Explore this festive season with your safety in check

Grant Thesis, Co-founder of ttrumpet

It’s the time of the year that we all look forward to – yes, it is the December holidays.  A time of fun where some of you go on family vacations around the country and others stay home and relax – but that doesn’t mean it can’t, and won’t be, exciting.

The holidays should be an opportunity to explore places and enjoy some free time with friends and family.

Of course, while you are out exploring and having fun, don’t forget to make sure you are always safe and that your parents know where you are.

Because, even though this holiday time – no more homework, no after school activities and of course no early morning wake-ups – you still need to be responsible about your own safety.  Especially, as over this time, criminal activity can increase. So you can’t blame parents for those phone calls, every now and again, to check that you are safe, when you are at the mall or the ice rink.

So to make sure you can enjoy your holiday to the fullest, there are ways for you to help your parents relax, while you go out with your friends. In fact, there are app’s available online that can actually help here.

ttrumpet is an app that is easy to use and lets to your family and friends, know exactly where you are, all via your phone – but of course only once you have given them permission. For instance, through this app, you can automatically tell your family and friends where you are or where you are visiting, and you can even share pictures along the way in real-time – all privately and for free, if they are using ttrumpet as well?

So, if you are visiting a theme park in Cape Town or even going to the Kruger National Park, this app allows you to share experiences with your chosen friends along your journey – as often as you want – and they can also tag you along the journey. Also, with this app, if you are visiting a friend’s house or just going to the mall, it will ‘tell’ your parents, when you have arrived safely or when you are at home – so they don’t need to keep calling you.

And, if you are ever in any trouble, you can press a panic button, which sends an alert to your top five contacts, telling them that there is a problem and your exact location.

So this holiday, if you are looking for a app that not only gives you a private chat room (friends only), but can keep you safe – and keep you updated about the latest places to shop, eat or hang out – try ttrumpet – is easy and its free – just don’t forget to stay safe online.

In fact, I would say that the top 8 top tips to help keep you safe while you are online, are:

· Investigate the app you would like to download first – make sure it’s a real app that is well used.

· Keep your personal information private when you register as a user.

· If you don’t know the person – don’t trust them – when you are online.

· Think before you click.

· Watch out for spam scams.

· Don’t share private pictures online, as they always remain online.

· Manage your friend’s list on social media platforms, only chat to people you actually know.

· Always log out from social media platforms when you are done using them.

Having fun in the December holidays is important, but so is staying safe. So make it easy – and use your mobile, to help keep you in touch and safe. 

By Grant Thesis, Co-Founder of ttrumpet  

The Form and Function of Gangs of Ballet

Supernova, the mag for curious kids caught up with Gangs of Ballet frontman Brad Klynsmith to chat about their new EP Form and Function, and about life as a musician.

Gangs of Ballet (Photo by Craig Scott)

What does ‘Gangs of Ballet’ mean?

It is the result of a childhood story that involved dancers, ninjas and Super Moos.

Is it scary, exciting, or a bit of both to release a new album?

Any time you release new art it's really vulnerable. You put a little part of you out there and wait for the thumbs up or thumbs down.

Gangs of Ballet, Form and Function

What new lessons have you learnt with the release of each album?

The biggest lesson we're really trying to learn, and it sounds strange, is to 'be less perfect'. Not in an arrogant way, but in a digital age, our music is too perfect. It is all edited and pushed into perfect time, and every sound is massive and clean and quantized. You have this pressure to play it flawlessly so people don't think you're a bad musician and you forget that the impurities are what give it character.

What do you enjoy the most about being in a band?

Love the travel, although it can be tough, and the flexitime aspect where we get to do what we love and get paid to do it.

What are some of the challenges in this line of work?

Travel, family, staying relevant in a high paced industry, and social media demands.

What is the funniest thing that has happened to you on tour?

You're always faced with a few crazies, which keeps things interesting.

Where would your dream performance be?

Gangs of Ballet (Photo by Craig Scott)

Any and every stadium!

Where do you see yourself in ten years?

Hopefully with a significant career overseas.

Fun questions:
What is the craziest place to listen to music?

In a library... Extreme.

What was your favourite book as a child?

My adventures with Meg the hen, Ben the dog and Deb the rat! 

