PAKMAG Cairns - February 2009

Issue 20 February 2009

Kid’s mini mag inside! ! t NLYou S Ome KuIDll

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s ip t l o o h c s o t k c Ba After-school ideas LOADS of priz es to • Did you know ? • Loads of Comp s • Heaps of Prize s • PAK review

be won!

What’s on for February

what’s stacked in pak this month!

Parents

Kids

2

What’s New

17

Kids Mini-Mag

4

Sea FM’s Doting Dads

18

Colour it in & Win

6

Back to School

20-25 Pak Activities

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Jemmah’s first day of school

27

Bopstars Bulletin

28

Pak Animal Facts

9 Teenage Teeth

editor’s note

11 Pak Health - Mummy i’m itchy!

Hello and welcome to the 20th edition of PakMag, probably my last editors note before we become parents ourselvesSCARY!

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Pak Health - Smoking

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Pancake Day

We have less than 3 weeks to go, and even though I am very obviously, heavily pregnant and excited in one breath, I am in denial and forget at times that soon life is going to change…BIG TIME. For the better though of course and we are extremely excited and can’t wait. We are as planned as one can be-the room is ready, the birth plan done, the freezer is stocked, and my parents are booked to visit.

Our last Ante Natal class brought my world to a bit of a reality check when I found out how long it actually takes to breast feed. Wow! Also, how many nappies, and how much they sleep….

Man oh man, this pregnancy really has been the easiest part of motherhood hasn’t it! It sure makes you appreciate your mum and dad more and what they go through to bring you into the world, then guide you into adulthood to experience parenthood yourself one dayso thanks to both of our parents, we are very lucky to have your love, support and advice through this time and for the next 30 years or so! We hope we can be as good a parents as you have been to us.

Enjoy this edition of PakMag, our Back To School Special, and enjoy having the kids back at school with life into a routine again.

You can still email or post your baby sex and due date guesses to win a prize, plus there are HEAPS of other comps to enter this month.

Next month we are “Going Green” so if you have any ideas or topics you would like covered, please feel free to email them into us.

So with chubby hands and feet, I sign off for the last time as a woman, and will let you know my first weeks of being a mum soon!

Bree

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13 Baby Walkers 15 Kids in the Kitchen Sandwich Sushi 18

Extra Currciular Activities

21-24 What’s On February

Baby & Toddler 31

Pretend Play

32

Dengue Fever

34 Pak Parent - First Day of School

Things to Win

35 Travel with Kidz - Africa

7 Win a copy of ‘Jemmah’s first day of school’

36 Valentines

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37

27 Win a Prize pack from Cairns Jumping Castles & Slides

Pak Vouchers

38 Prize Winners/Favourite Pet Shots

Win a Personalised Cake

32 Win a jar of Natural Miracles

39 Pet Tips & Hints with Darlene from Poochie Parlour

36 Win a Valentines Prize Pack from Earth, Mother, Child

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38 Favourite Pet Shot Competition

Business Directory

41 DIY Pak Projects, musical instruments 42

Eating Out -Tosca Trattoria

44 Time for a Break

The PaK Mag crew:

Editor: Bree James Sub Editor: Elaine Seager Graphic Design & Layout: Cameron LeBherz www.lebherz.com.au Articles: Elaine Seager, Amanda Mathiot, Karen Roberts and submitted writers.

Contact Us:

Phone: 4031 9915 Fax: 4031 9916 Email: info@pakmag.com.au Postal: PO Box 7433, Cairns QLD 4870 Level 2, 68 Abbott Street, Virginia House, Cairns Q 4870

Enquiries:

Sales & Advertising enquiries: sales@pakmag.com.au Stories, events, distribution, subscriptions to: info@pakmag.com.au Accounts to: accounts@pakmag.com.au Photos to: photos@pakmag.com.au

Disclaimer: No part of this magazine, including the advertisements within it may br reproduced, in part or in whole without the expressed permission of the editor. Whilst the greatest of care is taken to ensure that the information in the magazine is correct at the time of going to press, readers are advsied to check details before visiting. The publishers cannot accept responsibility for errors, inaccuracies or omissions. The expressions expressed within PaK Magazine are not neccessarily the views of the publishers, but those of individual writers.

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what’s new!

Book Launch Natural Mozzie Repellent Zoo to you

Local Mum Melissa Owens has recently launched her book ‘Jemmah’s First Day at School’ which was based on the questions and experiences around her own daughter starting school. The book is available from Angus & Robertson Cairns Central and The Crystal Ball Bookshop. For more information and for your chance to win a copy see our competition on page 7.

Local Mum Tammy Parsons has recently launched a natural insect repellent called Natural Miracles which is DEET free but still effective.

Ideal for pregnant women, young children or anybody else who prefers to repel mozzies without applying toxic chemicals to their skin. See our baby section for more information and a chance to win some.

Looking for a new kid’s party idea? Why not invite some lizards, baby crocs, birds snakes and other wildlife friends along courtesy of local business Zoo to You. Check them out at the forthcoming NQ Baby & Children’s Expo (Cairns Convention Centre 7-8 March). For more information check out their website www.zootoyou.com.au.

Baby & Children’s Expo

And, whilst we’re on the subject, the Expo will also be featuring Farmer Pete’s petting zoo, Cycas Circus, a magician, stilt walkers, story telling, face painting, music, mime, puppet shows and lots of other entertainment for the kiddies. So there’ll be plenty to keep them amused whilst you’re learning about parenting and all the local products and services on offer for young families in the Far North. See page 37 for our special PakMag 2 for 1 child’s ticket voucher. For more information check out www. nqbabyexpo.com.au.

Queen Vic’s coming to town

Cunard’s cruise liner the Queen Victoria will be popping in to Cairns on 23 February for those children who like to look at really big boats. It is making several stops on its 107-day cruise around the world and whilst the Queen Victoria is nothing compared to its big sister the Queen Mary 2, it is still an awesome sight at 294m long, 32m wide and standing 54m above sea level.

Check out these new businesses catering to the local family market:

New Mummy businesses

Unique4Kidz - Personalised and educational kids products (Go to: www. unique4kidz.com.au).

Organic Beginnings – the world’s first certified organic products inc. cosmetics, skincare and haircare including specific products for mother and baby. (Go to: www.organicbeginnings.mionegroup.com).

And, local Mum and Business Coach, Carol Hautot, will be offering a regular free 2-hour seminar each month for small business owners. Called ‘From Surviving to Thriving’ it outlines the 6 key steps to significant business results. Email carolhautot@actioncoach.com.au for more information.

Allergy-Free Living & Loving Cairns Show 2009 Choose it, mix it, smash it!

Here’s some fun information for those with a sensitive nose – did you know that the average mattress contains over 2.5 million dust mites and that we lose 1kg of skin every year (the equivalent of a bathtub full)?! If that’s enough to make you want to sanitise your mattresses and carpets contact call Quintin on 0423 459 310 or 1300 851 363 Relationships Australia will be running their next ‘Living & Loving Together’ course from 25 February (6.30-8.30pm). It will run for 8 weeks and is designed to help people build better relationships. Cost $60. To register phone 1300 364 277 or email: raqcairns@relate.com.au.

Now’s the time for the kids to start thinking about growing veggies to enter in to the Cairns Show competitions. Go to the website to see the lists (www.cairnsshow.com.au).

That’s right-Cairns has a New Cold Rock store on the Esplanade near Villa Romana. It’s the yummiest ice cream where you can pick your flavour, pick your mix, lollies, cookies or heaps of other bits, then the staff will smash it together for you! YUMMO! They also do cakes, drinks and take home packs. See our vouchers section for some great deals.

Have you got something new that Cairns families should know about?

Email us at: info@pakmag.com.au

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FEBRUARY

DVD RELEASES thanks to Civic Video Body of Lies MA15+ Action starring Leonardo DiCaprio & Russell Crowe My Best Friend’s Girl MA15+ Comedy with Kate Hudson and Jason Biggs Burn After Reading MA15+ Comedy starring George Clooney & Brad Pitt Max Payne MA15+ Action with Mark Wahlberg & Mila Kunis 88 Minutes MA15+ Thriller starring Al Pacino & Alicia Witt The House Bunny M Comedy with Anna Faris & Colin Hanks Surfer, Dude MA15+ Comedy starring Matthew McConaughey & Woody Harrelson Babylon A.D. M Action with Vin Diesel & Michelle Yeoh The Duchess M Drama starring Keira Knightley & Ralph Fiennes The Women PG Drama with Meg Ryan & Annette Benning

See pg37 for your free kids DVD hire voucher thanks to Civic Video

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1 grea00s of to b t prizes e wo Ever n y en t

Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th March

goes ry ti majo into oucket r dra r w

Dow nloa d y $ 5.0 our 0 disc family o vou che unt our w r from ebsi te

7th – 8th March, 2009 | Cairns Convention Centre

ABN 39 124 700 607

n ky Pi

McKay

Hear from special guest speakers — Pinky McKay, author of practical parenting books “Sleeping Like a Baby”, “Toddler Tactics” and “100 Ways to Calm Including: puppet shows | magic | mime | stilt walking the Crying”, and Jay music | petting zoo | jumping castle | native animals including a baby crocodile, lizards, frogs, turtles and more! Laga’aia, actor, children’s and father of The must-see family event for 2009! entertainer 7, on the importance ProuDly sPonsoreD by of a Dad’s role in the family.

Laga’aia Jay

Bringing together the best in: • Free seminars and workshops • Local and interstate exhibitors • Parenting information • Products and services • Kid’s entertainment

For visitor or exhibitor enquiries, please contact event office: Telephone: 07 4039 2725 | Fax: 07 4039 0844 | Email: info@nqbabyexpo.com.au

For more information or to subscribe to our monthly email newsletter visit

www.pakmag.com.au

www.nqbabyexpo.com.au

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Doting Dads P&P: W hich meal do you cook for the kids that they just love?

JB: T he kids love it when I make Tacos. I just lay out all the ingredients and they make their own (and usually a huge mess for Mum) but that’s half the fun.

P&P: Do you prefer mornings or evenings at your place?

JB: D efinitely mornings, they usually start with 4 kids climbing on me in bed at some ungodly hour. I love it and wouldn’t swap it for anything.

