Good Riddance to 2008.

It's been a traumatic year worldwide. Earthquakes, floods, wars, financial panic ...

Here in S.A, the xenophobic attacks, horrific crime against women and children, the collapse of a President, and the terrible tragedies of the Zimbabwean people, to mention a few of the woes. Whatever the police may say, the battle against crime is not being won.

On the bright side, we seem to have a better government for the time being, although it's marking time until the next elections.

Foundations have certainly been shaken up, including with the American Presidential elections. Next year will be an interesting and challenging time, but I hope that it'll be a time of solutions.

I certainly won't hold onto 2008 with any degree of sentimentality.

Death Penalty Poll

www.eighty20.co.za is a "South African Database Consumer Portal (that) provides online access to current statistics in the South African market". (One can subscribe to it to receive a fact a day via email).

Below is the 'Fact-a-Day' received on 03 October 2008:

This week's Fact-a-Day theme: Battle of the sexes
79% of South African men agree with the statement 'The death penalty should be reinstated in South Africa for serious crimes like murder and rape'. 83% of women also agree. (AMPS 2008RA)

I would fall into that category - particularly with regard to the horrific child rape statistics and the apparent relish with which rapes are committed as a matter of course during household burglaries. Rapists seem to have a blatant lack of fear of any consequences - for good reason in this country.

How do you feel about it?

The Joys of License Renewal

After five years, it was time to renew my driver's license. No big deal - get new photos, fill in some forms, have my eyes tested, then wait three or four weeks for the new license to arrive. The biggest inconvenience is taking time off work to get to the licensing office.

Five years ago when I renewed, I went in about seven weeks ahead of the expiry date - and they chased me away, telling me to come back closer to the time. I did, and the replacement was there in three or four weeks. This time, I wasn't going to take time off work just to be chased away again, so I waited until I had four weeks to go.

I was smart. The licensing office opens at 8:00am, so I was standing in line by 07:30. They didn't open at 8:00. I started to figure that maybe their computers were offline, and I'd chosen the wrong morning after all. At about 08:30 a gentleman representing the licensing office came out to face what was now quite a large crowd, loyally followed by a number of his staff members. He held an important-looking notice in his hand.

"Gather around!" he announced to all of us in the line, in a tone that would bridge no argument. "I have a notice in my hand that I shall read out to you," he said when he had our full attention. He raised the notice and read: " The water supply to these offices has been interrupted. Therefore, these offices shall remain closed until the water supply has been restored."

He wasn't taking questions. The team trooped off.

I'm not sure whether the licensing department's computers are powered by turbines, or whether the staff is powered by caffeine, but apparently water is absolutely essential to their function.

By about 11:30 I figured that if enough people had been chased away, but the water restored, there should be relatively few people there. That turned out to be correct. No problem at all....

...except for a slight irritation where the eye tests were done. One man was having a test done, and a number of other people were sitting around - I presumed, awaiting their turns. I sat down patiently to wait. After some time, a woman sitting there gazed at me with some suspicion, and said: "Are you here to have your eyes tested?"

"Sure," I replied. What else?

She gazed at me for a little longer, then sighed, pulled herself out of her chair, and said, "Okay, come to this machine here."

I was flabbergasted.

Everybody else was friendly and helpful. When I made it to the window with all forms correctly filled in, photos and fingerprints in the right places, the lady asked whether I would require a temporary licese.

"What for?" I asked.
"Until your new one comes. This one expires in four weeks."
"How long will the new one take to get here?"
"Thirteen weeks."

I took a temporary license. Small price to pay to avoid unnecessary visits to where the water supply is unreliable.

Back to Blogging

It's been awhile since I've updated this blog, but I'm back. I started a new job and got pretty involved with the new circumstances and the new routine.

My place of work is about a fifty-minute ride from my home, which, under normal weather conditions, is a very pleasant way to start the day. Riding a motorcycle through the peak hour traffic is a very different story from the frustrations of being stuck in a car. However, the past two weeks have been very wet ones here - not ideal for motorcycling! The occasional rain storms don't bother one too much, but after a couple of weeks of getting wet, it gets to be a bit much! Anyway, thankfully, it seems to be passing and I look forward to an enjoyable, fresh ride tomorrow morning under clear blue skies!

During my absence, Zimbabwe still hasn't found a solution to their power-sharing agreement, the ANC is still split and not too much has changed in the local situation. I certainly hope they weren't waiting for me to settle down and get going again. Well, I'm back to watching you guys again, so perhaps you'd like to move forward a little more positively now?

Kenya helped to produce an American president - no mean feat. Perhaps they should be invited to get more involved in the Zimbabwean negotiations?

Zimbabwean Reality

President Robert Mugabe's antics are well known all over the world. We see the news reports, we hear about the political deadlocks, we read about an inflation rate that looks more like a misprint than a real statistic, and we get a glimpse of the human suffering; but can we actually conceptualize daily life in Zimbabwe?

Catherine Buckle, author of the books "African Tears" and "Beyond Tears", lives in Zimbabwe and documents daily life there in a collection of letters. These letters can be read on a website dedicated to her, www.cathybuckle.com

In one letter, written on 12th July 2008, entitled "I Am Failing Them", Cathy makes reference to an attempted shopping trip, where there was virtually no food available - but a butternut squash carried a price tag of 30 billion Zimbabwean dollars. When she queried the price, the man in the shop showed her his earnings. He had earned 28 billion dollars for the month - less than the price of a butternut squash; and he had a family to support.

Catherine Buckle's writing style is so beautiful, so descriptive and so pertinent, so easy to read, that I cannot and will not attempt to describe or reproduce the atmosphere or content of her letters in my post. I urge you to read those letters yourself at www.cathybuckle.com, or go directly to her October 2008 post.

Doing the Splits.

I doubt that any breakaway party from the ANC will seriously harm the outcome of next year's general election, but I do rather look forward to hearing from an opposition party rising from the ranks of the ANC.

I feel that many ANC supporters have voted for the ANC on the basis of loyalty towards the Struggle, rather than in support of their performance and service delivery. However, in the event of a breakaway, ANC supporters will be able to make choices based on performance, without feeling that they're being disloyal.

As much as Zuma may shout about "Disloyalty To The Party", those breaking away are no less faithful to the struggle than are those who remain. They were all in it together until this point. The disagreements arise from differences of opinion in respect of where the ANC is headed, how it is led and how it has behaved or performed.

This makes things very interesting for the country as a whole. Criticisms flung back and forth between factions from the same party is likely to bring a number of crawlies out of the woodwork into the light - and force at least a few more people to make decisions they couldn't - or didn't have to - make before.

Events between now and next year's elections will be very interesting indeed.

Appeal From African United Partnerships

I received the following letter from the African United Partnerships blog recently, concerning their efforts to provide much-needed training in the Cameroon, to help combat the frighteningly high rate of Mother to Child Transmission of HIV/AIDS:

"Hi Mike,
I started a blog meme project for saving children and thought you would be interested in getting involved. African United Partnerships needs the help of fellow bloggers. Our goal is to save 200 children's lives in Africa by preventing the transmission of AIDS/HIV from mother to child. To do this, we need to raise $6,600 and your help by blogging and spreading the word about this cause. That's just $33 to save a single child's life. We are working with 12 health service stations in Africa to train people with methods of preventing mother to child transmission (pMTCT) of AIDS/HIV. This is all done through pre- and post natal care training and implementation."

Hans Strock
http://blog.africanunitedpartnerships.org

The number of people living with HIV/AIDS in Sub-Saharan Africa by the end of 2007 was an estimated 22,000,000; the highest number for any one country being South Africa, at an estimated 5,700,000. The estimate for Cameroon was 540,000.

Apparently there is very little understanding amongst both women and clinic staff in Cameroon about the transmission of the deadly virus from mother to child, or how to prevent it. In fact, they don't seem to even understand that it might be prevented. The aim of this project is to begin the appropriate training there on a limited sale, in the hope that their success will open doors for the expansion of the programme.

I received a full report from Hans concerning the project; I'm sure that they would be happy to provide it to anyone who requests it.

To quote their conclusion in the report:

"The growing infection of children through MTCT (mother to child transmission) requires well thought through and targeted interventions to prevent more children from living with HIV from birth. This project is structured to do just this. Starting small (small is beautiful), the project will seek to make an impact that would stand out as self-evidence for scaling up. This show case aspiration calls for a resourceful pooling of leadership and managerial skills to promote effective and efficient implementation."

If you would like to learn more about this project, please visit their website at http://blog.africanunitedpartnerships.org

Frankly, HIV/AIDS isn't just about dying. For little children with full-blown AIDS, the physical suffering that these poor little people have to endure before they die can be a fate worse than death. They are just little children. They don't know why they feel the way they do.They suffer and they're frightened. And it may not have been necessary. Anything that anyone can do to help to prevent these little babies from being condemned to this terrible fate before they are even born, is well worth doing.

Holiday Activities For Your Kids

Here are some holiday activities for your kids, in and around the Johannesburg area, from Jozikids. For more information about these - or a range of other activities and shows - go to the Jozikids website.

HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES

Here's a list of school holiday camps and activities on offer for your kids.

ANIMALS Carynton Stables, Muldersdrift W Rand, pony day camp, Sept 29.
National Zoological Gardens in Pretoria, Holiday Program, Sept 29-Oct 3.
Esperanza Riding School Holiday Program, Pretoria. Sept 29-Oct 3.
Chartwell Stables , Fun Days, at Chartwell, near Fourways. Sept 30, Dec 17.

ARTS/CRAFTS Rainbow week at YEESH! indoor play area in Woodmead, Sept 24-30
Make Funky Bookmarks at Smudge Art Centre in Craighall Park, Sept 23-28; Other activities Oct 30-5, 7-12, 14-19, 21-26.
Swirl Art Open Day in Bedfordview, Sept 27.

