All systems go for Plett Rage

CAPE TOWN – As matriculants near the end of the 2013 final exam season, organisers of the annual Plett Rage are getting Plettenberg Bay ready ahead of the event.
Revellers at Plett Rage 2012. Picture: Plett Rage.

Thousands of learners from across the country are expected to attend the Plett Rage event, which will take place from Friday until 8 December.

The event is in its 14th year.

Organiser Ronen Klugman says, “We are catering for students from across the country. We have artists from across the board from Micasa Music to Goldfish to Jack Parow to DJ Fresh. We are catering for all genres of music.”
– See more at: http://thegremlin.co.za/plettenberg-bay-news/wordpress/2013/11/26/all-systems-go-for-plett-rage/#sthash.wZaXxf40.dpuf •

Fruttare brings coastal towns the best of summer in first ever “Street Beats” campaign

Made with real fruit, Fruttare fruit ice for fruit lovers will bring a burst of colour and flavour to the coastal towns of Cape Town, Plettenberg Bay and Port Elizabeth. In true Fruttare style, the brand will merge the best qualities of summer – fruit, refreshment, music and dance – in the first ever seen “Street Beats” campaign.

Together with some of South Africa’s award winning bands and solo artists, the Fruttare “Street Beats” campaign will bring consumers an authentic and vibrant experience served naturally with a burst of positive energy and an ice cold Fruttare fruit ice.

Visual 1

Between the 22nd and 28th December Fruttare and celebrated artists will add a fresh meaning to the word “roadshow” as a customised truck cruises the streets delivering the hottest pop-up performances in city centres. “The roadshow will be South Africa’s first moving gig,” says Justine Brett, Ola Brand Manager. “Artists will be performing live shows in motion, an element that speaks to the vivacity of Fruttare. The Fruttare spirit is a young and vibrant one and we’re a brand that bats for making awesome memories, experiencing new adventures and staying connected – what better way to do this than an impromptu roadshow,” says Brett.

Encompassing the natural essence of summer, Fruttare is made from real fruit pulp, which you can see, smell and taste. “Fruttare aims to inspire in people the freedom to indulge by providing both pleasure and health through the natural goodness of fruit without the guilt of too many calories,” ends Brett.

Look out for the Fruttare “Street Beats” truck at the following venues: Saturday 22nd December at the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town, Friday 27th December Central Beach in Plettenberg Bay and last but not least, Saturday 28th December Hobie Beach in Port Elizabeth.

– See more at: http://thegremlin.co.za/plettenberg-bay-news/wordpress/2013/11/28/fruttare-brings-coastal-towns-the-best-of-summer-in-first-ever-street-beats-campaign/#sthash.TTk9W3OO.dpuf •

Rich or Poor, Is it a Choice?

“The philosophy of the rich and the poor is this: the rich invest their money and spend what is left. The poor spend their money and invest what is left.” Robert Kiyosaki

While the initial reaction of most people may be to take offence at a statement as broad as this consider that it is possible to earn a fantastic salary and be in debt each month and equally possible to earn very little but have no debt.
Neither of these scenarios happens by chance, they are the result of choices. One of the most valuable investment or wealth building strategies is to “pay yourself first”. From your first pay cheque if you immediately set aside a fixed amount – whether five percent or twenty percent, there is always a buffer that can give one a sense of well-being regardless of what life may bring.
Wealth is also relative, for a person earning a salary of R2,800 per month after two years of consistently saving ten percent, with no interest taken into account a total of R6,720 has built up. After ten years R33,600. To the person earning R2,800 that feels like real wealth.
The philosophy of the poor results in a nil saving as the maxim seems to apply that no matter how much we may earn, expenses expand to the level of income available for spending. The result is that all that is left to save after spending is nil.
The definition of insanity is to keep doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result. Unless a change in philosophy is made the outcome will not change.
It is difficult to make the shift from a philosophy of spending first and investing second to investing first and spending what is left, but small steps can make all the difference. Begin with R50 per month, and then increase it to R100, then a percentage of what you earn.
The best approach is to make incremental changes over time. To commit to setting aside twenty percent overnight is bound to fail. Gradual changes are the most sustainable.
No matter what your goals in life are, simply having a “nest egg” can give you the security, peace of mind and confidence to envision an entirely different future to the daily grind of the “poor mind-set”.
We are all captains of our own ships and the course we set is our choice. Reducing the “nice to haves” •

