Community Ch@ February 2018

February 2018

U Ch@

m m o C

FEATZ

Nity

Magazine

Tshwane Child Welfare

100 Years & 1000 Smiles

Valentine’s Day Gifts that go Beyond

MEET The Clown of the Dog World Valentine’s Day The Dark Origins www.featzpublishing.com

Editor’s Message LOVE is in the air!

That age old saying is everywhere this time of the year, isn’t it? In this month’s issue we decided not to focus on the romantic love that comes along with Valentine’s Day. Instead we would like to remind you of all your other loves as well. Love for animals, books, movies, plants and off course love for your body.

With that said, have a look at our new gardening feature, brought to you by Life is a Garden. This is such a nice time of year to spend outdoors, if you are not already a busy gardener, we hope these articles will provide you with some inspiration. Keep an eye out, next month there will be another new feature introduced.

On a more serious note; Living with Osteoporosis, on page 18 will provide some guidelines for you to work towards preventing this disease, and also some tips for making life easier if you are already suffering.

I hope you will find the February issue entertaining. Please remember to support our advertisers, and when you make use of their services, please tell them that you saw their advert in Community Ch@ magazine.

Enjoy a February filled with all kinds of love.

If you are looking to add a little love to your life, please visit Wet Nose, where you are guaranteed to find some. (Remember to send us a picture of your new fur-ball.)

Until next month, happy reading.

To Advertise in the next issue: Contact Zelda Tel: 012 348 3486 Cell: 084 041 3058 Email: featzads@gmail.com www.featzpublishing.com Upcoming Deadlines for Contributors and Advertisers

March Issue 19 February

April Issue 23 March

Published by Featz Publishing (Pty) Ltd and distributed via email. No responsibility is accepted by Featz Publishing (Pty) Ltd for claims, errors or omissions made in advertisements appearing in this issue. All our advertisers are accepted in good faith and we are not responsible for views expressed by contributors or other sources.

Reproduction of the content of this magazine is not permitted without the prior consent of the publisher.

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Facts Let’s see what we can find out about the shortest month of the year before it’s over.

• February is named after the purification ritual Februa, which was a sort of early Roman spring cleaning festival.

• In Old English, February was called Solmonath (Mud month) or Kale-monath (Kale or cabbage month).

• February frequently occurs in lists of the most commonly misspelt words in the English language.

• The Americans have trouble with the word February too – last year, a press release from the White House consistently spelt it as Feburary.

• Much Ado About Nothing is the only Shakespeare play that mentions February.

• Before Julius Caesar’s calendar reform of 45BC, February was the only month with an even number of days. All the rest had 29 or 31.

• February is the only month that can pass with no full moon. This will occur in 2018.

• The birthstone for February is amethyst. The birth flower is the violet or iris.

• The ancient Greeks believed that amethyst protected the wearer from drunkenness.

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What’s Inside...

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Gifts that go Beyond Valentine’s Day

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The Clown of the Dog World

10 100 Years and a Thousand Smiles 18 Living with Osteoporosis 27 The Dark Origins of Valentine’s Day 28 What is Cardiovascular Training 32 Grace - Part 24 34 Gardening in February 40 Eric’s Corner

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www.appleproperty.co.za

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!

Love where you live!

Genny

082 373 6102

genny@appleproperty.co.za

Marguerite 083 460 7337

mvz@appleproperty.co.za

Gifts that go Beyond Valentine’s Day The Christmas decorations have barely been packed away and already the stores have left their heart shaped chocolate boxes as a hint on every available shelf.

Happy spouses are counting down the days till they receive the gift they’ve been hinting for all year.

But let’s face it, buying that perfect Valentine’s gift can be rather stressful. If you need a little help, here are a few ideas for gifts that will go beyond Valentine’s day.

You know your partner pretty well, so use that knowledge to your advantage. Create a gift that caters for your significant other’s specific needs. If your partner enjoys sipping on a glass of wine while relaxing in a bubble bath, why not make them the perfect bath buddy. (If you are not quite that handy, you could always have one made) The bath buddy can be designed to even hold a cell phone or tablet. This is a reasonably priced item, and your loved one will always think of you when using it.

Today everyone has a favourite series on TV they simply hate missing. Why not get your partner a subscription to an online streaming service, Showmax or Netflix, that way, they will never need to miss an episode. Best part, you can find something to watch together, giving you just a little bit more cuddle time.

If you don’t get to spend a lot of time alone with your soulmate, take the day off. Embark on a mini road trip. The time spent alone will

give you time to chat and to reconnect. If this is not a possibility, spend the day at home together. Create a picnic, indoors or outdoors but remember to turn your phone off. The idea is to spend quality time together.

Start a small garden together, something you can maintain and keep adding to. Just try something new and fun that you can do together.

The day is all about love, why not spend the day spreading the love. You can share your love by visiting Wet Nose and spending some time with animals who are in need of all the love they can get. If animals are not your thing, support any local charity of your choice, or even plan your own charity drive for the day.

Whatever you decide to do this Valentine’s Day, the most important thing you can do is show your significant other how important they are to you by spending some quality, uninterrupted time with them.

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The Clown of the Dog World

Bull Terrier

Vital Stats: Height at Shoulder: 53 – 55cm Weight: 15 – 34kg Life Span: 10 – 15 years

The Bull Terrier is not one to take a backseat to anyone or anything, he is a friendly, feisty extrovert who’s always ready for a good time. A Bull Terrier who is shy and backs away from people is absolutely not normal.

Bull Terriers are described as courageous and full of fire. These are good traits, but they can veer into the disagreeable category if the Bull Terrier is allowed to become possessive or jealous. Without early socialisation, they can be potentially aggressive toward other animals. Nicknamed “the kid in a dog suit” the Bull Terrier is active and friendly. He has a larger-than-life personality that ranges from intelligent and innovative, to placid and loyal.

Community Ch@ Magazine - February 2018

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Life with a Bull Terrier is always an experience. He’s a busy dog from puppyhood well into middle age. The Bull Terrier isn’t content to spend long periods of time alone, he wants to be with his people, doing what they do. He does best with an active family who can provide him with plenty of energetic play. He also needs someone who will consistently, but kindly, enforce the house rules. Otherwise, he’ll make up his own rules.

For that reason, he’s not the best choice for timid owners or people new to dogs.

Like most terriers, Bull Terriers can be aggressive to other animals, especially other dogs. They need early socialisation that begin in puppyhood and continue throughout life.

Cats and other furry animals who enter their territory should beware.

1835, this striking animal was a fashionable companion. They were called “White Cavalier” because of their courage in the dog-fighting ring and their courtliness toward people.

A well-known Bull Terrier is Pasty Ann, who greeted each ship that docked in Juneau, Alaska during the 1930s. Beloved by tourists she was photographed more often than Rin Tin Tin, and in 1934 she was named the official greeter of Juneau. Today Patsy Ann’s spirit lives on in a bronze statue that was commissioned and placed on the Juneau wharf in 1992.

If you are ready to take on the challenge of a Bull Terrier, you’ll find him to be an affectionate, loyal companion who’s always Because they can be boisterous, Bull Terrier’s ready to entertain you – he’s been known to aren’t recommended for homes with small make the even most serious of people giggle children, but with older children they can – or go on an adventure. One thing’s for sure: be tireless playmates. (Did you know that life with this breed will never be dull. some countries ban the ownership of Bull Terriers?) They enjoy vigorous daily exercise and can be highly destructive if they are bored. Successfully training a Bull Terrier calls for patience, confident leadership and consistency.

Dating to approximately

Community Ch@ Magazine - February 2018

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100 YEARS and

A THOUSAND SMILES

“Since 1918 we have changed the lives of thousands – not only children in distress but also the families where daily struggles had such an impact on the family unit that it was at risk of disintegration”, says Linda Nell, Director of Child Welfare Tshwane. The Organisation is celebrating 100 years of hope to the community this year.

Previously known as Pretoria Kinder- en Gesinsorg Vereniging/Child and Family Care Society, the Organisation was founded on 13 June 1918 to care for vulnerable and orphaned children who needed care in times of war and extreme poverty. A group of concerned citizens realised that they needed to establish an organisation that can help identify, address and hopefully eradicate social problems in the community.

assessed and ways to eliminate these are then determined. Child Welfare Tshwane also operates a Crisis Centre, where we rely on the Court and Children’s Act to help protect children once an investigation proved that the situation is not in the best interest of the child.

A Specialised Assessment and Therapy Unit works with children to obtain in-depth information from the child in a child-friendly manner so that it can be determined what risks the child has been exposed to.

