2014 04/05 Issue 05 - Profusion Magazine by Profusion Magazine

A P R M A Y

2 0 1 4

More Exercise less stress HAZARDS OF EASTER get promoted

...the deep

series on discovering diving

Month-to-Month Planner

in every issue

PRO PRO ACTIVE CARING

PRO CULTURE

PRO fession

PRO PRO LEARN PLANNING

PRO SELF

PRO TRAVEL

Editors

Note

A sense of entitlement As long as our hearts are focused on the things we do not have or the things we feel we are entitled to, we will not be happy or content. Longing for certain things is human nature but the thoughts of success, wealth, fame and acknowledgements or acts of others consumes us each day and we eventually become bitter/ envious of the lack of these things in our lives. What we do not realise is that the time we spend pining for the things we donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have should be positively diverted to the things we do. It is often that we foget to be grateful for the basic things we have in life like good health, safety, shelter and companionship. This issue is focused on the channeling or shifting of energy and perspective into a more positive or productive outcome whether it be in your health, finances or profession. A small change in perspective may be just what the doctor ordered. Enjoy!

PRO FUSION

Allan Desmet

INSIGHT INSPIRE INVENT

April | May 2014

Profusion Magazine

DISCLAIMER Profusion is a registered trademark of Profusion Media (PTY) LTD. The material contained in this publication is copyright and belongs to Profusion Media, unless otherwise indicated. No part of this publication may be quoted, photocopied, reproduced, translated or stored by any electronic system without prior written permission of Profusion. While every reasonable precaution is taken to ensure the accuracy and soundness of the contents of this publication, the use of the information contained herein is at the readers' own risk. The information provided in this publication is for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal, psychological, financial or other professional advice, on any subject matter. You are encouraged to obtain professional advice before taking any course of action relating to information, ideas and opinions expressed in this publication. The reader accepts full responsibility and risk of any injury, damage or loss resulting from the use or reliance on information contained in this publication. Profusion, its authors, publishers, employees and/or agents will not bear any responsibility for damages or injury which may result relating to the use of, or inability to use, this publication or the information contained herein. Acceptance of material for publication is not a guarantee that the material will in fact be included in a particular issue since this depends on the space available. Contributions may be edited for clarity, space and/or language. Editorial opinion or comment is, unless otherwise stated, that of the editor and publication thereof does not indicate the agreement of any institution featured in the magazine unless otherwise stated. The appearance of an advertisement in this publication does not necessarily indicate approval by Profusion Media for the product or service advertised.

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ContentS April | May 2014

profusionmag.co.za

On the Cover 08 10

More exercise, less stress Discovering the deep A series on diving

16 26

Hazards of Easter

Get Promoted

10 tips to take the next step

In this Issue 10

14 20 22 34 36 40 42 46 48 52

Austria - Top 10 Green Countries

My heart beats for SA Understanding Easter Four Questions for budding authors Dealing with Autism A powerful Asset Going green can save you money

Safety starts at home Home health checks Hong Kong

42 4

April | May 2014

Profusion Magazine

Contributors IN EVERY ISSUE

Editor Allan Desmet

06 18 24 28 29 30 31 32 38 50 54 55 56 56

Socials Hero of the Month Delicious Dishes Job Seeking 101 Know your rights Career Insights Terrific Tales Month-to-Month Read It Creative Corner Back in Time Twisted Terms Quote You Said

Follow Us Facebook Facebook.com/Profusion.co.za DeviantArt Profusion-media.deviantart.com Pinterest Pinterest.com/weareprofusion Web ProfusionMag.co.za Twitter @weareprofusion

Writers Alison Lowry Attie Botes Danette Swanepoel Duane Kohl Eva Sgroi Irina Tikhomirova Jess Nicolson Lee Young Lelanie Slater Naseema Khan Natalie Singer Ryette Dempsey Tracey McDonald Venezia Fanner

Graphics and Layout Rene du Plessis

Photography

Profusion South Africa Published by: Profusion Media (Pty) Ltd Tel: +27 11 766-5454 Fax: +27 861 672-5651 E-mail: info@profusionmag.co.za Website: www.profusionmag.co.za Post: Postnet Suite 122, Pvt Bag X1, Profusion MagazineHills, 1716 Florida

Advertising: advertising@profusionmag.co.za Letter to Ed: allandesmet@profusionmag.co.za April | May 2014

Socials

Venezia Fanner

So, unfortunately Summer’s on its way out and Winter is on its way in. Winter isn’t all bad though. One good thing about Winter is the fashion. Here’s a good idea of which clothes you should be buying to get you through it. Below are a list of the essentials. You probably already have most of these items.

#1: Faux Leather/Wool Gloves

This is a must have for those unbearably cold days. Wool gloves usually do the job but if you’re really cold the better option would be to get yourself some of those faux leather gloves. The leather will insulate the heat from your body keeping your hands nice and toasty.

#2: Boots

Ladies, we all know Winter actually means “boot season”. So make sure you get yourself at least one pair of comfy warm boots to keep those feet warm.

#3: Thermal Wear

Thermal vests/underwear/socks are some really good pieces to own in Winter. You can wear them under practically anything. So you won’t have to wear layers and layers of clothes. Plus you won’t have to compromise your outfit.

#4: Sweaters and Cardigans

A good knitted sweater or cardigan is a great thing to own in Winter. They’re stylish, warm, and inexpensive.

#5: Scarves

A popular item that you might already own. And if you don’t own one, finding inexpensive scarves this time of the year is very easy.

#6: Beanies and Earmuffs

Like scarves, beanies and earmuffs are very easy to find and very inexpensive. It’s definitely a must have for Winter.

#7: Socks/Stockings

Wool stockings are sure to keep your legs warm. You could even where them under jeans if you’re wearing closed shoes. You should also have at least 5 pairs of good socks.

WINTER WARMing

essentials

Recast your current problems into Proactive goals

Suze Oman

PRO ACTIVE 08

More exercise, less stress

Discovering the deep

Sportsmans Warehouse Cradle of Humankind Half Marathon - 10 m

A scenic route that runs past lion and rhino parks with the same epic trail as last year. More information: http://www.runnersworld.co.za/event/cradle-2110-2/

April |PM May 2014 Profusion Magazine 27th April 2014 from 06h30 AM to 05h00

PRO ACTIVE FEATURE

Jess Nicolson

e s i c r e x E e r M o less STRESS

et’s face it, we all live very stressful lives. Whether we are students, business men or stay at home parents, we all have pressure and hurdles that we need to overcome each day. In a society that is fast paced and success-driven it is considered a badge of honour to be ‘hectically busy’ all the time and we often forget or don’t make the time to do something that is good for our own wellbeing. I’m not talking about shopping sprees or over indulgent meals (things that are often used as coping mechanisms for stress) - I’m talking about running, dancing, boxing, riding, stepping, lifting and sweating your stress away. What you are about to read is everything you need to know about the relationship between stress and exercise, as well as a hands-on guide that will help you change the way you feel, and the way you see yourself.

April | May 2014

The concept of exercise being beneficial to one’s mental health may be a tricky one to grasp. Anyone can witness the physical changes exercise can make to the body, but how does it affect the mind and spirit? When you don’t feel “completely right in your mind”, or rather stressed, frustrated or depressed; your body is also put under strain. If you have ever experienced an upset stomach due to the fact that you are worried about an upcoming interview, important exam or performance assessment; or a tension headache while stuck in heavy traffic, then you will understand the power that the mind has over the body. But if this is the case then obviously the opposite is also true: by doing something that is good for your body, and therefore putting your body in a better place, you can affect your mind in a positive way. Exercise releases endorphins, which are

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PRO ACTIVE neurotransmitters produced by the pituitary gland in the brain. They work as natural pain killers, for both emotional and physical pain. Along with reducing the negative feelings associated with stress, they increase a sense of joy and accomplishment. These chemicals also improve your ability to sleep - if you are constantly stressed, sleeping may be an issue which can make you prone to depression and negativity.

It has been scientifically proven that aerobic exercise (running, walking, dancing etc.) decreases tension, elevates your mood, gives you energy for life, and improves your self-esteem. Eating a hot curry, falling in love or bungee jumping may in fact cause the exact same chemical reaction in the brain but the side effects of exercise are so much better in that they contribute to: • • • • •

or take up something socially stimulating such as joining a dance class or taking kick-boxing lessons. The possibilities are endless and so are the benefits. Not only will your waistline shrink, but your strength and stamina will improve, your energy levels will increase, your moods will stabilize, your sense of worth will improve and you will begin to believe that you can achieve anything you set your mind to. The trend of exercising to relieve stress is catching on, as 8 out of 10 of my clients at the gym come to me with a top priority of “using exercise to relieve the stress of the day.” Very few of my clients came to me with their main concern being weight-loss. Going down a jeans-size is seen as an added benefit to devoting time to a physical activity. There are lots of exercise plans available online and in magazines or books that are suitable to do by yourself at home but, as I mentioned earlier, even walking, jogging or riding a bike will lead to amazing results, both inside and out.

weight loss lower risk of heart disease Establishing a dedicated time, lower risk of diabetes and osteoarthritis even writing it into your diary or decrease anxiety (clinically proven) lower risk of depression and dementia setting a reminder on your phone

will soon make it a routine that It is common knowledge that not all of us will be the highlight of your day. have acres of time to dedicate to exercise, but there is good news! Getting off the couch for the time it takes to watch your favourite sit-com three times a week will get you on the right path to success. You also don’t need to be in a gym for it to count as exercise. You can simply walk around the block, ride a bike,

Profusion Magazine

Start with doing some basic aerobic exercises 3 times a week for only 20 minutes, and watch how everything else will just fall into place. It may just be that exercise is the prevention as well as the cure to many of life’s problems.

