Darren Maule writes to Santa - Cotton On opens big - My Chef could just save your day

East Coast Breakfast’s Darren Maule writes to Santa

Dear Santa

I hope you are well and I know this is a busy time of the year for you but I write to you every year and this year is no different.

Santa, I don't know if you haven't been getting my letters but I haven't heard from you since I was 7 years old... Has your address changed? This is the one I have always used is:

Santa Claus

N. P. S. C.

P.O. Box 56099

North Pole

Alaska 99705-1099

Anyway, again, I know how busy you have been what with the population of the earth almost doubling in the last 150 years and with the price of reindeer food sky rocketing - but I haven't received anything from you in the last 30 Christmases...

Just a few of the gifts that you 'forgot' to give me over the past few decades include :

(In no particular order)

World Peace.

Signed Farrah Fawcett poster.

Day pass to the Large Hadron Collider.

Pele's boots.

Neil Armstrong's helmet.

Michael Jacksons glove.

Flight on a Concorde.

A bag of British racing green M&M's.

James Bond's Aston Martin DB5.

A tour of the Bat-Cave.

Xanadu's roller skates.

A luck dragon.

A field trip to Hogwarts.

Maria Sharapova's sweaty pink peak cap.

R3 coin.

I have since lowered my expectations and am hopeful that this year will be the year that you drop off my present.

I've done the Maths and I know that you are under time and weight constraints. You have only 32 hours (traveling east to west at 17 000km/h) and having 112 million homes to visit I know that in order not to break the laws of science that you will be dropping off roughly 620 toys per second.

So the present I request from you this year is very light and easy to deliver. In fact, you can just email it to me. Seeing as I have been an exceptionally good boy and considerate in my gift choice, I wait expectantly to see my present in my email inbox first thing Thursday morning 25th December 09h00 CAT.

Please Santa, for Christmas this year, please may I have Katy Perry's cell phone number please.

(For your reference: attached is a picture of the Katy Perry.)

Yours expectantly

-The best behaved personality in the whole wide world-

Darren Maule

P.S. If you absolutely positively cannot get past Katy Perry's manager to get her number and you are guilt ridden to compensate with another gift, then any one of the gifts on this handy list should help:

Prince's 'Purple Rain' guitar.

Jetlev Flyer Jet Pack.

PS4 + GTA5.

Preview release of Zack Snyder's "Superman Vs Batman."

3D printer.

Or

World Peace.

P.P.S Don't eat my neighbours cookies.

Huge Opening For A Huge Store

Cotton On had a huge opening of their new store in Gateway, Umhlanga recently. 

MY CHEF CAN SAVE YOUR DAY!

Spending too much time shopping and in front of the stove? Well My Chef can change that and assist with catering for every day suppers and lunches for the whole family and make every night in the kitchen stress free whilst saving you time and money.

My Chef offers a range of healthy meals delivered to your door every Tuesday and Friday. They are specially designed by registered dietician Julie Thomas. If you have a busy life, are health and body conscious, wanting healthy meals as part of your exercise eating programme or want to spend more time with your family - then get clicking and order your meal.

To get started visit www.mychef.co.za and sign up for free. Then login and view their range of menu options, which change on a weekly basis – giving you the freedom of choice.

After choosing the meals that suit you and your family, pay securely online, sit back and wait for your food to be delivered to your door. Once you’ve received your meal, follow the simple cooking instructions to prepare the most delicious meals and become your very own chef.

My Chef has received excellent reviews from people that have used the service.  “I love having more time to spend with my family and ensuring that we all eat healthy meals and I honestly have to say I wouldn’t know what to do without My Chef,” commented Jane Linley, one of the fans of My Chef. For more information, contact 086 169 2433 or log onto www.mychef.co.za .

2)     The Christmas Menu

With Christmas around the corner, we are sure many of you are starting to think up ideas for the traditional Christmas lunch for a big family gathering or even for just the two of you, but are not looking forward to hours in the kitchen, wastage of food and unnecessary costs.

It’s been a long hard year and we know that you want to make the most out of the holidays by spending time with your loved ones or just taking time to chill. With My Chef, make Christmas a piece of cake. There is so much to choose from, so check out the Christmas menu and just to tease you with some of our delicious delights, see some of what we offer below:

Hors D Oeuvres: Our appetisers are many but some tasty treats worth mentioning include bacon wrapped baby porkies; tiger prawns filled with cheese and chilli, mascarpone;  fig and pecan pate simply to die for; show stopping smoked salmon terrine as well as homemade prawn and crab samoosas – definitely a star studded performance, plus more.