CAMPS Adventure 'n Beyond Holiday Camps at various venues, Sep 2-Oct 4, Dec 6-13, 14 -19
Gecko Valley Performing Arts Camps on Natal coast, Sept 21-30, Oct 1-5, Dec6-15, 16-23.
SA Basecamp weekend for kids at Hartbeespoort, Sept 26-28
Sugar Bay Holiday Camps on Natal coast, Sept 27- Oct 5, Dec 6-13, 13-23, 28-Jan 4, Jan 4-11.
Happy Acres Holiday Camp, Magaliesberg, Sept 27-Oct 4, Dec 6-13, 13-20, Jan 3-10.
Adventure 'n Beyond Holiday Camps, Sept 29- Oct 4, Dec 14-19.
Inkwenkwezi Junior School Holiday Camp, Magaliesberg, Sept 29-Oct 3, Dec 8-12.
Maraneman on the Vaal Adventure Holiday Camps w/ Christian Foundation, Sept 30-Oct 3.
Shepherd's Fold Pony Camps for sleepover or day programs in Elandsdrift W Rand, Sept 30-Oct 2, Dec 8-12.
BBK Trails Adventure Pony Camps in Mpumulanga Nov 30-Dec 7, Dec 7-14.
Camp Nelu Holiday Camps close to Magaliesburg, Dec 8-11, 19-23.
Kinderland Holiday Fun at Equestra, Pretoria Dec 8-12, Dec 15-19.
Chartwell Stables Pony Camp at Chartwell near Fourways, Dec 9-11

DANCE "Nutcracker" Holiday Dance Camps at Triba,Craighall Dec 8-12, Dec 15-19.

DOLPHINS Halo Gaia Holistic Tourism - Swimming with dolphins in Mozambique family retreat, Dec 4-8.

HOLIDAY FUN Enchanted Forest, holiday activities in Edenvale, Sept 29-Oct 3.
Boot Camp SA, holiday activities in Fourways, Oct 1-3.
Elf's Hill, Open Days in Chartwell Jhb, Oct 1,15,29.

SCIENCE Experilab, Holiday Program in Randburg,various classes each day from Sept 29-Oct 2.

TENNIS Tennis Holiday Clinic in Greenside & Lonehill, Sept 29-Oct 3.

TECHNOLOGY icamp Technology Workshops on Sept 29-Oct 3.

An Unusual Heritage Day

Today is HERITAGE DAY here, a public holiday. I believe that the Cape is having cool, perhaps cloudy weather, but north of the Cape we have a lovely warm day with open blue skies; ideal for outdoor celebrations and picnics.

It's something of an unusual Heritage Day for us, though. Just for today, we don't have a President; but we'll have another one tomorrow. And we have 13 'vacant' cabinet posts; crucial ones. There's not too much concern, though, because those ministers have not deserted and are still manning their posts. The circumstances leading up to this situation are well documented, so I'm not going to go into that. What I do want to say is that I feel that the behaviour of the leaders involved is worthy of our Heritage Day celebrations.

I feel that President Thabo Mbeki conducted his resignation with the utmost dignity and responsibility. Anyone, anywhere in the world, who witnessed his broadcast, would have nothing but respect for his demeanour. Even the lack of any panic on the stock exchange lends evidence to that sentiment.

With regard to the resignation of 13 cabinet members, I applaud their action. (Although there was momentary international panic when Finance Minister, Trevor Manuel, proved to be one of them, his instant reassurance to the world that he would be available to continue in that post under the new administration calmed the waters immediately.)

We knew beforehand that a number of Cabinet Ministers had already indicated that they would not be available for another term of office after next year's elections. Their resignations at this point make sense. The balance of the resignations of ministers in key posts is not an attempt at destabilization. On the contrary, all the resignations are a display of respect, both to the outgoing President and to the new administration.

The six ministers who who will not be available to continue in office have made it abundantly clear, leaving the new administration in no doubt as to a course of action. The balance of the ministers have made it clear that they would be willing to serve under the new administration, if invited to do so. This serves to clear the air. If invited to take up those posts under the new administration, there'll be no waiting for an axe to fall, and it will display a motion of mutual confidence, which is in the best interests of the new administration, the ministers concerned, and the rest of the country.

I believe that the parties involved have acted with dignity and a show of co-operation that is worthy of our Heritage Day celebrations.

Translate My Blog!

Now you can read my posts in a number of languages, by using the "translate" facility on the top right. Pity none of the other 10 South African languages are listed there, but it's a start!

Not being able to understand any of the other languages offered, I've no idea whether my posts make as much nonsense translated, but perhaps someone will let me know!

Nice feature, though, and probably even more useful on my other sites, Chicken Soup And Boerewors and SkyChamber.net

You Should Have Stayed Home, Mr. President.

It seems that President Mbeki is being "recalled from office" by the ANC. According to reports, they have decided not to allow him to complete his term of office, which would have been next year.

Whatever the ANC's reasons may be, I can't help echoing the sentiments of the leader of the ACDP, to the effect that it would be nice to have a president who spends time here at home, sorting out our own problems, instead of one who spends so much of his time out of the country, sorting out everyone else's. In a way, I can't help feeling that he was running away from our own critical domestic issues. He seemed to be on his own mission, rather than the country's.

This is a country suffering under the yoke of severe poverty and unemployment, crime levels that most civilized countries wouldn't believe possible, HIV/Aids that he seemed to shy away from, and a crumbling infrastructure. To my mind he's been like the head of the family who is so devoted to his business and its image that his own family falls apart from neglect - and he hides behind denial and hyper-activity, rather than to have to face his domestic issues realistically.

Perhaps a little dose of reality has hit home for him now. It's not easy keeping a job in South Africa, is it Mr. President? However, I've no doubt you'll find it easier to find another one than the rest of us do.

The Shame of The Wealthy in S.A.

I watch Top Billing on TV. I see the opulence and the way many people live in this country. I see the luxuries they spend their money on; the self-pampering and the all-important quest for image. Then I read a letter like the one below - and I weep:

The Danville Help Group

Good morning friends,

Thank you to everybody who always tries to alleviate the plight of those less fortunate than themselves. Thank you to everyone who contributes, even though times are getting tougher. Please know that your help is very much appreciated. It is never taken for granted.

The year is slowly nearing its end, and we will be starting with our Christmas program this week as well as with the distribution of the wish lists for 2008. It feels like yesterday that we held more than 20 Christmas functions for those people we support. What will this year bring? Will we once again be able to bring joy to the hearts of children and senior citizens? I hope and believe that we can.

I have started distributing the wish lists in last week. We should be receiving the first of the wish lists back from the end of this week - and then the laughs starts with a tear...

BLOU DAKKIES OLD AGE HOME

Uncle Hennie and uncle Sas passed away recently. The senior citizens are heartbroken about the double passing. We believe that time will bring healing for them.

GROCERIES

I have really been struggling for the past 2 weeks to accumulate enough food and clothing to distribute to everyone. The times are really tough and donations are very few.

I will be distributing the last food and groceries today - the cupboards are bare!! We will have to start selling some of the second hand clothes soon to be able to buy the basic bare necessities. Food donations are really urgently needed - every can or packet can make a huge difference!! We cannot even buy spinach from Andeon to distribute at the moment - the need is very very great! PLEASE HELP!!

Delivery address:-

286 Cliffendale avenue
Faerie Glen
Tel 012 991 3914 Sel 082 8282 551
E.mail - elecnet@mweb.co.za
Website: www.danvillehulp.co.za
PS Please call me before you leave

ANDEON PROJECT

Things are very busy at Andeon. The onions are almost ready to be harvested, and there is still a lot of spinach available. I will keep you up to date with what is happening here. Please contact Arnold directly for orders:- Arnold Cell 072 709 5490

Please help us to try and alleviate the need. It is really getting worse at a phenomenal rate as people lose their jobs and homes.

Until next time,
Elsabe

COLLECTION POINTS

CENTURION - Herman 012 665 0926

WINGATE PARK - Bernadette van der Walt, 754 Kendrew Street
Cell: 083 469 3682 after 14:00 in the week and any time over a weekend. Please phone before you leave home!!

PIERRE VAN RYNEVELD PARK - Annetjie and Danie, Tooks Corner No 1,Pierre van Ryneveld, Cell: 082 445 6453
Email: annajo@nedcor.co.za

ROOIHUISKRAAL - Werdi, Cell: 083 255 9362, Home: 012 661 8396, Email: werdi@mweb.co.za


ROOIHUISKRAAL - Elsabe Wentzel, Pelican Lane 11, Cell: 083 287 3166, Home: 012 661 5591
I am usually at home from 18:00 - please phone and let me know.

FAERIE GLEN - Elsabe Blignaut, 286 Cliffendale Avenue, Faerie Glen
Home: 012 991 3914, Cell: 082 828 2551, Email: Elecnet@mweb.co.za

SINOVILLE - Nelia van Zyl, 394 Pointsettia street, Sinoville
Home: 012 567 7329, Cell: 082 447 7847
Please call her before you deliver.

WAVERLEY - Rina Minnaar, 889 Bosloerie Str., Waverley,
Home: 012 332 1113, Cell: 082 333 5677

BRAAMFONTEIN - Marilize Panter, Cell: 083 308 6698

KRUGERSDORP - Lorette Grove, 5 Nugget Street, Wentworthpark, Krugersdorp
Cell: 083 951 7716

Bankingdetails:

Danville Hulp Projek
FNB - Brooklyn
Branchcode:- 251 345
Account No: 620 546 34128
Swiftkode: FIRNZAJJ926

Delivery address:-

286 Cliffendale rylaan
Faerie Glen
Tel 012 991 3914 Cel 082 8282 551
Email: elecnet@mweb.co.za

Website: http://www.danvillehulp.co.za

If any of you can help these people, please do.

September Events

From the desk of Jozikids, here are some September events for the family:

DANCE: Dance Workshops at Arts Alive in Newtown for advanced/professional dancers, Sept 15-18.
Rock-a-Tutu at the South African Ballet Theatre in Braamfontein from Nov 21-Dec 14.

FOOD: Choc Delight Chocolate Moulding Classes in Florida, Sept 27
Linda's Bake and Pack baking/craft courses, Westdene, Sept 13,20

GENIUS: Genius LAB Mathe-magics & Science for Wiz-Kidz at Sci-Bono Discovery Centre in Newtown, Oct 10.

HALLOWEEN: Halloween at the Johannesburg Zoo, Oct 25.

HERITAGE: Jozi Fest Celebrate our Heritage at Gold Reef City w/ music,fashion etc. Sept 24-Oct 5th.
Magaliesberg Festival at the Bekker School grounds, Sept 25.
Heritage Month at Maropeng in Hekpoort, W Rand from Sept 1-30.
Free Quad ride at Zwartkops Quad Centre in Centurion, Sept 24.

