Stay healthy in winter!

The Supernova team, who knows what it is like to not feel so good sometimes, thinks that it is a great idea to share Morvite's tips to stay healthy this winter. Read on!

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With winter upon us, the days are getting darker, colder and shorter. Our bodies are also more susceptible to all kinds of winter illnesses like colds and flu.

Morvite shares some tips on how to keep healthy this winter.

Get enough exercise and sunlight

Although it is very tempting to stay indoors in winter, it is important to remember that exercising during the colder months is just as important as exercising in summer. Not only is exercise good for keeping healthy and fit, it also leaves you feeling warm and full of energy. Exercising outdoors also gives you a chance to breathe in fresh air, and gives you a sound mind and body work out. A walk around the block is enough to get the blood flowing so set time to get out of the house even if it is just for 30 minutes.

Wash your hands

Keeping your hands clean is one of the most important things you can do to avoid getting sick and spreading germs. It is advisable to wash your hands with hot water and soap every time you use the bathroom and before every meal. Another important thing to remember is to cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. By doing this, you will avoid getting germs on your hands.

Eat well

Starting the day with a healthy breakfast is something that everyone should be accustomed to. This is because breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Having a wholesome breakfast means you have the best start to your day. A substantial breakfast is linked to many health benefits, such as, improved mental ability, a healthy heart and consistent weight¹.

Morvite is the perfect cereal to start your day with as it is filling, affordable, and requires no cooking. Morvite Orange contains the same vitamins and minerals as the other variants in the range but it is high in Vitamin C, which is one of the most important vitamins needed in winter. Vitamin C assists the functioning of the immune system and helps maintain bones, blood vessels and the skin.

It is also very tempting to eat a lot of unhealthy food in winter because of the low temperatures. The best thing is to include a lot of fruit, vegetables and other nutritional food in your diet.

Get enough sleep

To get a good night’s sleep, you should exercise regularly, and avoid stimulants such as beverages with caffeine after 4pm. You can also create a consistent bedtime routine by going to bed at the same time each night so that your body learns to anticipate sleep. Taking a warm bath or reading a book just before sleeping are also good ways of getting a peaceful night’s sleep.

Stay hydrated

Keeping hydrated is also very important, especially in the colder weather. It is important to drink plenty of water. The harsh winter weather can easily dry your skin, leaving it feeling tight, itching, and even flaking. You might also want to consider changing your skin care products in winter, for example, if you are using a lotion in summer, you might want to use a cream for the colder season.

References:

1. Kick start your day with breakfast (http://www.health24.com/dietnfood/Daily_meals/15-3707-3708,37608.asp)

Issued by:

Kerry Campbell, Sabio Communications, on behalf of Morvite.

Supernova once again gets kids excited!

On Friday 31 May 2013, Benoit Knox and Waldo Swart once again visited a school to get learners excited about publishing and Supernova magazine. This time they visited Marist Brothers Linmeyer. The learners were so excited about Supernova that subscriptions started pouring in shortly afterwards. Whoohoo!

If you would like BK Publishing to visit your school to chat to the learners about Supernova magazine or publishing as a career option, please contact Benoit Knox at +27 12 342 5347 or email him at benoit@bkpublishing.co.za. Please note that we are based in Gauteng, so only schools in this region may apply.

Winners of 9th FEDA play festival!

The Supernova team happens to be avid fans of theatre and all things drama. Check out these amazing budding performers!

The finals of the 9th FEDA play festival were held at the Joburg Theatre on 26 May.

Five schools made it to the finals out of 36 productions so they were all 'winnners' in their own way. Crawford College Sandton was once again in the finals, joined this year by Crawford College Lonehill, Randfontein, St John's, and St Stithians Boys, all producing work of the highest calibre. Crawford College Sandton has been in the finals every year for nine years, having won the festival six times.

