On Friday we had the baby and family expo at Kings Court Mall and there I was promoting pregnancy yoga. I had some of my yoga mats on display and someone who claimed to do yoga came up to enquire about the price of the mats. The mats sell for R500. A lady, quite indignantly, asked why the mat was ‘so expensive’. In short: the mat is much cheaper than what you would pay in shops or online and there are a number of reasons why it’s a wonderful yoga mat, but when I got to the part that one of the … [Read more...] about When did we stop caring?
Columns
Study: Oscar, Reeva and Intimate Partner Violence, Part 1
“I understand a fury in your words, but not your words…” (Shakespeare’s Desdemona, femicide victim). “These girls ain’t loyal”. (Singer and woman abuser Chris Brown defines ‘showbiz’ women) Intimate-partner violence. How can those words go together? How does the scene of love become a death chamber? As the traumatic story of Oscar Pistorius and Reeva Steenkamp unfolds in a glare of publicity, there are many questions. Some may never be answered. But as we try to understand this very South … [Read more...] about Study: Oscar, Reeva and Intimate Partner Violence, Part 1
Could Tenant claim for improvements?
Property Poser's expert has been approached by a tenant who has not only lost her long-term lease but also the garden and braai area she set about establishing at her own cost. The reader explains that she rented a dwelling with the understanding that she was to remain there for a number of years. The lease was drawn up for a single year but the tenant was assured that this was standard procedure and that it would merely be renewed year on year. As a result of the ostensible extended lease … [Read more...] about Could Tenant claim for improvements?
Yoga No-No’s (warning – read only with a sense of humour)
Yoga is an ever growing trend and with that comes an interesting addition to the existing yogic culture. Yogi’s aspire to being open and accepting, non-judgmental and kind . That is what the practice through the body ultimately try to teach us, but let’s be real….we’re just human. There are certain things going on in yoga classes these days that are simply unbearable and its time to name them with the hope of eradicating them altogether. So yes – Yoga is about acceptance and non-attachment – and … [Read more...] about Yoga No-No’s (warning – read only with a sense of humour)
Damp gets tenant down
Another unhappy tenant has contacted our Property Poser expert regarding her rented abode, which appears to be in rather a sorry damp state. The reader writes that the property was in a very good condition when she first moved in. However, there is an enclosed veranda that becomes very damp when it rains, as there is no proper drainage for the rainwater. It appears that the dampness has now spread and also affects the walls of the spare bedroom. Following discussions with the tenant, … [Read more...] about Damp gets tenant down
How many daily bowel movements are optimal?
There seems to be a fair amount of controversy around detoxification protocols and whether or not they're necessary or even safe. While it might be true that too much has been made of them being the answer to everything health-wise, it's also true that we are exposed to many more toxins in our modern world, than in previous times. Couple this with very poor eating, drinking and lifestyle habits, and there seems to be a need for supporting overworked detoxification organs such as the liver, … [Read more...] about How many daily bowel movements are optimal?
Water damage to rental premises
A tenant has asked the Property Poser expert to wade through a difficult situation involving his rental property, which has been flooded twice. The reader explains that the second flooding was so bad that he had to call the fire brigade to pump out the water. He now wishes to know whether he has a claim against his landlord for damages to his furniture. Sean Radue of Radue Attorneys in Port Elizabeth says the lessor has the duty to give the lessee the beneficial use and enjoyment of the … [Read more...] about Water damage to rental premises
What do you practice when you practice yoga?
While I appreciate the fact that most people who come to yoga, do so for reasons related to fitness, strength building, improving flexibility, and sometimes relaxation, I always think it so important to emphasize that the physical aspect of yoga is really just a very small part of the practice. I know – its GREAT to feel the physical changes in your body when you practice yoga regularly. Who doesn’t love to lose weight, see their body getting stronger, toned, more supple and not to mention being … [Read more...] about What do you practice when you practice yoga?
Have you ever been bullied for being fat?
Kids can be so cruel. It's one of those things that 'everyone knows'... even children with life-threatening allergies are often threatened by bullies, who pretend the allergen is hidden in the classroom or has been in the child's lunchbox. If anyone challenges this ignorant and reckless behaviour, they'll get the bully's stock response: "it was only a joke". Why can't you take a joke, lethal-allergy kid? It only goes to show how some people will smell out another person's vulnerability and … [Read more...] about Have you ever been bullied for being fat?
The story of the water babes
Let me introduce myself. I'm what some might refer to as a molecule of water. I prefer to think of myself as a massive, unfulfilled storehouse of potential energy (I'm not given to grandiosity!). I lie around a lot, dreaming of making it big - thinking about all the fabulous reactions I could cause inside a body (frankly, I'll take any body at this point, though my preference is for one of those standy-up, 2-legged/2-armed jobbies that call themselves human). Ah, just imagine... I'm in a … [Read more...] about The story of the water babes
Annual Rental Calculation Conundrum
This week the Property Poser expert handles a question of a more technical and specific nature regarding the calculation of rental due. It would seem that in this case the rental is calculated on an annual basis and a single amount is payable for the entire year. For some reason, the reader wishes to make a pro rata rental calculation for the month of February - the shortest month of the year - only. The estate agent involved in the rental of the property has advised that the … [Read more...] about Annual Rental Calculation Conundrum
I wish I had breast cancer
This is Kerry Harvey, aged 24 and living with metastatic Pancreatic Cancer. In the UK this week, Pancreatic Cancer Action grabbed attention with a series of terrifying ads featuring her and others with the same diagnosis. Spokespersons from breast cancer organisations were horrified that anyone would wish for breast cancer, or compare different forms of cancer this way. Breakthrough Breast Cancer chief Chris Askew fumed, "I've yet to meet a man or woman with breast cancer who would consider … [Read more...] about I wish I had breast cancer
Feel your perfect body?
A mirror is a useful thing. Driving a car - it stops you reversing into the garage door. Brushing your hair – it helps cover the bald patch. Bomb squad – it shows what lies on the other side of the door. A scale too is a useful thing. Measuring exact quantities of sugar for chocolate fudge. Selling correct quantities of said fudge at the school fete. But how useful are these tools for feedback on your body? Weight and image The two external measures by which every Tom, Dick and Harriet … [Read more...] about Feel your perfect body?
The Amazing Alternative Route to (swiftly) Healing a (severely) Broken Ankle
Yoga and meditation has for centuries proved its amazing contribution to healing - physically, mentally and spiritually. Here is the story of a PE women who experienced this first hand. Lynne Cooper is an amazing woman. I gathered this from brief interactions with her over the first few months I got to know her while she was practicing yoga at my studio. When she left to go on her yearly trip abroad, I never imagined that she would come back being anything other than revitalized and rested. … [Read more...] about The Amazing Alternative Route to (swiftly) Healing a (severely) Broken Ankle
How to get your carbohydrate, protein and fat ratios just right
When you consider the fact that each and every one of us has different metabolic requirements it makes good sense to learn what ratios of macronutrients (carbohydrates, proteins and fats) your body requires, in order to maintain good weight and health. Before you can get to this point though, you'll need to know what make up these macronutrients, as well as the best quality to chose. So, to help, I'm going to break it down for you... Carbohydrates Grains: As much as possible, avoid … [Read more...] about How to get your carbohydrate, protein and fat ratios just right