P&P: How much pocket money should kids get?

JB: Whatever they earn helping around the house.

P&P: What’s the best thing about being a dad?

JB: T he look on their face when they come running to you after work screaming: “DAD!!”. And, the unconditional love that children give.

P&P: What’s your favourite family activity?

JB: T ime at the beach, swimming, playing in the sand (I do a pretty mean sandcastle), chasing waves and collecting shells with the girls

with

Jason Berther

(Local McDonalds owner/operator)

P&P: What have you learnt from being a father?

JB: D rawing with crayons is hard, patience and “don’t sweat the small stuff”. Kids put a whole new perspective on your life’s priorities.

P&P: Who runs the household – Mum, Dad or the kids?

JB: M um for sure but they all let me think that I’m the boss occasionally (usually while I’m cooking dinner or doing the grocery shopping!)

P&P: Best piece of advice you’ve given to your kids?

JB: H ave fun at whatever you do and never EVER tell your mother she is turning into her mother.

P&P: How have your kids embarrassed you?

JB: B y telling Mum that Dad says she’s turning into her mother.

P&P: What’s your favourite memory of your childhood?

JB: G rowing up on Bribie Island we had endless days of just being kids riding bikes, swimming, surfing, exploring the bush with a free rein, without a care in the world and we hardly ever got hurt. The scars are all just good memories.

Potts & Pacey t he SeaF M Morn i ng C r e w

weekday MorningS FroM 5.30aM on the loCal you know, 99.5 SeaFM CairnS. 4

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Back to School Elaine Seager explores ways to help your child succeed at school.

There are two main, ahem…schools of thought when it comes to parents involvement in their child’s schooling.

At one extreme, there are those parents who go overboard and act like a drill sergeant to make sure kids do homework and at the opposite extreme there’s those parents who just leave their children’s education entirely up to the school. Neither approach is ideal. So, what should you be doing as a parent to ensure that your child gets the most out of school?

1. Spend time with them We’re all busy but it’s still really important to spend quality time with your kids, and quality time means actively engaging with them and sharing in some sort of activity that enables you to have fun together.

The more time you spend on building your relationship with your kids and really listening to them the less time you have to spend fixing problems down the line.

So, eat a family dinner together, play games, go on walks or bike rides and even take advantage of time in the car to connect with them. If you’ve got several children try to spend some time alone each week with each of them.

3. Instil a love of reading Reading is a vital life skill and if you can instil a love of reading early on then you will be creating a very good platform for confidence and performance in school. You can do this by beginning reading at an early age, letting them see you read regularly, limiting TV and games in favour of reading, taking them to the library and encouraging them to read in lots of different scenarios eg. road signs, recipes, washing instructions on clothing, shopping lists etc.

4. Create a study environment Support your child to do homework by turning off the TV and keeping distractions to a minimum. Help them make a productive study area with paper, pencils and other materials close to hand that they can use and also, be ready to help if they have questions and they are stuck with their homework.

2. Help them develop routines Help your child establish a regular routine for homework and reading time and make sure they have a regular bedtime which allows them to get a good night’s sleep.

Also, make sure your child is eating a healthy and nutritious diet and especially a good breakfast before school.

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First Day at School For many parents this is an anxious time of year preparing their young child for their very first day at school. When local Mum Melissa Owen’s first child was facing the prospect of her first day at school, Melissa searched high and low for a book which specifically addressed the questions, fear and anticipation which all children inevitably go through when approaching this apprehensive time. However, after failing to find a suitable book Melissa decided to write her own which parents and children can read together.

The book is written in verse and illustrated to appeal to children and it’s a great tool for helping to reassure children about starting school. Melissa has been writing poetry since she was 14 so this was an ideal vehicle to express her creativity and to help others.

She decided to self-publish ‘Jemmah’s First Day of School’ which is available at Angus & Robertson Cairns Central, The Crystal Ball Bookshop or online at www.intbooks.com.au.

WIN

www.pakmag.com.au

For your chance to win a copy of ‘Jemmah’s First Day of School’ Send us a photo of your child’s first day at school to competitions@pakmag.com.au or post to MY FIRST DAY AT SCHOOL, PO BOX 7433 (please include a self addressed envelope if you want your photo returned) Your child could also make it into our out and about section.

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e h t n o k l a w

e d i s wild

fine coffees™

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Teenage Teeth by 1300SMILES

Teenage years are exciting times for our children but all of the changes going on in their lives can often affect their oral health since their increasing independence sometimes results in less frequent tooth brushing, new eating patterns (including more sweet/sugary or acidic drinks and snacks) and less regular dental check-ups.

Here are some teeth tips for teens: Remember to brush teeth twice a day using fluoride toothpaste for 2 to 3 minutes. Use a soft small brush and replace it often.

Have regular dental check-ups so that small problems don’t get out of control. See a dentist if you notice red, swollen and bleeding gums which are a sign that gums are not in good condition or visible holes in teeth which indicates advanced tooth decay.

Try to maintain healthy eating, snacking and drinking habits. Frequent snacking is often a problem since it prevents saliva from doing it’s work properly. Saliva is the body’s natural defence against tooth decay but it needs time to work so avoid continual exposure to acid attacks.

Drinks lots of water – good for the teeth and your skin.

Try to carry water with you when you’re on the go. Sports drinks and soft drinks are very acidic and often contain very high levels of caffeine and/or guarana which erodes the enamel on teeth very quickly.

INTRODUCING DENTAL THERAPIST TANIA PATERSON

Remember - alcohol, caffeine, smoking and recreational drug use have dramatic and long lasting effects on the teeth and can be responsible for staining, reduced saliva flow, gum disease and oral cancers.

Orthodontics (braces) are very common in the teen years and they can make it hard to keep teeth and gums clean so it’s important to see a dentist regularly during these times. Also, be aware that oral and lip piercings expose teens to the risk of infection in the mouth as well as other diseases such as hepatitis, tetanus and HIV. The jewellery in piercings also cause damage to tooth enamel and soft tissues.

On July 1st, 2008, the Federal Government introduced Medicare Teen Dental Vouchers which provides eligible teenagers between 12 and 17 years with $150 worth of preventative dental health services and 1300SMILES is one of the few dental practices that “Bulk Bill” these vouchers with Medicare. Tania-Lee Paterson has 25 years experience as a dental therapist and specializes in treating children and teenagers (4-17 yrs).

She is available at 1300SMILES practices at both Smithfield and Cairns Central. Call 1300SMILES for your free Medicare Teen Dental examination with Tania today (some conditions may apply) or book online by visiting www.1300SMILES.com.au.

As a Dental Therapist Tania works solely with 4 to 17 year olds. Her duties include examinations, x-rays, restoration of baby and adult teeth, cleaning and fluoride applications, emergency treatment due to caries (decay) and trauma, oral health & diet instruction.

Cairns Central Shopping Centre Shop 3, Ground Floor, Cnr Spence & McLeod Streets

1300 S 7 M6

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it’s our name

7 and number

Smithfield Shopping Centre Shop 62, Smithfield Centre, Cnr Cook & Kennedy Highways

Free Teen Dental Check Up Medicare Teen Dental Voucher Use your $150 dental voucher at 1300SMILES and receive a FREE dental check up & clean.

No out of pocket expense.

1300SMILES will bulk bill.

That’s $150 value for FREE. Don’t let your teen voucher go to waste.

Call 1300 764 537 to make an appointment.

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT WITH TANIA TODAY (She may also be available for external ‘Group’ Talks & Presentations)

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Speech & Drama Where having FUN is serious

4yrs - ADULT

*

Group & Individual Tailored Programs Available Speech & Drama Youth Theatre Exam & Eisteddfod Preparation Interview Preparation Speech Delivery Public Speaking & Debate Preparation Dramatisation of Song/Dance Deportment & Body Language Skills Social & Corporate Etiquette

ENROLMENTS 2009 All Enquiries Welcome Subject to availability

19 Brooks Street Whitfield 4870

0422 422 476 www.sebastianstudios.com.au enquiries@sebastianstudios.com.au

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pak health

“Mummy, I’m itchy!”

by Elaine Seager

It’s the start of the school year and time to watch out for those new ‘friends’ the kids might be bringing home.

The parasites that commonly affect kids are mostly harmless but they’re so common that they are almost a rite of passage. However, for you as the poor suffering parent who has to rid your child of them, they can be very annoying. Here’s the lowdown on the two most common conditions:

Head Lice Head Lice are tiny insects that love to inhabit the scalp and feed on your blood (yuk). They can’t jump or fly so they spread by crawling from one head of hair to another which is perfect for young children who like to get close to one another. The first sign you are likely to notice is furious itching which is caused by the head lice’s saliva. However, not everybody feels the itchiness so it’s a good idea to check their hair regularly to see if anything’s moving around. Head lice particularly like to hang out around the fringe, back of the ears and just above the neck so these are the best places to spot them. Even if you don’t see head lice because they move so fast, you will notice the eggs (nits) stuck to the hair shafts which are grey/whitish in colour. Female lice lay the eggs close to the scalp and glue them with a sticky substance to the hair. After a week they will hatch and little ‘nymphs’ emerge which after another 10-14 days will be ready to grow their own eggs and repeat the process.

What should you do about it?

• Use a Head Lice treatment to kill the lice.

• Massage lots of conditioner into the hair and work through it in sections with a fine metal comb, combing from the roots to the tips, to remove lice and nits (special combs are available from pharmacies).

• Repeat the process 8 days later to catch any lice that hatch between treatments • Treat all family members

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It’s also often recommended to wash bed linen, hats, soft toys etc that come in to contact with the head but advice is varied on this. The JCU Public Health Dept comment that once off the head, lice dehydrate quickly so washing is pointless. Their research found no lice on school hats etc so the main focus should be on eliminating lice and nits from the head.

One of the annoying things about lice these days is that the treatments that are available don’t seem to work too well and research shows that lice are becoming increasingly resistant to them. So, even if you do apply treatments you are still likely to have to spend time removing the offending creatures and their offspring manually.

Worms It’s not pretty but it’s worth knowing how worms are spread so you can minimise your chances of getting them yourself.