This year, the Drama Department had ten productions at the school, two of which made it to FEDA. They were Tal Assabi's production of Monsters and Kerri Ichikowitz s production of The Boy who Fell From the Roof.

Fiona Ramsay, Tobie Cronje and Desmond Dube were our external judges and George Mazarakis (the producer of Carte Blanche) attended. They were totally blown away by the standard of the work.

St Stithians Boys won with their production of Minedumps and Highways. Sydney Spracklen from Sandton College of The Boy who Fell From the Roof won the Fiona Ramsay award for Best Actress. Crawford College Lonehill won best Original Production for Lights! Camera! No Action!

We are immensely proud of our drama students and their hard work, and applaud them. Bravo! Encore!

Press release distributed by Advtech House.

Eskom Expo for Young Scientists’ do South Africa proud at prestigious international science fair in Phoenix, Arizona

Supernova is super proud of these young science geniuses! In them we place much hope for the future of our beautiful country!

Nine South African learners have returned from the prestigious Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) held from 12 to 17 May in Phoenix, Arizona, USA clutching awards and prizes for their outstanding projects.

These learners did exceptionally well in the Eskom Expo for Young Scientists International Science Fair in 2012 and were, therefore, selected to represent South Africa at the largest science fair in the world.

Each year, more than seven million high school students from over 70 countries and regions compete in local and national science fairs with the hope of reaching Intel ISEF. Only 1 500 of those hopefuls are named finalists and given the opportunity to attend the science fair, where they are able to share their ideas, showcase their projects and compete for over US$ 4 million in awards and scholarships.

Even fewer walk away with awards, but this year South African learners: Danielle Mallabone, Philippe Lothaller, Ben Langer, Danielle Jacobson and Retselisitsoe Monyake were acknowledged for their scientific projects.

Danielle Jacobson, a budding scientist from Camps Bay High School, won a special award of a Renewable Tuition Scholarship Award to the value $50 000 from West Virginia University. This was for her investigation into how bacteria and Nano fibre electrodes could be used to increase the electrical output of microbial fuel cells.

She looked at maximising the area of the electrode to make it viable for commercial use in the future and the judges were so impressed that they offered her a four-year scholarship to West Virginia University.

Jacobson says: “I was sitting on the edge of my seat during the special awards and when they announced my name I was so happy - It’s great that I have done well for South Africa.”

Another winner was Ben Langer from Herzlia High School in Cape Town. Langer won the New American University Provost Scholarship, a comprehensive scholarship to study for four years at Arizona State University. In addition to this scholarship, Langer also won a one-time US$2 500 award to conduct research from the Office of Knowledge Enterprise Development.

Langer is a keen chemist and looked at ways to increases the thrust of rocket fuel. He found that it was possible to add small accelerants to rocket fuel to increase the thrust; ultimately increasing the power to weight ratio.

Langer also took home the fourth place award and US$500 in the chemistry category at the Grand Awards Ceremony.

Another prize winner was Phillipe Lothaller, a matric student at Rondebosch Boys' High School. He won a cash prize of $7500 from the United Airlines Foundation.

Lothaller has always been fascinated by airplanes and after seeing the puff of smoke that comes off airplane wheels after landing, he decided to look into modifying airplane wheels to reduce wear and tear.

He discovered that by attaching large scoops to the wheels, the amount of friction created on landing was reduced and this, in turn, reduced the wear and tear on the wheels.

Danielle Mallabone, a Grade 11 learner from St Teresa’s High School in Johannesburg, received a Special Award of US$1000 from the American Intellectual Property Law Association for her innovative life-jacket attachment.

Mallabone was concerned by the number of deaths caused by hypothermia following boating or plane accidents and so she decided to develop a life-jacket attachment that prevents hypothermia by producing heat on contact with water.

She says: “I would definitely encourage other learners to enter the Eskom Expo. I never thought I had an impressive project throughout the regional and national finals, but you never know that someone else might see value in your project.”

