The St Petersburg Ballet Theatre Presents #SwanLake #TheNutcracker @MontecasinoZA #Jozi #Sep2017

Hi Guys,

Russia’s critically acclaimed St Petersburg Ballet Theatre returns to Johannesburg at the Teatro Montecasino from the 15 September 2017 offering two magnificent Tchaikovsky ballets; the immortal Swan Lake and the beloved Christmas special The Nutcracker in one thrilling season and supported by the Johannesburg Festival Orchestra.

With lavish sets, glorious costumes, a company of 60 and not forgetting Tchaikovsky’s immortal score brought to life by a live orchestra, audiences will once again embrace the majesty of Russian classical ballet at its best.

THE NUTCRACKER is a full-length production that brings to life the magical tale of young Clara and her Nutcracker Prince and their fantastic adventures into a world where dreams come to life.

SWAN LAKE, the most beloved ballets in the world, tells the classic love story between Prince Siegfried and the Swan Princess Odette divided by the villainous sorcerer Rothbart in a story where true love conquers all. The iconic “white acts” with tutus, pointe shows and brilliant bravura dancing is everything you expect from Russian classical ballet.

Founded in 1994, The St Petersburg Ballet Theatre is renowned globally not just for its beautiful Vaganova trained dancers but also for its stunning, grand, full-length productions. The Company travels internationally complete with breathtaking scenery and magnificent costumes. The Company has in its repertoire the classical masterpieces Giselle, Don Quixote, La Bayadère, Les Sylphides, Paquita and Sleeping Beauty. The incredibly popular company is in such demand that it gives 200 to 250 performances every year.

As producer of the tour with decades of experience in presenting quality Russian ballet around the world, Andrew Guild said, “The St Petersburg Ballet Theatre is truly traditional Russian classical ballet at its very best. This is the real thing, grand-scale Russian ballets; complete classical full-length works. If you see only one ballet company in your life, let it be this one.”

The 60 members who make up the St Petersburg Ballet Theatre continually collect rave reviews around the world. Since inception, the Company has toured to six continents with performances in Spain, Germany, Belgium, The Netherlands, Great Britain, Ireland, France, Italy, Austria, USA, Brazil, Turkey, South Africa, South Korea, New Zealand, Japan, China, Macau and Taiwan. The Company first performed in Australia in South Africa in the 1990s. They are regularly seen in sold out seasons in Paris at Théâtre des Champs-Elysées and have been seen on such celebrated stages as the London Coliseum, Bunkamura Hall in Tokyo, the National Theater in Taipei and the National Theatre in Beijing.

WHAT INTERNATIONAL REVIEWERS HAVE SAID ABOUT ST PETERSBURG BALLET:

• “Stupendous performances, opulent sets, dazzling costumes… an unforgettable experience. This is classical ballet at its best”. The Star Johannesburg (South Africa)
• “A Company with style, restraint and elegance. A Company to be treasured.” Sunday Telegraph (UK)
• “A triumph.” The Times (UK)
• “A world class triumph! Not to be missed!” The Sunday Express (UK)
• “Extraordinary. A phenomenal night out.” The Sunday Times (UK)
• “A Night to remember.” The Scotsman (UK)
• “Getting full houses at the Theatre des Champs Elysees in Paris.” Journal du Dimanche (Paris France)
• “The St Petersburg Ballet has left a considerable mark on the history of world ballet” Danse Magazine (Paris France)
• “Breathtaking beauty.” Cape Times (South Africa)

TICKETS NOW ON SALE 

SWAN LAKE
THE ST PETERSBURG BALLET
Presented by Andrew Guild & Simon Bryce
Performance dates & times: Friday 15 September – 8:00pm; Saturday 16 September – 3:00pm & 8:00pm; Sunday 17 September – 2:00pm & 6:00pm; Tuesday 19 September 8:00pm; Wednesday 20 September – 3:00pm (special discounted matinee)

THE NUTCRACKER
THE ST PETERSBURG BALLET
Presented by Andrew Guild & Simon Bryce
Performance date & times: Friday 22 September – 08:00pm; Saturday 23 September – 3:00pm & 8:00pm, Sunday 24 September – 2:00pm & 6:00pm.

Venue: Teatro at Montecasino, 1 Montecasino Boulevard, Fourways, Montecasino

Booking Details: www.computicket.com | Phone: 0861 915 8000
Website: www.st-petersburg-ballet.com | Facebook: St Petersburg Theatre International Tour 2017

Cheers!!!

Contact me at thelifesway@gmail.com to blog, share and influence about your products and services on all my Social Media channels #TheLifesWay #PhotoYatra !

@AcerAfrica Expands #Predator Gaming Arsenal with Powerful PCs and a 35-inch HDR Monitor #NextAtAcer

Hi Guys,

Acer announced new additions to its premium Predator gaming line, which include the Predator Orion 9000 series gaming desktops with Windows 10, its most powerful to date; and the Predator X35monitor leveraging NVIDIA® G-SYNC™ and Acer HDR Ultra™ technologies for ultra-smooth performance and stunning visuals. Acer is also offering a new Predator headset and mouse to enhance gaming enjoyment and control.

Acer Predator Orion 9000 Series: Power You Can See
Designed to intimidate enemies and inspire game play, the commanding aesthetics of the Predator Orion 9000 series feature a black-and-silver spacecraft-like exterior with customizable RGB lighting along the sides of the front bezel. A massive side window panel showcases the remarkably striking and powerful interior with a design that keeps electromagnetic interference (EMI) levels in check despite the size of the opening. Optional fans with customizable RGB lighting create a virtual light show for an even more arresting appearance. Outfitted with two handles and wheels covered with a carbon fiber pattern, the new rigs can be easily moved from one location to another. Tool-less side panels make component upgrades easy and the push-open top gives users a quick way to switch fans. A front-access headset cradle and cable management help keep the game area tidy.

