Jackson, Obama, Mandela.

I see that bloggers are having a field day with Jesse Jackson's remarks - and rightly so!

On this day of the great Nelson Mandela's birthday, I can't help feeling that it wouldn't do any harm if these auspicious leaders would take the time to learn from the demeanour of this great statesman, Nelson Mandela. Perhaps one of the great lessons they would learn is that if one's love and empathy for your people is as deep and genuine as is his, it would be evident in one's behaviour, public or private.

July / Aug Events from Jozikids

Here are some events listed by Jozikids for July / August. For more information and direct links to sites mentioned, go the the Jozikids website - it's well worth the visit. Or e-mail them at info@jozikids.co.za .

JULY/AUG EVENTS

ACTION Wild Cave Adventures Abseiling at the Cradle of Humankind, every Sunday.
ANIMALS Lipizzaner Show in Kyalami, performances every Sunday.
Magical Mystery Outride for kids at Shepherd's Fold Stables, Elandsdrift on Aug 10.
BABY SHOW Living and Loving Kids and Baby Expo, in Pretoria on Aug 7-10.

CRAFTS/BAKING Baking and craft courses at Linda's Bake and Pack in Westdene on July 19,26, Aug 2,16,30


DANCE Nia-4-Kids, Classes every Wednesday.
EXHIBITS UCMAS Abacus & Mental Arithmetic National Competition at WITS Great Hall on July 27.
Asbestos:Miracle Fibre - Serial Killer at Adler Museum of Medicine, Parktown until August 8.

MARKETS Bryanston Organic Market in Johannesburg on July 12.
Craighall River Craft Market in Craighall Park on Aug 9
Bunny Park Crafter's Market in Benoni on July 26, Aug 30
Bokkie Park Crafter's Market in Boksburg on Aug 2
MUSIC Third National Marimba Festival at St Dominic's School, Boksburg July 26,27.

SHOPPING CENTRES Face painting - record breaking attempt for Oasis Haven for Love, at 8 shopping centres on Aug 2,3.

SHOWS Cinderella at National Children's Theatre in Parktown, June 9-July 26.
Winnie the Pooh at the People's Theatre in Braamfontein, June 2-Aug 9.
La Vida ,Pop and Rock Sounds of Latin America at Barnyard Theatre-Broadacres,15 Jul-31 Aug.
Hubble Vision Show ,at the Planetarium,every Fri & Sat.
Our Southern Deep Skies ,Stargazing at Maropeng, Aug 2.
WAM! ,Roodepoort Theatre, Aug 4-29.
Untangled Marionettes,Marionettes Theatre,Westcliff on Aug 13,16,20,23.
SPECIAL DAYS The Wanderers Club 120th Anniversary Open Day , free admission, on Aug 23.
The Fossil's Endless Feast at the Fossil Family Kitchen, on Aug 7.
Slo-Jo Little Mugger Adventure Challenge Bike, quiz and Xbox challenge at Maropeng, on Aug 31.
Fun Day & Fete at the Ann Harding Cheshire Home in Northwold, on Aug 2.
Zwartkops Quad Centre Women's Day Special at Zwartkops Raceway, on Aug 9.

TRAINS Tshwane Explorer Steam train trip in and around Pretoria by Friends of the Rail, Jul 27, Aug 9.
Reefsteamers day trip to the Magaliesburg on a classic old steam train. Aug 2nd.
Miniature Steam Train Open Day Florida Park, Aug 3rd.
The Rail Museum Magaliesburg Express from Mariasburg Station, Aug 9th.
WORKSHOPS Parent Workshops Big Kids Fun by Nikki Bush in Douglasdale, July 16,17,23,30,31
WALKS/HIKES Check the calender every weekend for a list of regular walks or hikes in Gauteng.
The Zoo Trot at JHB Zoo, every 2nd Sunday of the month.

YOGA Creative Yoga Classes with Jasmine the Butterfly Girl & friends, Yogibuds in Brackenhurst, Aug 1


Regards
The Jozikids Team
info@jozikids.co.za
011 482 4310
www.jozikids.co.za

Birthday Wishes for Mandela

Birthday wishes are pouring in from everywhere for Nelson Mandela, known fondly here as Madiba.

