Good Practice Tip: Friendly Reminder to sign in for the full experience

 

If you want your online visitors to count as active users, you need them to sign in.

 

Besides the usual login form, a friendly reminder to sign in for the full experience might do the trick:

A friendly reminder pops up in the bottom right hand corner: “You’re signed out. Sign in for the full experience.”

 

This pop-up sits on the right hand corner at the bottom of the page, so when viewing the site on full screen, it is pretty unobtrusive.

I’m usually working on computers where I am logged in to all these social media, so a little note to tell me when I’m not signed in can be helpful.

 

Of course from a user perspective one could question why we always have to be signed in just to see basic content, but that’s the hidden digital currency we pay with for all these free services.

And why such a pop-up reminder doesn’t display proper punctuation is also questionable.

 

But in general, to create an effective Call To Action together with the Reason Why as a prompt to sign in is very Good Practice.

 

#Good #Practice #Tip brought to you by Yours * TrulyJuly *.

Learn more Content Marketing tips by following Content Coach on Facebook.

 

#Podcast #Tip: #HowTo fall asleep, rest assured, with this meditation

 

Back in the day when I was living in London, Evening Standard’s public transport supplement newspaper Metro was giving away free CDs and downloads.

That’s how I came into the lucky posession of a most superb meditation podcast for falling asleep.

 

Thank goodness it survived various harddrive failures and stolen mobile phones, so I still have it. Because otherwise I would have never known the reference to find it online.

And I could’ve never shared this Podcast Tip with you:

 

Meditainment: Falling Asleep Meditation

 

We’ve all been there: Tossing and turning in bed, wild thoughts overtaking the mind, working yourself up into having to sleep.

One way to shut up that nagging inner voice that can keep us awake with worry is to listen to something else.

Any podcast actually works to get our mind off things, but if it’s sleep you want, then do yourself a favour and listen to a falling asleep meditation.

I instantly liked the meditation podcasts by Meditainment. A soothing female voice takes you to wonderful places and lets you gently drift off.

Whenever I found myself in a situation where it’d be good to sleep but I just couldn’t, I’d put the podcast on. It became like a mantra, where I knew every word by heart, comforting me with familiarity.

If it didn’t work the first time around, I’d just play it again. And sure enough, before I knew it I was fast asleep.

It works so well that I can put it on while travelling to use undisturbed transit time for a proper deep sleep.

 

So if you find yourself stressing instead of sleeping, tackle it proactively:

Meditainment made access to 20 meditative journeys free for support during the coronavirus pandemic.

Simply register here: https://www.meditainment.com/free-meditainment

 

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A post shared by Meditainment (@meditainment)

 

Happy 3 year anniversary, Starsky & Hutch

 

Starsky & Hutch are a proper foster fail story.

We already had 2 dogs, Lola and Gigi, and all the intention to find a good home for Starsky & Hutch when they were still puppies.

 

Well, 3 years on, and Starsky & Hutch have turned into handsome Africanis dogs.

 

Happy Birthday, Starsky & Hutch! ♡

 

#AdoptDontShop

 

#PortRATure: Mia and her Mini-Me Noons

 

Our new guest at the RAT Hotel Noons is still quite young and looks just like a Mini-Me version of Mia.

As everything is still new to little Noons, she sticks to her new bestie friend Mia and follows her around.

Accordingly I took pictures of Noons and Mia side-by-side:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Rats Make Great Pets ❤️ (@ratsmakegreatpets)

 

Having each other for support, both ratties huddle together and give each other comfort, resulting in this cute cuddle moment:

 

#RatsMakeGreatPets

Follow Rats Make Great Pets on Facebook and Instagram.

 

Watch your carbon footprint: Same product and same price but different packaging

 

Comparing prices can be literally rewarding, and it also keeps your brain fit.

When you actually look at the prices and remember them, you start to spot oddities and inconsistencies right away.

Like this one, where the refill costs as much as the original, so buying the less wasteful option is not incentivised:

The refill for this dishwashing liquid costs the same as the more wasteful bottle when it should costs less, as less packaging was used.

 

If you wonder why your bill at the till ends up so high, start watching your prices.

It’s fun to challenge yourself to do the maths and it feels good not to be taken for a fool because you know your numbers.

 

#Coronavirus #Pandemic: Community Health Workers protest to be recognised as public servants

 

Pretty much since the outbreak of the Coronavirus Pandemic in South Africa have Community Health Workers (CHW) been protesting.

Underpaid and Unprotected, their demands are very reasonable, as stated on their placards:

“NUPSAW says: Recognise Community Health Workers.”

“We Demand R2000 Covid-19 Danger Allowance.”

“We demand an end to the exploitation of all CHWs by the Depts.”

“Absorb all CHWs (Community Health Workers) on Level 2 as an interim solution.”

“We demand proper personal protective equipment (PPE).”

 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by TrulyJuly (@creativecommunications)

 

Under the hashtag #DoLikeGautengCampaign, they demand that the decision by the Gauteng Department of Health to permanently absorb all Gauteng Community Healthcare Workers (CHWs) on DPSA salary level 2 as of 1st July 2020 needs to be extended to all provinces.

Today they extended their protest to Cape Town, one of the provinces reluctant to recognise CHWs as public servants.

 

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A post shared by TrulyJuly (@creativecommunications)

 

The Covid-19 pandemic has helped to renew respect for community health workers among other health workers and the communities they serve.

The public showed their gratitude under the #ClapForOurCarersSA hashtag.

But public health experts warn this won’t be enough to put the country’s community health worker programme, which has faced barriers for years, on a more sound footing.

 

So, in these already trying times, community health workers across the country take to the streets for nationwide strikes.

 

NUPSAW INTENSIFIES ON THE REFUSAL TO IMPLEMENT THE PUBLIC SERVANTS WAGE AGREEMENT AND DEMAND FOR AN END TO EXPLOITATION OF ALL SECTORS UNDER THE PUBLIC SERVICE pic.twitter.com/I9HIfmdaWJ

— Nupsaw Head-quarters (@NupsawHQ) November 19, 2020

 

Let’s do everything we can to support our community health workers: It’s up to us to stop the spread.

#Coronavirus: #HeroesWearMasks!

#BeAMasketeer and save lives!

Stay Home.

Stay Distant.

Wash Your Hands.

Don’t touch your face.

Wear a mask.

 

Good Idea Tip: Model figures instead of stock photography

 

Most websites bore with the same look and feel stock photography.

It can be tough to stand out, but creativity beats big bucks:

 

Here’s an idea: Use model figures for your imagery

 

How endearing: A model figure is waving for attention on this picture going along with a tip.

 

There is something endearing about model figures and they can be used creatively to display a strong message:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by uzey (@uzey_tattoo)

 

#Good #Idea #Tip brought to you by Yours * TrulyJuly *.

Learn more Content Marketing tips by following Content Coach on Facebook.

 

#Coronavirus #Pandemic: South Africa’s daily new COVID-19 cases over 3K – again

 

On 20 November 2020 South Africa had 3105 new COVID-19 cases identified .

Since August 23rd South Africa’s new daily cases remained below 2000.

This marks the first time in almost 3 months that the daily jump in coronavirus infections surpasses 3000.

 

We report with concern that the new cases identified in the past 24 hours are 3105. This gives a cumulative total of COVD-19 cases in South Africa to be 762,763. pic.twitter.com/4cJmLXhIK6

— Department of Health: COVID-19 (@COVID_19_ZA) November 20, 2020

 

More than half of the new cases (54.4%) come from the Eastern Cape.

These cluster outbreaks in the Eastern Cape are concerning, as Dr Zweli Mkhize explains:

 

With South Africa generally lagging behind, is this the first sign of a 2nd wave like Europe is suffering?

 

Concerning: Coronavirus cases are on the rise again in South Africa.

 

It’s up to us to stop the spread.

We need to stick to the new normal and seriously do things differently, such as moving events outside.

It’s imperative that we adhere to Non-Pharmaceutical Interventions (NPI) to limit the rate of transmission.

 

Let’s do everything we can to keep the curve flat:

 

#Coronavirus: #HeroesWearMasks!

#BeAMasketeer and save lives!

Stay Home.

Stay Distant.

Wash Your Hands.

Don’t touch your face.

Wear a mask.

 

#RatHotel: Welcome little rattie Noons! :)

 

As I have done a lot of ratsitting, I am now starting a RAT Hotel.

So it is very special to welcome little rattie mousie Noons to the RAT Hotel! 🙂

 

Noons is still small and on her own, she is also highly energetic and a bit skittish.

She is very focused on her human and when we met she was hiding in her human’s scarf and immediately wanted to return to her human when we put her down elsewhere.

So meeting new rattie friends is a big experience for little Noons.

 

Introducing unfamiliar pet rats is not always straight forward, as rats are super loyal to their clan and accordingly defend it to any newcomer.

I’m very experienced with this and put together 5 Steps How To Introduce Rats.

 

Luckily my pet rats are very easy going and Mia, looking just like Noons, took an instant liking to her.

Mia adopted her little Mini-Me and Noons wouldn’t leave her side:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Rats Make Great Pets ❤️ (@ratsmakegreatpets)

 

Quickly Noons settled enough to relax:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Rats Make Great Pets ❤️ (@ratsmakegreatpets)

 

My other pet rat Heidi is a Siamese rat, who are generally more grumpy. She approached little Noons with scepticism, but as soon as I could hear Heidi huffing and puffing, I removed her.

The same evening however, Noons joined Heidi on a little adventure on the railway sleepers in our garden:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Rats Make Great Pets ❤️ (@ratsmakegreatpets)

 

Together they explored and bonded. So much so that Heidi fully accepted Noons and rewarded her with an extra dose of grooming the next day:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Rats Make Great Pets ❤️ (@ratsmakegreatpets)

 

Every time again it is so interesting to see how ratties interact and overcome conflict in a gentle manner. In the end they always become friends.

For Noons it means she is now part of her own little rattie clan, which makes being away from home much easier.

I’m sure she misses her human, but at least she gets plenty of entertainment at the RAT Hotel, one of the services I offer as part of the rattiesitting.

 

#RatsMakeGreatPets

Follow Rats Make Great Pets on Facebook and Instagram.

 

Watch your prices: Bigger amount is not always cheaper per unit

 

Generally, buying in bulk means you can save some bucks.

But don’t just grab the larger size, check the prices before.

Take it as your daily brain exercise and quickly do the maths for a reward that is not only good for your mind, but also for your wallet.

 

This example shows that bigger does not always mean cheaper per unit:

Watch your prices: Against the usual practice in this example it’d be cheaper to buy 2 of the small sizes than 1 of the bigger size.

