Tools of the trade: Live, learn, design and more with Adobe Creative Suite
Posted on | August 26, 2010 | No Comments - Add your comment
As a young professional, you’ll find certain tools which are considered essential in your line of work. In the world of graphic design and digital branding, Adobe Creative Suite stands out as one of the most important and powerful tools currently available in the market. I have used Adobe Photoshop for a good few years for various tasks, such as optimising images for the web and touching up photos. In that time, I’ve become a big fan of the software.
While Adobe Photoshop is an industry standard, Adobe Creative Suite offers so much more. I thought I’d get some feedback from an expert in the field, someone who knows their game and gets the most out of Adobe’s popular software. Peter Lumb, creative director at One Hundred Percent (www.onehundredpercent.co.za (http://www NULL.onehundredpercent NULL.co NULL.za)), had this to say:
‘On starting my own design and marketing company – One Hundred Percent, with a partner three years ago, it was time for us to take the plunge and start purchasing our own computer equipment, that being an iMac, a MacBook and a few other bits and bobs. This was good and well but on trying to install the old software I had been using, in particular Freehand, a number of small but important niggles began to set in when trying to do certain things. When researching the problems, I found that Freehand was no longer producing a new version and in effect, had become obsolete. So, no buying a new version to sort that out. And the new Tiger operating system on my iMac was having none of my old version – not allowing me to print easily nor save PDF’s – important functionality for a Graphic Designer.
The day had come, a day that had been whispered on the winds of a number of designers voices that I had been in contact within a variety agencies for a number of years. “Bru, you have to change to InDesign and the whole Adobe Creative Suite family”. “It’s the best Pete, the best!”
Saying I was a little sceptical and very nervous, is an understatement. My thoughts were – how do I do this, an old dog, new tricks, never… Could I actually think creatively, in essentially a different space? Could I work as quickly, navigate through a new program and have my creative inspiration there on the computer screen at the end of it all?
Looking back now I laugh, both at how I had managed to conquer my fears, as well as how I allowed my fears to take grip entirely and leave me in paralyses.
My journey into InDesign was as easy as I’d hoped but never expected. I looked at using it like a do or die situation. Either I make a go of it and it works out or I find myself trying to design a letterhead in Word. So brazenly I set forth and conquered, learning the shortcuts, setting spreadsheets, making tables and using character styles with gay abandon. I laughed, I cried and came through the other side having the phrase etched in my head and on the edge of my tongue, “Bru, you have to change to InDesign and the whole Adobe Creative Suite family”. ”It’s the best Pete, the best!” What arrogance I had. What a gunslinger I must have seemed.
But I allowed a large portion of my story to be omitted from my memory and seldom speak about. Until now. Yes, a darker more sinister side to it was there. The side I talk little if not ever about, the side of fear that I cannot break free of.
And that is – I love Photoshop, InDesign and I are great friends, Dreamweaver and I are sort of getting to know each other, I’ll even have a drink with Bridge. But by god, if Illustrator ever comes knocking on my door, I’ll be hiding under the bed!’
The Amarula Trust: Sustaining Communities & Conscious Conservation
Posted on | August 26, 2010 | No Comments - Add your comment
Recently ranked as one of the world’s fastest-growing spirit brands by researchers Euromonitor International, Amarula has also been listed in 86th position on the 2010 Impact Databank World’s Top 100 Premium Spirits Brands list, up from 87th place a year ago.
The continued growth of the brand, known universally as the ‘Spirit of Africa’ has a direct bearing on the livelihoods of 60 000 rural people in the Phalaborwa region. As the harvesting occupies no more than two months at most, of their time, the producers of Amarula have established a not-for-profit trust to fund community upliftment projects amongst these otherwise marginalised villagers, says spokesperson Lorien Kee.
‘With so many people dependent on the harvesting income, it was necessary to find additional employment opportunities to sustain families throughout the year. Amarula consulted with the tribal indunas representing the local communities and together evolved a series of skills transfer projects, including the secondary processing of the oil-rich marula nuts, used for a range of health and beauty products. In the process, a crèche, clinic and recreational facilities have been created for people in the villages close to Phalaborwa, enhancing the local quality of life for residents.