To get them your child needs to swallow the eggs which are spread on skin, clothes and in food. Once they’ve been swallowed they hatch in the intestine, mate and then the female lays eggs around the anus. This causes their bottom to itch, fingers scratch the itch and then eggs get caught under fingernails and transferred to food. Hey presto, it moves on to the next unsuspecting victim!

The good news is that worms are relatively easy to treat with one worming tablet. Combantrim is often recommended and it tastes like chocolate so is easy to use on the kids. And, whilst you’re at it, it’s recommended to treat the whole family and wash all of your towels, bedlinen and underwear. To prevent being reinfected make sure everyone washes their hands regularly.

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pak health

Smoking - it’s time to quit.

By Matthew Calanna

The Chief Executive of the Cancer Council recently stated that lung cancer has now become the biggest killer of women and that lung cancer rates are projected to continue growing for women in the next few years whilst rates amongst men are falling. Currently there are 4 million Aussies who smoke, and 75% - that's 3 million – try to quit each year. The truth is that smoking is an addiction, and it's incredibly hard to beat with physical cravings to overcome, and well-entrenched habits to break.

Many smokers struggle to quit on their first attempt but that shouldn’t discourage you to keep trying. Many people do eventually manage to kick the habit and the health benefits are immense.

Recovering Your Health: •W ithin 24 hours, oxygen levels in the blood increase and carbon monoxide levels decrease • After

48 hours, smell and taste start to improve •1 month later, blood pressure has returned to pre-smoking levels •O ver the next 9 months, the lungs recover and start cleaning themselves properly. There is a reduction in phlegm production and you will cough less •1 year later, the risk of dying from heart disease has dropped dramatically

• After 10 years, the risk of lung cancer is half that of a continuing smoker • After 15 years, the risk of heart attack and stroke is nearly the same as if you'd never had a cigarette Still need convincing?

• 50% of all smokers will die from smoking – and half of these people will only be middle-aged • A pack-a-day smoker will burn through $3,600 per year on their smoking habit. That's money that could be well-spent on lots of other things – a trip away with the kids, new things around the home or paying off the credit card!

Maximising your chances of success People who try to quit 'cold turkey' have a success rate of 10%. Those who use products such as nicotine patches or prescription medications have success rates of up to 35-40%. But when these products are combined with a personalised support program the chance of kicking the habit doubles.

Matthew Calanna is General Manager and a qualified pharmacist at Calanna Pharmacy. For more information on their Quit Rite programs visit ones of their stores in North Cairns or Woree.

Pancake Day is Feb 24th - Get Flipping!

Traditionally Pancake Day, or Shrove Tuesday, is the last day to eat up all the goodies in your food cupboard before 40 days of abstinence during Lent in the lead up to Easter. More importantly, kids love them so it’s a great opportunity to serve up a flippin’ easy midweek dinner. You can’t beat a basic pancake with sugar and lemon juice but if your inner domestic goddess is seeking something more adventurous go to www.taste.com.au for some great ideas.

Apple Pancakes Ingredients: (serves 4) - 1/2 cup self-raising flour, sifted - 2 tablespoons caster sugar - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1 egg, lightly whisked - 1/3 cup milk - 2 granny smith apples, peeled, grated - canola oil cooking spray - 2 kiwifruit, peeled, thinly sliced - 4 scoops low-fat frozen yoghurt, to serve Method Combine flour, sugar and cinnamon in a bowl. Add egg and milk. Whisk until smooth. Stir in apples.

Heat a non-stick frying pan over low heat. Spray with oil. Pour 1/4 cup of apple mixture into pan. Gently spread out with the back of a spoon to a 10cm round. Cook pancakes, in batches, for 2 minutes or until bubbles appear on surface. Turn over.

Cook for 1 to 2 minutes or until cooked through.

Serve with sliced kiwifruit and frozen yoghurt.

Recipe by Claire Brookman and Jenny Fanshaw

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pak health

with

Baby Walkers

Too much, too soon?

By Dr. Allen Bonilla DC (USA)

Of the major milestones in a child’s life, one of the most exciting – at least for the parents – can be a baby’s first steps. The average baby will take his or her first steps at about 9 to 14 months of age while for some it may not be until the 16th or 17th month. It’s doubtful that this stat has changed over the years and doubtful that it will change in the future. However it seems as though this isn’t good enough for some parents.

Baby walkers have been around since at least the early 1900s. Parents may have differing reasons for opting to use a baby walker including the entertainment and happiness of the baby. However, if the purpose of introducing a walker is to serve as ‘training wheels’ for the legs, then there is much more that parents need to know.

The process of learning to walk is a complicated one and unique among humans. Much of the learning actually happens in the brain rather than the legs. Throughout the stages of development which lead to walking (learning to hold up their head, then to crawl, stand and ultimately walk), there are significant changes occurring in the curves of the spine, the neural pathways from brain to body and the relative strength of limbs and body. Like any other complicated process, ‘skipping’ steps often leads to less than stellar results.

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Although studies are inconclusive, the majority of scientific inquiry into the subject suggests that baby walkers actually delay the onset of normal walking. There is also evidence that walkers may prematurely and incorrectly load the joints of the pelvis and spine and predispose children to low back pain and other spinal problems later in life.

There is considerably less controversy over the potential danger from injuries. Many of these stem from the child accessing places or objects that would otherwise be inaccessible. The number of injuries from tipping and falls (especially down stairs) actually led to walkers being banned in Canada in 2007.

With all of this information, what is a parent to do? Ensuring that your baby’s spine and nervous system are in proper working order is always a good first step to ensuring that when the baby is ready its body will be willing. A qualified chiropractor will also be able to detect if any spinal abnormalities are present. During the check-up, your chiropractor will also check to see that other developmental milestones are on schedule.

All in all, the key is often patience. Like the passing of days on the calendar, it does no good to rush things along but instead to take each milestone as it comes and await the next with eagerness and anticipation.

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kids in the kitchen

with Teah

SANDWICH SUSHI Ingredients: • 8 slices of white or wholemeal bread (the larger the loaf the better) bread crusts removed • 310g can creamed corn • 4 large thin slices double smoked ham • 1 small carrot, peeled, grated • 1 small Lebanese cucumber, peeled, cut into long strips • 200g can salmon in oil, drained, flaked • 2 tablespoons whole-egg mayonnaise • 2 to 3 iceberg lettuce leaves, washed, dried, finely shredded • 1 small avocado, cut into long strips

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A little creativity can go a long way when it comes to making school lunches - try these and you won’t hear any complaints!

Makes 24

Method: 1. Place bread onto a flat surface. Use a rolling pin to flatten bread slightly. Spread corn over 4 slices, leaving a 2cm strip free of filling along 1 edge. Top with ham, carrot and cucumber. Roll up to enclose filling. Cut each sandwich into 3 rounds.

2. Place salmon and mayonnaise into a bowl.

Mix gently to combine. Arrange lettuce over remaining 4 slices of bread, leaving a 2cm strip free of filling along 1 edge. Top with salmon mixture and avocado. Roll up to enclose filling. Cut each sandwich into 3 rounds.

3. Wrap all sandwiches in plastic wrap. Store in the fridge until ready to pack into lunch boxes.

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Extra-Curricular Activities: Ideas for local programs and activities that the kids can get involved in outside of school.

Awesome Cheerleading

Inspired by the tricks from ‘Bring It On’ or Cirque De Soleil?

Awesome Cheerleading have cheerleading classes for 3 years and above, as well as sports aerobics, a kindy cheer program, recreational cheerleading, competitive cheerleading, dance and tumbling classes. Register just for fun, or even for competition levels.

Cost: Dependant on course-call for more info.

Age: 3 years to adult-no experience necessary Registration: Anytime Tel: Tamara 0402225630 Website: www.awesomecheerleading.com

Go Bowling

Join their Junior Development program and learn how to bowl like a champion with skill, confidence and enthusiasm from Australian Champion Sue Cassell.

Cost: $13.50 per week for 6 weeks Age: 10 to 18 years Registration: 6th February start (new classes start every 6 weeks) Theres also a kiddies little league so why not sit back with a coffee and watch the littlies have a ball on the bumper lanes with coaches available to assist them. Call 4053 3497 for more information.

Cairns Libraries

Check out your local library for a host of free activities all year round including a Teen Book Club which is open to all school aged children who enjoy reading.

When: 4th Wednesday of each month, Smithfield Library 4-5pm Cost: Free Age: 8-15 Phone: Children’s Librarian 4044 3785 Website: www.cairnslibrary.com.au The library also has Free Tutoring Online to help students with homework questions and assignments - even in extension level subjects including Chemistry and Physics!

When: Monday to Friday 4-8pm.

Cost: Free with your Cairns Libraries membership card Age: Grades 4-12 Phone: Children’s Librarian 4044 3785 website: www.yourtutor.com.au

Sew Fun For Kids

A ‘learn to sew’ program designed for kids of all ages which introduces the basic skills and practical techniques of dressmaking and fashion. Also includes creative craft and art workshops.

Cost: $10.00 p/hr plus materials Age suitability: 6 - Adult Phone: 4033 6600 Website: www.sewfun4kids.com.au

16

Barron Valley Gymnastics Club

Recreational artistic gymnastics classes are available for girls and boys (4+) and tramp and tumble classes for girls and boys aged 8 years+. These classes develop physical and social skills in a fun, filled friendly environment.

Cost: from $120 per school term Age: from 4 years and above Registration: $30 per calendar year Tel: 4055 1711 Website: www.bvgc.asn.au

Crystal Cascades Horse Park

Horse-riding lessons are available in a large covered arena for children aged 5 years+ from 3.00-6.00pm weekdays and 8.00am-5.00pm on weekends.

Cost: 30min lesson $45, 45min lesson $65 Age: 5-7 and 8yrs+ Registration: bookings must be made at least 24 hours in advance Tel: 07 4039 3143

Backstreet Dance

Deborah Storer, the original mastermind behind Moondust Dance studios is back with her latest creation, Backstreet Dance, offering fun & funky dance classes in Jazz, Funk and Hip Hop for tiny tots to adults.

Cost: $100 - $155 per term Age suitability: 4 y/o ? adult Phone: 0407 995 182 Email: info@backstreetdance.com.au Studio: 44 Morehead Street, Bungalow 4870

Cairns Recreation Centre

Lots of activities under one roof! Speed skating, artistic skating and roller hockey plus other programs like skateboarding, indoor soccer, OZ Tag, Footy Tag, boxing and boot camp. They also have after school and vacation care.

