Latest news with #Engelbrecht
Courier-Mail
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Courier-Mail
Three Aussies a day celebrate their wedding aboard Princess Cruises' Love Boat
Don't miss out on the headlines from Lifestyle. Followed categories will be added to My News. It is a love story for the ages, and it all began on The Love Boat. When Princess Cruises events and guest services supervisor Louie Engelbrecht looks back on all the weddings he has organised, which averaged around three a day on Royal Princess during the last Australian summer season, one truly stands out. X Learn More SUBSCRIBER ONLY 'My most unforgettable wedding was for a couple in their 70s. They had met aboard the original Love Boat many years ago and then by chance met again on another Princess ship,' Engelbrecht says. Cue the theme song from the popular 1980s TV show where special guest stars from Andy Warhol to Betty White found romance on the high seas under the navigation of Captain Merrill Stubing. 'This couple had never forgotten each other so their meeting by chance was very special, (then) they were engaged aboard Royal Princess during her 2023-24 summer season and then decided to marry on Royal Princess last summer season 2024-25.' Engelbrecht says that wedding day was pure magic, a ceremony filled with romance. 'When she walked down the aisle, the groom's eyes sparkled with a love so genuine, as if it was the very first moment they saw each other more than 50 years ago. There were no dry eyes in the house,' he says. The Princess team organise it all, from sunset ceremonies to parties. Picture: Supplied. Forget expensive wedding venues and catering, a wedding at sea could be the perfect way to tie the knot. And it's a destination wedding with a difference – all the guests celebrate with you on your honeymoon. Engelbrecht says the Princess team organise it all, from sunset ceremonies to parties. And unlike land weddings when venues sometimes need to be secured years ahead, there is no such planning needed at sea. 'I would recommend planning your wedding with Princess at least two months in advance,' says Engelbrecht. 'The process begins simply by filling out a form online with your preferences for flowers, cake, music, and vows and upon boarding, you will be greeted by your dedicated wedding co-ordinator, who will guide you through every step of your planned event.' Around three couples a day got married on Royal Princess during the last Australian summer season. Princess Perfect Weddings offer legal or symbolic ceremonies on sea days, officiated by the captain. Planning for a wedding on-board is done via a wedding portal, allowing guests to hold a date while customising, and there are bespoke packages available. For example, the Timeless Ceremony at Sea for a couple plus eight guests includes the ceremony, flowers, a cake, chocolate-covered strawberries, a toast, photography including a digital USB and prints, a romantic breakfast, premium stateroom gifts, and a certificate. The price? From $US3995. Engelbrecht says vow-renewal ceremonies are also popular. 'One highlight over the recent summer season in Sydney was our Valentine's Day mass vow renewal on the Pacific Ocean between New Zealand and Australia where several couples renewed their vows with the captain and our crew,' he says. 'It was very special for all involved –we are the Love Boat, after all.' Originally published as A cruise ship is the ultimate destination wedding
Newsweek
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Mom-To-Be Shares Baby Name With Family, Nobody Prepared for Her Choice
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Picking a baby's name isn't something that can be rushed, and in this day and age, parents don't shy away from quirky or unusual choices. But one mom-to-be may have gone too far—at least according to the internet—after her choice sparked disbelief in a viral Reddit post. Racking up 22,000 upvotes in just one day, the post features a screenshot shared by u/__misaki__of text messages exchanged with their older cousin. In the messages, the cousin initially describes the name as a "pretty name" before revealing it in full: "Vaselina," leaving both the original poster and thousands of Reddit users in shock. The text exchange reads: "I'm sorry but wait what?" followed by a photo of a petroleum jelly jar sent to confirm the pronunciation. The expecting mom responds to clarify that the name inspiration is indeed from the brand, but with the "nia sound at the end." Newsweek discussed the July 15 post with baby name expert Briana Engelbrecht, who shared the ups and downs of unique names. Engelbrecht, the associate editor at Babylist, said: "A unique name can be a powerful expression of identity, family heritage, or personal values. It can make a child feel special and it's less likely to be shared by