It occurs to me that this remarkable man must be the only politician / world leader on Earth who couldn't have an enemy anywhere on the planet. What an achievement in the history of mankind! No matter who we are, what our backgrounds are or where we come from, we all love this man and respect him as we can respect few others.

My daughter once met him and has always maintained her opinion: "I wish he was my grandfather!" We ALL do, and in his way, he is just that to all of us.

I'm sure that his heart must ache to see the suffering, and often mismanagement, of this country in its present state; but if we can just share his vision for this land, feel it from the heart and strive to achieve it, I hope he lives to see those dreams come true.

I urge us all to see the vision of this land, our people and our future governments through Madiba's eyes and to strive for that and no other.

Happy Birthday, Madiba. May you live to see our dreams come true.

O, Nuts!

I guess Jesse Jackson preferred Hilary ......?

"Keep Me Under The Blood"

Life in South Africa can be extremely difficult for many of us, particularly when it comes to employment and feeding one's family. Many are destitute, and no amount of "pounding the pavements" to find work seems to achieve anything. There are just too many people after every job vacancy. Being older doesn't help. It is extremely demoralizing and I know for a fact - from many people who are in that position - that suicide is an ever-present thought. Often, the only thing that keeps us alive is the will to not desert our children.

Last month I thought that my ship had come in. A friend of many years' standing decided to start her own business, in a field where she had years of experience and all the right contacts and prospects. She had, at last, found a financial partner who would provide initial funding for stock and initial salaries. We were so excited. Then the end of the month came, and he refused to pay salaries. The bank account hadn't even been opened until after month end, and we were still awaiting the VAT number - so how he expected us to have enough income in that first month, I don't know. The result is devastating. I had assured my numerous creditors that I had a job and would be making payments to everyone at the end of the month.

Crash. Instead of celebrating with my child, we find ourselves totally crushed instead. It's a bitter pill to swallow.

Then, last night, I read a prayer on a website called 7-Day Buzz, which gives me hope and a little strength again. It is entitled A Warfare Prayer: "Keep Me Under The Blood". If you are in a similar position, dejected and demoralized, I urge you to read it. I have not reproduced it here out of respect for the owner of the blog, but I encourage you to use this link to read it.

God help us - the suffering in this country is not just a bunch of words on the news or on blog sites. It really hurts.

New Jozikids Listings

To link directly to any of these listings, please click here to go to the Jozikids site.

NEW JOZIKIDS LISTINGS

ANIMALS Extreme Reptiles , educational show for birthday party, school or function.
CRECHES Little Friends Baby Care House , Parkrand, E Rand for exclusive baby care 3-18mnths.
Cuddle Bunnies Playschool Baby Care House ,Blairgowrie, a small quality playschool.
CAKES/FOOD B's Cake Art ,all areas Jhb, edible, 3D and moulded cakes.
Cara's Catering ,all areas E Rand, sweet and savoury party platters and packs.
CAMPS BBK Trails ,Waterval Boven, Mpumalanga for adventure pony camps.
CHILD CARE Au Pair Abuzz for au pairs, school lifters, babysitters, tutors, all pre-school staff.
CRAFTS Stimix Educraft for educational arts/crafts to do at home.
BLACK DOLLS Nomhlekhabo-African Dolls for african dolls and black princess birthday cakes.
CLOTHES Kidi-net, a website to buy clothing, gifts and accessories for your little ones.
EXTRA LESSONS SEMAS , all areas Gauteng, Japanese Abacus education and mental arithmetic training.
FURNITURE Fairy Dust Interiors , Kya Sands Randburg for custom made furniture, decor and soft furnishings.
Over the Moon Kids Interiors, Boksburg, 10% off furniture and 30% off linen until 31/7/08.
PARTIES Farmyard Frenzy Party Venue, Northriding, free gift for birthday child until 24/8/08.
Tumbleweeds party venue, Chartwell, 3 beautiful acres for hosting any party.
Sunset Mountain party venue in the country overlooking the Zwartkop mountains.
Picolinos Event and Party Planners ,Gauteng, also hire out equipmnt, jumping castles, all party supplies.
Pinky Ponky Pizza kids pizza making parties10% discount for 20 kids or more until 01.09.08.
Party Magic for face painting, ballooning, clowning and games.
Toi Toi Face Paint and Balloons for face painting, ballooning modelling and clowning.
Dream Parties , Krugersdorp, Roodepoort, party planners that do it all.
PHOTOGRAPHERS Louise Diesel Photography professional family photographer based in Johannesburg.
Memories and Moments, all areas Gauteng, 15% discount , for 2 referrals plus more specials.
SPORT EQUIPMT The Xtreme Shop ,Randburg, variety of outdoor equipment,paintball, rock climbing, air rifles etc.
S.A. Trampolines , make, supply and repair trampolines, 25% discount on safety covers.
THEATRE Barnyard Theatre-Broadacres for childrens theatre, musicals, rock shows and live bands.
WORKSHOPS Children's Technology Workshops , Jhb, robotics, digital art, video production, game design workshops and parties.
Lifesense Community Care, Melrose Arch, ADHD and Autism workshops for parents.


HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES
Check out our Winter Holidays (1) and (2) and (3) newsletters for other activities during the holidays.

CRAFTS Lifestyle Home Garden ,Randpark Ridge, craft holiday activities on Jun 26; Jul 1,3,8,10.
SCIENCE/TECH Experilab ,Randburg, Jun 24-27; Jul 1-10.
CORRECTION The Runnin Rebels organised Star Fire Soccer challenge for 6-16yr olds will take place in Johannesburg on July 7,9,11, NOT in Pretoria as previously stated.


JUNE/JULY EVENTS
BABY SHOW Baba Indaba the baby and parenting expo in Pretoria, June 27-29
BALLET The Selfish Giant by Ballet Bugs Theatre Co.,Wits Theatre Braamfontein, Jun 17-28. Filling up fast.
CRAFTS Your Family Creative Craft Expo at Emporers Palace in Kempton Park, July 4-6.
CIRCUS Jozi's Winter Circus ,Gold Reef City,Ormonde,JHB June 21- July 12.
Boswell Wilkie Circus in Kempton Park on July 10, 12,13.
HORSE RIDING Champagne Breakfast Outride in Elandsdrift by Shepherd's Fold Stables, June 29.
MARKET Holistic Fayre in Menlo Park, Pretoria June 28,29.
Holistic Fayre in Edenvale, July 5-6.
Bunny Park Crafter's Market in Benoni on June 28, July 26.
Bokkie Park Crafter's Market in Boksburg on July 5.
Bryanston Organic Market in Johannesburg on July 12.
SHOWS Winnie the Pooh at the People's Theatre in Braamfontein, June 2-Aug 9.
Cinderella at National Children's Theatre in Parktown, June 9-July 26.
Madiba Magic at the Roodepoort theatre, May 26–June 28.
Viva Las Vegas at Barnyard Theatre-Broadacres, May 27th-July 13th.
La Vida ,Pop and Rock Sounds of Latin America at Barnyard Theatre-Broadacres,15 Jul-31 Aug.br/>
TRAINS Tshwane Explorer Steam train trip in and around Pretoria by Friends of the Rail, Jun 29, Jul 27.
WORKSHOPS Parent Workshops Nuts and Bolts/ Big Kids Fun by Nikki Bush in Douglasdale, June 24,25.
WALKS/HIKES Check the calender every weekend for a list of regular walks or hikes in and around Johannesburg.

Regards,
The Jozikids Team
info@jozikids.co.za
011 482 4310
www.jozikids.co.za

Down the Way Where the Knights are Gay.......

Gay he is is not, neither does he promote any gaiety. But guess what? He's not a knight anymore, either! Sir Robert Mugabe appears to have been stripped of his honorary knighthood by the British. (Well done, my Lords and Ladies.)

Watch it, Bra Bobby. May your Presidency be next. I'm hoping that somebody will stuff you into a rum bottle and throw the bottle into Lake Kariba, to float around as a message to mankind for ever and ever.