“The Predator Orion 9000 is the most powerful PC we’ve ever made,” said Jeff Lee, General Manager, Stationary Computing, IT Products Business, Acer. “With 4-way graphics and 18-core processors, it is a platform that takes gamers and intense graphic users beyond their dreams.”

Liquid Cooling and IceTunnel 2.0 Keeps it Cool Inside
The Predator Orion 9000 series feature liquid cooling and Acer’s IceTunnel 2.0 to keep the temperature down while the game heats up. IceTunnel 2.0 is an advanced airflow management solution that cleverly separates the system into several thermal zones, each with an individual airflow tunnel to expel heat. Huge metal mesh panels on the front and top allow more cold air in and the rising hot air of the liquid-cooled CPU out, while up to five 120 mm fans in the front, top, and back channel cool air through the chassis. Part of the airflow is redirected towards the back of the motherboard tray to cool the storage devices. The graphic cards feature blower-style fans to drive the heat out from the back, while the PSU is self-contained to avoid thermal interference.

An Extreme Platform for Gaming and Content Creation

As one of the initial major OEMs to bring AMD’s latest Radeon™ RX Vega graphics to a gaming desktop, Acer raises the bar with the capability to support up to 4 Radeon RX Vega cards to deliver near-photorealistic imagery – in real-time at high resolutions in stereo and at high refresh rates. Gamers also have the option of two NVIDIA® GeForce® GTX 1080Ti cards in SLI, which support virtual reality with ease.

“We are thrilled that Acer has chosen the AMD Radeon™ RX Vega graphics card for their highest performing PC ever made. RX Vega is a perfect complement to the Predator Orion in terms of both beauty and power. A single RX Vega enables ultra high resolutions and a tear-free, buttery smooth 60 frames per second. And with groundbreaking new features such as the High Bandwidth Cache Controller and Rapid Packed Math, gamers can only expect their system to perform better and better as new titles continue to emerge to take full advantage of them," said Scott Herkelman, VP and General Manager, Gaming, Radeon Technologies Group, AMD.

The Predator Orion 9000 will offer up to a cutting-edge Intel® Core™ i9 Extreme Edition 18-core processor and up to 128 GB quad-channel DDR4 memory, allowing it to handle compute-intensive tasks with ease while providing exceptional performance.

“The new Intel Core X-series processor family raises the bar for what’s possible with desktop computing, delivering up to 18 cores and 36 threads for incredible performance and extreme megatasking raw power,” said Anand Srivatsa, General Manager of the Desktop Platform Group, Intel. “This unprecedented level of power is on full display thanks to our strong partnership with Acer on the Predator Orion 900 featuring the Intel Core i9 Extreme Edition processor.”

One-punch overclocking enables battlers to select turbo performance with a single press of a button.
Excellent connectivity includes two USB 3.1 Gen 2 ports (one Type-C and one Type-A), eight USB 3.1 Gen 1 ports (one Type-C and seven Type-A) and two USB 2.0 ports (Type-A). The Predator Orion 9000 series support a total of three M.2 slots to extend the ability to increase the speed, power and capabilities of the PC, and four PCIe x16 slots provide ample expansion for video cards.

Acer Predator X35: Awe-Inspiring Visuals

This large 35-inch, 21:9 monitor sports an immersive 1800 curve and a brilliant (3440 x 1440) WQHD resolution. Featuring NVIDIA G-SYNC, Acer HDR Ultra and quantum dot technologies, it also provides the best possible contrast quality with high dynamic range. Advanced LED local dimming in 512 individually-controlled zones shine light only when and where it is required. The Predator X35 delivers a broader, more deeply saturated color gamut covering 90 percent of the DCI-P3 color standard, and a luminance range several times greater than that of traditional dynamic range monitors. The fast 4 ms response time and high 200 Hz refresh rate combined with NVIDIA G-SYNC, makes gameplay smooth and life-like with no tearing or visual artifacts.

Outfitted with Predator GameView, there are eight pre-set display modes to optimize visuals for different types of action. In addition to Standard, ECO, Graphic and Movie, there are three special game modes, including Action, Racing and Sports, which can be easily accessed through a hotkey or the On-Screen Display (OSD) menu. Gamers can also define their own custom profile and program each mode according to their preferences.

Acer BlueLightShield™ technology lets customers reduce blue light emissions by selecting from four different filter settings via the OSD menu. The premium VA panel enables wide viewing angles up to 178-degrees horizontally and vertically. In addition, Dark Boost technology allows fine details to be seen in dimly lit environments.

Predator Gadgets Enhance Gameplay

The Predator Galea 500 gaming headset puts you right inside the game, giving you the ability to hear and not just see the exact location of elements within the game. Acer TrueHarmony™ 3D Soundscape technology recreates the acoustic space based on the orientation of the player’s head, convincing the brain that sound is coming from a fixed direction. Featuring a driver diaphragm made from bio-cellulose with rubber surround, the Predator Galea 500 headset delivers clear highs with resounding lows, and responds quickly to precisely reproduce vocals and mid-high range notes, while a unique acoustic cavity helps deliver punchy rhythmic bass. The Predator Galea 500 is also customizable, letting customers select from three modes including EQ Music, Movie and Sport.

