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The Citizen
2 days ago
- Business
- The Citizen
Kaminskys: Husband and wife team heavily rely on talent
Pandemic couldn't choke them; they still joke, create and build towards their goal. creativity in their blood. Dana and Carlo Kaminsky are a rare husband and wife team. Picture: Supplied Imagine having to reinvent yourself once, then again at middle age. All the while relying on your talent, gut feel and the only partner you have ever truly trusted. Husband and wife team Dana and Carlo Kaminsky did – and then had to do exactly that again. The first time when they took the leap, they started their own business. The second, when the pandemic almost squeezed their livelihood to a full choke. A rare partnership Husband and wife teams are not uncommon. But a pair that can joke, create and build together towards a common goal is rarer still, especially when the intimate and business coupling stretches over decades. And when the going got tough, the Kaminskys just kept going. Dana met Carlo while working at a printing company in Bellevue. He was a graphic designer, sharp, restless and creative. But he had to commune with suits at several corporates. Breaking free from corporate 'He did a stint at Anglo American. But it was too stiff, too boxed in. I told him: 'Get out. Do your own thing,'' said Dana. He did and together they started Hands On Design, which later became Art of Design, and focused on wildlife-themed clothing. 'He's the artist. I handle the rest,' she said. 'It worked. We were supplying lodges, Kruger Park, even airports.' ALSO READ: Elderly Craighall Park couple face R143k City Power bill, for a meter that's not theirs Wildlife art boom The wildlife T-shirt business, among other ventures, did well. There wasn't a souvenir store at a game lodge that either didn't stock their product or hadn't heard of their wearable art. And then it hit the fan in 2020. 'We had just received a big order from Kruger for five stores,' said Dana. 'Stock was about to go into production and then the e-mail landed: 'Don't proceed. Shops are closing.' That was it. The lodges pulled out. No tourism. No sales.' 'It was daunting,' Dana said. 'You think you're there. Comfortable. And then you're back at the start, figuring it all out again.' A new identity: Atlas bear It could have ended there. Instead, they started over. Again. So, instead of flogging a rapidly dying horse, the Kaminskys started a new brand to mark a new chapter. It was christened Atlas Bear. The name came from their son in Australia, who also has an interest in the business. 'He told us about the Atlas bear. It was the first wild animal to go extinct in Africa. Hunted to death by the Romans. I read the story and thought it resonated. Difference being though, we just refused to disappear and go extinct.' ALSO READ: How some of your favourite comedians would fix the world Football and survival To put food on the table during the first few, very tough years, Carlo began designing T-shirts with slogans tied to football clubs starting with Liverpool and its anthem You'll Never Walk Alone. 'I wasn't sold on it at first,' Dana said. 'But that shirt saved us. The fans loved it. It was affordable, local and something they couldn't get easily.' Local humour, local design They started adding South African sayings and tongue-in-cheek designs. La Linea, a cartoon character from the '70s, was redrawn to reflect everyday frustrations that South Africans face. These, of course, include potholes, load shedding, broken taps and water shedding among a long list of other irritations. 'People get it immediately. They laugh and they buy into the humour,' she said. 'All our designs are pure South African. If you don't live here, you won't get it.' One of their bestsellers came from a customer's joke: If Chuck Norris were a bit tougher, he would have been South African. 'I came home and told Carlo. He designed it and it took off.' And just like the idioms and localisms printed on the tees, the shirts are made in the Western Cape and printed in Joburg. 'Local is important to us. And it matters to customers, too. When they hear that we are all South African, they also seem to be keener to support us,' she said. Creative on all fronts The pair are also authors. Carlo is busy writing and compiling books on branding, design and marketing and on his desk, there are several print and layout prototypes. Dana's already self-published a historical novel – Curse of Gold – detailing aspects of the 1900's gold rush in the Eastern Transvaal, now known as Mpumalanga. The couple's home is a testament to creativity. Carlo has designed I Love Johannesburg tog bags, there are knick-knacks on display all over and a portion of their lounge is now a stockroom and somewhat of a testament and showcase of the sweat and love that has gone into their business. And, as most couples do, the pair disagrees on at least one thing. The future. 'Carlo wants a shop. I'm not convinced. The economy's not right. I'd rather franchise one day. It's a big dream.' READ NEXT: New faces, new love: Who is your favourite 'Married at First Sight' couple?
