JULY 2014

USA Edition

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

JULY / 2014

CONTENTS@ Feature 6 Green Card through a Family member

@ Afrikaans10 Agent 2000

@ What's so Funny ?10 Croc Boots

@ Book Review19 The Art of Losing

@ Entertainment Guide20 Visit Top Wineries and Breweries

@ Super Saffas24 Zola Budd Pieterse

@ Arts & Crafts28 How to draw with charcoal

@ Food & Drink30 Sosaties the South African Way @ Recruitment35 Build your Skills-Transform your Build your Skills-Transform your career career

@ Photography41 Hosted by Howard Pugh

@ Travel 54 Fort Myers and Sanibel Beaches

@ Motoring56 UTAH Grand Prix

Hi there expats!

Since you are all probably very busy enjoying this beautiful summer weather, I wanted to keep my letter to you short and sweet this month.

As South Africans, we all love a good braai, so I figured I would share a little website that I have recently discovered. It is called SAbraaitime.com and what a gem it is! Yes, they sell some spices and seasonings, a little chutney here and there, but that is not why I love this site. My favorite part is the recipes! They have some of the most divine braai and meaty recipes that I have ever encountered, and they are so creative!

So, if you are having some friends over for a good old SA style braai this month, go visit this website and try out some of these delicious recipes, they are sure to be a crowd pleaser! http://www.sabraaitime.com/recipe.php Other than that, I want to encourage everyone to keep sending in articles and advertising your businesses, we love seeing and hearing about what you are all doing, so don't stop!

XOXOJanie Raubenheimer

24 10 30

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SLICEDSLICEDBILTONGBILTONG

1LB1LB$14.00$14.00

http://angusbiltong.com/http://angusbiltong.com/

Our business model strives to make biltong and droëwors available to all at a Our business model strives to make biltong and droëwors available to all at a price everyone can afford. We use only top quality Choice Grade Angus beef to price everyone can afford. We use only top quality Choice Grade Angus beef to ensure we have a quality product.ensure we have a quality product.

Our shipping is simple, 1-2 lb is $2.50, 3-9 lb is $5.00 and 10 lb and up is free Our shipping is simple, 1-2 lb is $2.50, 3-9 lb is $5.00 and 10 lb and up is free shipping.shipping.

All our payments (including Credit and Debit cards) are handled by paypal and All our payments (including Credit and Debit cards) are handled by paypal and are 100% secure. are 100% secure.

GREEN CARD - FAMILY BASED APPLICATIONS Information OverviewA lawful permanent resident is a foreign national who has been granted the privilege of permanently living and working in the United States. If you want to become a lawful permanent resident based on the fact that you have a relative who is a citizen of the United States or a relative who is a lawful permanent resident, you must go through a multi-step process. First, the USCIS must approve an immigrant visa petition, I-130 Petition for Alien Relative for you. This petition is filed by your relative (sponsor) and must be accompanied by proof of your relationship to the requesting relative. Second, the Department of State must determine if an immigrant visa number is immediately available to you, the foreign national, even if you are already in the United States. When an immigrant visa number becomes immediately available to you, it means that you can apply to have one of the immigrant visa numbers assigned to you. You can check the status of a visa number in the Department of State's Visa Bulletin. Third, if you are already in the United States, you may apply to change your status to that of a lawful permanent resident after a visa number becomes available for you. This is one way you can apply to secure an immigrant visa number. Click here for application procedures for becoming a lawful permanent resident while in the United States. If you are outside the United States when an immigrant visa number becomes available for you, you must then go to the U.S. consulate servicing the area in which you reside to complete your processing. This is the other way in which you can apply to secure an immigrant visa number.