The new Predator Cestus 500 gaming mouse features a unique dual switch design, which allows gamers to adjust the click resistance according to the game type they are playing, such as a lighter resistance for FPS games that demand a more nimble reaction, or a heavier resistance for fine maneuvers in RTS games. It features 16.8 million RGB color lights, 8 lighting patterns, 5 on-board profile settings, 8 programmable buttons, and a gold-plated USB connector.

Pricing and Availability
The Acer Predator Orion 9000 series, The Acer Predator X35, The Predator Galea gaming headset and Predator Cestus will not be available in South Africa. The new Predator desktops, monitor and accessories were unveiled at the next@acer press event held at IFA 2017 in Germany, where the company announced a range of new devices and solutions. For more information, visit acer.com/nextatacer.

 

Cheers!!!

 

Contact me at thelifesway@gmail.com to blog, share and influence about your products and services on all my Social Media channels #TheLifesWay #PhotoYatra !

@AcerAfrica Announces the New #AspireS24 Slimmest-Ever All-in-One Desktop PC #NextAtAcer

Hi Guys,

Acer expanded its iconic Aspire desktop series with the announcement of the new 23.8-inch Aspire S24 all-in-one desktop PC. Designed with elegance in mind and running Windows 10, the ultra-slim Aspire S24 is the perfect device for the modern consumer looking for both style and ability.

The new all-in-one desktop is Acer’s slimmest ever, featuring a display with a side profile of only 5.97 mm. The borderless display and black and matte gold color scheme ensure that the device will become a focal point of any home, adding a touch of functional elegance and luxury.

Built with a dual focus on design and premium functionality, the Aspire S24 delivers a vivid and crisp viewing experience from all angles with its 178-degree Full HD IPS screen, while its ultra-narrow 2.7 mm bezel provides a 90% screen-to-body ratio for more screen to see.

Outstanding Performance and Responsiveness
All-new 8th Generation Intel® Core™ processors with optional Intel Optane™ memory enables the Aspire S24 to power through immersive entertainment and everyday tasks with ease, while delivering a smooth and responsive computing experience. Wireless connectivity powered by Intel® Dual Band Wireless-AC (802.11ac 2x2 MIMO) technology provides fast and reliable network connections, and thanks to the 2.1 channel subwoofer coupled with Dolby Audio™ Premium and Acer TrueHarmony™ technology the desktop provides users with a powerfully-deep base audio experience bringing even the most subtle sounds in music and video to life.

Meeting the Needs of the Modern Lifestyle
The Aspire S24 provides new levels of functionality through Windows 10, featuring Cortana and Microsoft Edge. The wireless charging base allows users to seamlessly power their mobile device, supporting wireless charging for Qi-enabled devices, without the burden of cables.

Ergonomically designed to maximize productivity by reducing operator fatigue and discomfort, the Aspire S24-880 features a -5 to 30 degree tiltable display combined with Acer ExaColor™ technology for accurate colors, and BluelightShield™ and Flickerless™ technologies that may help prevent eye fatigue.

The Aspire S24 comes with up to 256 GB SSD and 2TB HDD of storage space, making it the perfect device for editing and storing large video projects.

Pricing & Availability
The Acer Aspire S24 will not be available in South Africa. The Aspire S24 was unveiled at the next@acer press event at IFA 2017 in Germany, where the company announced a range of new devices and solutions. For more information, visit www.acer.com.

 

Cheers!!!

 

Contact me at thelifesway@gmail.com to blog, share and influence about your products and services on all my Social Media channels #TheLifesWay #PhotoYatra !

Sleek Stylish Offerings @AcerAfrica Bring Functionality and Mobility to the Next Level #NextAtAcer

Hi Guys,

Acer expanded its popular portfolio of ultraslim convertible and detachable Windows 10 devices with the next generation of Swift, Spin and Switch models. The additions all incorporatethe new, exceptionally powerful 8th Generation Intel® Core™ processors, more secure biometric technology supporting Windows Hello, and versatile usability features necessary for immersive entertainment and professional productivity. Along with the performance and mobility of these notebooks, they also sport a new refreshing sense of style and design, providing an ideal balance of form and function.

“Acer is constantly bringing the latest technology to its notebooks across the portfolio to give people the personal computing experience they demand in an always-on, digitally-driven world,” said Jerry Kao, President, IT Products Business of Acer Inc. “Whether for work, play or creating, in the office or on-the-go, Acer offers a wide range of products to meet diverse and unique needs of the modern user.”

“A PC with 8th Generation Intel Core processors inside is a reassurance it’s equipped with and optimized for the most outstanding performance and experiences,” said Chris Walker, Vice President of Client Computing Group, Intel Corp. “Acer’s new lineup of ultra slim PCs are distinctly unique but united by their dynamic design, and the immersive entertainment, simple convenience and incredible 40% performance boost 8th Gen Intel Core processors deliver.”

“The new generation of Swift, Spin and Switch notebooks from Acer intersect functionality and mobility with the power and performance of Windows 10,” said Peter Han, Vice President, Partner Devices and Solutions, Microsoft Corp. “Light, sleek and powerful, these notebooks are three great options for anyone that uses their PC for productivity or entertainment, at home, in the office, or on the road.”

Switch 7 Black Edition – World’s First Fanless 2-in-1 Notebook with Discrete Graphics

The pioneering Acer Switch 7 Black Edition is the world’s first fanless 2-in-1 notebook equipped with discrete graphics, made possible by Acer’s innovative Dual LiquidLoop™ technology fanless cooling system. With a powerful 8th Generation Intel Core i7 processor and NVIDIA® GeForce® MX150 graphics, it is an ideal companion for intensive tasks, creative production and content streaming. Designed for the mobility minded, the new Switch 7 Black Edition is incredibly versatile, weighing less than 1.15 kg (2.5 lbs.) with the keyboard detached. The Switch 7 Black Edition’s slender and lightweight design features a sturdy brushed-aluminum body that offers a robust feel and beautiful tactile touch.