Cost: Dependant on class involved in Age suitability: All ages Phone: 4053 53 53 Address: 44 Behan Street Manunda

Table Tennis

Qualified coaches organise the kids and teach them the skills to be great table tennis players. It’s sunsmart, great for winter and located in the city.

When: 4.30-6pm Wednesdays Cost: $6 for non members, $3 for members Age: 7-16 year olds Registration: Club is open Tuesday & Wednesday from 6.30pm-10.30pm, Saturday 2-6pm and Sunday 11-6pm Phone: 4051 6825 Website: www.cairnsweb.com.au/pingpong

www.pakmag.com.au

! t NLYou S Ome KID l

l u P

• Did you know? • Loads of Comps • Heaps of Prizes • PAK review

To enter this fantastic competition just colour-it-in and mail to: PAKMAG, Colour-it-in February, PO Box 7433 Cairns Q 4870 and you go into the draw to WIN a Hotel for Dogs Prize Pack! Closing Date: 22nd February 2009 For more copies of the colour-it-in and win download from our website

JAN15

Name:_________________________________________________________________Age:________________________________________ FROM

Parent/Guardian:____________________________________________________________________________________________________ CopyrightŠ 2008 DREAMWORKS LLC and COLD SPRING PICTURES. All Rights Reserved.

Address:__________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Phone:_________________________________________________________________Email:_______________________________________ Post entry form to PAKMAG, Colour-it-in February, PO Box 7433 Cairns Q 4870 or you can drop it off at reception - Level 2, 68 Abbott Street.

18

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dot to dot

MAZE

When the night is free of clouds, you can see these???

www.pakmag.com.au

Help the ball roll to the batter

19

sudoku

For January’s answers - see pg 52

JOKES Knock, knock Who’s there?

A little old man who can’t reach the doorbell Q: Which dinosaur slept all day ?

A: The dino-snore!

Knock, knock Who’s there?

Let us Let us who?

Let us in and you will find out Q: Why does a chicken coop have two doors?

A: B ecause if had four doors it would be a chicken sedan!

Knock, knock Who’s There?

Ivan.

Ivan who?

Ivan to suck your blood!!

word scramble WIN A PERSONALISED ICE CREAM CAKE THANKS TO COLD ROCK ON APLIN STREET. SIMPLY UN-SCRAMBLE THE WORDS AND SEND THE ANSWERS TO US VIA EMAIL competitions@pakmag.com.au or post to PO BOX 7433 Cairns

SCHOOL SUPPLIES 1. sreear _ _ _ _ _ _ 2. lurer _ _ _ _ _ 3. eincpl _ _ _ _ _ _ 4. enp _ _ _ 5. gba _ _ _ 6. unhclobx _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 7. ohess _ _ _ _ _ 8. okbo _ _ _ _ 9. omperutc _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 10. tha _ _ _

20

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pak’s what’s on guide february RED = FAMILY DATE

Sun 1st

VENUE

Green = kids

blue = adults

ENTERTAINMENT/EVENT NAME

START TIME

FOR MORE INFO:

COST

Esplanade Lagoon

Youth Singer Songwriter Showcase

15.00

Free

AJ Hackett

Sunday Session - Live Music and Bungy Jump

All Day

Cost

Cairns Central Shopping Centre

MONTH OF SUNDAY SALES!!!

All Day

Mon 2nd

Brothers

BINGO!

9.00

Tues 3rd

Gordonvale Library

Storytime

10.30

Reef Hotel Casino

Giles Smith - Live Music

19.00

Cazalys

"Out of the Blue" - Live Music

19.00

(07) 4054 1464

Free

Manunda Library

Storytime

10.30

(07) 4044 3779

Free

Vertigo Bar @ the Casino

Dave Cooke - Live Music

21.00

Cairns Central Cinemas

"Transporter 3" (MA) - Release Date

All Day

(07) 4052 1166

$9/$13

Earlville Cinemas

"Transporter 3" (MA) - Release Date

All Day

(07) 4052 1166

$9/$13

Cairns City Cinemas

"Changeling" (MA) - Release Date

All Day

(07) 4052 1166

$9/$13

Edmonton Library

Storytime

10.30

(07) 4055 4121

Free

Mossman Library

Storytime

10.30

(07) 4099 9496

Free

Cazalys

"Big Noise" - Live Music

19.00

(07) 4054 1464

Free

City Place

"Lucky Phil" - Live Music

12.00

Free

Reef Hotel Casino

Dave Cooke - Live Music

19.00

Free

Vertigo Bar @ the Casino

Daily Specials - Live Music

21.30

Free

Brothers

"Sneaky Sound System" - Live

19.00

(07) 4053 1053

Cost

Cazalys

"Swingin Alleycatz" - Live Music

19.00

(07) 4054 1464

Free

City Place

"Claire & de Loons" - Live Show

12.00

Free

City Place

"Barrier Reef Rockers" - Live Music

19.30

Free

Vertigo Bar @ the Casino

Funky Love Tank - Live Music

22.00

Free

Cazalys

"Toe Crackin Jack" - Live Music

19.00

(07) 4054 1464

Cairns Convention Centre

Taipans Vs Gold Coast Blaze - Basketball

19.30

(07) 4054 4511

Esplanade Lagoon

"I & I Tuala" - Live Music

11.00

Free

Esplanade Lagoon

"Paris Texas" - Live Music

15.00

Free

Vertigo Bar @ the Casino

Swingin Alleycatz - Live Music

22.00

Free

PCYC - Manunda

Marlins Cheerleading Auditions - Over 11

16.00

Esplanade Lagoon

"Shari and the Mice" - Live Music

15.00

Cairns Central Shopping Centre

MONTH OF SUNDAY SALES!!!

All Day

(07) 4047 7407

Cost

Reef Hotel Casino

Travel EXPO 2009

10.00

(07) 4032 9417

Free

Mon 9th

Brothers

BINGO!

9.00

Cost

Tues 10th

Reef Hotel Casino

Giles Smith - Live Music

19.00

Free

Wed 11th

Cazalys

"Small Baggage" - Live Music

19.00

(07) 4054 1464

Free

Cairns City Library

Storytime

10.30

(07) 4044 3720

Free

Vertigo Bar @ the Casino

Dave Cooke - Live Music

21.00

Earlville Cinemas

"He's Just Not That Into You" (TBA) - Release Date

All Day

(07) 4052 1166

$9/$13

Cairns City Cinemas

"Ghost Town" (M) - Release Date

All Day

(07) 4052 1166

$9/$13

Cairns Central Cinemas

"He's Just Not That Into You" (TBA) - Release Date

All Day

(07) 4052 1166

$9/$13

Cazalys

"Cool Change" - Live Music

19.00

(07) 4054 1464

Free

City Place

"James Braithwaite" - Live Music

12.00

Free

Reef Hotel Casino

Dave Cooke - Live Music

19.00

Free

Vertigo Bar @ the Casino

Daily Specials - Live Music

21.30

Free

Trinity Beach Hotel

"Tunes With Trent" Solo - Live Music

19.30

Wed 4th

Thur 5th

Fri 6th

Sat 7th

Sun 8th

Thur 12th

Fri 13th

(07) 4047 7407

Cost Cost

(07) 4056 1365

Free Free

Free

0402 225 630

Free

Free Free

Free

(07) 4031 9915

Free

pak’s what’s on guide february RED = FAMILY DATE Fri 13th

Sat 14th

Sun 15th

Mon 16th Tues 17th

Wed 18th

Thur 19th

Fri 20th

VENUE

Green = kids

blue = adults

ENTERTAINMENT/EVENT NAME

START TIME

FOR MORE INFO:

(07) 4054 1464

COST

Cazalys

"Kick Start" - Live Music

19.00

City Place

"Bel Lui - Kantok" - Live Music

12.00

Free

Esplanade Lagoon

"Marks Aussie Animal Show"

19.00

Free

City Place

"Relay Rockers" - Live Music

19.30

Free

Vertigo Bar @ the Casino

Funky Love Tank - Live Music

22.00

Free

Brothers

"Something With Numbers" - Live

19.00

(07) 4053 1053

Cost

Cazalys

"Out of the Blue - Valentines Special" - Live Music

19.00

(07) 4054 1464

Free

Cairns Convention Centre

Taipans Vs Souths Dragons - Basketball

19.30

(07) 4054 4511

Esplanade Lagoon

"Mark Lane" - Live Music

11.00

Free

Esplanade Lagoon

"Greenzone" - Live Music

15.00

Free

Cairns

VALENTINES DAY!

All Day

Free

Vertigo Bar @ the Casino

Swingin Alleycatz - Live Music

22.00

Free

Esplanade Lagoon

"Flavez" - Live Music

15.00

Free

Cairns Esplanade Lagoon

WALK AGAINST CRIME!

7.00

(07) 4044 3714

U12

Cairns Central Shopping Centre

MONTH OF SUNDAY SALES!!!

All Day

(07) 4047 7407

Cost

James Cook University

J.C.U Orientation Day

12.30

Free

Brothers

BINGO!