ELIGIBILITY To be eligible to sponsor a relative to immigrate to the United States you must meet the following criteria: You must be a citizen or a lawful permanent resident of the United States and be able to provide documentation proving your status. You must prove that you can support your relative at 125% above the mandated poverty line. If you are a US Citizen you may petition for the following foreign national relatives to immigrate to the United States; however you must be able to provide proof of the relationships:

* Husband or wife; * Unmarried child under 21 years old; * Unmarried son or daughter over 21; * Married son or daughter of any age; * Brother or sister, if you are at least 21 years old; or * Parent, if you are at least 21 years old. If you are a lawful permanent resident you may petition for the following foreign national relatives to immigrate to the United States; however you must be able to provide proof of the relationships: * Husband or wife; or* Unmarried son or daughter of any age. To be eligible for lawful permanent residence based on a family relationship you must meet the following criteria: * You must have a relative who is a United States citizen or a lawful permanent resident of the United States who can provide documentation proving their status and is willing to sponsor you for lawful permanent residency by filing the I -130, Petition for Alien Relative. * Your relative must prove they can support you by providing documentation that their income is 125% above the mandated poverty line for their family, including you and all other sponsored family members. Click here to find out more information about meeting this criteria and filing the Affidavit of Support. If your relative is a US Citizen and they can legally prove you share one of the following relationships, you may be eligible for lawful permanent residency, please see below for preference category information. * Husband or wife;* child under 21 years old;* Unmarried son or daughter over 21;* Married son or daughter of any age;* Brother or sister if you are at least 21 years old; or* Parents if you are at least 21 years old. If your relative is a lawful permanent resident and they can legally prove you share one of the following relationships, you may be eligible for lawful permanent residence, please see below for preference category information: * Husband or wife; or * Unmarried son or daughter of any age.

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OORWEGING

ee’s was oñs te swa’ttoe’s oñs te witissie dat o’s oppie draad kon sitoñs is sam julle gelak

hie teen’i bergof daar innie vlaktesorals word ok ons getergmerrie selle blerrie aktes

my broe’…hoe cheap is 70 X 7? ‘cause daai wiet ek ‘ie ekke wiet net vergietis much more expensive

-as ek dan moet compromise- as vergiewe

OORWEGINGOORWEGING

ee’s was oñs te swa’tee’s was oñs te swa’ttoe’s oñs te wittoe’s oñs te witissie dat o’s oppie draad kon sitissie dat o’s oppie draad kon sitoñs is sam julle gelakoñs is sam julle gelak

hie teen’i berghie teen’i bergof daar innie vlaktesof daar innie vlaktesorals word ok ons getergorals word ok ons getergmerrie selle blerrie aktesmerrie selle blerrie aktes

my broe’…my broe’…hoe cheap is 70 X 7?hoe cheap is 70 X 7? ‘ ‘cause daai wiet ek ‘iecause daai wiet ek ‘ie ekke wiet netekke wiet net vergietvergietis much more expensiveis much more expensive

-as ek dan moet -as ek dan moet compromise-compromise- as vergieweas vergiewe

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Van der Merwe went to Australia on vacation. One day he was sitting in one of the Outback pubs in the North-West of WA drinking Emu Export. As he finished his third, Crocodile Dundee came and sat next to him at the bar. Being a skeptical person by nature, Van stared at this guy from head to toe, and at the toe his eyes got stuck. He looked up at Dundee and said:"Hey, lekker boots my bra. What kind is these, huh??" Croc Dundee: "Hey mate, they're crocboots" Van: "They don't look broken to me man!" Croc Dundee: "They're crocodile boots,drongo!" Van: "Oh! Where can I get some?" Croc Dundee: "You just go down to the river and get yourself a crocodile, mate, and then you got some boots!" Van thought this was a great idea so he finished his beer and strolled down to the river. Without hesitation he walked into the river about waist height and started hitting the water with the flat of his hand. Meanwhile,back at the pub the guys were all standing at the verandah watching this spectacle. About 5 minutes passed when a crocodile floating nearby responded to Van's racket. As he approached, Van turned around and leaped at the crocodile, literally attacking him. The others on the porch couldn't believe what they were seeing. An hour had passed when Van finally grabbed the crocodile in a typical "boere" death grip and dragged him out onto the riverbank.Before letting go, Van gave the poor croc another couple of punches on the nose. The croc was out like a candle. Van was soaked in blood, more of the croc's than his own, but none-the-less, he was still hurt badly. Van laid the croc down and with an enormous effort he managed to roll the croc over. He stared down at the croc for what seemed to be ages, before finally looking up at the very surprised crowd on the porch, and said: "Just my luck, a crocodile without boots!"

Croc BootsCroc Boots

https://www.facebook.com/events/246790538844764/

The Art of Losing Why the Proteas Choke at the Cricket World Cup.

