FREE
TH ISSUE TWELVE SEPT/OCT 2010
ES PR I
NG
ED IT
IO N
Detox this Spring by Lisa Raleigh What Miles Downard thinks of the VW Polo Meet our resident photographers in the Dark Room Kelly Espkamp & Desere’ Mouton
Music Review - Billy talent with supporting act The Dirty Skirts
WIN with White Mountain Folk Festival
Spill the beans Spill the Beans is a free magazine distributed to coffee shops throughout KZN. Created out of a passion for coffee, magazines and the pure satisfaction of spending a day idling at a coffee shop.
Our first issue was released in September 2008 with an exciting and positive response from the public. As a life-
style magazine it caters for everyone from your high end marketing director to your average Joe just out for their
morning cup of coffee. Spill the Beans wishes to become the number one coffee shop magazine around South
Africa. Starting off with its base in Durban we hope to expand to the whole of South Africa, reaching the public
and bringing together the nation. Saving the world one coffee shop at a time!
The coffee culture has taken over today’s society and we, at Spill the Beans, are quite happy to go along with the
flow of this wonderful trend. With the smell of coffee drifting through the air we have taken our thoughts to
paper and created this wonderful magazine to share with other coffee shop lovers. Join us on this journey as we SPILL SOME BEANS
“Everybody should believe in something. I believe I’ll have another coffee”
“DOING BUSINESS WITHOUT ADVERTISING IS LIKE WINKING AT SOMEONE IN THE DARK; YOU KNOW WHAT YOU ARE DOING, BUT NOBODY ELSE DOES”
CONTACT US NOW TO ADVERTISE - editorial@stbmag.com
ABOUT US
Ed’s note
STB MAG
Editor Leandra Naidu editorial@stbmag.com
“NEW BEGINNINGS” We are very excited to announce that Spill the beans is going to be launched in Australia within the next year. Christine Bernard will be taking Spill the beans on new adventures. I am proud to be the new SA editor as the coffee culture explodes in our beautiful country. WATCH THIS SPACE JHB AND CT! We will meet you soon!
Sales Marie Horsefield marie.horsefield@gmail.com Photographers Kelly Epskamp Desere’ Mouton
Spill the beans SA wishes Christine all the best in her travels. While Spill the beans grows with every season, we are seeing the coffee culture sweep over South Africa.
Website www.stbmag.com
The aroma of coffee that fills the air and the contagious vibe in all coffee shops is hard to ignore.
Printed by
Spill the beans looks forward to visiting the many coffee shops springing up in Durban. Enjoy the preview in this issue and visit some to experience the coffee revolution. Please let us know if you have stumbled upon a coffee shop treasure so we may also enjoy it with you. There is nothing better than sitting down with a friend over coffee. Few things in life are so simple. Once again spring has arrived at our doorstep. It seems to be a perfect chance to look back on some New Year resolutions already forgotten. (I know I have a few...) Health is a good place to start which is exactly why we decided to educate our readers on the health properties of coffee. (wink - wink) So back to the gym for me, just in time to get into shape before the Christmas season is upon us. And remember......
ABOUT U
Every day is and could be a new beginning with opportunities at every turn. Let’s take them with both hands. LEANDRA NAIDU
Fishwicks www.fishw
Contributors Susan Hill, Lee Barnard, Zoe Dyer, Lynne McMaster, Samantha Dawe, Chantaul Jordon, Tharuna Devchand, Lisa Raleigh, Sally-Ann Creed, Pippa Lynch, Waleska Saltori, Sharon vd Westuizen, Miles Downard, Warren Bernard DISCLAIMER
Although every effort is made to ensure accuracy, the publishers, personnel, printers, distributors and / or other related parties do not accept any responsibility whatsoever for any errors or ommissions, or any effect arising there from. The views or correspondence are not necessarily those of the editor or publisher. All rights reserved. Copyright exists on all material. Reproduction by any means without permission is prohibited.
PLEASE RECYCLE THIS MAGAZINE AFTER USE
SPILL THE BEANS issue 12 3
PHOTO BY DESERE’ MOUTON
4 SPILL THE BEANS issue 12
WHAT’S INSIDE
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CONTENTS Cover Stories Page 16 - Meet our resident photographers in the Dark Room Kelly Espkamp & Desere’ Mouton
Coffee Timeline
Ask the experts
Warehouse Cafe
Spill the beans directory
What’s on?
White Mountain Folk Festival
Back in time: Brian Jones
Meet the author - Page Nick
African Peninsula Guest House
Book club Old and New
Style “The Cosy” Winter 2010
Coffee Crazy
Life Lessons with Chauntal Jordon
Business Toolkit How frequent should your newsletter be?
Page 6
Page 7
Page 13 - Music Review - Billy talent with supporting act The Dirty Skirts
Page 8
Page 32 - What Miles Downard thinks of the VW Polo
Page 9
Page 20 - Detox this Spring by Lisa Raleigh
Page 10
Page 12
Page 14
13
Top 5 ways to tell they are just not into you Page 15
Page 23
Page 24
Page 25
Page 26
Page 27
Page 28
Page 29
Coffee Break Page 30
Community I CARE
Competitions
Health Are you a canditate for typeII diabetes -
Final say - Shopping daze Page 34
Page 18
Page 22
Page 33
SPILL THE BEANS issue 12 5
COFFEE COMFORTS
COFFEE TIMELINE
YOUR COFFEE GUIDE
AMERICANO A single shot of espresso with hot water added. CAFÉ AU LAIT French for ‘coffee with milk’. Similar to Café Latte, except that an au lait is made with brewed coffee instead of espresso. Additionally, the ratio of milk to coffee is 1:1, making for a much less intense taste.
CAFÉ BREVA A cappuccino made with half and half milk, instead of whole milk. The theory is that the mix gives a richer, creamier flavor. CAFÉ FREDDO A standard Espresso, served chilled.
ESPRESSO CON PANNA A standard espresso, topped with whipped cream and an optional topping of unsweetened chocolate powder. ESPRESSO CORRETTO A standard espresso that has been ‘corrected’ with a splash of brandy, grappa, or other spirit. ESPRESSO LUNGO Made by adding 30ml or 60ml of hot water to a single espresso to make a milder or ‘long’ cup. ESPRESSO ROMANO A standard espresso, but served with a slice of lemon peel on the side of the cup.
CAFÉ LATTE Essentially, a standard espresso in steamed (not frothed) milk. The ratio of milk to coffee should be about 3:1, and it is usually served in a glass.
FLAT WHITE A standard Espresso with hot milk, no foam.
CAPPUCCINO Equal measures of espresso, steamed milk, and frothed milk, often with cinnamon or flaked chocolate sprinkled on top.
IRISH COFFEE Hot coffee, Irish whiskey, sugar. Topped with whipped cream.
DEMI-CRÉME Half coffee, half cream or milk. DOPPIO A double Espresso. Two shots of Espresso concentrated into approximately the same volume as a regular espresso. ESPRESSO Or Short Black, a 30ml shot of rich, full bodied dark coffee with a silky layer of crema. ESPRESSO AMERICANO Or Long Black, a standard Espresso served on top of hot water, served in a tall glass or regular sized coffee cup. The coffee is added to the glass of hot water to help maintain the layer of crema at the top of the glass
GRANITA DE CAFÉ Cold espresso poured over crushed ice.
MACCHIATO A standard Espresso with just a dash of milk added, served in a small espresso cup. Macchiato means ‘marked’ or ‘stained’ – so this literally means ‘espresso stained / marked with milk’. MOCHA A standard Espresso, hot chocolate and hot milk served in a glass. RISTRETTO A half shot of Espresso (15ml) TURKISH COFFEE Prepared in an ibrik, a small coffee pot that is heated to boiling. Sugar is optional and is added during brewing. Cream or milk is not added.
PLEASE NOTE: COFFEE DEFINITIONS DO CHANGE DEPENDING ON THE COFFEE SHOP
6 SPILL THE BEANS issue 12
Prior to 1000 AD
Two stories are in circulation as to how coffee was discovered. The first tells of the Galla tribe in Ethiopia who realise that eating a coffee cherry will give you an energy high. They would roll up the cherry grinds with animal fat into little balls and would eat it before a long battle. The second says that a goat herder in Ethiopia called Kaldi noticed that his goats became friskier after eating red berries of a certain shrub. He then took them himself which made him happy.
1453
The first coffee shop, called Kiva Han, opens in Constantinople.
1600
An Indian pilgrim-smuggler, called Baba Budan is said to be the first to bring fertile seeds outside of Arabia or Africa, by strapping them to his belly.
1652
First coffee house opens in London.
1654
First coffee house opens in Italy.
1689
Café Procope opens in Paris frequented by the likes of Rousseau, Voltaire, Napoleon Bonaparte and Benjamin Franklin.
1730
The British take coffee over to Jamaica
1900’s
The term ‘Kaffee Klatsch’ is coined in Germany to describe women’s gossip over afternoon coffee.
1905
The first commercial espresso machine is manufactured in Italy.
1933
Dr. Ernest Illy develops the first automatic espresso machine.
1938
Nestle develops Nescafe and introduces it to Switzerland.
1942
During W.W.II, American soldiers are issued instant Maxwell House coffee in their ration kits.
