UNSEEN ACADEMICALS by Terry Pratchett (R295, Doubleday)
Rating: 5/5
Reviewer: Jared Orlin
Pratchett scores again with the 37th tale from his fictional Discworld universe. And the timing couldn’t be better for South Africans as the novel is about soccer. The plot involves the sloth-like wizards of Unseen University who are forced to play soccer or else they’ll get only three meals a day (Heaven forbid!). As with most of Pratchett’s novels there’s an element of satire involved in…
JOB TITLES
Gardener: Landscape executive.
Housemaid: Family environment upkeep manager.
Receptionist: Front-office manager/office access-control specialist.
Messenger: Business-communications conveyer.
Window cleaner: Transparent wall technician.
Temporary teacher: Associate tutor.
Tea lady: Refreshment overseer.
Garbage collector: Public sanitation technician.
Security guard: Theft prevention and surveillance officer.
Thief: Wealth-distribution officer.
Driver:…
YOU trauma counsellor Debbi Rozowsky has this advice for recognising the warning signs of teens in distress.
Self-harming. Check for cut marks if your teen suddenly starts wearing long sleeves or covering up unusually. Cutting is a symptom of deep distress.
Pattern changes. Changes in eating and sleeping patterns are indicative of depression.
Bad influences. Teens will emulate their friends’ behaviour and lifestyle choices. Be aware of who your child is mixing with.
WHAT TO DO
…
People who spend a lot of time on the internet are more inclined to show symptoms of depression, say psychologists at the University of Leeds in England. They found some internet users developed a compulsive internet habit and replaced personal contact with people with visits to chatrooms and social networking sites. It seems this addiction can seriously affect your mental health. The study also showed those addicted to the internet had no control over the amount of time they spent…