Interview by Andrea Vermaak 

Shark: Be awestruck

Exclusive interview with Steve Greenwood

We featured sharks in 'The Nova Red List' in Supernova vol. 3.2. Now, Supernova, the mag for curious kids had the privilege of interviewing Steve Greenwood, the producer of a new BBC Earth series, Shark.

Shark is a major wildlife series on the sharks of the world with over thirty species filmed, showing how they hunt, interact, court, and grow up, as well as the threats they face.

Shark, BBC Earth

How is Shark different from other television series on sharks?

Shark is very different from other TV shows on sharks. We filmed 30 species of shark and ray in dozens of countries around the world. We really are a global series. Our aim was to show the huge diversity of these wonderful creatures. We also filmed all aspects of their lives – from courtship and mating to how the young grow up and how they navigate the oceans. Most shark shows just concentrate on predation, but that is just one part of their lives.

Steve Greenwood

What did you learn about sharks (or a shark species) that you did not know before?

So many things! I was particularly amazed finding out how few young they have and how long they take to develop. Lemon sharks have just a dozen or so young every other year. Their babies even have belly buttons!

What was the most exciting moment the team experienced during filming?

We filmed ragged tooth sharks inside a shipwreck off the coast of the USA. We dived into the hold of this sunken ship and found ten or more sharks inside! But they were not at all interested in us.

Did you find yourselves in any frightening situations?

We spent 2600 hours filming sharks, but never had a single dangerous encounter. The most dangerous thing was the weather. We had a couple of hurricanes and a typhoon while filming.

Shark, BBC Earth

I’m sure you’ll agree that we are more of a threat to sharks than they are to us. Do sharks face any major threats besides humans?

I certainly agree that we are far more of a threat to sharks than the other way round. Sharks have few natural predators, though killer whales and seals may go for them. As their natural food is very often fish, my guess would be that declining fish stocks would be a very large threat.

Why is it so important to look after our sharks?

Sharks are top predators in the ecosystem of the sea. We know that on land if top predators, like wolves or big cats, are taken out of ecosystems, it can have a big effect on other species. It follows that the same effect will happen in the sea.

What can we, even children, do to help save threatened species?

There are lots of ways to help. Most importantly, take an interest in sharks and find out more about them. Tell your friends and family all the cool facts about them. If people say that sharks are horrible and scary then tell them they are fascinating, smart and complicated creatures, and humans pose more of a threat to them than the other way round. The first step in conservation is changing attitudes. As you get older, you may want to learn how to snorkel or scuba dive, then you could go and watch sharks in the wild. How cool is that?

 

Which shark of the thirty species filmed is your favourite and why?

Can I choose three favourites? The hammerhead looks the most amazing. The great white has the most incredible predation when it breaches out of the water when chasing seals. But my overall favourite is the manta ray as they are so beautiful, and they look at you with those big eyes with real intelligence. They also look as though they are from outer space!

Shark, BBC Earth

Shark premieres on Sunday 6 December 2015 at 16h00 on BBC Earth (DStv Channel 184).

 

Interview by Andrea Vermaak (Editor of Supernova, the mag for curious kids)

Connell Cruise steps Into the Wild

Supernova, the mag for curious kids caught up with the ever popular Connell Cruise to chat about his international debut EP, Into the Wild, and his road to success.

 

Supernova:  Sometimes success can seem as if it happened over night. The wise will know that this is untrue. For how long have you been working towards your great international success? (Congratulations on the international debut EP!).

C.C.: It’s been nearly three years of ‘overnight success’ and counting. It still feels like I’m just getting started, and I think that’s a good thing. (Thanks so much!)

Besides hard work and dedication, what other 'secret ingredients' do you need to succeed in whatever you do?

Connell Cruise. Photo by Meredith Truax.

Having a great team that liberates, encourages, inspires and keeps things moving.

You grew up, listening to many different genres of music. Who, or which band, would you say had the most influence on your style?

I don’t know if there’s a single great influence; I think it’s more a massive melting pot of styles and musicality, ranging from Michael Jackson to Freddie Mercury to Beethoven to Supertramp to the Backstreet Boys to One Republic. Haha, there’s no limit to inspiration.

You started recording the vocals in SA, but you’ve also spent some time in the States, recording. Has your perception of the music industry changed since you’ve been in the States and if so, how?

It’s the same industry, it’s just become a little bigger, a little faster. I love it.