Irish Independent
3 days ago
- Politics
- Irish Independent
Letters: Unionist hierarchy is at fault for fiasco over Belfast bonfire
This showed a crass lack of understanding from someone born in Belfast, when a visit to engage by any of these three parties would not only have failed abjectly, but would also have posed a significant threat to their lives and limbs. Indeed, I remember a visit by the singer and politician Dana, acting independently and in good faith, to my native Drumcree in an attempt to engage with protesters maintaining a long vigil at the church during one of the many violent parade impasses there in the late 1990s. She was immediately escorted off site by senior Orange officials 'for her own safety' (their words). The real abdicators of responsibility were DUP leader Gavin Robinson and his deputy leader and Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly (who was in the royal box at Wimbledon last week). They not only failed to engage or visit the site, but portrayed legitimate opposition to it on the grounds of health and safety, ludicrously, as another attack on their culture. Mervyn Gibson, a senior OrangeOrder figure and Presbyterian minister, encouraged people to attend the asbestos-ridden bonfire site and, I quote, 'enjoy themselves'. The fact that the PSNI did not comply with Belfast City Council's democratic decision to dismantle the bonfire was not only an abdication of responsibility, but one that raises serious concerns about the continuing existence and malign influence of unionist paramilitaries, law enforcement and, ultimately, as to who actually runs Northern Ireland. Tony Fearon, Poyntzpass, Co Down Hopeless politicians are leaving us in lurch Madam — It was so depressing to read Richard Curran ('Ireland can't afford to dismiss Trump's 30pc tariff threat', July 13) and Conor Skehan ('We will pay dearly for failing to apply a key test to big decisions', July 13) setting out clearly the awful mess we have created for ourselves. We seem to suffer from a hopelessly incompetent political class, unable or unwilling to see where we have gone wrong and unwilling to take the radical decisions that are patently necessary to solve our numerous structural faults as a society. The dogs in the street know what's wrong, but our politicians, of every party, only seem capable of wringing their hands and crying: 'Ochón, ochón, what's to be done?' I respect Micheál Martin, but the man has never had a radical thought in his head. And the rest of them? They have their ministerial cars and they will make soothing noises from time to time indicating their concern. And I do acknowledge that they are concerned, but it's not enough to talk — they must do something. When Donogh O'Malley, as minister for education, was making his way into the Dáil chamber many years ago to announce his plan for universal free secondary education, a senior civil servant ran after him imploring him not to do it as the finance was unavailable. If only he were here today. Anthony Hanrahan, Salruck, Renvyle, Co Galway We don't care about future generations Madam — Conor Skehan's outstanding article last week is essential reading for every politician in Ireland. He speaks of the 'common good', which is written in our Constitution, but is being completely ignored by our politicians, who are trying to please everyone. This means no decisions are made and our essential infrastructure projects move at a snail's pace. I heard a Cork politician on the radio during the week saying the proposed Cork Luas might have its first passengers in 2040. Is this a joke? Planning processes cannot ride roughshod over objectors, but common sense must win out. It's time for our politicians to grow a spine, make decisions for the 'common good' and think of the generations to come. Maurice Curtin, Garryvoe, Co Cork 'Everyman' Tánaiste paying us lip service Madam — I found myself laughing heartily on reading Mary Regan's interview with Tánaiste Simon Harris ('I do the supermarket shop — I get it. But I can't say I'm part of the squeezed middle', July 13). He appears to be at pains to say that he is one of us. The big problem for the Tánaiste is that he cannot magic away the cost-of-living crisis with empathetic statements. John O'Brien, Clonmel, Co Tipperary Moaning over school costs is nonsense Madam — It is now more expensive than ever to send your child back to school after the holidays, according to a report by the Irish League of Credit Unions. This surprises me, as all schoolbooks are free for everybody, from primary to secondary. Some of our big retail stores just staged a price war on school uniforms — a full one can be bought for little as €15. Black runners are replacing expensive school shoes. Some schools still require special crested jumpers, but most now just have a plain jumper of designated colour. On top of this, a big grant is handed out yearly to cover the cost of getting your child kitted out if you are under a specific income threshold. A number of schools offer free lunches, and some even offer breakfast. Back in the 1980s, I put four children through education. Because my husband was earning, a grant was out of the question. All books had to be bought and paid for. All jumpers were crested. A standard uniform would cost more than €40. There was no such thing as a free lunch, apart from Deis schools. We always paid the necessary capitation fee for each child. Did we complain? No. We prudently saved enough money throughout the summer to get us through. We accepted the struggle so that our children could be educated. Sometimes I feel that the more