The Switch 7 Black Edition is Acer’s first to feature Acer AutoStand™, a patented kickstand that can be auto-deployed and auto-retracted, providing single-handed operation as simple as opening and adjusting the display on a clamshell notebook.

With a large 13.5-inch IPS display with 2256x1504 resolution, the Switch 7 Black Edition offers a crisp, vibrant visual experience from wide viewing angles. The latest reincarnation of the Switch has an embedded stylus powered by Wacom EMR technology that features 4096 levels of pressure sensitivity and pen tilt support to control the angle, width or shading of the stroke. This stylus is now battery-free, and cased in the sleek outer shell designed to provide users with a more authentic writing and sketching experience when using Windows Ink.

Supporting Windows Hello, the Swift 7 Black Edition features an optical-based under-glass fingerprint sensor design with POA (Power on Authentication) that allows users to power on the device and login instantly with just one touch.

Swift 5 – Extreme Portability without Compromising on Power
The new Swift 5 is designed for users who want superb portability, solid performance, and a touch of style. The elegant chassis weighs less than 1 kg making it ideal for people always on the go. A sophisticated selection of materials include ultra-light magnesium-lithium alloys for the top and bottom cover, and magnesium-aluminum alloys for extra sturdiness on the palm rest area.

Utilizing the power of 8th Generation Intel Core processors, the Swift 5 offers a exceptionally fast and responsive experience with 8-hour battery life. With Windows 10 and 2x2 802.11ac wireless, it allows users to work effectively on the go all day – even at night thanks to the backlit keyboard.

The interactive multi-touch Full HD IPS2 touchscreen and narrow bezel design maximizes the viewing experience. Acer TrueHarmony™ with Dolby Audio™ Premium technology provides powerful and clear audio, while Skype for Business certification ensures crisp videoconferencing and a great experience with Cortana.

Spin 5
Lightweight, portable, and enclosed in a head turning metal casing, the Spin 5 is the style-conscious professional’s go-to device for all types of work and fun. The device’s versatile, convertible form factor allows users to interchange seamlessly between laptop, tablet, display and tent modes making the Spin 5 a perfect platform to create and share content.

Easy to carry around, the 13-inch model of the Spin 5 weighs in at 1.5 kg and measures in a 15.9 mm thin, while its 15-inch sibling is just over 2 kg in weight and 17.9 mm thin. While this device is portable, it’s engineered to pack a punch with new 8th Generation Intel Core processors, up to 16GB of DDR4 memory, up to 13 hours of battery life, and a discrete NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 graphics option for the 15-inch model. This allows the Spin 5 to handle intensive creative production, such as graphic design and video editing. It also helps to offer premium entertainment with crisp, true-to-life colors that come alive in Full HD.

Delivering a great touch experience, the sharp 13- or 15-inch display also works with an optional Acer Active Stylus for incredible precision, offering greater control during work and increased usability through Windows Ink. Acer’s omni-directional ExoAmp Antenna optimizes the Spin 5’s antenna position to ensure a stable wireless signal, regardless of the antenna being located beneath the notebook’s metal cover and the direction the device is facing.

With Acer TrueHarmony, Dolby Audio Premium technology and two front-facing speakers cleverly placed so they won’t be blocked in any mode, the Spin 5 delivers a crystal clear and immersive audio experience. Skype for Business-certified, the Spin 5 integrates four array microphones combined with far-field voice-recognition technology that allow users to access Cortana from up to four meters away. This enables them to get quick, hands-free answers, check the weather or traffic, set a reminder, get an overview of their daily schedule, and more—all just by using their voice..

Pricing & Availability
The Acer Switch 7 will not be available in South Africa.
The Acer Swift 5 will be available in South Africa in March 2018 starting from R13 999.00 onwards.
The Acer Spin 5 is currently available in South Africa at Incredible Connection starting from R15 999.00.

The new products were unveiled at the next@acer press event at IFA in Germany, where the company announced a range of new devices and solutions. For more information, visit acer.com/nextatacer.

Cheers!!!

Contact me at thelifesway@gmail.com to blog, share and influence about your products and services on all my Social Media channels #TheLifesWay #PhotoYatra !

A Memoir - This Month Last Year - Aug 2016 www.thelifesway.com #TheLifesWay

Hi Guys, 

August is the month which sees a lot of new smartphones getting launched and last year too there was some of the new technology was launched. Also, it brings in a lot of Indian festivals along with the Independence Day of India on 15th August. This was the first time I attended the flag hoisting ceremony at the Consulate General Office in Johannesburg, South Africa. 

1. @SamsungSA Unveils New #GalaxyNote7 Intelligent #Smartphone that Thinks Big - http://www.thelifesway.com/2016/08/samsungsa-unveils-new-galaxynote7.html - It was unfortunate that the smartphone I love the most was not able to work last year. I was also not able to attend the launch event last year due to the office meetings. This year too, Note 8 launch I was not able to make it to the event but hope the best for this amazing phablet. I would love to own one of the Note series smartphones as my primary phone.

2. @HuaweiZA Outperforms The #Smartphone Industry #Financial Results #HY2016 - http://www.thelifesway.com/2016/08/huaweiza-outperforms-smartphone.html - Huawei as a brand has grown at an extremely amazing pace and they brought some great smartphones to the market in the last 2-3 years. I have never used the latest P9 to P10 to Mate 9 somehow but I like the Leica dual-lens monochromatic lens as it can really gives your creativity an edge to capture some great moments. 