You’ve had the privilege of working with a few big names in the music industry, including Ido Zmishlany, John Ryan, Teddy Geiger, and James Shelley. If you could collaborate with only one other producer, musician or band, who would it be?

Timbaland.

Connell Cruise. Photo by Meredith Truax.

What can we expect from your latest album?

It’s my best work to date. New songs with a fresh sound, taking my music in a new direction and to a worldwide audience. I’m very proud of it; it’s a first taste of what’s still to come.

When will be seeing you in South Africa again?

Hopefully before Christmas!

Are there any plans for a world tour in the pipeline?

Absolutely, let’s take America first. What do you say?

Look out for a review of Into the Wild in Supernova vol. 5.1.

Interview conducted by Andrea Vermaak

Alvin Ailey's standing ovation

The globally acclaimed Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater received a standing ovation at their gala performance on Thursday 3 September 2015 at Mostecasino, Johannesburg. It's no surprise, as the New York-based dancers are the definition of strength, grace, power and precision.

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater
Photo by Andrew Eccles

Every one of the pieces performed was audibly breathtaking. Striking costumes and meticulously choreographed performances effectively boasted every rippling muscle in the dancers' bodies as they weightlessly leapt through the air or balanced on the edge of every dancers' dream.

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater
in Hans van Manen's Polish Pieces.
Photo by Paul Kolnik

The mesmerising Polish Pieces showcases Dutch choreographer Hans van Manen's genius in combining colour and patterns with rhythm. A kaleidoscope of dynamic dance culminates in two sensual, emotionally charged pas de deux.

The dynamic Yannick Lebrun performed Artistic Director Robert Battle's energetic solo Takademe with great athleticism and an equally high spirit. Seldom has a range of emotions been so sincerely expressed by any performer, leaving the audience in awe and inspired.

Yannick Lebrun in Robert Battle's Takedeme.
Photo by Andrew Eccles

Grace, choreographed by Ronald K. Brown, transports one to the spiritual roots of African-American culture. The dancers' enthusiasm and passion is visibly clear in this piece that's injected with energy.

The highly acclaimed American classic Revelations is Alvin Ailey’s signature masterpiece. It is a tribute to Ailey’s heritage, exploring moments of deepest grief and joy.

Matthew Rushing, Demetia Hopkins-Greene,
Linda Celeste Sims and Guillermo Asca
in Robert K. Brown's Grace.
Photo by Paul Kolnik

The ballet piece ‘Fix Me, Jesus’ is transfixing. Linda Celeste Sims is the epitome of grace and strength, arousing gasps from the audience as she pivots in arabesque, perfectly balanced. One should not underestimate the strength of her dance partner Glenn Allen Sims, as many non-dancers so often do. It takes a great amount of agility, strength and focus to partner a ballerina with such grace and effortlessness.

AAADT's Linda Celeste Sims and Glenn Allen Sims
in Alvin Ailey's Revelations.
Photo by Andrew Eccles

The show closes with the toe-tapping, uplifting ‘Rocka My Soul in the Bosom of Abraham’, leaving no doubt in any audience members’ mind that Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater is a unique, inspirational modern dance Company that celebrates the human spirit though African-American culture and the power of American modern dance tradition. Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater deserves its reputation as one of the world’s most popular modern dance companies.

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater will be performing in South Africa as follows:

Cape Town

Wednesday 16 September to Sunday 20 September 2015

Artscape

There are two alternating programmes of about two hours each. Both programmes end with Revelations.

Tickets are on sale at Computicket.

For more information on Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, click here.

Follow Showtime Management on Facebook for more amazing events in South Africa.

Review by Andrea Vermaak, BK Publishing.

On a journey with George Ezra

On Sunday 30 August 2015, two members of the Supernova team, Chrisna Prinsloo and Andrea Vermaak, took a road trip to Carnival City to watch English folk, blues and rock singer and songwriter, George Ezra.

Bongeziwe Mabandla opened the show with his beautiful, haunting melodies, followed by the ever energetic, entertaining Freshly Ground. The latter took the minds of every South African present back to the past with their hits 'Do Bee Do', 'I'd like' and, of course, 'Waka Waka'.