 

Don’t be taken back by the numbers, round it up and it’s an easy one to work out:

The larger amount is twice as much (125g + 125g = 250g), but 2 x R22 is R44, which is less than R50.

 

It is these kinds of inconsistencies that when spotted can save you a lot of money.

Well, in this case R6, but it all adds up.

 

So start watching your prices, it feels good not to be taken for a fool because you know your numbers.

 

#Urban #Gardening: Beetroot harvest from regrowing leftovers

 

Some vegetables start sprouting when you keep them in the cupboard too long.

 

Finding the beetroots had started growing tiny fresh leaves, I kept the scraps and planted them straight into the soil.

 

Curious to see what happens I chose some planter boxes that are easy to keep moist.

 

The beetroot cutoffs took off immediately. Fresh tender leaves were soon filling the planters:

 

Beetroot leaves are edible. They have a leathery texture, so boiling them in soups or frying them like seaweed makes them really yummy.

 

But this was not about the leaves. I was eager to find out what was going on beneath the earth!

 

Apparently, just like with carrots, the actual root is not meant to regrow.

However, not even half a year later I harvested these red beetroots:

These beetroots regrew from the offcuts from a previous beetroot.

Posted by Yours TrulyJuly on Wednesday, 9 September 2020

 

And the funny thing: The leafy top bits I could yet again plant for another round of beetroot.

 

A neverending cycle of nature’s generosity.

 

Why a Naming Convention: Because just the date isn’t good enough

 

The South African government publishes useful Coronavirus infographics.

But try find them on the internet!

 

Here is why they fail in findability: The name of the file is only the date, with no other reference.

This infographic is useful, but can’t be found. When I save it, it shows why: A mere date as a file name does not work.

 

There are probably gazillions of other files out there with the same date.

What would actually help in the search are relevant keywords, such as Coronavirus, CoViD-19, global pandemic, or references to the content of the graphic, such as total infections, daily cases, overall spread, Alert Level 1 Regulations.

 

This is why a Naming Convention is so very important:

A well thought through Naming Convention should remind you to give your file a descriptive yet precise name.

 

A mere date without any meaningful keywords as a file name means no matter how great the content, it won’t pop up in search results. Be it for your users online or for your colleagues in your shared documents drive.

Such a simple good practice, yet forgetting it renders this image a #UsabilityFail.

 

#Good #Practice #Tip brought to you by Yours * TrulyJuly *.

Learn more Content Marketing tips by following Content Coach on Facebook.

 

#Lifehack #Tip: #HowTo Remember Prices

 

Keep your brain fit by memorising prices.

 

Challenge yourself to a great brain exercise: Remember prices.

 

Lifehack Tips: How To Memorise Prices

 

–  Look at the price consciously:

Say it to yourself associated with the product.

 

–  Don’t be fooled by the .99:

Round it up to the next higher number, which is much easier to remember.

 

–  Group items:

What other products are in the same price range?

 

–  Use your phone:

Document the price, product and date by taking a quick photo.

 

 

#WatchYourPrices

 

#Coronavirus #Pandemic: South Africa opens international travel

 

With the 2nd wave going rampant around the world, South Africa was fearing the worst when president Cyril Ramaphosa announced a State of the Nation speech regarding the Coronavirus.

 

Rumours went wild and even the media picked up on it:

SA might ‘return to tougher lockdown restrictions by next week’ – report

Even though the presidency denied this in official statements:

Ramaphosa dismisses rumours of a second hard lockdown

 

To much of a surprise and relief however, the exact opposite was announced:

Not only are alcohol restricitions eased,

international Travel is now open in South Africa:

Coronavirus Infographic: South Africa Alert Level 1 – New regulations on international travel

 

Of course we need to stay vigilant and adopt the Covid-19 new normal.

We need to be creative and seriously do things differently, such as moving events outside.

If we do adhere to Non-Pharmaceutical Interventions (NPI) we might manage to limit the rate of transmission and help take the strain off health facilities.

 

Let’s do everything we can to keep the curve flat:

#Coronavirus: #HeroesWearMasks!

#BeAMasketeer and save lives!

Stay Home.

Stay Distant.

Wash Your Hands.

Don’t touch your face.

Wear a mask.

 

Urban Gardening: Regrow carrot from green top

 

I usually cut off the top bit of a carrot, as that part where the carrot turns from orange to green can be bitter.

 

This part is also all that is needed to regrow the carrot.

 

Simply put it in a bowl with water or if you have a shady and moist spot plant it straight into the soil.

 

 

The green top starts sprouting leaves right away.

 

Apparently the actual carrots don’t regrow, but you can always munch the carrot greens:

Carrot Greens Chimichurri Recipe

Carrot Top Soup Recipe

Carrot Top Pesto

 

Salt River’s “Pangolin” reemerges from repaint of building

 

Woodstock and Salt River boast a graffiti on almost every corner. It makes the neighbourhood colourful and friendly, inviting to an open air gallery art walk.

Every year when the International Public Art Festival is on, more murals are being added.

Such as one of Salt River’s most eye-catching street art:  ROA’s “Pangolin”.

 

I was amazed to see what troubles were undertaken at the House of Monatic to protect the giant anteater by taping a cover over it.

I was curious what colour would be chosen for the building, and am glad it’s a fresh white, the perfect background for this pencil art style graffiti.

View this post on Instagram

It has reemerged: Graffiti artwork "Pangolin" by ROA after the building's repaint. It is amazing what efforts have been taken to preserve this wonderful artwork. #Graffiti #StreetArt #SaltRiver #HoodUplift #ILoveMyHood #LoveCapeTown #ROA #ROAart #capetownart #artoninstagram #artwork #art #instagraffiti #urbanart #arteurbano #streetartistry #sprayart #streetarteverywhere #urbanphotography #stencilart #mural #urbanstreetart #graffitiart #modernart #instaart #streetartphotography #contemporaryart #animalart #arturbain #artderue

A post shared by TrulyJuly (@creativecommunications) on Nov 10, 2020 at 6:56am PST

After all, that’s what walls should be: Canvases.

 

e-Gov Good Practice Tip: Assure your audience by explaining the .gov domain

 

A .gov website represents the government. There is an approval process for organisations requesting the .gov domain name.

This should mean a website which contains .gov in the url is legitimate and secure.

 

Of course, vigilance is always required, as also governments can be impersonated.

 

That’s why taking the extra step and reassure your visitors is important to create trust.

 

Here is a great example how to draw the attention, yet in a user-friendly manner:

Good Practice Tip: Quickly reassure your online visitors of the legitimacy of your website.

1. Alert users to the .gov domain.
2. Use a push-down banner to explain further.

 

#Good #Practice #Tip brought to you by Yours * TrulyJuly *.

Learn more Content Marketing tips by following Content Coach on Facebook.

Do something rewarding: Remember prices

 

We all know brain exercises help to keep our mind sharp.

Yet, we behave as if thinking was strenuous to us.

 

Numbers just look like cryptic symbols to you? Get over your fear of numbers by starting to remember them.

 

Here is a nice little brain exercise that is literally rewarding:

 

Good Practice Tip: Remember Prices

 

Everything has a price tag. We look at it all the time, but we don’t see.
Or maybe we look actively for it, but we don’t remember.

At least the everyday products we buy on a regular basis should be easy enough to keep in mind.

 

Benefits of memorising prices

 

As a result you’ll start to compare prices naturally, because you notice the difference when you look at the price tag.

This in turn helps you to spot real offers, which literally rewards you in saving money.

In addition, memorising is a great brain exercise.

 

#WatchYourPrices

 

Abandoned Corner Plot: People sleep rough in unkempt shrubs

 

Abandoned plots invite homeless people to settle and sleep rough, especially when unkempt bushes and shrubs offer shelter.

View this post on Instagram

Abandoned Corner Plot: High unkempt shrubs provide shelter for people sleeping rough. When they leave, they leave all their rubbish behind. #HoodUplift #ILoveMyHood #StopDumping #NoDumping #NoToCrime #MakeSASafe #Neighbourhood #Community

A post shared by Neighbourhood Uplift (@hooduplift) on Nov 7, 2020 at 12:07am PST

 

After sleeping rough, all the rubbish is left behind.

 

 

Rubbish flying around the neighbourhood in Cape Town’s strong winds gets already easily caught in unkempt shrubs.

Leaving additional piles of waste in turn triggers more dumping.

 

High bushes also make for perfect hiding places and thus attract crime.

 

In addition, they pose a fire hazard when summer starts.

 

It’s a downward spiral that can be prevented by keeping bushes and grasses trimmed.

 

To keep the neighbourhood safe, it’s vital to keep it clean.

 

#HoodUplift

 

#RattieTip: 5 Steps how to gently introduce pet rats

 

How to introduce pet rats – Step 1: Both cages closed

How to introduce pet rats – Step 2: Cage Swap

How to introduce pet rats – Step 3: One cage open

How to introduce pet rats – Step 4: Meeting on neutral ground

How to introduce pet rats – Step 5: Meeting on familiar ground

 

There are different ways how to introduce new rats to each other, and some advise to get it over and done with by locking rats into a small confined place.

 

I have done a lot of ratsitting and am now starting a RAT Hotel.
I cannot even risk the slightest of injuries on my guests. And why cause such stress?

 

I suggest a much gentler way of introducing pet rats, which also keeps them entertained for longer, one of the services I offer as part of the rattiesitting.

 

In my experience it takes about a week for ratties to become friends.

 

I think rats are great teachers, and one thing I learned from them is patience.

 

So take it easy and follow these

5 steps to introduce unfamiliar rats in a gentle way

 

Step 1: Both cages closed

Step 2: Cage Swap

Step 3: One cage open

Step 4: Meeting on neutral ground

Step 5: Meeting on familiar ground

 

It’s lovely when a bunch of ratties get along just fine:

 

#RatsMakeGreatPets

Follow Rats Make Great Pets on Facebook and Instagram.

#RattieTip brought to you by #YoursTrulyJuly.

 

Disclaimer: Only let rats from different clans interact under expert supervision.

 

Watch your costs: Same product but different prices

 

Comparing prices is literally rewarding: You can save a lot of money!

 

But it’s also rewarding as a brain exercise: Keep mentally fit by remembering your prices.

 

This also helps you spot inconsistencies, as you actually look at the price and don’t just blindly trust the supermarket that they indeed offer you the best deal.

 

Such as this oddity, where the same product is displayed with different prices:

The same feta cheese is advertised with different prices. A difference of R5! Which one is the actual price to pay?

 

If you wonder why your bill at the till ends up so high, start watching your prices.

 

It’s fun to challenge yourself to do the maths and it feels good not to be taken for a fool because you know your numbers.

 

Yes-vember: Because it doesn’t have to be No-vember

 

Ah, in the quest to stay positive, how far can we go?