The indigenous marula trees are not only a source of income, but they serve as meeting places for community gatherings and the spiritual locus for ritual activity in kraals and villages. Amongst some tribes they are known as ‘marriage’ trees and even today nuptials are conducted under their umbrella-shaped branches.’
Kee says the Amarula Trust is also engaged in long-term elephant research and field guide scholarship programmes to promote conservation in their natural habitat and where marula trees are prevalent. It has recently committed to a further three years of financial support to the Amarula Elephant Research Project (AERP) under Prof Rob Slotow of the University of KwaZulu-Natal. The latest grant of R900 000, to be paid in three equal annual instalments, brings to R4,25m the amount donated by the trust to the project that explores issues affecting the conservation, protection and management of African elephants in their natural habitat.
For further information on Amarula Cream please visit www.amarula.com (http://www NULL.amarula NULL.com) and on the Amarula Trust www.amarulatrust.com (http://www NULL.amarulatrust NULL.com).
Daughtry rocks Cape Town – live in concert at the Grand West Arena: 27 October 2010
Posted on | August 23, 2010 | 2 Comments - Add your comment
There’s no shortage of concerts on the go in Cape Town at the moment. Daughtry is the next big international music act on the way. MNET, 94.7 Highveld Stereo, 94.5 Kfm and Big Concerts are bringing the American rock band to South Africa in October 2010. The band will play two shows, one at the Grand Arena at Grand West Casino on Wednesday 27 October 2010 and another at the Coca-Cola Dome in Johannesburg on Friday 29 October 2010.
Daughtry is fronted by Chris Daughtry, a former contestant on American Idol. He wasn’t the overall winner on the popular reality show but he’s gone on to great things with his own band. With millions of albums sold world-wide, who cares if he didn’t win American Idol!
Daughtry consistently delivers quality rock tracks. The band’s singles always do well on the charts and they’ve had a good few number one hits already. You’ll no doubt be singing along to tracks like ‘Home’, ‘It’s Not Over’, ‘Feels Like Tonight’ and ‘No Surprise’ at the concert.
Tickets range from R221 to R399 and you can book at Computicket. If you’re a fan, you don’t want to miss out on Daughtry live in concert. It’s going to rock.
Video of the Athlone cooling towers demolition/implosion
Posted on | August 22, 2010 | 1 Comment - Add your comment
It all happened on Sunday at 12 noon. Well, at least it was supposed to. It was a few minutes earlier than the scheduled time but the demolition of the Athlone cooling towers did happen. Capetonians turned out in the cold and wet weather to find a viewing spot to see the iconic structures implode into a pile of dust and rubble. The Zoopy team was there to capture the action and you can see it in the video below.
Did you venture out on Sunday morning to see the Athlone cooling towers implode? Where did you end up watching the action? It was quite interesting to see the replays on TV. The reaction of e-tv’s Andrew Barnes, when the towers imploded a little earlier than expected was priceless.
The Athlone cooling towers were one of Cape Town’s most famous landmarks. After standing tall for five decades, I wonder what will take the place of the ‘salt and pepper shakers’?
See Crowded House live in concert in Cape Town – Grand West Arena: 26 October 2010
Posted on | August 21, 2010 | 3 Comments - Add your comment
The legendary Kiwi-Aussie rock band, Crowded House, will be touring South Africa in October 2010. They’re one of my all time favourite bands and their SA tour will see them performing in Cape Town, Durban and Johannesburg.
Founding member, Neil Finn, is a song-writing legend and the band has so many great hits. With classic songs like ‘Weather With You’, ‘Don’t Dream It’s Over’, ‘Something So Strong’ and ‘Fall At Your Feet’ (check out the video below, taken from their live concert DVD recorded in Sydney), Crowded House are sure to deliver a brilliant show.
Here are the dates for the three Crowded House concerts in South Africa, brought to you by Real Concerts:
- Tuesday 26 October 2010: Grand Arena at Grand West Casino
- Thursday 28 October 2010: ICC Durban Arena
- Friday 29 October 2010: Carnival City, Big Top Arena
Ticket prices for the Cape Town show range from R263 to R466. You can book at Computicket. Don’t miss out.