More Holiday Activities for the Kids

Here are some more winter holiday activities for your kids, brought to you by Jozikids. For more information, visit their website at www.jozikids.co.za

HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES
Now you can even check out what's up these holidays at a library near you.
LIBRARY PROGRAMS Alexandra Children's Library, puppet show, games, fire & safety for 4-14yrs Jul 3,4,8,9,10.
Blackheath Library ,craft activities for 3-9yrs, Jun 23-25,
Boskriun Library ,crafts, the zoo and waterwise for 3-12yrs Jun 26, Jul 3.
Davidsonville Library Roodepoort ,activities for 3-6yrs, Jun 23,24,25,27.
Florida Library, insects, guide dogs and waterwise for 6-12yrs, Jun 24, Jul 1,10.
Glenanda Library, Stories, games, boy/girl talk and a horror movie, Jun 24,26, Jul 3,4,8.
Murray Park Library in Belgravia, science, puzzles and stories for 9-12yrs Jun 27, Jul 8.
Olivedale Library Sandton, snakes, waterwise and storytime for 3-12yrs Jun 27, Jul 4,11.
Rhodes Park Library, storytime, crafts and fire engine demo for 3-9yrs, Jun 25, Jul 2,9.
Roodepoort Library, storytime, movie and waterwise for 3-8yrs Jun 20, July 1,11.
Rosebank Library, make puppets and storytime for 9-12yrs Jul 2.
Sandton Library ,fun activities for 6-9yrs Jun 26.
Strubensvalley Library, crafts, stories and waterwise for 2-6yrs Jun 26, July 3.
Tshepisong Library, be waterwise, reading and teentalk for 3-18yrs Jun 23,25, July 9.
Weltevreden Park Library, Puppet show, crafts, be waterwise, for 3-12yrs, Jun 25,30, Jul 2.
Wilro Park Library, be waterwise for all ages July 7.
Witpoortjie Library, be waterwise for 3- 12, July 9 .
Yeoville Library , storytelling and activities for 3-9yrs, Jun 24.

ARTS/CRAFTS Polka Dot Arts and Craft Studio,Parkhurst has 50% off 1hr art and crafts in Aug holidays.

CAMPS Chartwell Stables Pony Camps for 4-14yrs, July 1-3.

TECHNOLOGY icamp™ Technology Workshops in Roodepoort, Pta, Jhb for 7-14yrs over June/July/Aug holidays.

VARIED Daisychain Primary School Holiday Programme in for 5-12yrs, June 30-July 11.
Bob the Builder at Sandton Square with playful construction site, interactive activities, July 2-6.




JUNE EVENTS
ACTION Snow in the City for ice-skating, snow-fights and more at Mary Fitzgerald Square in Newtown, June 22.

BABY SHOW Baba Indaba the baby and parenting expo in Pretoria, June 27-29

BALLET The Selfish Giant by Ballet Bugs Theatre Co. at Wits Theatre in Braamfontein, June 17-28.

HORSE RIDING Champagne Breakfast Outride in Elandsdrift by Shepherd's Fold Stables, June 29.

MARKET Holistic Fayre in Menlo Park, Pretoria June 28,29.

MUSIC Beautiful Creatures Music with Alan Glas & Ed Jordan at Toptots concert, The Wanderers, June 22.

SHOWS Winnie the Pooh at the People's Theatre in Braamfontein, June 2-Aug 9.
Cinderella at National Children's Theatre in Parktown, June 9-July 26.
Madiba Magic at the Roodepoort theatre, May 26–June 28.
Viva Las Vegas May 27th-July 13th at Barnyard Theatre-Broadacres, Jhb.

TRAINS Tshwane Explorer Steam train trip in and around Pretoria by Friends of the Rail, Jun 29,

WORKSHOPS Parent Workshops Nuts and Bolts/ Big Kids Fun by Nikki Bush in Douglasdale, June 19,24,25.

Winter Holiday Ideas from Jozikids

For more information and links to relevent sites, click on this link to the Jozikids site.

HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES & PROGRAMS

ARTS/CRAFTS Lets Party for craft making workshops in Roodepoort,June 23-27; June 30-July 4; July 7-11
Smudge Art Centre for craft workshops, May 27-June 1, 3-8, 10-15, 17-22.
Kids Art Workshops by Spine Art in Weltevreden Park, June 3,10, 17, 24.
Scribble and Splot Art Classes in Fourways, June 7,27; July 1,4,19.