1946
In Italy, the espresso machine is perfected by Achilles Gaggia. Cappuccino is named after the deep brown colour of the robes of the Capuchin-order monks.
1971
First Starbucks opens in Seattle.
NOW
Coffee is second only to oil as the world’s largest-traded commodity
COFFEE COMFORTS
T
he Warehouse Café is a little known secret that is tucked away in Salisbury Avenue, Morningside. It is the ideal place for a quiet cup of coffee and a light lunch. The atmosphere is warm and friendly and there is even a Jungle Gym outside where children can play in relative safety.
The Warehouse Café is run by Malusi Blose who has been a barrister for 7 years and has developed quite a following of his own. He has worked at some of the more popular coffee shops in the Morningside area and is renowned for his outstanding Capuccino! Every time my husband and I go out for a meal I always order a cappuccino to see how they compare to Malusi’s and so far none have surpassed his in my estimation. Malusi claims that the secret to his excellent coffee is that the coffee blend he uses is the Bluff Brew coffee from Green Bean. The Warehouse Café has a simple menu, but the food is all excellent, fresh and made while you wait. Although the daily menu is simple, they do also cater for conferences and functions. I recently used the venue for a Wedding Anniversary function and was delighted with the catering and the service. It is, currently, open Monday to Friday during business hours. To find the Warehouse Café head along to Burman Bush, go down Burman Drive (you should have Burman Bush on your left and Bill Buchanan Retirement Home on your right. Then swing left into Salisbury Avenue and you will be right there. Hope to see you there soon. SUSAN HILL
Warehouse Cafe contact number: 031 312 6941
SPILL THE BEANS issue 12 7
WHAT’S ON? SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 1 SEPT
Spill the beans relaunch.
SPRING DAY!
n ei ev e i l be l hav ld ou ve I’l h ie ys od I bel b y . er ng ” “Ev ethi offee c m so her ot an
The Witness Hilton Arts Festival
The Heritage awards.
17 SEPT
23 SEPT
19 SEPT
ICC DBN
24 SEPT
HAPPY HERITAGE DAY!
Sunday Tribune Garden and Leisure show PMB
WHITE MOUNTAIN
29 SEPT Bittersweet by Green-
4 SEPT
Marriage Meander Tala Valley A day dedicated to the joys of marriage.
21 SEPT One hit wonders @ the Heritage theatre. KLOOF DBN
Want to adverise an event here? email Leandra on editorial@stbmag.co.za
T 5 OC etry Africa o P l
14th
light productions begins...
va Festi
Howard College
07 -10 OCT
DURBAN Homemakers Expo Durban Exibition Centre
12 OCT
The Jazz Singer @ the Heritage theatre. KLOOF DBN
20 OCT
THE OPEN DOOR CRISIS CARE CENTRE ANNUAL BENEFIT BREAKFAST WESTVILLE COUNTRY CLUB
8 SPILL THE BEANS issue 12
23 / 24 OCT
MT
17
OC ma T sho Cla va ssi Du rba PM c n B
NA
DBN Business EXPO Durban Exibihition Centre
19 OCT Absolute 80’s Simply the best hits Begins Barnyard Theatre www.barnyardtheatre.co.za
31 Oct
BACK IN TIME
BRIAN JONES The year is 1965; a blues cover band has taken the decision to write original material.This band will go on to become one of the greatest Rock ‘n Roll bands of all time. Their line up includes the likes of Mick Jagger & Keith Richards. But sadly the band is not as cohesive then as it was post 1969. The band was founded by Brian Jones as a blues cover band. In 1965 the band decided that they needed to move away from the blues covers and focus on original material to break into the mainstream. It was Jones who voiced his concerns over changing the band so drastically. As a result he lost his coleadership of the band to Keith Richards. Lewis Brian Hopkin Jones (Brian Jones) was born on the 28th of February 1942 in England. He was integral in changing the sounds in the early catalogue of the Rolling Stones. He was also famous for his flamboyant attire and lifestyle. On May 2nd 1962, Jones placed an advertisement in a Soho Club info sheet called the Jazz News. The advertisement invited musicians to audition for a new R&B group at the Bricklayers Arms Pub. Ian Stewart was the first to respond. Mick Jagger and his childhood friend Keith Richards later joined the band.The band had their first gig on the 12th of July 1962 at the Marquee Club in London. The gig was organized by Jones. Richards is quoted as giving Jones the credit for the band name: “Jones came up with the bands name when he was on a call to the venue manager of The Marquee. The manager asked him what the band is called and in a panic he picked up an album off the floor and used the first track title as our band’s name. The album was The Best Of Muddy Waters and the track name was Rollin’ Stone Blues.”Charlie Watts was quoted saying: “Brian was instrumental in pushing the band from the beginning. Keith and I would look at each other and call him Barmy. He was on a constant crusade to get us on stage and earning money.” Jones acted as the bands manager from the onset. He spent countless hours promoting the band and landing gigs. As well as playing guitar, he also contributed to the music with the harmonica and piano.
many night in hospitals across Europe. On May the 10th 1967 he was arrested for drug possession. He received a fine and was ordered to attend counseling. Jones was again arrested on the 21st of May 1968 for drug possession. He was fined 155 pounds and received a final warning from the magistrate. However the controversy surrounding the arrest caused quite a stir. It was believed that the warrant the police used to search Jones’ flat was unlawful and Bill Wyman believed it was an attack on the band to encourage the public not to use drugs. All things finally came to a head in 1969, Jones’ constant mood swings, trouble with the law, drugs, alcohol, and Jones’ poor health led to him being expelled from the band. It is believed that on June 8 1969, Jagger and Richardswent to Jones’ flat and told him that the band he created was continuing without him. Jagger gave Jones the choice of what to tell the fans so to the outside world it was believed that Jones left of his own accord. Jones told a press conference on 9 June 1969 that he wasn’t seeing eye-to-eye with the other member on the discs they were cutting. Just before his death Jones spent most of his time at home.At around midnight on the 2nd-3rd of July 1969, Jones was found motionless at the bottom of his swimming pool. The coroner wrote his death up as “death by misadventure” saying that there was an unusually high alcohol and drug content in Jones’ system. Like many artist of his generation, he died at the tender age of 27. May he be forever remembered as the great artist he was. RIP Brian Jones.
BY Lee Barnard
In 1965, Andrew Oldham was hired as a manager for the band. This was the beginning of the band phasing Jones out. Oldham insisted on the band abandoning it’s blues cover image and start writing it’s own songs. This didn’t sit well with Jones as he believed the band should stick to what they did so well. Oldham’s argument was for the band to be successful they needed to write their own music, in the same vein as John Lennon etc. Jones started to decline from then on. Many attributed his decline to spending too much time on the road, money, fame and alienation. He started to loose himself in drugs and alcohol. This led to his health deteriorating and as such he spent
SPILL THE BEANS issue 12 9
TRAVEL
African Peninsula Guest House ‘People look at the Bluff from Durban and say look, there’s that green hump over there,’ Harry Ethridge said passionately, arms stretched out, ‘and leave it at that.’ He shook his head, bewildered, for the Bluff, is the hiding place of his guesthouse and restaurant. Earlier, upon entering the property, I felt like I had entered the South African version of ‘The Secret Garden.’ Shaking palms and proud Banana trees form much of the luscious vegetation of African Peninsula Guest House; dodging the palm leaves on the wooden walkway made me feel happily shielded from the city’s rhetoric. There was no rough or tough in sight. I had only been at the African Peninsula Restaurant for an hour when I realized how deeply I was breathing. As I sat on the outside deck, the sea’s roar diluted every other sound. I found myself leaning into my chair, thoroughly enjoying listening to the deep delight Harry Ethridge has for the Bluff. ‘It’s got it’s own natural beauty,’ Harry said. ‘Our beaches are stunning and we have incredible waves, and surfing.’ It was a windy day, so there was transparent barrier surrounding the outside deck; I looked out onto the steep green slope that meets the wild sea. The logo on their menu is ‘dining on the edge.’ ‘The reason I came here is for the surf,’ Harry explains that when they first moved years ago – the Bluff beat the Berea for their new home. The African Peninsula Guesthouse is nearly 13 years old and, Harry explained, it was first started as a conference facility. From there, it emerged into a Bed and Breakfast, and recently the restaurant was added ‘as a service for our guests.’ And Harry is particular about that word service. He explained the restaurant as a ‘highly intricate business’ in which everything has to be ‘precise’. My African Peninsula Salad was just that – everything in its place, to the last cucumber. It was also a feast of colour for the eyes. The salad was marinated rare beef, roast seeds, orange zest pickled onions and sweet beetroot dressing on a bed of greens. My small salad (which wasn’t that small!), for R35, was delectable, although a bit more meat would have been welcome. The menu is reasonable with main dishes averaging R80, which includes veg and carbs, and there is an array of exotic sauces to choose from – the spicy coconut drew my attention. Steaks are some of the most popular dishes. There are chicken and seafood options, but apart from the salads, not much for vegetarians. I am planning on venturing to the restaurant again, especially as it’s open for breakfasts (which one should call in for in case it’s fully booked), excluding Mondays. There are surprisingly few places in Durban boasting good food with a notable sea view. During my tour of the guesthouse, I was delighted to find out that each room is different. There is none of that boxed feel of the straight-jacket hotel room: standard linen, standard view, standard experience. With Harry’s previous experience in design, ‘standard’ doesn’t fit the bill. Neither pretentious not plain, the rooms are very comfortable. You can choose if you are feeling African, or maybe beachy – there are little extras in the rooms that don’t shout them down, but simply add interesting tones. Some rooms boast vast seaside views, some have Jacuzzis, and some have an extra room for a child or two. The thick vegetation keeps you feeling secluded amongst the 14 rooms smattered across the broad property. Birdwatchers, surfers, refuge-seekers, sea-silly-strollers, holiday-hopefuls, rock-pool people, nature lovers, snorkelers, disillusioned Durbanites needing green, silence addicts, comfort companions… if you are any or all of these, treat yourself to a night at the African Peninsula guesthouse, or at least try out a meal, to see for yourself if the Bluff deserves your attention. PS. I hate namedropping, but this one deserves mention – Alicia Keys and her crew stayed at the guesthouse for 4 nights during the World Cup… not Musgrave, Umhlanga or Ballito - in the Bluff.