English Premier League supporter’s clubs in Cape Town – Including Chelsea, Manchester United, Arsenal and more…
Posted on | August 18, 2010 | No Comments - Add your comment
Since it’s the start of the new Barclays English Premier League season, I thought I’d put together a list of the supporter’s clubs in Cape Town. I’ll start with the bigger teams but please get in touch if you know of any more supporter’s clubs. The more the merrier!
Chelsea supporter’s club in Cape Town:
- They meet for games at Mitchell’s Brewery, V&A Waterfront – ask for Tom.
- Email them – cpt@chelseafc.co.za (cpt null@null chelseafc NULL.co NULL.za).
- Visit them on the web at www.chelseafc.co.za (http://www NULL.chelseafc NULL.co NULL.za).
- Be sure to ask about membership.
- There’s also a growing number of supporters meeting in the northern suburbs, at a pub called Planet Sports Bar in Voortrekker Road, Goodwood. Email Julian for more info – julian.jacobs@mrc.ac.za (julian NULL.jacobs null@null mrc NULL.ac NULL.za).
Manchester United supporter’s club in Cape Town:
- They meet for games in Strandfontein.
- Email Devon for more info – devon@vodamail.co.za (devon null@null vodamail NULL.co NULL.za).
- Visit them on the web at www.manutd.co.za (http://www NULL.manutd NULL.co NULL.za).
- Be sure to ask about membership.
Arsenal supporter’s club in Cape Town:
- They meet for games at Gunners on Main – 155 Main Road, Plumstead.
- Email them – info@arsenalct.co.za (info null@null arsenalct NULL.co NULL.za).
- Visit them on the web at www.arsenalct.co.za. (http://www NULL.arsenalct NULL.co NULL.za)
- Be sure to ask about membership.
Liverpool supporter’s club in Cape Town:
- Visit them on the web at http://liverpoolfc.co.za (http://liverpoolfc NULL.co NULL.za).
Manchester City supporter’s club in Cape Town:
- They currently meet for games at Durbanville Football Club.
- Contact Clive Little for more details – clive@louiskarol.com (clive null@null louiskarol NULL.com)
Enjoy the new season of football. If it’s anything like last season, it’ll be great to watch and support. Go Chelsea!
The Pepper Club launches midweek movie and dinner evenings
Posted on | August 18, 2010 | No Comments - Add your comment
This one’s for the ladies. If ‘Chick Flick Thursdays’ on e-tv are leaving you wanting a little more, get down to the Pepper Club Hotel & Spa in Loop Street on the next two Wednesdays for a good movie and some extras.
Here are the details:
For a midweek break from the mundane weekly routine, join us at the Odeon Cinema, housed in the Pepper Club Luxury Hotel & Spa, for our brand new, monthly themed movie & dinner evenings. To celebrate Women’s Month, bring all your girlfriends (or boyfriend) to bond and enjoy a classic chick flick and pamper session that will delight women of all ages.
Ladies are able to choose which chick flick they would prefer to watch by visiting Pepper Club’s Facebook page and casting their vote. Options for this month are 27 Dresses or The Devil Wears Prada. The chosen movie will be screened on both Wednesday, 25 August and Wednesday, 1 September.
For only R180, guests will receive an array of canapés, sparkling wine and cocktails on arrival, popcorn and slush puppies during the movie, a finger buffet and mini scalp massage during the interval, as well as an gift hamper bursting with goodies. Advanced booking advised.
Date: 25 August and 1 September 2010
Time: 19h00
Venue: Odeon Movie Theatre, Pepper Club Hotel & Spa, Loop Street
Contact: Prepaid reservations are essential – please contact Robyn on
(021) 812 8839 to book.
There you have it. Enjoy!
Ard Matthews and friends get together for the MyLife Foundation – Great music for a great cause: 9 September 2010
Posted on | August 16, 2010 | 2 Comments - Add your comment
If you’re looking for a night of superb music, add this event to your diary. ‘Stars for MylifE.org.za’ will feature some of South Africa’s best talent performing in an intimate acoustic setting on Thursday 9 September 2010. Ard Matthews, Theo Crous, Vusi Mahlasela, Zolani from Freshlyground, Plush, iScream & the Chocolate Stix, Jack Mantis and Louise Day will share the stage at the Upper Eastside Hotel in Woodstock, as they get together to raise awareness and funds for street children and the MylifE Foundation.