How is it possible that the Proteas have never won a single knockout match at a World Cup? Are our cricketers unable to think on their feet? Is it fair to call them ‘chokers’? What can be done to win at last?

Since South Africa’s readmission to world cricket in 1991, the Proteas have played in six World Cups (and four World T20 tournaments) and have been knocked out in all of them. The reasons range from the weather and misreading the Duckworth–Lewis table to being outwitted on the field itself. In the most recent tournaments, though, they have shown a scandalous lack of nerve in the pressure-cooker of international knockout cricket.

Drawing from interviews with the major protagonists and behind-the-scenes officials, The Art of Losing recreates the drama of these matches. With fresh anecdotes, stories and insights, it also attempts to explain why World Cup failure has become a habit. Does the problem lie with coaching, with communication issues, or with a lack of independent thinking among the players? Is it the product of a pampered professional environment, or of the South African schooling system?

The Art of Losing will ruffle feathers but will also attempt to explain the ‘choker’ tag that has become so widespread. Is it fair? The Proteas, after all, win a high proportion of their one-day matches and have some of the best cricketers in the world. Why, then, do they invariably fail to clear that final hurdle?

About Luke Alfred

BiographyLuke Alfred was a sports journalist for 18 years, and was the sports editor and senior cricket writer at the Sunday Times in Johannesburg. He now works as a media consultant at Cricket South Africa. He is the author of two previous cricket books: Lifting the Covers: The Inside Story of SA Cricket and Testing Times: The Men Who Made South African Cricket. He is married and has three sons.

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Visit Top Wineries and Breweries

Pride Mountain Vineyards

People immediately understand why the winery estate was previously named "Summit Ranch."

The twisting twenty-minute drive west from St. Helena, or east from Santa Rosa, rewards visitors with a stunning view of rugged Mount St. Helena to the northeast and verdant vineyards rising skyward in all directions.

Pride Mountain Vineyards is a 235-acre estate with a wooden-beamed, modest-sized winery that blends smoothly into its mountainous surroundings and California heritage. The charming and unpretentious tasting room offers guests the opportunity to sample the latest vintages while chatting with the gracious and knowledgeable staff. County regulations require that visitors hold a prior appointment.

Those joining the Pride Mountain crew for a morning tour can also enjoy the property's other unique features. Beside the winery, the crush pad is bisected by a brick inlay that defines the Napa/Sonoma County line. Walking into the caves, the temperature drops to the high 50s, humidity rises, and the visitor is greeted with the heady aromas of wine and oak. Over 23,000 square feet of subterranean storage winds naturally under the hillside, opening out onto a terrace overlooking the vineyards and the scenic northern Napa Valley.

Back into the bright sun, then down a single lane road, the ruin of the original Summit Ranch winery, built in 1890, looms through the fir and oak trees. The four walls are now silent, but provide a peaceful spot for a post-tasting picnic. http://www.pridewines.com/http://www.pridewines.com/

Sannino Bella Vita Vineyard is located in Peconic, NY on the North Fork. Our tasting barn is in an historic barn circa 1900's. This casual and rustic setting is a great place to start your wine appreciation. Through education and our hands on approach, is what makes our winery a perfect spot to enjoy on the wine trail. We have many Estate wines to choose from Merlot, Cabernet Franc, White Merlot, and Chardonnay.

http://sanninovineyard.com/http://sanninovineyard.com/

Wollersheim Winery

In 1972, Robert and JoAnn Wollersheim purchased the winery farm property from Peter Kehl’s great grandson with the intention of restoring it to a working family winery. The hillside slopes were again planted with vineyards, the underground wine cellars were refurnished with oak barrels, and the main floor of one of the buildings was converted into a store to make Wollersheim wine available for visitors.

Philippe Coquard came to the winery from the Beaujolais region of France on an agricultural exchange program in 1984. Coming from a long family history of making wine and with degrees in winemaking, viticulture and wine marketing, he was a natural fit as Wollersheim’s winemaker. The family legacy lives on in Philippe and his wife Julie, Bob and JoAnn’s oldest daughter, who now run the winery.

http://www.wollersheim.com/http://www.wollersheim.com/

Rogue is a small revolution, which expresses itself through handcrafted Ales, Porters, Stouts, Lagers and Spirits, and this is the way we conduct our business. The spirit of the Rogue brand, even the name, suggests doing things differently, a desire and a willingness to change the status quo. A Rogue Ale, Porter, Stout, Lager or Spirit is crafted to give it unique character, innovative in its makeup and brewing, a process that has not compromised quality. We believe if a Rogue Ale, Porter, Stout, Lager or Spirit cannot be all of these things, it should not be made at all. http://www.rogue.com/http://www.rogue.com/

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Every Labor Day weekend there is a big stirring amongst South Africans in Texas… well… to be honest, it’s much wider than Texas… it’s all over the United States, and in some cases even around the world! Why?