 

With the year 2020 turning from 20plenty into coronavirus pandemic, and now it’s coming to an end without any improvement in sight, things can seem depressing.

 

Let’s not.

 

After all, it doesn’t have to be No-vember.

 

Let’s rather embrace Yes-vember! 😀

 

Stay Positive! Always say Yes!

 

#StayPositive

 

#Coronavirus #Pandemic: Europe goes under lockdown again to fight 2nd Covid wave

 

Europe can’t get the 2nd wave under control.

France, Spain and the UK have crossed the 1 Million mark of total Covid-19 infections.

For many EU countries the daily new coronavirus cases are higher than during the 1st wave back in March.

 

Daily reported cases of Covid-19 per 100K people in France, Germany, Spain, UK up until October 28, 2020. Source: Johns Hopkins University Center for Systems Science and Engineering.

 

As a result France and Germany are going back into lockdown, the UK is following suit, and Spain might too.

 

If we don’t want the same to happen in South Africa, we really need to adopt the Covid-19 new normal.

We need to be creative and seriously do things differently, such as moving events outside.

 

Not only might we risk further lockdowns, this 2nd wave could be worse than the 1st.

 

If we do adhere to Non-Pharmaceutical Interventions (NPI) we might manage to limit the rate of transmission during the 2nd wave and help take the strain off health facilities.

 

Let’s do everything we can to keep the curve flat:

 

#Coronavirus: #HeroesWearMasks!

#BeAMasketeer and save lives!

Stay Home.

Stay Distant.

Wash Your Hands.

Don’t touch your face.

Wear a mask.

 

#ReiseBlog: Albino Eichhörnchen in Company’s Garden

 

Aber Hallo! Ein weißes Eichhörnchen begrüßt uns in Company’s Garden in Kapstadt.

 

Wir waren eigentlich mitten im Museen-Marathon während Izikos in_herit FESTIVAL, um das Beste aus Südafrikas Kulturwoche (#HeritageWeek) zu machen.

 

Aber als dieses kleine Tierchen uns in Company’s Garden begrüßte, blieben wir stehen und guckten erst mal: Dies ist das erste weiße Eichhörnchen, das ich je gesehen habe!

 

So zahm (und gierig) wie die grauen Eichhörnchen, kam auch dieses Albino Eichhörnchen ganz nah heran und total süß daher:

 

 

#RattieSitting: Fadley in the rattie couch

 

The rattie couch, which isn’t a rattie couch, but Fadley made it look so, has turned into something altogether different, a furniture piece only a rat could invent:

 

View this post on Instagram

#RattieSitting: A new variation of the sofa chill. This time #pet #rat Fadley crawled inside. Clearly a super comfy spot. #RatsMakeGreatPets

A post shared by TrulyJuly (@creativecommunications) on Dec 17, 2019 at 9:41am PST

 

Pet rats are super cute emotional support animals and total cuddle masters!

Fadley is known for making himself comfortable for a snooze and looking cool at it.

I just want to snuggle in there with Fadley.

 

#RatsMakeGreatPets

 

Healthy Greens Side Dish Tip: Red Beetroot Leaves

 

It’s a lot of fun to try new foods and experiment in the kitchen.

 

You don’t have to go far to find a whole new variety of yummies: A lot of what we cut and throw away can actually be eaten.

 

Red Beetroot Leaves: Healthy greens for a side dish

 

 

Red beetroots are super easy to regrow from the tops that get generally cut off.

 

The leaves start sprouting very quickly and are edible:

Fresh and young they can be added to salads,

more mature and leathery they can be boiled or fried like spinach.

 

Beet greens are nutritious as they are rich in Vitamin K, copper, manganese, iron and calcium, and they are great for maintaining a healthy weight, as they contain zero saturated fat nor cholesterol.

 

 

Recipe for Red Beetroot Leaves

 

Boil / blanch / steam the red beetroot leaves until tender. Make a vinaigrette or salad dressing of your liking and toss the beet greens until well covered. Serve warm as a side dish or cooled down as a salad.

 

Braise / fry / sauté the red beetroot leaves together with garlic, chilli pepper flakes, salt and pepper until soft. Serve warm as a side dish or cooled down as antipasto.

 

Roast / grill / braai the red beetroot leaves covered in olive oil and salt and pepper until crisp. Serve warm as a side dish or cooled down as a snack.

 

For more inspiration check out these 15 beet green recipes.

 

#Recipe #Tip brought to you by Yours * TrulyJuly *.

 

#Protest in #Woodstock causes Main Road closure

 

It had started 3 days prior and the cause was unclear:

Protest action has led to road closures in the Woodstock area near the Cape Town CBD.

 

Whatever the issue, it had not been resolved, as on the 26th of October Sir Lowry Road was once again under attack: Barricades were set up and then alight:

Protest Action: 21h36
Tyres alight on the corners of Sir Lowry Road and Russel Street (Woodstock). SAPS, Law Enforcement and Metro Police on scene
– Avoid area @1SecondLater #1SecondTelegram #1Second #1SecondZello @BOSBEER2006 @MARIUSBROODRYK @SAPoliceService @EWNTraffic pic.twitter.com/hD0sZi6MDg

— 1Second (@1SecondLater) October 26, 2020

 

On the morning of the 27th October, protesters were still battling it out with the police by throwing stones and bricks from the roof of New Market Junction:

View this post on Instagram

#Protest action in #Woodstock: Every time the police edges closer, they are greeted with bricks being thrown off the roof. Sir Lowry Road is barricaded. A burning pool table in the middle of the street and lots of debris from the aftermath.

A post shared by Neighbourhood Uplift (@hooduplift) on Oct 27, 2020 at 1:54am PDT

 

Someone from the Law Enforcement said that the protest was over free Wifi.

I wasn’t sure what to make of it. But when I researched the protest, I found several mentions of #ProtestingForWifi:

Cape Town – #Woodstock #ProtestingForWifi
This how the traffic is in Woodstock Sir Lowry Road Inbound, due to Protesting from CPUT students#1SecondTelegram @1SecondLater@BOSBEER2006 @MARIUSBROODRYK @EWNTraffic @BokRadio @VOCfm @_ArriveAlive @WCGovSafelyHome @SAPoliceService pic.twitter.com/vL9FyyJxSd

— 1Second (@1SecondLater) October 27, 2020

 

And then I found that at the same place there had already been student protests, and indeed it was about free Wi-Fi, but of course also about other appliances.

 

That was back in 2017, on April 25th.

 

History Repeating.

 

Sir Lowry Road is open again. Thanks to this clean-up crew:

Sir Lowry Road Woodstock has been re opened a while back, #1Second #1SecondZello #1SecondTelegram @1SecondLater… twitter.com/i/web/status/1…—
1Second (@1SecondLater) October 27, 2020

 

Good Practice Tip: Website saved for offline reading

 

Do you, like me, have the habit of having lots of brower tabs open?

 

Then you might appreciate this Good Practice Tip:

 

Make your website available offline.

 

Some websites do this automatically, some don’t, and some are kind enough to let us know:

Even offline this website is available.

 

Stand out from the crowd by making this a feature: Let your readers know the website is backed-up and can still be enjoyed when offline.

 

As much as we expect there to be always a fast internet connection, we also know that this is not always the case. And just in case internet is down, your website can still be read.

 

 

#Good #Practice #Tip brought to you by Yours * TrulyJuly *.

Learn more Content Marketing tips by following Content Coach on Facebook.

 

#Coronavirus #Pandemic: Brace for the 2nd wave

 

Daily new infections by world region: Global COVID-19 cases surge to unprecedented highs, Oct 22, 2020.

 

We’ve seen the warning signs of a 2nd wave.

 

Unless we adopt the new normal and seriously do things differently, such as moving events outside, this 2nd wave could be worse than the 1st.

 

Let’s not risk losing more lives, let’s not risk more disruptions or even lockdowns.

 

If we do adhere to Non-Pharmaceutical Interventions (NPI) we might manage to limit the rate of transmission during the 2nd wave and help take the strain off health facilities.

 

Let’s do everything we can to keep the curve flat:

 

#Coronavirus: #HeroesWearMasks!

#BeAMasketeer and save lives!

Stay Home.

Stay Distant.

Wash Your Hands.

Don’t touch your face.

Wear a mask.

 

Watch your prices: Same offer but different amount

 

If you want to change the world, put your money where your mouth is. Literally.

 

Women have the majority of buying power, imagine what could happen if all made a point of supporting women’s businesses.

 

Being conscious about how you spend your money includes comparing prices.

 

Especially in supermarkets, where it’s so easy to be mislead.

 

Watch out: At a first glance these two offers might look the same, but the amount is very different.

 

Make it a fun game to spot offers and quickly do the calculations in your head to find out if this is indeed a good price.

 

You’ll be surprised how many of these so called offers turn out to be quite a rip-off.

 

#RattieTip: #HowTo introduce new pet rats to an established rat clan – Step 5: Meeting on familiar ground

 

How to introduce pet rats – Step 1: Both cages closed

 

How to introduce pet rats – Step 2: Cage Swap

 

How to introduce pet rats – Step 3: One cage open

 

How to introduce pet rats – Step 4: Meeting on neutral ground

 

One thing you will learn through the interaction with pet rats is patience:

Rats are very shy and skittish animals by nature, because of their instincts to hide from predators on the ground and in the sky.

It is most rewarding to gain the trust of your pet rat and see them confidently owning their space and eagerly coming to greet you.

 

When it comes to introducing pet rats from different clans, patience is also required:

Even if you have the cutest little rattie schmoopies, you might be surprised how they react to an unfamiliar rat. Luckily, all it takes is time for pet rats to become friends.

Don’t cause unnecessary stress by rushing it: As small and cute as pet rats are, they have a strong will and can be very stubborn.

Ensure you avoid any possible conflict by going through Step 1 to Step 4 first.

 

Once you are happy with how the pet rats from different clans remain friendly around each other, you can proceed to Step 5.

 

Introducing pet rats – Step 5: Meeting on familiar ground

 

Pet rats are very territorial and not all of them are into sharing. An unfamiliar rat can easily be seen as an intruder.

That’s why letting your pet rats meet on familiar ground needs to happen last:

Rats are very protective over their clan and their territory. So even if they know the newcomer rattie by now, they still might react hostile when the newbie enters their space.

 

Don’t force the ratties. Give them time and space to do it their way:

Simply leave both cages open and let them explore. Watch them the first time around, so you can intervene if the ratties are not ready.

 

More likely however they’ll end up like this:

 

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?vanity=RatsMakeGreatPets&set=a.1661894597200870

 

A cap makes a great rattie hammock, as it’s so easy to hang up.