10 SPILL THE BEANS issue 12
TRAVEL
WIN WIN WIN
2 night weekend for 2 persons - all inclusive dinner, bed & breakfast ENTER @ www.africanpeninsula.com
CONTACT DETAILS
Website: www.africanpeninsula.com Telephone: 031-4671045 African Peninsula is giving Spill the Beans readers a great special. If you mention you are a Spill the Beans reader, you will get dinner included with the regular bed and breakfast rates.
BY - Zoe Dyer
SPILL THE BEANS issue 1211
STYLE
‘The Cosy’ - Winter 2010 ‘The Cosy’ - Winter 2010 As an Image & Fashion consultant, I am always looking for versatility of merchandise so that my clients have more than one way of wearing an item, thereby creating different looks in their wardrobe with less items ultimately saving money (to splurge on those must have shoes!) So when I first saw The Cosy, I knew I had found an absolute ‘winner’. My latest fabulous find! Being able to wear it in 11 different ways (9 illustrated in the picture) gives versatility a new meaning! The cosy is available in neutral colours: white, light grey, charcoal & black Price: R 290.00 excluding postage & packaging. If you purchase two cosy’s the price is R 275.00 each. This is a definite must for any wardrobe! For more information on The Cosy or to purchase it please contact Lynne McMaster at dressbylynne@mweb.co.za. Yours in fashion always, Lynne
Lynne McMaster, Image & Fashion Consultant, DRESSBYLYNNE 031 - 209 -7571, 082 520 1412, dressbylynne@mweb.co.za
12 SPILL THE BEANS issue 12
MUSIC REVIEW
BILLY TALENT
2010/08/11
THE DIRTY SKIRTS
T H E
According to the front man of Billy Talent, Canada makes the best beer....well after last night’s concert it’s clear that the country much more to offer than just cold beverages. Durban was the last leg of Billy Talent’s South African tour, and the energy that the band, and the supporting act, The Dirty Skirts, brought to the stage could have fooled anyone into thinking it was the first concert. There was no holding back, no tailing off, every minute of each band’s set was explosive.
D I R T Y
The supporting band, Cape Town band The Dirty Skirts, took to the stage earlier than expected at around 7pm and proceeded to warm the crowd right up. Personally I’m a fan of the band, so it was pretty hard to stand still and take pictures when they played some of their catchier songs. Though looking back, and from chatting to people at the event, I’m not sure they were the best choice as the sole supporting act. The Dirty Skirts sound is very dance and radio friendly, while the fans attracted by Billy Talent tended to be into a harder sound. But to give credit to The Dirty Skirts, I think they won over alot of the non-believers during their set, the crowd was really getting into it. They also put on a very energetic show which leads into Billy Talent’s set perfectly. When Billy Talent took over the stage the crowd really went wild. Their set was just amazing from start to finish. The lead singer had enough energy to power a small country and he used every inch of it. The whole band was very professional in their execution of their songs, and the whole set flowed flawlessly.
S K I R T S
The crowd showed their adoration by sacrificing shoes, bras and even panties to be thrown at the band, whom loved every second of it. At one point the lead singer even tried to start returning the lost shoes, who doesn’t love a band that can rock your socks off, and then have the kindness to return them. All in all it was probably the best live show I’ve ever been to, well worth braving the freezing cold weather.
BY: Samantha Dawe
SPILL THE BEANS issue 1213
LIFE LESSONS
How do you stay motivated in these times? WITH CHANTUAL JORDAN
S
pring is almost here and it’s a time for a new season. Colourful new beginnings! However, do you feel as though you just don’t want to come out of hibernation? Do you find yourself running from day to day feeling stressed and unable to achieve your goals? Do you find yourself justifying with excuses, why you have not succeeded as you had planned? Excuses drain your energy and lead to feelings of un-fulfillment and disappointment. As with bathing and eating, Most of the people I deal with have “been there you need to nurture and nourish and done that” with regard to studying to develop your mind every day. Motivation is more likely to be maintained if you themselves personally to enhance every area of work on it habitually. Most of us enjoy feeling motivated but we don’t their lives, so the following serves as a reminder to want to spend the time taking the necessary action. We have so much be aware of our feelings and thoughts to produce information available to us, and yet, are we really applying it? This article worthy actions, so as to sustain a positive frame of is a simple and practical reminder, of how you can use your knowledge, mind regardless of our circumstances. to make your life more productive, successful and prosperous. Instilling a positive mind set. Take responsibility for your own motivation or else you will always be subjected to someone else’s ‘carrot or stick’ and this ultimately does not leave you empowered. Start your day on an upbeat note and set yourself up for success. This is easier said than done, as we are often influenced by negativity around us. If you are battling with this, then start by completing pleasant and easy tasks to generate motivation, seizing opportunities when they arise. When successful, take time out to enjoy and celebrate. Remember to ride the wave of success, and in this state, you will find it easier to tackle difficult or unpleasant tasks. Take care of yourself. This will be much easier and less stressful if you surround yourself with positive, enthusiastic people that can share your dreams and are supportive, believe in you and want to see you succeed. Schedule ‘me time’ to play and rest and rejuvenate yourself. You are unable to perform at your best if you are sick and tired! Condition yourself by experiencing your success now. Find ‘messages’ and affirmations that motivate you. Write them down and carry them with you to re-charge. Visualise by focusing all your sense and BE that which you want to be. See your goals happening in the present, be positive, and use action statements that fire you up! Match these feelings with, your thoughts and behaviour as though your goals have already arrived. Create non-work situations, where you can have fun and succeed in many things, to boost your feeling of accomplishment and competence. Be excited and committed making sure you prioritise your goals so that you are constantly working in line with your purpose. List your strengths and play them to your best ability and appreciate the love of what you do. This article is going to be continued in the next addition. As with a puzzle, there are many pieces, before the picture can be completed successfully. A holistic approach, to motivation, must be taken to achieve the motivational levels you desire to be successful at it. Knowing and doing are very different. Take action today!
Chantaul Jordan – Professional Speaker, Trainer and Coach 083 264 5036 - Owner of Expressions – www.expressions.co.za
14 SPILL THE BEANS issue 12
1.
Create and focus on positive-producing thoughts, instead of those that cause un happiness. The choice is ours.
2.
Our attitude is a key factor to our reac tion.
3.
We have the ability to view an event or situation in many ways.
4.
We have the ability to change our nega tive evaluations to positive ones.
5.
We are aware of our perspective of events and we check if they are really true.
6.
We are constantly improving and using our power to master our emotions.
7.
We do have influence on others and serve as a role model – let it be construc tive!