It’s the annual Texas Potjie Festival!http://texaspotjie.com/upcoming-potjie-festival

Zola Pieterse (born Zola Budd, 26 May 1966 in Bloemfontein, Orange Free State, South Africa) competed at the 1984 Olympic games for Great Britain, and in 1992 for South Africa in the women's 3000 metres. In less than three years she twice broke the world record in the women's 5000 metres and twice was the women's winner at the World Cross Country Championships. Budd's career was unusual in that she mainly trained and raced barefoot. Since 2008 she is living in South Carolina with her family, competing at marathons and ultra marathons. She volunteers as assistant coach at Coastal Carolina University in Conway.

Budd achieved fame in 1984, at the age of 17, when she broke the women's 5000 m world record with a time of 15:01.83. Since her performance took place in South Africa, then excluded from international athletics competition because of its apartheid policy, the International Amateur Athletics Federation (IAAF) refused to ratify Budd's time as an official world record.

In 1985 she claimed the world record officially while representing Great Britain, clocking 14:48.07.

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How to Draw with Charcoal

Basic Materials Required for Charcoal Drawing

Even though drawing with charcoal as a medium is comparatively easy, it is advisable to start with a medium-sized charcoal stick if you are a beginner. Following are some of the supplies you

• PaperIt is advisable to select thick paper, as it will not tear when you try to erase or rub anything you have drawn. It is also a good idea to select paper with a grainy texture, as it gives a more striking, but subtle feel to your drawing. It is also easier to shade your drawing on grainy paper.

• Vine CharcoalIt is created by burning sticks of wood (usually willow) into soft, medium, and hard consistencies. This variety is uncompressed and is easy to erase.

• Powdered CharcoalAs the name suggests, this is charcoal in a pulverized form. It is often used to cover or tone large sections of a paper.

• Compressed CharcoalThis type comes in the form of pencils in which the charcoal is blended with small amounts of gum binder, which makes it hard to erase or smudge. The amount of binder determines the hardness of the charcoal.

• Gum/White EraserThese erasers are hard and rigid. They are used to erase the charcoal and reveal the striking white highlights in paintings.

• Kneaded ErasersThese are very soft erasers, and you can knead them into any shape you want. These are used for creating subtle highlights in your drawing.

• Blending StumpsThese are used to smudge or blend the charcoal and create shading effects. They are made up of tightly wrapped paper. Alternatively, you can also use your fingers or paper towels to smudge and create shading.

• FixativeA fixative is a liquid that you can lightly spray on your finished drawing. This helps you to preserve your drawing and prevent smearing.

Now that you know what all materials you will need for drawing with charcoal, let us look at the steps for drawing some simple shapes with this material.

Drawing Flowers with Charcoal

http://www.buzzle.com/articles/charcoal-drawing-techniques-how-to-draw-with-charcoal.html

Start by drawing the basic circular outlines of the petals and center of the flower with a graphite pencil. Divide the circles into four quadrants.

Sketch the center of the flower with charcoal sticks.

Fill in the petals one quadrant at a time. Do not fill in any details. This is what your basic sketch will look like when all the quadrants are filled with petals.

Roughly shade inside the flower and its surroundings using soft charcoal. If the petals get smudged in this process, retrace them with the charcoal stick.

Smooth out the background using a blending stump or your finger.

Smooth out the flower as well. Make sure that there is no loose charcoal on the surface of the paper.

Shade the seed section of the flower. Use your finger or a blending stump to smooth it out. You can also use an eraser to create highlights.

Define the petals by shading the background in dark tones, and shading the petals in soft tones. Use an eraser and a blending stump to create highlights and smooth out the drawing, respectively.

Highlight each and every petal in this way, one quadrant at a time, until you have completely defined the entire flower.