three other kids on the playground." However, it doesn't come without its challenges. Engelbrecht explained untraditional names might be misspelled or misunderstood. "Names that break from tradition can sometimes be mispronounced, misspelled, or misunderstood, which can be frustrating for kids and parents alike. There's also the pressure of picking something that still feels right as a child grows into adulthood," she said. She added: "Ultimately, there's no right answer, it's about what resonates with each family. We encourage parents to trust their gut, think about how a name might feel in everyday moments, and choose something they genuinely love." "Think about how a name might feel in everyday moments, and choose something they genuinely love. " However, u/__misaki__doesn't feel that way, adding the following text to the post: "Is vaselinea a tragedeigh? how do I convince her to going back to choosing the name serena." A stock image of an expectant mother with letter blocks spelling name on her pregnant belly. A stock image of an expectant mother with letter blocks spelling name on her pregnant belly. adrian825/iStock / Getty Images Plus According to a 2024 BabyCenter survey of over 450 parents, nearly 1 in 10 moms wish they had chosen a different name for their child. Many have shifted their preference over time, with 20 percent saying they now favor their child's nickname—whether it's a shortened form of the legal name or something entirely different—while 15 percent report preferring their child's middle name instead. So far, the post has more than 2,500 comments. The top comment says: "The only place you should have difficulty choosing between Vaseline and Nivea is in your shopping basket. Not your child's name. Yikes!" One user asked: "Isn't that just the Spanish word for Vaseline," to which the original poster replied: "Damn I didn't know that that's even fact that it will quite literally just translate to 'Vaseline.'" Another offered an alternative: "Can I suggest the name Valentina? starts with a V and ends with that 'ah' sound your cousin is going for. Very pretty name [in my opinion]." The original poster also told another user: "I also tried suggesting a name like Sonia since she wanted a 'nia' sound at the end but according to her its not elegant sounding enough and she needs a name that will stick with someone when they hear it." Newsweek reached out to u/__misaki__ for comment. We could not verify the details of the case. If you have a family dilemma, let us know via life@ We can ask experts for advice, and your story could be featured on Newsweek.
The Citizen
23-06-2025
- The Citizen
Joburg baboon: Expert urges calm as gunshot reports investigated
With the close encounter of the baboon kind currently unfolding in the Northcliff area of Johannesburg, Dirk Engelbrecht of Wild Serve has shed light on the natural behaviour of baboons, emphasising that their dispersal patterns have occurred for at least two million years. According to the Northcliff Melville Times, these animals are endemic to specific areas, and their troops have historically existed in more rural regions. He urged the community to be understanding and patient, stating: 'It is not just a major sacrifice; it is a major compromise.' Engelbrecht, who has been working in this field for nearly 20 years, highlighted that these animals have a clear objective: To reach their destination. 'They do not have any interest in anything else. They have no nefarious intent,' he explained. 'The only opportunism they exhibit is when they encounter food.' To minimise conflicts, Engelbrecht advises residents to avoid distracting the baboons by hiding food and emptying bird feeders. 'They will find things to eat. They are still wild animals,' he noted. He addressed common misconceptions about baboons, stating that they are not a threat. 'People often give half the version, including professionals,' he said. Engelbrecht recommends that when baboons are in the area, residents should go inside, close their doors, and keep children and pets safely away. Bhaai Cassim, the secretary for the Johannesburg Sub-District Community Police Board, stated that the baboon roaming in Northcliff was last sighted on Lily Avenue at 13:45 yesterday, sitting in a tree. Residents are reminded not to approach, feed, or antagonise the baboon in any way. This follows a previous article by the newspaper in which Cassim reported that two gunshots were heard in the vicinity of the Northcliff Eco Ridge area, but the source of the shots could not be located. 'The incident was reported to the South African Police Service, who responded to investigate but were unable to find the exact location of the shots.' Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal. Read original story on At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The South African