The final prize was awarded to Retselisitsoe Monyake. Monyake, a 17 year old student from Harmony High School in Virginia, also took home a fourth place Grand Award and US$500 in the mathematical sciences category at the Grand Awards Ceremony. Monyake had developed an alternative proof of the Pappus Chain Theorem, using the method of circle inversion.

He said: “We have a problem with maths at our school and the problem is the way people look at maths. I wanted to change their minds, my proof is visual and it gives people another perspective on maths.”

A key component of the “true South Africa” and one of our most valuable resources is the vast number of bright young minds – particularly in the scientific field – continuously emerging and proposing innovative solutions to the challenges faced by our country and the world at large.

It is these bright young minds that the Eskom Expo for Young Scientists so values, recognises and rewards. Executive Director of the Eskom Expo for Young Scientists, Parthy Chetty said: “For the past 15 years our team has always come back with an award. This is a fantastic achievement and this shows that if we commit to this we can achieve in international arenas. We believe the continued support of Intel ISEF is imperative because maths and science cannot be separated from future global growth. The competition encourages millions of students to engage their skills for innovation and develop promising solutions for global challenges.”

Minister of Science and Technology, Derek Hanekom, who visited the learners at the airport to wish them good luck for the competition, said: “I was struck that you have found innovative ways to address some of our societal challenges and I hope you gain knowledge, contacts and culture enrichment.”

All the learners remarked that one of the things they enjoyed most about the trip was meeting like-minded peers from around the world and engaging with them on a meaningful level. Jacobson said: “It is mind blowing to see normal teenagers doing such amazing things and the Eskom Expo for Young Scientists is great for encouraging young scientists. I didn’t think it would go anywhere but it has. It’s been a lot of hard work but it’s rewarding hard work!”

The group were all incredibly grateful to Eskom and Intel for affording them this opportunity. Mallabone said: “I want to say a huge thank you to all the sponsors, the Eskom Expo for Young Scientists, Eskom and Intel. It really has been a life-changing experience.” 

Press release distributed by Grounded Media

Little Bo Baby turns your kid's drawings into soft toys

If you’re anything like me, your fridge is a collage of abstract art.

I’m not sure who declared the fridge the accepted medium for displaying your kid’s art, but it is. Pages of bold wax crayon artistic expression now cover the brushed silver finish we paid extra for. Finger-painted brown trees with orange and yellow autumn leaves are held up by a motley crew of magnets that range from thoughtfully selected gifts showing far-off places, to freebies we got in the post. In short, our fridge is a living scrap book.

The heart-breaking thing is that most of those pictures get replaced with new ones every week. And, although I try keeping the amazing ones, the rest end up in the ‘hands-off’ dust bin, soon forgotten.

With Father’s Day coming up, I was wracking my brain for something original and one-of-a-kind for him. He is, after all, a one-of-a-kind man, and being the father of twins makes him especially so!

Walking towards the fridge, hoping I’d find inspiration in there, as we do, I stopped dead. There it was, staring at me this whole time.

So, getting behind the sewing machine, I got busy. You’ll excuse my enthusiasm, but I’m so happy with the end result. It truly is a one-of-a-kind gift for him.

And now I give it to you.

Send me your child’s drawing, no matter the age, and we will transform it into a plush toy. A soft toy that is the exact 3D version of their drawing!

My kids were giddy when they saw their creativity come to life, and my husband’s face when he unwrapped it made my heart squeeze so tight my eyes got a little sweaty. I love giving gifts that mean something to the receiver, and oh boy, does this ever.

And as they say, a toy in the hand is better than two drawings on the fridge!

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To contact Gaya from Little Bo Babies, call 071 493 1825 or visit www.littlebobabies.com.

The prices for these handmade, one-of-a-kind soft toys range from R300 to R1300 and usually land in the R500 to R900 range.