Now, define the seeds by erasing the highlights in the seed sections.

Use a white charcoal stick to roughly shade in the petals.

Detail all the petals one by one in a clockwise manner, one quarter at a time.

Add some finishing details.

byby Andrew Colomb Andrew Colomb byby Andrew Colomb Andrew Colomb

Ingredients:

1kg lamb cut into 1" pieces500g pork cut into ½" cubes1 garlic clove, peeledSalt, pepper4 tbsp oil1 cup onions, chopped1 tbsp curry powder1 clove garlic, minced2 tbsp sugar1 tbsp tamarind paste2 cups white vinegar2 tbsp apricot jam2 tbsp cornstarch dissolved in2 tbsp red wine½ pound dried apricots½ cup dry sherry

1. Place the lamb and pork pieces in a large bowl that has been rubbed with the clove of garlic.2. Season with salt and pepper, and toss.3. In a saucepan, heat the oil. Add the onions and sautè for 5-6 minutes, then add the curry powder and garlic.4. Sautè for another minute. Add the sugar, tamarind paste, vinegar, and jam and stir well.5. Stir the cornstarch mixture and add it to the onions, and cook, stirring constantly, until it thickens.6. This should take about 3 minutes. Cool, then add to the meat and toss well. Marinate for 2-3 days.7. One day before preparing the sosaties, combine the dried apricots and sherry in a small bowl, cover, and let sit overnight in the refrigerator.8. Drain meat from sauce and reserve. Thread lamb, pork, and apricots on skewers.9. Grill over charcoal until browned on all sides. Serve with heated marinating sauce.

Sosaties - kebabs with a unique South African flavour!

Rooibos Tea with Orange and Honey Syrup

Mix this syrup with rooibos tea to make a deliciously refreshing ice tea.

250 ml honey 125 ml fresh orange juice 125 ml water 10 ml finely grated orange rind 30 ml orange liqueur (optional)

Preparation: Bring the honey, orange juice, water and orange rind to the boil. Simmer slowly for about 20 minutes or until the mixture has reduced to about 1 ½ cups (375 ml) Stir in the liqueur and allow to cool. Stir the syrup into 4 liters hot rooibos tea and chill. Serve with ice cubes and lemon or orange slices.

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Are you an oversees professional living and working in the United States? Learn how to get ahead and get paid more Working in America.

So you decided to come to the United States to find a better life?* Are you working endless hours for a small paycheck?* Have you been putting in long hours while sacrificing time with family and friends?* Not getting noticed for the promotion you want?

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Register for Government ContractingRegister for Government ContractingFederal, state and local governments offer businesses the opportunity to sell billions of dollars worth of products and services. Many government agencies require that some percentage of their procurements be set aside for small businesses. Once you have classified your company based on the established size standards, you are ready to begin registering to do business with the government. Follow these easy steps to certify your business as small and obtain the registrations you need to begin bidding on government proposals.

Steps to Registering as a Federal Contractor & Certifying Your Business as Small

1. Obtain a D-U-N-S Number

You will need to obtain a Dun & Bradstreet D-U-N-S® Number. This is a unique nine-digit identification number for each physical location of your business. The assignment of a D-U-N-S Number is free for all businesses required to register with the federal government for contracts or grants.

2. Register your Business with the System of Award Management (SAM)

You need to register your business with the federal government's SAM, the primary database of vendors doing business with the federal government. This registration is sometimes referred to as "self-certifying" your small business. Federal Acquisitions Regulations (FAR) require all prospective vendors to be registered in SAM prior to the award of a contract, basic agreement, basic ordering agreement, or blanket purchase agreement. Using SAM you will be able to register your business size and socio-economic status while completing the required solicitation clauses and certification. By completing your required solicitation clauses and certifications you certify that the information provided about your company and its business activities are correct.SAM is also a marketing tool for businesses. SAM allows Government agencies and contractors to search for your company based on your ability, size, location, experience, ownership and more. SAM also informs searchers of firms certified by the SBA under the 8(a) Development and HUBZone Programs.

3. Find the NAICS Codes for Your Company

You may also find that you need a North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for administrative, contracting and tax purposes. The code classifies the economic sector, industry and country of your business. For Federal contracting purposes, you will need to identify in SAM all the NAICS codes (industries) applicable to your business.