The lovely George Ezra then took the stage. He held the audience captivated from start to finish with his quirky sense of humour as he told anecdotes of his journey across Europe, and how certain people and places influenced his songwriting. His humble smile and soulful baritone voice then captured a few hearts as he delighted with hits 'Budapest' and 'Blame it on me', as well as few other gems that are sure to be hit singles in the near future.

All too soon, the show was over. We were whisked back to reality and the sparkling lights of Carnival City. We'd happily take another road trip – physically and mentally – with George Ezra any time!

Future Afro beats emerge from Cape Town

We featured a review of TheCITY's self-titled debut EP in Supernova vol. 4.6. In the interim, we caught up with the band's bassist, Ryan McArthur.

Why ‘TheCITY’? What is the significance of your band’s name?

People sometimes ask how such 'different' individuals meet, and if you look at a cosmopolitan city, you'll find very different people with common interests, which is what we are, a meeting point, a focus of a concept - TheCITY of Future Afro music.

Do you think the city in which one lives has any influence on the kind of music people make or listen to? If so, has Cape Town influenced you in anyway?

Of course. Reuben and Clem are Cape Coloured so the music of Cape Town, Goema, is part of their heritage and they grew up listening to Abdullah Ibrahim, Winston Mankunku and Errol Dyers, and hearing the minstrels rehearsing on warm summer afternoons, preparing for New Year celebrations. We fuse our heritage into the music we make. We feel it's very important.

You describe your sound as ‘Future Afro’. Can you describe the genre in a bit more detail?

It's a fusion of hip hop, electronica, afrobeats and soul.

You’re a group of people from very different backgrounds and musical styles. How did you decide on the genre of music you’d like to create as TheCITY?

We all share a love for jazz, so that is a common musical thread, and probably a subconscious understanding we share.

Who is your greatest influence and why?

Wow, it’s really hard for musicians to boil it down to one influence, especially if you’re trying something different, which is more of a hybrid of styles. Top 3: Little Dragon, J Dilla, and Abdullah Ibrahim.

Your self-titled album is free on Facebook and Bozza. Why free?

That is our 1^st album done in 2010. Back then, it was only a duo with Clem and Bonj. We’ve just finished a five track self-titled EP, which is our first official release as a band and is available on iTUNES, Deezer, Google Play, Shazaam and all the other online purchase sites.

What is the secret ingredient to success in the music industry?

There is no secret ingredient for success in any career path, except to be passionate about what you do and to plug at it constantly no matter what. It can get rough juggling gig management, PR, admin, rehearsal schedules, etc., so it's important to know your priorities and to strive for balance in everything.

Interview by Andrea Vermaak

Press images by Deidre Hewitson

Win tickets to see George Ezra live!

Win one of three double tickets to see George Ezra live in Durban, Cape Town and Johannesburg!

Send your name, age, location and contact details (email and phone number), along with your answer to the question below to competition@bkpublishing.co.za.

Question: Name one of the supporting acts at the George Ezra shows.

Competition closes 26 August 2015. Only one double ticket available per venue. Terms and Conditions apply.

Terms and Conditions for Supernova competitions

1. Competition ends, Wednesday 26 August 2015 . 2. All entries must include name and surname, age, date of birth and contact details. 3. Persons entering the competition must be 18 years or under.  4. Competition is open to anyone except the employees  (or members of their immediate families) of Supernova magazine or advertisers or prize sponsors. 5. The closing date specified for the competition is final and no late entries will be allowed. 6. If you win a competition you will be notified via telephone or email.  7. The judges’ decision is final. 8. The prize will not be redeemable for cash and is non-transferable. 9.Supernova magazine is not responsible for delayed or lost entries. 10. Supernova magazine is not responsible for the loss or damage of a prize after it has been sent to the winner. 11. Incorrect entries will be disqualified. 12. Supernova magazine may use the information given in the entry for BK Publishing's internal database. All the information will be kept confidential. 13. If the competition requires the entrant to provide illustrations, photographs or any original artwork by the entrant, the submission of the work will constitute a consensual release and will allow Supernova and the competition organiser to publish your artwork in the magazine and online. 14. If you enter this competition we will assume that you have read trough the Terms and Conditions, and that you understand and agree with them. 

BK Publishing at the South African Book Fair

Meet the BK Publishing team and get copies of all your favourite books and magazines 

at the South African Book Fair 2015.  See you there!

Win 'The Magic Mat and its little secret'!