The Basic Guidelines On Dogs Life Span

Do you know that your dog is at the complete mercy of all the choices you make for his health and well-being? The options you have and the choices you make will not only affect how long your dog will be with you, but also the comfort and quality of life he has while he is with you. So, if you really want to know how to extend dog life span easily, read the tips given in this article:

1. If you have a male dog, don’t neuter it before his 1 year of age. Male dogs can grow up to 20% bigger than female dogs and therefore, they need extra testosterone for proper muscle development that would help them support their extra large skeleton.

2. Whenever possible, it is good to remember that our dogs have the higher chance to extend their life span by 1 year and 8 months longer when they are fit and healthy. When we say fit, it simply means that they have to be lean. Not in the sense that they no longer have the fats and chubby look whenever we look at them and hug them. Of course, a dog should be a little bit cuddly.

Being lean is being healthy for them. They should not be overweight and at the same time, underweight. When we feed them, we should consider giving them the balanced diet that they need. In that way, we are promoting a healthy approach for our dogs and pets.

3. When looking for the food of your dog, it is always good to check on the label. The first thing that you should check would be the calcium phosphorus ratio. It should be 1.2:1. This ratio is highly recommended because they need this for their growth and bone structure.
4. Not all the vaccines that are posted in the web are helpful. It is always good to act your veterinarian which ones are the most effective.

5. Doing research is one of the many things that can be beneficial when you want to extend the lifespan of your dog. There are a lot of resources online and that would mean finding information for quality nutrition.

6. For the record, corn is not a good source of protein and is considered as a kind of food that is difficult to digest by dogs. For that reason, corn should not be given to dogs because they might develop indigestion that might lead to complications.

7. Know the different cancer-causing agents – Do you know that there are many different dog cancer-causing agents? And believe it or not, some of them are included in many dog foods commercially sold. Thus, it is really necessary that you do your research on this to extend the dog life span of your dog.

Extending the dog life span of your dog is not that hard. You simply have to be aware of the things that can actually decrease their lifespan and of course those that can prolong their lifespan. •

 

Lunges – Are All Created Equal?

If you’re in the market to strengthen and sculpt your lower body, while also functionally preparing to tackle the activities of everyday life—like walking and climbing up stairs— with greater ease, the lunge should be an essential part of your workout routine. This no-equipment required move can be performed in a number of different ways, including moving forward or backwards. And, while stepping in one direction or the other might not seem to make that much of a difference, the truth is there’s more than meets the eye. Top personal trainers weigh in to break down the advantages and disadvantages of both the forward lunge and the reverse lunge so you can determine which option may best suit your current fitness needs.

The Forward Lunge Lowdown
This tried-and-true move has long been a workout staple and for good reason. A  research study by the American Council on Exercise found the forward lunge to be one of the most effective exercises for eliciting a high level of muscle activity in the gluteus maximus, gluteus medius and hamstrings—significantly more than other common lower-body exercises like the body-weight squat. In addition to being highly effective the forward lunge is also quite functional, as this movement closely mimics our walking pattern. Because our brains are accustomed to putting one foot in front of the other, the forward lunge helps to reinforce the gait pattern in a way that challenges balance and the muscles of the lower extremities, explains Sabrena Merrill, exercise scientist and ACE Master Trainer based out of Kansas City, Mo.
This added challenge, however, can have implications for the knee joint. Jonathan Ross, award-winning ACE-certified Personal Trainer  and author of Abs Revealed, shares that this version of the movement can be thought of as an acceleration lunge, because the body is moving forward and then backward. This results in a greater challenge, because the body is being propelled forward through space and returning from the bottom of the movement requires enough force to successfully return the body to the starting position. “The increase in challenge can make this lunge a problem for people with any knee pathology, because  a higher amount of force and/or more range of motion is required to perform it properly.”