Peaches generously shares her nest with Ratatouille: Another succesful rattie introduction. 🙂

 

It is so rewarding when the ratties get along in the end.

 

#RatsMakeGreatPets

 

Follow Rats Make Great Pets on Facebook and Instagram.

#RattieTip brought to you by #YoursTrulyJuly.

 

Disclaimer: Only let rats from different clans interact under expert supervision.

 

#Urban #Gardening: I planted 32 chilli peppers during lockdown

 

During lockdown I really got into urban gardening and growing food.

 

Somehow a lot of seeds I carelessly discarded in our garden as part of compostable waste had started growing and needed to be transplanted.

 

With garden centers closed I  upcycled plastic bottles as plant pots. There were plenty to find in Cape Town which always has rubbish flying around on the streets.

 

I developed serious upcycling skills, as I had no access to gardening essentials, such as soil. In the end I managed to transplant all these many seedlings on a 0 budget.

 

Such as these 16 Birds Eye Chilli Peppers:

 

And these 4 Jalapeño Chilli Peppers:

 

And these 12 Habanero Chilli Peppers:

 

A total of 32 Chilli Pepper plants.

Nature is truly generous!

 

#UrbanGardening

 

Good Practice Tip: Use a Push Down Banner to explain further

 

To reassure users that they are on a legitimate and secure website, it’s a good idea to let them know.

And if they want to know more, to let them know more.

 

Tip: Use a Push Down Banner to provide more information

 

For credibility, this site confirms it is offical.

It then entices to find out more with a link and an arrow pointing down next to it.

Clicking on the arrow expands the push down banner showing enough information to explain further.

 

 

Push down banners are compatible with any device, on desktop and on mobile, so it’s a great intuitive and creative way to subtly alert the user to learn more.

 

#Good #Practice #Tip brought to you by Yours * TrulyJuly *.

Learn more Content Marketing tips by following Content Coach on Facebook.

 

When life writes stories: History lesson

 

Uncle, can we play on your stoep?

 

Of course you can. You can always play here.

 

Uncle, are you African?

 

I was born in South Africa, but my parents came from Italy.

 

Ah, did they also come down as slaves?

 

When life writes stories: Self-identification

 

Auntie, can we play on your stoep?

 

Of course you can. You can always play here.

 

Auntie, where are you from?

 

I’m from Germany.

 

I’m a Cape Coloured.

 

Ah. How old are you?

 

I’m 7. Why?

 

#RattieTip: #HowTo Guide to Rat Introductions – Step 4 Bonus Tip: Sharing a rattie treat on neutral ground

 

How to introduce pet rats – Step 1: Both cages closed

 

How to introduce pet rats – Step 2: Cage Swap

 

How to introduce pet rats – Step 3: One cage open

 

How to introduce pet rats – Step 4: Meeting on neutral ground

 

Pet rats are cutie little fluff balls, lovely to cuddle and perfect as emotional support animals.

 

But as nice as they are to humans, this does not necessarily apply to other ratties: Rats are very protective over their clan and thus can be highly territorial.

 

That’s why it is good practice to introduce pet rats to each other slowly. Follow through Step 1 to Step 4 first.

 

However, pet rats are also foodies: A shared meal can speed up the introduction process.

 

Step 4 Bonus Tip: Use food for pet rats to familiarise

 

I often ask at our local supermarket for salad leftovers. When I get a lot, I can fill a whole box, which is great entertainment for the ratties to explore.

All ratties enjoy diving in, even when they don’t know each other:

 

Also simply providing a nice rattie treat on neutral ground helps for pet rats to become friends.

Brown rice is a healthy snack that the ratties need to pick up piece by piece, so they frequently return to the bowl and have the chance to intermingle with the newbies:

 

It is so rewarding to see the ratties get along in the end.

 

#RatsMakeGreatPets

 

Follow Rats Make Great Pets on Facebook and Instagram.

#RattieTip brought to you by #YoursTrulyJuly.

 

Disclaimer: Only let rats from different clans interact under experienced supervision.

 

#JerusalemaChallenge: This is why it’s a challenge

 

In case you were wondering what’s the challenge about the Jerusalema Dance, it actually started by a group of friends in Angola who shot a video dancing to the song that sparked the global trend.

The challenge was to eat lunch while dancing:

 

The challenge eased into a simple dance routine, which went viral around the globe.

Encouraged by South African president Cyril Ramaphosa, South Africans took part on Heritage Day, uplifting spirits despite the coronavirus pandemic.

 

To see what an actual dance challenge the Jerusalema Challenge can be, just watch these kids groove away at it with the most coolest African dance moves:

 

#UsabilityFail: A folder called ‘DCIM’

 

It is funny how we get used to cryptic acronyms and just accept such a non-user-friendly way of naming a folder.

 

#UsabilityFail: Old legacy has it that the camera folder is still called ‘DCIM’

 

DCIM stands for Digital Camera IMages, a directory name in the Design rule for Camera File system, part of the file system for a digital camera.

DCIM is a folder name in a digital camera, smartphone or tablet for storing images taken with the device.

 

Anyone who has handled a digital camera is probably familiar with this folder. But it’s only due to old legacy that we still use such a silly acronym.

 

#UsabilityFail

 

#DarkPatterns: The new Facebook does away with ‘Posts’ Tab

 

Surely we’ve all seen the message that “Classic Facebook is going away soon”.

 

I even get it when I’m already on the new Facebook:

Facebook warns that “Classic Facebook is going away soon” when I’m already on the new Facebook.

 

“Soon” was actually meant to be “in September”, but well into October and I still have to switch back for some functionalities that don’t work or don’t exist anymore in the new Facebook.

 

For example: The new Facebook has no more ‘Posts‘ tab!

 

The one hack that helped me stay focused on Facebook and not be distracted by the Dark Patterns and the new Facebook does away with it.

 

It’s just another attempt of Facebook to keep us on their platform for longer than we intended.

 

#DarkPatterns

 

Graffiti artwork from my home town Hamm pays tribute to “the real heroes”

 

My neighbour The UZEY from my home town Hamm couldn’t work in his tattoo studio due to the coronavirus pandemic.

 

So he went back to his other passion and painted some cool murals around Hamm.

 

Some of them went viral around the globe, helping to spread the message:

His graffiti “Super-Nurse” pays tribute to the real heroes:

Health workers.

 

This awesome graffiti artwork “Super-Nurse” was done by my good old neighbour buddy Kai Wohlgemut aka ‘Uzey’ in Hamm to honour “the real heroes”.

 

#Coronavirus: #HeroesWearMasks!

 

#BeAMasketeer and save lives:

Stay Home.

Stay Distant.

Wash Your Hands.

Don’t touch your face.

Wear a mask.

 

#Rattie #Hibernation: Pet rat sisters Mia and Heidi built a massive nest

 

It can feel freezing in Cape Town when the cold front hits. This winter was particularly nippy in the Western Cape, as we also had lots of rain.

 

Rattie sisters Mia and Heidi are having none of it:

 

They built a massive nest out of newspaper shreds and stay warm and snug. I hardly get to see them!

Only when I bring fresh food do they quickly pop out and grace me with their presence.

View this post on Instagram

#Rattie #Hibernation: #Pet #rats Mia and Heidi built a massive nest! It can #feel #freezing in #CapeTown when the #cold front hits. But Mia and Heidi stay #warm in their newspaper shreds and only come out for #food. 🐭 #RatsMakeGreatPets

A post shared by Rats Make Great Pets ❤️ (@ratsmakegreatpets) on Oct 8, 2020 at 11:27pm PDT

 

It’s clear they are hibernating when Mia’s first reaction to being called is a huge yawn:

View this post on Instagram

#Rattie #Hibernation: #Pet #rats Mia and Heidi built a massive nest! Mia greets me with a huge #yawn! 🐭 #RatsMakeGreatPets

A post shared by Rats Make Great Pets ❤️ (@ratsmakegreatpets) on Oct 8, 2020 at 11:35pm PDT

 

While Mia hangs around for a while to munch the treats, Heidi only goes outside their nest to pick up her portion and retreats quickly back into the warmth.

View this post on Instagram

#Rattie #Hibernation: #Pet #rats Mia and Heidi built a massive nest! It can #feel #freezing in #CapeTown when the #cold front hits. But Mia and Heidi stay #warm in their newspaper shreds and only come out for #food. 🐭

A post shared by Rats Make Great Pets ❤️ (@ratsmakegreatpets) on Oct 8, 2020 at 11:46pm PDT

 

Heidi picks up a piece of food and rather eats it in the warmth and comfort of their nest.

View this post on Instagram

#Rattie #Hibernation: #Pet #rats Mia and Heidi built a massive nest! They only come out for #food. Mia at least stays by the dish, but Heidi quickly gets her portion only to withdraw back into the #warm newspaper shreds. 🐭

A post shared by Rats Make Great Pets ❤️ (@ratsmakegreatpets) on Oct 8, 2020 at 11:52pm PDT

 

#RatsMakeGreatPets

 

Abandoned Corner Plot: Drug users hide in unkempt shrubs

 

During winter plants thrive in Cape Town with all the recent rain fall.

Weeds and shrubs can easily grow out of control and into far reaching bushes.

 

They can quickly become unsightly, as they catch all the rubbish flying around the neighbourhood in Cape Town’s strong winds.

 

They also attract crime, as they make for perfect hiding places.

View this post on Instagram

Abandoned Corner Plot: Drug users hide in unkempt shrubs. #HoodUplift #ILoveMyHood #NoDumping #NoToCrime #MakeSASafe #Neighbourhood #Community

A post shared by Neighbourhood Uplift (@hooduplift) on Oct 7, 2020 at 10:17pm PDT

 

In addition, they pose a fire hazard when summer starts.

 

To keep the neighbourhood safe, it’s vital to keep it clean.

 

#HoodUplift

 

Cape Town’s dams are overflowing

 

Since the drought crisis in 2018 we live with severe water restrictions in Cape Town.

 

As Day Zero approached we learned to be water-wise.

 

2 years on and the water restrictions will likely be removed according to Mayor Dan Plato.

 

That’s because Cape Town’s dams are overflowing, for the first time since 2014.

 

A roadtrip would be in order to see the joyous news in person.

 

Until then, there are lovely pictures and videos to feast on:

 

Theewaterskloof dam is overflowing. Picture: Henk Kruger/African News Agency (ANA)

 

 

However, this should not stop us from saving water. It’s become a habit, a routine – why break it.

 

But maybe a little indulgence could be forgiven: How about a bath! 😮

 

#SaveWater

 

Salt River’s “Pangolin” gets covered up for repaint of building

 

One of Salt River’s eye-catchers is being covered up, as the building it is painted on gets a makeover.