The Family Preservation Unit offers free informal early childhood development at the ECD’s in Mamelodi, Sunnyside and Elandspoort and we also have drop-in centres (or after school care facilities) where we assist children with homework, look after their From the outset the Organisation was a non- psycho-social needs and provide balanced racial entity, providing a haven for all children meals from Monday to Friday. Very often, this in need and the work in the community is the only meal that child will have in a day consisted of handing out of clothes, jerseys, and therefore it is important that we measure blankets. The work was all done by volunteers, who used their own circles of influence to collect donations and to distribute this to the community. The Social Workers looked after the mental health of the community.

Today, Child Welfare Tshwane has social workers and social auxiliary workers, working in Mamelodi, Eersterust, Sunnyside, Elandspoort, Atteridgeville and Olienvenboutbosch as well as from the Head Office in Groenkloof. Services offered include Risk Assessment, Family Preservation and Legal Protection.

Risk Assessment deals with cases of suspected neglect and abuse which are reported by concerned members of the community. Potential risks are

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their developmental milestone. Each child has his or her own individual development plan, which is used for monitoring the progress of the child.

Child Welfare Tshwane also helps parents, as primary care-givers, to become more effective and we provide training in the community with our “Call to Arms” and “Mamma Zamma” programs, which are aimed at equipping parents to understand and manage the developmental needs of their children. In 2018 we are embarking on a new program, placing children centre in all processes, called Rata Bana Pele.

Unfortunately, many investigations result in a legal process and children are placed in alternative care like Foster Care, Bramley Child & Youth Care Centre and a more permanent form of care, Adoption. We have hundreds of children in Foster Care, about 40 residents in the Bramley CYCC and regularly match adoptive parents and children that are adoptable.

Throughout the years the need for social work services have remained important and the Organisation has played an important part in changing the lives of many destitute

families and children. It is the vision of the Organisation to ensure Safe children, families and communities in Tshwane. As a non-profit organisation and designated child protection organisation Child Welfare Tshwane also believes to empower, protect and care for children and to strengthen families.

“In the words of C S Lewis – you can not go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending.

At Child Welfare Tshwane we want to help each child process his or her past and build a future with hope. We want to give them their dreams back. We support the children to reach their full potential”, says Nell.

This year, as part of the celebrations, Child Welfare will have a golf day, conference and ball to raise funds and to increase awareness of the work we do. For more information, you can visit our website on

www.childwelfare.co.za

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Maytenus oleoides Common names: mountain maytenus

klipkershout (Afr.) Maytenus oleioides is a handsome tree with a deep green, dense, rounded crown and stout trunk, a good choice for today’s smaller gardens as it develops the proportions of a massive tree yet does not get much taller than 4 or 5 m.

Maytenus oleoides is a shrub or small stocky tree about 4-6 m high.

The bark is pale greyish brown to ashen grey, smooth when young, becoming rough and corky with vertical grooves as it matures. The light grey bark contrasts with the deep green crown.

The leaves are hard and leathery, bright green with a bluish bloom. They are simple, alternate and egg-shaped to oval with a narrowed base, the midrib is ridged above, the margins are untoothed and rolled back and the apex is rounded, sometimes notched. When snapped and the two sections pulled apart, they do not have drawn out silken threads characteristic of some species. It has a characteristic pale green sap-but this is not a very obvious feature in that it does not ooze sap freely. Young growth is coppery red and the petioles and new stems are often a decorative pinkish red.

The flowers are small, creamy white, in tight clusters in the axils of the leaves, mainly during spring (Aug.-Nov). The fruit is a 2-lobed capsule about 10 mm in diameter, fleshy at first, greenish yellow, becoming yellow-orange and dry when mature, splitting in summer (Dec.) to release seeds that are covered by a yellow aril.

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Community Ch@ Maga

According to the Red List of South African Plants, Maytenus oleoides is assessed as Least Concern. Its population is stable and it is not facing any threats.

Maytenus oleoides is native to the Northern Cape, Western Cape and Eastern Cape. It grows on rocky slopes and on the edges of forests from Namaqualand through Gifberg and the Cederberg to the Cape Peninsula and Eastwards to the Groot Winterhoek Mountains near Uitenhage. It grows naturally on the slopes of Table Mountain above Kirstenbosch.

On the exposed rocky upper slopes it is a shrub or small stunted tree, and on the lower slopes it is usually a small stocky tree with a dense crown. In the cultivated garden it develops into a fine, shapely specimen with a dense, spreading crown, yet remains short and stocky.

This tree is very good at surviving fires. Growing among rocks certainly helps in that the rocks shield the tree from the worst of the fire, and it coppices readily from stumps and unburnt parts. On the mountainside above Kirstenbosch that burnt in February 2006, some trees that were completely burnt sent out new shoots from the blackened branches a few months later. The thick corky bark insulates the living tissue from the heat of the fire, preventing it from being overheated and killed. Luckily the fire was quick-moving so the tree was able to withstand the heat.

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Living with

Osteoporosis

how to adapt after the diagnosis Many of us take lifelong preventative measures against the likelihood of osteoporosis. We know enough now to understand causes, treatments, and best practice for avoidance. However, whatever we do, bones tend to weaken over time, and even if we take precautions, we may find ourselves in the precarious position of being on the verge of osteoporosis, or even caught midstride by a sudden fracture.

Once we know our condition there are still many things we can do to alleviate the effects by changing the way we live. The truth of the matter is that we can live for a long time with osteoporosis and never have a fracture, or continue to live well even after such an event. The key is understanding our condition and adapting our lifestyle accordingly.

Taking the basic steps for improving bone strength Exercise: Amongst the exercises that are good for osteoporosis are light aerobics, weight training, calisthenics, yoga, tai chi, etc. Improving strength and balance

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are key. If you’ve had a fracture, check with your doctor as to what may be beneficial and what to avoid. But most importantly, undertake exercise regularly to improve endurance and posture. Walking and line dancing are considered weight-bearing exercises because you are bearing your own body weight. So if you’ve not walked regularly in the past, it’s time to change that.

In addition, quitting smoking and cutting down on alcohol are also on the list of things to change.

Calcium: Calcium is the major building block of bone tissue and strengthens and hardens bones. Women aged 50 and older, and men aged 70 and older, need a total of 1,200 milligrams daily. That includes good daily servings of milk, yogurt, cheese or calciumfortified citrus juice or cereal. Vitamin D is important for helping with the absorption of calcium, so if you have avoided the sun in the past, time to get out there and warm up the body with a good dose of sunlight during the “safe” times as often as you can.

Preventing falls •

Rule number one (especially women)

Community Ch@ Maga

wear sensible shoes.

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Remove anything from your home that is a tripping hazard such as rugs, electrical cords, frayed stair carpets, etc. Make use of non-slip mats under loose rugs.

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Fit handrails on both sides of the stairs and make sure there are no floor areas too highly polished.

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Keep all areas well lit. Lower wall lamps so that they are easier to reach if you have to change a light bulb; avoid going up ladders.

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Get up more slowly from your bed or a chair; dizziness can cause a fall.

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Try not to have to reach far for any object you may need; keep things close or on an easily reachable level.

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Keep warm. Cold muscles can cause pulled ligaments or fail to move into motion fast enough, causing you to stagger.

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Make sure you have a personal alarm installed in case you fall. You must be able to alert people to your predicament.

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Take care when lifting things: have a friend help you carry your shopping, or have it delivered. If you do carry it, make sure you have the same weight in each hand.

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•

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Get support from family and friends – learn to swallow your pride and ask.

People are willing to help, and very often like to do so. Some people become stubborn about this change, but far better to have someone help you wash the windows than spend a month in hospital.

You may even have to move to a home where there are no steps. This is a difficult change for many, but probably the best decision in the longer term.

If you need help with washing and dressing, you need to make arrangements with someone who can

azine - February 2018

help you, from employing a helper to perhaps moving to a facility where assisted living is available. Be practical about your changed condition and the options that are available.

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Think before you move: don’t bend forwards suddenly and avoid twisting movements. When lifting anything always check the weight first and remember to bend your knees and keep your back straight. It’s the ordinary and the mundane that might catch you unawares such as lifting something out of the oven or the washing machine.

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Don’t be in a hurry – take you time to answer that phone!

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Some exercises that you may have enjoyed before, you will have to give up. Jogging is often a favourite that you have to let go, because it can jolt the spine too much. Replace it with walking or a less high impact exercise.

You may have to sleep with a pillow between you knees to support your hips and lower back.

Areas where you need to make particular concessions •

The bathroom: • Make sure you have a non-slip rubber mat at the bottom of the bath and also on the floor as you step out of the bath.

• Also ensure you install good grip handle bars on both sides of the bath.