The Reverse Lunge Lowdown
This twist on the lunge offers the body an opportunity to move in a direction that most of us rarely go. While stepping backwards can offer a new challenge because it is not a normal repetitive movement most of us use, Merrill shares however that it can provide slightly less challenge to balance. This is because the center of gravity always remains between the two feet. “For the forward lunge, the center of gravity moves forward of the body during the forward stepping motion, so the reverse lunge may be an option for people who have problems with balance.” Part of the ease in performing this movement compared to the forward lunge is that the body is moving up and down and not through space, adds Ross. This makes it more of a deceleration lunge because you are moving up and down as one leg steps backward out of the way. “The strictly vertical nature of the movement requires less force than a forward lunge, which allows for an opportunity to train the muscles of the stance leg with less stress on the joints.” International fitness educator and Senior Manager of Training and Development for TRX Dan Mc Donogh adds that this variation on the lunge can be a suitable option for individuals with knee issues, as well as for those lacking hip mobility.

The Bottom Line
At the end of the day, the lunge—however you choose to perform it—should be a staple in your workout routine because of its emphasis on hip mobility and the translation to movement patterns in everyday life. In addition to providing great strengthening benefits for the muscles of the lower body, both the forward and reverse lunge require a significant amount of core control and engagement. “Both types of lunges, when performed correctly, require one hip to flex and the other to extend, while also controlling the pelvis through proper core activation,” says Merrill. “The hip abdominal and lower-back muscles must work in a synchronized fashion to control the tilting of the pelvis.”

Give This Lunge a Try
For a greater focus on technique and comfort when performing the lunge, you should add the bottom-up lunge to your exercise arsenal. This movement allows you to learn proper movement first without the need to pick up and put down a foot during the movement, as required by both the forward and reverse lunge. To perform this static movement, begin with the right foot forward and left foot back, with the left knee resting on a balance pad or BOSU® Balance Trainer directly under the left hip. Keep the spine straight as you create the upward movement by pushing the right foot into the ground and straightening the right leg using the hamstrings and inner-thigh muscles. Reverse the movement by slowly lowering the left knee back down to the pad or BOSU® with control, using the muscles of the right leg. Alternate legs.

Researched By :
Kátia C. Rowlands – PLETT PILATES ; SPINNING & FITNESS STUDIO – 082 513 4256 •

ROPOSED REMOVAL OF RESTRICTIVE TITLE CONDITIONS, REZONING AND DEPARTURES: ERF 307, KRANSHOEK, BITOU MUNICIPALITY

REMOVAL OF RESTRICTION ACT, 1967 (ACT 84 OF 1967)

Notice is hereby given in terms of section 3(6) of the above Act that the under-mentioned application has been received and is open to inspection at the Town Planning Section (Office No 7, Monks View, Church Street) Bitou Municipality. Any enquiries may be directed to Adél Stander, Town Planner, at tel: 044 501 3322 / Fax: 044 533 6885.

The application is also open for inspection at the office of the Director, Land Management, Provincial Government of the Western Cape, on the 4th Floor York Park Building, York Street, George, from 08:00 – 12:30 and 13:00 – 15:30. (Monday to Friday). Telephonic enquiries in this regard may be made at 044 805 8600. Any objections, with full reasons therefore, should be lodged in writing at the office of the above-mentioned Director: Land Management, Region 3, at Private Bag X6509, on or before 30 days from the date of publication of this notice, quoting the above Act and the objector’s erf number. Any comments received after the aforementioned closing date may be disregarded.