 

The House of Monatic is going through big trouble to cover up ROA’s “Pangolin”.

I had to look twice, as the covering material has a similar colour to the wall. But yes indeed: Painstakingly every scale of the giant anteater is protected by taping a cover over it.

 

View this post on Instagram

Graffiti artwork "Pangolin" by ROA gets covered up for the building's repaint. #Graffiti #StreetArt #SaltRiver #HoodUplift #ILoveMyHood #LoveCapeTown #ROA #ROAart #capetownart #artoninstagram #artwork #art #instagraffiti #urbanart #arteurbano #streetartistry #sprayart #streetarteverywhere #urbanphotography #stencilart #mural #urbanstreetart #graffitiart #modernart #instaart #streetartphotography #contemporaryart #animalart #arturbain #artderue

A post shared by TrulyJuly (@creativecommunications) on Oct 5, 2020 at 2:33pm PDT

 

What a great initiative to protect some amazing graffiti artwork!

 

#Coronavirus #Pandemic: Download the Covid Alert South Africa app!

 

South Africa is on Coronavirus lockdown Alert Level 1 since Sunday, 20 September 2020.

 

Alert Level 1 comes with an interesting requirement:

All travellers will be asked to install the COVID Alert South Africa mobile app.

 

Download the app – Every COVID Alert SA app download means more lives saved in SA.

 

Download the Covid-19 Alert South Africa app.

 

Tracking and tracing app

In a national address on Wednesday evening (16 September), Ramaphosa said that government would also step up its contact tracing through the deployment of the Covid Alert South Africa mobile phone app and the Covid Connect WhatsApp platform.

“Effective testing and contact tracing systems will allow us to quickly identify and contain outbreaks before they spread further,” he said.

“I want to make a call this evening to everyone who has a smartphone in South Africa to download the Covid Alert mobile app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.”

Ramaphosa said that app has been zero-rated by mobile networks, so you can download it without any data costs.

“Using Bluetooth technology, the app will alert any user if they have been in close contact with any other user who has tested positive for coronavirus in the past 14 days.

“The app is completely anonymous, it does not gather any personal information, nor does it track anybody’s location.”

 

#Coronavirus: #HeroesWearMasks!

 

#BeAMasketeer and save lives:

Stay Home.

Stay Distant.

Wash Your Hands.

Don’t touch your face.

Wear a mask.

 

#Coronavirus #Pandemic: Trumps test Covid-19 positive after not wearing masks at presidential debate

 

It was only on Tuesday that Donald Trump mocked his rival, Democratic nominee Joe Biden, for frequently wearing a mask:

“I don’t wear masks like him. Every time you see him, he’s got a mask. He could be speaking 200 feet away from them, he shows up with the biggest mask I’ve ever seen.”

 

 

Even worse, Donald Trump’s family members did not wear masks during this debate, defying the rules of the event.

A Cleveland Clinic doctor even asked Trump family guests to to put on masks, but they refused.

A Cleveland Clinic doctor with masks just walked up to a number of unmasked members of the audience on Trump’s side of the room and asked them to put on masks. She told me they refused to take one and wear them. https://t.co/rNUFjLfUEf

— Tyler Pager (@tylerpager) September 30, 2020

 

Already on Friday then Trump tweets:

Tonight, @FLOTUS and I tested positive for COVID-19. We will begin our quarantine and recovery process immediately. We will get through this TOGETHER!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 2, 2020

 

Clearly, Trump is not leading by example:

Donald Trump is known for eschewing practices like social distancing and mask wearing despite the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) calling on Americans to wear masks to prevent COVID-19 spread.

Seems like his malpractice has finally caught up with him.

 

No-one is safe from the coronavirus!

 

Stay safe and #BeAMasketeer to save lives:

Stay Home.

Stay Distant.

Wash Your Hands.

Don’t touch your face.

And yes: Wear a mask.

 

 

#Coronavirus: #HeroesWearMasks!

 

 

My home town Hamm has surge in coronavirus infections thanks to a wedding

 

My home town Hamm in Germany made it into international news:

 

Coronavirus: Illegal wedding blamed for lockdown in German city of Hamm

 

This sensational headline is not entirely true:

It does not appear that the wedding was illegal and Hamm is not under lockdown.

 

Interestingly The Times is also one of the few publications that find it necessary to mention the ethnic background of the wedding, subtly enticing racism.

 

“Rechte Hetze und Hexenjagd” nach Corona-Hochzeit in Hamm © Guido Kirchner / dpa

 

People in Hamm are upset enough that they are facing new restrictions just because a few celebrated against coronavirus regulations.

 

But people in Germany also celebrated Karneval still 1 month after the first case of coronavirus infection in Bavaria.

 

Irresponsible celebrations despite coronavirus seem to be a thing in Germany.

So much so, that Covid-19 infections are on the rise again and the government needs to impose tougher restrictions, including an alcohol ban.

 

Sounds familiar? Thank goodness South Africa is done with all this. Let’s keep it that way.

 

#Coronavirus: #HeroesWearMasks!

 

#BeAMasketeer and save lives:

Stay Home.

Stay Distant.

Wash Your Hands.

Don’t touch your face.

Wear a mask.

 

#Coronavirus #Pandemic: Germany is imposing alcohol ban

 

As the world surpasses the sad milestone of 1 million deaths due to Covid-19, Germany is also battling the comeback of the coronavirus.

 

Germany recorded the highest daily Covid-19 infection rate since April of 2,507 new cases on September 26th.

 

To avoid another fully fledged lockdown Germany is tightening restrictions, such as limitations on social gatherings, a fine when giving wrong contact details for backtracking, and an alcohol ban.

 

Fair enough, the alcohol ban would only apply to gastronomic establishments and only for a limited time.

 

But it seems there’s something to banning alcohol consumption that helps with combating the spread of the coronavirus.

 

A Covid-19 Alcohol Ban is not new to Germany, as the city of Leverkusen imposed one back in April at the height of the Coronavirus Pandemic.

 

#AlcoholMustFall

 

 

#Coronavirus: #HeroesWearMasks!

 

#BeAMasketeer and save lives:

Stay Home.

Stay Distant.

Wash Your Hands.

Don’t touch your face.

Wear a mask.

 

#ReiseBlog: Freier Museumseintritt während Südafrikas #HeritageWeek

 

Südafrikas Kulturwoche (Heritage Week) läuft vom 24. bis 30. September 2018.

Die meisten Iziko Museen bieten kostenlosen Eintritt während der Kulturwoche.

 

Besucher des Iziko South African Museum am Kulturtag (Heritage Day), 24.09.2018. Foto: Nigel Pamplin. © Iziko Museums of South Africa.

 

Mein #HeritageWeek Museen-Marathon in Kapstadt:

 

Hier sind alle Museen Kapstadts, die freien Eintritt während der Kulturwoche anbieten, in einer handlichen Google Maps Liste aufgeführt.

 

South African Museum auf Google Maps

25 Queen Victoria St, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town, 8001

GPS: 33.9287° S, 18.4150° E

 

Iziko South African National Gallery auf Google Maps

Government Ave, Company’s Garden, Cape Town, 8000

GPS: 33.9291° S, 18.4173° E

 

Rust en Vreugd auf Google Maps

78 Buitenkant St, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town, 8000

GPS: 33.9304° S, 18.4205° E

 

Iziko Museums Slave Lodge auf Google Maps

Corner Adderley and Wale Streets, Cape Town

GPS: 33.9251° S, 18.4205° E

 

Bo-Kaap Museum auf Google Maps

71 Wale St, Schotsche Kloof, Cape Town, 8001

GPS: 33.9216° S, 18.4150° E

 

Michaelis Collection at The Old Town House auf Google Maps

The Old Town House Greenmarket Square, Central, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town, 8001

GPS: 33.9231° S, 18.4199° E

 

Koopmans-de Wet House auf Google Maps

35 Strand St, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town, 8001

 

South African Maritime Museum auf Google Maps

Union-Castle House, Dock Rd, V & A Waterfront, Cape Town, 8000

GPS: 33.9057° S, 18.4202° E

 

Urban Gardening: Regrow celery from the rest of the root stump

 

Nature is so generous!

 

It is even possible to regrow vegetables from leftover kitchen scraps.

 

Celery is one of those plants that seem to be unperturbed by their surroundings and just keep on growing.

Often I take the celery bunch out of the fridge and see new stalks sprouting. All it needs is water.

 

Covering the root stump with a bit of water in a small bowl is enough for celery to regrow.

 

 

Celery is so undemanding, you don’t actually need to replant it into soil. You could just keep the stalks in a vase and they continue growing.

 

If you do plant the sprouting celery into earth, make sure it’s well watered and in a shaded spot.

 

For Urban Gardening on a 0 budget, you can plant the celery into compost in an upcycled plastic bottle and use grey water to keep it moist.

 

It is so rewarding to see it grow and even more to eat it! 😛

 

How to avoid the Facebook Page Home Feed: Click straight on Posts

 

Beware Facebook Pages’ Home Feed, as it distracts.

 

Instead, click straight on Posts when you visit a Facebook page:

When you browse Facebook pages, do yourself a favour and click straight on ‘Posts’ to avoid the Home page’s Dark Patterns.

 

Facebook presents you with all sorts of Dark Patterns and distracting content when you stay on the Home Tab of a Facebook Page.

Clicking on Posts gets you only the content that was posted on the Facebook Page.

 

#JOMO

 

#JerusalemaChallenge: South Africa lifts spirits with Jerusalema dance

 

South Africa’s Covid-19 lockdown eased to Level 1 during Heritage Month and president Cyril Ramaphosa urged the nation to celebrate Heritage Day with dancing the #JerusalemaChallenge.

 

Health Minister Dr Zweli Mkhize delivered great dance moves with his team featuring positive messages and hand sanitiser.

 

This follows the Jerusalema Dance going viral around the world, as people seek to lift their spirits despite the Coronavirus Pandemic.

 

It’s a great way to get some exercise and burn the lockdown fat, with the upbeat tunes motivating to keep on dancing.

 

Even just watching these uplifting moments brings a smile to your face.

 

 

Go on, shake your booty, you know you want to! 🙂

 

#JerusalemaChallenge

 

#TakeABreak: Vote for the Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards

 

Taking a break is good for you.

 

If you need a 5 minute distraction, here’s something funny to look at and do good while you’re at it:

 

The Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards include some seriously hilarious pictures and creates awareness about conservation.

 

Just a taster from the 44 finalists:

Gallery of 2020 Finalists.

 

You have until October 11th 2020, midnight GMT to enter.

 

#Happy #HeritageDay from #Woodstock

Happy Heritage Day!

 

Woodstock heeded to President Cyril Ramaphosa’s call to dance the JerusalemaChallenge on Heritage Day.

