Russell Brand on the riots

UK riots: Big Brother isn't watching you | UK news | The Guardian

And here is the crux of it for me:

"That state of deprivation though is, of course, the condition that many of those rioting endure as their unbending reality. No education, a weakened family unit, no money and no way of getting any. JD Sports is probably easier to desecrate if you can't afford what's in there and the few poorly paid jobs there are taken. Amidst the bleakness of this social landscape, squinting all the while in the glare of a culture that radiates ultraviolet consumerism and infrared celebrity. That daily, hourly, incessantly enforces the egregious, deceitful message that you are what you wear, what you drive, what you watch and what you watch it on, in livid, neon pixels. The only light in their lives comes from these luminous corporate messages. No wonder they have their fucking hoods up."

My 2cents worth is that these kids also need to get a bigger perspective on what's actually going on in the world. Nothing like some 3rd world exposure to show you how to appreciate what you have and what opportunities are actually there for you...we're talking about a new pair of trainers vs enough food to fill a stomach (and that of your orphaned 3 year old sister).

Make those 'feral teenagers' volunteer in some 3rd world countries...

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In the wake of Norway's tragedy these photos give me hope...Nan Goldin's photographs of children

Nan Goldin's photographs of children – in pictures | Art and design | guardian.co.uk

"It's about hoping that my friends will bring up a new species of people." Nan Goldin

Good Housekeeping to launch in South Africa

I attended the launch of Good Housekeeping magazine this morning. 


It's going to be the magazine which speaks to women 25+, who are (more) settled and happy to stay at home on a Friday night.  So I guess that should mean me?

I paged through the sample edition from the US (which is what our SA version will be based on) and it was pleasant enough.  I chuckled at one or two articles: 'Be a calmer Mom' and a reader page where she admits to less-than-perfect Mother behaviour. 

Let me admit that while I am considered settled and more than happy to be home on a Friday night - reading Elle or Marie Claire - edgy, out there and trendy does appeal to me more.  Perhaps it helps me escape and will keep me hip?

Buying Good Housekeeping is not going to make me feel that way.

It all comes down to content.  If they can keep the content modern, relevant and in touch with us modern 'settled' types - perhaps I will feel that it adds so much to my life I can't be without it.  Hopefully it won't become a generic, must-please-everyone middle aged read.  This remains to be seen.

Good Housekeeping launches in South Africa in October 2011.

Rachel Weisz marries Daniel Craig in secret New York wedding ceremony | Film | The Guardian

Don't they make a gorgeous couple :-)

Rachel Weisz marries Daniel Craig in secret New York wedding ceremony | Film | The Guardian

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/daniel-craig-rachel-weisz-secretly-205637

Let's hope it lasts...trying to stay away from the prying-media eye is a good start!

City Bowl Market

Thanks to my friend Louise, I now know about the new market happening down my street!  www.citybowlmarket.co.za 

at 14 Hope Street.

It's gourmet food - lots of samply bits and delicious delicious coffee - a strong selling point!  We tried the chicken wanton noodles for lunch and they were fresh, tasty and a real treat.

We've always been reluctant to go to the markets as they can be crowded and cramped - not ideal when you have a toddler who needs to run around.


 The hidden gem in this market was the outside jungle gym (look for the double doors next to the pancake man and walk up and around the passage)  A lovely grassy patch, some chairs for the grown-ups to sit on and a quiet jungle gym for Samuel to explore!

We'll definitely be going back.

PS - and Samuel enjoyed his babychino there too (see previous post!)

The Most Beautiful dress in the world!

Vanity Fair has the details The stunning lace pattern on the bride’s ensemble is known as Irish Carrickmacross, an ornate appliqué form of hand-made lace that was made for her using a combination of French Chantilly lace and English Cluny lace. Carrickmacross is an Irish embroidery tradition that dates to 1820.

Interesting that William doesn't get a ring?  I asked Google: apparently he doesn't wear jewellery. Other Royals wear their wedding bands under their signet rings on the pinky finger...odd all round!

The evening gown - also by Sarah Burton - almost looked as if she took off the lace!  But apparently a whole new gown - satin and diamante band around the waist.  Love her hair and the unusal parting! For more The evening gown...

It's ONLY taken 4 hours

And some help from my IT-guru husband (thank goodness for him!) and I finally have a blog.  Its not exactly the layout I anticipated but I could spend days fighting with WordPress and Blogger.  And quite frankly I don't have the time!  Since its the eve of the Royal Wedding - here's the official website - isn't it sweet!
www.officialroyalwedding2011.org/