Applicant Nature of application
Marike Vreken Urban and Environmental Planners Removal of a restrictive tittle condition applicable to Erf 307, Kranshoek, in order to enable
the owner to construct 8 residential apartments.
LAND USE PLANNING ORDINANCE, ORDINANCE 15 OF 1985

Notice is hereby given that Bitou Municipality has received the following application in terms of Section 15 and 17 of the Land Use Planning Ordinance (Ordinance 15 of 1985):
The rezoning of Erf 307, Kranshoek from Residential Zone I to Residential Zone IV.
Relaxation of the northern street building line from 8m to 4m.
Relaxation of the eastern side building line from 4m to 2m.
Relaxation of the parking requirements from 10 bays to 8 bays

The application is available for inspection at the Municipal Town Planning Office (Monks View, Church Street, Plettenberg Bay) during normal office hours. Telephonic enquiries in this regard may be directed to the Town Planner, Ms Adél Stander, Bitou Municipality (Tel: 044 501 3322).
Any objections to the proposal should be lodged in writing to reach the undersigned (Municipal Manager, Bitou Municipality, Private Bag X1002, Plettenberg Bay, 6600 and/or fax number 044 533 3485 and/or be hand-delivered at the Municipal Offices, Sewell Street, Plettenberg Bay) by no later than Monday, 6 January 2013, and should include the details (name and postal address) of the person concerned. Comments or objections received after the aforementioned closing date may be disregarded.
A person who cannot read or write but wishes to comment on the proposals may visit the Department: Strategic Services (Town Planning Section) where a member of staff will assist them to formalize their comment.
A Paulse
Municipal Manager
Bitou Local Municipality
Private Bag X1002
PLETTENBERG BAY
6600

VOORGESTELDE OPHEFFING VAN BEPERKING, HERSONERING EN AFWYKINGS VAN VAN ERF 307, KRANSHOEK, BITOU MUNISIPALITEIT

WET OP OPHEFFING VAN BEPERKINGS, 1967 (WET 84 VAN 1967)
Kragtens artikel 3(6) van bostaande Wet word hiermee kennis gegee dat die onderstaande aansoek ontvang is en ter insae lê by die kantoor van die Stadsbeplanningsafdeling, Bitou Munisipaliteit (Kantoor, No 7 Monks View, Kerk Straat). Enige navrae in die verband kan gerig word aan Adél Stander, by 044 – 501 3322, faks 044 533 6885. Die aansoek lê ook ter insae by die Kantoor van die Direkteur, Grondbestuur, Streek 3, Provinsiale Regering van die Wes-Kaap, 4de Vloer, York Park, York Straat, George, vanaf 08:00 – 12:30 en 13:00 – 15:30 (Maandag tot Vrydag). Telefoniese navrae in hierdie verband kan gerig word aan 044 805 8600. Enige besware, met die volledige redes daarvoor, moet skriftelik by die kantoor van bogenoemde Direkteur: Grond Bestuur Streek 3, Privaatsak X6509, George, 6509, ingedien word op of voor, nie minder as 30 dae van die datum van publikasie van hierdie kennisgewing, met vermelding van bogenoemde Wet en die beswaarmaker se erfnommer. Enige kommentaar wat na die voorgemelde sluitingsdatum ontvang word, mag moontlik nie in ag geneem word nie.
Aansoeker Aard van aansoek
Marike Vreken Urban and Environmental Planners Opheffing van ‘n beperkende titelvoorwaarde van toepassing op Erf 307, Kranshoek, om die eienaar in
staat te stel om 8 residensiële woonstelle op die eiendom op rig.

VOORGESTELDE HERSONERING EN AFWYKING: ERF 307, KRANSHOEK, BITOU MUNISIPALITEIT
Kennis word hiermee gegee dat Bitou Munisipaliteit ‘n aansoek ontvang het in terme van Artikel 15 en 17 van die Grondgebruikordonnansie (Ordonnansie 15 van 1985) vir die onderstaande:
Die hersonering van Erf 307, Kranshoek van ‘Residensiële Sone I’ na ‘Residensiële Sone IV’.
Verslapping van die noordelike straat boulyn van 8m na 4m.
Verslapping van die oostelike boulyn van 4m na 2m.
Verslapping van die parkeer vereisters van 10 parkeerplekke na 8 parkeerplekke.