4. Obtain Past Performance Evaluations

Businesses interested in getting on the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) Schedule for contracts should obtain an Open Ratings, Inc. Past Performance Evaluation. Open Ratings, a Dun & Bradstreet Company, conducts an independent audit of customer references and calculates a rating based upon a statistical analysis of various performance data and survey responses. While some GSA Schedule solicitations contain the form to request an Open Ratings Past Performance Evaluation, vendors may also submit an online request directly to Open Ratings.For more information visit:http://www.sba.gov/content/register-government-contracting

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

“

EVERY 'SILVER LINING' HAS A CREATIVE CLOUD AND D90 TO THANK

Hi ! I am Howard Pugh, a professional freelance exhibition print, events, and coffee table book photographer.

Please have a look at my website for the photographs and books I have captured with my Nikon D90 DSLR camera: http://www.mylimitededition.biz

I have made a living from studying the history of photographic images and making many mistakes :) I am much more a creative than a technician and I have been asked to write these monthly photography blogs to show readers how you do NOT need 'loadsa' money to capture creative, professional photographs ... and make a living from them.

A US$600 second hand Nikon D90 is as reliable and as likely to produce professional results as a US$5000 DSLR camera ... with a bit of help from Adobe Creative Cloud Photo Shop.

The Nikon D90 is Nikon back to the future. If an idiot like I can work it, then this is a camera that allows you through it's innovations to think less technically and create more professionally :) I prefer it to the new and old 35mm cameras on the market that cost so much more. It handles better and it makes movies, too, although limited in motion picture zoom capabilities.

My images in this article are taken with the D90 and enhanced with Adobe Photo Shop Creative Cloud. The more I use the Nikon D90, the more I like it. The D90 offers affordable, greater image quality with a sharp 3" LCD. The D90 menu helps you get to where you need to be faster and easier.

What photography enthusiasts need to realize is; a GOOD PICTURE comes from an expensive camera; but a GREAT PICTURE comes from being in the right place at the right time. Timing, practice and constant use of the camera is where the great photographs are taken.

The image “South Bank Summer Explosion” is a result of my photographing from dawn til dusk, using the camera like an athlete would to warm up their muscles, and once warmed up, your reflexes and 'eye' for shapes, colors, textures, tones and that one split second moment when everything happens at once are at your disposal. You will see 'that' shot, or, at least feel you have captured something special. Nikon and Adobe 'Creative Cloud' make this image even more possible:

Photo Image:South Bank Summer Explosion" Copyright 2014 Howard Pugh

Try photographing everything around you using a zoom lens. Sometimes the most mundane composition turns out to be special. On other occasions like the image below, I saw the black water and the blue sky reflected in patches on it's surface. I thought "wow" ... the white swan against the blue-black reflective water ! What you couldn't see were the kids running around me annoying the swan. I become oblivious to the kids. Relax. Steady your grip and pick your focus.

Often overlooked ... every picture has a focus point. In this case it was obviously the swan, although the water and reflection played a big part. I needed to move into a position where focus included the swan and the water reflections. Choice of focus point makes a photo a 'technical waste of time' or a 'worthwhile creative memory'. In this case the swan got so angry with the annoying kids it threw me a look that said "now or never" and the rest is history ... recorded beautifully by the Nikon D90, enhanced equally by Adobe Creative Cloud.

My final thought and photograph for this month is that of a vintage sports car hill climb. I picked this event in Wiscombe Park, South Devon for the nostalgia and history that surrounds it's subjects. So much effort and history goes in to the building of the track and cars, and the racing of these machines that it is important to show the car off to its best against a backdrop that further complements the romance of the race and it's era.

As the Nikon D90 is not the fastest of cameras to capture sport and fast moving cars I will be discussing the advantages of pre-planning your sports photography in unison with what can realistically be achieved using Adobe Creative Cloud Photo Shop in my next blog. The picture of the red Alpha Romeo is not all it seems ... it takes two to tango and a bit of pre-planning to enable vintage speed car racing and cornering to be captured in detail.