• You can also obtain a bath chair to place in the bath, to be used in conjunction with a hand-held shower.

Very useful if you have trouble getting out of a bath.

• Install a night light in your bathroom to prevent stumbling around in the dark.

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• It’s not cheap, but if you can install a walk-in shower you can eliminate the bath problems entirely.

spills immediately when they happen.

Take care – and love your bones! Even • Ensure shelving is at a reasonable when they’re getting old and may let you level so that you don’t have to bend or down, never be the catalyst that lets them stretch to reach things. down.

The kitchen: • Kitchen advice also includes keeping commonly used items within easy reach. Try to store everything on a mid-reach level to avoid bending or stretching. Sort out your kitchen to have less clutter and implements – and only keep what you really need for day-to-day chores and cooking.

• However, if you do have things out of reach and need to use a step stool, then ensure it has a hand railing.

NOFSA (National Osteoporosis Foundation South Africa) NOFSA is the only nonprofit, voluntary health organisation dedicated to promoting lifelong bone health. We focus on reducing the widespread prevalence of osteoporosis while working to find a cure for the disease, and by supporting research and developing programmes of education and advocacy.

• A kitchen can very often become slippery with water or other spillage.

Make sure it is dry and clean before beginning any work – and clean up

Find out more about our work at:

www.osteoporosis.org.za

Rose care in February

5 ways to keep your roses cool and thriving:

• Roses don’t mind wet leaves and one of the best ways to cool them down is to use overhead sprinklers or a hose pipe in the late afternoon. Their leaves will dry off fast during warm nights, reducing the danger of fungal diseases.

• If there is a lot of rain around inland areas, spray your roses, to keep them pest and disease free.

• A 2 to 5cm layer of mulch is ample enough to allow water through, and most importantly keep this water cool in the soil.

• The sun exposed-side on roses in plastic pots must be kept shaded, as it heats the soil on that side and roots could burn.

• If a rose has lost its leaves in February it is due to too much rain, spray when the new leaves are sprouting to keep them healthy.

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Community Ch@ Maga

Helmeted Guinea fowl

T

he Helmeted Guinea fowl is widely distributed throughout Southern Africa and was traditionally hunted for sport.

People often marvel at these birds with their black-grey bodies, unmistakable colourful head and featherless crown. They usually form relatively stable flocks of 15 to 40 birds during non-breeding season and are often a familiar sight in suburban parks and gardens.

Guinea fowl are very social birds, and walk long distances a day in search of food. They can also be territorial and protective of their young. Like chickens, they roost in trees at night to avoid any predators. Guinea fowl are seen as a nuisance on the road, and can be domesticated.

azine - February 2018

These large, chicken-liked birds can easily be recognised by their relatively large size (53–58 cm), dark grey bodies with white speckles and by their featherless, helmet-like head, which is blue and red in colour. Males have a bigger helmet than the females. These birds also have short, rounded wings and tail feathers. The short beaks are accompanied by hanging wattles that surround the nostrils.

Feet consist of three front toes and one hind toe.

Helmeted Guinea fowl are predominately ground scavengers and this is where they will spend most of their time. They prefer

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to walk rather than fly and can walk up to 10Â km a day. They can fly, but will use this option only when they are in danger or to get up to their roosts for the night. These flights are usually very short, not more than about 100Â m.

Helmeted Guinea fowl make a harsh, loud sound during breeding season to attract a partner. They also make a different harsh noise when in danger. Males tend to puff up their feathers and lift their wings during combat, which is very seldom. Males will also challenge any intruders that come too close.

The species is widely distributed in Southern Africa, occurring throughout the whole of South Africa, with a small population towards the Northern Cape. They tend to avoid arid areas and rain forests.

Guinea fowl are adapted to roam in any kind of habitat and are commonly seen. Most of them prefer grasslands, thorn veld and agricultural land. They do well in open areas.

They are not migratory birds, but they do move around more during breeding time.

Helmeted Guinea fowl tend to roost in trees at night to avoid any attacks by predators.

The adult males will groom themselves during social get-togethers and take dust baths in the soil. During the quieter time of the day these birds will rest under cover. The females are mostly responsible for choosing the nesting site. They will usually just scrape twigs and grasses together and line the nests with soft plant material and feathers. These nests will always be concealed.

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Helmeted Guinea fowl mostly live on seeds and insects. They use their short beaks and feet to scrub amongst soils and rubble in search of food. They have been spotted dissecting elephant dung in search of food.

During summer they concentrate mainly on insects and during winter they subsist on seeds and bulbs.

During breeding season both partners will call to each other at the same time, almost as if singing a duet. After breeding the males will spend the majority of their time defending and feeding the female and will lose a lot of weight and condition. This method ensures that the female will be strong enough to breed successfully. The females will gain a lot of weight during this time. Some females will lay their eggs in another nest to be incubated by the owner of the nest. This process is called egg-dumping. It is a common occurrence in Guinea fowl females as the incubation period only starts when the last egg is laid. The incubation period lasts 25 to 29 days. Baby Guinea fowl can leave the nest immediately and are called keets. Guinea fowl can live up to 12 years.

Guinea fowl flock in large groups. They live in large communities and are very social.

Males dominate in the community and settle their differences by chasing each other. In the end, the male with the highest endurance and fitness claims the no. 1 spot. It is interesting that both sexes will fight for territory in the community. Males will also guard the eggs before incubation, but will leave as soon as the incubation period starts, in search of other females. He will then return as soon as the eggs have hatched. He plays a major

Community Ch@ Maga

part in teaching the keets what to eat. If he does not return, many of the keets will die as the mother will not have enough time to look after them and herself after the incubation period. In large communities, flocks of keets are sometimes raised by different parents.

Social interaction with other species in the wild is rare. Guinea fowl do fall prey to birdsof-prey such as eagles and owls.

The eggs of Guinea fowl have a very hard cover to protect them from predators. The eggs also hatch more-or-less at the same time, thus avoiding any interference from predators due to noises associated with hatching at different times.

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Guinea fowl consume a large number of insects and most importantly ticks, which can spread a variety of diseases. In the past these game birds were traditionally hunted for sport. The males can be very aggressive when looking after the young. People should thus avoid interaction with these birds when the young keets are close. Males tend to attack any intruders.

This species is considered Least Concern.

They are local residents over most of South Africa.

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Community Ch@ Maga

Blackened Chicken with Fennel Slaw

A fennel, avocado, and red onion slaw offers light notes alongside charred, smoky chicken cutlets.

Ingredients •

550g chicken cutlets

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1 1/2 tsp. blackening seasoning

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Salt and black pepper

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3 tbsp. olive oil

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1 thinly sliced large fennel bulb

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3/4 cup fennel fronds (chopped)

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3 sliced celery ribs

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1/3 cup sliced red onion

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2 tbsp. fresh lemon juice

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1 Sliced avocado

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1/3 cup Crumbled feta

Remember Visit the FEATZ website for a printable copy of this Recipe

Directions 1. Season chicken cutlets with blackening seasoning, and salt and black pepper. Cook in 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until cooked through, 3 to 4 minutes per side.

2. Meanwhile, toss together thinly sliced large fennel bulb, chopped fennel fronds, celery ribs, red onion, 2 tablespoons olive oil, and fresh lemon juice. Stir in avocado and crumbled feta. Season with salt and black pepper. Serve alongside chicken.

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The Dark Origins of Valentine’s Day

V

alentine’s Day is a time to celebrate romance and love and kissy-face fealty.

But the origins of this festival of candy and cupids are actually dark, bloody — and a bit muddled.

Though no one has pinpointed the exact origin of the holiday, one good place to start is ancient Rome, where men hit on women by, well, hitting them.

From Feb. 13 to 15, the Romans celebrated the feast of Lupercalia. The men sacrificed a goat and a dog, then whipped women with the hides of the animals they had just slain.

The Roman romantics were drunk. Young women would actually line up for the men to hit them. They believed this would make them fertile.

The brutal fete included a matchmaking lottery, in which young men drew the names of women from a jar. The couple would then be, um, coupled up for the duration of the festival — or longer, if the match was right.

The ancient Romans may also be responsible for the name of our modern day of love.

Emperor Claudius II executed two men — both named Valentine — on Feb. 14 of different years in the 3rd century A.D. Their martyrdom was honoured by the Catholic Church with the celebration of St. Valentine’s Day. Later, Pope Gelasius I muddled things in the 5th century by combining St. Valentine’s Day with Lupercalia to expel the pagan rituals.

But the festival was more of a theatrical interpretation of what it had once been.

Around the same time, the Normans celebrated Galatin’s Day. Galatin meant “lover of women.” That was likely confused with St. Valentine’s Day at some point, in part because they sound alike.