 

View this post on Instagram

#Happy #HeritageDay! #Woodstock is taking part in the #JerusalemaChallenge. Getting ready to #dance.

A post shared by TrulyJuly (@creativecommunications) on Sep 24, 2020 at 4:00am PDT

 

View this post on Instagram

#Happy #HeritageDay! First Warmup! #Woodstock is #dancing the #JerusalemaChallenge.

A post shared by TrulyJuly (@creativecommunications) on Sep 24, 2020 at 4:10am PDT

 

View this post on Instagram

#Happy #HeritageDay! Another Warmup! #Woodstock can't stop #dancing the #JerusalemaChallenge.

A post shared by TrulyJuly (@creativecommunications) on Sep 24, 2020 at 4:14am PDT

 

View this post on Instagram

#Happy #HeritageDay! #Woodstock is participating in the #Jerusalema #Dance #Challenge in front of the Woodstock Town Hall. #JerusalemaChallenge

A post shared by TrulyJuly (@creativecommunications) on Sep 24, 2020 at 4:20am PDT

 

View this post on Instagram

#Happy #HeritageDay! Check out the #moves! #Woodstock is participating in the #Jerusalema #Dance #Challenge in front of the Woodstock Town Hall. #JerusalemaChallenge

A post shared by TrulyJuly (@creativecommunications) on Sep 24, 2020 at 4:31am PDT

 

View this post on Instagram

#Happy #HeritageDay! The whole street is #dancing! #Woodstock is participating in the #Jerusalema #Dance #Challenge in front of the Woodstock Town Hall. #JerusalemaChallenge

A post shared by TrulyJuly (@creativecommunications) on Sep 24, 2020 at 4:33am PDT

 

View this post on Instagram

#Happy #HeritageDay! #Woodstock knows how to shake the booty and is participating in the #Jerusalema #Dance #Challenge in front of the Woodstock Town Hall. #JerusalemaChallenge

A post shared by TrulyJuly (@creativecommunications) on Sep 24, 2020 at 4:37am PDT

 

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#Happy #HeritageDay! #Woodstock is #dancing the #Jerusalema#Challenge until the stereo runs out of battery.

A post shared by TrulyJuly (@creativecommunications) on Sep 24, 2020 at 4:25am PDT

 

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#Happy #HeritageDay! Well done! What a great way to celebrate #SouthAfrica's #Heritage! #Woodstock is participating in the #Jerusalema #Dance #Challenge in front of the Woodstock Town Hall. #JerusalemaChallenge

A post shared by TrulyJuly (@creativecommunications) on Sep 24, 2020 at 4:41am PDT

 

#HeritageDay

#JerusalemaChallenge

 

 

Cape Town High Court staff do the Jerusalema Dance Challenge

The Jerusalema song was released end of November last year, but it was during lockdown this year that the Jerusalema Challenge went viral.

 

Already end of July the Expresso Show taught some instructions how to dance the Jerusalema Challenge.

 

It was a video from Uganda by Sania Nakayiza that inspired people around the world to take up the Challenge.

 

Even South Africa’s president Cyril Ramaphosa in an address to the nation urged everyone to dance the Jerusalema Challenge this Heritage Day:

“There can be no better way to celebrate our South African-ness than to join the global phenomenon that is spreading across the world, that is the Jerusalema Dance Challenge.”

 

Interpreters and secretaries of judges at the Cape Town High Court / Hooggeregshof / Inkundla Ephakamileyo have heeded the call to dance the Jerusalema Challenge as part of Heritage Month.

 

View this post on Instagram

Today at Cape Town High Court / Hooggeregshof / Inkundla Ephakamileyo: Staff do the #Jerusalema #Dance #Challenge. #JerusalemaChallenge

A post shared by TrulyJuly (@creativecommunications) on Sep 22, 2020 at 1:12pm PDT

 

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Today at Cape Town High Court / Hooggeregshof / Inkundla Ephakamileyo: Staff do the #Jerusalema #Dance #Challenge. The big finish! #JerusalemaChallenge

A post shared by TrulyJuly (@creativecommunications) on Sep 22, 2020 at 1:16pm PDT

 

That’s the spirit! Let’s dance our worries away.

Of course, hoping to see cabinet lead by example. 😉

 

#JerusalemaChallenge

#HeritageDay

#DarkPatterns: Avoid the Facebook News Feed

 

Facebook is a terrible distraction.

It is full of dark patterns that lead you away from what you wanted to actually do, just to keep you glued to the screen and give Facebook more of your valuable time for their marketing purposes.

 

When accessing Facebook it’s easy to get lost in the stream of personalised, ever-changing collection of content.

 

Stay focused:

–  Know what you want to get done on Facebook.

–  Discipline yourself and only do what you committed to.

–  Avoid the News Feed.

–  Type the direct urls for Facebook friends / pages in your browser.

–  Obliterate the feed altogether.

 

Browser Plugin for Chrome: Kill News Feed

 

#Coronavirus #Pandemic: South Africa enters Alert Level 1

 

South Africa has withstood the Coronavirus storm and moves to lockdown alert level 1 from midnight on Sunday, 20 September 2020.

 

It’s almost exactly half a year since Alert Level 5 started and South Africa entered one of the strictest lockdowns in the world.

 

With Alert Level 1 some of the restrictions remain in place:

Restrictions help to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

 

And with Alert Level 1 some restrictions are finally lifted:

With Alert Level 1 alcohol restrictions are further lifted.

 

Ramaphosa said this would be the new normal.

 

Most normal activity can resume, with precautions and health guidelines followed at all times.

 

Read up on all the details: In Brief: Lockdown Alert Level 1.

 

#Coronavirus: #HeroesWearMasks!

 

#BeAMasketeer and save lives:

Stay Home.

Stay Distant.

Wash Your Hands.

Don’t touch your face.

Wear a mask.

 

I just logged over 10,000 photos – again

 

I used to import pictures from my DSLR renaming them with a meaningful description.

 

Windows 10 no longer allows for that.

Using the Windows Photo app, images get imported with their file name, the usual and very unhelpful IMG_0001.

 

This system has a glitch: Images are only counted up to 9999, then it resets and starts over with 0001.

Thus, in fact, there is never a 10,000th file.

 

As your folder explorer is likely to show you the images by their name, this completely messes up the order.

That’s why I actually noticed and added the extra 1 in front of the number to keep the correct order:

 

The moment I reached 10,000 photos comes and goes as the system just starts all over again.

 

But I was curious: When last did this happen?

 

Venturing back through my photos I found the date: 23/09/2018.

So it’s almost 2 years it takes me to take 10,000 pictures with my DSLR.

 

Incredible, what a mass of content we churn out. 😮

 

#Coronavirus #Pandemic: South Africa opens up for international travel from 1 October 2020

 

South Africa lifts restrictions on international travel from 1 October 2020.

 

This is subject to various containment and mitigation measures:

 

–  Travel may be restricted to and from certain countries that have high infection rates. A list of countries will be published based on the latest scientific data.

–  Travellers will only be able to use one of the land border posts that have remained operational during the lockdown or one of the three main airports: King Shaka, OR Tambo and Cape Town International Airport.

–  On arrival, travellers will need to present a negative COVID-19 test result not older than 72 hours from time of departure.

–  Where a traveller has not done a COVID-19 test prior to departure, they will be required to remain in mandatory quarantine at their own cost.

–  All travellers will be screened on arrival and those presenting with symptoms will be required to remain in quarantine until a repeat COVID-19 test is conducted.

–  All travellers will be asked to install the COVID Alert South Africa mobile app.

 

South Africa is moving to Alert Level 1: Borders will be opened subject to conditions.

 

South Africa’s Coronavirus Alert Level 1: International travellers must meet certain requirements to ensure safety.

 

#Coronavirus: #HeroesWearMasks!

 

#BeAMasketeer and save lives:

Stay Home.

Stay Distant.

Wash Your Hands.

Don’t touch your face.

Wear a mask.

 

Women own the majority of purchase power

 

Women account for 85% of all consumer purchases.

 

Women drive 70-80% of all consumer purchasing decisions.

 

If women decided to support women owned businesses it could change the economic landscape.

 

Let’s support each other!

 

INFOGRAPHIC: Women Control The Money In America

 

#Equality #WomenEmpowerment #WomenSupportingWomen #WomenInBusiness #WomenMeanBusiness #Entrepreneuse #GirlPower

 

Localisation Fail: Edge Browser in German uses English ‘Profiles’

 

When you have 3 different ways of writing the same word on your page, it spells trouble.

Chances are 1 or 2 of the versions are wrong.

 

The browser Edge is swapping between English and German in the supposedly German language version.

 

‘Profiles’ in the url is definitely English Plural and should rather not appear in a German language version.

 

From here it gets confusing: Is ‘Profile’ German Plural or English Singular?

 

Either way it looks a bit odd to click on ‘Profile’ and get to ‘Profil’.

 

#Coronavirus #Pandemic: It’s safer outside

 

The coronavirus lockdown made me go outdoors much more: As soon as we were allowed outside, I went for walks every day.

Even if it was just walking the streets, exploring our neighbourhood for green spaces, as SAN Parks were closed and we couldn’t go up Devil’s Peak.

 

It looks like we might get to do much more outdoors as part of the #COVID19NewNormal, because the coronavirus is less likely to spread outside:

 

–  By analysing the droplets produced by coughs or speech from healthy volunteers, scientists found that better ventilation substantially reduced the airborne time of respiratory droplets that can carry SARS-CoV-2, and concluded that “improving ventilation of public spaces will dilute and clear out potentially infectious aerosols.”

 

–  Heat from solar radiation will cause a coronavirus to dry-out, meaning it will lose its outer shield and the spike proteins that enable it to invade cells. Findings suggest that SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, survives for 30 minutes after exposure to ultraviolet sunlight.

 

–  When researchers exposed SARS-CoV-2 in simulated saliva to artificial sunlight (equivalent to a sunny day), 90% of viruses were inactivated within 7 minutes.

 

–  Based on early research so far, heat and UV light appear to kill the virus, while humidity might block airborne droplets from blowing from person to person.

 

–  A study of 318 COVID-19 outbreak clusters in China, encompassing 1,245 confirmed cases across 120 cities, discovered coronavirus transmission mostly occurred in the home and on public transport. Only one transmission occurred outside, where social distancing had not been observed.

 

–  A Japanese study of 100 cases found that the odds of catching the coronavirus are nearly 20 times higher indoors than outdoors.

 

 

From Vox.com: People practice social distancing at Domino Park in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, New York on May 19. Lokman Vural Elibol/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images.

 

 

#Coronavirus: #HeroesWearMasks!