Main Christmas Faire: We have thought of all the main Christmas faire options, starting with Deboned Christmas Turkey with a spicy sausage, apple and pecan stuffing; deboned Christmas turkey with mushroom, sage, caramelised onion and brown butter stuffing; road whole deboned chicken, honey and mint roast lamb, crispy French style pork belly, cooked and ready to carve Turkey stuffed with a spicy sausage, apple and pecan stuffing, Gammon in all its glory, and so much more.

Accompaniments: There’s going to be something for everyone from Moroccan roasted vegetable and hummus phyllo pie, scrumptious two cheese and chive potato bake, timeless broccoli and cauliflower au gratin, as well as heavenly avo and pear salad. These are just a few of our favourite’s mentioned.

Dessert options don’t come better than this with Decadent bar one chocolate pudding, creamy dream apple pudding, tipsy tarts, Christmas pudding the My Chef way and many more to mention!

We have also tailor made an effortless traditional Christmas package for a minimum of four guests, so have a looksee on Mychef.co.za for all the options.

East Coast Radio Spreads Joy On The North Coast - Jobs and Funding in The Arts

Spreading joy to little ones on the KZN North Coast

(East Coast Radio Breakfast Host Darren Maule helped distribute new toys to children in hospitals on the North Coast.  Image Supplied)

New position for Joburg City Theatres

A new position is available for a Deputy General Manager: Joburg City Theatres Hospitality and Catering.

Joburg City Theatres (JCT) is an entity of the City of Johannesburg that stimulates and operates Joburg Theatre (Braamfontein), Roodepoort Theatre and Soweto Theatre in order provide the integrated management of world class African theatre venues and a high quality entertaining, innovative and inclusive programme which serves the diverse communities of the City of Joburg in support of Joburg 2040.

A new position is therefore now available for a DEPUTY GENERAL MANAGER: JOBURG CITY THEATRES HOSPITALITY & CATERING (DGMHC01)

The successful applicant will report directly to the General Manager of Hospitality & Catering for Joburg City Theatres, located at Joburg Theatre in Braamfontein. This position involves traveling between all 3 theatres.

Key responsibilities will include, but not limited to:
- Management of the day to day hospitality operations for all 3 theatres, Joburg, Roodepoort & Soweto Theatre.
- Draft and implement a marketing strategy for the hospitality operations of Joburg City Theatres
- Maintain a high level of service within all 3 theatres
- Management of the hospitality senior management team
- To assist with the implementation of new menus for food & beverage throughout all 3 theatres
- Design and implement all policies & procedures in the hospitality department and to ensure the effective implementation of these policies and procedures
- Compliance with both monthly and annual operating and capital expenditure budgets
- Ensure that cost of sales are maintained in accordance to the budgets
- Ensure that all controllable expenses are in line in accordance to the budgets
- Manage the hospitality warehouse operations, its systems and controls
- Reporting on a regular and standardised basis to the General Manager for Joburg City Theatres
- Setting and maintaining world class operating standards in both the customer and client services of the theatre

Education and experience required:
- A diploma in hospitality management or Culinary arts; a minimum of eight (8) years’ experience in a similar position
- A passion for involvement within the hospitality industry
- Exceptional leadership qualities and business proficiency
- High levels of proficiency in written and verbal communications in the English language.
- Experience in point of sales systems i.e. Micros, GAAP, Pilot is essential
- Experience in Pastel is essential

Skills and Attributes:
- Attention to detail is essential
- Ability to use own initiative
- Ability to perform under stress
- Ability to work without supervision
- Ability to work independently or as part of a team
- Good interpersonal skills
- Ability to communicate at all levels with tact and diplomacy
- High level of work ethic and integrity
- Willingness to work unsociable hours
- A long-term knowledge of the hospitality and catering industry would be an advantage.

Interested persons are requested to send a cover letter and detailed CV to:
Mr. Thomas Sadiki, Human Resources Practitioner, Joburg City Theatres, electronically at jobapplications@joburgtheatre.com (please quote the reference number)
Direct all telephonic enquiries at: 011 877 6821

Please ensure that applications are accompanied by copies of qualifications as per job requirements.

This is a renewable two-year fixed-term contract, based on performance and operational requirements.

APPLICATIONS FOR THIS POSITION CLOSE ON 12 DECEMBER 2014

Note: Joburg City Theatres is an equal opportunity employer. If you do not hear from us within 30 days after the closing date of this advertisement, please accept that your application was unsuccessful.