MARKETS & FAIRS: Charity Day for the Teddy Bear Clinic for Abused Children in Emmerentia, Sept 13.
Fun Day & mini walk at Kildrummy Pre-primary School in Paulshof, Sept 13.
Spring Morning Market at St Andrew's School for Girls in Senderwood, Sept 13.
Bryanston Organic Market Thursdays and Saturdays, Sept 11,13.
Irene Market every 2nd & last Sun of the mnth in Menlo Park, Pretoria, Sept 13, 27.
Craighall River Craft Market every 2nd Sat of month in Craighall Park, Sept 13.
blu bird Whole Food Market every Sunday in Birnam, Sept 14.
Crafter's Market at Bunny Park, last Sat of mnth in Benoni, Sept 27.
Body Mind Soul Holistic Fayre in Menlo Park, Pretoria, Sept 27,28.
Spring Fair at Earthkids Play-Patch in Kyalami, Sept 28.
Urban Market in Midrand. First Sat of mnth, Oct 4.
Crafter's Market at Bokkie Park, 1st Sat of month in Boksburg, Oct 4.
Farmer's Market at Bamboo in Melville, 1st Sat of the month, Oct 4.
Fun Day at Kensington Ridge Primary School, crafts, food and fun on Oct 11.

MUSIC: Spring Classical Concert at Linder Auditorium, in Braamfontein at WITS, Sept 14.
Sundowner Concerts at UJ Auckland Park on Mon evenings, Sept 15,22.
Tres Jolie 3rd Birthday Bash with live music and kids entertainmt in Ruimsig, Sept 19.
Drumming Circle and Firedancing, Fossil's Place in Centurion, Sept 20.

NATURE: Yebo Gogga Yebo AmaBlomma Exhibit-insects,animals,plants in Braamfontein at Wits, Sept 27-30.

SHOWS: Stargazing, at the Walter Sisulu National Botanical Gardens in Roodepoort, Sept 27.
The Sky Tonight, at the Planetarium in Braamfontein at WITS, Thurs, Fri & Sat.
South African Tattoo, at Montecasino Fourways, Sept 11-14.
Fly me to the Moon, 4D Movie now showing at Gold Reef City.

SPORT: Soccer Open Day, with Little Kickers in Linden, Sept 13.

THEATRE: The Jungle Book at the Market Theatre in Newtown, Oct 10-Dec 21.
Beauty & the Beast at the Montecasino Theatre in Fourways, Oct 2-Dec 7.
Footloose at the UJ Arts Centre in Auckland Park, Sept 10-27.
Hollywood Rocks: Music from the Movies!, Barnyard Theatre-Broadacres, Sept 2-Oct 12.
The Boys are Back in Town, Barnyard Theatre-Cresta Sept 2-Oct 12.
Bollywood Love Story: A Musical at The Market Theatre in Newtown, Sept 4-14.
Aladdin, at the National Children's Theatre in Parktown, Sept 8- Oct 18.
Little Red Riding Hood and Other Stories at the People's Theatre in Braamfontein, Sept 8- Oct 15.

TRAINS: Miniature Steam Train in Florida Open Day, Sept 21.
Various train trips, Sept 24,28.

WALKS/HIKES: Check the calender every weekend for a list of regular walks or hikes in Gauteng.
The Zoo Trot at JHB Zoo, every 2nd Sunday of the month, Sept 14th

WORKSHOPS: Life Skills 4 Kids at Triba in Craighall Park on Sept 10,11,17,18,24,25
ADHASA's Annual ADHD Seminar at WITS West Campus on Sept 13-14


For more information, visit the Jozikids website here, or e-mail them at info@jozikids.co.za

Biker Club For One!

I love motorbikes; but sort of conditionally. I love riding them - not assembling them, fixing them, racing them or even, particularly, washing them. I don't know a piston from a spark plug. (Although, being a good South African, I know that you can smash a car window more easily with a piston than with a spark plug, although if you know how, a spark plug is very effective too. But this isn't a Lifestyle post, so enough of that.)

Then there's a second catch. I'm not crazy about swearing, drinking, posing or competing - so joining a Biker's club holds little attraction.

Oh, and here's the third catch. If I did like riding with the pack, I couldn't possibly keep up with them! In fact, I wouldn't even reach the destination on the same day! All I have right now is my little 125cc Honda e-Storm!




For those not in the know, it's a very cute little bike that's ideal for daily commuting and whipping in and out of city traffic; not to mention that it hardly consumes any gas. But a Bike, it is not. More like a training bike to learn how they work in traffic.

There's no problem buzzing about in town - in fact it's a dream. Goes quite fast enough to stay out of traffic's way. But it's too light for the freeways; not a bike for a road trip.

I bought it around the beginning of the year, with the ever-rising fuel price in mind (not to mention an ever-diminishing cash flow never out of mind), after not having ridden for about 15 or 16 years! If I'd had any reservations, they disappeared within the first days. Despite city traffic, that little bike injected a surge of LIFE back into my tired veins! The thrill of biking dropped years off me in an instant. Now, 8 months later, that enjoyment hasn't diminished in the slightest.

However, now that I'm used to it again, I must confess that I'm finding it frustrating. I YEARN to open it up on the freeways, on the open road! The last bike I rode was a 750cc Honda.


The difference between the two is that with my present bike, I check the cars approaching in my rear-view mirrors. On the 750cc, I checked the cars diminishing in the rear-view mirrors.

It can be difficult to describe the sense of freedom. In a car, you're surrounded by a metal frame, in your own protected space, viewing every other car as a threat. On a bike, you feel a part of everything around you. You're one with the countryside, uninhibited by a metal cage. Even the tarmac is real ... touchable. In fact, you're aware of every pothole, every crack, every characteristic of the road surface. You're aware of everything happening on the sides of the road, and even inside the cars. You HAVE to be that alert; but somehow it's not an effort. It just seems to happen naturally. Those attributes aren't affected by the size of the bike; the joys are universal.

Okay, so I can't watch the big game grazing in the bush as I cruise the Lowveld passes; but I can watch the little field mice scampering about on the verges while I wait at a traffic light! Do you notice them from your car?

I don't regret the decision to get a bike; it was one of my better decisions.

If you've heard bad things about motorists and bikes, treat the reports with discretion. I have found our Jo'burg drivers, apart from the few idiots you'll always find, to be extremely friendly and considerate. (Bikers, reciprocate!)

If you're thinking of getting a light bike for commuting, I'd recommend that you have a look at the Honda e-Storm. It's very well put together. Despite being a small bike, Honda seems to have used the big-bike technology as faithfully on this little chap. It looks really good compared to most of it's competitors, and it handles well. It's pricing is at the entry level, competing with the Asian brands. And joy of joys, it has an LED display to tell you which gear you're in! (That's the one thing that confuses the hell out of me!)

Why I Love Blogging

This week I received an e-mail from a friend I'd met in Israel in 1984, who lives in the U.K. She'd been browsing the web, came across my site, and decided to make contact. Something similar happened earlier this year.

The primary thrill, of course, is the contact with people one hasn't seen or heard from in a couple of decades, but from a blogging point of view, it's also quite a thrill that people actually find my site while browsing!

However, thinking back to those times and to my travels, I finally understood just why I like blogging so much more than the social networking sites. When I travelled, I travelled alone. I would meet people in faraway places, make friends, team up occasionally for specific travels, then move on. Travelling alone made it easier to be spontaneous, easier to get involved in spontaneous activities or to simply change plans at the drop of a hat, because a new-found friend had a more interesting schedule than mine. I enjoyed meeting people, both locals and other travellers; yet I enjoyed being alone and maintaining a degree of privacy.

Blogging is like that. I visit sites all over the globe, drop in, spend time with the writer, interact, then move on. Some sites just click with me and I enjoy repeated, or daily, visits. See what's happening, say "Hi", leave a comment. Keep up to date with the author's life and events, without imposing.

Some sites are special. For example, Carl Galloway's Life in Spain. Carl writes about Ronda, the town in Spain where he and his wife live. His posts about his surroundings and activities capture me completely. I feel that I know Ronda - that I can feel the atmosphere, taste the tastes and smell the smells, so to speak. He captures the 'spirit of place' wonderfully. For a few minutes, while I'm on that site, I am on holiday - not to a new destination, but to a familiar and friendly place that I enjoy returning to. If ever I get to travel again, Ronda would feature high on my list. Communicating with Carl is a regular pleasure, like meeting in the village, exchanging a few words, and continuing with the day.

Then there's a young fellow who lives in Singapore, who calls his site Kid Tech Guru. Xavier is just fourteen years old, but a guru he certainly is. He writes about the stuff that I want to know, in a pleasant and easy manner that even I can understand. But one visits his site consistantly, not just because of his technical skill and the knowledge he shares, but simply because he is Xavier. I say "one" rather than "I", because it's quite obvious from the comments on his site that Xavier is a favourite of many people all over the world.

Another fascinating site is A Postcard A Day. Sheila posts a postcard a day from a collection that her father, an avid traveller, started. She has continued her father's hobby and shares those cards with us, along with posts about the cards. The cards themselves are fascinating to see - but somehow it's nice to share someone's hobby in such a way that we can enjoy the intimacy of it without imposing.

I haven't made any money out of blogging. To me, the love of blogging is the people who do it, the experiences I gain from their experiences, the armchair travelling, and the unimposing intimacy - as opposed to the hype and the chat room atmosphere of the social networking sites.

It's not about which is better - it's simply about what suits my peculiar personality!

Jozikids Play Zone

From the desk of the Jozikids team:

The highlight for us this week is the JOZIKIDS Play Zone. We hope to see many of you there. See details below.
We have already started receiving information about holiday activities and camps for the next school holiday period.

New HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES for Sept/Oct:

Esperanza Riding School
Inkwenkwezi Camp
Rainbow week at YEESH!

New AUG/SEPT EVENTS:

Polka Dot Arts & Crafts
Salvation Army Bumper Fete
K-TV Market Day
Hollywood Rocks: Music from the Movies
The Boys are Back in Town
Jazz on the Lake Concert
A Program of Jewish Music
Halloween at the Jhb Zoo
Yebo Gogga Yebo Amablomma
Rietvlei Spring Carnival
Genius LAB



JOZIKIDS PLAY ZONE @ DSTV-GETAWAY SHOW
We are creating a secure, supervised kiddies play area called the JOZIKIDS PLAY ZONE at the DSTV-GETAWAY Show at the Coca Cola Dome this weekend, from Aug 29-31. You can leave your kids with us for R10 an hour, while you enjoy the show. The following Jozikids listers will be providing 3 days of fun filled activities and entertainment.