Photo Image: "Make it GOOD make it RED" - Copyright 2014 Howard Pugh

Photo Image "Black Lake - White Swan" - Copyright 2014 Howard Pugh

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Synek Draft DispenserSynek Draft DispenserSynek lets you serve fresh beer in a compact package. It uses vacuum-sealed 1-gallon bags and an adapter to transfer beer from a keg or a tap. You can switch bags out of the dispenser and store them for up to 30 days.

Braven BRV-BANKBraven BRV-BANKIf the Terminator had a backup battery, it would be this one. This 6,000mAh battery can charge two gadgets at once, is IPX 5 weatherproof and shockproof, and its level can be checked from your smartphone. It even comes with a flashlight.

Beer Slushie MakerBeer Slushie MakerWhat’s better than a creamy head on your beer? A beer slushie, that’s what. Kirin Ichiban’s machine turns beer into a slushie that you can then use to top off a glass of beer, helping it stay cool for up to 30 minutes longer.

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Know your Colours !Know your Colours !

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Diabetes: the facts

Diabetes is a long-term condition that affects the body’s ability to process sugar or glucose. It can have serious health consequences. However, with careful management, people with diabetes can continue to lead full, healthy and active lives.People with diabetes are unable to stop the level of glucose in their blood from getting too high. This is because a hormone called insulin is either absent from their body, or not working properly.Glucose is found in starchy foods, such as pasta, rice, bread and potatoes, as well as in fruit and sweet foods. When we eat food that contains glucose, insulin helps to move it from our blood into our cells, where it's broken down to produce energy. In people with diabetes, when the body doesn’t make enough insulin, or the insulin doesn’t work properly, that process is interrupted and glucose builds up in the blood. This is what causes the damaging symptoms of the condition.

Types of diabetes

There are two main types of diabetes:Type 1 diabetes: in this type, the body can't produce any insulin. This type of diabetes usually occurs before the age of 40, and accounts for only around 10% of all cases. It's the most common form of childhood diabetes.Type 2 diabetes: this is where the body doesn't make enough insulin, or where thebody becomes resistant to insulin so that it doesn't work properly. It's the most common form of diabetes, accounting for around 90% of cases. It's frequently linked with being overweight.

Both forms of diabetes are life-long conditions that have serious potential consequences. Left untreated, diabetes can lead to heart disease, stroke, nerve damage and blindness.However, if treated effectively, people with diabetes can reduce the risk of those complications and also reduce the day-to-day symptoms. Many people with diabetes lead lives as healthy and active as those without the condition.

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Symptoms of diabetes

The symptoms of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes include:* Increased thirst* drinking a lot of fluids* passing a lot of urine* being tired for no reason* weight loss* genital itching or repeated bouts of thrush* slow healing of wounds* blurred visionIn type 1 diabetes, symptoms typically develop over a few weeks and quickly become very obvious. Learn more by reading type 1 diabetes – symptoms.In type 2 diabetes, symptoms can develop more slowly, over a period of months. Some people with type 2 diabetes have very mild symptoms, which they believe have other causes. A few people may have no symptoms at all.

Treatment for diabetes

The aim of any diabetes treatment is to keep blood sugar levels as normal as possible.People with diabetes need to develop an understanding of how food and physical activity affect their blood glucose level. As people with type 1 diabetes can't produce any insulin, they must put insulin into their bodies regularly for the rest of their lives. The most common way to do this is with daily insulin injections. People with type 1 diabetes can be taught to inject themselves. Alternatively, some people with type 1 diabetes use an insulin pump. This is a device about the size of a pack of cards, which sends insulin into the body through a thin tube. Learn more in type 1 diabetes – treatment.In type 2 diabetes, changing to a healthier diet and lifestyle can often control the condition without the need for further treatment. You can learn more about achieving a healthy weight in our lose weight section. There is also advice on a healthy diet in our food and diet section.However, most people with type 2 diabetes will eventually need to take tablets, and some will need insulin injections. You can learn more in type 2 diabetes – treatment.People with diabetes may also take medication to reduce the risk of health complications. For example, many take pills to reduce blood pressure and some take statins to reduce their cholesterol, or low doses of aspirin to help prevent stroke.

http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/Diabetes/Pages/Diabetesthefacts.aspxhttp://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/Diabetes/Pages/Diabetesthefacts.aspx

Find your island on The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel

Think Southwest Florida, and imagine blue skies and warm Gulf waters. Think sunshine, white-sand beaches and uninhabited islands. Think of days spent spotting dolphins and searching for shells. Imagine evenings spent enjoying delicious seafood and watching sunsets.