 

#BeAMasketeer and save lives:

Stay Home.

Stay Distant.

Wash Your Hands.

Don’t touch your face.

Wear a mask.

 

#RattieSitting: Rat Introductions in the Rattie Garden result in new friendships

 

When the RAT Hotel is fully booked, it can happen that a lot of pet rats from different families are coming to stay for rattiesitting.

 

They arrive with their own cage, so they have a home away from home.

 

However, that can also mean they’re quite territorial and not easily introduced to rats from other clans.

 

It takes time for pet rats to accept each other, so I developed a 5 Step Good Practice Plan.

 

Through experience I learned some shortcuts to speed up the process of letting the ratties get used to each other.

 

One Bonus Tip is to let pet rats meet in the rattie garden.

 

The unfamiliar environment means ratties are more likely to huddle together, even when the other rat is unfamiliar, too.

 

This can result in some new friendships even, as I was surprised to see Cher and Cappuccino snuggle up together:

 

 

New besties: Pet rat boy Cappuccino is snug in the rattie garden with Cher:

 

 

It is so rewarding when the ratties get along in the end.

 

#RatsMakeGreatPets

 

Follow Rats Make Great Pets on Facebook and Instagram.

#RattieTip brought to you by #YoursTrulyJuly.

 

Disclaimer: Only let rats from different clans interact under experienced supervision.

 

My 1st post-Covid19 event: Gathering outside for less risk of infection

 

It’s almost 6 months ago that I was at the last event before the coronavirus lockdown.

 

As businesses open up again, I ventured out almost half a year later into the CBD again.

 

As I cycled my routine route everything was familiar and yet new. A #COVID19NewNormal.

 

For example, the actual talk by Jumpstart SA of the event at Craft+Graft was held outside, for less risk of infection:

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#Inspiring + #Coffee #break at #Craft + #Graft with guest #speaker Tammy Fortuin from #Jumpstart #SouthAfrica.

A post shared by TrulyJuly (@creativecommunications) on Sep 9, 2020 at 6:51am PDT

 

A clever way to make this event more coronavirus safe.

 

#Coronavirus: #HeroesWearMasks!

 

#BeAMasketeer and save lives:

Stay Home.

Stay Distant.

Wash Your Hands.

Don’t touch your face.

Wear a mask.

 

The Covid-19 Comeback: Europe is suffering a 2nd coronavirus wave

 

The coronavirus pandemic is long not over.

And even worse: It’s coming back.

 

Europe is suffering a 2nd wave of coronavirus infections.

 

France set a record last Friday after reporting 8,975 new Covid-19 cases, far higher than the previous record of 7,578 from March 31st at the height of the 1st wave of the pandemic.

 

Spain has become the first western European country to record more than half a million Covid-19 cases, logging a total of 525,549 infections by now.

 

Countries in southern-eastern Europe — such as Albania, Bulgaria, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Romania — are seeing higher case numbers in August than they did earlier in the year. Serbia is one of the exceptions, posting similar figures now to mid-April.

 

All these numbers add up and show a staggering 2nd wave of new coronavirus cases:

Number of new coronavirus (COVID-19) cases in Europe from January 25 to September 3, 2020, by date of report – Statista

 

While in South Africa the number of active cases and the testing positivity rate continues to decline, nothing protects us from a 2nd wave.

Besides, of course, ourselves: With masks, handwashing and social distancing!

 

#Coronavirus: #HeroesWearMasks!

 

#BeAMasketeer and save lives:

Stay Home.

Stay Distant.

Wash Your Hands.

Don’t touch your face.

Wear a mask.

 

#ClicksAdvert: When institutional racism leaks out of the corporate system

 

After H&M (Hennes & Mauritz)’s monkey ad you’d think corporates learned their lesson.

 

Out of experience I can say that advertising hardly works if no representatives of the target group are employed on the campaign team.

 

But how else could you explain this obvious racist bias:

The images used in the latest TRESemmé marketing campaign labelled the hair of black women as ‘dry and damaged’ and ‘frizzy and dull’, whereas the hair of white women was labelled as ‘fine and flat’ and ‘normal’.

mhmmm idk hey… pic.twitter.com/a1VgxThTBh

— the neverending W. (@pelomasebe) September 3, 2020

 

How can this happen with 3 big corporates – Clicks, TRESemmé and Unilever – involved, who all should have quality assurance processes in place?

 

It’s because institutional racism is still ripe in many of these big old corporates.

 

The list of racist or offensive advertising by big brands is long.

 

Unilever already has a history for racist ads: Dove Drops an Ad Accused of Racism.

 

So the real question is: Why are we tolerating these racist corporates?

 

As usual, these brands will issue an apology and in the end may even end up counting all the news coverage as a success.

What would really make a difference is to change our buying behaviour, utilise our purchase power and only spend our money on the companies that are authentic and honest:

 

Support local! After all, local is lekker!

Support SMMEs (Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises)!

Support black owned businesses!

Support women led businesses!

 

#SayNoToRacism

#Equality

 

#Coronavirus #Pandemic: If this cat can mask up, so can you!

 

It appears face masks are here to stay.

 

Countries are strengthening their face mask rules.

 

And if you’re cat, you can even be a Mascateer, like this one:

“More protected than you human plebs still scrambling to find face masks.” (Picture: 里神楽 via Weibo)

 

So mask up! If this cat can wear a mask, so can you!

 

#Coronavirus: #HeroesWearMasks!

 

#BeAMasketeer and save lives:

Stay Home.

Stay Distant.

Wash Your Hands.

Don’t touch your face.

And yes, wear a mask.

 

#RattieTip: #HowTo Guide to Rat Introductions – Step 4 Bonus Tip: Rattie Garden as neutral ground

 

How to introduce pet rats – Step 1: Both cages closed

 

How to introduce pet rats – Step 2: Cage Swap

 

How to introduce pet rats – Step 3: One cage open

 

How to introduce pet rats – Step 4: Meeting on neutral ground

 

Just like dogs are part of a pack, rats belong to a clan.

When you see rats in the wild, that’s because it is the community of their clan that lets them survive. Accordingly rats are devotedly loyal to their clan.

 

That’s why rats can react hostile towards another clan. Their instinct tells them that rats they don’t know are competition for shelter and food. In order to protect their clan, rats are very territorial and see unfamiliar rats as invaders.

 

Pet rats are no different and you might be surprised to see your usually calm and cute rattie showing off a huffing and puffing fighting stance when confronted with a rat from another clan.

 

Rats box and wrestle each other more in a playfight, but they do have sharp nails and teeth and can harm each other when they feel attacked.

 

To avoid conflict, it is good practice to introduce pet rats to each other slowly. Follow through Step 1 to Step 4 first.

 

Step 4 Bonus Tip: Use the rattie garden as neutral meeting ground

 

A rattie garden is a patch of green reserved for your pet rats.

 

Depending on your living situation, this can range from a mere plant pot that sprouts fresh greens from the leftover rattie food seeds, to a rat proof section in your garden.

Even setting up a makeshift rattie garden with freshly cut greens works well as great entertainment for the ratties.

 

A rattie garden is also very exciting, the smells of nature, earth to dig, plants to eat: Lots of new impressions.

This keeps the ratties so busy, that they seem to forget about their potential rivalry.

 

These 3 siamese pet rats might look the same, but they come from different clans.

Thanks to an excursion to the rattie garden, they get along just fine.

So well actually that determining who is who was quite a challenge: #RattieSitting: I see triple!

 

These 2 black pet rats might look similar, but they come from two different clans.

A visit to the rattie garden allows them to huddle together without rivalry, as in an unknown environment safety lies in numbers.

Skavin and Summer became good friends, very much to my confusion: #RattieSitting: Am I seeing double?

 

It is really rewarding to see the ratties get along in the end.

 

#RatsMakeGreatPets

 

Follow Rats Make Great Pets on Facebook and Instagram.

#RattieTip brought to you by #YoursTrulyJuly.

 

Disclaimer: Only let rats from different clans interact under expert supervision.

 

#Good #Practice #Tip: ‘Choose an option’ should indeed offer some options

 

We live in the 21st century where it should be possible to choose your gender like you choose your clothes for the day.

 

Vocabulary is expanding to include all facets of gender identity.

Usability is catering for non-binary and gender-fluid people.

 

So if you offer to ‘Choose an option’ for gender, you better make sure there are some options to choose from.

In our modern societies, only ‘Female’ or ‘Male’ is no longer sufficient as gender options.

 

Registration Form – Gender -> Choose an option: Female or Male, that is not really much option.

 

Instead, include at least a 3rd option for the growing community of users who don’t want to identify in these narrow binary terms.

 

#Equality

 

#Good #Practice #Tip brought to you by Yours * TrulyJuly *.

Learn more Content Marketing tips by following Content Coach on Facebook.

 

When life writes stories: Coronavirus… still better than a World War

 

It’s Book Week this week.

Remember back in March when the libraries closed due to coronavirus just after SA Library Week.

That’s almost half a year ago!

 

Still… better than a World War.

 

 

#StayPositive #PreparedNotScared #CoronavirusSA #CoronavirusInSA #Pandemic #Level2Regulations #FightCOVID19 #FlattenTheCurve #StopTheSpread #Covid19 #COVID19SA #COVID19NewNormal #BeAMasketeer #WearAMask #BeAHero #HeroesWearMasks #SocialDistancing #StayDistant #Handwashing #SafeHands #HandWashChallenge #WashYourHands #StaySafeStayHome #StayHome #StayHomeSaveLives #Motivation

 

#Coronavirus #Pandemic: SA drops out of Top 5 coronavirus cases worldwide

 

In South Africa the Covid-19 curve is flattening again and coronavirus numbers are plateauing out.

 

This is good news for South Africa, but unfortunately at the expense of the country that overtook to be the new 5th highest number of Covid-19 cases in the world: Peru.

 

Total Coronavirus Cases South Africa Aug 27: 618286

 

Total Coronavirus Cases Peru Aug 27: 621997

 

 

#Coronavirus: #HeroesWearMasks!

 

#BeAMasketeer and save lives:

Stay Home.

Stay Distant.

Wash Your Hands.

Don’t touch your face.

And wear a mask.

 

#Coronavirus #Pandemic: Be a Masketeer

 

It is proven that wearing a face mask works against the spread of the coronavirus.

 

So be a Masketeer and mask up!

 

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ALL FOR ONE, ONE FOR ALL. #COVID19 #IndiaFightsCorona #LucknowCares #Corona #StayHomeStaySafe #LucknowCoronaSafe #Lucknow #UttarPradesh #FlattentheCurve #SocialResponsibility #Togetherwecan #heroeswearmasks #beasuperhero #socialdistancing #fooddistribution #maskforce #police #india #masked #maskindia

A post shared by AnvaratFoundation (@anvaratfoundation) on May 13, 2020 at 8:06am PDT

 

#Coronavirus: #HeroesWearMasks!