Besonderhede aangaande die voorstel lê ter insae by die Munisipale Stadsbeplanningskantoor (Monks View, Kerk Straat, Plettenbergbaai) gedurende normale kantoorure. Navrae kan gerig word aan die Stadsbeplanner, Adél Stander (Tel: 044 – 501 3322).
Enige kommentaar op of besware teen die aansoek moet op skrif ingedien word ten einde die ondergetekende (Munisipale Bestuurder, Bitou Munisipaliteit, Privaatsak X1002, Plettenbergbaai, 6600 en/of fax nommer 044 – 533 3485) te bereik (en/of per hand ingedien by die Munisipale Kantore, Sewell Straat, Plettenbergbaai) teen nie later nie as Maandag, 6 January 2013, en moet die besonderhede (naam en posadres) van die betrokke persoon insluit. Kommentaar of besware wat na die voorgemelde sluitingsdatum ontvang word, mag moontlik nie in ag geneem word nie.
Persone wat wil kommentaar lewer maar nie kan lees of skryf nie mag die Departement: Strategiese Dienste (Stadsbeplanningsafdeling) besoek waar hul deur ʼn amptenaar bygestaan sal word ten einde hul kommentaar te formaliseer.
A Paulse
Munisipale Bestuurder
Bitou Plaaslike Munisipaliteit
Privaatsak X1002
PLETTENBERGBAAI

Bitou Municipality launches 16 days of activism!

Bitou celebrated the launch of this international event by transporting various groups of people from all 7 wards to one central location, St. Mary’s Anglican Church in New Horizons on the 25 November 2013.

The proceedings started off with some joyous songs and dance celebration from our elderly groups hailing from New Horizons and Crags. Pastor Len Levendal opened with prayer and delivered a message that, “God created women from a man’s rib therefor she is non-lessor than him, but his equal.”

Various sector departments were in attendance and disseminated information and valuable pointers on how to identify an abusive situation and that community should not look away, but blow the whistle.

The main speakers for the day included Department of Justice, South African Police Service, Child Welfare and the Department of Social Development Representatives and all their messages were based on that we should “Break the Silence by Blowing the Whistle”. •

To Worry or Not to Worry?

“Either you have control or you don’t. If you do, take it. If you don’t, don’t waste your energy on worry.” Dr Wayne W. Dyer

Many people are consumed with worry – over money, time, work, what people say or think – the list goes on. The reality is that worry does not create solutions or contribute anything positive to our lives.

Worry causes unnecessary stress and tension and the consequence is that concerns over one area of our lives quickly spill into other areas. Feeling tense about a relationship at work can leave us short tempered with personal relationships at home, impact on health with lack of sleep and a multitude of other problems.

As simple as the advice above seems, it is not easy to implement. While it sounds rational when we are faced with challenges the choices on how to react seem limited. We need to accept that our first choice is how we react to issues as they arise.

It has taken many years for me to learn that the best first response is to do nothing apart from sleep on the matter at hand. Reacting emotionally and impulsively can only lead to poor quality decisions that often aggravate the initial concern.

Statistics are often quoted that 80% of what people worry about never happens – imagine all that energy redirected to productive thought and action!

The irony is that practice seems to improve our resilience in coping with adversity – the more challenges we overcome, the better we are able to deal with them. When we contemplate the lives of some people we are often amazed how serene they seem after overcoming great tragedy or hardship. These are the graduates of the “School of Hard Knocks”.

They have learned first-hand that worrying about something does not prevent it happening or create a solution, the best approach to life is to focus on what is perfect right now and to reserve your energy for dealing with real crises as they arise.

Try it on for size – don’t worry – be happy •