The National Arts Council (NAC) opens applications for 2015 arts funding

Individuals and registered arts organisations involved in theatre, dance, music, visual arts, craft, literature and multi-discipline have until 12 December 2014 to submit their applications for project funding. This will be the NAC’s only round of funding for next year across all seven arts fields. Post-graduate students who wish to pursue their arts studies abroad are also encouraged to apply.

Download the application and funding guidelines form here

Theatre Shows 

Thrice Upon A Time - Marc Kay & Sarah Richard

Three kid’s favourite stories – The Three Billy Goats Gruff, Goldilocks & the Three Bears, & Three Little Pigs. All enacted through delicate shadow puppetry.
Rhumbelow Theatre, Cunningham Rd off Bartle Rd, in association with AUT (Actors Unemployed Company) presents “Thrice Upon A Time!” with Marc Kay and Sarah Richard.

Saturday 6 - Monday 22 December 2014
(Shows daily at 10:00 Monday – Wednesday and Friday to Saturday)
Thursday at 14:00

This December, join the award-winning theatre company, The AUC (Actors Unemployed Company), on a journey through a far off land, as we go back once … twice … Thrice Upon A Time! Join Marc Kay and Sarah Richard in this fantastic new family production as they tell some of our favourite stories, filled with magic, comedy, audience interaction … and shadow puppetry!

“Thrice Upon A Time” tells three kid’s favourite stories – The Three Billy Goats Gruff, Goldilocks and the Three Bears, and Three Little Pigs. All enacted through delicate shadow puppetry work, this performance is sure to be a hit with families of all shapes and sizes over the holiday season.

And once the storytelling is done, join us for a fantastic workshop on shadow puppetry, and learn to make your own stories!
Make sure to bring your little ones along this December for a fun-filled adventure you’ll never forget!

Snacks and juices are on sale.
Tickets are limited so don’t delay. Suitable for ages 4 to 104!
2 hrs of fun and entertainment

R60 a ticket - e-mail Roland roland@stansell.za.net for bookings.
Book at Computicket or phone Ailsa 083 250 2690.
Visit www.rhumbelow.za.net

Breathing life into African stories at Alive Café in 2015

Muizenberg’s Jungle Theatre Company is introducing a new programme of theatre workshops in the New Year for kids aged 8-12, at Alive Café, 11 Atlantic Road, Muizenberg.

The workshops will bring African folktale to life in the ‘now’, through guided improvisation, storytelling, movement, masks, music and dance, Artistic Director Vincent Meyburgh said: “All stories will have indigenous roots and the process will involve a child-centred exploration of environmental issues and local cultures, fostering a heart connection to nature.”

Through engaging the imagination; physical theatre games and exercises; rehearsing and staging a performance, young people will develop soft skills that will help them in all areas of their lives.

Jungle Theatre Company implemented a similar programme at the Klein Karoo Nasionale Kunstefees in 2013 with the story When Lion Could Fly. The script was selected to be part of a collection African Folktales Onstage! to be published by Junkets in the new year.

The workshops begin on 29 January, running for nine consecutive Thursdays 15h30-16h30; the first Saturdays of February and March 10h00-11h00 concluding with a showcase on Saturday 28 March. The programme costs R750 per child. Spaces are limited. The deadline for registration and payment is Monday 26 January. To book contact Miranda on 021 788 5641, or pop by and visit the Jungle Theatre Company office, in Alive Café , 11 Atlantic Road, Muizenberg between 08h30 and 12h30.

This edition by Fred Felton

Twitter @fredfelton 

Jobs - Sound Engineer Gold Reef City

Vacancy: Sound Engineer at Gold Reef City 

CLOSING DATE: 12 December 2014

Sound Engineer at Gold Reef City

Applications are invited for the position of Sound Engineer at Gold Reef City.

Tsogo Sun welcomes job applications from passionate and hard-working team players who want to be part of our ever growing Tsogo Sun family. We value our employees and provide them with the means to grow within the company, opening many doors in the process. If this is an offer that excites you, send in your application and you could be the newest edition to our family. Our successful Sound Engineer will …

- Ensure the successful running of the Sound Department.
- Work with Sound Designers as required
- Operate shows and events in The Lyric Theatre as required
- Be responsible for all sound equipment, stock control and storeroom
- Liaise with production team for successful staging of events
- Assist with property sound requirements as required
- Work as part of a team or individually to deliver high quality standards consistently and accurately.

If you have these qualifications, join our team: Matric (NQF 4), Numeracy skills (NQF 4), Verbal and written English skills (NQF 4), Diploma or Certificate in Sound Engineer, and at least two years’ experience in a similar position.