As the years went on, the holiday grew sweeter. Chaucer and Shakespeare romanticized it in their work, and it gained popularity throughout Britain and the rest of Europe. Handmade paper cards became the tokens-du-jour in the Middle Ages.

Eventually, the tradition made its way to the New World. The industrial revolution ushered in factory-made cards in the 19th century.

And in 1913, Hallmark Cards of Kansas City, began mass producing valentines. February has not been the same since.

Today, the holiday is big business. But that commercialization has spoiled the day for many, but we have only ourselves to blame.

This isn’t a command performance, if people didn’t want to buy Hallmark cards, they would not be bought, and Hallmark would go out of business.

And so the celebration of Valentine’s Day goes on, in varied ways. Many will break the bank buying jewellery and flowers for their beloveds. Others will celebrate in a SAD (that’s Single Awareness Day) way, dining alone and binging on self-gifted chocolates.

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By Chanel Serfontein

What is cardiovascular training, what are the benefits and how do I get started?

Cardiovascular training (also known as “aerobic training” or simply as “cardio”) has long been a popular form of exercise - since the 1960s, when Kenneth Cooper (known as “the father of aerobics”) began to research and promote the idea that cardiovascular training can improve one’s health. Here is some information to enable you to make an informed decision with regards to your cardiovascular training regime!

First: what IS cardiovascular training, exactly?

We’ve all heard the words thrown around but what exactly do they refer to? Cardiovascular (or aerobic) training is simply the term given to any form of exercise in which your heart rate increases and this elevated level is maintained for a reasonable period of time (think running, skipping, etc.). The literal meaning of aerobic is “with oxygen” and refers to how energy is produced. Aerobic respiration requires oxygen and glucose, and produces carbon dioxide, water, and energy.

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Anaerobic exercise, therefore, is “without oxygen” and generally refers to strength training or short bursts of exercise (think a 100m sprint or doing bicep curls).

Examples of cardiovascular training that you can incorporate: • Stair climbing • Elliptical trainer • Indoor rower • Stairmaster • Stationary bicycle

• Treadmill

in the body. This helps to facilitate the transport of oxygen through the body

• Walking •

Reducing the risk for diabetes, as muscle uses sugars better than fat does and cardiovascular training can assist in building lean muscle

• Swimming

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• Kickboxing

Increasing metabolism

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Possibly delaying osteoporosis, as there is a simultaneous increase in muscle mass, a loss of fat and an increase in bone density

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Overall helping to combat obesity and the risks associated with it.

• Cycling • Running • Rowing

• Jump rope • Circuit training • Jumping jacks, high knees, etc.

• Jogging • Water aerobics

Okay, so why do I need to do cardio?

Today we have unassailable evidence that attests to the fact that cardiovascular training is greatly beneficial to our health and wellbeing. These benefits include, but are not limited to: •

Strengthening the muscles involved in breathing. This improves the process by which air flows in and out of the lungs

The benefits of cardiovascular training are not only physical, but mental as well. There is research that has proven the positive effects that cardiovascular training has on psychological well-being. It has been shown to improve mental health, reduce stress, lower the incidence of depression and increase cognitive capacity. In today’s rat race world, this is a massive bonus!

I’m sold. But where do I start?

Anywhere! The great thing about doing cardio is that it can be done anywhere, anytime and with little to no equipment needed! That being said, there are 2 major considerations when first implementing a cardiovascular training program: duration and frequency.

•

Strengthening and enlarging the heart muscle. This improves its pumping efficiency and also reduces the resting heart rate. This is known as aerobic conditioning

•

Improving circulation and reducing blood The guidelines for cardio differ depending pressure on what you are hoping to achieve.

Increasing the amount of red blood cells

•

The American College of Sport Medicine recommends that adults get at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise per week. This can be met by doing 30-60 minutes of moderate exercise per day, 5 days per week. Alternatively, you can do 20-60 minutes of exercise about 3 days a week. You can either do a continuous session, or you can break it up into sessions of at least 10 minutes each.

overall performance; as well as to prevent injuries.

What if I hate running and gyms?

In my time as a trainer I have found one thing to be true: you need to find exercise you enjoy doing. If you don’t enjoy running, try playing squash. If you get bored after 30 minutes, try interval training. If you’re stuck in a hotel room, do a body weight workout.

Explore the world of fitness! There are so many ways to get your exercise in; it’s just about finding what works for you.

If you just want to keep healthy, the minimum recommendation (in conjunction with a healthy diet) should suffice. If, however, you are looking to lose weight and increase fitness and overall body composition, you should be increasing your Keep reading our blog for posts about amount of exercise (also in conjunction with interval training versus steady state cardio, a more in depth post on doing cardio for fat a healthy diet). loss, fitness etc. and more!

It is commonly advised that you start slowly and gradually increase both duration and frequency as you get fitter. It is also advisable to incorporate strength training to strengthen your muscles and improve

And always remember-you don’t HAVE to work out, you GET to work out!

GRACE

Part 24

You are Righteous

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his month we look at righteousness from a grace perspective. The Amplified Bible translates righteousness as ‘right standing before God’. You have righteousness when God sees no sin in your life, when He sees you as perfect and just. You owe nothing. Your debit column is totally clean in God’s view. Your balance sheet is free of liabilities. Wow, how do we attain that state?

By Johan Jordaan

we are allowed in.

Rom 10:5 For Moses writes about the righteousness that is by the law: “The one who does these things will live by them.”

(NET) Paul also agrees that righteousness gives you everlasting life, even under the Old Covenant. This kind of righteousness is earned – it’s your own righteousness.

From the above we can see that righteousness is indeed our passport to everlasting life; both Old and New Covenantal.

The question is then, how good must it be to allow us in? The Bible teaches that no one can attain perfect righteousness (Rom 3:10).

So what will God accept – 70%, 90%, 99% or 100%? Yes, unfortunately God will only accept Yes, righteousness is really BIG in the Bible. It 100% righteousness and the sad fact is that is our passport into heaven. When you come nothing that we do can significantly contribute to heaven’s shore the question that you will to our righteousness before God: Isa 64:6 We ​​​​​​​ be asked is: “Show me your righteousness.” If are all like one who is unclean, ​​​​​​all our soyour righteousness is of the right calibre, you called righteous acts are like a menstrual rag will be allowed in. in your sight. (NET) God sees our efforts to do righteous deeds as utterly unclean which If you think that another question will be means that they rather contribute towards our asked, look at the following: Matt 5:20 For unrighteousness!

I tell you, unless your righteousness goes beyond that of the experts in the law and the Paul takes this theme up when he explains Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom that we cannot keep the Law to a level that of heaven. (NET) Jesus agrees that it is satisfies God: Gal 2:16 yet we know that no our righteousness that will determine if one is justified by the works of the law but by Heb 5:13 For everyone who lives on milk is inexperienced in the message of righteousness, because he is an infant. (NET) Here the writer of Hebrews is telling us that righteousness is an important issue. If you misunderstand it, you will stay on milk. You will not grow spiritually. You stay an infant.

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Community Ch@ Maga

the faithfulness of Jesus Christ. ... because by • Our own righteousness (by the works the works of the law no one will be justified. of the Law – that of the Pharisees in (NET) Paul says here that NO ONE is justified Matt 5:20) by the Law. We cannot attain righteousness Jesus and Paul both point to the fact that based on how we live. our own righteousness will not be accepted So, if the Law cannot do it for us how are when we arrive at the Golden Gate. The we going to get that kind of righteousness? only passport that will allow entry is God’s Fortunately God knew this and supplied a righteousness. way: Rom 3:28 For we consider that a person Can it become better than this? Of course – is declared righteous by faith apart from this gospel is good, unbelievably good: Paul the works of the law. (NET) Paul comes to says that when we come to faith in Christ, the conclusion that there is a second kind we become God’s righteousness here on of righteousness; one through which you earth! 2Cor 5:21 God made the one who did could be declared righteous by faith rather not know sin to be sin for us, so that in him than by works. This is a massive break from we would become the righteousness of God. the previous system where you attained (NET) When this truth settles in your spirit righteousness by keeping the Law. Paul is and soul you will never again see yourself suggesting that we could get right standing as a sinner. You were born a sinner, but now before God on the grounds of our faith! No you are reborn a son – the righteousness of more working for it. No more Law. Note that God Himself! You do not stand condemned this is a simple declaration. God Himself declares you righteous! This is too good to be but righteous. Your conscience is clear! true, right? What kind of righteousness is this Stand on your righteousness when Satan tries to condemn you. Declare this: “I am that we receive by declaration? Will it stand the righteousness of God in Jesus (2Cor the test of time? Matt 6:33 But seek ye first 5:21). You have nothing on me Satan. I am the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; blameless before God.” and all these things shall be added unto you. (KJV) Jesus said in Matt 5:20 that Yes, the gospel is much better than we ever our righteousness must exceed that of the imagined: 1Cor 2:9 But just as it is written, scribes by a proverbial mile. Now He tells “Things that no eye has seen, or ear heard, us what kind of righteousness He is talking or mind imagined, are the things God has about – the righteousness of God. Surely that prepared for those who love him.” (NET) But would be good enough for God – His own we must keep an open mind otherwise these righteousness? See also Rom 3:21 But now things will pass us by. the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; 22 Even the righteousness of God [which is] by faith of Jesus Christ unto Write to me, engage me and I will all and upon all them that believe (KJV) Rom 10:3 For ignoring the righteousness that comes from God, and seeking instead to establish their own righteousness, they did not submit to God’s righteousness. (NET) Yes, Paul points out (like Jesus) that there are two kinds of righteousness:

try to answer any questions that you might have. email: featzmags@gmail.com Subject: GRACE