April | May 2014

PRO ACTIVE FEATURE SERIES

discovering

Allan Desmet

the

DEEP

IMG SRC: http://cdn.madamenoire.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/Scubadiving.png

e all have a taste for adventure at some point or other in our lives. We relive these moments in movies like Jurassic park and often remember fondly of the time we went exploring through our huge back yard as children even though the size was realistically more of that of a garage rather than the real thing – though there was no limit to our imagination. Each year thousands of people flock to new destinations around the world, experiencing what nature has to offer and doing activities that offer a light form of adventure from the everyday norm of our lives. One such adventurous activity is scuba diving. What started out as a hobby feature for the next issue soon turned into a passion-driven adventure - one that I’m eager to share.

April | May 2014

It is on this journey that I met with Steve from Splash H2O. Soon-to-be-Divers from all over Gauteng attend the course and Splash H2O offers regular trips of adventure to explore the depths of the ocean. Steve and his partners have set out to create an experience people won’t easily forget. One that you can share with family and friends and one that allows you to make new friends. They are very dedicated to ensure that one understands what diving is about and how the environment changes and the effects it has on the body. From the offset it was clear that safety was a high priority and rightfully so. Many people such as myself have little or no understanding of what diving is about and it’s reassuring to know that Steve and his team at Splash H2O prioritize safety.

Profusion Magazine

What was interesting is how this message came across in the equipment that was used. The regulator that feeds oxygen to you under water has a secondary unit that is easily reached by a fellow diver should the need arises. I was taken through all the possible scenarios and briefed in detail what I was to expect from the schools diving experience that was in store for me. After his brief it was clear to me that people avoid such activities as they have misconceptions about the activity and why people do it. However, like Steve - all divers have their own stories to tell and whether you are diving for the pleasure of seeing the beauty of the coral reefs or for the extreme adrenalin-inducing experience of diving and swimming with sharks – there are many adventures that lie waiting in the deep. Steve took me through the gear that one would need as well as the cost involved from starting all the way through graduating as a diver. A great place to start is with wet gear and costs. One of the concerns looming in my mind was – Sharks, and so I asked Steve is how sharks react to humans. He smiled and said: “They are very intelligent and don’t just attack people. We might even seem strange to them as the bubbles makes noise and they steer clear of people in general, on the rare occasion they come closer to inspect but never to engage or attack a human”. Steve suggests 3-4 diving trips per year. If you look after your gear it should last you a good couple of years and if you have your own cylinders they need to be serviced regularly and according to safety standards for your own protection. There are a range of diving courses available, with the specific one I experienced being

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the Open Water Diver course costs 2300 ZAR, which will include all the diving material you require including the use of a bc regulator and certification as a diver. You would however need to purchase your own soft gear – which will be your own personal gear. The depth one would dive as a beginner would not exceed 18 meters, however more advanced divers do not go below 40 meters as when going beyond this point - it gets very technical and goes into very specialized diving. Steve reiterates the importance of safety and how quickly things can go wrong if you are not vigilant. I was very pleased to hear that the reefs are very high on the diver’s minds and they won’t take people on the dives if they won’t respect the safety as well as the ocean. Steve reassures me that they won’t take someone on a dive and graduate them if they don’t feel they are ready. This is specifically to ensure that everyone has a great diving experience and that they leave the reef in the same conditions for other divers to experience. “After all it’s our heritage and we have to protect our oceans and take care of it”

We have some of the most beautiful oceans in the world and there’s something for everyone. As there is no audible communication, hand signals and knowing them is crucial to the diving experience.

Continue to page 12...

April | May 2014

Continued from page 10...

I was strapped into my bc, regulator and put my flippers on. The moment you put your gear on, your experience begins. Your back is submerged in the water and you barely feel the weight of the equipment. We went through each of the regulators as well as the decent and accent inflate-buttons and how to use them correctly. The first things you realize is that you have to breathe in much deeper and breathe out much longer. We progressed in the shallow side of the pool and did a few hand signals and I swam around Steve a couple of times. Each time I would pass him I would show the all ok sign and circle again. We then proceeded to the deep side of the pool for further practice exercises. The experience has left me wanting to experience more and I am excited to carry on with the course. Profusion will follow my Splash H2O journey and one lucky reader will win the same course. Simply follow our adventure over the next few issues to find out more.

Diving Equipment Soft gear sets - open foot R 1895 - 00 includes Jest Sport Fins, Escape Snorkel, and Scout Mask.

R 2695 - 00 includes Sewaing Nova Fins, Escape Snorkel, and Scout Mask. Soft gear upgrades

Pictures are available on our website at Soft gear sets - full foot Club Set FF Set R 1695 - 00 includes Jet Club FF Fins, Escape Snorkel and Scout Mask

Seawing Nova FF Set R 2095 - 00 includes Seawing Nova FF Fins, Escape Snorkel and Scout Mask 12

April | May 2014

More diving equipment in the next issue

Profusion Magazine

Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.

PRO CARING

Leo Buscaglia

Austria

Hazards of Easter

Hero of the month

img src: http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AYkLEEWOwpc/ UT6F2il5r7I/AAAAAAAAD80/bJl8pcKtoRE/s1600/ cute-easter-bunny-free-iphone-5-hd-wallpapers-01.jpg

Tekkie Tax Day Support a whole host of charities by purchasing your sticker at 10 ZAR today. More information: www.tekkietax.co.za

30th May 2014

PRO CARING FEATURE

SERIES

ustria is a unique country located in the heart of Europe in the neighborhood of Switzerland, Germany and Italy.

It is an epic and rugged landscape filled with mountains, glaciers, snow-covered fields, meadows and warm lakes as well as beautiful centuries-old castles, medieval towns and picturesque villages where an intertwined mix of all European cultures can be seen. Looking at the snow-capped mountains, clear lakes, vast rivers, emerald valleys and meadows, it may seems like Austria has no environmental problems however this is not correct. Austrians faced a number of ecological problems in the 1990s. As a result of pollution, about 40 percent of Austria’s forests had been damaged by acid rain and pollutant emissions.

April | May 2014

Austria

10 Greenest

Top

By Irina Tikhomirova

Countries

One of the most significant environmental issues in Austria, as in any transit country, is the pollution caused by increased traffic through the country. The traffic on the country’s superhighways increased from 600,000 vehicles a year in 1970s to around 10 million a year in 1990s. Most of this traffic passes through the Alpine valleys, which are extremely vulnerable to any ecological damage. The seriousness of the ecological problems has made the country take important steps towards the improvement of the ecological situation in the country. Some efforts have been made to introduce “green” forms of tourism that are less harmful and more compatible with the Alpine environment.

Profusion Magazine

PRO CARING

Water Quality in Austria is one of the best in the world, thanks to the very large share of population connected to high-standard wastewater treatment plants. About 28% of the land area is under protection. Nearly a fifth of the agricultural area is under organic farming, the highest percentage in the EU. Together with the environmentally friendly farming practices, this has helped reduce the impact of agriculture on the environment, including the intensity and use of fertilizers and excess nutrients.

Today, as a result of a strong environmental policy, this small and beautiful country has become a leader of sustainability.

An effective waste management policy has contributed to this result due to the high and rising rates of recycling of materials and waste disposal. Carbon intensity of the Austrian economy remains low by international standards, due to the widespread use of renewable energy and a relatively low energy intensity. In Austria, more than half of all the electricity consumed is generated from renewable energy sources, largely due to hydropower and biomass. Their longtime commitment to ecological energy sources has made Austria a model for clean energy.

Profusion Magazine

IN our NEXT ISSUE

ICELAND April | May 2014

By Venezia Fanner

!!!

Hazards of

IMG SRC: http://cdn.icewallpapers.com/var/1353/easter_animals-1353021-1920x1080.jpg

EASTER

What really happens to those chicks and bunnies after Easter?

ave you ever thought about what happens to all of the real chicks and bunnies people seem to buy as pets over the Easter holidays? Well, unfortunately, for nine out of ten of these animals it doesn’t end well. You might be guilty of buying somebody you know (mostly children) an adorable bunny or chick

April | May 2014

for Easter - but the reality is that more often than not these animals end up in an animal shelter or worse. Pets are a really big life-long commitment. You have to be willing to look after the animal for the rest of its life. More importantly, you to keep in mind that child might be in love that cute chick/bunny

but it will grow up, and like most things with children, they may lose interest. This is where you will need to step in and give the animal love and attention because you made the commitment when you bought the animal.

need your When you buy a pet for with your kids and abandon it now, when it’s not “cute” anymore

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PRO CARING you’re sending a dangerous message to your children. They’ll think that it is okay to get rid of pets or relinquish responsibility for the animal and it is most definitely not the correct lesson to be teaching. You wouldn’t adopt a baby and then abandon it when it outgrew its “cute” phase, so why should it be any different with animals? There have been many horror stories regarding bunnies, ducklings, and chicks who have been bought as Easter gifts.

Below are some reasons you shouldn’t buy animals as Easter gifts:

It could be a health hazard to you and your children

As I’m sure we all know, young birds can more often than not carry very harmful bacteria like salmonella for example. Salmonella is an infection that causes one to experience diarrhoea, fever, and abdominal cramps.

It sets a bad example for children

Buying an animal just for amusement is cruel in itself and some people go further by dying chicks/ducklings/ bunnies to make them look more appealing to kids. The fact that this animal will more than likely be euthanized or homeless just to give a kid a few days of happiness is sending a really bad message.

Buying animals as gifts encourages breeding

As it is, animal shelters are overpopulated – and by buying these animals instead of maybe adopting them – you are helping these people make their money by the overbreeding of these animals.

Please think about these factors this Easter before contemplating the buying of an animal that you may or may not be fully prepared to look after.