CLOSING DATE: 12 December 2014

To apply: Your written application must include CV (maximum 4 pages), contactable references (with telephone numbers), and covering letter telling us three reasons why you’re our top candidate for the job!

For info or to apply, contact the HR Consultant: Livy Matlala: e-mail: Goldreefcity.careers@tsogosun.com and cc Calum.Stevenson@tsogosun.com

Source: Pansa 

Heard of the rugby ball moving from Cape Town to London?

A Feel Good Story.

DHL has an ambitious plan to pass a single rugby ball from hand to hand from Cape Town to London.

The AfricaAsOne team has set out on a grand and ambitious journey to pass a single rugby ball from hand to hand through 45 countries, over 45 weeks, starting in Cape Town and ending in London for the 2015 Rugby World Cup. 

To date, they have travelled through 7 countries and are currently in Ethiopia about to head across to Sudan. 

Here is their latest video, showing the experience of beautiful Tanzania http://goo.gl/NBWEaX

You can also check out their site by going here: http://africaasone.com/ or watch our promo video here: http://goo.gl/zVkN3z

#AfricaAsOne 

This edition by Fred Felton

Twitter @fredfelton 

Auditions at The Playhouse

Auditions at The Playhouse

CAMP 2015

The Playhouse Company is holding auditions for performers from community groups who would like to be considered for next year's Community Arts Mentorship Programme (CAMP) which will take place between March and April 2015.

The programme is aimed at actors who have experience in community theatre who wish to develop their skills. Workshops will be held daily from 09h00 to 17h00 and will focus on basic training in a range of drama disciplines, including voice production, acting technique, stage design, script writing and stage management. Please note that daily commitment is required in order to take part.

Auditions will be held in Studio A1 (Playhouse Head Office) at 09h00 on Wednesday 10 December. Those wishing to audition should prepare a poem which they can perform. Please note that you might be required to wait for your audition. For bookings please email:
artscoordinator1@playhousecompany.com no later than 12h00 on Tuesday 9 December 2014.

Source - Pansa

Independent Newspapers Internships 2015

There are internships available at Independent Newspapers in the following sections:

• New Media Journalism (Digital/Mobile)
• Graphic Design
• Marketing Research Analyst

You would need to be able to work in either Jhb/Durban/Cape Town from 1 Feb 2015 - 31 July 2015.

Successful applicants will receive a stipend.

Requirements

• Relevant tertiary qualification eg Journalism qualification etc
• Must be Techno Savy
• Computer Literate
• Excellent communication skills
• Have a valid drivers licence

Please send a letter of application and CV by 9 December 2014.

Please email your CV and state which internship you are applying for and which region suits you best.  Independent Newspapers does not cover travel / accoommodation expenses.

Cape Town: lucien.jacobs@inl.co.za (Att: Lucien Jacobs)

Durban: hajra.johns@inl.co.za (Att: Hajra Johns)

Gauteng: eunice.madutung@inl.co.za (Att: Eunice Madutung) 

Source: Independent Newspapers 

Goldfish to play with Pet Shop Boys in Durban - Passenger is Coming to South Africa

Goldfish and other top local acts to support the Pet Shop Boys live in Durban.

South Africa’s top electronic duo Goldfish are set to support Pet Shop Boys at the one-night only show in Durban, presented by East Coast Radio.

Goldfish’s defying genre of live instruments, house beats and searing live performances are sure to get the Durban crowd grooving before global music icons, Pet Shop Boys, take the stage.

Other local acts to support these top duos are the electrifying Goodluck and Durban’s very own Coco Loco.

For the first time in music history, these South African acts and UK legends will perform at People’s Park, Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on Friday 19 December. Gates open at 18h00 until 00h00.

Tickets:

General - R495

VIP – R1295

VIP includes access to a viewing deck, marquee and seating area, bar (with a selection of free drinks), canapés, VIP parking area, separate entrance, VIP entrance.

Buy tickets now: http://bit.ly/1xEoYnC

Partners For Possibility win the IJR Reconciliation Award

Partners for Possibility are looking for business leaders to partner with in Paarl, Durban, Pretoria, Stellenbosch, Cape Town and other areas.

For more details email: louise@symphonia.net 

Get ready for the British sensation Passenger

Durban - 13th Feb - Botanic Gardens

Jozi - 14th Feb - Zoo Lake

Cape Town - 15th Feb - Kirstenbosch 

Tickets www.webtickets.co.za 

This edition by Fred Felton

Images - Supplied