Read Supernova's review of The Magic Mat and its little secret 

below and answer the question to win! 

It's that easy! All the best!

*Click on the image to enlarge.

Terms and Conditions for Supernova competitions

1. Competition ends, Wednesday 16 December 2015. 2. All entries must include name and surname, age, date of birth and contact details. 3. Persons entering the competition must be 18 years or under. 4. Competition is open to anyone except the employees (or members of their immediate families) of Supernova magazine or advertisers or prize sponsors. 5. The closing date specified for the competition is final and no late entries will be allowed. 6. If you win a competition you will be notified via telephone or email. 7. The judges’ decision is final. 8. The prize will not be redeemable for cash and is non-transferable. 9.Supernova magazine is not responsible for delayed or lost entries. 10. Supernova magazine is not responsible for the loss or damage of a prize after it has been sent to the winner. 11. Incorrect entries will be disqualified. 12. Supernova magazine may use the information given in the entry for BK Publishing's internal database. All the information will be kept confidential. 13. If the competition requires the entrant to provide illustrations, photographs or any original artwork by the entrant, the submission of the work will constitute a consensual release and will allow Supernova and the competition organiser to publish your artwork in the magazine and online. 14. If you enter this competition we will assume that you have read trough the Terms and Conditions, and that you understand and agree with them.

Supernova goes to ancient Rome

Supernova vol. 4.5

This winter, Supernova takes a colossal step back in time to meet the important men who founded, built and destroyed the Roman Empire. Shake hands with (or run away from!) Julius Caesar and Octavian Augustus, among other emperors, while you learn about their conquests and defeats, and life in ancient Rome.

When you're done conquering most of Europe with the Romans, learn more about viruses and how to conquer them too! The air is drier in winter, so you're more likely to catch something funky in the air. It helps to understand what viruses are so we can keep ourselves safe from them.

On the bright side, 2015 is the International Year of Light, so we also explore the world of light and colour to find out exactly what they are and how we experience them.

All this and so much more in Supernova vol. 4.5! Subscribe today!

Supernova's 4th birthday promotion!

To celebrate Supernova's 4th birthday, we are running a special offer for all 

businesses that have a message to share with the children of South Africa.

Offer ends 1 August 2015.

14 Ways to green the classroom

Go eco-friendly on World Environment Day - 5 June

Children are often more aware than adults about the importance of being planet-friendly, and the need to conserve scarce and precious natural resources. Many, however, don’t know which steps to take. Here are some practical and easy ideas from JoJo Tanks to take to school for a greener classroom:

1. Start recycling of paper, plastic and metal in the classroom, and motivate the entire school to participate.

2. Choose reusable packaging and a reusable BPA free water bottle for your lunch box, rather than throwaway plastic bottles.

3. Arrange a recycling day on World Environment Day at your school and encourage everyone to bring their recyclable waste from home.

4. Ask the science teacher to dedicate time on World Environment Day to show everyone how to make your own eco-friendly cleaners from vinegar and water.

5. Plant an indigenous tree outside the classroom for nature on your doorstep and a much cooler classroom.  (A great activity for World Environment Day on June 5.)

6. Grow a few indoor plants in your classroom. They’re not only nature's air filters; they also absorb computer radiation and airborne pollutants, and provide oxygen and cooler air. Winter is a great time to add a few plants because research indicates that indoor plants significantly reduce fatigue and incidences of cold-related ailments like sore throats and coughs.

7. Start a wormbin in your classroom for all the lunch waste.

8. Create a school veggie garden – a fun and educational way to learn about the pleasures of growing and eating fresh, local, organic food.

9. Get rid of disposable pens and pencils, and opt for refillable pens made from recycled plastic or biodegradable plastic, and select pencils made from sustainably harvested wood.

10. When printing, make sure it is double-sided, and use the ‘less ink’ options for all but the most important printing.

11. Use the energy saving settings on your computer.

12. Check for leaks in taps and report to the school management. It’s an easy way to reduce water wastage. One leaking tap can waste more than 2000 litres a month.

13. Put plastic bottles filled with pebbles or sand in the toilet tanks to reduce flushing water.

14. Lobby school management to have a JoJo rainwater-harvesting tank installed at your school.

Press release by Riana Greenblo Communications on behalf of JoJo Tanks.