Find your beach closer than you think.

Find your island a few hours from Miami, Orlando or Key West. Discover the perfect uninhabited white-sand beaches. No high rises. No crowds. Paddle beside manatees and dolphins. Enjoy the world’s best shelling on Captiva and Sanibel Islands. Sink into a sunset. The beach of your dreams is here.

Find your piece of nature.

Hundreds of uninhabited islands dot our sun-splashed coastline. Most of them are accessible only by boat or seaplane, and all provide sanctuary to wildlife. Watch dolphins play in the wake of your boat. Paddle inches from manatees bobbing throughout the Great Calusa Blueway. Spot roseate spoonbills and more than 400 other species of birds in the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge, the largest undeveloped mangrove ecosystem in the U.S. Find your island, naturally, on The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel.

Find your wild side.

Robert Rauschenberg found artistic inspiration on Captiva Island. Anne Morrow Lindbergh penned “Gift From the Sea” on the same shores. The brilliant minds of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford enjoyed their visits so much that they put down roots here. Their estates, filled with tropical gardens, laboratories and museums, prove that the only limit to success is one’s imagination.

Only one question remains: Where to stay? To experience Florida’s most natural islands and beaches, choose from accommodations ranging from hotels and cottages to villas and private homes. Visit FortMyers-Sanibel.com to start planning your vacation today and get a free Lonely Planet guidebook.

Fort Myers Beach

Exotics and Stock Cars Rip it UpFriday, Saturday and Sunday, September 12 - 14

Aston Martins, Audis, Lamborghinis, McLarens, Ferraris, Porsches and Corvettes will rip up the racetrack as the Pirelli World Challenge Championships return to Miller Motorsports Park for the Utah Grand Prix, along with the thundering stock cars of the NASCAR K&N Pro Series West, on September 13th. The Pirelli GT3 Cup Porsches roar onto the asphalt on September 14th.

NASCAR’s stars of tomorrow and their ground-pounding stock cars will be joined by some of the world’s most sophisticated and exotic production-based sports cars on America’s finest road racing circuit. Family-fun activities include driver autograph sessions and karting at the Miller Kart Track.

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Sturgis Motorcycle Rally and Races will be held on August 4-10, 2014 in Sturgis, South Dakota (SD) The Buffalo Chip, Full Throttle Saloon, and Black Hills add to the excitement of this years 71st annual Sturgis Rally and Races. Join so many thousands of other Motorcyclists and Enthusiasts coming from around the world to enjoy Sturgis. There will be Live Entertainment with so many Bands performing each day, Rides, Bike Builders, Fighting, Races, and so much more. This is a Rally unlike any others, and that’s what makes it so wonderful and well-known.

With beautiful scenic drives through the Black Hills, attractions like Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse, Hill City, Custer Park, wild buffalo herds, and Deadwood help lure riders to some of the most dramatic motorcycle riding in the world. For those interested in traveling a bit further, attractions like Devils Tower and the Badlands add to the areas attraction.The Sturgis Rally has not only some of the best riding in the world, but it also has built some of the most interesting traditions in the motorcycle world. Famous venues like the Buffalo Chip, Glencoe Campgrounds, the Full Throttle Saloon, and Main Street are must stops on the Sturgis tour. Riders gather together with old friends and celebrate with fellowship of other enthusiasts.

Some exciting events are lined up for this year like the Five 13 Band, Wall of Death, Saloon Girls Bike Wash, Blind Lion Band, Burn-out Contests, Dog Leg Preacher Band, Iron Cowgirl Band, Midget Bowling, and Fire Dancers. That's just to name a few!

Each year at the rally, Harley-Davidson and Victory introduce new models of bikes; and you can demo virtually every kind of bike on the market.

With roads like Spearfish Canyon Road, Iron Mountain road, and the pig tails, riders are challenged and rewarded with some of the most scenic and challenging roads anywhere on earth. Put all of that together with 700,000 of your best biker friends, gracious hosts, and Sturgis Rally and Races delivers the best that the motorcycle world has to offer.

So come on down to the 2014 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally and have a great time!http://www.sturgismotorcyclerally.com/http://www.sturgismotorcyclerally.com/

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