Mastering this attitude requires time and effort, but it is a very worthwhile investment. It’s a rewarding state of mind that no-one can take away, (not without our consent anyway). Sometimes we feel “I know I should be happy, but I don’t feel happy.” This is because we have not internalized, and don’t practice the concepts we claim to know. We grow constantly from each experience and from each person we come into contact with. For more information on the Emotional Intelligence Program we run see www.expressions.co.za
COFFEE CRAZY Reasons why we should have our coffee and drink it. Coffee’s reputation in the health profession has not been a good one and many misconceptions creep into conversations. It forms a big part of many of our lives, as for most, it is a morning ritual or an excuse to meet friends. Coffee not only enhances our social lives but believe it or not also our health. Below is a list of 10 reasons why we should all enjoy our coffee gulit free: 1: Coffee enhances short term memory. 2: It is said that coffee reduces the risk of cancer by 50%. 3: Coffee not only helps prevent Parkinson’s disease but may relieve the syptoms as well. 4: It helps prevent your body from buliding up gall stones. . 5: Drinking coffee means that you are 80% less likely to develop Cirrhosis of the liver. 6: Yes, ladies. Coffee actually assists in losing weight as it is low in calories and boosts your metabolism. 7: Caffeine aids with the syptoms of asthma. (Caffeine = Coffee) 8: Coffee is a natural diarectic which may assist in losing some of that water weight. 9: Coffee has been used to treat headaches. 10: Coffee gives you that extra energy needed to exercise. Now, we are not syaing you should indulge in coffee or caffiene. Too much of a good thing is usually bad. But, don’t be afraid to have your cup of cofee and drink it. Leandra Naidu Interested in writing an article for STB? Email Leandra via editorial@stbmag.com
THE PERFECT CAPPUCCINO There is such a thing but not all coffee shops can pride themselves is achieving this. The Barista has to understand the reasoning behind the various steps as there are so many ways he can slip up. Doing it right can even make a poorer quality coffee taste good, and a good coffee divine. I once made a perfect cup and watched as my customer savored his cappuccino, when he got to the end he took his finger and licked clean his cup then looked up at me, not realizing he already had my full attention and asked for another. To start, the coffee beans must be fresh and then ground fresh for maximum flavor. Coffee begins to deteriorate when exposed to oxygen. The espresso machine must not be too hot. Ideally should run for a couple of seconds to cool the pipes down before making your espresso. The espresso must not be too short or too long. If too short it lacks flavor and if too long
it becomes bitter and expresses more of the undesirable chemicals from the beans. The secret to the milk frothing is to make a nice thick creamy froth as apposed to a bubbly soft froth that disappears once it gets to the customer. It is also important not to over heat the milk it affects the flavor. The cappuccino should be able to be drunk without having to sip it because it is too hot. On the whole baristas tend to over heat the milk. Away from my own shop almost 10 out of 10 Cappuccinos I order are too hot! Remember it is probably 50% good coffee and 50% how it is made. Sharon vd Westhuizen Emberton Coffee Shop Hillcrest (031) 7673710
SPILL THE BEANS issue 1215
DARK ROOM ERS
DENT
ESI UR R
O MEET
WIN A PHOTOSHOOT WITH KELLY
QUESTION - WHAT WAS KELLY’S FIRST CAMERA? Email your answer to editorial@stbmag.com Subject line - Darkroom
APH R G O PHOT
Name: Kelly Epskamp 1: How long have you been a photographer? I have been a photographer for pretty much 4 years now, I began studying photography straight after I finished school in 2006 and have been working as a Photographer for about 2 years. 2: Do you remember the first photo you sold? Yes, the first job I ever did for payment was a 21st birthday party. It was really fun, and I got to make up a full Henzo album for the client. 3: What inspired your interest in photography? I remember when I was about 10 years old, my family and I were on a holiday in Cape-Town. We were on a beautiful beach and my parents asked me to take a photo of them. It was probably the very first time I ever took a photograph. When we had the spool developed, I remember my mom commenting on how good the photo came out compared to all the others. That really boosted my confidence, and I was always interested in photography from then. Besides that, I have always had an interest in looking at photos and editorials in magazines. I can look at photos for hours with unwavered attention! 4: Which photographer do you look up to and why? Annie Lebovitz for sure! Her work is amazingly creative. She really captures the true identity of each individual she shoots. Her photos are always beautiful and super artsy! 5: What genre of photography is your favorite? I love shooting family portraiture and aspiring models. Mostly people 6: Do you use a specific method of photography? I love all types of photography, although I particularly love portraiture and still life (macro shots are my favourite) 7: When did you get your first camera? When I first started studying I had to use an old 35mm Canon AE1 which fortunately was given to me by my cousin. 8: What future plans / goals do you have within the field? I would love to eventually have my own studio so I can do a lot of family / baby shoots. 9: Is there a genre you dislike? I have done a large variety of different work, so I wouldn’t say that I dislike any genre, but rather that I’m more interested in some genres more than others.
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10: Any advice for our readers who may be interested in photography? Embrace constructive criticism, and allow photography to be an expression of your creativity.
DARK ROOM Name: Desere` Mouton 1: How long have you been a photographer? I’ve been taking photographs for about 3 years now. So you can consider me a professional in the making. 2: Do you remember the first photo you sold? Well, the first job I did was a wedding for a family friend. It was the scariest thing I’ve ever done because not only was it the first wedding I’d ever photographed, it was my very first photographic assignment I’d ever done and because of that I decided not to charge them. I even remember telling the couple two weeks before the wedding that my DSLR was on order and that I should be getting it within the week. So, I might not have charged them but that was the first set of images I’d given a client. 3: What inspired your interest in photography? I ride off road motorbikes on the weekend and the area we ride in is breath-taking. I started carrying my point and shoot camera with me on rides to photograph the scenery as well as document our riding. My passion just grew from there. 4: Which photographer do you look up to and why? I don’t have one specific photographer that inspires me. I want my work to be unique which is why I take inspiration from many different photographers.
WIN A PHOTOSHOOT WITH DESERE`
QUESTION - HOW LONG HAS DESERE’ BEEN A PHOTOGRAPHER? Email your answer to editorial@stbmag.com Subject line - Darkroom
5: What genre of photography is your favorite? My specialization is with Advertising and Fashion photography but lately I’ve been quite attracted to wedding photography. There’s just something so natural and pretty about it. I really enjoy working with people and hope to pursue fashion photography further as well as enter the wedding photography scene. 6: Do you use a specific method of photography? I have been fortunate enough to experience shooting on film as well as processing it. It is a lot of fun, unfortunately it is more costly and time consuming. Because of this, I’m shooting digital. 7: When did you get your first camera? [I got my first DSLR camera when I started studying photography (a week before my first wedding shoot). But prior to that I had a few point and shoot cameras that I used to photograph casual stuff. Nothing that would make you think “she’s going to be a photographer when she grows up.”
Pics by Desere’
8: What future plans / goals do you have within the field? My goals at this point are to gain some experience and then run my own photographic studio. 9: Is there a genre you dislike? There isn’t a specific genre that I don’t like but I do sometimes come across an image that I don’t like. I’m not saying it’s ugly, just that I don’t like it. Photography is subjective and therefore comments are based on opinions. 10: Any advice for our readers who may be interested in photography? Try it!! You’ll love it.
SPILL THE BEANS issue 1217
COMMUNITY I Care’s bait for street kids are fun activities, love and consistent relationships in order to get them off the streets. You see, they have to be lured, as there are other packs trying to capture them into the streets’ shadows. There are two predominant gangs on the street: 26 and 28, and one is involved in criminal activities, and the other, sexual pawning. I Care has worked with children as young as five in these gangs. Gangs are not the only hazard of the streets; another poisonous influence is glue. And unfortunately we as the public, when we give money or even food, help maintain that toxic relationship. ‘A lot of people will hide their guilt by giving food,’ Jenni-Lyn Van Niekerk, Operations Manager of I Care, explains. ‘People think the children haven’t eaten, but they don’t know that they’re one of 90 people who have passed that child and have given them food. The glue leads to other things, which is why we totally discourage giving money or food.’ If given food, the child will then sell it – at a profit – and buy a R5 bottle of glue, which goes a long way. ‘It dulls any form of pain and keeps them on a permanent high,’ Van Niekerk explains. As the kids are often high and insistent, it is easy to disregard them. But the staff have a broader perspective. ‘They are little human beings. Nobody asks to live on the street; nobody wants to live on the streets… so there’s obviously a reason. The kids are already being punished by living on the street, it’s not for us to punish them further,’ Van Niekerk says. There is a 2-3 year window period for the children to be taken off glue before the results are permanent. If not dealt with, the children can become crippled and brain-damaged. I Care has a holistic program that starts by reaching out to street kids, and – ideally – ends with an adult who is a productive member of society. The outreach team builds a relationship with the kids, taking them during the day to the Hope Centre, which will show them another way of life. The Hope Centre is a fun center where there are many activities offered: art, literacy, sewing, playing board games, Bible studies, yoga, dancing… absolutely anything. Volunteers come for an hour a week and share their hobby, or simply time, with the kids. The kids are then dropped off at night because ‘you don’t want their lives on the street to become too comfortable,’ Van Niekerk says. But she quickly adds that all the kids have the workers’ cellphone numbers in case they’re in trouble, and are helped. When the kids reach the decision to change their lives, they go through a twelve-week rehabilitation program. After this, they are either reconciled with their family if possible, and if not, they are placed in an I Care Family Home. They then catch up with their education, and once they are ready to leave school, I Care helps them with their skills development so they can become employable. ‘They are never really out of our care, ever,’ Van Niekerk says. There are many children’s lives that have been changed through this
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organization. One child, who lost his parents and granny to HIV, was reported to I Care by a neighbour, and is now in St Raphael’s remedial school, ‘absolutely thriving.’ Qaphala,another of their boys, has recently become head boy at High Stone School in Phoenix. In July this year, 15 young men received their graduation certificate for completing the rehabilitation program. This was the first time that every boy who started the course completed it. Fifteen less boys on the street, and fifteen more boys put back up on their feet. I Care is on the Department of Social Development’s recommended funding list. ‘The more people contribute,’ Van Niekerk says, ‘the more we can do.’
COMMUNITY
KHAWE
It was a Friday night on Florida, and suddenly a little boy crept into my path. He was a boy who seemed to fit very well into the shadows from which he came. An empty juice bottle, the life of it squeezed out, was in his hand as he cupped the other towards me. ‘Money please madam,’ the boy said, trying to appear desperate. I looked at him, turning my head. ‘What’s your name?’ ‘Khawe,’ he said, his brown eyes looking down at my shoes. ‘Khawe?’ I said. ‘Khaaaawe,’ he answered, eyes rolling towards me unsteadily. I repeated exactly what he said, ‘Khaaaawe.’