MylifE is a registered foundation working with at-risk youth and children in Cape Town, South Africa ‐ those living on the street without hope or support. MylifE’s team has worked within this sector for more than 12 years, gathering vital information on the social dynamics that drive these issues. MylifE was established in 2002, and since its inception has successfully healed over 105 youths, moving them from the city’s pavements into full‐time jobs, independence and a ‘normal’ life. It has given hope where there was none. Visit them on the web at www.mylife.org.za (http://www NULL.mylife NULL.org NULL.za/).
Ard Matthews, global ambassador for MylifE says: ‘The MylifE foundation is an organization that is very dear to my heart. Everyone needs a break. Even fully funded NGO’s need constant help and commitment. MylifE is no different but at the moment it has a lot more heart than it does funds so I am committed to do what I can to change this. It’s the only thing that makes me feel good about the living the blessed life I live. We are all a lot more fortunate than these beautiful kids so please join me in helping to make a difference.’
It’s going to be a great evening and it’s always good too see initiatives like this. Well done to everyone involved. Tickets cost R150 each and they are available from WebTickets. The show starts at 19h00 and you can find the Upper Eastside Hotel in Brickfield Road, Woodstock. Enjoy!
The Outsurance 94.5 Kfm Gun Run: 10 October 2010 – Don’t miss out
Posted on | August 14, 2010 | No Comments - Add your comment
The Outsurance 94.5 Kfm Gun Run is one of the more popular runs on the Cape Town running calendar and this year promises to be as popular as ever. Runners can choose between three distances: a 21.1 km half-marathon, a 10 km run/walk and a 5 km run/walk. The scenic route and post-race entertainment are always a hit with runners and spectators.
This year’s route features some changes to include the new Cape Town Stadium in Green Point. It starts on the corner of Rothesay and Beach Roads (near the Mouille Point Lighthouse) and runners will finish on the Sea Point Promenade, at Rocklands Beach, opposite the Winchester Mansions Hotel.
Entries are now open and you can download the entry form here (http://www NULL.atlanticathletic NULL.co NULL.za/wp-content/uploads/GunRun2010_EntryForm NULL.pdf). Follow the guidelines on the form to see where to submit the form or enter online here (http://gr NULL.topevents NULL.co NULL.za/). The start times for the 2010 event are as follows:
- 21.1 km half marathon: 07h00
- 10 km run/walk: 07h30
- 5 km run/walk: 07h45
The chosen beneficiary for the 2010 Outsurance 94.5 Kfm Gun Run is The Homestead, a Cape Town based Non Profit Organisation, which helps street children reconstruct their lives.
Good luck and enjoy. I reckon I’ll go for the 10 km option and I’m looking forward to it.
Local soccer at the Cape Town Stadium
Posted on | August 9, 2010 | 2 Comments - Add your comment
On Friday 27 August 2010, Capetonians can look forward to a double header of local PSL soccer at the Cape Town Stadium in Green Point. Vasco Da Gama will be up against Orlando Pirates at 18h00 and Ajax Cape Town will be playing against Bloemfontein Celtic at 20h45.
Photo courtesy of Bruce Sutherland, City of Cape Town.
Will matches taking place at the Cape Town Stadium generate more interest in local soccer? I think it will make a difference. Of course, matches featuring the bigger teams will always be more popular than other games. As it is with any other sport. With that said, bring on the popular teams and don’t forget the reigning PSL champions, SuperSport United.
A Bafana Bafana match in Cape Town is also long overdue. Come on guys, we’d like to see our national team play here.
This year, Cape Town has three teams competing in the Premier Soccer League – Ajax Cape Town, Santos and newly promoted Vasco Da Gama. On a side note, what ever happened to Hellenic FC? They used to be a very popular team in the Mother City.
Personally, I’d like to see a better marketing and branding approach to the PSL. Give it a better image. Make it more popular. Appeal to a wider audience. Hosting matches at the new stadiums is a good start.
Of course, you must walk the walk after you talk the talk, so the quality of soccer has to be up to scratch. At the end of the day, the game of soccer is the product you are promoting and that must be good.
Tickets for the soccer at Cape Town Stadium on 27 August 2010 are available from Computicket. Enjoy!
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