3. #BeoVision14 Picture Perfect HD TV @BangOlufsenSA #LikeNoOneElse #Craftsmanship - http://www.thelifesway.com/2016/08/beovision14-picture-perfect-hd-tv.html - Bang and Olufsen is an experience that brings your senses to fall in love with the technology. I attended a demonstration of the TV at the Melrose Arch store and was totally amazed to see this latest technology. The only thing is the price of the product is way above my affordability range. 

4. Mythos Launches Bespoke #Restaurant: #Nostimo Waterfall Estate #Johannesburg - http://www.thelifesway.com/2016/08/mythos-launches-bespoke-restaurant.html - Mythos launched this property and the PR company said they will call me at the launch event but I was not. Many times it has happened that I get nothing in return for many of my posts which is a sad state of affairs. Brand shall never forget that there is nothing free as it takes a lot of time to post the posts and share them across all social media channels. 

5. If ‘Gandhi’ Was Made In #2016 @ZeeClassic #Movies #Remakes - http://www.thelifesway.com/2016/08/if-gandhi-was-made-in-2016-zeeclassic.html - This is a good comparison of who will be the Cast if Gandhi movie is being directed again. Though this post is one from the Indiblogger IndiOne marketing campaigns I really loved the same. 

In the end, I would simply like to state that the brand shall respect the time and efforts it goes in the social influence but I do respect the money and efforts they also do to call the influencers to their launch events. It's a simple give and takes exercise and I always work towards creating more ROI for the brand when they invest in me. 

 

Cheers!!!

Support me if you like reading this blog post by buying me a cup of tea or coffee - https://www.buymeacoffee.com/TheLifesWay Contact at thelifesway@gmail.com to collaborate and promote your services and products. Subscribe to my YOUTUBE Channel for giveaways, product reviews and mystery unboxings. #TheLifesWay #9YearsofTheLifesWay. Namaste!

@Disney_Africa Debuts #DreamBigPrincess Photography Campaign To Encourage Kids to Dream Big

Hi Guys,

Disney unveiled a global photographic campaign in support of #DreamBigPrincess celebrating inspiring stories from around the world to encourage kids everywhere to dream big. Nineteen female photographers from fifteen countries have created a series of empowering images showcasing real-world girls and women, as part of Disney’s Dream Big, Princess initiative launched in 2016, which taps into the power of Disney Princess stories to inspire kids. Photographs will be shared on social media to help raise funds for Girl Up, the United Nations Foundation’s program supporting adolescent girls’ leadership and empowerment.

"The idea that stories, whether real life or fictional like those of Belle or Rapunzel, can inspire kids to follow their dreams is at the heart of the #DreamBigPrincess campaign,” said Jimmy Pitaro, Chairman, Disney Consumer Products and Interactive Media. “We asked some of the most accomplished female photographers to help tell the stories of inspiring women and girls from around the world—and the results are incredible.”

From one of the first female staff photographers at National Geographic to winners of the International Picture of the Year, World Press Photo Award for Nature, Commonwealth Photographer of the Year, and a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize for Breaking News, the accomplished roster of photographers bring a wealth of experience and talent. Each was challenged to find and document stories with the power to inspire kids.

With subjects including the youngest ever speaker at the UN, a gold-medal-winning Chinese Paralympian, the founder of the first female cycling team in Bamiyan, Afghanistan, a teenage author of a STEM coding book for kids, and a young surf champion from Brazil, the project aims to spotlight a diverse range of stories to connect with kids and families around the world. The images bring the #DreamBigPrincess message to life in a multitude of ways, including highlighting women who’ve achieved success in the face of adversity, young Girl Up Teen Advisors who’ve already helped make a positive impact on the world, and girls at play who illustrate the importance of imagination in childhood.

As well as inspiring kids with positive images and the stories behind them, the campaign aims to make a tangible difference for girls who face challenges in achieving their dreams, through its collaboration with Girl Up. From August 15-October 11, 2017, Disney Worldwide Services will donate US $1 for any public post of a photo using #DreamBigPrincess or like of such a post on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter, for a minimum donation of US $500,000 and a maximum of US $1 million. Girl Up’s leadership program engages girls to take action and advocate for girls around the world, giving them empowering tools to help make a difference.

“Girl Up envisions a world where every girl can reach her full potential and be an advocate within her community for positive change and empowerment. The #DreamBigPrincess campaign is perfectly aligned with our goals and we’re excited to partner with Disney and this incredible group of women to spotlight what it means to dream big around the world,” says Melissa Kilby, Director of Girl Up.

Annie Griffiths, one of National Geographic’s first female staff photographers profiled eight teenage girl leaders at Girl Up’s Leadership Summit in Washington DC, to showcase their inspiring stories as part of the campaign.

“Every picture tells a story and I’m delighted to be part of an initiative that tells so many stories that are interesting and diverse. I hope that people around the world will be motivated to share their own inspiring #DreamBigPrincess images in support of Girl Up,” says Annie.

Girl Up Teen Advisor alumna Meg Schwartz, was given the chance to follow her dream of becoming a professional photographer by creating images of Girl Up celebrity Champions, including YouTube influencers Brooklyn & Bailey, actress Katherine McNamara as well as philanthropist and actress Monique Coleman. Meg’s images will be shared as part of the campaign to help raise funds for Girl Up.