SHOWS Croc City Croc Farm - Reptile show Fri 1-3pm, Sat and Sun 11am-1pm
A-Z Creative Entertainment - African dancing and face painting on Fri 3pm and Sat 2pm
Rhythmania - Drumming workshops on Sun 2-4pm

LOTS OF FUN Jumpsafe Trampolines.
Kinglets and Queenies - A big slide, ball pond and Barney.
Little Kickers - Soccer games.
ABig Party Explosion - Games like musical chairs, bowling plus a sandpit.
Enchanted Forest - Block building, finger painting and face painting.
Picolino's Events - Chocolate fountain, party packs and face painting.
Cupcakes Catering - Decorate your own cupcake.
Kids Haven - Competitions.
Airborne Adventures - A parachute (only Sat and Sun).
Zenone Connection - Games with party packs and Shrek (only Sat and Sun).
Toi Toi - Face painting (only Sunday).


There’s also a skate park nearby for older kids. So the kids can play while mom and dad check out the camping equipment, holiday destinations, outdoor gear, have a chance to win prizes, find great deals or participate in a photography or GPS workshop on offer at the show.




HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES
ANIMALS Montecasino Bird Gardens in Fourways until Aug 29.
Zoo-mazing , holiday program at the Johannesburg Zoo, Aug 25-29
Mythbuster Tour, visit the nocturnal animals at the Johannesburg Zoo, Aug 27.
Esperanza Riding School Holiday Program, Pretoria. Sept 29-Oct 3.

ARTS/CRAFTS Polka Dot Arts & Crafts in Parkhurst, Aug 25-29
Hedgehog Lane holiday program in Bryanston, 9am-5pm, until Aug 31
Scribble and Splot Art workshops in Fourways on Aug 27,29
Smudge Art Centre workshops, Craighall Park, Aug 26-31.
Rainbow week at YEESH! indoor play area in Woodmead, Sept 24-30

CAMPS Shepherd's Fold Stables Holiday Pony Camp at Elandsdrift on Aug 27-28.
SA Basecamp weekend for kids at Hartbeespoort, Sept 26-28
Inkwenkwezi Junior School Holiday Camp, Magaliesberg, Sept 29-Oct 3.

FUN River Cafe holiday program in Parkmore until Aug 29.
Fantasy Park holiday program in Chartwell until Aug 29.

MATHS Master Maths branches all offer a 33.3% holiday discount.
Educ8 Tuition Centres in Melville has matric revision classes in math/science/accounting.

SPORT Tennis, ITA clinics, Pirates Tennis Club, Greenside, Aug 25-29.
Bat Man- Kidz Cricket Clinic in Fourways, Aug 25-28, special discount w/ JOZIKIDS voucher.

TECHNOLOGY icamp Technology Workshops on Aug 25-30, Sept 22-26.




AUG/SEPT EVENTS
ACTION Wild Cave Adventures, abseiling at the Cradle of Humankind, every Sunday.
DANCE Romeo and Juliet at the Dance Factory in Newtown from Sept 5-7.
La Traviata - The Ballet at the Johannesburg Civic Theatre, until Sept 7.

FOOD Cooking Demo - Healthy snacks & lunch box at Greenlands in Parkview, Aug 27
Choc Delight Chocolate Moulding Classes in Florida, Aug 30, Sept 27
Linda's Bake and Pack baking/craft courses, Westdene, Aug 30, Sept 6,13,20

FUN DAYS Salvation Army Bumper Fete at Firlands Childrens Home, Aug 30.
Spring Carnival at Jeppe Prep, Aug 30.
Spring Day at the Johannesburg Zoo on Aug 31
Funtasia Fun Day at Rivonia Primary School on Sept 6.
Dream Day w/Reach For A Dream & Global Village, Bruma Lake, Sept 6.
Rietvlei Spring Carnival at Rietvlei Farm Alberton, Sept 7.

GENIUS Genius LAB Mathe-magics & Science for Wiz-Kidz, Sept 5.

HALLOWEEN Halloween at the Johannesburg Zoo, Oct 25.

HERITAGE Heritage Month at Maropeng in Hekpoort, W Rand from Sept 1-30.

MARKETS Alberts Farm Spring Fair, Greymont on Aug 30.
Bunny Park Crafter's Market in Benoni on Aug 30.
K-TV Market Day Brightwater Commons Randburg, Sept 6.
Craighall River Craft Market every 2nd Sat of month at Craighall Park.
Holistic Fayre in Edenvale on Sept 6,7.

MUSIC Sundowner Concerts at UJ Auckland Park on Mon evenings, Sept 1,8,15,22.
Jewish Music Program at the RCHCC in Houghton on Sept 7.
Jazz on the Lake at Zoo Lake Jhb, Sept 7.

NATURE Yebo Gogga Yebo AmaBlomma Exhibit-insects,animals,plants at Wits, Sept 27-30.

SALE Fairy Dust Interiors Closing Down Sale in Randburg until Aug 31.

SHOWS DSTV-Getaway Show with JOZIKIDS Play Zone, Coca Cola Dome, Aug 29-31.
South African Tattoo, at Montecasino Fourways, Sept 11-14.
Fly me to the Moon, 4D Movie now showing at Gold Reef City.

SPORT Slo-Jo Little Mugger Adventure Challenge-Bike at Maropeng, Hekpoort, Aug 31.
Vit-T-Go Afriman Duathlong at Maropeng Hekpoort, Sept 7.

THEATRE WAM! , Roodepoort Theatre, Aug 4-29.
Liewe Heksie, a Joburg Promusica, Roodepoort Theatre until Aug 30.
Lord of the Dance, at Montecasino until Aug 30.
La Vida :Pop & Rock Sounds of Latin America, Barnyard Theatre-Broadacres until 31 Aug.
Hollywood Rocks: Music from the Movies!, Barnyard Theatre-Broadacres, Sept 2-Oct 12.
The Boys are Back in Town, Barnyard Theatre-Cresta Sept 2-Oct 12.
Bollywood Love Story: A Musical at The Market Theatre, Sept 4-14.
Aladdin, at the National Children's Theatre, Sept 8- Oct 18.
Little Red Riding Hood and Other Stories at the People's Theatre, Sept 8- Oct 15.

TRAINS Various train trips, Aug 31, Sept 3,5,6,7,24,28 .

WALKS/HIKES Check the calender every weekend for a list of regular walks or hikes in Gauteng.
The Zoo Trot at JHB Zoo, every 2nd Sunday of the month.

WORKSHOPS Life Skills 4 Kids workshops for kids and parents at Triba during Aug.
ADHASA's Annual ADHD Seminar at WITS West Campus on Sept 13-14

Beijing Time

For those of you lucky enough to be following the Olympic Games in Beijing, China, I have placed the current Beijing time on the top right of this page.

Enjoy the Games!

Home, James!.... Sipho, Calvin, David......

Do you have a GPS receiver in your vehicle? And is your home address saved as "Home"?
If you live in S.A., that may not be a great idea.

Our hijackers are bright young men, highly motivated to succeed in their chosen profession and always on the lookout for ways to improve their efficiency. They understand technology and subscribe to the principle of "working smart".

They have figured this out: When they steal or hijack a vehicle that has GPS, they hit "Home". They have your address. They quite probably have your remote in the car, and possibly even your keys. They know exactly where you are going to be - without transport, and trying to get the theft reported to the police. So they pop over to your house and relieve you of the burden of worldly possessions while you're preoccupied by the theft of your vehicle.

Cases like this have already been reported - so consider a safer way of saving that destination!

If there's one thing to be said for this country, it's that there's never a dull moment - and plenty to keep those little grey cells creative and alert!

Praying......

I don't know where this picture originated from (one of many "chain" emails, I suspect), so I hope I'm not infringing someone's copyright - but it's one of my favourite pictures of all time!

It warms my heart and puts a smile on my face every time I see it.

lol ....?

Could somebody PLEEZE tell me what "lol" means? I see it thrown about liberally in posts and comments, and those who like using it seem to use it a lot! (I suspect it doesn't mean Lots Of Love)

I realize that I must be showing pathetic ignorance here - but please put me out of my misery so that I can also understand a little more of the important stuff that I read!

SparkNotes

Here's a useful web site, especially for students, though not restricted to them. SparkNotes, at www.sparknotes.com, provides free online study guides. They cover a variety of subjects, including literature, science, maths, history, art, writing, film, poetry, philosophy and a dedicated section to Shakespeare. Easy downloads and quick access to the essential facts could make your - or your child's - life just that much easier.

I know that when I was at school (at a time when today's history was still "current affairs"!) I relied heavily on study guides, especially for the inimitable Shakespeare, whom, I might add, I enjoyed immensely.

I'll include a permanent link to SparkNotes under the heading of Education, for your convenience, when you want to link to it in future.

Global Warming threatens extinction of species in Kruger Park.

An article in today's Mail & Guardian reports Marthinus van Sckalkwyk, our Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism, as warning that a 2,5 degrees Celsius rise in average world temperatures above the 1990 levels could cause up to two thirds of the animal species in the Kruger National Park to become extinct. A frightening thought for those of us who love the Kruger National Park and the Bushveld so dearly.





Another article entitled "A new climate shaping the world" discusses issues emerging from the latest G8 conference, amongst other things, the potentially new sources of revenue for the wealthy nations from new land becoming available for development as a result of the ice caps melting. Oil, gas - the area is believed to contain something like 25% of the world's oil and gas reserves.

I guess there's an inevitable new world ahead of us.

Sad.

"Furore over plan to take sex work in hand"

Today's Mail & Guardian ran a headline stating:
"Furore over plan to take sex work in hand."

No comment.

(I wonder if professional palm readers have a Union?)

Blue Screen blues

I apologize for the irregularity of posts at the moment. My monitor appears to be in its death throes. I've forgotten what a white screen looks like, but when it's pink, I can still work, albeit a strain on the eyes, However, when it goes into its blue stage, it's virtually impossible to see what's on it. A few minutes of straining and squinting to make out 50% of what's there, and the eyes scream "ENOUGH! What have we ever done to you to deserve this?"