• God’s righteousness (by faith)

azine - February 2018

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What to do in the Garden in February It’s the month of love! Valentine’s day falls in February and while lovers across the land will spend just one day to romance each other, gardeners will take full advantage of summer’s flowering favourites that GCA nurseries will have on offer, to romance their gardens - not only for a day or a month, but well beyond!

Romancing the patio and balcony Why settle for one short-lived, long-stemmed red rose when you can rather go for intense gardening pleasure in a small space filled with ravishing potted roses?

Miniature rose varieties collectively known as ‘patio roses’ are freely available in warm seasons. They flower profusely if kept in a sunny spot for a few hours and are protected at root level with a layer of organic mulch to keep their roots cool and moist. There are also top selling garden roses like ‘Little Red Hedge’ which one can plant in large containers to add a splash of bright colour on a patio. Rose grower Ludwig Taschner describes ‘Little Red Hedge’ as follows: “Imagine a deep red delphinium spike and you have the best description of this rose. The small, pointed buds of clear carmine-red are produced on rigid little side-stems and open into firm, double blooms which seem to last forever. The bush continues to produce basal flower spikes in the shortest time and will form a dense ‘little red hedge’.”

Double up on patio or balcony romance by adding pots and tubs filled with dreamy hibiscus with flower colours so bright, it will feel like you have been carried off to a far-away tropical island paradise! The latest ranges of hibiscus sold includes compact and very floriferous plants especially bred for container growing (although they will do well in the garden too!) They like full sun, do well in semi-shade too and can even be kept indoors as flowering house plants for short periods.

Love annual colour Remove annuals if they are looking a bit sad, and deadhead others which are still willing to be around to give you further flushes of colour. Annuals that can be planted for late summer and autumn colour include petunias, begonias, marigolds, vincas, verbenas, portulacas and especially celosias, which will brighten up any area with their flame-like, feathery flowers in shades of red, orange, pink and yellow. With them in the ground, your flowerbeds will look fresh again!

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Love your lawn Follow these water wise tips to keep your lawn healthy under the hot sun: ● Raise the height of your mower blades to about 5cm. Longer grass shades the soil and encourages root development.

Loving embrace

● Water early in the mornings and you won’t lose precious drops to evaporation or wind. ● Water deeply (about 30 minutes per sprinkler setting) twice a week, rather than watering for shorter periods more frequently.

Deep watering encourages the development of deep, healthy roots. ● Make sure that your hosepipe as well as its fittings and nozzles are all in good shape, so that you don’t lose water through leakages.

Protect delicate plants from the prevalent summer and winter winds (especially at the coast) and soil from drying out fast, by planting a barrier of tough plants around the perimeter of your garden. Once established, these plants will help to keep your garden sheltered.

You need leathery and glossy leaves on fast-growing plants. Try coastal silver oak (Brachylaena discolor), camphor bush (Tarchonathus camphoratus), water berry (Syzygium cordatum), wild olive, milk wood and dune crow-berry (Searsia crenata).

Layer on much more love With February being the hottest month of the year, remember to keep your garden mulched. Mulch can be anything from bark chips, macadamia, peanut and crushed apricot shells, or pebbles. The advantage of mulch is that it keeps the water in the soil cool and thereby decreases evaporation.

Remember: A 5cm layer of organic mulch is adequate. Any thicker and it can become a matted layer where rain cannot easily penetrate and the soil beneath it becomes bone dry.

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sort of burbling sound of a brook or stream.

They also change the temperature and humidity of the nearby air, creating a tactile experience.

Love grows in the air!

What makes a water feature even more intriguing is when it is heard before it is seen. The sound of water acts like a beacon, compelling the garden visitor to find the source. Water features should be in a location where they can be heard before they are seen.

To make an existing fountain more water wise, adjust the spray. If If your pergola, trellis, garden arch or wire fence is still bare because you cannot decide your garden is already outfitted with a fountain that sprays, consider adjusting which flowering creeper to plant, pause here, because you cannot go wrong with the it so that the water sprays no more than 10cm into the air. A smaller fountain also magnificent mandevilla (dipladenia). Once exposes less water to the air, meaning less planted, it will treat you to beautiful clouds evaporation. of bright pink, soft pink or white trumpetshaped flowers, depending on the variety Remove leaves and algae from ponds you choose. regularly and refill with fresh water.

For ponds with fish in them, it’s best to Mandevillas can tolerate light frost in the leave water in a bucket for a day to allow temperate summer rainfall regions and in the chlorine levels to reduce, or better still, the Highveld, but it would be safer to plant use harvested rainwater. Getting the ratio them in sheltered areas or in pots and to of water plants to surface area correct is protect them with frost cover in winter. crucial for healthy ponds and the fish that They flourish in subtropical gardens, but inhabit them (keep at least 40% of the water can suffer from wind damage if planted surface free for the sunlight to shine on). in gardens too close to the coast. In drier regions with cold winters they will need Distract attention from tall, imposing fences water more regularly during summer. In along the boundary with an upright water winter rainfall regions they can sometimes feature that will fit easily into a narrow be semi-deciduous in winter, but they will space. Well-stocked GCA garden centres will always deliver a breathtaking performance have many options for you to choose from. in summer and deep into autumn.

A point to remember: Mandevillas do not like stifling-hot places, walls that reflect heat, Smart planting for low or poor air circulation. They are happiest maintenance and intense on sturdy, freestanding structures such as trelliswork, arches, fences and gazebos, and pleasure they need supporting wires or a framework If you choose modern hybrids and tough to grow along. favourites, you will be rewarded with greater blooming beauty for less hassle in a Water is garden life! pretty autumn border: Incorporating moving water has a dramatic influence on the experience of being ‘there’. Agapanthus ‘White Ice’ - masses of blooms on short, sturdy stems.

The most relaxing fountains make the

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Salvia greggii hybrids - constantly in bloom from summer into autumn.

Hemerocallis hybrids - every day a new flower and edible too.

Angelonia angustifolia hybrids - relish the summer heat.

Echinacea ‘Cheyenne spirit’ - will smother you in flowers until autumn.

Evolvulus ‘Blue my Mind’ - Born to flower, and as blue as the African sky.

Leucanthemum ‘Daisy Mae’ - huge white single daisies on short, sturdy stems.

It is prime time planting for bougainvilleas and variegated foliage plants, like all the pretty abelias, too!

You have to keep track of every drop!

growth, but which will also increase the water holding capacity of the soil. Feed and compost early spring-flowering shrubs and climbers like spirea, banksia roses and jasmines; this encourages flower bud development. Feed dahlias with bulb food and remove faded flowers. Perennial salvias thrive in the heat and will soon make a spectacular autumn display. Make sure they are fed to give their best.

Bug watch - red spider mite Look out for red spider mites which are problematic in periods of drought and very hot weather – use the correct acaricide, like an horticultural oil, to control this pest on plants like fruit trees, roses and shrubs, and which destroy annuals like tomatoes, if too heavily infested.

Technology has given us gadgets which are attachable to ordinary taps and garden Natural protection with herbs hoses to recycle and monitor water use, and Bunches of herbs can be used as insect these gadgets are in stock all over: repellents in your home. Mints deter insects, including ants. Basil, rosemary and lavender ● Water timer computer: Manually controls keep flies at bay. Lemon scented herbs such as lemon balm, lemon grass and scented water usage over 24 hours. geraniums are great for keeping mosquitoes ● Water flow meter: Measures water usage away. Tansy is good as a flea repellent. with memory capabilities so, you will soon see if you are overdoing it. ● Drill pump: Transfers grey water from tubs or water buts to the garden by merely attaching it to an electric drill to operate.

