Editorial

As I type this, the news has come on the radio and TimesLive that South African rugby legend, scrumhalf, and Springbok captain Joost van der Westhuizen has died in Johannesburg at the age of 45, after a heroic struggle against motor neurone disease (MND).  Our condolences to his family and the many for whom he is a hero and role model.

Talking about death, perhaps we can prevent some:

Death by Chocolate

“Chocolate isn’t good for dogs”. In fact, chocolate is highly toxic to dogs (and other pets); depending on the size of the animal and the amount consumed, ingestion can be fatal. The higher the percentage of cocoa solids present in the chocolate, the more dangerous. Just 7g (1-2 blocks!!) of 70% dark chocolate would kill a Yorkie puppy weighing 1kg. If a 60kg Boerboel raided the pantry or sniffed out one of those Holiday-Season-sized 500g bars, he could also face an untimely death if not rushed to a veterinary clinic immediately. Milk chocolate is slightly less serious, with a toxic dose of around 60g per kg of the pet’s weight, but should nonetheless be kept well away from curious snouts! Under no circumstances should chocolate ever be given to pets as a treat! (Information from our web page for Rivonia Village Vets, Sunninghill Village Vets, and Village Vetshop)

Odd Jobs

According to a top psychologist, the human brain starts working the moment you’re born and never stops until you stand up to speak in front of an audience.  (Toastmasters could help – see second column advert on the left)

New on the Block, Movers and Shakers  Back to top

• Steers Fast Food Steak Restaurant and take-away, Shop LG12, Lower Level in The Colony, Craighall are rebuilding at the moment, so if the phone is not answered, that's why!.
• Hair 121 has become C Connoisseurs Studio, Shop 01A, Ground in Epsom Downs Shopping Centre – Unisex hairstylist under the same management.
• Dong Sheng Sushi Bar & Chinese Restaurant, moved from East Block to Main block in Sloane Square – all kinds of Chinese food, but still no email address.
• Taste of India Bryanston in Sloane Square – Indian Restaurant & Take Away. Mild, medium or HOT, all food is Halaal.
• Bryanston Post Office, East Block in Sloane Square – also Bryanston Post Office Boxes, postal code 2021.
• The Energy Shop, East Block in Sloane Square – 1st Floor. Data Management Systems for energy monitoring and automatic meter reading.
• Biltong Warriors, East Block in Sloane Square – 1st Floor. Little is known of this secretive company, which has no web presence and is suspected to be a CiA front company.
• Capoeira Valente, East Block in Sloane Square – 1st Floor. Brazilian martial art.
• The Bread Basket, Ground in Sloane Square – Bakery, bread, pastries, restaurant, deli, coffee shop with breakfasts, light meals, sandwiches, etc.
• Security Depot, Ground in Sloane Square – security fencing, CCTV, garage motors, some hardware and electrical.
• Physiotherapist, Ground in Sloane Square. Moved from upstairs.
• Mac Schoolwear, Suite 11 Upstairs in Sloane Square – General schoolwear. Schoolwear for :Brescia House, El Zera, Randburg Privaat Akademie, St Ursula's.
• Pick n Pay Liquor, Shop 06, Ground in Epsom Downs Shopping Centre – Liquor store.
• N R Cellular, Shop 10, Ground in Epsom Downs Shopping Centre – Repair centre and accessories for almost any make of cell phone.
• Sorbet Beauty Salon, Shop 21, Ground in Epsom Downs Shopping Centre – Health & Beauty: Face and body professionals. Massage, aromatherapy, hot stone massage. Skin Care. Waxing. Nails. Manicure, pedicure. Facials.
• IMobile Repair Centre (Suite 1), 1st Floor in Coachman's Crossing – Cell phone repairs, opening in August 2016.
• Denim, Shop 25, Upper Level in Bryanston Shopping Centre – Ladies boutique: clothes and bags.
• SNOG, Shop 28, Upper Level in Bryanston Shopping Centre – Chic style for 50's and 60's ladies. Quality, limited editions.
• Alpha Man, Upper Level in Bryanston Shopping Centre – "Strong - Stylish". Men's shirts, ties, cravats.
• Blott, Shop 37, Upper Level in Bryanston Shopping Centre – Toys, bags, stationery and back-to-school requirements.