And yet… yet, when I started talking to him, his little eyes suddenly seemed very bright, and his big smile… well, that’s the kind of face that photographers love to see happy because it makes their job so easy. He was a little bobbing boy, staggering, and wayward, with only big boys to guide him tenderly into a life of glue and guns… Cowboys, professionals of the art of depression so they could fix the art of being high, and forgetting their parents who are not, forgetting the love they have not, forgetting any dreams that may have filled their heads. And I don’t want to stand and look by as glue dissolves another boy’s future. I don’t want to shed one tear as I go to sleep and then carry on with my weekend of coffees and colours; I can’t forget the grey shadows that this boy lives in. And he’s not just ‘their’ problem out there… He’s a little boy, needing more than R5 to get him another glue to dissolve away in.
His head jolted down and he became insistent, saying the same thing, ‘Khaaawe.’ It was then that I realized I was talking with a drunk. Boy. A little thing, with many layers for a warmish Durban winter night – I had one scarf. He was like a little puppet, being pulled by higher strings, stumbling and laughing, and repeating his words. He seemed to find life very funny indeed at that moment; I could only look on in dismay. I asked him where were his parents. He answered in a big exaggerated movement of pulling one finger across his throat, smiling. It hit me that I wasn’t talking to Khawe, I was talking to glue, I was talking to the only thing that kept this boy smiling and joking and fumbling humorously around. The things I said were hilarious to him, he was bending over himself, laughing quietly… I looked at this tatty little urchin, covered in a layer of poverty that tried to steal his personality, his childhood. This persona of poverty wanted to make him just one more beggar in my fast life, one more irritating child on the street that I don’t want to say no to. He prodded and poked into my night with those well-maneuvered pleading eyes, and the downward face…
I Care’s Details:
How you can help: • • • • • • • • •
Donate monthly/ give a once-off donation Volunteer –give an hour of your week at the Hope Centre Give them any outgrown children’s things: clothes, toys, books, games, etc. Spring cleaning? Give them your old stuff – they have jumble sales. Donate toiletries, bedding, cleaning products, stationary, food, etc. Encourage your company to become a part of their Corporate Social Responsibility Program Organize a fundraising event with your school, church, etc. Create opportunities within your business for skills training and employment. Finally, don’t give money, and don’t do nothing!
Zoe Dyer
Phone: 031-572 6870 E-mail: info@icare.co.za Website: www.icare.co.za Fax: 031-572 6875 Address: 57 Hambridge Drive Sommerset Park, Umhlanga If you have goods to drop off, please contact Shirley on I Care’s number. Account Details: Account Name: I Care/LHC Foundation Branch: Nedbank Branch: KZN Business Branch Code: 164826 Account No: 1648064566
SPILL THE BEANS issue 1219
HEALTH MATTERS
HEALTH MATTERS
Detox this Spring
Detoxification
Why would you need to do it? So often in my consultations I have people saying, “I’m fine” or “I’m ok.” People actually don’t know what it feels like to feel fabulous, energetic or fantastic! Most of us exist at 60% of our optimum level of health. How would you know what great feels like unless you felt it for the 1st time? Detoxification is a process where by we eliminate all the toxins out the body- clean the blood, clean the lymph, change the PH of the body and give our bodies a chance to heal itself naturally. So being spring, why not start it with a Detox from the inside out? How do we do it? For a period of between 7-14 days you need to eliminate: • Wheat • Dairy • Sugar • Caffeine • Processed foods • Salt • Alcohol • Artificial sweeteners You must eat only fruit and drink only water and herbal tea till 12am. Then for the rest of the day you need to eat only foods that come from a ‘Tree’ not a ‘factory.’ This means nothing processed or unnatural. Try stick to organic, raw options as much as possible. During detoxification you (should feel some heavy side effects like nausea, bloating, constipation, headaches, excess sweating, clamminess and skin irritations. These are all ways of the body trying to eliminate impurities and each and every person’s symptoms are different. Some product tips to help you along: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. • • •
Take a daily tonic called Bentonite clay and Psyllium husk. The clay ab sorbs toxins and the husk fibre swells up like a sponge, sticking to the walls of the colon and literally scraping it clean. Exercise daily- whether a light jog, yoga, Pilates or light resistance training- shaking it up gets the circulation going which will get every thing moving and eliminating faster. Go for a few treatments of colonic irrigation. This will help amplify the Detox and help to move along any stubborn blockages in your colon. Drink raw veggie juices- these provide live enzymes to our bodies, these are easily absorbed and within 15 min reach down to a cellular level to balance and nourish our cells. Substitute these 3 items in your daily diet Normal salt for Himalayan rock salt Any oil (inc cooked olive oil) for coconut oil Sugar for Xylitol/ organic honey
6. 7. 8.
Take a pre/pro biotic (L Acid ophilns, Bifido bacteria, L Salvarius) to re store good bacteria in the colon. Drink 8-12 glasses of water daily! Try to have a few lymph drainage massages during these 2 weeks. These will also help to get the lymph system moving and therefore eliminate toxins.
So happy detoxing! Enjoy the rewards and don’t give up. Know that you will feel worse before you start to feel absolutely great! For more information on the Lisa Raleigh Weightloss and Wellness Clinic call her on 031-2018585 or email her on lisaraleigh@vo2max.co.za
By: Lisa Raleigh SPILL THE BEANS issue 1221
HEALTH MATTERS
Are You a Candidate for Type II Diabetes? How do you know if you’re at risk? Physical symptoms are a good warning – those to look out for include: •
The appearance of slow-spreading brownish-red (occasionally yellowish) dis - colorations on the shins is often an early warning sign of possible adult onset (type II) diabetes. These may also be blue or reddish-blue.
•
Skin tags – these are literally ‘tags’ of skin often found on the neck, under the arms, and in the groin area, and occur often in adults. Skin tags are one of the symptoms manifested in people with insulin resistance or Syndrome X and may serve as a warning that your insulin and glucose and insulin are raised. • ‘Dupuytren’s contracture’ is something else you must be wary of. This is a fairly common condition that occurs when the connective tissue under the skin of the hand begins to thicken and shorten. As the tissue tightens, it may pull the fingers down towards the palm of the hand. Some people find they can’t open their hand on a flat surface, it’s painful. •
Obesity is probably the most well-known physical symptom for type II diabe tes. Together with the other symptoms, the risk escalates.
Apart from the physical symptoms you should also be aware of some unseen risk factors for type II diabetes like high blood pressure, elevated triglyceride levels, and a family history of the disease. These factors may not put you at risk on their own, but combined with the other physical symptoms they can definitely provide clues as to whether type II diabetes may be a future possibility. Adjusting diet and lifestyle in time can often prevent this entirely before it’s too late. Diet is pivotal to health – and educating yourself in healthy eating is step one. Otherwise see a qualified Nutritionist who can help you. Another good idea is to make sure that you ALWAYS eat your protein WITH your carbohydrates, a little fat and have a glass of water with every meal. Take the right supplements for you (a nutritionist can help you here), such as fish oil (never flaxseed oil), vitamin C and a good multivitamin or B Complex. Here’s to your good health!
By: Sally-Ann Creed Clinical Nutritionist (Dip Clin Nutr) Website: www.sallyanncreed.co.za Winner: SA’s Most Influential Women in Business & Government 2009/2010
Try out a diabetes friendly banana bread
Ingredients (serves 8) • 100g unsalted butter • 1/2 cup firmly packed (100g) brown sugar • 1 egg • 4-5 bananas (450g total), mashed • 3 tbs (1/4 cup) natural yoghurt • 1 tsp vanilla extract • 1 2/3 cups (250g) plain flour • 1 tbs baking powder • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon • 1/2 cup walnuts, toasted (optional) Method 1. 2. 3. 4.
Preheat oven to 170°C (not fan-forced) and grease a 900ml loaf pan. Beat butter and sugar in a bowl using electric beaters until thick and fluffy. Add egg and beat until well combined. Add banana, yoghurt and vanilla extract and stir. Sift together flour, baking powder and cinnamon and fold through batter. Stir in walnuts if using. Pour into pan and bake for 1 hour or until a skewer inserted in centre comes out clean. Cool in pan for 10 minutes, then turn onto a rack to cool completely. Serve buttered, if desired. www.taste.com.au
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ASK THE EXPERTS HEALTH AND FITNESS: LISA RALEIGH www.lisaraleigh.co.za
FASHION AND STYLE: PIPPA LYNCH www.pippalynch.co.za
MOTIVATION AND CONFIDENCE: CHANTAUL JORDAN www.expressions.co.za
ask the experts How does one fit in exercise into a busy schedule?
How does one go about setting realistic goals?
Busy people must learn to train effectively.
Every person’s potential is different and nobody can answer this for you. Even you yourself might limit or overextend yourself.
Get guidance from a professional, write out your programme in advance, and dont be distracted by calls or interruptions. Get to the point! 30 minutes of high intensity weight training/ cardio training is all you need. Interval training is really effective in burning fat. It keeps the Heart rate up, so this incorporates a cardio element. It also keeps you focused, as your mind cannot wander. Gone are the days where you have 1 and a half hours to exercise! Short, hard and focused is the training method of the future.
Here are a few questions you need to ask yourself to assist to finding your answer: Where am I at the moment? E.g. My present capability is earning R10 000 a month, so is my goal of R 100 000 realistic for next month? Use others performance and their earnings, in a similar business, as a reference point. How passionate am I and with what energy am I willing to drive this goal with? How much time am I able to dedicate to achieving this goal?