Anyway, it's been in blue stage all weekend, and still is, but hopefully it'll feel neglected and go back to pink for a while - then I'll attack again!

See you when I can!

Jackson, Obama, Mandela.

I see that bloggers are having a field day with Jesse Jackson's remarks - and rightly so!

On this day of the great Nelson Mandela's birthday, I can't help feeling that it wouldn't do any harm if these auspicious leaders would take the time to learn from the demeanour of this great statesman, Nelson Mandela. Perhaps one of the great lessons they would learn is that if one's love and empathy for your people is as deep and genuine as is his, it would be evident in one's behaviour, public or private.

July / Aug Events from Jozikids

Here are some events listed by Jozikids for July / August. For more information and direct links to sites mentioned, go the the Jozikids website - it's well worth the visit. Or e-mail them at info@jozikids.co.za .

JULY/AUG EVENTS

ACTION Wild Cave Adventures Abseiling at the Cradle of Humankind, every Sunday.
ANIMALS Lipizzaner Show in Kyalami, performances every Sunday.
Magical Mystery Outride for kids at Shepherd's Fold Stables, Elandsdrift on Aug 10.
BABY SHOW Living and Loving Kids and Baby Expo, in Pretoria on Aug 7-10.

CRAFTS/BAKING Baking and craft courses at Linda's Bake and Pack in Westdene on July 19,26, Aug 2,16,30


DANCE Nia-4-Kids, Classes every Wednesday.
EXHIBITS UCMAS Abacus & Mental Arithmetic National Competition at WITS Great Hall on July 27.
Asbestos:Miracle Fibre - Serial Killer at Adler Museum of Medicine, Parktown until August 8.

MARKETS Bryanston Organic Market in Johannesburg on July 12.
Craighall River Craft Market in Craighall Park on Aug 9
Bunny Park Crafter's Market in Benoni on July 26, Aug 30
Bokkie Park Crafter's Market in Boksburg on Aug 2
MUSIC Third National Marimba Festival at St Dominic's School, Boksburg July 26,27.

SHOPPING CENTRES Face painting - record breaking attempt for Oasis Haven for Love, at 8 shopping centres on Aug 2,3.

SHOWS Cinderella at National Children's Theatre in Parktown, June 9-July 26.
Winnie the Pooh at the People's Theatre in Braamfontein, June 2-Aug 9.
La Vida ,Pop and Rock Sounds of Latin America at Barnyard Theatre-Broadacres,15 Jul-31 Aug.
Hubble Vision Show ,at the Planetarium,every Fri & Sat.
Our Southern Deep Skies ,Stargazing at Maropeng, Aug 2.
WAM! ,Roodepoort Theatre, Aug 4-29.
Untangled Marionettes,Marionettes Theatre,Westcliff on Aug 13,16,20,23.
SPECIAL DAYS The Wanderers Club 120th Anniversary Open Day , free admission, on Aug 23.
The Fossil's Endless Feast at the Fossil Family Kitchen, on Aug 7.
Slo-Jo Little Mugger Adventure Challenge Bike, quiz and Xbox challenge at Maropeng, on Aug 31.
Fun Day & Fete at the Ann Harding Cheshire Home in Northwold, on Aug 2.
Zwartkops Quad Centre Women's Day Special at Zwartkops Raceway, on Aug 9.

TRAINS Tshwane Explorer Steam train trip in and around Pretoria by Friends of the Rail, Jul 27, Aug 9.
Reefsteamers day trip to the Magaliesburg on a classic old steam train. Aug 2nd.
Miniature Steam Train Open Day Florida Park, Aug 3rd.
The Rail Museum Magaliesburg Express from Mariasburg Station, Aug 9th.
WORKSHOPS Parent Workshops Big Kids Fun by Nikki Bush in Douglasdale, July 16,17,23,30,31
WALKS/HIKES Check the calender every weekend for a list of regular walks or hikes in Gauteng.
The Zoo Trot at JHB Zoo, every 2nd Sunday of the month.

YOGA Creative Yoga Classes with Jasmine the Butterfly Girl & friends, Yogibuds in Brackenhurst, Aug 1


Regards
The Jozikids Team
info@jozikids.co.za
011 482 4310
www.jozikids.co.za

Birthday Wishes for Mandela

Birthday wishes are pouring in from everywhere for Nelson Mandela, known fondly here as Madiba.

It occurs to me that this remarkable man must be the only politician / world leader on Earth who couldn't have an enemy anywhere on the planet. What an achievement in the history of mankind! No matter who we are, what our backgrounds are or where we come from, we all love this man and respect him as we can respect few others.

My daughter once met him and has always maintained her opinion: "I wish he was my grandfather!" We ALL do, and in his way, he is just that to all of us.

I'm sure that his heart must ache to see the suffering, and often mismanagement, of this country in its present state; but if we can just share his vision for this land, feel it from the heart and strive to achieve it, I hope he lives to see those dreams come true.

I urge us all to see the vision of this land, our people and our future governments through Madiba's eyes and to strive for that and no other.

Happy Birthday, Madiba. May you live to see our dreams come true.

O, Nuts!

I guess Jesse Jackson preferred Hilary ......?

"Keep Me Under The Blood"

Life in South Africa can be extremely difficult for many of us, particularly when it comes to employment and feeding one's family. Many are destitute, and no amount of "pounding the pavements" to find work seems to achieve anything. There are just too many people after every job vacancy. Being older doesn't help. It is extremely demoralizing and I know for a fact - from many people who are in that position - that suicide is an ever-present thought. Often, the only thing that keeps us alive is the will to not desert our children.

Last month I thought that my ship had come in. A friend of many years' standing decided to start her own business, in a field where she had years of experience and all the right contacts and prospects. She had, at last, found a financial partner who would provide initial funding for stock and initial salaries. We were so excited. Then the end of the month came, and he refused to pay salaries. The bank account hadn't even been opened until after month end, and we were still awaiting the VAT number - so how he expected us to have enough income in that first month, I don't know. The result is devastating. I had assured my numerous creditors that I had a job and would be making payments to everyone at the end of the month.

Crash. Instead of celebrating with my child, we find ourselves totally crushed instead. It's a bitter pill to swallow.

Then, last night, I read a prayer on a website called 7-Day Buzz, which gives me hope and a little strength again. It is entitled A Warfare Prayer: "Keep Me Under The Blood". If you are in a similar position, dejected and demoralized, I urge you to read it. I have not reproduced it here out of respect for the owner of the blog, but I encourage you to use this link to read it.

God help us - the suffering in this country is not just a bunch of words on the news or on blog sites. It really hurts.

New Jozikids Listings

To link directly to any of these listings, please click here to go to the Jozikids site.

NEW JOZIKIDS LISTINGS

ANIMALS Extreme Reptiles , educational show for birthday party, school or function.
CRECHES Little Friends Baby Care House , Parkrand, E Rand for exclusive baby care 3-18mnths.
Cuddle Bunnies Playschool Baby Care House ,Blairgowrie, a small quality playschool.
CAKES/FOOD B's Cake Art ,all areas Jhb, edible, 3D and moulded cakes.
Cara's Catering ,all areas E Rand, sweet and savoury party platters and packs.
CAMPS BBK Trails ,Waterval Boven, Mpumalanga for adventure pony camps.
CHILD CARE Au Pair Abuzz for au pairs, school lifters, babysitters, tutors, all pre-school staff.
CRAFTS Stimix Educraft for educational arts/crafts to do at home.
BLACK DOLLS Nomhlekhabo-African Dolls for african dolls and black princess birthday cakes.
CLOTHES Kidi-net, a website to buy clothing, gifts and accessories for your little ones.
EXTRA LESSONS SEMAS , all areas Gauteng, Japanese Abacus education and mental arithmetic training.
FURNITURE Fairy Dust Interiors , Kya Sands Randburg for custom made furniture, decor and soft furnishings.
Over the Moon Kids Interiors, Boksburg, 10% off furniture and 30% off linen until 31/7/08.
PARTIES Farmyard Frenzy Party Venue, Northriding, free gift for birthday child until 24/8/08.
Tumbleweeds party venue, Chartwell, 3 beautiful acres for hosting any party.
Sunset Mountain party venue in the country overlooking the Zwartkop mountains.
Picolinos Event and Party Planners ,Gauteng, also hire out equipmnt, jumping castles, all party supplies.
Pinky Ponky Pizza kids pizza making parties10% discount for 20 kids or more until 01.09.08.
Party Magic for face painting, ballooning, clowning and games.
Toi Toi Face Paint and Balloons for face painting, ballooning modelling and clowning.
Dream Parties , Krugersdorp, Roodepoort, party planners that do it all.
PHOTOGRAPHERS Louise Diesel Photography professional family photographer based in Johannesburg.
Memories and Moments, all areas Gauteng, 15% discount , for 2 referrals plus more specials.
SPORT EQUIPMT The Xtreme Shop ,Randburg, variety of outdoor equipment,paintball, rock climbing, air rifles etc.
S.A. Trampolines , make, supply and repair trampolines, 25% discount on safety covers.
THEATRE Barnyard Theatre-Broadacres for childrens theatre, musicals, rock shows and live bands.
WORKSHOPS Children's Technology Workshops , Jhb, robotics, digital art, video production, game design workshops and parties.
Lifesense Community Care, Melrose Arch, ADHD and Autism workshops for parents.


HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES
Check out our Winter Holidays (1) and (2) and (3) newsletters for other activities during the holidays.

CRAFTS Lifestyle Home Garden ,Randpark Ridge, craft holiday activities on Jun 26; Jul 1,3,8,10.
SCIENCE/TECH Experilab ,Randburg, Jun 24-27; Jul 1-10.
CORRECTION The Runnin Rebels organised Star Fire Soccer challenge for 6-16yr olds will take place in Johannesburg on July 7,9,11, NOT in Pretoria as previously stated.