Restaurant Reviews by Judith Back to top

** Nino's Rivonia Village, Rivonia Boulevard

We decided to take time out for a Friday lunch and visit Nino's. After going through the menu extensively, we decided to share the meatball baguette. Drinks were Appletiser and Two Oceans Sauvignon Blanc. Alas, not even Ollie's wonderful service could rescue the meatballs - they were indelibly dry. The onions and green peppers were great and the tomato sauce boiled away. That might explain the dry meatballs.  Nino's service is great and, generally, so is the food. Just avoid the meatball baguette :). 

Contact Details for Nino's.

Funny Language, English...

With our hurried lives, saying "I'll be with you momentarily” may actually be true!
(since it means “for only a moment”, not “in the next moment”)

Stiff:  Back to top

• Mash Braai House in Sloane Square – Grill, steakhouse. The menu theme is braai-style.
• Liquor City Sloane Cellars in Sloane Square – The place to buy anything to drink, mostly alcoholic.
• Maharaja Restaurant in Sloane Square – Quality Indian restaurant. Taken over by Taste of India.
• Cell Shack (Kiosk 2) in Epsom Downs Shopping Centre – Vodacom Chatz Connect - in courtyard outside Pick n Pay.
• Cell Clinix, Shop 10 in Epsom Downs Shopping Centre – An independent out of warranty and liquid damage repair centre for cell phones.
• Legends Studio, Shop 21 in Epsom Downs Shopping Centre – Lipo, laser, and lashes. Non-surgical slimming.
• Idelic Fruit & Nuts, Shop 07C in Bryanston Shopping Centre.
• Vendange, Shop 16 in Bryanston Shopping Centre – food, wine, olive oil and accessories, and other decor items. Boutique Vineyards Trudeau cheese and baguette board range, glassware, ceramics, Champagne buckets, wooden wine crates, kitchen tables.
• African Queen Boutique, Shop 18 in Bryanston Shopping Centre – Hats, sandals, and bags mostly made by disadvantaged communities to create employment. Luxury with a conscience.
• CaraMia Fine Gifting, Shop 20 in Bryanston Shopping Centre – Quality and style: Jewellery boxes, cosmetic bags, travel accessories, umbrellas, homeware, corporate gifts and men’s and ladies’ gifting.
• The Bubble Shop Bryanston, Shop 25 in Bryanston Shopping Centre – Bathroom Accessories: Bath crystals, bubble bath pearls and oils, lotions, imported soaps, potpourri, aromatherapy. Gifts.
• Bushwillow, Shop 28 in Bryanston Shopping Centre – Gifts & toys, clothing, field guides & multimedia, birding accessories, jewellery, linen inspired by the South African bushveld and its unique cultural heritage.

Feasibility-Free?   

Julius says Jacob must look at the fees-ability of fee-free higher education.

Reminder: New Business Newsletter

In the latter half of the month, as a public service to help our readers, we will issue the second edition of our new newsletter: "Doing Business in Sandton". It will have internet and other tips and tricks to help your shop or other business grow and prosper, and be useful if you are thinking of starting a small business or creating an extra online income.  Subscribe here.

Civic: Home Preparation for a Person with a Visual Impairment, Part 1

We have been concerned about those less abled than we are, so here's something to think about. Please note that this article applies to a visually impaired person rather than a totally blind one.

Four Home Preparation Tips to Accommodate a Person with a Visual Impairment by Jackie Waters of Toastmasters and hyper-tidy.com

If you are trying to prepare a home for a person with a visual impairment, you need to know that there are several options for modifications and accommodations. You may also enlist the help of a personal care assistant or professional caregiver who can help guide you through the process of preparing your home and who can help your loved one adjust to a new space. Our home preparation tips will help you make your loved one with a visual impairment feel more confident and independent.

Tip 1: Purchase Specialized Kitchen Tools

The kitchen poses special challenges for visually impaired people. Specialized kitchen tools such as knives with cutting guides that aid in cutting foods properly and precisely, make preparing food easier. Oven mitts that extend to the elbow help prevent burns, and cutting shields guard fingers from cuts. Nesting measuring cups and spoons in bright colours make it easier to know which size to choose, and measuring cups with large print and sliding rings that mark measurements help people with visual impairment prepare meals precisely.

You also can prepare your kitchen by purchasing large print cookbooks or placing a lamp with an adjustable neck and a magnifier on the counter. Talking timers and talking thermometers are helpful tools for cooking food properly.  A person with visual impairment also can set a talking timer to remember to turn off burners and the oven when food is done cooking.

Tip 2 next month...

Overheard at the Checkout

"Hi, how have you been?"
"I was in hospital for surgery, but I'm better now."
"Nothing serious, I hope?"
"No, just male problems."
"Really? Surgery can fix that? You mean you now stop and ask for directions?"