Must have colours this Spring?
Where is this goal with respect to my other priorities?
Spring is an exciting time as far as colour is concerned. While high summer is characterized by bright tones, spring is far more muted and subtle.
What pain/sacrifices are in store for me, versus the pleasure to be derived?
This season, you can look forward to the following key colours: - Pastels: from lilac and light blue to mint and soft pink.
What am I prepared to do? More importantly, what I not prepared to do to meet this goal?
- Neutrals: Creams, whites, taupes and stone hues are a brilliant way to keep your look simple and uncluttered. Mix them with punches of red and khaki for a little drama.
Am I being pessimistic, realistic, optimistic or merely dreaming?
- The last colour palette we will see in retailers this spring is from the grey family. I know not a colouration we normally associate with this time of the year, but this season designers have embraced grey and made it a wardrobe staple. Mix it with the colours described above to be bang on trend.
How responsible and accountable do I need to be to handle the success of achieving this goal?
What resources do I have or still need to get?
Will whatever I receive in the future, fit in with my values? What other consequences might there be that I want to consider?
Q&A
Do you have a burning question to ask one of our three experts?
If so then email editorial@stbmag.com and if chosen we will publish your question and SPILL THE BEANS issue 1223 the answer in the next issue.
SPILL THE BEANS DIRECTORY
Company name Warren B Photography Contact details: Email warren@warrenbphotography.com Tel 079 947 7541 Web www.warrenbphotography.com Commercial photographer specializing in weddings, functions and events.
Company name Earthmother Address 106 Bulwer Road Glenwood Durban Tel 031 202 1527 Earthmother is an Organic Lifestyle Centre not only supplying fresh and dried produce, but Clothing Jewelry and Alternative Therapies. Bring This add and you will receive a 20% Discount on a cup of coffee of your choice.
Company name Market Contact details: Email market@iafrica.com Tel 031 309 8581 Address the courtyard 40 marriott road morningside durban 4001 Market is a world-class Garden Cafe / Restaurant, which combines its natural cuisine and superb wine list with an indoor intimacy and an outdoor treeshaded courtyard.
Company name Just Imagine That Designs Contact details: Email christine@justimaginethatdesigns.com Web www.justimaginethatdesigns.comGraphic design company, specialising in business cards, logos, other corporate stationery and websites. ‘Just Imagine…’ Company name CROSS/WORDS Translations
Contact details: Tel: 0793919329 Feel like you need that personal attention to get your body into shape? Personal training will get you results in minimum time.
24 SPILL THE BEANS issue 12
Contact details: Email iz@crosswordstranslations.com Web www.crosswordstranslations.com CROSS/WORDS is a FrenchEnglish or English-French translating service.
Tel 031 767 3710 Address At Emberton Golf Range, Gillits The perfect place to meet!
TO ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS FOR ONLY R100
EMAIL editorial@stbmag.com
EXPLORE
WHITE MOUNTAIN FESTIVAL 23 to 26 September 2010
For four days of great live music in an awesome setting, don’t miss the annual White Mountain Festival coming up over the Heritage Day long-weekend. Held at White Mountain Lodge near Giant’s Castle in the Central Drakensberg, this gem of a festival offers acoustic performances by some of the country’s top artists, including the likes of Ard Matthews (Just Jinjer), Vusi Mahlasela, John Ellis, Nibs van der Spuy, the Jack Mantis Band, Margaret’s Daughter, Barry Thomson, Machineri, Meri Kenaz, Joshua Grierson, Jaspar Lepak, Shannon Kenny & Alan Judd, Redhand Blues Band and Shomon, to name a few. Other attractions range from fun outdoor activities like abseiling, fishing, boating, hiking, paintball and a climbing tower, to arts and crafts, a variety of food stalls and a beer market featuring several local breweries. Festival-goers can also make full use of the lodge’s facilities, including a restaurant, pub, games room, children’s playground, swimming pool and satellite TV. KwaZulu-Natal’s only acoustic music festival, White Mountain has quickly become a firm favourite on the national events calendar and is perfectly timed to coincide with the start of the school holidays. Renowned for its relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere, it makes for the ideal weekend getaway and is only 200km from Durban on tarred roads. The festival also provides easy access to a number of other nearby tourist attractions, including the Midlands Meander. Tickets cost R450 at Computicket or R550 at the gate. Children under 12 years of age pay R100. Gates open at 8am on Thursday, 23 September and tickets include camping in a stunning site overlooking the dam. For more information, visit www.whitemountain.co.za or contact Pedro at 031 563 0824.
WIN WIN WIN!!!!! TWO DOUBLE TICKETS UP FOR GRABS QUESTION - NAME TWO ARTISTS PERFORMING AT THIS YEARS FESTIVAL. Email your answers to editorial@stbmag.com SPILL THE BEANS issue 1225
FEATURE WRITER
MEET THE AUTHOR PAIGE NICK All Rachel Marcus wants is a cool job, a guy who has all his own teeth and a decent cup of tea. Is that too much to ask? Rachel Marcus has a great life and an amazing job as a top copywriter at an advertising agency in Johannesburg, or rather Rachel Marcus HAD a great life and an amazing job as a top copywriter at an advertising agency in Johannesburg - right up until she got fired. Forced to sell everything she owns and leave Joburg in a hurry, Rachel decides to move to New York City, where she plans to make a fabulous life for herself and prove to everyone back home that she’s not a complete disaster. Except the only job she can find is at a crap ad agency, with a hippie freak for a boss and an alcoholic drug addict for an art director. The only apartment she can afford is the world’s smallest cockroach-infested rat trap. And all the men she meets are stalkers, ex cons and whack jobs. In fact, the only upside to her new life in the Big Apple is her new best friend - her frustratingly petite neighbour, Sue. Will Rachel Marcus ever get it together or is she destined to spend the rest of her life working on ads for sanitary pads, trawling Internet dating sites and dreaming of that elusive cup of Five Roses? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure, living in the Big Apple will change Rachel’s life forever.
A Million Miles from normal is a powerful title. (We all feel that way at some stage in our lives) How did you choose this title? When I first wrote the book it was actually called 6000 Miles from Normal, because New York City is around 6000 miles away from South Africa. But Ron Irwin, my literary agent, wasn’t sold that it was the best title. So we spent weeks trying to crack something new, we must have come up with over a hundred other ideas, but nothing felt quite right and I kept coming back to the original idea. So I started playing around with that and ‘A Million Miles from Normal’ just popped out. Oddly enough I think coming up with the title and the front cover design were two of the toughest parts of the publishing process for me.
Where did you draw inspiration to not only write but complete an entire novel? My day job is as a writer in an advertising agency, so the desire to write is something that I feel is innate. But the ability to finish a novel was slightly trickier. I spent about seven years trying to write another book I had an idea for, but I could never get past the first couple of chapters. Then as soon as I let that old idea go and had the idea for Rachel Marcus’ story, it just poured out of me from start to finish. It always felt like it wrote itself, and all I had to do was get the words down. Rachel Marcus has many characteristics that a few women can relate to. Do you have some in common with her?
You have a blog with the same name. Has blogging become part of your daily life?
Rachel Marcus is a fictional character, but I do think I share her tenacity, her sense of humour, and her terribly bad taste in men.
I post five days a week, so blogging has absolutely become part of my daily life. That blog has really taken on a life of its own. I don’t think I ever imagined it would involve so much work, but at the same time bring me such satisfaction and sense of community. And of course introduce me to so many fabulous freaks and lunatics.
In the book Rachel goes on a few disastrous dates – What was the worst date you have been on?
26 SPILL THE BEANS issue 12
Oh dear, there have been so many. There was the one where the candles were so romantic and the lighting was so low that I didn’t notice I was biting into a very green and moldy
piece of garlic bread. Sadly my date did notice and I never heard from him again. There was another beauty where on a third date my guy made me pay my half of the bill, down to the cent, including half the tip. And another one where my date wore tracksuit bottoms on our first date and emanated the strangest unidentifiable odour. Charming. Is there an ideal date? I’ve had fewer of those, but they do exist. A guy I really liked made me dinner in his beautiful home, it was raining, there was a fire roaring, and the conversation was easy. I don’t need any fancy bells and whistles or hot air balloon rides for an ideal date. Good company and a good vibe will do me. Can your fans expect a follow up novel? I would never say never, but I’m not planning one at this stage. Right now I’m busy with something new which is in the same genre as A Million Miles from Normal, but a different story line and different characters. If all goes well that should launch early next year. (She says holding thumbs.)
BOOK CLUB - old and new The Pilot’s Wife by Anita Shreve (1999, reprinted 2008) From the pen of well-established author, Anita Shreve, The Pilot’s Wife is a slim novel that packs a large emotional punch. Asking the question of how well we really know the people we love, the narrative follows Kathryn Lyons in the days after her pilot husband, Jack, dies in an aeroplane crash. With a hundred and three passengers dead and Jack’s actions in question, Kathryn is plunged into a personal and private frenzy of speculation and drama. The narrative moves between Kathryn’s memories of her marriage and her attempts to cope with the effects of her husband’s sudden and dramatic departure from her life. These effects range from the practicalities of paperwork and funeral arrangements to the devastating impact such a loss has on Kathryn’s teenage daughter and home life. The story takes an interesting turn when, in the midst of her grief, Kathryn discovers that there were parts to her husband’s life of which she was not at all aware. Slowly, the signs (notes, phone numbers, poems) mount up and Kathryn is forced to question the presumed intimacy of marriage and the reality of her relationship with her husband. The story is prevented from becoming too depressing by Kathryn’s growing relationship with union representative, Robert Hart, who is the first to tell her of the tragedy and by Shreve’s writing style which is careful and beautiful. Drawing out the multitude of emotions surrounding the grieving process in a way that is real and touching, The Pilot’s Wife is a compelling read, engaging to the end.
