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...
Friday, 30 May 2008
Thursday, 29 May 2008
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.
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.
Friday, 23 May 2008
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?
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?
Sunday, 18 May 2008
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."
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."
Thursday, 15 May 2008
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
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
Tuesday, 13 May 2008
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!
Tuesday, 6 May 2008
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.
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.
Monday, 5 May 2008
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
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
Thursday, 1 May 2008
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 ......"
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 ......"
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