In 2016, Disney launched “Dream Big, Princess”, a campaign that encourages kids everywhere to dream big by highlighting key story moments and the inspiring qualities that each Disney Princess showcases through her adventures, such as Merida’s bravery, Cinderella’s kindness or Tiana’s perseverance. While each princess has her own unique and admirable qualities, what they all have in common is resilience and an ability to triumph over adversity to make their dreams come true. The Dream Big, Princess content series, which runs across Disney TV and digital networks globally, brings together a host of inspiring moments from beloved Disney movies with the stories of real-life young role models, who have dreamed big and achieved their goals to show kids what’s possible.

The Dream Big, Princess series has already reached millions of kids and families and the photographic campaign builds on this success by spotlighting women and girls from around the world with stories that have the power to inspire others.

Visit the Disney Princess Facebook page to support the campaign.

About Girl Up
Girl Up, the United Nations Foundation’s adolescent girl campaign, supports the empowerment of girls everywhere. Since its launch in 2010, Girl Up has funded UN programs that promote the health, safety, education, and leadership of girls in developing countries and built a community of over half a million passionate advocates. Our girl leaders, representing more than 1800 Girl Up Clubs in 90 countries, stand up, speak up, and rise up to support the hardest to reach girls living in places where it is hardest to be a girl. Learn more at GirlUp.org.

About the United Nations Foundation
The United Nations Foundation builds public-private partnerships to address the world’s most pressing problems, and broadens support for the United Nations through advocacy and public outreach. Through innovative campaigns and initiatives, the Foundation connects people, ideas, and resources to help the UN solve global problems. The Foundation was created in 1998 as a U.S. public charity by entrepreneur and philanthropist Ted Turner and now is supported by philanthropic, corporate, government, and individual donors. Learn more at unfoundation.org.

Cheers!!!

 

Contact me at thelifesway@gmail.com to blog, share and influence about your products and services on all my Social Media channels #TheLifesWay #PhotoYatra !

@Gaggenau New Reveal: On Showcasing Craftmanship and Polo Delight #PoloWithGaggenau

Hi Guys,

On Sunday, 20 August 2017 Gaggenau revealed its latest state of the art CV 282 Flex Induction hob with an integrated ventilation system at the Inanda Africa Cup Polo Tournament in Johannesburg. The unit is another first of its kind launch for the astute Gaggenau brand that prides itself, not only on the new technological advances in its industry, but also stays true to the authentic handcrafted inspiration that is Gaggenau.

Synonymous with exclusive culinary culture, Gaggenau is not simply an appliance but an experience in itself. Representative of a sophisticated lifestyle it only makes sense that Gaggenau partnered with the coveted Inanda Africa Cup Polo Tournament as an associate sponsor.

Chef Marthinus Ferreira preparing dishes at their display at the Inanda Africa Cup Polo Tournament

“Polo is a sport with such a rich history, enjoyed internationally, as is the case with the Gaggenau brand. It is this cultural mindset that inspires Gaggenau to particpate in thistournament, the largest polo event on the African continent”, says Enrico Hoffmann, Managing Director at BSH South Africa.

Guests hosted in the VIP Gaggenau lounge enjoyed a demonstration of culinary inspiration from Chef Marthinus Ferreira, owner of award-winning restaurant DW-eleven 13. Ferreira celebrated the launch of the new hob by entertaining esteemed guests with a live cooking demonstration, tantalising their taste buds with pure culinary bliss.

Gaggenau revealed its latest state of the art CV 282 Flex Induction hob with an integrated ventilation system at the Inanda Africa Cup Polo Tournament

“We immerse ourselves in the culinary world. If the kitchen is the heart of the home, then Gaggenau appliances are the soul of the kitchen. The culinary experience is no longer defined in a room or as an object but has become a culture, an element that Gaggenau grasps as a brand”, comments Hoffmann.

Dignataries, celebrities and VIP’s graced the pristine lawns of the Inanda Club with style and poise celebrating a lifestyle of inspiration and design.

1683 is the year the success story behind Gaggenau began, a small village in the Murgtal Valley, at the foot of the Black Forest. Gaggenau was founded as an ironworks by Margrave Ludwig Wilhelm von Baden (1655–1707). He uses the iron ore deposits in the Murgtal Valley to open new sources of income for the impoverished farmers, thus laying the foundation for the success story of the brand. From the forge in the Black Forest to the quintessential German engineering and craftsmanship for the private kitchen. After 334 years of crafting metal, Gaggenau has created something that transcends a brand: it is a culture. The Gaggenau values, which have remained constant since 1683, are an ongoing quest for authenticity and uncompromising quality. Synonymous with exclusive culinary culture, Gaggenau is not simply an appliance it is an experience recognised for its sophisticated lifestyle. “Dedicated to craftmanship, with the soul of an artisan. That is who we are and who we enjoy conversing with”, said Sven Schnee, Head of Global Brand Gaggenau.

Chef Marthinus Ferreira (Brand Ambassador for Gaggenau) cooking on the CV 282 Flex Induction hob launched at the Inanda Africa Cup Polo Tournament

Gaggenau is the sponsor to the Nigeria Polo Team. 

Gaggenau is a manufacturer of high-quality home appliances and acknowledged as an innovation leader in design and technology “Made in Germany”. The company, with a history dating back to 1683, has revolutionised the domestic kitchen with its internationally acclaimed products. Gaggenau’s success is founded on technological innovation and a clear design language combined with high functionality. Gaggenau has been a subsidiary of BSH Hausgeräte GmbH in Munich since 1995 and is currently represented in more than 50 countries with flagship showrooms in major cities around the world.

The difference is Gaggenau. Instagram (@gaggenauofficial) Pinterest (/gaggenau_) Vimeo (/gaggenauofficial)

Cheers!!!