9.00

Cost

Smithfield Library

Storytime

10.30

Reef Hotel Casino

Giles Smith - Live Music

19.00

Cazalys

"Out of the Blue" - Live Music

19.00

(07) 4054 1464

Free

Babinda Library

Storytime

10.30

(07) 4067 1112

Free

Vertigo Bar @ the Casino

Dave Cooke - Live Music

21.00

Earlville Cinemas

"The International" (TBA) - Release Date

All Day

(07) 4052 1166

$9/$13

Cairns City Cinemas

"The Wrestler" (TBA) - Release Date

All Day

(07) 4052 1166

$9/$13

Cairns Central Cinemas

"The International" (TBA) - Release Date

All Day

(07) 4052 1166

$9/$13

Cazalys

"Carrizma" - Live Music

19.00

(07) 4054 1464

Free

City Place

"The Virginia Green Trio" - Live Music

12.00

Free

Reef Hotel Casino

Dave Cooke - Live Music

19.00

Free

Vertigo Bar @ the Casino

Daily Specials - Live Music

22.00

Free

Mondos

"3's A Crowd" Duo - Live Music

18.00

(07) 4031 9915

Free

Cazalys

"Swingin Alleycatz" - Live Music

19.00

(07) 4054 1464

Free

City Place

"Polymantra" - Live Music

12.00

(07) 4057 7755

Free

Free Free

Free

Free

Cairns Esplanade Markets by thE lagoon

Pottery, Handcrafted Wall Hangings, Jewellery, Candles, Soap, Artworks, Children’s Clothing, Dresses, Shoes, Airbrush Hats, Aboriginal Art, Glassworks, Cards, Tea, Mango Products, Woodwork, Leadlight, Wild Nature Skin Care, Opals, Bone Carvings, Frog on a Log, Landscape and Underwater Photography, Gemstones, Dog Collars, Ceramics, Craftwork, Cairns on CD, Hair Braiding and Tarot... and much more...

every saturday 8am - 5pm by the lagoon

www.cairnsesplanade.com.au

pak’s what’s on guide february RED = FAMILY DATE Fri 20th

Sat 21st

Sun 22nd

Mon 23rd

Tues 24th

Wed 25th

Thur 26th

VENUE

Green = kids

blue = adults

ENTERTAINMENT/EVENT NAME

START TIME

FOR MORE INFO:

COST

Esplanade Lagoon

"Foreshore Fire" - Live Show

19.00

Free

City Place

"Barrier Reef Rockers" - Live Music

19.30

Free

Vertigo Bar @ the Casino

Funky Love Tank - Live Music

22.00

Free

Cazalys

"Shari Williams Band" - Live Music

19.00

Esplanade Lagoon

"Kim Settle" - Live Music

11.00

Free

Esplanade Lagoon

"Patch Up" - Live Music

15.00

Free

Cairns Convention Centre

North Queensland Wedding & Formal Expo

All Day

Free

Stockland Earlville

Awesome Cheerleading Performace

All Day

0402 225 630

Free

Trinity Beach Hotel

"Tunes With Trent" Solo - Live Music

14.00

(07) 4031 9915

Free

Cairns Civic Theatre

The Waifs - Live Performance

20.00

(07) 4031 9555

Cost

Esplanade Lagoon

"Sapodilla" - Live Music

15.00

Cairns Central Shopping Centre

MONTH OF SUNDAY SALES!!!

All Day

Cairns Convention Centre

North Queensland Wedding & Formal Expo

All Day

Free

Cairns Harbour

Queen Victoria World Voyage - Arrives Today!

All Day

Free

Brothers

BINGO!

9.00

Cost

Cairns Civic Theatre

Morning Melodies - Live Performance

20.00

(07) 4031 9555

Cost

Cairns Civic Theatre

The Sound of Julie Andrews

20.00

(07) 4031 9555

Cost

Manunda Library

Baby Rhyme Time

10.30

(07) 4044 3779

Free

Various Cairns Venues

Pankcake Day!

All Day

Dona-

Various Cairns Venues

Clean Up Australia Day!

All Day

Free

Various Cairns Venues

Clean Up Your Business Day!

All Day

Free

Reef Hotel Casino

Giles Smith - Live Music

19.00

Free

Cazalys

"Small Baggage" - Live Music

19.00

(07) 4054 1464

Free

Smithfield Library

Teen Book Club

16.00

(07) 4057 7755

Free

Vertigo Bar @ the Casino

Dave Cooke - Live Music

21.00

Earlville Cinemas

"Confessions of a Shopoholic (TBA) - Release Date

All Day

(07) 4052 1166

$9/$13

Cairns City Cinemas

"Defiance" (M) - Release Date

All Day

(07) 4052 1166

$9/$13

Cairns Central Cinemas

"Confessions of a Shopoholic (TBA) - Release Date

All Day

(07) 4052 1166

$9/$13

Cazalys

"Out of the Blue Band" - Live Music

19.00

(07) 4054 1464

Free

Earlville Library

Storytime

10.30

(07) 4044 3766

Free

City Place

"Smith & Rose" - Live Music

12.00

Free

Vertigo Bar @ the Casino

Daily Specials - Live Music

21.30

Free

(07) 4054 1464

Free (07) 4047 7407

EdgE Hill SmitHfiEld WEStCOURt BRiNSmEAd

Cnr Woodward & Pease Streets Ph 4053 2317 Cnr Faculty Close & McGregor Road Ph 4057 8755 Showground Centre, 171 Mulgrave Road Ph 4051 8379 Shop 4, 101 Brinsmead Road Ph 4034 2024

Cost

Free

Time to relax?

$1 day Tuesday

Free

$2 games ThuRsday

OPEN 9am-10pm Sun-Thurs, 9am-12midnight Fri-Sat OPEN 9am-Midnight 7 days OPEN 9am-Midnight 7 days OPEN 9am-Midnight 7 days

pak’s what’s on guide february RED = FAMILY DATE

Fri 27th

Sat 28th

VENUE

Green = kids

blue = adults

ENTERTAINMENT/EVENT NAME

START TIME

FOR MORE INFO:

(07) 4054 1464

COST

Cazalys

"Kick Start" - Live Music

19.00

City Place

"Barbary Coasters" - Live Music

12.00

Free

Esplanade Lagoon

"Drum Up Big" - Live Performance

19.00

Free

City Place

"Relay Rockers" - Live Music

19.30

Free

Cairns

Sunnies For Sight Day!

All Day

Free

Vertigo Bar @ the Casino

Funky Love Tank - Live Music

22.00

Free

Cazalys

"Toe Crackin Jack" - Live Music

19.00

Esplanade Lagoon

"Snake Gully" - Live Show

11.00

Free

Esplanade Lagoon

"Shelly" - Live Music

15.00

Free

Vertigo Bar @ the Casino

Swingin Alleycatz - Live Music

22.00

Free

(07) 4054 1464

Free

Free

regular weekly events XTREME ILLUSIONS starring Sam Powers at Velvet underground - Every Mon through to Sat @ 19.30

Esplanade Lagoon Mon - Aqua Aerobics @ 6.30 & Walk / Run Circuit @ 17.15

GO Bowling Cairns Specials on all month for adults, kids, birthdays and groups!

Tues - YOGA @ 6.30

Cairns Recreation Centre Mon to Fri - Vacation Care @ 8.00 (FDay $20 / HDay $12)

Wed - Beach Volleyball Clinic @ 17.30

Wed - Sarge’s Army Boot Camp @ 17.30

Cairns Recreation Centre Mon, Tues, Thurs & Fri - Kids Boot Camp @ 16.00

Thurs - Pilates @ 6.00 & Petanque @ 10.00

Fri - Teen Skate @ 19.00

Fri - Aqua Aerobics @ 6.30 & Boot Camp @ 6.30

Sat - Beginners Skate Session @ 10.00

Sat - Sahaja YOGA @ 7.30, Aqua Aerobics @ 8.30 & Boxercise @ 8.00

Sat - Family Skate Session @ 19.00

Brother’s Leagues Club Tues - Seniors Morning “Club Gold” @ 9.30

Sat to Sun - General Skate Sessions @ 13.00

Thurs - Aqua Aerobics Class @ 18.15

Brother’s Leagues KIDS Club Every Sun - Kids Disco 15.30-18.00 (ages 3-12yrs)

Sun - Learn to Skate Sessions @ 10.00 Sun - Dance Skate with Roger G @ 18.00

regular markets Atherton Markets

Malanda Markets

Babinda Markets

Mareeba Markets

Rusty's Markets

Mission Beach Markets

Esplanade Markets

Monster Markets

- the first Saturday of each month from 7am at Platypus Park, Herberton Rd - the first Saturday of each month, except January, from 8am, Munro Street - All day Friday, until 2pm Saturday and Sunday, Grafton Street, Cairns - Every Saturday from 8am - 4am at Fogerty Park, Cairns

Mt Sheridan Markets - 2nd Saturday of every month

Night Markets

- the 3rd Saturday of each month from 6am - noon at Jack May Park - the 2nd Saturday of each month at Centenary Park, Byrnes Street - 1st and 3rd Sunday of each month from 6.30am - noon, Opposite Hideaway - the last Sunday of each month from 8am - 2pm, April til Nov at Marcs Park

Mossman Markets

- every Saturday from 7am - noon under the raintrees in Mossman

Port Douglas Markets

- Everyday from 4.30pm-11pm, Entry from Espanade or Abbott Street, Cairns

- every Sunday from 8.30am - 2pm at Anzac Park

Northern Beaches Markets

SPeewah Markets

Tanks Art Centre Markets

Tolga Markets

Cooktown Markets

Tully Markets

Gordonvale Cottage Markets

Yungaburra Markets

- the 3rd Sunday of each month from 9am - 3pm, Smithfield Shopping Centre - the last Sunday of each month from 9am-1pm, Cairns - every Saturday from 8am - noon at Lions Park - on the first Saturday of each month from 8am - noon at Norman Park

Innisfail Red Cross Markets

- held the 3rd Sunday of each month at Anzac Memorial Park

Kuranda Markets

- every Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday at 9am - 3pm in Therwine St

- Every Sunday 8am-2pm Carpark of the Speewah Tavern, Speewah Road. 6ks past Kuranda - the first Sunday of each month at Morrow Park Race Course - every 2nd and 4th Saturday of each month at the Tully Showgrounds.

- Held the 4th Saturday of each month from 7.30am - 12.30pm in the Main St

Swap Meet @ Rodeo Drive-in Mareeba

- open every Sunday from april til september, Highway 3 (Near Bremerton Airport)

How to do the splits

START

By Tamara Manning from Awesome Cheerleading Practice the following exercises every day:

1. Sit with your legs together in front of you and reach forward as far as you can. Hold for thirty seconds. Repeat. Tip: Reach with your chest not your nose and keep your knees straight..

2. Sit with your legs in straddle (legs apart in front of you).

Reach for your right foot and hold for thirty seconds. Repeat on your left. Tip: Reach with your chest.

3. In a kneeling position bring one foot in front (like you are going to propose) and push your hips forward until you feel a stretch in the front of your hip. Hold for thirty seconds then repeat on the other leg. Tip: Ensure you are kneeling with a straight back.

4. Slide forward into splits as far as you can and hold for thirty seconds. Repeat on the other leg. Tip: do not let your hips face the side, ensure they stay facing the front.