When you buy the bunny/ chick/duckling from a pet store/breeder/etc. In most cases, the animal did not come from a “happy home”. Most of these animals will have come from terrible conditions. If you’ve ever seen a puppy mill you’ll have a fair idea of how bad these conditions can be.

This can last up to 4 days. Children can be exposed to this bacteria by holding, kissing and even playing with the chick or duckling.

Profusion Magazine

April | May 2014

IN EVERY ISSUE By Danette Swanepoel

HERO of the Month

As Pope Paul IV said “Every mother is like Moses. She does not enter the promised land. She prepares a world that she will likely never see.”

ot only is she always there when you need her, not only is she selfless and regularly sacrificing her own dreams to reach yours, but she is the one that will pick you up and dust you off and help you get back on the horse every time you fall off. She is a mother and being a mother is a full-time job.

Let us not take lightly how difficult it must be to be a mother. From the day we are born we will test their patience, take up all their hours, make demands and expect their undivided attention and what do mothers do? They allow us our ups and downs, give us all the time we need, humour us and most importantly make sure we are happy and When you try to determine healthy all before they go to the true meaning of a mother bed at night and tomorrow you find that the meanings before we open our eyes they related to being a mother or start the process again. having a mother are endless. Mothers are protectors, Mothers all around the world teachers, mentors and best give their lives for their friends. children, working endlessly to raise individuals who can They are the magicians that contribute to society and bring childhood fairytales to reach their life goals. life and the masterchefs that keep us fed. Even when you What a privilege to have are an adult and have been a mother, let us not forget taking on the world on your those among us who have not own for years, nothing beats had the pleasure, privilege going back to mom’s house for and luxury to grow up with a a visit. It is not the nostalgia loving mother to fulfill in all of the environment or even their needs. the memories made there that gives you that feeling, (even Let us also never forget who though it does contribute) helped shape us who we are it is the fact that with mom today and who inspired who there you feel everything is we might become tomorrow. going to be all right.

April | May 2014

Super

MOM

Robert Brault said “If you have a mom, there is nowhere you are likely to go where a prayer has not already been.” Let us take that same concept and show appreciation and respect to all mothers. Let us also keep them in our thoughts, minds and prayers like they have done for us every second of our lives. We often forget how valuable their counsel is. The 11th May is Mother’s Day, remember to show your appreciation to that super woman in your life.

Profusion Magazine

PRO CULTURE

A nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s culture is in the heart and in the soul of its people.

Biodiversity

Understanding Easter

Delicious dishes

Mahatma Ghandi

Elections Day - RSA

Be sure to vote at this years elections. Find out if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re registered, information on parties and nearby voters stations on www.elections.org.za

07th May 2014

PRO CULTURE FEATURE

By Danette Swanepoel

e have all heard the term â&#x20AC;&#x153;Rainbow Nationâ&#x20AC;? being used almost on a daily basis to describe our country, and indeed the term would seem true with our diverse races, languages and cultural beliefs. Have you ever wondered how this colourful and diverse nation came to be? Although South African history is largely overshadowed by events such as Apartheid there is so much more to the history of our country and where we come from. Today we live in a country where Black, Indian, White, Coloured and Chinese descendants function together seamlessly every day but the racial diversity that we find today comes from many years before.

April | May 2014

My heart beats

for South Africa The earliest races to inhabit our country were the San and the Khoekhoe races which were estimated to have inhabited the southern parts of African from around 40 000 BC. Combined they were also collectively known as the Khoisan and consisted of individual groups such as the Bushmen, the Hottentots and the Khoikhoi. They were estimated to have been living in these parts of Africa for thousands of years before Europeans such as Jan van Riebeeck arrived. Other early inhabitants of our country include the Bantu people who were estimated to roam the northern regions of our country some hundred years before the arrival of European settlers at around

500 AD. It is from these afore-mentioned groups that many of our current African races sprang forth. European settlers in the Cape along with the later immigration and slave trade that followed gave birth to other races that have taken residence in RSA. Initially nine members of the Cape Dutch were given land to farm and by 1662 a colony of about 250 white people formed. This was the founding colony and most white descendants of our country stem from them. With slaves being imported from the east in the same period South Africa also received Indian and Chinese individuals. Some of these slaves from the East and

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PRO CULTURE higher up in Africa, along with descendants from the Khoisan and white colonists came together to the establishment of our coloured society and along with it, a strong Islam following as this was the religion of many slaves that were imported from the East. This is brief account of where South Africa’s races and languages came from that can be found in our country today. When you look at different races and cultures, a lot of history can be found in the food that they eat and how they prepare it. Some foods and beverages that we enjoy today have a long cultural history in our country. Beer for example, is a well-loved beverage that seems to make an appearance at least every weekend in our country. Indigenous African tribes brewed Beer for hundreds of years using grains such as sorghum, which produced cloudy liquor with low alcohol content. The consumption of beer was prized and formed a central part of many ceremonies including weddings. As with beer many foods

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that we consume regularly can be traced back to roots from early South African civilizations. Bobotie as a dish was influenced by the arrival of Malaysian slaves who brought with them spices such as cinnamon and cardamom.

Also think of ‘koeksisters’, which came from the European Dutch whilst curries, bunny chows and chutney were attained from Indian inhabitants. Another interesting food fact is that biltong, ‘droëwors’ and rusks were created in South Africa during the 17th century out of necessity and due to a nomadic lifestyle.

the Afrikaans “sokkie” has its roots in camp fire music practiced by trek boers during the Great Trek. The examples listed form only a fraction of a much larger pool of traditional uses, cultural events and historically influenced items that have an impact on our current lives. Though in many cases due to our rich history and diverse cultures there seems to be some disagreement as to which traditions stem from which ancestors. If this is a problem what a blessed problem it is to be exposed to such a rich and powerful blend of history, art, culture and traditions. Isn’t it time that we fell back in love with South Africa and all it has to offer?

Many traditions that are used and practiced today also stem from those practiced by early inhabitants of our country.

Our traditional music is influenced greatly by our ancestors, when you look at song and dance that is still practiced by African tribes they can be directly linked to that practiced by their elders in years before and even

Tell us why you are Proudly South African by sending us an email at: info@profusionmag.co.za

April | May 2014

PRO CULTURE

UND By Eva Sgroi

oo often people confuse tradition with religion. In the process of uncovering the meaning and true origin of the Easter holiday I found myself coming across religious debates that were aimed at understanding the resurrection and Easter as a unified entity. The truth is that the Christian account of the resurrection is entirely separate from that of Easter and its symbolism and over the years, religious institutions have, similarly to the Christmas holiday, adopted pagan customs to accommodate peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s deeply rooted traditions. During this process, the two have merged together, blurring the fine line that clearly differentiates the two.

April | May 2014

ERS T

AND

ING

In order to understand Easter one needs to completely remove it from the confines of the religious connotation it has been placed under. Easter originates from the form of the name Astarte who was the Babylonian â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;goddess of heavenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; associated with fertility, similarly the symbolism that comes from the egg and the Easter bunny is also that of new life and fertility. The resurrection of Jesus Christ and its significance to the Christian community is far removed from the meaning of these nature-related symbols that they cannot be compared in the slightest. To put it all into perspective Easter can be seen as a time to celebrate and embrace new beginnings and the beauty of the changing of seasons as it was originally intended. The beautification

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PRO CULTURE of eggs represents the human ability to appreciate nature and its importance in the sustaining of all earthly life. The rabbit has always been a symbol of fertility because of its known ability to reproduce rapidly and therefore serves as the animal most plausibly chosen to represent new beginnings, new life, and the continuation of life from a naturebased perspective.

The confusion between and merging of the Christian holiday purposed to celebrate the resurrection of Christ and the pagan symbolism of fertility and new life came about, with much observation, not intentionally but as a means of expressing spiritual realities with ordinary everyday practices. The people of the times, who might have worshiped other deities or who were exposed to the pagan way of life chose to express their Christian beliefs through customs and practices that they could relate to. In ancient Egypt and Persia, friends exchanged decorated eggs at the spring equinox, the beginning of their New Year. These eggs were a symbol of fertility for them because the living creature that came from an egg was so surprising to and it was through this observed practice that the egg was adopted as a significant Christian symbol by the early Christians in the nearby and surrounding areas. According to the Encyclopaedia Britannica the Roman Emperor Constantine chose to replace the Jewish Passover with the Easter holiday, which would serve to represent the resurrection of Christ. The only way to gain societies adherence would be to incorporate everyday ordinary traditions and symbolism that the people could relate to.

Profusion Magazine

By Constantine’s implementation of the Holiday and the powerful baking of the Roman Empire, Easter quickly became one of the world’s most recognized and popular religious holidays.

It is perhaps only coincidence that makes the resurrection so easily relatable to Easter’s pagan symbolism. Christ’s new birth, or rather his raising from the dead out of his burial tomb can be compared to new birth from an egg, although there is absolutely no relation however the connection can be made with minimal effort. The key to understanding Easter is separating it from its religious context and observing it from a physical and not a spiritual perspective. Easter is a period in time that marks the drastic changing of seasons and a reminder that nature in its core holds the key to sustaining all human life and the continuation of the human race or any other species, that it should be cherished, respected and admired. The resurrection of Christ is a reminder to those of the faith, of the sacrifice that was made on behalf of the people, for the purpose of redemption. They are not one and the same and it is up to the individual to decide how they want to interpret the facts and celebrate Easter.

Continues to page 24...

April | May 2014

IN EVERY ISSUE Continued from page 22...