Contact me at thelifesway@gmail.com to blog, share and influence about your products and services on all my Social Media channels #TheLifesWay #PhotoYatra !

Car Dealer App Launch to Help Dealers Sell More Cars @PriceCheck_SA #SouthAfrica

Hi Guys, 

Gone are the days of trawling through pages and pages of car listings to find your ideal car, only to contact the dealer and not get a response. The launch of a ground-breaking, new, dealer-facing app is changing the way dealers and buyers communicate.

Africa’s largest product discovery and comparison service, PriceCheck, has launched the app to complement its recently added offering, PriceCheck Cars (launched in March 2017).

Kevin Tucker, founder of PriceCheck, says, “The launch of the Car Dealer app is a game-changer for both prospective buyers as well as salespeople and dealerships. The first of its kind in South Africa, the app links buyers directly to the seller of the vehicle they are interested in. Buyers are able to search through a list of vehicles which fit their requirements and contact the seller by in-app message or the in-app calling feature.”

“For dealers, this customer-centric app reduces the likelihood of losing leads via complex ‘broken-telephone-type’ communication processes, allowing them to track and manage their leads efficiently and improve their overall customer experience and satisfaction levels,” he explains.

The app also enhances several innovative features that are inherent across the PriceCheck Cars platform, including:

An inventory management tool to manage listings on PriceCheck cars. If a car is sold it can be removed in the app and it will automatically be removed from the PriceCheck Cars platform – resulting in fewer wasted leads.

An in-app photography wizard to guide the dealer through car photography. All photographs taken in the app will be linked directly to the PriceCheck Cars platform.

A rich leads inbox to showcase all incoming leads from PriceCheck Cars, including messages and phone calls. Each lead has detailed information about the particular vehicle the buyer is interested in.

A mini-CRM for taking notes on customer interactions.

Tucker says, “The use of smart phones and mobile applications has enabled us to bring cutting-edge tech to a mature market. Buying and selling cars is going to get much easier!”

The app is now available for both Android and Apple users.

With the launch of PriceCheck Cars, along with the new app, PriceCheck Cars has been dubbed by its users as the best platform to find new and used cars, bakkies, motorcycles and commercial vehicles online.

Now, the brand is looking for the perfect name to summarise the new vehicle platform offering, and who better to decide on the name than those who actually use the platform?

Members of the public can enter their suggestions on the PriceCheck website until the 31st of August. “The person whose suggestion gets the most votes in Mission Ignition competition stands a chance to win an amazing prize - a brand new car. Each participant can only enter once, so be sure to put your best suggestion forward and by doing so, you stand a chance of winning a car too, even if your suggestion is not selected,” Tucker concludes.

For more information on PriceCheck, please visit www.pricecheck.co.za.

 

Cheers!!!

 

Contact me at thelifesway@gmail.com to blog, share and influence about your products and services on all my Social Media channels #TheLifesWay #PhotoYatra !

Low-Skilled Roles Limit Women and #SouthAfrica in Moving Forward - Sigal Geva @Premier_Hotels

Hi Guys,

Women’s Month, marked annually in August, gives pause for reflection on the state of gender equality and its impact, especially in light of this year’s theme: The Year of OR Tambo: Women United in Moving South Africa Forward.

This is according to Premier Hotels & Resorts’ Chief Operating Officer, Sigal Geva.

She continues, “The latest Global Gender Gap Report, published annually by the World Economic Forum (WEF), has ranked South Africa at 15 out of 144 other countries in terms of its level of gender parity. While strides have been made in closing the gender gap, it will take 60 years for economic parity to be achieved. A factor impeding this is the predominance of women in low-skilled roles within the country’s labour force. This is evident within the tourism sector, where women make up nearly 70% of the industry’s workforce but hold less than 40% of all managerial positions, fewer than 20% of general management roles and only between 5% and 8% of board positions, according to the Department of Tourism.”

Minister of Tourism, Tokozile Xasa, has previously stated that, although the tourism and hospitality sector has become an economic and social phenomenon - demonstrating above average growth since the 2009 economic crisis and being set to create 70 million new jobs over the next 10 years, women continue to be marginalised in this lucrative sector. To address this, she launched a campaign earlier this year, dubbed WiT 30in5, to increase the proportion of women in tourism management positions to 30% in the next five years.

“Unfortunately, South Africa is not alone in its gender parity issues. For instance, the Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA) has found that in the Australian hospitality industry, women earn 10.9% less than their male counterparts and only 9.8% of CEOs are women,” adds Geva.

She says: “It is baffling that this is still the status quo both in South Africa and other countries around the world, given that studies have shown that having women in high ranking positions has a positive impact on organisational performance and profitability. For example, research by Catalyst - a non-profit organisation with a mission to accelerate the progress of women through workplace inclusion - found that Fortune 500 companies with the highest proportion of women on their boards performed significantly better than firms with the lowest. What’s more, the Peterson Institute for International Economics found a correlation between more female leaders in top leadership positions and increased financial profitability in their analysis of 21,980 firms in 91 countries.”

“With PwC’s Hospitality Outlook: 2017-2021 noting that tourism is one of the fastest-growing sectors of the economy and the World Travel and Tourism Council forecasting that it will contribute R412.2 billion to the country’s gross domestic product this year, and R624.2 billion by 2027, will South African women be adequately included in this growth trajectory and indeed be united in moving South Africa forward?” concludes Geva.

For more information, visit https://www.premierhotels.co.za.

 

Cheers!!!

 

Contact me at thelifesway@gmail.com to blog, share and influence about your products and services on all my Social Media channels #TheLifesWay #PhotoYatra !