5. If you do this every day you should be able to do the splits in just a few short months, so don’t give up Remember NEVER bounce in a stretch as it can cause you a very nasty injury.

FINISH

CopyrightŠ 2008 DREAMWORKS LLC and COLD SPRING PICTURES. All Rights Reserved.

FROM

JAN15

can you draw the puppy? www.pakmag.com.au

25

BULLETIN #14 The totally amazing, incredible, fantastic adventures of Bopstar, Bree and the Boppers!

Where there’s a SHOW that needs a GLOW, a SMARTY that needs a PARTY, Bree and the boppers are ready to entertain the people of Cairns! But when Trouble arises and there’s no one else to call, The Bopstars use their Super Special Powers and embark on Exciting Expeditions to protect and preserve.

FOREVER! TOGETHER! BOPSTARS! Bulletin: Part XIV

Last Edition: Without warning; all three Boppers were magically transported to a large glass chamber within the farm shed that they had been travelling to.

“What happened? Where are we? How did we get here?” questioned Eleese, looking very confused.

TAP TAP TAP! All three boppers looked over to see Crazy Farmer Jim’s face pressed firm against the glass enclosure. He began to speak, “Hello my little Bopstars! Welcome to your home sweet home, FOREVER!” “What do you mean f...f...f…f…forever?” asked Trent, quivering in fear. “Yes, what do you mean forever?

You can’t keep us here forever. What do you think you are doing?” demanded Bree. “Well, what I mean is, this glass chamber is going to be your new home!” replied Crazy Jim, “You were warned by my servant, ZORAN, and he told you that there will be trouble, however, you decided to press on and now look at you!” chuckled Crazy Jim, with eyes rolling around in his head. “We have only come here to check on

you and make sure you weren’t making trouble!” explained Eleese. “Well… you have meddled in one too many of my evil plans and now you will pay…

FOREVER!” sniggered Crazy Jim. “My next plan is so cunning, so clever and most importantly, so evil that even you Boppers won’t be able to stop me!” snorted Crazy Jim in a fit of excitement.

“If we can’t stop you then you wouldn’t mind telling us what your clever and evil plan is?” asked Bree, cleverly trying to get Jim to reveal his scheme. “Well, there is no way your getting out of this chamber so I will tell you…but not yet.”

Jim replied. With that, Crazy Jim turned away and headed back to his farm house were he continued to devise his evil plan.

“What are we going to do? How are we going to get out? I want my mummy!” gasped Trent, huddled in the corner of the enormous glass chamber. “We need a plan to break out and we need it now!” urged Bree.

Bree needed to think of a plan and fast. How could they escape? What is Crazy Jims new evil scheme and if they did escape, how would they stop Jim from following through with his plan? Many things started racing through Bree’s mind and only time would tell if they would escape in time!

To Be Continued…

26

www.pakmag.com.au

pak review Wall-E DVD Rating: G Category: Children Released on DVD: 14/1/2009 WALL-E is about a robot that cleans up an extremely littered, and abandoned Earth in the not too distant future. One day during his clean up, he falls in love with a probe robot that arrives one day with a mission to find…something. Any further and I’m afraid I’ll spoil a surprise. The animation is incredible, the story is strong, and the humor has broad appeal.

With the voices from Ben Burtt, Elissa Knight and Sigourney Weaver, this movie is fun for the whole family to enjoy and comes highly recommended.

Make sure to grab the VOUCHER in the vouchers section and go see the team at Civic Video for their special offer!

Question 1: In the Bopstar Bulletin, Where is Crazy Farmer Jim’s House (suburb)?

Question 2: Finish the title of this movie: “Kung

Answer all the questions and you could win a fantastic prize pak from Cairns Jumping Castles and Slides!!!

__

_ _ _ _ _”

Question 3: In Edition 18 of pakmag, what is the DIY? Question 4: What date is Australia Day? Question 5: How many days in a leap year?

Prize includes a mid week special where you get a medium “Jump Setup” when the kids get home from school. (Time: 3.30setup - 5.30pm pack down)* Email your answers to: competitions@pakmag.com.au Or post your answers to: Battle of the Brains Feb 09, PAK MAG, PO Box 7433 Cairns Qld 4870 *Conditions Apply

www.pakmag.com.au

27

Don’t let it be a stinging summer!

IRUKANDJI Jelly Fish!

For many years, Far North Queensland bathers complained of a particular type of sting but were unable to explain what caused it! However, in more recent times, much research into the pint sized critter has made swimmers aware of the dangers associated with this tiny stinger.

The Irukandji, a small jellyfish with a bell approximately 2cm in diameter is responsible for the unusual and dramatic syndrome observed following stings commonly known as Irukandji Syndrome. The Irukandji from its peanut sized body has a retractile tentacle ranging from 50 to 500 mm long, hanging from each of the four corners of its bell. Unlike most other species of jellyfish all parts of the Irukandji can sting and not just the tentacles.

Very little is known about the life cycle and venom of Irukandji jellyfish. This is partly because they are small, inconspicuous, and fragile - so fragile that they cannot be kept in a normal fish bowl or aquarium because, if they hit the side, the impact will kill them. Researchers conjecture that its venom possesses such potency to enable it to quickly stun its prey, which consists of small and fast fish.

An Irukandji Jellyfish.

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Irukandji syndrome is produced by a very small amount of venom and includes severe pains at various parts of the body (typically excruciating muscle cramps in the arms and legs, severe pain in the back and kidneys, and a burning sensation of the skin and face), headaches, nausea, restlessness, sweating, vomiting, high heart rate and blood pressure.

Figure 1: A captured Irukandji Jellyfish showing the minute size of this killer.

Eat

Larval (baby) fish and adult fish (small varieties)

Predator/s

The term Irukandji refers to an Australian Aboriginal tribe that inhabited Palm Cove where the Irukandji syndrome occurs most often.

Habitat

Northen Australian coastal waters

Fact

The Irukandji jellyfish is only 2.5 centimetres in diameter, but can cause death to humans within days

Fact

Magnesium sulphate is used, as of 2007, to treat Irukandji syndrome.

Fact

The symptoms may last from hours to several days, and victims usually require hospitalization.

Fact

The application of vinegar to the stung site can deactivate any remaining nematocysts on the skin. There is no known antidote for venom that has already entered the body.

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out & about

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Brittany and Tehrona enjoying McFlurry’s

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Adaline, Gab

by and Elise Es planade McDonalds

f g lots o ily gettin ade m a F ld splan Mansfie on the e exercise

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• Cairns’ only over-water restaurant • Open 7 days for Lunch & Dinner • Live music Saturdays & Sundays • Courtesy bus available 25-29 BuCkLey Street, yOrkeyS knOB Ph 4055 7711

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pak littlies

Imagine no pretend play

by Amanda Mathiot Albert Einstein once said “Logic will get you from A to B. Imagination will take you everywhere”. But I’m sure he was oblivious to how important these words are when it comes to the wonderful world of parenting, especially as your baby develops in to a toddler.

As a Mum in a modern, fast moving world, I find my children have a lot more attractions and distractions to sway them away from imaginary play. Days when we have power outages are my favorite; these are when the blankets come out and the kids build cubbies using chairs. Or towels become wizard’s capes and wooden spoons are wands.

Most pre-schools or kindergartens have well equipped pretend play areas and this doesn’t happen by accident. Imaginary or pretend play is a very important part of a young child’s development and the great news is it’s inexpensive to encourage this style of play. In fact most of what you need will be buried at the bottom of your wardrobe or around the house.

Go for a dig and find old shoes, wigs, oversized jackets and scarves. Even the simplest piece of material can be transformed into a Kings Robe or a Princess’s dress.

Dress Ups: When your child pretends to be different characters they are looking at life through somebody else’s eyes. This helps create the moral skill of empathy. It also teaches about taking turns and sharing responsibilities. Sit back and watch your child’s self esteem blossom as they discover that they can be anything by pretending.

Setting up a shop: Grab some shopping bags; pantry items such as pasta and some canned goods and a purse with some coins. A simple cash register can be made with an old cereal box and felt pens. Taking turns being the customer or the shop keeper is fantastic for building language skills and their vocabulary bank.

Tea Parties or Restaurants: Feeding or cooking for their stuffed toys or dolls is all about role sharing. Children love to imitate the important adults in their life and by pretending to be grown ups and carrying out jobs and responsibilities they learn how to solve problems through words and negotiation. This type of play stimulates the senses and improves creative thinking. All you need is: second hand kitchen utensils, pots ands plans, paper or plastic plates and cups. Allow

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your child to run riot in their pretend kitchen - adding salt and pepper, tasting their simmering soup, stirring and slicing etc.

After the cooking is done, serve up the ‘food’ on the plates and sit down and enjoy.

It’s not unusual with pretend play for problems to arise when two children want to be the same character or disagree on what type of material to use to build a rocket ship. However these situations allow them to develop problem solving and cognitive thinking which develops the skills for intellectual and emotional growth and widens their imaginations. Not to mention what it is doing for their abstract thinking.

Most parents try to get their children ‘school ready’ by concentrating on learning to count and say the alphabet.

However the imaginary world of children is also a very important way to help teach your children many life skills. It also introduces pre-reading and pre-writing. By providing your child with sufficient pens, pencils, magazines and different types of papers and books you are encouraging their natural drive to learn. You might see them reading to dolls and ‘writing’ a letter to Grandma.

Why not both of you pretend to ring each other using an old phone and take down phone messages.

Here are some more ideas for pretend play: Doctors Office: If you don’t have a toy Doctors Kit use equipment that you have in the house such as bandages, a plastic medicine syringe, band aids, a note book and pen for writing out prescriptions. Make a stethoscope using a toilet roll.

Take turns with your children on being the doctor and the patient.

Car: This activity can be as simple as using something round (like a paper plate) as the steering wheel and using a lounge chair as the driver’s seat. Or, if you’re feeling creative, use an old cardboard box as a car, paper plates for steering wheels and tyres and decorate with some felt pens. You’re ready to go. continued overleaf...

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pak littlies - Imagine no pretend play - continued...

Cave/tent: All you need is a blanket, chairs and a torch. You can pretend that you have a camp fire and roast marshmallows. Take the torch and go exploring and see what can be found.