Easter has always been a highly significant and perceived holy-holiday for Roman Catholics all over the world. Over time, other Christian denominations adopted the holiday but it is still, to this day, not always celebrated as a religious festival but simply as an old-age tradition of families and friends coming together to embrace new beginnings. In many European homes, Easter is not celebrated with the stereotypical Easter egg hunts or indulging in chocolate bunny rabbits but rather with the drinking of wine and eating of lamb and bread. This form of celebration symbolizes the slain Lamb of God, the body and blood of Jesus Christ. The whole idea of Easter is open to interpretation, however you should chosoe how you think it should be celebrated as it is a holiday that should be celebrated in accordance with your personal beliefs and values. It is important to properly understand the differences between Easter and the resurrection so that the meanings are understood and not misinterpreted but hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wishing you all A HAPPY EASTER.

April | May 2014

Delicious Dishes

Winter Warmers

Chicken Corn Soup

Ingredients

By Naseema Khan

250g chicken fillet 2tbsp butter 1 tbsp oil 1 medium onion Salt & pepper to taste 1 green chilli chopped fine Robertsonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Garlic flakes Robertsonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Garlic & herb seasoning 1 tin cream style sweetcorn 1 l milk 1 packet vegetable soup (prepared according to directions on packaging) 2tbsp flour (mix with a little milk reserved from above) 1 x 250ml fresh cream

Method

Chop/dice onion and green chilli (finely). Cube chicken fillet. Prepare vegetable soup according to package directions and set aside.

Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat, add oil. Add the onion and cook for 1-2 minutes. Add chicken and all dry ingredients / seasoning.

Stir in creamed corn, milk and prepared vegetable soup. Mix in flour milk mixture. Bring to the boil then simmer for 10 minutes or until you are happy with the consistency. Remove from the heat and stir through the fresh cream. Top with the coriander and serve with bread sticks /milk rolls.

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PRO fession 26

Get Promoted

Job Seeking 101

Know your rights

Career Insights

Terrific Tales

Month to Month

To become an able and successful man in profession, three things are necessary: nature, study and practice

Henry Ward Beecher

International Nurses Day

Celebrate the care givers who help save lives every day.

12th May 2014 Profusion Magazine

April | May 2014

PRO FESSION FEATURE

10 TIPS

to take

the next

T S

Get Promoted

P By Natalie Singer APSO COO

n an ideal world we’d all like to have smooth career transitions including promotion from one level to the next, but in the real world you need to make a conscious effort to stand out, be noticed (for all the right reasons) and make it impossible for your bosses to overlook you.

Work hard…always!

A strong work ethic and willingness to go the extra mile will always help you to stand out in the minds of your colleagues and superiors. Make sure that you are punctual, offer to assist others and put your head down and get the job done.

Deliver

The age old saying, “under promise, over deliver” is especially true in the case of impressing for promotional consideration. When asked to complete a project carefully consider what a reasonable time would be to do the job well and allow yourself some wiggle room. Rather say that you need a week and deliver it within four days to impress them than realise too late that you under-estimated and either have to deliver substandard work or worse, miss the deadline.

April | May 2014

Continuously improve your skills

Skilled individuals will always be preferred for promotion. Find opportunities to increase your skills, whether it’s improving your computer literacy, learning a new language or understudying a superior. Skills can be formal, by completing a course or qualification, or gained through self-learning. Why not utilise the Internet to find online training, guidelines or videos to help you polish your skills? Good general knowledge is important for showing your aptitude for development. You should be aware of what’s happening the world and so watching the news or reading the newspaper should become a

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PRO fession daily ritual. If you’re in a niche industry you should also read any industry journals or subscribe to e-newsletters to ensure that you’re abreast of any changes and developments. The ability to converse intelligently will also stand you in good stead.

Dress for the job you want, not the one you have

Find a mentor

There is nothing more powerful than learning from someone who has “been there, done that”. Try to find someone who you’d aspire to be and ask whether they’d be willing to be your mentor. Mentors should be respected and can guide you in terms of identifying both your strengths and areas for development.

Don’t be afraid to speak up

Initiative is an essential trait for a manager or team leader. If you have an idea that you believe will assist in streamlining a process, improving customer experience or saving costs, be sure to tell your manager. Consider your suggestion and how you’d present it, including any likely questions and how you’d answer them, so that you create a good impression.

Seek out opportunity

If there are opportunities to volunteer for a special project or extra work, don’t be afraid to put your hand up. The experience and exposure you get will benefit you in terms of immediate learning but also give you the chance to impress.

Don’t get involved in politics

No-one likes a gossip. Avoid the temptation of becoming involved in petty gossip or office politics. Keep your nose clean, your relationships professional and remain neutral.

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Appearance and professionalism go hand-in-hand. Make sure that you’re always neatly dressed, well groomed and hygienic. It’s Murphy’s Law that the day the big boss wants to talk to you, you dragged yourself out of bed, opted not to wash your hair and didn’t iron your shirt. Be prepared… your big break could come at any time.

Be patient

Despite what you might think, the world of work is not one of instant gratification. You will not rise to the Managing Director role within six months of joining the company so be patient. Utilise the time in each of the roles, even the most junior, to learn all you can and work out how to move to the next level.

Know when you have to look elsewhere

Unfortunately we don’t always get the opportunity in our current company; whether it’s because it isn’t a big enough organisation or because your superiors are settled in. If you’re unable to progress in your current company you may need to look elsewhere for your “promotion”. Remember that before you make a career change, carefully consider whether the opportunity will give you what you’re looking for and a longer-term option for personal and professional development.

April | May 2014

b o J g n i k ee

IN EVERY ISSUE

101

To Temp

…or not to Temp…

that is the Question

Get your foot on the career ladder

t’s the age old conundrum…how do I get a job when I don’t have any experience when I need a job to gain experience? Well, why not consider temping? Temp assignments give new entrants to the world of work a chance to experience the workplace and gain experience in a range of industries and jobs. Because it’s not a permanent appointment, many employers are also more willing to “tata ma chance” and employ an inexperienced individual. There are many benefits for you too…

Chance to earn some money

Build your CV Every temp job can be included on your CV and provides you the all necessary “experience” that potential employers are looking for. In South Africa, 32% of people who started working as a temp secured permanent employment within 12 months.

Gain valuable references

This is not to be sneezed at! In today’s expensive world, every little bit helps and temping can be a good way to supplement your income when you’re studying or trying to find a permanent job.

Work hard, be polite, do more than is expected and help to create excellent references that will wow potential employers. If you work through a temp agency then the temp consultant will also become a good referee for you in your quest to secure permanent employment.

Exposure to different workplaces

Network

Temp assignments often give you the chance to work across industries, in different roles and with a diverse range of people. Use the opportunity to get as much experience as possible and to learn from the people you work with.

When on assignment make sure that you present your best side at all times. You will meet many people who in turn know people who may be looking for someone just like you. As the saying goes, “it’s very rarely what you know, but rather who you know”.

Be open to opportunity and don’t dismiss temp assignments that may not seem to be a perfect match for your qualification or career aspirations. There is always something to learn, even if it’s just confirmation that you don’t want to do that job again.

April | May 2014

In today’s world, more and more opportunities come in the form of temp, fixed term contract or casual employment and so opening your mind to taking on this type of role will help you to get onto the career ladder.

Profusion Magazine

Do temporary employees

have any rights

under SA labour law?

any employees do not know their basic rights under South African labour legislation, even more so temporary employees who may feel more vulnerable because they do not know what rules are applicable to them. The bottom line is that irrespective of whether an employee is a temporary employee or a permanent employee both are afforded and enjoy equal protection under law. In this article we will examine a few basic rights that all employees, including “temps” are entitled to under the Basic Conditions of Employment Act.

Ordinary hours of work

An employee may not be required or permitted to work more than 45 normal hours in any week or more than nine hours in any day if the employee works for five days or fewer in a week; or eight hours in any day if the employee works on more than five days in a week.

Overtime

An employer may not require or permit an employee to work overtime except in accordance with an agreement (such as a contract of employment), limited to not more than three hours’ overtime a day; or ten hours’ overtime a week. If an employee has worked overtime he/she must be paid at least one-and-a-half times the

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employee’s wage for overtime worked or grant the employee paid time off work of at least 30 minutes’ time off on full pay (per hour worked) in addition to paying the employee the normal hourly wage for the overtime worked.

Meal intervals and breaks

An employer must give an employee who works continuously for more than five hours a meal interval of at least one continuous hour. By agreement an employee and employer may reduce the meal interval to not less than 30 minutes or dispense with a meal interval for an employee who works fewer than six hours on a day.

Annual leave

Employees are entitled to 21 days consecutive (15 working days) in a 12-month period, or 1 day for every 17 days worked or 1.25 days for every month worked. Any unused leave must be paid out at the termination of employment.

Sick leave

During the first 6 months of employment an employee is entitled to 1 day sick leave for every 26 days worked. After 6 month sick leave of up to 30 days per 36-month cycle if employee works 5 days a week, or 36 days per 36-month cycle if the employee works 6 days per week.

IN EVERY ISSUE

Know your rights Attie Botes Federation of African Professional Staffing Organisations (APSO)

Family responsibility leave

After four months of continuous employment an employee is entitled to 3 days paid family responsibility leave in the event of an employee’s child being born, when the employee’s child is sick, or in the event of the death of the employee’s spouse or life partner; or the employee’s parent, adoptive parent, grandparent, child, adopted child, grandchild or sibling. Employers may request proof of event before paying this benefit out.

Termination of employment and notice A contract of employment may only be terminated by either party giving notice to the other party of at least:

1 One week, if the employee

has been employed for four weeks or less;

2 Two weeks, if the employee

has been employed for more than four weeks but not more than one year;

3 Four weeks, if the employee

has been employed for one year or more.

Longer notice periods may be agreed in a contract of employment as this is considered to be more favourable for an employee.

April | May 2014

IN EVERY ISSUE

Career Insights

Want to make a difference?