Remember to always save water, regardless!

Feed your garden lovingly with healthy tidbits You should now use slow releasing soil and plant conditioners which contain composted seaweed, fishmeal, humic acid and poultry manure - all natural minerals and growth stimulants to maximise and sustain summer

For more information on bringing Life to your Garden, visit our website www.lifeisagarden.co.za or join the conversation on our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/ lifeisagardensa.

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ABYSSINIAN

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O

f all the cat breeds, the Abyssinian is perhaps the one who lives life to the fullest. He climbs higher, jumps farther, plays harder. Nothing escapes the notice of this highly intelligent and inquisitive cat, a quality that makes life with him both endlessly entertaining and continuously challenging. Staying a step ahead of an Aby, as the breed is nicknamed, or even just keeping pace with him, requires the fancy footwork of a Fred Astaire, the brainpower of an Einstein and a sense of humour that never stops.

You never know what he’ll get into next, although you can assume that if you have something or are doing something, your Aby will want to investigate it closely. Some people refer to the cats as “Aby-grabbys” because of their propensity for taking things that catch their interest. Sometimes it may seem as if the Aby never sleeps. He is ever in motion, jumping up in the window to look at birds, leaping on top of the refrigerator to supervise meal preparation, perching on your desk to watch your fingers move over the keyboard and then swiping at them so you’ll pay attention to him instead. This is a playful, persistent cat who adores being the centre of attention and will do anything to achieve and maintain that status.

The Aby loves to play, so plan on making

azine - February 2018

or purchasing a variety of toys to keep him occupied. Ping-Pong balls, bottle caps, wadded-up pieces of paper, puzzle toys and teasers such as big peacock feathers will all amuse this busy and brainy cat. Teach him to retrieve at your peril. Once you start, he won’t let you stop. He learns tricks quickly and many Abys enjoy running a feline agility course. A love of heights is a signal trait of the Abyssinian. He likes to be as high up as possible and will appreciate having one or more ceiling-height cat trees. When those aren’t available, he is perfectly capable of making his way to the uppermost point of any room.

Fortunately, he is naturally graceful and rarely breaks items unless it is simply out of curiosity. Abys are adaptable throughout their lives and fit well into any home where they are loved and given plenty of attention.

In a home where people are at work or school during the day, the Aby does best with a companion, ideally another Aby, who can match his activity level. If left to his own devices, the Aby may well dismantle the house in his search for something interesting to do.

Beware! The Aby can be addictive. Once you’ve had one, you may find that no other cat will do.

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Virgin Galactic

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irgin Galactic is a spaceflight company within the Virgin Group. It is developing commercial spacecraft and aims to provide suborbital spaceflights to space tourists and suborbital launches for space science missions. Virgin Galactic plans to provide orbital human spaceflights as well.

On December 7, 2009, SpaceShipTwo was unveiled at the Mojave Spaceport.

Branson told the 300 people attending, each of whom had booked rides at $200,000 each, that flights would begin “in 2011”.

However, in April 2011, Branson announced further delays, saying “I hope 18 months from now, we’ll be sitting in our spaceship and heading off into space”. By February SpaceShipTwo, Virgin Galactic’s suborbital 2012, SpaceShipTwo had completed 15 test spacecraft, is air launched from beneath a flights attached to White Knight Two, and an carrier airplane known as White Knight Two. additional 16 glide tests, the last of which Virgin Galactic’s founder, Sir Richard took place in September 2011. A rocketBranson, had initially suggested that he powered test flight of SpaceShipTwo finally hoped to see a maiden flight by the end of took place on April 29, 2013, with an engine 2009, but this date has been delayed on a burn of 16 seconds duration. The brief flight number of occasions, most recently by the began at an altitude of 47,000 feet, and October 2014 in-flight loss of SpaceShipTwo reached a maximum altitude of 55,000 feet.

VSS Enterprise. Branson stated that Virgin While the SS2 achieved a speed of Mach 1.2 Galactic was “in the best position in the (920 mph), this was less than half the 2,000 world” to provide rocket-powered, pointmph speed predicted by Richard Branson. to-point 3000 mph air travel on Earth.

SpaceShipTwo’s second supersonic flight In October 2017, Branson suggested achieved a speed of 1,100 mph for 20 that he could travel to space aboard a seconds; while this was an improvement, SpaceShipTwo within six months. it fell far short of the 2,500 mph for 70 seconds required to carry six passengers

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into space. However, Branson still announced his spaceship would be capable of “launching 100 satellites every day” On the 31st of October 2014, the fourth rocket powered test flight of one of the company’s SpaceShipTwo craft, VSS Enterprise, ended in disaster, as it broke apart in midair, with the debris falling into the Mojave Desert in California, shortly after being released from the mothership. Initial reports attributed the loss to an as-yet unidentified “in-flight anomaly” The flight was the first test of SpaceShipTwo with new plastic-based fuel, replacing the original—a rubber-based solid fuel that had not met expectations. 39-year-old co-pilot Michael Alsbury was killed and 43-year-old pilot Peter Siebold was seriously injured.

SpaceShipTwo will travel at approximately three and a half times the speed of sound, propelling the vehicle and passengers to space.

“After the rocket motor has fired for around a minute, the pilots will safely shut it down,” Virgin Galactic say.

“Having just experienced a thrilling, dynamic rocket ride, the dramatic transition to silence and to true weightlessness will be a profound moment for our astronauts as they coast upwards towards space.”

The amateur astronauts will then leave their seats to experience weightlessness.

The whole experience is expected to last two hours. The spacecraft is expected to carry six passengers and two pilots.

Once SpaceShip Two has reentered the earth’s atmosphere, the vehicle’s wings will be returned to their normal configuration, and the spaceship will glide back to the original runway. Virgin Galactic will carry passengers to an altitude of 110km (68 miles) to the edge of space. That’s over the Karman line (an altitude of 100km), which represents the boundary between the earth’s atmosphere and outer space.

Branson stated that he was hoping to do initial test space flights by mid-2018 and to be transporting tourists into space by the end of 2018.

What’s New at the Movies JUST GETTING STARTED

From Ron Shelton, writer/director of TIN CUP and BULL DURHAM, comes the new comedy, JUST GETTING STARTED. Morgan Freeman stars as DUKE DIVER, the freewheeling manager of the luxury Palm Springs resort, the Villa Capri. DIVER may have a mysterious past, but he’s a pro at making sure that life for the high-spirited residents is one big, non-stop party.

But the status quo is challenged when ex-military charmer LEO (Tommy Lee Jones) checks in, triggering a competition between Duke and Leo for the top spot of Alpha male, as well as for the affections of the newly-arrived SUZIE (Rene Russo). When Duke’s past suddenly catches up with him, the rivals put aside their Movie differences and the two men reluctantly team up to stop whoever is trying to Trailer kill Duke, and also save the Villa Capri.

Opening Date: Friday, 09 February 2018 I, TONYA Based on the unbelievable but true events, I, TONYA is a darkly comedic tale of American figure skater, Tonya Harding, and one of the most sensational scandals in sports history. Though Harding was the first American woman to complete a triple axel in competition, her legacy was forever defined by her association with an infamous, ill-conceived, and even more poorly executed attack on fellow Olympic competitor Nancy Kerrigan. I, TONYA is an absurd, irreverent, Movie and piercing portrayal of Harding”s life and career in all of its unchecked----and checkered----glory.

Trailer Opening Date: Friday, 16 February 2018

12 STRONG

Chris Hemsworth (“Thor,” “The Avengers” films) and Oscar nominee Michael Shannon (“Revolutionary Road,” “Nocturnal Animals”) star in 12 STRONG, a powerful new war drama from Alcon Entertainment, Black Label Media and Jerry Bruckheimer Films. Based on the best-selling book Horse Soldiers, it is story of heroism based on true events that unfolded a world away in the aftermath of 9/11.

Opening Date: Friday, 09 February 2018

Movie Trailer

NEW BOOKS

The Truth and Lies of Ella Black

Emily Barr Ella Black seems to live the life most other seventeen-year-olds would kill for...

Until one day, telling her nothing, her parents whisk her off to Rio de Janeiro.

Determined to find out why, Ella takes her chance and searches through their things.

And realises her life has been a lie.

Unable to comprehend the truth, Ella runs away, to the one place they’ll never think to look - the favelas.

But there she learns a terrible secret - the truth about the deepest darkest side of herself...

Publisher: Penguin Random House

The Girl Who Saw Lions

Berlie Doherty Two girls, from very different places, are brought together in a tale of loss, courage and family.

Abela has lost everything, and now she must leave her home in Tanzania and flee to Britain.