Puppets: Grab a couple of old socks, stick on some eyes or draw them on and then add some wool or cut up paper for the hair. Ta-dah! You have puppets to perform a puppet show on the coffee table.

Birthday Party: Invite all the stuffed toys and dolls, wrap up some presents, make pretend food from play-doh, put candles on the cake, and then, to make the party more fun, turn on some music and dance.

As your child becomes a toddler it’s a good idea to start collecting things to use for pretend play. Newspapers can be made in to a sailor’s hat, cereal boxes can be turned in to a robot or used for shopping etc. I also keep an art box full of clay, paint, thread, glue, paper, pencils, crayons for making things as well as a recycling box with old boxes, magazines etc. I also keep dress up items like an eye patch for a pirate, a cowboy hat and a hobby horse.

Don’t forget the most important rule: Have fun and let everybody’s imagination run wild!

For another idea also see our DIY Pak Projects page to see how to make home made musical instruments.

Dengue Fever: Know the Facts Children and pregnant women are included in those infected in the current outbreak which is now over 160 cases– here’s what you need to know: The Dengue mozzie is difficult to distinguish from other types of mozzies by sight but it: - Likes to live indoors - Bites during the daytime - Is hard to catch and moves very quickly, darting back and forth - Likes to hide under furniture and bite people around the feet and ankles - It’s bite is often relatively painless, so people may not notice they are being bitten The Dengue mosquito prefers to live in and around people’s homes. It does NOT breed in swamps or drains but mostly breeds in containers holding water around your home so take note of the Council’s advice about clearing your home of breeding sites, they are now executing fines of up to $375 for

WIN A Jar of natural miracles

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people issued with notices who haven’t fixed the problem within 24-48 hours.(Note: Dengue mozzies don’t like to fly very far so this will significantly reduce your risk of getting infected).

Dengue mozzies are common here but don’t normally carry dengue. Our outbreaks are usually caused by an infected visitor being bitten by one of our local mozzies who then goes on to infect other people. There are 4 different forms of Dengue. If you are infected by one you become immune to that particular type but it doesn’t protect you from the others. In rare cases a more serious condition can occur called Dengue Haemorrhagic Fever (DHF) which is predominantly found in children and adolescents and can be very serious.

Apart from keeping your home free of breeding sites, using insect repellents is recommended although they’re often too toxic for pregnant women and babies to use. One alternative is to try a new locally made product called Natural Miracles. It’s a non-toxic and effective repellent for babies, toddlers and parents which is available at Juniors Atherton and Edmonton, Cocoboo and Baby Equipment Hire. For more info call Tammy on 0448 844 754.

Simply tell us when the Dengue Mozzie is likely to bite you and you could win a jar to try for your family!

Email your answer to competitions@pakmag.com.au or post to MOZZIES Po Box 7433 Cairns 4870.

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Birthday or function coming up?

Order a d+G cake today!

Call: 4031 1500

Choose your design or pick your own! Over 20 flavours to pick from!

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pak parent

First Day at School A Child’s First Day at School is a Big Event in Any Family and Few People Know Better Than Amanda Mathiot with her Brood of 6 2008 was a big school year for our family. From our eldest Mr K starting his first year of High School right down to our fourth boy Mr T going to his first year at Prep. Not to mention Mr D in grade 5 and Mr Z in grade 3.

At the start of the school year I had a 3 week old baby and a toddler and my husband was working away so I was worried about meeting all the demands by myself.

How was I going to cope with all the drop off’s, putting away of books, meeting teachers and all the other events that happen on the first day of school?

My emotions were a mixture of relief and sadness, when my three eldest sons insisted that they were fine to catch the bus to school. Waving goodbye whilst watching them trudge their bag’s of gear behind them I couldn’t help but think back to the days when they wanted me to hold their hands and it wasn’t embarrassing to be seen with your Mum on this most important day. My Preppy was most disappointed that I held him back by the scruff of his shirt to stop him from jumping on to the bus as well. The very first day of school is a nostalgic event and I wasn’t giving that away.

My experience in the past taught me to make sure that all the bags were packed, lunches made and uniforms were laid out early to make sure the day ran smoothly. I’m sure it’s the only day of the year that all of my children wear matching socks to school. After that they disappear into the abyss of odd sock world.

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I was super-organised this year and had both the video camera and digital camera charged up and enough room on my memory card to document the special occasion.

With the bus leaving before 8am, I really had my work cut out for me if I was going to get all of the necessary photo’s taken. My eldest asked me how many more of these photo’s I was going to force upon him and my reply didn’t impress him at all, evident by his expression in the photo’s.

Everything was going well and I was optimistic that if Mr T wanted me to stay and settle him into Prep that I would be able to. He’d never been to day care or even Kindy so I was concerned that he wouldn’t leave my side easily.

Usually I just play it by ear as to how long I will stay with my Preppy. In my experience it varies on the child. I’ve had some that like me to stay and do a puzzle and I’ve had a couple who look at me as if to say “haven’t you gone yet Mum?”. As it turned out Mr T was one of the latter and after I showed him where his bag goes, put his lunch box in the fridge and he met his teacher, I was farewelled by the biggest hug and kiss and he asked me if he could catch the bus home?

After all the goings-on in the morning, everything was a success and all the kids had a great day at school. Mr T even caught the bus to school the very next day with all his big brothers looking after him.

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Africa

by Travel with Kids

Africa is the most diverse continent on the planet and going on a safari is one of the most amazing and unique holidays you can ever experience. And, because many of the locations that you venture in to are so remote, safari’s are most often sold as all-inclusive packages so they can offer outstanding value for money.

If you have an interest in animals, then African safari’s are a magical vacation with endless opportunities to spot amazing wildlife that are unique to this continent. As an example, four of the five fastest land animals live in Africa - the cheetah (70 mph), wildebeest, lion, and Thomson’s gazelle (all about 50 mph).

You will also be able to spot the ‘Big Five’ animals of Africa – the elephant, rhino, leopard, lion and buffalo.

They are so called not because of their size, but because they are the most dangerous of all animals to hunt (although we suggest you hunt them with a camera lens!).

then come and talk to us about Honeyguide Khoka Moya (meaning “Place of the Stars”). Situated in the Kruger National Park, it offers an educational program for children under 12 years of age and a 4 day/3 night stay including all meals, games drives, guided walks, local beverages, laundry and return road transfers from Hoedspruit, start at $1595.00 per person twin share.

If you’re interested in taking the family on an African safari

A trip to Africa is a trip of a lifetime.

en

w

e’

ve

be

as

k

er

us th

e!

For further information on family holidays call now for an appointment with Jill at Southside BLT on 07 4033 8333 or Debby at Cairns North BLT on 07 4080 4000 or one of our Travel With Kidz Holiday Experts.

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Valentines

By Karen Roberts

Many people are cynical about the commercialisation of Valentines these days but for busy parents it’s still an excuse to have some precious ‘couple-time’.

Valentine’s Day is the one day of the year when lovers declare their passion or reveal a secret crush. For the rest of us it’s simply a good excuse to reconnect with our partners and take some time out for romance.

mood than with conversation and laughter over a glass of wine and delicious meal. Of course, if you know you’ll be too tired to speak you might want to make it a very early dinner!

Traditionally, Valentine’s gifts have tended to be bouquets of flowers, sexy lingerie, boxes of chocolates or a single, long stemmed red rose. While there’s nothing wrong with tradition, there’s no harm in exploring gift options.

Especially, if those other options offer practical benefits such as relaxation, pampering and a little time away from the kids – right? Right!

For those who will be staying at home, make sure you clear up the dinner dishes early and get the kids to bed so there’s time to add a little sparkle to your home life.

Sharing a glass of bubbly in front of the TV with the lights off while burning some sandlewood incense will set the mood or light a tealight under your oil burner to add some atmosphere with a seductive blend of essential oils.

Time to do some research into defining a busy parent’s idea of romance. I invited a couple of my preschooler’s friends over for a tea party and a swim, setting up a perfect opportunity to pick the brains of their accompanying parents. So, whilst everyone was mid caffeine and sugar high, I casually asked the question “Doing anything for Valentine’s Day?”. Amidst the laughing I heard a couple questions: “Are you crazy?” and “Was that an offer to babysit?”. So, from this admittedly small survey I concluded that parents don’t do much for Valentines. Never mind, at least my latest recipe for baby quiches was a hit and everyone escaped the humidity for a while in the pool.

My ‘never fail to seduce’ recipe blend: - 2 drops Ylang Ylang - 2 drops Vetiver - 1 drop Sandlewood - 1 drop Vanilla or pure Rose oil

However, if anyone deserves a bit of romance it’s busy parents and since Valentines falls on a Saturday this year there’s even more reason to make an effort. Not surprisingly there are already lots of restaurants planning evenings of romance – what better way to get in the

Karen Roberts is the owner of www.earthmotherchild.com

If you’re not able to spend Valentines together for some reason there are still ways to show your love and commitment. Slipping a gift certificate in to a card to redeem at one of Cairns’ luxurious day spas for a massage, body treatment or a facial is the next best thing!

As any busy parent will tell you, the gift of time is priceless.

Win this prize pack! contains Aphrodisiac essential oil, yummy soaps, chocolate marshmallow sauce, mango passion sauce and watermelon candy sticks Send us 50 words why you need to win this sensational package worth over $100 thanks to Earth Mother and Child To: Be My Valentine PO BOX 7433 Cairns 4870, or email to competitions@pakmag.com.au

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pak vouchers 1 FREE HIRE 1 FREE KIDS Wall-E DVD HIRE 4 copies of this movie to be won!

See page 31 on how to win a copy!

*PG or G Rated

95c HIRE of any GAME or DVD

EDGE HILL SMITHFIELD WESTCOURT BRINSMEAD

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any cake purchase Call: 4031 1500

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COME AND TRY ANY CLASS FOR FREE Call Tamara on 0402 225 630

FREE COFFEE

with any kids pack purchase* Coffee is small size only. Valid at Jamaica Blue Cairns Central until 28/2/09. Present voucher to redeem offer. Not valid with any other offer.

FREE Come & Try Game*

This entitles you and a friend to attend a FREE COME & TRY session of Tenpin Bowling at selected COME & TRY days. Please phone the centre for details. This session includes one FREE game with coaching tips and pointers.