By Lee Young, GM Charisma Healthcare Solutions

Consider a career in

o consider nursing as a career and as a profession one must have the desire and a passion for the service industry and understanding that nurses are not driven by money. Long hours, weekend and night work are made worthwhile when one nurses an ill patient back to health or in some instances a peaceful, dignified death.

nursing

Do you h ave w ha t it ta kes ? There is a long list of traits that makes a good nurse but probably compassion is the foremost characteristic of a nurse. Reliable, punctual, dependable, passionate, committed, honest, resilient, energetic, hardworking and empathetic, are but some of the characteristics that describe a good nurse.

Sca rcity of skills , especia lly a mo n gst you t h It is a well-documented fact that South Africa is experiencing a major “nursing crisis”. We believe that every single stakeholder needs to join forces to address the problem in order to resolve the issues as soon as possible.

Qualification Requirements There are a number of accredited training schools where a formal qualification in Nursing can be obtained. Currently there are 3 exit qualifications; Enrolled Nursing Assistant, Enrolled Nurse and Professional Nurse; Professional Nurse being the highest qualification.

In 2010 the picture worsened when we consider the age groups the current nursing pool represents: Registered Professional Nurses

Older than 60 years - 13 % Older than 40 years - 60 % Only 4 % younger than 30 years

April | May 2014

Registered Enrolled Nurses

Registered Auxiliary Nurses

Older than 50 years - 18 % Older than 40 years - 28 % Older than 30 years - 33 %

Older than 50 years - 18 % Older than 40 years - 24 % Older than 30 years - 34 %

Only 15 % younger than

Only 16 % younger than

30 years

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E n t r y req uirements a re specifi c to t h e ch osen q ua lifica tio n. 2015 se e s t h e in trodu ctio n o f the new nu r si n g c u r ric u lu ms and new qua lifica tio n s: 1.

Higher Certificate: Auxiliary Nursing; This is an entry level qualification into Nursing and Learners must have successfully completed Grade 12 Diploma in Nursing; This qualification will enable the learner to function as a clinically focused service orientated independent Registered Staff Nurse Bachelor of Nursing; on successful completion of this qualification the learner is eligible for registration as Professional Nurse.

The duration of the course is determined by the exit qualification; the shortest course being a year, the longest 4 years and with the new curriculum 5 years. In order to close the gap on the competencies of newly qualified nurses, Charisma implemented a National Clinical Facilitation Programme. The success of this programme has been proven in that we have been able to find employment opportunities for many who would have struggled due to a lack of skills and knowledge. To participate in this programme, one would need to be qualified as an Enrolled Nursing Assistant, Enrolled Nurse or a Professional Nurse with current proof of registration with the South African Nursing Council. Registration with the Nursing Council is an inherent requirement as license to practice as a Nurse. If you are interested in learning more about career opportunities facilitated by Charisma, please visit our website www.charismanursing.co.za

TERRIFIC tales

The story of the man and the dream Dream asked man what he wanted in life. Man answered: “Just to live a life that is filled with better tomorrow's and more of the things I want”. Dream asked man why he had not yet accomplished these things that he wants. Man answered: “There are always things I'd like to do, achieve and accomplish yet I never get there. That's why you are such a good friend of mine dream”. Dream said: “Don't you think that talking about the things you want to do and achieve makes me excited for you. The thing is man I can only be seen by you and no one else, you alone discuss these things with me but it stays with me. Until you make a decision to act on what we discuss, all our conversations will never be known. No one will hear of you rgreat ideas or listen to your stories of failure and success. There is no one to share with and no one to grow with. Yet I am your friend and I’m giving you this advice: Rather than sitting here always discussing, get out there and start doing, talk, make other friends and do the things we talk about. In a year you can come back and we can discuss more of what you want to do. I believe you will make a new friend called Will.... He will take you from talking to doing”. Dream finished in saying:”For a man to dream he only needs to take the winds of thought to his destination, however the journey itself is accomplished through dedication, persistence and will. When you make dream your friend make sure that will is there as well for when they combine you get direction, planning and accomplishment - a powerful combination and great friends to have”. Written by A F Desmet

Profusion Magazine

April | May 2014

APRIL 2014 Sunday

Monday

Monthly Obeservations

Tuesday 01 April Fools

Wednesday 02 Childrens Book Day

Mens Health Month

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

World Health Day

21 Easter Sunday

Freedom Day SA

Easter Monday

22 Earth Day

19 Good Friday

26 Int Arbour Day

MAY 2014 Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Saturday

Monthly Obeservations

Friday

Workers Day

Mothers Day

Star Wars Day

Int Nurses Day

(Make your mark)

26Emergency

Services Week

Elections Day SA

Int day for biological diversity

PRO LEARN

The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you will go.

Dr Seuss

34 4 questions for budding authors 36

Dealing with Autism

Read It

UNISA Applications open

If you are looking to start a new qualification part-time at Unisa, you must apply for admission for each new qualification even if you already have a student number. Applications are now open.

07th - 25th April 2014

PRO LEARN FEATURE

SERIES

for the Budding Author:

Questions you need to ask yourself

By Tracey McDonald & Alison Lowry

hatever path you may come to choose in your journey towards publication, once you have a clearer idea of where you want to be and where you might actually be headed – and these two things could already be pointing to opposite directions without you even realising it – there is one fundamental rule that applies across the board: understand and respect the process and don’t rush it. Many writers, even very good ones, make the mistake of waiving this rule in their impatience or eagerness, once they begin to see the finish line in sight, to press Save and Send almost simultaneously on the day they complete a first draft of their manuscript. Resist the Save and Send impulse. Wherever it is you’re sending it, your manuscript is not ready to go. Trust us. It’s not. That finish line may actually be a mirage. It might be several kilometres ahead of where you think it is. Sometimes it’s not the finish line at all – it’s the starting line.

April | May 2014

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PRO LEARN

The point is that rushing or trying to short circuit the critical step between finishing a book and securing the best home for it can often scupper its chances of success altogether, and that is a dreadful pity when you have worked so hard.

We would recommend before you do anything else that you align your hopes and expectations for your book/s and writing career in your own mind. Make sure that you’ve done this before you even think of submitting anything “finished” to an agent or publisher.

Put down, in writing, your answers to these four questions: 1. Why am I writing? 2. Who is my audience? 3. What are my hopes for my work? 4. What are my expectations? Think carefully and authentically before you do. It may look self-evident or even simplistic, breaking this important point down into four questions you ought to be asking yourself, but you would be surprised by how many writers, and not only inexperienced ones, don’t do this.

If you can’t answer them, you’re already in trouble. If your answers and reasons are vague (eg “I’ve always wanted to write a book”; “Everyone says I should write a Here’s how you might start. book”; “I think I just need to get my story It doesn’t matter where you are right now in out there”), this signals that you’re not taking your own writing process. Whether you’re your work seriously enough. And if you can’t halfway through a novel or trying to put a take your work seriously and really think the proposal together for your book on subsistence process through for yourself, why on earth farming in Zimbabwe, or wondering whether should you expect anyone else to take your those stories you’ve been lovingly illustrating work seriously, from publisher to reader? for your grandchildren wouldn’t make a great gift packaged in a boxed set – put half an Tracey McDonald and Alison Lowry hour aside in your day and try this small, www.getyourbookpublished.co.za deceptively simple exercise.

Next in this series:

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So you’re confident that your novel is destined to be a best seller, then stay tuned for the next installment for the budding author - the Editing Process

April | May 2014

PRO LEARN

Dealing with

AUTISM

By Danette Swanepoel

pril is Autism awareness month and what a better way to celebrate than by helping raise awareness of this disease. There are many myths related to autism which proves that this disorder is regularly misunderstood, misdiagnosed and often goes untreated. Autism is what is medically referred to as a wide spectrum disorder. What this means is that autism is a disorder with a whole range of different linked conditions which are not all present in every case of the disorder, in fact in most cases no two individuals diagnosed with autism will present the exact same symptoms. Autism is a developmental disability which is most commonly characterized by symptoms such as repetitive behaviours, difficulty with social interactions, displaying problems with reacting to the world around them and difficulty

April | May 2014

with verbal and non-verbal communication.

Due to the wide range of symptoms linked to autism and ASD it can be very difficult to diagnose. Studies done by the CDC in the U.S. have found that at least 1 in 88 American children have been diagnosed with autism or ASD. These studies have also found that boys seem to be four times more prone to develop the disorder than girls as they found that 1 in every 54 boys have autism or ASD as opposed to 1 in every 252 girls who develop it. Autism is caused by a range of different things of which the most common are gene changes or mutations, developmental abnormalities and

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prenatal risk factors such as illness and other maternal conditions. Below are some of the more common symptoms of autism in more detail.

Social Skills: An individual diagnosed with

Loud noises, smells and lights: An individual with autism or ASD may find some loud noises unpleasant and may react negatively to the stimulus. The same is true for strong smells and sudden changes in the lighting and temperature of their environment. This symptom is closely linked to the negative reactions experienced by sudden and unexpected physical contact. It is influenced more by the fact that the individual could not anticipate the change than by the actual change itself.

autism will usually have differently in a social context than the rest of the population. This can range from mild symptoms such as someone appearing to be socially awkward or a bit clumsy or very severe to the individual completely removing themselves from the social context. Many times someone with ASD may miss the social cues we give each other Repetitive behaviours and tics: As when we want somebodyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s attention. individuals with autism prefers predictability they can often be found repeating the same Empathy and Understanding of behaviours over and over again. It can be something as simple as arranging and Feelings: Autism affects an individualâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ability rearranging the same set of toys or writing to understand unspoken communication the same things page after page. Some and their ability to empathize with others individuals also have physical tics which can is usually also much weaker. This does not range from long and complicated to something mean however that they cannot understand very simple such as a series of blinks. emotion or empathize with the emotions of others. It is important to remember that the effects of autism can be diminished with intensive Physical Contact: Many individuals therapy. Research has shown that with early diagnosed with ASD do not enjoy too much detection children with autism can improve to physical contact, some however enjoy an such an extent that when they take the tests occasional hug from a close relative. The again they have scored outside the range issue here is sudden or unexpected physical of diagnosis. Many individuals with autism contact, individuals with ASD find it difficult or ASD are performing very well in terms to anticipate when physical contact is going of visual, musical and academic skills. The to happen and as such sometimes experience important thing to keep in mind is that each the event negatively. individual with autism and ASD is as unique as one who does not have the disease. With Speech: The more severe the case of autism the necessary care, acceptance and respect and ASD the more the individuals verbal skills individuals and their families can live full and are affected. Individuals with the disorder happy lives. often repeat words or phrases that they have heard excessively. Challenges exist with For more information or support, be sure intonation and their speech may sound very to visit: www.autismsupportnetwork.com or formal. www.aut2know.co.za.