JUNE/JULY EVENTS
BABY SHOW Baba Indaba the baby and parenting expo in Pretoria, June 27-29
BALLET The Selfish Giant by Ballet Bugs Theatre Co.,Wits Theatre Braamfontein, Jun 17-28. Filling up fast.
CRAFTS Your Family Creative Craft Expo at Emporers Palace in Kempton Park, July 4-6.
CIRCUS Jozi's Winter Circus ,Gold Reef City,Ormonde,JHB June 21- July 12.
Boswell Wilkie Circus in Kempton Park on July 10, 12,13.
HORSE RIDING Champagne Breakfast Outride in Elandsdrift by Shepherd's Fold Stables, June 29.
MARKET Holistic Fayre in Menlo Park, Pretoria June 28,29.
Holistic Fayre in Edenvale, July 5-6.
Bunny Park Crafter's Market in Benoni on June 28, July 26.
Bokkie Park Crafter's Market in Boksburg on July 5.
Bryanston Organic Market in Johannesburg on July 12.
SHOWS Winnie the Pooh at the People's Theatre in Braamfontein, June 2-Aug 9.
Cinderella at National Children's Theatre in Parktown, June 9-July 26.
Madiba Magic at the Roodepoort theatre, May 26–June 28.
Viva Las Vegas at Barnyard Theatre-Broadacres, May 27th-July 13th.
La Vida ,Pop and Rock Sounds of Latin America at Barnyard Theatre-Broadacres,15 Jul-31 Aug.br/>
TRAINS Tshwane Explorer Steam train trip in and around Pretoria by Friends of the Rail, Jun 29, Jul 27.
WORKSHOPS Parent Workshops Nuts and Bolts/ Big Kids Fun by Nikki Bush in Douglasdale, June 24,25.
WALKS/HIKES Check the calender every weekend for a list of regular walks or hikes in and around Johannesburg.

Regards,
The Jozikids Team
info@jozikids.co.za
011 482 4310
www.jozikids.co.za

Down the Way Where the Knights are Gay.......

Gay he is is not, neither does he promote any gaiety. But guess what? He's not a knight anymore, either! Sir Robert Mugabe appears to have been stripped of his honorary knighthood by the British. (Well done, my Lords and Ladies.)

Watch it, Bra Bobby. May your Presidency be next. I'm hoping that somebody will stuff you into a rum bottle and throw the bottle into Lake Kariba, to float around as a message to mankind for ever and ever.

More Holiday Activities for the Kids

Here are some more winter holiday activities for your kids, brought to you by Jozikids. For more information, visit their website at www.jozikids.co.za

HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES
Now you can even check out what's up these holidays at a library near you.
LIBRARY PROGRAMS Alexandra Children's Library, puppet show, games, fire & safety for 4-14yrs Jul 3,4,8,9,10.
Blackheath Library ,craft activities for 3-9yrs, Jun 23-25,
Boskriun Library ,crafts, the zoo and waterwise for 3-12yrs Jun 26, Jul 3.
Davidsonville Library Roodepoort ,activities for 3-6yrs, Jun 23,24,25,27.
Florida Library, insects, guide dogs and waterwise for 6-12yrs, Jun 24, Jul 1,10.
Glenanda Library, Stories, games, boy/girl talk and a horror movie, Jun 24,26, Jul 3,4,8.
Murray Park Library in Belgravia, science, puzzles and stories for 9-12yrs Jun 27, Jul 8.
Olivedale Library Sandton, snakes, waterwise and storytime for 3-12yrs Jun 27, Jul 4,11.
Rhodes Park Library, storytime, crafts and fire engine demo for 3-9yrs, Jun 25, Jul 2,9.
Roodepoort Library, storytime, movie and waterwise for 3-8yrs Jun 20, July 1,11.
Rosebank Library, make puppets and storytime for 9-12yrs Jul 2.
Sandton Library ,fun activities for 6-9yrs Jun 26.
Strubensvalley Library, crafts, stories and waterwise for 2-6yrs Jun 26, July 3.
Tshepisong Library, be waterwise, reading and teentalk for 3-18yrs Jun 23,25, July 9.
Weltevreden Park Library, Puppet show, crafts, be waterwise, for 3-12yrs, Jun 25,30, Jul 2.
Wilro Park Library, be waterwise for all ages July 7.
Witpoortjie Library, be waterwise for 3- 12, July 9 .
Yeoville Library , storytelling and activities for 3-9yrs, Jun 24.

ARTS/CRAFTS Polka Dot Arts and Craft Studio,Parkhurst has 50% off 1hr art and crafts in Aug holidays.

CAMPS Chartwell Stables Pony Camps for 4-14yrs, July 1-3.

TECHNOLOGY icamp™ Technology Workshops in Roodepoort, Pta, Jhb for 7-14yrs over June/July/Aug holidays.

VARIED Daisychain Primary School Holiday Programme in for 5-12yrs, June 30-July 11.
Bob the Builder at Sandton Square with playful construction site, interactive activities, July 2-6.




JUNE EVENTS
ACTION Snow in the City for ice-skating, snow-fights and more at Mary Fitzgerald Square in Newtown, June 22.

BABY SHOW Baba Indaba the baby and parenting expo in Pretoria, June 27-29

BALLET The Selfish Giant by Ballet Bugs Theatre Co. at Wits Theatre in Braamfontein, June 17-28.

HORSE RIDING Champagne Breakfast Outride in Elandsdrift by Shepherd's Fold Stables, June 29.

MARKET Holistic Fayre in Menlo Park, Pretoria June 28,29.

MUSIC Beautiful Creatures Music with Alan Glas & Ed Jordan at Toptots concert, The Wanderers, June 22.

SHOWS Winnie the Pooh at the People's Theatre in Braamfontein, June 2-Aug 9.
Cinderella at National Children's Theatre in Parktown, June 9-July 26.
Madiba Magic at the Roodepoort theatre, May 26–June 28.
Viva Las Vegas May 27th-July 13th at Barnyard Theatre-Broadacres, Jhb.

TRAINS Tshwane Explorer Steam train trip in and around Pretoria by Friends of the Rail, Jun 29,

WORKSHOPS Parent Workshops Nuts and Bolts/ Big Kids Fun by Nikki Bush in Douglasdale, June 19,24,25.

Winter Holiday Ideas from Jozikids

For more information and links to relevent sites, click on this link to the Jozikids site.

HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES & PROGRAMS

ARTS/CRAFTS Lets Party for craft making workshops in Roodepoort,June 23-27; June 30-July 4; July 7-11
Smudge Art Centre for craft workshops, May 27-June 1, 3-8, 10-15, 17-22.
Kids Art Workshops by Spine Art in Weltevreden Park, June 3,10, 17, 24.
Scribble and Splot Art Classes in Fourways, June 7,27; July 1,4,19.

ANIMALS Esperanza Riding School Holiday Program in Mooiplaats, Pretoria June 23-7
Montecasino Bird Garden Holiday Program in Fourways June 23-July 11.
Holiday Pony Camp at Shepherd's Fold Stables in Elandsdrift, Jhb, July 1-3.

COOKING Ushef Cooking School in Olivedale, Sandton. Jun 25,27,Jul 2,4,9,11
DANCE The Holiday Dance Workshop by Kim Field Dance Academy in Fourway for hip hop, breakdance, tap, acrobatics and more June 23-27, 30-July 4, 7-11.
TENNIS International Tennis Academy in Parkview/Melville, Mini Tennis (3-6yrs) 2hr session or 1/2dy(from 6yrs) 4hrs. June 30-July 4, 7-11.
TEENAGERS Life Empowering & Creativity Workshops for Teenagers in Petervale, Bryanston, July 7-11.
VARIETY Camp Ilanga Day Camp at Kidzville Party Venue in Kempton Park, 30 June-11 July.
Hedgehog Lane in Bryanston for daily fun activities, June 23-July 11.
Jozi's Winter Circus at Gold Reef City June 21-July 12.
Playdays @ Elf's Hill in Chartwell, June 4, 18; July 2,9 30.


HOLIDAY CAMPS
Gecko Valley Performing Arts Camp, Vaal River, June 23-9, 28-July 4, 5-11.
Adventure n Beyond, Krugersdorp, June 22-27.
Bushtrail Holiday Camp in the Magaliesburg, June 21-28; June 28-July 5.
Happy Acres Holiday Camp, in the Magaliesburg, June 21-28; June 28-July 5.
Camp Nelu Holiday Camp, in Nooitgedacht, West Rand, June 21-28; June 28-July 2.
Imbila Edu-Adventures just outside Bronkhorstspruit June 24-29.


FAMILY HOLIDAYS OUTSIDE GAUTENG
ACCOMMOD. SA-Venues.com lists family friendly accomodation nationwide.
Dolphin EnCounters in Mozambique has June holiday special offers.
Coral Tree Guest House in Port Elizabeth offers a free city tour.

SAFETY 4 A Kid products for putting your child's safety first while on holiday or anytime.
Safety For Baby SA "My First Friendly Harness” is a harness & backpack to keep your child safe.




UPCOMING EVENTS
BOOKS Book Fair Joburg public library book sale for great deals at Marks Park in Emmerentia, June 1

BREAKFASTS E Rand Baby & Toddler Morning w/ Sam Cowan, fashion show, breakfast, Benoni Lake Club, June 7.
Champagne Breakfast Outride in Elandsdrift by Shepherd's Fold Stables, June 29.

DANCE The Selfish Giant by Ballet Bugs Theatre Company at Wits Theatre in Braamfontein, June 17-28.

MARKETS Craft Day at Bryanston Organic Market June 14.
Holistic Fayre in Blairgowrie May31-June 1, Boksburg June 7,8.
Irene Market in Pretoria, May 31

MUSIC Philippe Graffin's Violin Fairy at UJ in Auckland Park, specially for kids, June 9.
Beautiful Creatures Music with Alan Glas & Ed Jordan at Toptots concert, The Wanderers, June 22.
THEATRE/SHOWS Winnie the Pooh at the People's Theatre in Braamfontein, June 2-Aug 9.
Cinderella at National Children's Theatre in Parktown, June 9-July 26.
Madiba Magic at the Roodepoort theatre, May 26–June 28.
Creative Puppets Holiday Program with String Puppets in Randburg, June 28, July 5,12,19..

TRAINS Tshwane Explorer Steam train trip in and around Pretoria by Friends of the Rail, Jun 16, 29,

WALKS/HIKES Alberts Farm and Melville Koppies Central walks Jun 1, 8, 15

Regards
The Jozikids Team
info@jozikids.co.za
011 482 4310
www.jozikids.co.za

Antarctica's Long Night

A New Zealand newspaper reported that one of the last shipments to a USA research base in Antarctica, before the onset of the dark winter, contained 16 500 condoms.