A Memoir - This Month Last Year - July 2016 www.thelifesway.com #TheLifesWay

Hi Guys, 

July is my birthday month and it's always a pleasure to celebrate this day with your family and friends. My life has been a never ending struggle as 22/7 is a pi number and you can keep dividing the same to get the next number after the decimals.

1. Aarya Restaurant Adds New #Taste #AaryaNewMenu @TsogoSun @MontecasinoZA - http://www.thelifesway.com/2016/07/aarya-restaurant-adds-new-taste.html - Aarya Restaurant in Montecasino is one of the best restaurants catering to the needs to everyone looking for amazing snacks and food. Deena Naidoo is the first MasterChef South Africa winner and being an Electrical Engineer named the restaurant after her daugher Aarya.

2. Why Are We Hungrier In #Winters? @KelloggsZA #KelloggsBFBD - http://www.thelifesway.com/2016/07/why-are-we-hungrier-in-winters.html - Kelloggs last year had an amazing initiative for the kids in several schools all over in South Africa which was named Breakfast For Better Days. I attended one of the events last year in one of the schools in Soweto and it was great smiles when children got their stomach full by Kelloggs breakfast to focus on studies afterwards.

3. A Memoir - This Month Last Year - July 2015 www.thelifesway.com #TheLifesWay - http://www.thelifesway.com/2016/07/a-memoir-this-month-last-year-july-2015.html - I simply love my own memoirs as it brings back a lot of memories and events which I was part of. Life goes on at full throttle and you sometimes totally forgot about the amazing life you are living so these memories keeps you grounded and grateful.

4. @BangOlufsenSA Launches #BeoplayH5 #Wireless #Bluetooth Earphones - http://www.thelifesway.com/2016/07/bangolufsensa-launches-beoplayh5.html - Bang and Olufsen is known to bring the divine experience to your senses. With the latest technology in audio devices, the key to next experience is wireless designs as more and more smartphones are going against the 3.5mm jack these days. I simply adore their products and looking forward to own them one day.

5. Modular Design Linked To "Play" Theme #LgG5 @LGMobileSA #LGPlayMore - http://www.thelifesway.com/2016/07/modular-design-linked-to-play-theme.html - LG was way ahead in terms of bringing the modular design to the market but it didn't worked out very well for them. But sincerely, I loved the phone a lot and the camera on the same was awesome. I was not invited to LG G6 launch and have not seen the phone till now so LG G5 remains my best pick from the house of LG.

It will be awesome time to create new opportunities and work towards writing a lot of posts as I have waited enough already. Let's post a lot of posts daily and then sponsorship will come automatically. Let's rock #TheLifesWay and #PhotoYatra hashtags.

Cheers!!!

Contact me at thelifesway@gmail.com to blog, share and influence about your products and services on all my Social Media channels #TheLifesWay #PhotoYatra !

@MontecasinoZA Teatro Celebrates 10 Entertaining Years @TsogoSun #Jozi

Hi Guys,

It has been an exceptional first decade for Montecasino’s Teatro, with an unprecedented over 3.8 million people attending shows ranging from concerts, ballet, musicals, opera, and international jazz to ice shows, comedy, revues, and more, since it first opened its doors in June 2007 with a highly-acclaimed production of Disney’s The Lion King. The iconic show ran for nine months and is still the longest running show in South African theatre history.

Bryan Hill, who has been at the helm of the Teatro as its General Manager since before its opening, says, “The Lion King was the perfect show to kickstart the theatre, and I believe it contributed to the Teatro’s ongoing success.” He adds that the Teatro is all about entertainment. “It’s not about heavy art. It’s about taking our minds off everyday worries and walking out of this theatre smiling.”

The decade has seen the Teatro play host to 145 productions, totalling 2 666 shows watched by 3 856 624 people, always staying steadfastly true to its original strategic decision to be a family entertainment venue with broad-based appeal. It has been part of the evolution of the theatre industry in South Africa, giving rise to new and undiscovered performing arts talent and providing a catalyst for growth in the industry .

Hill notes that over the years, determining which shows would win audiences and which wouldn’t has not always been an exact science, but three that always guaranteed full houses have been South Africa’s own Johnny Clegg, Hugh Masekela, and The Parlotones.

Hill says, “One of the best things the Teatro has achieved over the years is that we have increased the size of the South African theatre-going audience. At many of our shows, we have had first-time theatre visitors – who have often then come back again and again to subsequent shows. With ongoing careful selection of our short-running and long-running productions, we will continue to draw people into the theatre, not just to the Teatro, but as they become comfortable with their theatre experience, to other theatres around the country,” says Hill.

“It’s a proud achievement for us that the Teatro has won the Leisure Options Best of Jozi Readers Choice Award for Best Theatre several times,” says Hill. “We’re also proud of the extra dimension of entertainment that we add to the vibrant Montecasino environment. We have worked hard to ensure that variety, quality, and value for money have always been key requisites for productions at the Teatro – and we believe that the next decade will be no different.”

UPCOMING PRODUCTIONS AT THE TEATRO AT MONTECASINO
September
· St Petersburg Ballet – Swan Lake
· St Petersburg Ballet – The Nutcracker
October/November
· Evita
December
· Cinderella on Ice

For further information, visit www.montecasino.co.za. Be sure to join on Facebook at www.facebook.com/montecasino or follow on Twitter at @MontecasinoZA.

Cheers!!!

Contact me at thelifesway@gmail.com to blog, share and influence about your products and services on all my Social Media channels #TheLifesWay #PhotoYatra !