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April | May 2014

Read It

IN EVERY ISSUE

Book Review

The LEGACY by M Delport

One man obsessed with power. One woman prepared to sacrifice everything to stop him. Growing up in post nuclear America, Rebecca Dais remained blissfully ignorant of the despotic leadership that had seized what was previously the most powerful nation in the world. When the truth is revealed and Rebecca discovers that everything she has been tught is a lie, she is determined to fight for the life that she has not been allowed to live. In order to do this, Rebecca has to cross the boundary fences and venture out of the safety of the New United States, into the barren wastelands. It is there that she finds allies she never dreamed existed. In Rebecca, the Resistance has finally found the ultimate weapon. An action-packed, adrenalin-inducing thrill ride, which will have you riveted long after you have turned the last page. Set in the post-nuclear America, this trilogy is a fast-paced page turner. More about the book and Melissa Delport on www.melissadelport.com Reviewed By: Tracey McDonald www.traceymcdonaldpublishers.com

April | May 2014

The Saint, the Surfer and the CEO by R Sharma

Robin Sharma is a best-selling author of books such as ‘The Monk who sold his Ferrari’ and ‘Leadership Wisdom from the Monk who sold his Ferrari’. He is a former lawyer with two law degrees and is wellknown for his speeches for organisations dedicated to developing leaders. ‘The Saint, the Surfer and the CEO’ is a self-help work of fiction that will change your life forever. It is based on a man (Jack) who comes very close to death after a car accident. This incident leaves him questioning the quality of life. While at the hospital Jack meets someone who immediately changes his life from the inside out. At this point the book changes into somewhat of a travel memoir as we see Jack travel to Rome, Hawaii and New York as he goes on a quest to answer some of life’s most puzzling questions. I would strongly recommend this book to anyone who feels like their life has reached a dead end, and to anyone who is ready to rediscover their child-like zest for life. Not only will this book give you direction to change your mind set, it will give you the tools required to succeed in your career, and relationships as well. Reviewed By: Jess Nicholson

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PRO PLANNING

A goal without a plan is just a wish

Benjamin Franklin

40 A powerful asset 42 How going green can save

Johannesburg Marketing Indaba

Planning wouldnt be complete without the ideal marketing strategy. Be sure to visit the Indaba for key tips on how to develop and refine your strategy. Venue: Sandton, Maslow Hotel

May 2014 Profusion Magazine 28th - 29th

April | May 2014

PRO PLANNING FEATURE

By Duane Kohl Certified Financial Planner Strategic Financial Consulting

A powerful

asset having unreasonable friends

have started making an effort to surround myself with unreasonable friends. Allow me to explain: I have a friend by the name of Niel. He can, at times, be a REAL “pain in the backside”. He is unlike most of the people that I have befriended. You see, when we engage with the majority of people in our lives, we tend to share our “status quo” and “current affairs”, and always seem to somehow drill down to the negative or unfortunate. The response that we get from our so-called friends, is one of reasoning with you. They show empathy, sympathy, nod their heads and agree that your current situation is one that they can relate to, or in fact, that they are in the same boat as you, and will hold your hand as you both inevitably drown. Misery, it seems, really does love company. Niel, however, is the opposite. He tells me the very last thing I want to hear—the truth. He is my UN-reasonable friend. Let me take my newsletter as an example: D: “I want to get a monthly newsletter going, but it takes so much time which I don’t have” N: “Great!, when can I see the first draft?” D: “Um, I’ll sit this weekend and do it…” N; “Good, send it to me on Monday”. 40

April | May 2014

Monday Morning… N: Ring, Ring “Hi Duane, I checked my mail, no newsletter draft?” D: “er, yes, I um, have only sort of half completed it…” N: “Great, I’m coming over to have a look at it” By this time, I knew that the only way to satisfy this guy, was to start punching out my first letter and coming up with a result. You see, an un-reasonable friend, is someone that refuses to compromise, and expects more from you than you expect of yourself. They will not accept “no/can’t/wont” for an answer, and make sure you never give up. They take the time and effort to ensure that your interests are met, and protect you with the truth from your own worst enemy—yourself. I find it amazing how we humans hate being taken out of our comfort zone; even at the expense of knowing what the right thing to do is. Weight loss is a perfect example: If I had to sit most people down, and ask them to make a list of what they perceive as a viable strategy to lose weight, very few if any would be unable to come up with one.

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PRO PLANNING They would most likely list the factors of nutrition and exercise. So if we know what is required, why don’t we do it? The reason being for this, is that it is so comfortable to rather sleep in, than go to the gym at 5am. It’s so comforting to eat that double sundae banana split smothered in chocolate syrup.

Th e un re ason a ble friend is the o ne w h o re m o ves you fro m yo ur detrime n t a l com for t z one. Yo ur unrea son a bl e f r i e nd is the o ne tha t sets the goa l fo r you both b y e ntering bo th into the n e x t M i d m ar Mile . Goa l s et, no w let’s t ra i n for it. They a re the o nes tha t a ssi st you i n your nu tritio na l goa ls One of the greatest dangers, I’ve realized, is to snub or not listen to my unreasonable friends. They are the greatest assets I have that assist me aspiring to more than I will allow myself to achieve. As humans, we seem to be so selfdestructive and restrictive to our inert ability. Your unreasonable friends are the ones that refuse your excuses, and commit yourself, to yourself, to your word. So what has this all to do with financial planning? Consider this paragraph excerpt from Ingé Lambrecht in her research article “How South Africans spend their money”, written 16th of September 2013…“South Africans spend almost four times more on alcohol than on out of pocket healthcare, over one and a half times more on clothes than on education and about the same on DSTV subscriptions as on retirement annuities”. This brings me squarely on to the point of this months newsletter. The above statistic seems

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absurd, but I see this practice daily regarding retirement provision. I recently made what may have been perceived as an unreasonable suggestion to a client, that they should cancel their current DSTV subscription as opposed to cancelling their RA due to financial constraints. I was soon to learn that I was totally out of line to make such an absurd suggestion… I like to think of myself as an unreasonable friend. There is a difference between advise, and mathematics. Advise is open to opinion, mathematics is not. Numbers do not lie. As unreasonable as the plan may seem to ensure financial stability in retirement one day, not taking action will see you failing nobody else but yourself. To complicate matters, if you are of my age, economists are calling us the “sandwich generation’; harboured with supporting both our children and parents financially. Three generations surviving off one income. Mmm. Again, the majority of people I meet - when pressed for the answer— know what it is that they need to do, but prefer not to give up that warm, fuzzy comfort zone… As can be seen by Ms. Lambrecht’s article, South Africans do not have a culture of saving. “Manyana”, “Móre is nog ñ dag”… Think I’ll settle in for tonight’s movie on DSTV with a nice banana split double sundae...

an un-reasonable friend, is someone that refuses to compromise, and expects more from you than you expect of yourself. They will not accept “no/can’t/wont” for an answer, and make sure you never give up.

April | May 2014

PRO PLANNING FEATURE By Lelanie Slater

How going

GREEN

can save you

MONEY W

e all talk about ‘going green’. We mumble about the risks of coal as our source of fuel at dinner parties and some of us even have a compost heap in the back of our garden. But how green are we really? Going ‘green’ needn’t be difficult, or expensive. Here are six easy ways to up your green status.

Tip 1: Grow your own herbs and veggies. Living costs add up quickly. Before you know it, a ‘quick’ grocery run has added up to a few hundred Rand. Why not save your wallet and the planet by growing your own seasonal herbs and veggies. It is easier than you think. Seeds simply need fertile soil, some space, and plenty of water and sunlight to grow. By growing your own, you are reducing your carbon footprintno need for expensive, imported Aubergines from Malta. The added bonus is that your produce is 100% organic.

Tip 2: Harness the power of the sun. A great idea for saving on your power usage is to make use of solar powered lights. There are a multitude of options available, from the ‘peg it in the ground’ garden variety, to the more décor friendly Consol solar jar. Solar lights can be used inside or out, and are a great, earth friendly way to light up your garden.

April | May 2014

Profusion Magazine

Save the planet and your wallet

Tip 3: Repurpose and re-use. Producing new furniture is costly and heavy on our natural resources. A better alternative is to repurpose an old piece. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s nothing like a lick of paint (even better if you use some leftover paint standing in your garage) and some new hardware to transform an old piece. The upside is that your item will be one of a kind.

Tip 4: Thrifting. Instead of buying everything new, why not scour antique shops and second hand stores for interesting pieces. You will be amazed at what can be found. There are loads of items that are still in perfect nick; and at a fraction of the cost. Keep an eye out for art, crockery and solid wooden furniture. You could even give old items a new lease on life by adding your own creative touch, like this cake stand made from old crockery. Continues to page 44...

Profusion Magazine

April | May 2014

Continued from page 42...