Rosa’s struggling to cope with her mum’s wish to adopt a child.

When they are brought together, will Abela and Rosa ever be able to love one another like sisters?

From the Carnegie Medal-winning author Berlie Doherty, The Girl Who Saw Lions is a powerful and moving story, inspired by the author’s visit to Africa.

Publisher: Penguin Random House

READING gives us SOMEPLACE to go when we have to STAY where we are

Life is a Garden:

Kids Activity February Life is like a box of succulents

It is valentine’s day this month, the perfect day to show someone you love that you care about them. There is nothing more special than a gift from the heart, that you made with your own two hands! Today’s activity, our succulent box, is like a tray of chocolates, only so much better because it’s original, and it will last! This is a great activity for tweens wanting to give their parents, teachers or even a special someone a lovely original Valentine’s gift. If you have all the materials you can get started straight away.

All you need to know about succulents Succulents are fleshy plants that can store a lot of water in their leaves and stems to help them in drought conditions. These plants are often very striking and unusual in their appearance making them a great choice as a gift for a loved one because they are so beautiful to look at, and they are hardy so they will survive being wrapped in a box without breaking or dying. Another nice thing about using succulents for this activity, particularly echeverias, is that they’re more commonly known as “rock roses”, which is great to know if you want to replace the traditional rose and make an extra special impression.

You will need - A wooden or cardboard box. Try to find a box that’s just the right size for your seedling tray so that they fit perfectly and don’t slide around when you’re carrying your box.

- Tissue paper. Pick a pretty piece of tissue paper to decorate the inside of your box, make sure it’s a big piece so you don’t run out.

-

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Succulents. Choose a variety of small succulents for the inside of your box.

- Colour printout of succulents. If you like, make a pretty colour printout of the succulents you’ve chosen to go into your box.

This will help the person you’re giving it to identify the different types of succulents in their box.

- Glue. Glue can be messy and sticky, so be sure to help your little ones when it comes to using the glue for their project.

- A seedling tray. You will need a seedling tray to hold your succulents inside the box. Make sure you pick one that fits inside your box, you don’t want one too big or too small.

- Succulent soil. Well-draining soil is important for succulents. Your nearest GCA garden centre should be able to help you pick the right soil for your succulents.

- Twine. Select some twine for finishing off your box - you’ll need enough to wrap around your box and tie a pretty bow.

- A card/label. The finishing touch

to your box will be a card or label to let the person you’re giving it to know who it’s from.

Getting started 1. The first step of the project is to get your wooden or cardboard box ready. If the box is cardboard you might need to help your little one make it up first before you start.

2. Once your box is ready, use the glue to stick the print-out of your succulents to the inside top of your box, so when you open your box you’ll be able to see exactly what types of succulents are in there.

3. Then you take your tissue paper and pop it into the bottom of the box. Be sure to use a big enough piece so that it can stick out the top.

succulents into the seedling tray and fill up the tray with soil to cover the roots. Once they are all planted give the succulents a slight watering.

6. Give your succulents some time to dry out a bit before popping them into your box on top of the tissue paper.

7. Gently fold the tissue paper you left sticking out of the top of your box around your succulents to cover them and then close the lid of your box.

8. Your box of succulents is almost done.

All you have left to do now is write on your card or label and neatly tie up your box with the twine. And there you go, you’ve finished making your beautiful handmade box of succulents to give to someone special on Valentine’s day.

For more information on bringing Life to your Garden, visit our website www.lifeisagarden.co.za or join the conversation on our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/ lifeisagardensa.

4. Next, you’ll need to get your seedling tray and succulent soil. Place the succulent soil into the seedling tray, but be careful not to fill it up too much as you need to leave some space to plant your succulents.

5. Now, very carefully, help your little ones to plant their

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s d i K

The Nut Job 2: Nutty By Nature Get ready. Get Set. Get nuts!

Movie Trailer

Surly Squirrel (Will Arnett) and the gang are back.

We are once again in Oakton where the evil mayor has decided to bulldoze Liberty Park and build a dangerous amusement park in its place. Surly and his ragtag group of animal friends band together to save their home, defeat the mayor, and take back the park. The Nut Job 2 also features the voice talent of Katherine Heigl (The Nut Job), Jackie Chan (Kung Fu Panda 3), Peter Stormare (Penguins of Madagascar), Bobby Cannavale (Ant-Man), Isabela Moner (Middle School: The Worst Years of My Life), and Maya Rudolph (The Angry Birds Movie).

Books

I See an Elephant Elaine Macdonald

I See an Elephant tells the tale of a gentle elephant who wishes he was a bird. He starts to build a nest, but when the birds laugh at his attempts and try to chase him away, Elephant takes a stand, declaring that he should be able to live as he chooses.

Realising that he is right, the birds accept him as one of them, and help him transform into an ‘ele-bird’.

Publisher: Pengion Random House

The Guinea-fowl’s Spots and Other African Bird Tales Dianne Stewart

The rich folklore culture of Africa has been passed down by word of mouth through countless generations. Dianne Stewart has a passion for collecting and retelling these stories, making them accessible to a whole new audience.

In The Guinea-fowl’s Spots and Other African Bird Tales she has created a unique collection of African folktales, exclusively about birds.

Drawn from across the continent, these tales often draw on human characteristics and are followed by African proverbs that illustrate various moral lessons.

This fascinating collection includes classic tales such as ‘Why Flamingo Stands on One Leg’ from Nigeria, ‘The Laughing Dove’ from North Africa, and the Xhosa tale ‘The Bird That Could Make Milk’. Beautiful illustrations by Richard Mackintosh bring to life the magic of the stories and the beauty of birds themselves. Many of the tales include additional facts on the featured birds. Publisher: Penguin Random House

Remembering

Harper Lee

W

riter Harper Lee was born on April 28th 1926, in Monroeville, Alabama.

In 1959, she finished the manuscript for her Pulitzer Prize-winning bestseller “To Kill a Mocking Bird” Soon after, she helped fellow-writer and friend Truman Capote write an article for The New Yorker which would later evolve into his non-fiction masterpiece: “In Cold Blood”. In 2015, Lee published her second novel “Go Set a Watchman”, which was written before “To Kill a Mocking Bird” and portrays the later lives of the characters from her Pulitzer-Prize winning novel.

In July 1960, “To Kill a Mocking Bird” was published and picked up by the Book-ofthe-Month Club and the Literary Guild. A condensed version of the story appeared in Reader’s Digest magazine.

The work’s central character, a young girl nicknamed Scout, was not unlike Lee in her youth. In one of the book’s major plotlines, Scout and her brother Jem and their friend Dill explore their fascination with a mysterious and

1926 - 2016 somewhat infamous neighbourhood character named Boo Radley.

The work was more than a coming of age story: another part of the novel reflected racial prejudices in the South. Their father, Atticus Finch tries to help a black man who has been charged with raping a white woman to get a fair trial and to prevent him from being lynched by angry whites in a small town.

Lee’s beloved ”To Kill a Mocking Bird” characters Scout, Atticus Finch and Jem found even more fans in the 1962 film adaptation.

A classic of American literature, still studied in schools today. “To Kill a Mocking Bird” has been translated into more than 40 languages with more than a million copies sold each year.

Harper Lee died on February 19th, 2016, at the age of 89. Her nephew, Hank Connor, said the author died in her sleep at an assisted living facility in Monroeville.

Interesting Days in

February

Candlemas, The Feast of Purification

Follow us on Facebook for more on these Strange Days

Make a Friend Day February 11th

Do A Grouch A Favour Day February 16th

Stuffed Mushroom Day February 4th

Clean Out Your Computer Day Second Monday of February

Drink Wine Day February 18th

Be Humble Day Ferris Wheel Day Weatherman’s Day February 5th

February 22nd

February 14th

Tell a Fairy Tale Day Kite Flying Day February 8th

February 26th Singles Awareness Day February 15th

Polar Bear Day February 27th

Floral Design Day February 28th

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What to READ Evan Smoak 03: Hellbent Gregg Hurwitz To some he was Orphan X. Others knew him as the Nowhere Man. But to Jack Johns he was a boy named Evan Smoak. Taken from an orphanage, Evan was raised inside a top-secret government programme and trained to become a lethal weapon. By Jack.

And yet for all the dangerous skill he instilled in his young charge, Jack Jones cared for Evan like a son.

But Jack knew too much about a programme that had gone rotten – he was a loose end that needed to be dealt with. But if you go after the only person who ever treated him like a human being, you can guarantee that the Nowhere Man will be coming for you. Hellbent on making things right…

With Hellbent, Gregg Hurwitz raises the bar again with a masterclass in hi-octane thriller writing. Publisher: Penguin Random House

The Innocent Wife Amy Lloyd How do you confront your husband when you don’t want to know the truth?