31-05-2025
- Business
- The South African
SA cultivates world's most expensive spice with 'jaw-dropping' returns for farmers
Saffron – the world's most expensive spice – is being farmed in the Northern Cape on a small scale. But the returns are mind-boggling. Spearheaded by pioneers like Saffricon, this spicy venture promises not only substantial financial rewards but also a chance to revitalise drought-stricken agricultural landscapes. Livestock farmer Joe Kroon, from the arid Karoo region near Graaf Reinet, turned to saffron five years ago out of desperation when severe drought threatened his livelihood, and government offered no assistance. Importing corms (bulbs) from The Netherlands, he began cultivating the delicate purple flower, whose red stigmas form the precious spice. 'Every year that we've planted, it's got better and better,' said Kroon. 'It sort of exponentially grows each year.' Kroon's partner, Ross Blakeway, now expects their season yield reach about six kilogrammes. The world's most expensive spice, mostly associated with Iran and Afghanistan, is highly-prized in the culinary world and often used in Indian cuisine. Each saffron flower yields only three threads, and it takes about 150 000 flowers to produce just one kilogram. The threads have to be hand-picked, making cultivation highly labour-intensive. The returns however are jaw-dropping, according to Bennie Engelbrecht, founder of Saffricon. One kilogram of high-grade saffron can fetch up to R200 000, with a retail price in South Africa as high as R250 000/kg. Engelbrecht has spent the last seven years perfecting the art of growing this exotic spice on the dry plains between Williston and Calvinia. Saffricon is the largest commercial producer in South Africa, with seven hectares of saffron crops in the Piketberg area of the Western Cape. And now they're ready to share their secret. 'This country really needs something that can turn people's lives around,' said Engelbrecht. 'Saffron can be planted on a small piece of land and could potentially change your life.' Saffricon if offering interested contract farmers a three-year outgrower programme. It includes: Saffron corms (bulbs) supplied to farmers Training and ongoing support Guaranteed buyback of both threads and multiplied corms Rapid returns: plants flower in just 40 days after planting The labour-intensive nature of saffron farming also makes it a great source of job creation. One of the major perks of growing saffron in South Africa is that it uses very little water. While maize or wheat requires 500–800mm of water per season, saffron needs just 250–300mm. 'Saffron grows in areas where other crops fail,' added project partner Corné Liebenberg. 'This is a real opportunity for emerging farmers who want a niche crop with export potential.' This 'wonder plant' has no wastage either. The threads are a spice, and the petals go into medicine and cosmetics. The corms (bulbs) of the world's most expensive spice meanwhile are the farmers' asset as they multiply underground. What's more, saffron crops are frost- and hail- resistant too. For interested farmers, the message is clear: saffron offers a golden opportunity to cultivate a high-value, resilient crop with the potential for transformative financial returns. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
28-04-2025
- Climate
- The South African
Weather: Winter set to come early to Cape Town
Cape Town enjoyed a fine and warm summer, but as the season changes and winter approaches, there is set to be a sharp drop in weather temperatures this week. According to Windguru , temperatures will begin to fall from Tuesday, with a high of only 17°C and plenty of cloud cover around. The temperatures will drop even further by Thursday, and there is some rainy weather predicted as well for the Workers' Day public holiday. Friday looks like another chilly day for Capetonians, before things begin to brighten up on Saturday and Sunday as temperatures head back towards 20°C, while there should be clear skies and minimal wind. According to forecasters, as winter approaches, South Africa should expect to face a drier-than-usual season, including the Cape. 'Predictions indicate enhanced probabilities for below-normal rainfall. Temperatures are expected to be above-normal during this period,' said Christien Engelbrecht, Lead Scientist at the South African Weather Service. 'The influence of ENSO over South Africa is mostly restricted to the mid-summer months and the summer rainfall region. 'This means that neither El Niño nor La Niña will have a significant impact on the winter weather this year. 'The South-Western parts of the country rely on rainfall for water storage purposes,' Engelbrecht added. 'If the predicted below-normal rainfall occurs, water storage can be negatively impacted.' Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