Tip 5: Make your ownâ&#x20AC;Ś cards and giftwrap that is. Making your own wrapping is very easy and loads of fun- Especially if you have little ones in the house. Sites like Pinterest (hyperlink) are great for ideas. Keep it simple with a few markers and large sheets of brown or white paper. Or go all out with stamps, glitter, the works. The possibilities are endless. Friends and family will feel even more special, receiving your handmade offering.

Tip 6: Try a cleaning alternative. Why not use cheaper and more earth friendly alternatives to household cleaners? Cleaning products are some of the most harmful substances we use. They are not only bad for the health of our planet, but also for us.

Try these cheap and easy alternatives:

1. Cover your shower, bath or basin faucet with bag of vinegar and secure with a rubber band. Leave it there overnight and youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll have a clean tap and handle without all the scrubbing. 2. Soak your shower curtain in a salt water bath for a few hours, let it dry, then rehang. The salt is a chemical-free way to fight against mildew. 3. Try cutting the bottom edge of your shower curtain liner with pinking shears. The uneven edges facilitates water dripping, and reduces the chances of mold.

IMG SRC: 1: seedlings in a tray. Hyperlink http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/start-from-seedtips-to-help-your-garden-grow-cheaply-200402] 2: consol solar lamp. Hyperlink http://www.consol.co.za/irj/go/km/docs/site/pages/ consol_solar_jar.html] 3 before and 3 after: Hyperlink http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/before-afteroffice-cabinet-all-business-up-front-then-party-in-the-back-200423] 4: Hyperlink http://deardesigner.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/ravishingroses-cake-stand.jpg] | [Hyperlink : http://www.pinterest.com] 5: Gift wrap, Hyperlink http://www.designlovefest.com/2013/12/giveaway-epson/

April | May 2014

Profusion Magazine

PRO SELF

You are who you are when nobodyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s watching

Stephen Fry

Safety starts at home

Home health checks

Creative Corner

South African Cheese Festival If you have a thing for cheese then this is the place to be. With over 200 varieties of cheeses to choose and taste from, it is not to be missed. More information on: http://www.cheesefestival.co.za/ | Venue: Stellenbosch, W. Cape

Profusion Magazine 26th - 29th April 2014

April | May 2014

PRO SELF

Safety

starts at home By Ryette Dempsey

Home is where the heart is, best to keep it safe.

o many things go unnoticed in the daily rush of life. Especially in a space that we consider to be safe, a place of rest and a place to be at ease. This is one of the main reasons for silly but detrimental accidents in our homes. Negligence about home safety is something that is often not taken as seriously as it should be. Ironically the place where we feel the safest, the home, is one of the most common places for kids to be injured. Anything from a boiling pot left unattended to an unsafe power connection could be potentially life threatening. The best that can be done is to try and make the home environment as safe as possible by removing any hazards. One essential addition to any home is a first aid kit. If you do not have one, be sure to get one, as the fast response to a home accident can sometimes be the difference between life and death.

April | May 2014

Profusion Magazine

Most accidents concerning children occur in the living/ dining room whereas the most serious accidents occur in the kitchen and on stairs. The best way to eliminate the possibility of injury in the kitchen is to use a safety gate to keep younger children out of the kitchen, especially at times when there are a lot of things going on, like dinner time. This eliminates injuries caused by stoves, boiling water as well as cabinets containing harmful chemicals. Cabinets containing potentially life-threatening chemicals should be locked or out of reach at all times. This includes everyday cleaning products, laundry products and many chemicals contained in a medicine cabinet. The ingestion of everyday cleaning products are one of the main causes for accidental poisoning at home, by making these unreachable you efficiently eliminate the possibility thereof. Store these products in a high place, or keep the cabinet locked at all times. There are several noted incidents where the affected persons were not children, thus ensure that all harmful chemicals (especially poisons) are marked clearly so they are in no way mistaken for something that could be ingested.

Profusion Magazine

There are a great variety of locks, catches or latches that can be attached to any cupboard or drawer containing potentially harmful materials. Anything from cutlery and crockery to poisonous chemicals can be effectively barred through the use of simple latching systems.

One of the biggest causes for accidents involving adults are unintentional domestic fires. Fires caused by electrical appliances are generally more dangerous than others. Ensure that you have a working fire extinguisher and that more than one person in the home knows how to use it. Do not be negligent when it comes to anything that can cause a domestic fire. Ensure that all electrical appliances are grounded and that no exposed wires exist. Be careful when around candles, fireplaces and braai areas and ensure that no flammable materials are in close proximity to open flames.

Another very common cause for accidents in the home is the exposure to uncovered electrical sockets. Many electrocution-related accidents happen because kids cannot keep their fingers out of electric outlets. There are many safety products available to prevent these accidents, plastic plug covers that conceal the holes of the outlet can be bought at nearly The most important factor to any store now. keep in mind is that when you have children, it is of utmost importance that you create a A great number of household safe environment for them. accidents donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t even happen An environment where they indoors. The dangers when can play, explore and grow moving outside seem endless. up to be healthy and happy. Numerous outdoor accidents Eliminating causes for trivial happen when young children domestic accidents is the who cannot swim, fall into a first step in raising a healthy, swimming pool. The need for safety conscious family. a pool cover or net is thus essential. It is also extremely important to keep kids There are so many possible indoors when power tools, threats that surround us in lawn mowers etc. are around. our every day lives. So rather be safe than sorry, read up and do some research to Though accidents concerning ensure that your home is a children are more frequent safe environment, not only than those concerning adults, for your kids but for the whole it should not be ruled out. family.

April | May 2014

PRO PLANNING FEATURE

homehealth checks

for the beginner

By Danette Swanepoel

Here are some checks you can do at home to see if you are in tip-top shape:

tethoscopes, measuring tapes, scales and blood pressure monitors, these are the enemies when it comes to having our annual check-ups done. These check-ups are necessary but because of the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;hassleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; some find it to be this activity is commonly avoided and in turn we are neglecting our health. Though there is no substitute for a thorough medical workup from your doctor there are some medical and health checks that you do at home and then if necessary take the next step.

April | May 2014

One of the most important things that one can easily monitor is you skin. There are different things to look out for on your skin which can indicate some possible health issues. First and foremost, the most common thing to keep a keen eye on is whether you have any moles on your body. Take a regular look at these to see if they are growing in size, getting swollen, changing colour or start to bleed. If so consult your doctor as these can all be signs of a melanoma and skin cancer. If you are older than 25, look out for whether

Profusion Magazine

PRO SELF you are starting to see a big increase in tiny spots on your face. This could indicate a hormone imbalance, which especially in women can lead to a whole array of different things such as Pelvic Inflammatory Disease or ovarian cysts. It is always important to take good care of your skin, but even more so if you sunbathe regularly, have a family history of skin cancer or are especially fair skinned. Other health checks you can do at home is all about thyroid. An easy test for an underactive thyroid is to sit on the edge of a table with your legs swinging freely. Tap sharply on the stiff piece of tendon which is located at the bottom of your kneecap and the top of your leg bone. A good response is for the lower leg to kick up immediately, much as is depicted in many a cartoon. This however means that your thyroid is functioning well as it is responsible for many of the bodyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s processes and especially influences your reactions. If this does not happen you could have an underactive thyroid. An underactive thyroid has also regularly been linked to sudden weight and unexplained weight gain. A check to see if you have an overactive thyroid is to check for trembling hands especially if you are younger than 40. To do this place a piece of A4 paper on the back of your outstretched hand. Obviously some slight movement of the paper can be expected, but a pronounced movement or wobble is not normal. Trembling hands are not always a sign of a thyroid problem and regularly can be something else, but in both the above checks it is necessary to go to the doctor and have your thyroid tested if you did not get the normal outcome.

Profusion Magazine

What about another big health problem like a stroke? Americaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s National Stroke Foundation suggests you do the following. Find your pulse on your wrist and try to tap your foot to the rhythm of your pulse for one minute. If you can keep a steady beat your heartbeat is rhythmic and regular. If not you might have atrial fibrillation or an irregular heartbeat. If you suspect this or are experiencing any feelings of palpitations seek medical advice. Irregular heartbeat is one of the main causes of stroke. This simple test has alerted doctors to over 90% of cases who were diagnosed with atrial fibrillation. Women and men have to be aware of any lumps, changes in appearance or sensity in the testicular area for men or in the breasts for women. This is very important as studies have shown that our lifestyles have a direct link to the increase of gender related cancers. Research suggests that these examinations be done from puberty or at least be started at the age of 20. For information on examinations visit:

how

these

http://www.webmd.com/ women/breast-self-examination for women, or: h tt p : / / w w w. c a n c e r. o r g / c a n c e r / t e s t i c u l a r c a n c e r / detailedguide/testicular-cancer-detection for men.

Taking care of your personal health is a fulltime responsibility which is affected daily by the choices we make. Decisions we make now can influence our health in future and even though we are not actively thinking about it, it can have a big impact on our life expectancy. Be sure to try these home health checks and always be aware of what is happening with your body. Even if something seems insignificant, if you find it to be bothersome it is always best to consult with your healthcare provider.

April | May 2014

IN EVERY ISSUE

Creative Corner

This section highlights the many talented individuals on our Social media platforms and to pay tribute to some of the most active members on our groups: www.profusion-media.deviantart.com www.Facebook.com/Profusion.co.za

During previous months we had two Deviant Artists who were consistently active to contributing to our group. Thank you for your participation and amazing art.

Covert 15 - DeviantArt Covert15 has a beautiful gallery filled with amazing digital art, photography and photo manipulation.

Andrea1981G - DeviantArt Andrea1981G has been featured in our magazine before and we are no stranger to the beautiful fractals and gifs that are created by this artist

More information on these Artists: http://covert15.deviantart.com/

April | May 2014

http://andrea1981g.deviantart.com/

Profusion Magazine

IMG SRC: http://www.sovereignman.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/Hong-Kong.jpgper/

PRO TRAVEL

Hong Kong

Back in Time

Twisted Terms

The world is a book and those who do not travel only read one page.