Gripping psychological suspense from a brilliant new voice in crime fiction.

Twenty years ago, Dennis Danson was arrested and imprisoned for the brutal murder of a young girl in Florida’s Red River County.

Now he’s the subject of a true-crime documentary that’s whipping up a frenzy online to uncover the truth and free a man who has been wrongly convicted.

A thousand miles away in England, Samantha is obsessed with Dennis’s case. She exchanges letters with him, and is quickly won over by his apparent charm and kindness to her. Soon she has left her old life behind to marry him and campaign for his release.

But when the campaign is successful and Dennis is freed, Sam begins to discover new details that suggest he may not be quite so innocent after all...

Publisher: Penguin Random House

If I Die Before I Wake - Emily Koch How do you solve your own murder?

Everyone believes Alex is in a coma, unlikely to ever wake up. As his family debate withdrawing life support, and his friends talk about how his girlfriend Bea needs to move on, he can only listen.

But Alex soon begins to suspect that the accident that put him here wasn’t really an accident. Even worse, the perpetrator is still out there and Alex is not the only one in danger.

As he goes over a series of clues from his past, Alex must use his remaining senses to solve the mystery of who tried to kill him, and try to protect those he loves, before they decide to let him go.

A stunning edge-of-your-seat debut novel with an unforgettable narrator.

Publisher: Penguin Random House

Shadow Man Alan Drew

Bloody January Alan Parks

An explosive serial killer thriller perfect for readers of Lee Child, Karin Slaughter and Michael Connolly.

Southern California, 1986. Detective Ben Wade has returned to his hometown in search of a quieter life and to try to save his marriage.

Suddenly the community, with its peaceful streets and neighbourly concerns, finds itself at the mercy of a serial killer who slips through windows and screen doors at night, shattering illusions of safety.

As Ben and forensic specialist Natasha Betencourt struggle to stay one step ahead of the killer – and deal with painful episodes in the past – Ben’s own world is rocked again by violence. He must decide how far he is willing to go, and Natasha how much she is willing to risk, to rescue the town from a psychotic murderer and a long-buried secret.

With eerie, chilling prose, Alan Drew brings us into the treacherous underbelly of a suburban California town in this brilliant novel of suspense; the story of a man, and a community, confronted with the heart of human darkness. Publisher: Penguin Random House

When a teenage boy shoots a young woman dead in the middle of a busy Glasgow street and then commits suicide, Detective Harry McCoy is sure of one thing. It wasn’t a random act of violence.

With his new partner in tow, McCoy uses his underworld network to lead the investigation but soon runs up against a secret society led by Glasgow’s wealthiest family, the Dunlops. McCoy’s boss doesn’t want him to investigate. The Dunlops seem untouchable. But McCoy has other ideas… In a helter-skelter tale - winding from moneyed elite to hipster music groupies to the brutal gangs of the urban wasteland – Bloody January brings to life the dark underbelly of 1970s Glasgow and introduces a dark and electrifying new voice in Scottish noir. Publisher: Penguin Random House

Lisa Clark Everyday - Lisa Clark As a working mom, Lisa Clark is constantly on the clock and trying to find ways to cheat time. There are days where she literally mothers her twin tweens remotely from her phone, making sure they have arrived home safely, that they have changed out of their school clothes, that they are doing their homework or are on their way to horse-riding.

And when her day gets busier, the last decision she wants to make is what to cook her family for dinner. Lisa Clark Everyday shares some insights into how to provide healthy, balanced and quick recipes for the mom (or dad) on the move!

The book is divided into 10 chapters, each starting off with a basic recipe and then followed by several others that show how to turn one quick meal into several appetising dishes. From muesli, tomato sauce and roasted vegetables to fish, chicken, pastry and sponge cake, there is sure to be a recipe to inspire your everyday cooking. Publisher: Penguin Random House

February Birthdays Things you didn’t know about these stars: Alice Cooper – February 4th One of rock and roll music’s most legendary acts. Did you know, his father was an LDS preacher?

His first band was called the Earwigs. His creation of Shock Rock was an accident. Who would have guessed, he appeared on the Muppet Show and he is an avid golfer.

Zsa Zsa Gabor – February 6th She was a Ponzi scheme victim and she was an opera singer. She was married 9 times, once for only a day. She has ties to Paris and Nicky Hilton. She won a beauty pageant in 1936. She wrote several books inspired by her love life.

Nick Nolte – February 8th In 1992 People Magazine chose Nick Nolte as the “Sexiest Man Alive”. He has acted in several movies that went on to become huge hits. Some of his most famous movies include “The Deep, Cape Fear”, “The Thin Red Line”, “The Prince Of Tides”, and “The Good Thief”.

Emma Roberts – February 10th Emma’s family is super talented! Her dad and her aunt are famous actors too. Emma actually starred in Valentine’s Day with her aunt, Julia, but they weren’t in any scenes together!

Emma sang on Unfabulous, her Nickelodeon show. But did you know that she also released an album? It was called Unfabulous and More and reached number 46 on the Billboard charts! Emma hates to tell people this but she failed her driver’s test THREE times.

Jennifer Aniston – February 11th Her father is a famous actor too.

She was actually known as the class clown in high school. She is terrified of flying and she was a waitress before she became an actress. She originally auditioned for the role of Monica Geller.The producers of the show told her to lose 30 pounds if she wanted the role. She has a pet Welsh corgi-terrier mix named Norman.

She’s also got a German shepherd named Dolly.

She is an excellent painter.

Taylor Lautner – February 11th Lautner has studied karate since he was a boy and competed in multiple world championships. He was number one in the world at NASKA’s Black Belt Open Forms, Musical Weapons, Traditional Weapons and Traditional Forms in 2003. Lautner is a proud owner of a Maltese pooch named Roxy.The “New Moon” hunk also loves to dance — he made his own YouTube music video for the song “Apologize,”

and participates in the dance groups L.A. Hip Kids and Hot Shots. Taylor appeared in the music video “Caught Up in You” for singer Cassi Thomson. Taylor got his big break in 2005, when he nabbed the part of Sharkboy in “The Adventures of Sharkboy and Lavagirl 3-D.” He also starred in “Cheaper by the Dozen 2,” before returning to the big screen in “Twilight.”Lautner gained thirty pounds to reprise his role as Jacob Black in “New Moon.”

Ashley Greene – February 21st Before the filming of Twilight, Ashley Greene has never played baseball before. For the baseball scene, she definitely had to go through some training. Don’t worry, she really did pitch the ball and she says she only hit the camera twice.

Drew Barrymore – February 22nd Now 42, Drew’s happily married to art consultant Will Kopelman, 40, but she had a pretty bumpy ride on the way. She married Welsh bar owner Jeremy Thomas in March 1994 at 19, but they divorced after two months. She wed comedian Tom Green in July 2001, but he filed for divorce that December. By the time Drew married Will in June 2012, she’d become philosophical about relationships. ‘In my twenties I did want the fairytale,’ she said.

‘But in my thirties I realised there’s a next day.

It’s about a truth and getting to be who you are.’

Drew doesn’t just have megastar godparents – she’s one herself. She’s godmum to Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love’s daughter Frances, now 23.

Did you know she has her own wine label?

Miles Teller – February 20th His biggest fan isn’t some crazed, teenage girl with glossy “Tiger Beat” posters tacked to her wall…it’s his grandma! After introducing her to Twitter, Teller’s grandmother, Leona Flowers (@MupTheQueen), started tweeting, retweeting, and posting adorable pictures of Miles through the years. If you check out her Twitter you’ll find daily inspirational quotes and updates on Miles’ wanderings!

Sasha Pieterse – February 17th Plays one of the biggest mean girls on television.

We see her every week as Alison DiLaurentis on Pretty Little Liars. SHE WAS BORN IN SOUTH AFRICA! This blonde beauty was born in Johannesburg, South Africa.

She then moved with her parents to Las Vegas, Nevada and then relocated to Los Angeles, where her career took off!

Ed Sheeran – February 17th Elton John is one of his biggest fans. Elton John likes Ed Sheeran’s music, this is not a big secret. What is interesting, however, is the proposition he made in 2011. He convinced the young talent to pose naked for a catalogue, which was made for a charity. Ed Sheeran agreed even though he was shy at first. Many people at the time were doing it and he decided to join in, being a charity sealed the deal.

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February 2018 Sunday

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World Wetlands Day

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Weatherman's Day

Lame Duck Day

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International Epilepsy Day

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Cherry Pie Day

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Polar Bear Day

Floral Design Day

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