Talk about being frozen stiff ....

Probably keeps them dry and protected from frostbite. Hang in there, guys, spring will come again.

Jozikids - June Events

From the Jozikids team:

Since we don't want to overload you with too much information this week, this newsletter will ONLY focus on our June events calender which now also includes 2 new ongoing categories:

Party venue open days
Library storytime
We are in the process of expanding our coverage of libraries that provide storytime and other services for children in Gauteng, firstly to the East Rand and then, Pretoria. We will add new ones as we find them.

The party venues mentioned below open their doors to the public at an extremely affordable rate for a couple of hours a week.

If you are planning holiday activities for your children please don't forget to make use of our Winter Holiday (1) and (2) newsletters.



JUNE EVENTS
FATHERS DAY Boat Cruise and Buffet on the banks of the Vaal River at Stonehaven on the Vaal, June 15.
Alberts Farm and Melville Koppies Central walks Jun 15.
Walk at The Wilds with TJ in Houghton for the family with a picnic on June 15th.
Magaliesburg Express, a diesel hauled train ride from Jhb to the Magaliesburg June 15.
Zwartkops Quad Centre in Centurion, 2 free rides for dad on June 15.

ACTION Wild Cave Adventures go abseiling any Sunday in the Cradle of Humankind area below Krugersdorp.

ARTS & CRAFTS Make backpacks and handbags at Smudge Art Centre in Craighall Park, June 10-15.

BREAKFASTS Champagne Breakfast Outride in Elandsdrift by Shepherd's Fold Stables, June 29.

DANCE The Selfish Giant by Ballet Bugs Theatre Co. at Wits Theatre in Braamfontein, June 17-28.

LIBRARY STORYTIME On Mondays in Parkview, Phiri(Soweto) and Westbury.
On Tuesdays in Geluksdal East(E Rand) and Davidsonville(Roodepoort).
On Wednesdays in Emmarentia, Linden, Phiri, Sandton, Rosebank and Randburg.
On Thursdays in Rivonia, Weltevreden Pk and Westbury(Jhb) and Birchleigh North (E Rand).
On Fridays in Olivedale, Roodepoort and Phiri.

MARKETS Craft Day at Bryanston Organic Market June 14.

MUSIC Beautiful Creatures Music with Alan Glas & Ed Jordan at Toptots concert, The Wanderers, June 22.
PARTY VENUE OPEN DAYS Jungle Tots in Midrand on Mon, Wed, Fri from 1-5pm.
Drakes Party Farmyard in Linbro Park on Mon, Wed from 9am-5pm.
Earth Kids Play Patchin Kyalami on Tues, Wed, Thurs from 2-5pm.
Tumbleweeds in Chartwell on Tues from 12am-5pm.
Kinglets and Queenies in Ruimsig on Wed from 12am-5pm, booking essential.

SHOWS Mummenschanz at the State Theatre in Pta, June 11-15.
Winnie the Pooh at the People's Theatre in Braamfontein, June 2-Aug 9.
Cinderella at National Children's Theatre in Parktown, June 9-July 26.
Madiba Magic at the Roodepoort theatre, May 26–June 28.
The Little Mermaid June 25-28 at Barnyard Theatre-Menlo Park, Pta.
Viva Las Vegas May 27th-July 13th at Barnyard Theatre-Broadacres, Jhb.

TRAINS Tshwane Explorer Steam train trip in and around Pretoria by Friends of the Rail, Jun 16, 29,

WORKSHOPS Parent Workshops Nuts and Bolts/ Big Kids Fun by Nikki Bush in Douglasdale, June 19,24,25.

Please be sure to check the expiry date of any special deals mentioned in these newsletters on the site. If they no longer appear, they are no longer valid.

We welcome your feedback. If there's something we have missed, please email us with your suggestions. Meanwhile, please share this with your friends and encourage them to sign up for the FREE newsletter.

Regards
The Jozikids Team
info@jozikids.co.za
011 482 4310
www.jozikids.co.za

Naked man causes commotion in Bloemfontein

Okay, that was the headline of an article in today's Mail & Guardian - but this is one instance where I feel that I would be robbing the paper by even trying to relay the story or comment on it! Here's the link to the article - you have to see it in the original form!

The Unshakable.

Our unshakable President ...Thank you, Zapiro, for reminding us that some things, at least, are consistent here.

....(Cartoon by Zapiro © JONATHAN SHAPIRO. 30-5-2008)

Jozikids - Help Xenophobia Victims

Jozikids would like to add its voice to those expressing outrage at the recent outbreaks of violence against innocent people in our country.

We have created a link on the Jozikids homepage called Help xenophobia victims designed to make it easy for you to find ways of helping the 1000s of families rendered homeless and desperate. If you click on the link you will find a list of organisations in Gauteng that are collecting donations, asking for volunteers and helping to coordinate these relief efforts. The organisations are arranged by area, each with their own contact details, email and website addresses. There is a JUMP TO menu where you can click on the area that interests you.

So far we have just over 30 organisations listed on our site but are aware that there are many more out there. Please contact us if you know of any others we can add to this list.

Meanwhile, please share this with your friends and encourage them to sign up for this FREE Jozikids newsletter.

Regards
The Jozikids Team
info@jozikids.co.za
011 482 4310
www.jozikids.co.za

Making Provision?

This morning's Mail & Guardian reports that three ATMs were blown up in Gauteng in the early hours of this morning - one in Strijdom Park, Randburg, another in Attridgeville and the third in Orange Farm:

"Three ATMs blown up in Gauteng
Johannesburg, South Africa
30 May 2008 09:05

In a series of three ATM bombings in less than half a day in Gauteng, gangs of robbers on Friday morning made off with undisclosed sums of cash." (Read the full story ...)

I guess they're saving up for Eskom's proposed 53% electricity price hike....? They can't borrow at the new interest rates .... and they weren't after foreign currency...

Xenophobia - The Message

I'll lay this subject to rest now. The country is reeling from the event and calls against the xenophobia are being made on every level - from government, to celebrities, to community service ads. From the people who "have".

But I have a closing message to our President: This was not about xenophobia. This is about a huge section of the population who are desperate and are striking out in their desperation. You and your government have failed this land in terms of service delivery to the poor. Instead of helping the poor, they are getting poorer and beyond hope - and their numbers are increasing rapidly. Your weak leadership in the Zimbabwean crisis did nothing to help to stabilize the sub-continent, or to build confidence in you. We, the common folk of the nation, have no idea of what you're doing. There is little visible leadership from you.

Beware. When the people stop lashing out at foreigners, they will lash out elsewhere. They are angry and have little to lose. The xenophobia must be stopped, as we all agree, but that is a symptom. You will not have solved the problem.

It's time to identify and install the right people in the right posts, who place the salvation of this land and our people above their personal political ambitions; or their idealistic visions conceived in comfortable studies. And it needs to be done fast - while the country is still governable.

The Saga Continues ...

Reports indicate that the xenophobic attacks appear to be abating, although there are still outbursts in some areas. The death toll is reported to be 42. Estimates of the number of people displaced vary from about 16,000 to about 20,000.

Two of the quotes reported in today's Mail & Guardian, by people in Alexandra, speak volumes about what we can expect in the future:

'Alexandra resident Resident Florah Khwerana said: "People are tired, this is not going to stop now."

She said the government and dignitaries who visited the township in the wake of the violence and condemned the violence were making the situation worse.

"They are living the good life ... they don't know how we live. It's like the government is against its own people and this is making us more angry," she said.

Khwerana said residents were very angry.

"How can everyone provide food at the police station for them and here there are our own people hungry. They don't provide for their own." '

And ...

'A man identified himself as "Zest" said the idea that foreigners took jobs belonging to South Africans was "ridiculous".

"I don't agree. South Africans are hopeless in that way ... when they [foreigners] are gone, who are they going to blame for not having jobs?" he said.

He said there were too many foreigners, but this was the government's fault.

"Why couldn't South Africa build refugee camps? Instead they're here," he said.

"There is too many of them, they have turned the [Johannesburg] CBD into a refugee camp. You walk around and you don't even hear one of the languages you speak." ' - Mail & Guardian, 23rd May, 2008.


Whether the number of foreigners in the country has a significant impact on the general state of poverty or not, they are not the initial cause of the poverty. The people are angry and the proverbial pot has boiled over. All the talking in the world by Government will not rescue the situation. Those talking are seen to be the wealthy, who do not have to suffer the daily misfortunes of the suffering. They cannot be seen to have genuine empathy. Government has a dismal record of empty words and insufficient delivery. Spending fortunes on one investigative commission after another is simply seen to be money misdirected.

What a sad state of affairs with which to celebrate the 90th birthday of that giant of a man, Nelson Mandela. What kind of a sad image is conjured up of his successors - indecisive, inefficient, unreliable little people scampering about ineffectively in the shadow of his legend?

Xenophobia

Xenophobia - the fear of foreigners - has been bottled up and building up pressure in this country for quite some time. Tragically, it has erupted into uncontrolled violence in the Johannesburg area over the past three or four nights, shattering the lives of already-battered Zimbabwean nationals.

By this morning's count, five people had already lost their lives, with another 50 injured. It started in Alexandra, very near to where I live, and has spread to the rest of the city. Mobs of people, reportedly mainly Zulus, target Zimbabwe nationals, beat them up, steal their belongings and set fire to their shacks. Zimbabweans are fleeing in terror and seeking shelter in police stations.

Shortages of jobs in this country have resulted in a huge influx of South Africans to the Johannesburg vicinity - the so-called "rich" area - in search of work. However, about a third of the population in this area is now unemployed. (I know that first hand - I've been searching for employment for over a year now.)

Therefore, when Zimbabweans flock across the border to this country to escape the abject poverty and brutality in their own country and to seek a livelihood here, a section of the local population resents them for the added burden they place on the local job market, be it in the formal or in the informal sector.

One can understand the fears and resentment of the locals - too many of whom cannot put food on the table - but for anyone who knows the reality of Zimbabwe, one must cry for the Zimbabwean people.

The question burning inside me is: Why is that (in my opinion) menace to humanity, Robert Mugabe, allowed to terrorize the Zimbabwe electorate ahead of a presidential run-off, when he should be in The Hague answering charges of crimes against humanity? And how can the South African President still maintain that it is an internal Zimbabwean affair? I'm not sure what Mbeki is doing about the Zimbabwe crisis, but that which is apparent to me prompts me to think of that old saying: "If you're going to lead, lead. If you're going to follow, follow. If you're not going to do either, then get out of the way."