Complimentary welcome coffee or soft drink *Must present voucher to redeem offer

BUY ONE CHILD'S TICKET, GET A SECOND FREE

Not valid with any other discounts or vouchers.

Valid for 2009 event only. Present voucher at ticket office on either day to redeem. North Queensland Baby and Children's Expo, Cairns Convention Centre. Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th March, 2009

$100 off a WaterSlide for the month of February on a full day hire. don’t cancel your kiddies party if it rains, tell ‘em to bring swimmers and slide all day rain or shine.

Call anytime on 0447747307

BOOK IN FEB FOR A FREE SINGLE BED SANITISATION VALUED AT $60.50* telephone 0423 549 310 or 1300 851 363 *conditions apply

Purchase one medium Buy one Mix In, Cake get a free small get one Mix In Free take home pack

Buy two large Take Home Packs get a Free Cooler Bag

Valid Aplin St Cold Rock, Shop 7 Trilogy Tower until the 31st March.

prize winners for january Congratulations!

Proud winner of the MASSIVE 92 CM BOLT Toy was 6 year old Edward Orchard from Bayview Heights

To claim your prize call 4031 9915 or drop into our office on Level 2 68 Abbott St between 9-5pm Monday to Friday to collect your prize from reception.

Pet of the month This month’s Licorice loved by Danielle colouring-in you’ve won a $30 mystery prize! competition winners: Have all won Despereaux Prize Packs!

The Answers where: 1. German Shepherd 2. Mittens 3. New York City 4. Penny 5. Hamster

Step Brothers DVD’s thanks to Civic Video Belinda Jarvinen Karen Smith Brinsmead David Shure Port Douglas Anna Roberts Whitfield

Cooper Hume aged 5

Your best life Book Peter Bryant Bayview Heights

Gogo’s Crazy Bones

Alexander Moore aged 5

Georgia Annison aged 7

Georgia, Joshua and Tayrah Annison.

Jen Kennedy Travis & Mateo Narducci Jackson Smith Finn Curry Donna Maree Bates Alysha Robson

Rachel Verri aged 7

Jessica Moore aged 3

Anastasia Wynberg aged 4

Aidan Menzies aged 5

Best Disappearing Act was Tania Woolley and her story of her son Ethan.

Congratulations you have won a pass to see Sam Powers and his DVD.

fav pet shots Photo of the month wins a mystery prize to the value of $30!

Chooch loved by Bry brendan & chays with

uglas

their guineapigs

Mac loved by Do

Email your photo, name/s and address to: photos@pakmag.com.au Deadline for photos is 21st February for our March edition.

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pet tips & hints

with Darlene Stewart

Rainy Days and Your Pooch Are you sick of coming home to a wet smelly dog? Here are some ways to prevent your dogs from becoming bored during the wet season whilst giving you some sanity.

There’s no doubt that when the wet season hits our dogs become even harder to look after. Even simple things like walking them become a difficult chore. However, there are now many products on the market to help including raincoats. They’re made for breed types and come in a variety of colours and designs and whilst it may take a while for your dog to get used to wearing it, once they realize the benefit of still being able to go for their daily walk they’ll love it.

As far as grooming is concerned, people always ask me if their dogs get cold in the wet season and whilst some may do so, the answer is usually no. Since the temperature only drops to around 25 degrees this is more of a relief than a problem. But use your common sense and always towel dry your dog if they’re wet, concentrating on the kidney area. If you’ve got an older dog be especially aware of this and take care with puppies who can’t always cope with the wet changes.

Keep them inside (the laundry or bathroom is great),

always ensure their bedding is dry (above ground beds are a super idea – they hardly ever get wet) and always have a great chew toy to alleviate boredom Kong have a fantastic range of toys that are hard wearing even for big chewers. They are a worldwide brand designed to last. You can fill them with liver pastes (a Kong product) and your dog will spend hours trying to lick the paste from inside it which leaves them exhausted. I always fill mine the night before and pop them in the freezer so it takes them even longer! I give it to my dogs in the morning and when I get home I have nothing chewed, my plants are in one piece and my dogs are happy, well rested and ready for a pat!

If you don’t have a lot of under-covered area at home or the time to worry about your pooch when the wet comes daycare is the perfect alternative. We have many indoor activities to keep them occupied, one-on-one attention, undercover walks and much more. Pick them up at the end of the day feeling happy, sleepy and smelling great.

Stay safe and enjoy the rainy days with your furry babies!

• 4 Great Locations • Fun & Interactive Daycare - water play, tv’s & music • Air-con Doggy Daycare from only $10 a day Pick up and delivery service now available

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Freecall 1800 738772 (petspa) for enquiries

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BUSINESS DIRECTORY childcare & stores

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entertainment

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DIY pak projects

Making Musical Instruments

By Amanda Mathiot

Have you always wanted to be a band member? Try making these Musical Instruments, grab some friends and create your very own band.

GUITAR You will need: An empty shoe box or tissue box, rubber bands and a ruler or stick 1. Remove the cover from the box.

2. Stretch the rubber bands around the box.

3. Attach the ruler or stick to the back of the box on one end to act as the arm of the guitar.

4. To play, strum or pluck the rubber bands.

MARACAS You will need: One or two paper plates, dried beans, rice or popcorn, a stapler and some paint, markers or crayons.

1. Put a handful or two of dried beans, rice or popcorn on a paper plate and then staple another paper plate securely on top of it. You could also just use a single plate for each maraca by folding a paper plate in half, adding the beans and then stapling the rim to itself.

RAINSTICK You will need: A paper towel tube or other long cardboard tube, aluminium foil, small dried beans (like lentils), unpopped popcorn, dry rice or tiny pasta, construction paper, glue, scissors, crayons or pens 1. Trace around the end of your tube onto a piece of construction paper.

2. Draw a bigger circle around that circle and then draw a lot of spokes between the two circles.

3. Cut along the spokes.

4. Put glue on the spokes and glue the cap onto one end of your tube.

5. Cut a piece of aluminium foil that is about one and half times the length of your tube and about 6 inches wide.

6. Crunch the aluminium foil into two long, thin, snake-like shapes and then twist each one into a spring shape. Put the aluminium foil springs into your tube.

7. Pour some dry beans, dry rice or unpopped popcorn into your tube. The tube should only be about 1/10 full. You can experiment to see how different amounts and different types of seeds and beans change the sound.

8. Make another cap from paper (the same as the first three steps) and cap your tube.

Decorate your instruments using: paint, sequins, buttons, wool, ribbon, masking tape, beads, glitter, sand, cellophane, crayons, felt tip pens, coloured pencils.

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eating out

Tosca Trattoria For a quality meal at just the right price, check out Tosca Trattoria located upstairs at Cairns Central Shopping Centre. With all the fast food outlets across the mall, sometimes a fulfilling Italian dish is just what you need.

Tosca’s menu is full of amazing dishes with fresh salads, creamy pastas and scrumptious pizzas, my favourite being the Caesar Pizza. This mouth-watering pizza is covered with all your favourites and is big enough to satisfy the largest of appetites.

Dining was comfortable and casual and the staff service was very prompt and polite. For lunch, we started with Classic Brushcetta and a variety of dips and breads, Pizza Bread with Pesto. This certainly hit the spot and was very tasty way to commence the dining experience.

The variety of main courses available were very appealing and sounded fantastic, however, I knew I could only pick one and decided to go with the Fettucini Proscuitto with added avocado and pine nuts. This meal was wonderfully presented and very delicious. My partner decided to go the Caesar Pizza and our guests chose the Fettucini Toscani and the Chicken Fajitas. All of there dishes looked and smelt great and as I had to take a flavour test, they all tasted sensational as well.

When dining at Tosca’s, there is also the option of outside and inside dining and the chefs specials are always a treat if you like to try new dishes. They cater for breakfast, lunch and dinner and often have a “meal and a movie” deals. Tosca also has great kids meals and they start from $8.90.

Come check them and see for yourself. It is definitely well worth it!

For bookings call: (07) 40410822

✔ ✔ ✔ ✘ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✘

Rounding off the lunch with a cappuccino and Tosca Mud Cake, we were all very content and pleased with the Tosca experience.

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43

time for a break A little old lady buys a pair of parrots, but cannot identify

Two women were playing golf. One teed off and watched in horror as her ball headed directly toward a foursome of men playing the next hole.

their gender. She calls the shop, and the man there advises her to watch them carefully and all would become clear in

The ball hit one of the men. He immediately clasped his hands together at his groin, fell to the ground and proceeded to roll around in agony.

time. She spends weeks staring at the cage and eventually catches them doing what comes naturally. To make sure she doesn’t get them mixed up again, she cuts out a ring

The woman rushed down to the man, and immediately began to apologise.

from a piece of cardboard and puts it round the male parrot’s neck. A while later, the local priest visits the old

Please allow me to help I’m a Physical Therapist and I know I could relieve your pain if you’d allow me.

lady. The male parrot takes one look at the father’s collar, wolf whistles, and says, “I see she caught you at it, too.”

No, I’ll be all right. I’ll be fine in a few minutes,’ he replied.

sudoku 2

3

7

4 8 5

9

7

6

1

1

3

She administered tender and artful massage for several long moments and asked, How does that feel

6

He replied: ‘It feels great, but I still think my thumb’s broken.

3

6

4

1

7

6 4

She gently took his hands away and laid them to the side, loosened his pants and put her hands inside.

7

4 7

9

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At her persistence, however, he finally allowed her to help.

1

7

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He was in obvious agony, lying in the foetal position, still clasping his hands together at his groin.

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KIDS Sudoku answers - January issue

Sudoku answers - January issue

4 7

8 2 9 6 7 1 3 5 4

7 6 4 8 3 5 2 9 1

1 5 3 2 4 9 7 6 8

6 9 7 3 2 4 1 8 5

4 8 5 7 1 6 9 2 3

3 1 2 5 9 8 4 7 6

2 3 6 4 5 7 8 1 9

5 4 1 9 8 2 6 3 7

9 7 8 1 6 3 5 4 2

Looking for a UNIQUE PERSONALISED Gift for a special child?

www.unique4kidz.com.au Music, Books, Poems, Posters, Toys, Back to school supplies and much more.... info@unique4kidz.com.au 44

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