Highly Anticipated Toyota 86 Prices Released in South Africa

A lot of fuss has been made about the glossy 2012 Toyota 86. The car brand’s first authentic sports car in years, the vehicle will hit the South African market on the 9^th of July with its custom counterparts following later in the month.

According to panelbeaters Pretoria, the standard model’s starting price is R298 500 with the more expensive models sitting at a maximum price of R346 500. So what makes these vehicles so special? Well other than the fact that they’re custom rear-wheel drives, the Toyota Corolla GTS 86 was built for one thing and one thing only: fun. From its four-cylinder boxer motor to its cosmetics, this svelte ride is more than just another car – it’s a new direction for Toyota.

South African Exports Turn Towards Asian Markets

South African maize and citrus farmers are looking towards Asian markets as an alternative South African export destination. As competition for export produce in Africa increases, demand in Europe and the United Kingdom decreases and power in Asian countries especially China escalates, South African exports to Asia are becoming a more attractive and viable option for farmers. Furthermore, thanks to the geographic location of Asia, the cost of shipping South African export products as well as air freight is comparatively low, compared to Europe and the Americas.

According to the CEO of Grain SA Jannie de Villiers, South African farmers are already meeting with Chinese buyers in order to establish relationships to bolster the movement of export products. China is a massive consumer of grain; in the 2012-13 year China is forecasted to import a massive 7 million tons, according to a US agriculture report. This forecast bodes well for South Africa, who has an export driven trade in grain. The crops have also been excellent over the past few years; the May 2012 harvest was 11 million tonnes compared to the May 2011 harvest of 10 million.

Complete Aristotle Translation a First for Maltese Literature

A first for Mediterranean literature, the Malta Classics Association is gearing up for the launch of the first complete Maltese translation of Aristotle’s poetics. Entitled ‘Dwar |-Arti tal-Poezija’, the book embodies the progression of Malta culture as well as the nation’s focus on improving education. A work that is still considered to be highly controversial in academic circles, Aristotle’s exposition on what shapes the best tragic drama is still used as a seminal text within the historical sphere of literary criticism. The launch is expected to be a great attraction to foreigners enjoying their Malta holidays.

Karmenu Serracino is the first person to translate Aristotle’s Peri Poietikes from the original Greek into Maltese. A creative director at the Malta Classics Association, Serracino’s Aristotle translation will be released on the 29^th of June amidst a chorus of celebrations, including actors that will perform excerpts from Greek and neoclassical drama. Hosted at the Razzett tal-Markiż in Mosta this Friday, entrance to the event is free. Tourists staying at the Mellieha Bay Hotel are also urged to attend this special celebration of a work that will add to Maltese heritage.

London Property Prices Spiral to an All-Time High

London property prices continue to be a major point of speculation amongst foreign investors and real estate experts. Some news sources indicate that landlords plan to expand their average portfolio size to more than the average fourteen properties in the next three months, in the build-up to the Olympics. The renewed rental activity sparked at the end of spring has been further cemented by increasing housing prices and strong tenant competition in the Capital.

Prestigious Marylebone property aside, many Londoners aren’t getting to realise their home-owner dreams. With rental pushed to a startling £1,038 pcm, many tenants are getting trapped in the sector. Unable to save for the large bank deposit needed to become a home owner, many professionals are even further hampered by the reinstated stamp duty tax.

What Are The Most Loved Ice Cream Flavours?

Ice cream has become a time old classic treat for many years and has won the hearts of a range of people, from young children to the older generation. One thing is for sure, there is a lot of love for ice cream but many people have different opinions on what the best ice cream flavours actually are. Well, a study has been conducted and surprisingly enough, vanilla is what is filling refrigerated vans.

South African Trade To Deepen Relations With Switzerland

South Africa’s minister of trade and industry, Dr Rob Davies was recently in Zurich, Switzerland on an official visit to reinforce and strengthen bilateral economic South African trade relations with Switzerland. This forms part of the SA-Switzerland Joint Economic Committee (JEC) that aims to deepen bilateral relations including trade between South Africa and this economically sound nation with this visit being welcomed by both clearing and forwarding in both nations.

Blue Marlin: Largest Sea Faring Carrier

The dimensions and contour is almost incomprehensible. It is most difficult to not heed her imposing presence. Blue Marlin ship is the globe’s largest seagoing carrier across the oceans. The sturdy carrier can transport an oil rig, or 22 barges, or a couple of submarines, even a couple of aircraft carriers. The semi-submersible was built purely for the transport of these massive constructs.

She is the biggest powerhouse ship on the ocean. Weighing an impressive 60,000 tonnes the Blue Marlin can load and carry additional 75,000 tonnes with absolute ease. At just over 700 feet in length and 149 in depth, the Marlin’s width is the most impressive. She measures two football fields in width and which allows her to carry mammoth structures such as rigs and up to 22 barges. Apparently a larger carrier ship is set to be launched at the end of 2012 and she will be the newest member of the Blue Marlin team. Designed to out-do the Marlin is most ways, she will carry a maximum weight of 110,000 tonnes. Now that’s impressive, but one still cannot dispute the legend that is the current Blue Marlin. Her freight and shipping capabilities are powerful and extremely dramatic.