Augustine of Hippo

Africa Travel Week

Launched by Reed Travel Exhibitions, you are sure to find what you are looking for at this travel exhibition whether it is travel for general leisure, luxury or business more: www.africatravelweek.com | Venue: Cape Town Int Convention Centre

Profusion Magazine 28th April - 03rd May 2014

April | May 2014

PRO TRAVEL FEATURE IMG SRC: http://es.my-walls.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Hong-Kong-Night-World.jpg

Hong Kong By Lelanie Slater

Experience the sites and sounds of the contemporary Hong Kong city.

ong Kong as pronounced in English is derived from two Chinese characters, Heung and Gong, usually translated as “Fragrant Harbour.” It has been suggested that this refers to the cities export of fragrant incense. The British Dependent Territory of Hong Kong consists of Victoria (commonly known as Hong Kong Island), the Kowloon Peninsula, the New Territories, and 235 outlying islands, totaling 1,078 sq km. It is situated on the southeastern coastline of China, facing the South China Sea.

definition and each traveller experience a different side of the many faceted city.

Hong Kong is an enigmatic city of soaring skyscrapers, ancient rituals and action movies. This well organized city is as safe as they come and is a tourist haven. The complexity of the city eludes

The view from Victoria peak, situated in the heart of Hong Kong Island is superlative and allows tourists views of the city and the mountainous countryside beyond.

April | May 2014

Hong Kong is often associated mainly with shopping, but there are many other mustsee, -dos and -eats in this contemporary capital.

Top 7 must-see attractions: Be sure to take the legendary star ferry, founded in 1880, from Kowloon to Hong Kong Island. This trip will afford you wonderful views of the Art-deco Kowloon pier and the Victoria Harbour.

What would a visit to any Chinese city be without visiting the markets? Mong Kok is a popular market that reaps good rewards. Another popular one is the Choi street ladies market, with its mile-long wardrobe shopping. Hong Kong also offers great hiking trails for the more adventurous travellers. The dragon’s back trail offers scenic views and a break from the hustle ad bustle of the city. For those wanting to sample the local cuisine, the Wan Chai district is the way to go. It is home to a variety of restaurant catering to every budget. Those seeking a more cultural experience will

Profusion Magazine

be interested in the 19th century Man Mo Temple. Dedicated to Man and Mo, the Chinese gods of literature and war. The temple is sure to supply insights into local culture. A visit to the Tsim Sha Tsui’s shopping area is highly recommended. Here you will find a range of products from typical Chinese style gifts to glamorous shopping for the cities uberwealthy.

PRO TRAVEL opt for shorter stays. Most hotels are situated on Hong Kong Island. This is the ideal location as it is centrally located to most of the mustsee attractions. Alternatively, budget places can be found on either side of Nathan road in Kowloon.

Eating and drinking:

Vital statistics: Currency: Hong Kong dollar is used in Hong Kong and Pataca for Macau. Languages: Cantonese is the official language, but English is widely spoken.

Loads of visitors, locals and food critics file reports to the Visas: South-African visitors Out and about: user-driven restaurant review do not require visas to enter site: www.openrice.com. Hong Kong. Getting around in Hong Kong Check the site for suggestions is cheap and easy. Visitors can on where to eat. Money: ATM’s are widely purchase a pre-paid Octopus available. Most hotels and card. This is worthwhile if You’ll soon fall into the restaurants accept credit you are staying a week plus. rhythm of a ritual afternoon cards. Be aware that markets For shorter stays, buy a onetea break. Pop into a cha and budget accommodation day or three-day pass for chaan tang (tea café) for a places might expect cash. unlimited *MTR travel. light refreshment and a break from sight seeing & shopping. Time: Hong Kong time is For those wanting to GMT plus eight hours. experience the city from a It is fashionable to dine at different angle, the Tram line domestic dessert shops in the is a great option. This method evenings. Indulge in some Useful sites and links: of transport is slow but affords durian crepes and anti-aging great views. Time out magazine: black sesame soup. http://www.timeout.com.hk

Hong Kong also boasts and extensive bus network, that runs from 6am to midnight.

Most bars open at 6pm and stay open until 2am. Most have a happy hour every day. Make use of the specials on Hong Kong’s subway and train offer, as alcoholic beverages network; the easiest way to can be very expensive in get around. Hong Kong. A cocktail can be as much as R120.

Sleeping:

As with any international city, Hong Kong boasts a wide variety of accommodation. Accommodation is relatively expensive and it is the main reason why most visitors

Profusion Magazine

For those wishing to experience the East at its best, this melting pot of historic culture, shopping and innovation is a must see.

The List: http://thelist.com.hk/ Asia Tatler: http://hk.dining.asiatatler.com

Lonely planet: http://www.lonelyplanet.com/china/ hong-kong

Discover Hong Kong: http://www.discoverhongkong.com/eng/ see-do/highlight-attractions/index.jsp

Hong Kong Magazine: http://hk-magazine.com/ e book?utm_source =iContact&utm_ medium=email&utm_campaign=HK%20 Magazine&utm_content=HK+ebook++Nov+20%2C+2013

April | May 2014

IN EVERY ISSUE

BAck

time

by Lelanie Slater

It was the largest ship afloat at the time, and was deemed unsinkable by her builders. She was built by the Harland and Wolff shipyard in Belfast with Thomas Andrews as her naval architect.

Rediscovering the unsinkable ship

aul Henry Nargeolet is a name not commonly associated with the RMS Titanic, yet he is one of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s foremost experts on the matter. Nargeolet, director of underwater research for RMS Titanic Inc., is the sole legal guardian of Titanic artifacts. As a deep seadiver, he has visited the wreck of the Titanic many times in the past few decades, and has unearthed some of the most amazing Titanic artifacts. The infamous British passenger liner sank in the North Atlantic Ocean on 15 April 1912 after colliding with an iceberg during her maiden voyage from Southampton UK to New York City US. This disaster is still known as one of the deadliest peacetime maritime disasters in modern history. 54

April | May 2014

There are thousands of stories still lying at the spot of her burial in the middle of the ocean. Researchers share a desire to surface the lost stories of passengers that perished aboard the vessel. It is for this very reason that they keep going backâ&#x20AC;Ś Some of the wealthiest people in the world were abard the Titanic, not to mention, hundreds of emigrants seeking a new life in North America. First class accommodation was designed to be the height of oppulance and luxury, an on-board gymnasium being only one of them. A wireless telegraph was even provided for the convenience of passengers. The Titanic had advanced safety, but ironically the life-boat capacity could only accommodate one third of the total amount of passengers on board. After leaving Southampton, Titanic headed westwards towards New York. But only four

Profusion Magazine

IN EVERY ISSUE days into the crossing she hit an iceberg. The collision caused the hull plates to buckle inwards along her starboard side and opened five of her sixteen watertight compartments to the sea; the ship gradually filled with water.

Twisted Terms

Passengers and some crew members were evacuated. A disproportionate number of men were left aboard because of a “women and children” first rule followed by some of the officers loading the lifeboats. Only a few hours later, she broke apart and floundered, with more than one thousand people still aboard. Approximately two hours later, another liner arrived on the scene of the sinking, where she brought aboard an estimated 705 survivors. The disaster was greeted with worldwide shock and outrage at the huge loss of life and the regulatory and operational failures that had led to it. Public inquiries in Britain and the United States led to major improvements in maritime safety. Many of the survivors lost all of their money and possessions and were left destitute; many families, particularly those of crew members from Southampton, lost their primary breadwinners; They were helped by an outpouring of public sympathy and charitable donations. Some of the male survivors were accused of cowardice for leaving the ship while people were still on board; the White Star Line’s chairman, faced social ostracism for the rest of his life. Nargeolet’s work has opened up this massive wreck to the world yet again. A 2010 expedition alone created Titanic’s first comprehensive site map with an unprecedented level of detail. The wreck remains on the seabed. Since her discovery in 1985, thousands of artefacts have been recovered and put on display at museums around the world. Titanic has become one of the most famous ships in history.

Profusion Magazine

FORGE | fawrj; fohrj The word FORGE originates from words like the Middle English Forgen, Old French forgier and Latin fabricare meaning to fabricate or see fabric.

The word is a verb, adjective and noun with several meanings including: To move ahead slowly, progressing steadily. (v) A special fireplace or furnace most commonly used by a blacksmith or smithy. (n) and the most common in today’s society: to commit forgery or forge a signature Source: h t t p : / / d i c t i o n a r y. r e f e r e n c e . c o m / browse/forge

April | May 2014

Quote Loyalty and kindness are important character qualities. Both involve

actions as well as attitudes. A loyal person acts responsibly, a kind person works for justice. Thoughts and words are not enough - our life reveals whether we are truly loyal and kind

-Summary, Life Application study bible, nlt

you said ... Dear Profusion, I just wanted to thnk you for the feature you posted about â&#x20AC;&#x153;Finding a job is a jobâ&#x20AC;? (October/ November 2013 Issue 02), I not only landed an interview but I got the job in the same week. I have been looking for over 5 months and I was really doubful. After reading the clear step by step layout, I realised what I was doing wrong. I applied for jobs after going through my C.V again, word for word and making changes to certain sections. After receiving calls for interviews, I applied what I learnt in the article - that looking the part and doing research on the company was important. After being hired, my boss informed me that he was most impressed by my insight and knowledge of the company. So thank you, I got the job and am so glad I took the time to read your article as I shall do more going forward. I love the layout and how you address key areas in ones life. Kind Regards, Madelien

April | May 2014

Profusion Magazine

In our next issue:

A tribute to teachers eat pray love for the rest of us reading the signs - the importance of body language iceland