of some other metal. By the end of the 19th century the expression had come to denote any situation that proves beyond douby a person’s or thing’s suitability or quality.

Acid Test can also refer to financials – The acid-test, or quick ratio, compares a company’s most short-term assets to its most short-term liabilities to see if a company has enough cash to pay its immediate liabilities, such as short-term debt. The acid-test ratio disregards current assets that are difficult to liquidate quickly such as inventory.

The Australian and New Zealand expression put the acid on, meaning ‘to extract a loan or favour from’, is a reference to such a test – the would-be borrower is seen as ‘testing’ their victim for resistance or weakness.

An acid is a chemical that gives off hydrogen ions in water and forms salts by combining with certain metals. Acids have a sour taste and turn certain dyes red. Some acids made by the body, such as gastric acid, can help organs work the way they should. An example of an acid is hydrochloric acid.

This article is one in a series of articles on the Origins of English Words and Phrases. As a professional writer one has to have an extremely good command of the English Language in order to communicate decent marketing and SEO Strategies for clients.

If you want to engage Alan to write or consult for you then please CLICK HERE to LEARN MORE and ORDER your first DISCOUNTED Article.

Boilerplate and Editor’s Notes.
More Info on acid here:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MyPE
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AlanStraton/

CLICK HERE to submit your press release to MyPR.co.za.

Press Release Views since 1 July 2022: 139

First Published here: https://mypr.co.za/acid/ – MyPR is a free press release site distributing releases from well known brands, small business and artists to on and off line publications and social media.

Did You Know? Cradock was founded in 1813 on the banks of the Great Fish River to cater for the migratory farmers who settled in this ruggedly beautiful area with its excellent grazing, abundant water and healthy climate.