ANIMALS Esperanza Riding School Holiday Program in Mooiplaats, Pretoria June 23-7
Montecasino Bird Garden Holiday Program in Fourways June 23-July 11.
Holiday Pony Camp at Shepherd's Fold Stables in Elandsdrift, Jhb, July 1-3.

COOKING Ushef Cooking School in Olivedale, Sandton. Jun 25,27,Jul 2,4,9,11
DANCE The Holiday Dance Workshop by Kim Field Dance Academy in Fourway for hip hop, breakdance, tap, acrobatics and more June 23-27, 30-July 4, 7-11.
TENNIS International Tennis Academy in Parkview/Melville, Mini Tennis (3-6yrs) 2hr session or 1/2dy(from 6yrs) 4hrs. June 30-July 4, 7-11.
TEENAGERS Life Empowering & Creativity Workshops for Teenagers in Petervale, Bryanston, July 7-11.
VARIETY Camp Ilanga Day Camp at Kidzville Party Venue in Kempton Park, 30 June-11 July.
Hedgehog Lane in Bryanston for daily fun activities, June 23-July 11.
Jozi's Winter Circus at Gold Reef City June 21-July 12.
Playdays @ Elf's Hill in Chartwell, June 4, 18; July 2,9 30.


HOLIDAY CAMPS
Gecko Valley Performing Arts Camp, Vaal River, June 23-9, 28-July 4, 5-11.
Adventure n Beyond, Krugersdorp, June 22-27.
Bushtrail Holiday Camp in the Magaliesburg, June 21-28; June 28-July 5.
Happy Acres Holiday Camp, in the Magaliesburg, June 21-28; June 28-July 5.
Camp Nelu Holiday Camp, in Nooitgedacht, West Rand, June 21-28; June 28-July 2.
Imbila Edu-Adventures just outside Bronkhorstspruit June 24-29.


FAMILY HOLIDAYS OUTSIDE GAUTENG
ACCOMMOD. SA-Venues.com lists family friendly accomodation nationwide.
Dolphin EnCounters in Mozambique has June holiday special offers.
Coral Tree Guest House in Port Elizabeth offers a free city tour.

SAFETY 4 A Kid products for putting your child's safety first while on holiday or anytime.
Safety For Baby SA "My First Friendly Harness” is a harness & backpack to keep your child safe.




UPCOMING EVENTS
BOOKS Book Fair Joburg public library book sale for great deals at Marks Park in Emmerentia, June 1

BREAKFASTS E Rand Baby & Toddler Morning w/ Sam Cowan, fashion show, breakfast, Benoni Lake Club, June 7.
Champagne Breakfast Outride in Elandsdrift by Shepherd's Fold Stables, June 29.

DANCE The Selfish Giant by Ballet Bugs Theatre Company at Wits Theatre in Braamfontein, June 17-28.

MARKETS Craft Day at Bryanston Organic Market June 14.
Holistic Fayre in Blairgowrie May31-June 1, Boksburg June 7,8.
Irene Market in Pretoria, May 31

MUSIC Philippe Graffin's Violin Fairy at UJ in Auckland Park, specially for kids, June 9.
Beautiful Creatures Music with Alan Glas & Ed Jordan at Toptots concert, The Wanderers, June 22.
THEATRE/SHOWS Winnie the Pooh at the People's Theatre in Braamfontein, June 2-Aug 9.
Cinderella at National Children's Theatre in Parktown, June 9-July 26.
Madiba Magic at the Roodepoort theatre, May 26–June 28.
Creative Puppets Holiday Program with String Puppets in Randburg, June 28, July 5,12,19..

TRAINS Tshwane Explorer Steam train trip in and around Pretoria by Friends of the Rail, Jun 16, 29,

WALKS/HIKES Alberts Farm and Melville Koppies Central walks Jun 1, 8, 15

Regards
The Jozikids Team
info@jozikids.co.za
011 482 4310
www.jozikids.co.za

Antarctica's Long Night

A New Zealand newspaper reported that one of the last shipments to a USA research base in Antarctica, before the onset of the dark winter, contained 16 500 condoms.

Talk about being frozen stiff ....