Trinity Rising by Fiona Snyckers (2009) With its funky, pink cover, this first instalment in the Trinity series by South African author Fiona Snyckers is a great holiday read. From life on the Rhodes campus to the effects of South Africa’s political past on a new ‘free’ generation, Trinity Rising combines all the light-heartedly frivolity of Western ‘chick lit’ with a distinctly South African flavour. Trinity Luhabe is the daughter of a famous black struggle hero father and a white, Afrikaner mother, who is always supporting some social cause. Trinity should be the perfect rainbow nation daughter but, the truth is, she’s sick of the past, of her parents’ political experience, and of the new South Africa as a whole. Smart and resourceful, she is also often lazy and superficial. Her secret desire is to find a rich husband and marry into a life of luxury. The plot follows Trinity during her first year at Rhodes, from her online shopping sprees, the start of her baby-sitting empire, and, as is to be expected, her Pride and Prejudice-inspired relationship with her delicious tutor. While the novel does tackle some serious issues, such as the alarming rise of anorexia among young South African women, it never delves deeply enough to make the reader consider it a serious novel. Trinity’s issues are easily resolved, her student body friends are too often the perfect demographic spread, and the tone throughout is light and funny. This is supported by the inclusion of emails and smses which can be seen as a nod to the modern day South Africa and a trend popular in Western chick lit. Having said that, I don’t think that serious literature (if there is still such a thing) is Snycker’s intention. In short, Trinity Rising is ‘chick lit’ for a South African female readership that already has Marian Keyes on their bookshelves. When seen like that, it’s a lovely, entertaining read and the irrepressible Trinity is a delightful character to curl up with on a cold winter’s night!
The Jewel of St Petersburg by Kate Furnivall (2010) Furnivall’s latest offering returns the reader to the Ivanova family saga and is the prequel to her first novel The Russian Concubine. With her characteristic flair and careful attention to historical detail, Furnivall masterfully guides the reader through revolutionary Russia, to the final stand of the Romanov Empire and the coming-of-age of Valentina Ivanova, Lydia’s mother. Valentina is the beautiful, accomplished daughter of a Russian minister and a member of Russia’s elite White Russian class. While she charms aristocratic society with her piano skills and beauty, her parents plan a suitable marriage match with a young titled officer. Valentina, however, is more concerned with protecting her disabled sister and falling deeply in love with middle-class Danish engineer, Jens Friis. While Valentina struggles with tough personal decisions, chaos and political strife sweep through the great city of St Petersburg as furious revolutionaries begin a bloody battle with the Tsar’s armed forces. Valentina struggles to keep her family together while still attempting to secure her own happiness and the reader is swept along her daring journey through the dangers of living in terrifying revolutionary times. While different Russian groups face off, Valentina must make difficult choices about the future, and she quickly learns to keep her friends close and her enemies closer. For, as she soon discovers, not everyone is who they seem to be and everyone has a price, especially when it comes to games of life and death. Furnivall’s writing makes it difficult to put her novels down as she seamlessly combines historical fact, sweeping romance, and fast-paced adventure. For the reader already familiar with the characters in The Russian Concubine, The Jewel of St Petersburg offers the satisfying chance to learn more about the secondary characters of that tale – to fill them out and to enjoy them more fully. Owner of PEN, WALESKA SALTORI is a freelance editor, copywriter, and bibliophile. Specialising in business communications, corporate training, and copy of all kinds, she can be reached at waleska@pensa.co.za
SPILL THE BEANS issue 1227
LISTEN UP
Top 5 ways to tell that they are just not that into you By Tharuna Devchand
1. THEY TELL YOU
No, if a person tells you that they do not like you ‘in that way’, it does not mean that they do like you but just not enough and that if you persist for another two or ten years then they will miraculously fall head over heels in love with you. It means that they do not like you at all but didn’t feel like tearing you into pieces. Sure, spend a year doing everything you can to sway their heart however it’s likely that, if they were not attracted to you from the start, they will never fall in love with you. Sorry. Rather sink that boat before it sinks you. 2. THEY ACTIVELY PURSUE SOMEONE ELSE Some articles suggest that if they talk to you about a pseudo lover or love interest then they may be testing the waters – let them know how you feel (that’s always a good place to start if you wish to find out if they like you). However, if there is active seduction occurring on two fronts and you are not part of the battle then I suggest that you jump out of the line of fire and make some new friends in the barracks… unless you are a masochist who doesn’t mind losing years of your life to a lost cause. I’m not judging. Sometimes their love blinkers shift and you are in their centre line of sight… ya… cough cough. 3. THEY TREAT YOU WITH DISRESPECT A woman may make you do all her dirty work, and then toss you aside when they are done… sometimes rewarding you with a small treat to show her ‘appreciation’. A man may be less subtle and more humiliating. I know that the ‘game’ states that mocking you and treating you with disregard is part of their efforts to be with you. Sure, they only called ‘ugly’ or didn’t phone you back because they were really scared to show or voice how they truly felt about you. That’s hogwash! If someone loves you, they will never intentionally hurt you; be them male or female. If they are treating you badly, chances are that they just want to sleep with you, use you in some way or that they are just not that into you. For some reason, society has this notion that if they treat you well and care about you, they are less of a catch than the one who keeps rejecting and humiliating you. Each to oneself. I’m just saying, if they are twirling your string around a round plastic object and playing you like a yo-yo, bail. In the best scenario, they will realise that they miss you. 4. THEY DON’T MISS YOU You do just the introverted types who are never open about their feelings, but if they do not miss you then they are probably not even thinking about you. Let it go. I’ve always believed in living by the saying: “If you love something, let it go. If it comes back, it is yours. If it doesn’t, it never was”. Stalking and pestering someone until they grant you with a pity date does not count as ‘coming back’. Have faith in yourself and walk away. It can only do you good. 5. THEY DON’T NOTICE YOU I’m not talking about your 2cm-shorter haircut that went unnoticed; but if you are standing next to a person for half an hour (or even ten minutes) and they have barely glanced at you then stop embarrassing yourself. Buy a funny t-shirt; try to maneuver some large gesture that will gain their attention and make you a hero in their eyes (watch Hitch for ideas) or develop a great sense of humour. If none of this goes down well, buy a Savannah; you may need it to numb the pain of the truth. The truth is, they are just not that into you.
Top 5 pick up lines.... or is it worst pick up lines? 1 - If you’re going to regret this in the morning, we can sleep until the afternoon. 2 - Is your daddy a terrorist? Because baby, I think you’re the bomb. 3 - Hi, I’m new in town, and I’m having trouble finding my way around. Could you give me directions to your place? 4 - Are you a surgeon? Cause you’ve just took my heart away! 5 - I’ve just moved you to the top of my ‘to do’ list. Guys try these out and let us know how it works out for you ;) *Ed*
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BUSINESS TOOLKIT www.cltsolutions.co.za
How Frequent Should Your Newsletter Be? Yes, I am assuming that you have joined the realms of the modernised and are, in fact, sending out a newsletter to your clients. If you have yet to jump on this particular band wagon, you have some catching up to do. Please do not panic if you have never sent a newsletter in your entire career - it is never too late to embrace those technological advances. There is so much information you can impart via a newsletter that will save you a fortune in traditional marketing costs: update your clients about the latest happenings in your company, provide product updates or information on product launches, keep your clients abreast of your company events and achievements… a newsletter allows you to linger around your client without becoming a stalker. Now that we have established that your company needs a newsletter to stay relevant, the question then becomes one of frequency. How often is too much? Email Newsletter Frequency Given the competition for attention in inboxes, your newsletter needs to appear often enough to trigger recognition and build awareness. So, to answer the question of how often your company should send out a newsletter… it depends. Before you paint me with the cryptic brush, let me just state that every situation is different and that is why it all depends. Most companies send their newsletters out on a monthly basis.
Here are some factors to consider: The best frequency measure is if the information in your email newsletter has time constraints. If your content has a deadline and you need to send your newsletter, then you should send it. If your news does not relate to everyone on your mailing list, then perhaps consider only sending your newsletter to the appropriate subscribers. Another option is to let your subscribers decide how often they want or need to receive an email newsletter from you. A note of caution: if you decide to offer the flexibility to select frequency, then you need to ensure that you are able to back this option up with relevant information for the relevant sending options. Bear in mind that any email newsletter that is sent out less frequently than once a month is unlikely to make an impression on your readers. If you find it difficult to support at least a monthly publication, then perhaps you should consider thinking in terms of promotions rather than newsletters. Newsletters that are sent out more frequently than once a month i.e. weekly, should offer exceptional value or impact to justify the time your readers need to allocate to your emails. Look at the bigger picture before settling on frequency. If you are already sending your mailing list other newsletters or promotional emails, these need to be taken into account, consider a Monthly Newsletter Why do I recommend sending a newsletter at least once a month? I’m very glad you asked: It will keep you on your toes by forcing you to pay attention to market news in order to keep your topics relevant and interesting. You will be able to keep in regular contact with past clients, keeping in contact with past clients will more than likely lead to referrals.The discipline of consistently sending a newsletter will help keep you focused on your business. _ Consider the content you want to deliver to your subscribers. If your content has a “best before” date, then this should really be taken into account when determining frequency. Different topics are suited to different frequencies. The more “perishable” the information you need to send, the more frequently you’ll need to send out your newsletter.