Jozikids - Toys, Books or Gifts for Children

For more on these, or to link to the sites mentioned, go to www.jozikids.co.za

Do you need ideas about where to find quality toys, books or gifts for children that will not break after a few weeks? There are several categories on the site that list companies that do just this. This issue will direct you to some of them.

TOYS
You will find the following companies listed in a section on the site called to shop-toys

NEW Eco Kids Toy Shop in Bryanston, specialises in Waldorf toys, wooden and metal. No Plastic.
Educational Toy Centre in Highlands North for educational games and toys that help stimulate learning.
Green Living have educational & play eco-friendly wooden toys for babies and toddlers.
Greenbusters in Greenside for imported wooden toys, educ. games, craft-making accessories.
Habitot is an online toyshop with wooden and other quality toys on offer.
Ladder of Learning in Fourways has educational toys, books, games and puzzles.
Parkview Toys and Ballet has a range of educational, fantasy, craft-related toys and more.
Polly Potter in Parkhurst specializes in imported and unique toys not available on the mass market.
Smile Education Gillytots teams in Gauteng offer educ. toys and support products for kids & parents.
Think Toys shops in Gauteng offer high quality toys plus books, music and audiobooks.
Time Out Toys is an online store offering high quality, durable and unique educational toys.
the African Toyshop in Milpark & Parkhurst with crafted toys sourced from 14 African countries.
Toddlers Warehouse in Kempton Park has wooden educ toys, rocking horses, wooden puzzles etc.

USED Charlie Buckets Toy Exchange and The Playpen and Toyden in Blairgowrie are where your child can exchange their quality old toys for new ones. Their selection includes toys, games, puzzles, fantasy play, books, construction games etc.
www.mybabybuys.co.za for buying and selling any baby goods online for free!!!

CONSTRUCT Fischertechnik for imported German, quality construction toys. Aspirant technicians design construction sets that are very close to reality or build cars, robots, carousels and more.

SCIENCE Experilab in Boksburg and Fountainebleau in Randburg offer a range of science and technology toys.

CRAFTS The Fun Box is a craft activity box for kids from 3yrs.

BOOKS
The following companies can be found in a section on the site called to read-books. Several of the toy shops mentioned above also stock books.

Books for All Ages and Topic for children's books, audiobooks, activity packs, teacher /parent resource books, cook books, gift packs, fiction titles for all ages plus educational workbooks.
Reader's Paradise Bookstore for activity, ladybird, princess Disney books, classics and more.
The Brainfood Company for activity books in several languages, career guides, readers and more.

CDs/DVDs
You will find the companies mentioned here listed in a section on the site called to shop-CD/DVDs

MUSIC Beautiful Creatures featuring Ed Jordan, Alan Glass and a host of great South African artists.
Be Sharp Beetles is a music education program for kids from 0-8yrs. They produce their own CDs.
Under African Skies produced by African Cream Music is a collection of African Folktales to music.
Des and Dawn Lindberg have several CDs including "The Singing Times Tables", "Unicorns, Spiders and Dragons' Tales" and "How did I begin".

COMPUTER Experilab in Fuzz and Ditto "In the Game Reserve" and "At the Sea" are locally produced, relevant educational CD's for kids from 4 yrs.

PREVIOUS JOZIKID'S NEWSLETTERS
You can now access all back copies of our newsletters by logging onto the site with your username and password. On your profile page you will find a special section for accessing archived newsletters which you can then either view or email to yourself or others. Contact us if you need help to find your username and password.

Regards
The Jozikids Team
info@jozikids.co.za
011 482 4310
www.jozikids.co.za

Phone Overseas for Less

Worldchat enables you to get in touch with loved ones and friends all over the world at very low costs. You can connect to over 260 counties worldwide.
Airtime can be used in South Africa, UK, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and other countries.

International Pre-Paid Calling Cards are available in R25, R50, R100 & R200 denominations to suit everyone's pocket. These cards allow you access to all Worldchat international destinations at the lowest prices!

Mother's Day

Flowers for Mom on Mother's Day?



Or, here's a plan: Sign her up at Bid or Buy, then between now and Father's Day, she'll be able to clean out the garage and have money to buy your Father's Day gift, acting entirely intuitively on your less than subtle hints from scanning the auctions!



Or, of course, you could do both.

Either way, make it a special one. She's worth it.

Jozikids - Day Outings

From the Jozikids newsdesk. If you need more details, please click on the link to their site:

Do you need ideas about what to do with your family on Mother's Day or any other day? Let's take a look at where you can find a range of possibilities on Jozikids. We'll start with Mother's Day events, then a couple of upcoming shows and finally a guide to the section on Jozikids devoted to day outings called to go.

For those of you interested in accessing back copies of our newsletters, we have provided you with links to them at the very end.


MOTHER'S DAY EVENTS
ACTION Wilro Cycle Challenge for the more athletic at Maropeng in Hekpoort, Cradle of Mankind.
Wild Cave Adventures for abseiling into a wild cavern in small groups near Cradle of Mankind.

CRAFTS Smudge Art Centre in Craighall Park, has tea and cake for mum, while the kids make hand puppets.

FOOD Indulgence in Northcliff has lamb on the spit with live music. Kids under 8yrs eat for free.
Fossil Family Kitchen in Pretoria has a Sunday Roast.
Zwartkops Quad Centre in Centurion has a champagne breakfast including 5 laps on a quad bike.

MUSIC Johannesburg Zoo Picnic to the sounds of the Johannesburg Festival Orchestra.
TRAINS Bela Bela Steam Train Ride with Friends of the Rail from Paul Kruger Station, Pretoria.
Magaliesburg Express is also a steam train ride leaving from Maraisburg Station, Johannesburg.
WALKS Klipriviersberg Nature Reserve guided walk in Mondeor. Spot animals while you walk.
Melville Koppies Central walk with optional guided tours. Recommended from 8 yrs.
Walk at The Wilds with TJ in Houghton, a leisurely 2hr spring snack-pack stroll.



UPCOMING SHOWS
MAY 2008 SA Ballet Theatre Open Day - Warm-up class, performances from 2 upcoming productions. May 10th
Madiba Magic at Roodepoort Theatre. May 26.


JUNE 2008 Winnie the Pooh at People's Theatre in Braamfontein. June 2-Aug 9.
Cinderella at National Children's Theatre in Parktown. June 9-July 26.
The Selfish Giant by Ballet Bugs Theatre Company at Wits Theatre in Braamfontein. June 17-28.
Beautiful Creatures Music with Alan Glas & Ed Jordan at Toptots concert, The Wanderers. June 22.



DAY OUTINGS
Indoor Action - snowboarding, ice skating, go-karting, slot car racing, ten pin bowling and playgrounds.
Outdoor Action - adventure golf, sandboarding, cycling, quadbiking, go-karting, kayaking, river rafting.
Animals - farmyards, wild animal nature reserves, bird parks, zoos, reptile park, crocodile farm, cheetah or elephant sanctuary, aquarium.
Farms - cheese, strawberry and trout fishing farms.
Horse Riding - in game reserve, pony rides, outrides and trails.
Markets - in Bryanston an organic market or East Rand craft markets.
Museums - for transport, medicine, gold mining, cultural or art history, science/technology, planetarium, humankinds origins and astrology.
Parks/Gardens - botanical gardens, nature reserves and parks.
Theme Parks, Playgrounds and Child-friendly Restaurants.

We welcome your feedback. If there's something we have missed, please email us with your suggestions. Meanwhile, please share this with your friends and encourage them to sign up for the FREE newsletter.


Regards
The Jozikids Team
info@jozikids.co.za
011 482 4310
www.jozikids.co.za

Land of Choices

South Africa is certainly a land of choices! It used to be that when a kid woke up in the morning (on a non-school day), it was a case of "What am I going to do today?" But now, there are so many choices to make!

The new early morning greeting is: "Is there 'lectricity?"

The answer is not Yes or No, because this is NOW, not five minutes ago. It's: "Hang on, I'll check .......yes, there is."

"Okay, then I'll bath now and wash my hair, 'cause I can blow dry it.... Please boil the kettle for some coffee! Oh ... how long has it been on?

"It's been on since I've been up, so you'd better hurry if you want to still use the hair drier."

"Okay ... where's the charger, where's the charger? I must charge my cell phone!"

Of course, if the answer was No, the choices are different.

"Who bathed? Is there still hot water?"
"Seems to be, but you'd better watch it carefully. Juice or milk?"
"Juice. Where's my gel? I can't wash my hair!"
"Unless you wait four hours ...."
"Decisions, decisions......"

Should I go to the bank, or should I phone first and check that they have power? CAN I phone - how's my battery? Do I use the elevator, or the staircase? If the power came on recently, chances are that I can ride. If it's been on for quite a while, too risky.

Last night, while I was watching the television news at 7pm, she nipped down to a friend's flat for a few minutes. She'd hardly left the flat when the power went off. My immediate fear was that she might be stuck in the elevator. I phoned immediately.

"Hi, where are you?"

"I've only just left you!" she said exasperated. "what do you think I'm up to? I'm rolling a joint, swigging a vodka and talking to strangers!"

"Oh, okay, Sweetie, as long as you're not in the lift ......"

Baggage losses at SAA

Today's Mail & Guardian has a report about baggage losses at South African Airways, which is rather disturbing. Apparently in the three month period of 1st December to 29th February, a staggering 7,868 items of luggage were reported missing at Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, Port Elizabeth and East London airports.

It reminded me of an incident many, many years ago when I worked for SAA. I decided to keep a diary of my overseas flights - crews, what we did, incidents, and so on. After the very first entry (thankfully), my suitcase went missing somewhere between here and Lisbon! (The only time it happened to me, I might add, in three years.) I wasn't worried about the clothes or anything else that might have been in the bag. Just the Diary! It scared the daylights out of me that some stranger somewhere would be reading my diary. I never attempted it again!

Moral of the story? If you're travelling to S.A., don't journalise it - just Blog it!

Pinay Jade, Just For You!

Mwah! Good old South Africa, even during a power failure.
I know, I shouldn't be allowed to use a camera.... but anyway, these are part of the Drakensberg Mountain range, taken in the Royal Natal National Park.