Gaya is the founder of the Cape Town based Little Bo Babies Online store and information resource centre for parents of twins. She is the mother of adorable fraternal twins, Maya and Malia. She is married to her doting husband Saša. Gaya believes that a parent needs the following to have an enjoyable parenting experience: safe, value-for-money and convenient baby products, easily accessible advice and information, a positive attitude, and a hands-on partner!

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Written by Candace van Zyl from Shift ONE for Little Bo Babies. Shift ONE is a marketing agency in Cape Town that specialises in web conversion with websites, mobile devices, email, social marketing and online advertising.

Win a Dreambow classical guitar worth R2500!

This exciting competition is brought to you by 

Supernova, the mag for curious kids and Musica Instruments.

What to do on the West Coast this Winter Holiday

Don’t let “I’m bored mommy!” be the chart-topping single permanently on repeat this holiday.

To keep parents from going completely off their rocker, here are some great ideas on what to do with your kids on the West Coast this holiday.

1. Free and easy:
Weather-permitting, this is first prize – it’s free, it’s physical, and the kids come back happy, hungry and tired! Bliss.

• Sheltered jungle gym at Eden on the Bay – This enclosed jungle gym is ideal for when the kids need to spend energy and its windy and wet outside. Kids under five eat for free at Snoekies, and the Vida e Café cappuccino will make everything feel all better again.

• Bloubergstrand beach and tidal rock pools – A great way to spend time together looking for shells and pretty pebbles. Bring wellies, buckets and spades.

• Small Bay – ‘Mommy’s beach’ as it’s affectionately known offers a grassed area with a sprawling jungle gym, great for picnics and play, with the beach nearby and the sea tickling your toes.

• Blouberstrand Promenade – Stroll or cycle the promenade, buy a hot pancake on chilly days, or enjoy an ice-cream on those days where winter is forgotten.

Koeberg Nature Reserve (photo by Andrew Massyn)

• Cycle or hike at Koeberg Nature Reserve –This free nature reserve has some lovely game, from springbok to eland. With kiddie-friendly routes, you can choose anything from an hour to a day outing.

2. Other fun outdoor activities:

• My Citi Bus – take the family on an adventure ride to the city and surrounds. Kids love the idea of going somewhere on a big blue bus. The My Citi Bus is a great way to do this. From around R10 per person one way.

• West Coast Farm Stall / Lion Park at Yzerfontein – take your kids to see the white lions, Siberian tigers and jaguars, and eat the best scones on the West Coast. Need we say more?

3. But baby it’s cold outside…
When it’s wet and wintery, and cabin fever is driving you nuts, here are some great options for you.

• Mommy mornings at Izabella’s – This cosy restaurant at Eden on the Bay in Big Bay hosts mommy mornings every Tuesday morning from 9am – 11am. With kiddies’ tables and chairs, and activities to keep tots busy, mommies can enjoy a cuppa while chatting to friends and family, or reading a magazine.

• Dragonland– A stunning new indoor play centre with a modest coffee shop. Safe, clean and spacious. Woolies and China Town are close by so you can do shopping while the kids play.

• Tots n Pots – For hands-on cooking workshops for moms, dads and toddlers. Based in Table View you can enjoy quality time together with your little ones, and someone else does the tidying up! Book with Charmaine@totsnpots.com.

• Creative Kids Corner at Eden on the Bay – Fun and creative crafts and activities on offer during the school holidays with a  full-time minder from 11am – 2pm. Book with monicaboshoff@gmail.com. You can shop and relax while the kids are inspired. Plus, kids under five eat for free at Snoekies. Definitely a win/win situation!

We hope that helps you with the ‘I’m bored’ scenario. Now if only we had a solution to ‘Are we there yet?’!

To connect with Eden on the Bay go to:
@edenOnTheBaywww.edenonbigbay.co.za
info@edenonbigbay.co.za
www.facebook.com/edenonthebay

Written for Eden on the Bay by Candace van Zyl from Shift ONE. Contact candace@shiftone.co.za for more.