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EditorialWhat with the month being shorter (a whole 2-3 days!) we have not visited as many shopping centres, and do not have as many changes to list. Nevertheless, we have changes in Rivonia, Morningside and Bryanston. If you see a new or closed shop we haven't spotted, please feel free to e-mail us and help to keep others informed. The national budget has just been released, and there is little cause for comfort. If the economy is growing at around 2%, and the budget grows by 8%, it should be obvious that we are on the path to ruin. A prudent government would rein in its expenditure. Do we see a reduction in the size of the Cabinet, the largest this country has ever had? No. How about less public money going to support the President's harem? Not a chance. Well then, should we ask about the President repaying the public money spent on non-security upgrades at Nkandla? Not unless you want to be forcibly and illegally removed from parliament by armed police! Your opinion on eTolls has been ignored. We have had a month of Eskom load-shedding. Businesses cannot operate consistently. The economy is losing billions. The cause of this load shedding? Government incompetence. Since load-shedding began in 2008, Eskom's top officials have earned R63 Million in bonuses –for what? Government needs a wake-up call. They got a shock in the Provincial elections but have since back-tracked on eTolls, as we saw last week in the provincial legislature. A more powerful message is needed: The ANC needs to lose control of the metros. For this to happen, you need to take back your power: You need to vote against the ANC. Imagine a city that works: With road markings, traffic lights that work, no potholes. This happens in Cape Town. If you listen to Radio 702 when they have a combined broadcast with Cape Talk, you'll hear a typical traffic report with a long list of road problems in Johannesburg, followed by "no problems in Cape Town". Which party runs Cape Town? Give the government the wake-up call it so richly deserves: Vote Democratic Alliance in 2016! Right now, volunteer to help the DA and start the ball rolling! Even if you are a life-long ANC supporter, please vote tactically in 2016: You're not changing the National Government, just sending it a message. And –without moving– you will get to live in a better-run city. Odd JobsIs a "Child Psychologist" a precocious child, or a
therapist for children?
New on the Block, Movers and Shakers Back to top
Restaurant Review by Judith Back to top*** The Raj, Nicolway Shopping Centre, William Nicol Drive, BryanstonAs The Raj in Rivonia has recently closed, we decided to go further afield to Nicolway and try the one which has replaced it. It is situated in the mezzanine level in the car park and next to Sweat 1000, which is a gym. Ideal place to visit after an appetite stimulating workout! We booked a table before going. However this wasn't really necessary as it is a large restaurant and still getting known. There is a large balcony overlooking William Nicol and the views to the north, which will be great for a lunchtime meal. We chose to sit inside. The decor is minimalist and generally white. Service is friendly on arriving, but somewhat lax thereafter. Unfortunately the extensive food and separate wine menus have no mention of non-alcoholic drinks. This is a distinct drawback, as you have no idea of pricing or, in fact, of what is available on this side. After much questioning, we settled for a Mango Lassi and a large bottle of sparkling water with ice on the side. There is a good selection of wines. The range of wine by the glass is limited and starts at around R46 per glass. Wine by the bottle is priced very much around R140 upwards. After going through the food menu extensively, we chose the Dahl Makhani with Basmati rice and the Chicken Tikka salad. The Dahl proved to be very good, more than my partner could manage in one sitting. It keeps well and proved equally enjoyable at home! The Chicken Tikka salad had plenty of chicken, very beautifully spiced and cooked. However, the large lumps of onion were overwhelming, whilst other ingredients were lacking. Knorr salad dressing instead of the promised yoghurt was unacceptable. At no time during the meal or even on asking for and receiving the bill, were we asked if we enjoyed the food. In fact we were largely ignored. As a result, we probably won't return. The large number of other people who came in did not seem to receive any better treatment. Customer attention is probably an area on which the management should focus if they wish to be successful when competing against some exceptional restaurants in this centre. Funny Language, English...Include is the opposite of exclude, so why is intend not the opposite of extend?
Late: Back to top
Pro Rascal?When Julius heard that they were going to "prorogue" Parliament, he thought they would be biasing it in his favour.
Tip: Weather the Electricity Cuts Back to topGas is a life-saver. Whether you get a gas hob fitted by a gas installer, or just buy a cylinder with a cooking plate, at least you'll be able to cook or make a cup of tea. Add a gas lamp and you can live a tolerable life when the electricity is down. A gas heater is useful for winter. Who needs TV or computers, anyway? Never mind, South African ingenuity will soon be producing gas-powered versions! Strictly speaking, this is not a "green" tip, since gas is a fossil fuel that contributes to pollution and climate change. The ideal would be a house powered by renewables, if you can afford it. Civic CornerThe annual CANSA Shavathon takes place at Malls and Shopping Centres this weekend, 28 February and 1 March 2015. Get your head sprayed or shaved in solidarity with those affected by cancer, often cheaper than a regular haircut. Woodmead Retail Park is participating, or you could go to Greenstone Mall or Killarney Mall. Tell Eskom what you think of them! Look out for DA tables carrying petitions demanding that Eskom's top officials return the bonuses they got since starting load-shedding.
Somewhere after the Checkout:"This is disgusting! Look at the road markings –they have completely worn off!" "Sorry, but this is Joburg, where 'maintenance' is a foreign concept. If you want to see white lines, you have to go to Timbavati." |
Your name in print! Would you like to contribute a shop- or restaurant review, a less obscure joke, or something else for this Newsletter? Please e-mail us. You will get full credit (unless you want anonymity). Reach 6033 shoppers and shop-owners: Advertise in this newsletter! Editor: Rick Raubenheimer.