SPILL THE BEANS issue 1229
COFFEE BREAK
H W D Y K Y C
OW ELL
O
OU NOW
OUR
OUNTRIES?
Across 1. 3. 7. 8. 10.
A nation that is well known for their love of tea. The smallest continent in the world. Third largest country in the world. The board game called Chess was invented in this country. A country with 52 states.
Down 2. 4. 5. 6. 9.
The first cuckoo clock was made in this country. Home of the Vuvuzela. Twice the size of the United States of America English and French are this countries official languages. The piano hails from this country.
Answers: Across: 1.England 3.Australia 7.China 8.India 10.America Down: 2.Germany 4. South Africa 5.Russia 6.Canada 9.Italy
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COFFEE BREAK
Say What? The more you have of it, the less you see. What is it? Darkness I am the beginning of the end, and the end of time and space. I am essential to creation, and I surround every place. What am I? The letter e. End, timE, spacE, Every placE What falls but doesn’t break, and what breaks but doesn’t fall? Night and Day. How do you file a nail? Under the letter N. How did the man feel when he got a big bill from the electric company? He was shocked. What is it that gets wetter when it dries? A towel.
Knock Knock Who’s there? Uriah! Uriah who? Keep Uriah on the ball!
?? ? ??
? ?? ?? SUDOKU
SUDOKU
? ?? ??
Knock Knock Who’s there? Anna! Anna who? Anna one, anna two...!
There’s a fine line between fishing and standing on the shore like an idiot.
SPILL THE BEANS issue 1231
MODERN WORLD VW Polo So the new Polo came out a while back. Looks pretty good right? I don’t like VW and even I’m suitably impressed with the striking front end they’ve come up with. I’m not sure what happened at the back though. Fell apart a little bit - obviously there’s only so much creativity that goes around a German auto-manufacturer, but still, not bad at all. I enjoyed a week with the little 1.6 Tdi. And yes I mean enjoyed. I derive a great sense of satisfaction when thrashing about in a little car with a little engine. From inside that cabin you feel like Michael Schumacher in his glory days at Ferrari, breaking track records from your house down to the local supermarket (or pub). Yet from the outside you have about as much promise as Lucas Di Grassi in his HRT, so you’re never actually going fast enough to break any traffic laws. The way the Polo handles the road did seem to emphasise my euphoric feelings. It felt sharp and alert, pointy if you will. Pushing hard you encounter a fair bit of understeer which is nice and safe for all those plonkers who will inevitably end up behind the wheel, with their spikey hair, massive sound and silly 20 inch rims. The new diesel engine is an immense improvement on the older models (granted it’s no longer a 1.4). I drove a mates Tdi a couple years back and a moth-eaten donkey with three legs would’ve given more drive to the front wheels. There’s at least some grunt from the 2010 model. It’s more economical these days as well. As I said I drove my Polo like Michael Schumacher and still managed 6.1l/100km. Drive like a granny and I’m sure you’ll manage below five. Taking a look at the interior, I can’t say I noticed any changes from the previous model. I guess if you’re pedantic the equipment and materials may look slightly different. But from a holistic, functional point of view, Polo’s have had the same interior for the last eight years. I think it’s all a con really - boils down to lazy manufacturers trying to save a buck. There certainly isn’t anything hideous or intrusive about it though.
I don’t normally like to talk cost in my reviews. Price blurs the picture too much and causes immediate prejudice against giving an objective opinion. So once I’ve given the car back I look up the price and make judgements from there. But because of all the hype around the launch of the Polo I was inadvertently dragged into a discussion at the office about small cheap cars. With a price tag starting at R144,900 for the base model and R209,900 for the Tdi (being the most expensive) it does still creep into the cheap category. And for a VW, at least it’s not outrageously priced like the Golf. Reasonable then. So is it worth R209,900 of my money. And the answer has to be no. Because I have an inherent dislike of VW and every car they’ve ever produced. For about the same money I can buy an Opel Corsa Turbo - and yes, build quality may be slightly worse, as will fuel consumption and probably resale value. But those are sacrifices I’m willing to make to avoid owning an adequate and reasonable VW. Price: R209 900 Engine: 1598cc turbo charged diesel Power: 77 kW Torque: 250 Nm Acceleration (0-100 km/h): 10.4 Top speed (km/h): 189 Fuel consumption: 6.1 Verdict – a good, adequate, reasonable car from the world’s most average manufacturer
Miles Downard, www.driveRSA.co.za
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SPILL THE BEANS issue 1233
FINAL SAY
SHOPPING DAZE
Its 9am on the morning of a public holiday. The weather is miserable but try as I might, I just can’t stay in bed any longer. As I rise and go about my daily activities, I get the odd feeling that it’s a Sunday but it isn’t. The traffic outside is at a minimum, most retail outlets are shut but I know it isn’t Sunday because the bell in the church tower opposite my flat is silent. Thank goodness for that. After breakfast, my wife and I contemplate what to do. It’s the last day of the long weekend and although the plan is to have no plan at all, we feel as though we still need to make the most of our day off. Outside, the conditions resembled that of a balmy day in the Arctic tundra, so a trip to the beach was definitely off the cards. There was only one thing for this – a good dose of retail therapy. The concept of shopping for satisfaction has always fascinated me. How could exchanging a few pieces of coloured paper for other, often unnecessary material goods have such a wondrous effect on the human psyche? Who knows. Maybe it boils down to the sense of joy one experiences from owning that which you previously did not. Or perhaps effective advertising was to blame. All I know is that buying stuff feels good. Although, I have come to realise that there is a pitfall to this, because having an empty wallet, does not. Upon our arrival at the shopping centre, I noted that possibly every other person on the continent and the three generations before them, had exactly the same idea as we did. First stop was a coffee shop. Not that we needed any help in getting into the swing of things, but a caffeine induced boost would certainly help get the ball rolling. Sipping the last few drops of my cappuccino, I made a list of what I NEEDED as opposed to what I WANTED. My current wardrobe situation was looking bleak, so top priority for me was clothing. Exiting the coffee shop, I consulted my mental map of the centre layout in order to get to my next destination. But then I hit a road block. A few words, printed on a poster outside a book store completely threw me off course. “Winter Sale – 50% off” Now, there is something that just completely draws me to books. It’s as if they have some kind of magical, magnetic effect on me even though I’m not an avid reader. The last time I finished reading an entire novel was probably somewhere during the Cretaceous period. Yet, I still found myself entering the store and wandering over to the heavily discounted stock. Within thirty seconds, my wife had found a book for herself. Two minutes into the exercise, and
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she had discovered a book by one of my favourite authors. “Here, why don’t you get this one?” she said, thrusting it into my hands. “Why not?” I mumbled. Twenty seconds and a few meters since leaving the coffee shop was all it took to completely dissolve my NEED vs. WANT strategy. Once again, I blamed advertising. I wondered whether the “Willpower” store was located on this level. I needed to buy a large dose of that. Next, we found ourselves in an accessory store. My wife needed to buy herself a watch. Or a pair of sunglasses. Preferably both. Compared to the rest of the centre, this particular shop was quite sparsely populated. It currently had a total customer count of two, including ourselves. But there was something even odder about this place. It seemed to have the floor space equivalent of a postage stamp, yet there were at least six assistants on duty. Now I’m no maths expert, but a quick calculation tells me that that equates to approximately 3,89 shop assistants per square centimetre. I mean, how much help could one possibly need in choosing eye or wrist gear? Glancing down at one of the display cabinets, I felt five pairs of eyes boring into the back of my head. Slightly awkward. Talk about close-quarters surveillance! I chose not to touch any of the items. I didn’t want a fingerprint or any trace of my presence there to be left once I made a hasty retreat. What happened next was mainly a hazy blur of events. I remember a lot of window shopping, or what I like to call, looking-at-things-I-really-realy-want-butreally-really-cant-afford. I also remember buying a bag of popcorn to keep my hunger pangs at bay. I eventually snapped out of my dream like state whilst paying for my parking ticket at the machine just beyond the exit. After arriving home, I looked at what I had accomplished. I had in my possession one slightly unnecessary novel, one mostly empty bag of popcorn containing a few kernels and one very empty wallet. How that happened, I still don’t quite know. All I know was that I had bought something so it was all good. Although I was slightly saddened by the fact that there was not one item of clothing in my bag. Unless I could pull off wearing a shirt or pants constructed entirely from torn out paperback pages. Perhaps on the catwalks of Milan, that would do. Anything goes when it comes to fashion nowadays. But for now, advertising had once again won this round. Next time, I decided it wouldn’t be so lucky. The contents of my wardrobe were still looking dismal. And there was only one thing for it – a good dose of retail therapy.
WARREN BERNARD (PHOTO + ARTICLE)
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