 

#BeAMasketeer and save lives:

Stay Home.

Stay Distant.

Wash Your Hands.

Don’t touch your face.

And yes, wear a mask.

 

#RattieTip: #HowTo introduce pet rats from different clans – Step 4: Meeting on neutral ground

 

How to introduce pet rats – Step 1: Both cages closed

 

How to introduce pet rats – Step 2: Cage Swap

 

How to introduce pet rats – Step 3: One cage open

 

Introducing pet rats who don’t know each other can be tricky:

You never know what might happen, but one thing is clear: It will happen fast.

 

So be prepared and take it slowly with Step 1, Step 2 and Step 3, which means the ratties got used to their scents and don’t show any aggressive behaviour towards each other.

 

If the pet rats remain friendly in each others’ presence, they can meet on neutral ground.

 

Neutral ground means somewhere that doesn’t smell of either rattie clan.

An open space where you can move freely and grab a rat easily.

Leave enough space for the ratties to be able to retract.

Ideally an enclosed area they can’t escape from.

 

If your home is ratproof a table or bed or sofa can work nicely.

The reason why your whole home needs to be ratproof for this is because I’ve seen rats jump off a table in full speed when they were scared to meet the other pet rat.

 

A bathroom that is not cluttered can also make for neutral grounds.

 

Or a rattie garden.

 

I also put both ratties on my shoulders. As I like them both the same, I’m kind of neutral ground, too.

They know how to sit and hold on, which keeps them from moving around. So on my shoulder they usually simply accept the other rat.

 

Like MJ and Rosie who got along like old pals:

 

#RatsMakeGreatPets

 

Follow Rats Make Great Pets on Facebook and Instagram.

#RattieTip brought to you by #YoursTrulyJuly.

 

Disclaimer: Only let rats from different clans interact under experienced supervision.

 

Happy Women’s Equality Day!

 

Women’s Equality Day is celebrated on August 26 in the USA.

The celebration commemorates the 1920 adoption of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution of the United States. The amendment granted women the constitutional right to vote.

Women’s Equality Day was first celebrated in 1972.

This year marks the 100th anniversary of Women’s Equality Day!

 

Women’s Equality Day 2020

 

#Equality #EqualityCantWait #GenerationEquality #GenderEquality #WomensRights #HeForShe #EqualPay #WomenWednesday #WomenEqualityDay #WomenEmpowerment #WomenSupportingWomen #WomenInBusiness #WomenMeanBusiness #Entrepreneuse #GirlPower #Feminism #YesAllWomen

 

#Good #Practice #Tip: Offer your customers the option to choose a gender-neutral honorific – Mx

 

Some people don’t want to be categorised as either Mr or Mrs.

 

Already Mrs is sexist in its use:

Why is there a differentiation between a single (Miss) and a married woman (Mrs) if a man is a ‘Mr’ right from the start. It’s as if a woman first needs to be married to be a proper Mrs.

 

I personally never understood what business it is of anyone or any organisation to know if I’m married or not.

So I use ‘Ms’, which doesn’t indicate the marital status.

 

In that sense I can understand the motivation to not want to define a gender for yourself just because a stupid form asks you to tick one of the boxes.

So the gender-neutral title ‘Mx’ would be solution for that.

 

Makes me actually wonder why we’re doing this title thing in the first place.

If it was really about equality, we wouldn’t bother coming up with these elaborate sub-classifications.

 

I guess for some people the honorary academic title matters, and to accommodate that the rest of us also needs to be pushed into some title category.

 

At least, if you choose that this is information you need to collect from your customers, be woke enough to offer an alternative for nonbinary people.  ⚨

 

Good Practice: Ordering tickets on Eventbrite gives the option to choose the gender-neutral prefix Mx.

 

#Equality

 

#Good #Practice #Tip brought to you by Yours * TrulyJuly *.

Learn more Content Marketing tips by following Content Coach on Facebook.

 

When life writes stories: Heroes mask up against #coronavirus

 

It’s funny actually, how all these comic heroes got it wrong with their masks:

They wear their mask in the wrong place.

Clearly that’s not protecting against the coronavirus.

 

Well, why don’t you draw them some proper face masks on.

Or wait, I can imagine that has already been done.

–  Googles:

 

#BeAHero! #WearAMask. Put on your mask and save lives.

 

The CW Releases New Arrowverse Character Posters: ‘Real Heroes Wear Masks’.

 

#HeroesWearMasks – all the cool kids are doing it, like the cast of our new animated series #SuperheroKindergarten! (As one of the final projects Stan worked on, of course he’s a character in the show.) We challenge @Schwarzenegger to show us your mask. Excelsior! pic.twitter.com/XgkDIdEB3U

— Stan Lee (@TheRealStanLee) August 7, 2020

 

#WearAMask#WashYourHands #WatchYourDistance

#HeroesWearMasks #Batman #Gotham #COVID19 #Coronavirus pic.twitter.com/oE2DsqSPcw

— Francisco Marty, MD (@FranciscoMarty_) June 22, 2020

 

 

Even heroes wear masks #maskup #nyc #heroeswearmasks #wearamask https://t.co/LMDrGlQKD7—
Keoni (@Keoniinthecity) June 25, 2020

 

#Coronavirus: #HeroesWearMasks!

 

#BeAHero and save lives:

Stay Home.

Stay Distant.

Wash Your Hands.

Don’t touch your face.

And yes, wear a mask.

 

#RattieTip: #HowTo introduce a new pet rat to another rat – Step 3 Bonus Tip: Protect the rattie feet!

 

How to introduce pet rats – Step 1: Both cages closed

 

How to introduce pet rats – Step 2: Cage Swap

 

How to introduce pet rats – Step 3: One cage open

 

When it comes to introducing pet rats to each other, you’d think keeping one in the cage and letting the other come to visit should be safety protocol enough. After all, these ratties are divided by cage bars in whatever interaction they choose to engage.

 

Well, not so fast.

 

Rats are very clever animals and can be quite sneaky.

Some pet rats are highly territorial and see visiting ratties as intruders.

 

In addition, rats are generally super fast, so if they react hostile to the newcomer, you hardly have time to intervene.

That’s why it’s best to take it slowly and go through Step 1 and Step 2 first.

 

Bonus Tip: Use a blanket to protect rattie feet

 

When I let these two rattie boys check each other out, I covered the cage with a blanket as a precaution.

Smudge was not neutered and very popular with the rattie girls.

Felix however was the top male of the clan these rattie girls belonged to.

Both behaved very gentleman like and said hello:

 

But I have seen rats who snapped through the cage bars:

They can bite a rat’s feet, as they walk on top of the cage. They can bite a rat’s tail that accidentally lolls along the cage.

 

So always watch closely how the pet rats behave towards each other and separate them into different cages when they don’t get along.

 

#RatsMakeGreatPets

 

Follow Rats Make Great Pets on Facebook and Instagram.

#RattieTip brought to you by #YoursTrulyJuly.

 

Disclaimer: Only let rats from different clans interact under expert supervision.

 

#RattieTip: #HowTo introduce pet rats from different clans – Step 3: One cage open

 

How to introduce pet rats – Step 1: Both cages closed

 

How to introduce pet rats – Step 2: Cage Swap

 

If pet rats show more curiosity than aggression towards the unfamiliar rat, they can meet through bars: One cage can be opened, while the other remains shut.

 

 

Check how long it can take for a pet rat to make their way over to the neighbouring cage.

There are probably gazillion other things the rats need to do before checking out the newcomer, just to make a point that they’re not actually really interested.

It’s all part of the game.

 

Adding rattie voices makes watching these first encounters more entertaining than TV.

 

Either way, you should be watching the first episodes of rattie interaction, because some rats can be sneaky, even through cage bars.

 

Bonus Tip: Use a blanket to protect rattie feet.

 

When my rattie MJ met Poeksie for the first time, they quickly became best friends. As a precaution I followed the best practices of introducing them, but could speed up the process.

So when we did the cage swap, I watched how MJ behaves towards Poeksie being in her cage. She was very sweet.

But look at how open and trusting Poeksie is, just like most pet rats: He holds himself up with his hands openly exposed:

 

A more competitive rat could’ve taken advantage and nip him even through the cage bars.

That’s why you must always supervise when pet rats meet for the first time.

 

If the ratties behave friendly towards each other through the cage bars, you can proceed to Step 4.

 

#RatsMakeGreatPets

 

Follow Rats Make Great Pets on Facebook and Instagram.

#RattieTip brought to you by #YoursTrulyJuly.

 

Disclaimer: Only let rats from different clans interact under expert supervision.

 

#Coronavirus #Pandemic Alert Level 2: Get ready for the #COVID19NewNormal

 

Hurray, finally the Covid-19 lockdown regulations are eased to level 2.

 

With our freedom back comes great responsibility

Now it is up to us to implement what we’ve learned about preventing the spread of the coronavirus to save lives:

–  Stay Home.

–  Stay Distant.

–  Wash Your Hands.

–  Don’t touch your face.

–  Wear a mask.

 

We might be over the pandemic, but the pandemic is long not over.

So better get ready for the #COVID19NewNormal.

 

The National Institute for Communicable Diseases has released a quick checklist before going out:

 

Quick coronavirus checklist before heading out

–  If you are feeling sick, stay at home and seek medical advice.

–  Observe all necessary preventative measures in public areas: Wearing a face mask, physical distancing and frequent handwashing.

–  Avoid taking public transport if you are sick.

–  If you are at higher risk of serious illness, stay home.

 

#StayPositive #PreparedNotScared #Coronavirus #Covid19 #COVID19NewNormal

#Handwashing #SafeHands #HandWashChallenge #WashYourHands

#FlattenTheCurve #StopTheSpread #FightCOVID19 #SocialDistancing #StayDistant

#StaySafeStayHome #StayHome #StayHomeSaveLives

 

#Good #Practice #Tip: Align your 404 error message with your brand

 

It’s easy to turn an annoying 404 error into a great brand experience.

 

Here is a good example how to align the 404 page to the brand:

This website is about health. And what happens when something goes wrong with your health? Exactly, you’re ill.

So, to go with this association: When something goes wrong with this website, surely it must be under the weather.

This customised 404 error stays in line with the brand: Achoo! Looks like that page is under the weather.

 

Of course, there’s lots of white space that could’ve been filled with pun-filled topical copy and the graphic is maybe questionable during coronavirus times, but generally it’s refreshing to not only be stuck with tech jargon.

 

#Good #Practice #Tip brought to you by Yours * TrulyJuly *.

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