Probably keeps them dry and protected from frostbite. Hang in there, guys, spring will come again.

Jozikids - June Events

From the Jozikids team:

Since we don't want to overload you with too much information this week, this newsletter will ONLY focus on our June events calender which now also includes 2 new ongoing categories:

Party venue open days
Library storytime
We are in the process of expanding our coverage of libraries that provide storytime and other services for children in Gauteng, firstly to the East Rand and then, Pretoria. We will add new ones as we find them.

The party venues mentioned below open their doors to the public at an extremely affordable rate for a couple of hours a week.

If you are planning holiday activities for your children please don't forget to make use of our Winter Holiday (1) and (2) newsletters.



JUNE EVENTS
FATHERS DAY Boat Cruise and Buffet on the banks of the Vaal River at Stonehaven on the Vaal, June 15.
Alberts Farm and Melville Koppies Central walks Jun 15.
Walk at The Wilds with TJ in Houghton for the family with a picnic on June 15th.
Magaliesburg Express, a diesel hauled train ride from Jhb to the Magaliesburg June 15.
Zwartkops Quad Centre in Centurion, 2 free rides for dad on June 15.

ACTION Wild Cave Adventures go abseiling any Sunday in the Cradle of Humankind area below Krugersdorp.

ARTS & CRAFTS Make backpacks and handbags at Smudge Art Centre in Craighall Park, June 10-15.

BREAKFASTS Champagne Breakfast Outride in Elandsdrift by Shepherd's Fold Stables, June 29.

DANCE The Selfish Giant by Ballet Bugs Theatre Co. at Wits Theatre in Braamfontein, June 17-28.

LIBRARY STORYTIME On Mondays in Parkview, Phiri(Soweto) and Westbury.
On Tuesdays in Geluksdal East(E Rand) and Davidsonville(Roodepoort).
On Wednesdays in Emmarentia, Linden, Phiri, Sandton, Rosebank and Randburg.
On Thursdays in Rivonia, Weltevreden Pk and Westbury(Jhb) and Birchleigh North (E Rand).
On Fridays in Olivedale, Roodepoort and Phiri.

MARKETS Craft Day at Bryanston Organic Market June 14.

MUSIC Beautiful Creatures Music with Alan Glas & Ed Jordan at Toptots concert, The Wanderers, June 22.
PARTY VENUE OPEN DAYS Jungle Tots in Midrand on Mon, Wed, Fri from 1-5pm.
Drakes Party Farmyard in Linbro Park on Mon, Wed from 9am-5pm.
Earth Kids Play Patchin Kyalami on Tues, Wed, Thurs from 2-5pm.
Tumbleweeds in Chartwell on Tues from 12am-5pm.
Kinglets and Queenies in Ruimsig on Wed from 12am-5pm, booking essential.

SHOWS Mummenschanz at the State Theatre in Pta, June 11-15.
Winnie the Pooh at the People's Theatre in Braamfontein, June 2-Aug 9.
Cinderella at National Children's Theatre in Parktown, June 9-July 26.
Madiba Magic at the Roodepoort theatre, May 26–June 28.
The Little Mermaid June 25-28 at Barnyard Theatre-Menlo Park, Pta.
Viva Las Vegas May 27th-July 13th at Barnyard Theatre-Broadacres, Jhb.

TRAINS Tshwane Explorer Steam train trip in and around Pretoria by Friends of the Rail, Jun 16, 29,

WORKSHOPS Parent Workshops Nuts and Bolts/ Big Kids Fun by Nikki Bush in Douglasdale, June 19,24,25.

Please be sure to check the expiry date of any special deals mentioned in these newsletters on the site. If they no longer appear, they are no longer valid.

We welcome your feedback. If there's something we have missed, please email us with your suggestions. Meanwhile, please share this with your friends and encourage them to sign up for the FREE newsletter.

Regards
The Jozikids Team
info@jozikids.co.za
011 482 4310
www.jozikids.co.za

Naked man causes commotion in Bloemfontein

Okay, that was the headline of an article in today's Mail & Guardian - but this is one instance where I feel that I would be robbing the paper by even trying to relay the story or comment on it! Here's the link to the article - you have to see it in the original form!