handouts that are given, the more is expected. Now is a much better time for children's education compared with times of austerity. We should be grateful that such help is available. C Dodd, Clonsilla, Dublin 15 Forget Gen Z stare: start valuing people Madam — Saoirse Hanley's article on sitting in a pub and not engaging with those near her, reminds me of a trending topic on the internet at the moment: the 'Gen Z stare' ('Is refusing to engage in small talk the perfect example of boundary-setting – or just a symptom of Gen Z rudeness?', Life, July 13). The 'Gen Z stare' is described as a long, blank expressionless or disengaged stare in a variety of social situations but particularly by those working in customer-facing situations. Some experts argue that Gen Z are being misjudged while others contend the 'Gen Z stare' represents something deeper, more meaningful and far more serious than what you see on the surface. Gen Z, those currently aged between 13 and 28, have a lot going on. They value authenticity, dislike hierarchical structures and many will have a completely different language to those of us who grew up without smartphones and the internet. We're all aware of rude customer service, but it seems the Gen Z stare is taking this to another level. All the more reason then to value highly the person that looks you in the eye with a smile as they ask how your day has been while they pour your pint, fix your flat white or dispense your prescription. Tom McElligott, Tournageehy, Co Kerry MetroLink chief's salary an eye-opener Madam — Having been born in England to Irish parents, I always remember my father's reaction to things that would be unlikely to come to pass. 'When's that going to happen, Dad?' we would ask. The answer: 'When Nelson gets his arm back.' This came to mind as I read Niamh Horan's interview with MetroLink's Sean Sweeney ('If my minister doesn't trust me, I would need to go', July 6). I was astounded to learn that there is a chief executive of a project where a single sod has yet to be turned, and on a salary of €550,000. Not bad for a project that will probably never get the go-ahead, never mind reach completion. Mike Burke, Sixmilebridge, Co Clare Kilkenny arrogance cost them semi-final Madam — Eamon Sweeney writes that Kilkenny, their supporters and the viewers at home were blackguarded because of a mix-up on the scoreboard during their All-Ireland semi-final against Tipperary. Granted, the players look on the scoreboard as a way to check the score but, as Sweeney himself said, on five occasions Kilkenny turned down point-scoring opportunities to try for a goal instead. If they had gone for points, and scored, they would have won the game. Kilkenny's arrogance lost them the game. Someone made a mistake — get over it. Pat Duffy, Limerick Our morality compels us to enact Israeli bill Madam — I read David Quinn's article ('Our foreign policy is a baffling mess', July 6) and Philip Hannigan's supporting letter ('Anti-Israel stance has isolated our nation', July 13). I disagree with Mr Quinn as I believe enacting the Occupied Territories Bill is a moral and ethical thing to do. If, as Mr Hannigan warns, the US may impose special sanctions against Ireland as a result, then that tells us how warped the world's moral compass has become. We in Ireland can't do much, but we can enact this bill and send a clear message to Israel and the US that we abhor their treatment of the Palestinians. There most likely will be negative consequences for us, but that doesn't mean we should stay silent and do nothing. At least I am allowed to disagree with you, Mr Quinn and Mr Hannigan, and not have negative consequences for myself. I suspect if I was writing to a paper in the US or maybe even in Britain, I would be accused of being antisemitic. Mairéad Holsgrove, Terenure, Dublin 6W Orphans dined on a rare 'royal' sturgeon Madam — While reading about the sturgeon recently caught off Kerry ('Caviar-producing sturgeon 'extinct in Irish waters' found off Valentia Island', July 13) I was reminded that one of my father's fishing trawlers had also caught one in relatively recent times — off Hook Head back in 1962. My father, John Baldwin, forewent the value of the rare fish (but reimbursed his crewmen for loss of earnings) when he presented the rare 'royal' sturgeon to president Éamon de Valera. There was a tradition that the fish would be the property of the nation's leader. Mr de Valera in turn authorised the passing-on of the fish to the Good Shepherd Convent in Waterford city to be used as food for the orphans living there. Tom Baldwin, Midleton, Co Cork Cass Review's hard lessons are ignored Madam — I was struck by the letter criticising the Cass Review ('Cass Review shown to have deep flaws', July 13). The Cass Review is not a political document. It is a comprehensive and sobering analysis of how experimental treatments, including puberty blockers and cross-sex hormones, became normalised for distressed children without robust evidence of long-term benefit. We are now seeing thousands of young people across multiple countries coming forward to say they were harmed by medical interventions they were too young to understand and too vulnerable to question. The pattern is increasingly clear: poor evidence, weak oversight and ideological capture. And now, in true Irish tradition, we are being told to ignore the warning signs yet again. Because why learn from the mistakes of other countries when we can repeat them ourselves with even greater enthusiasm? It worked so well with symphysiotomies, didn't it, when women were maimed for decades while the rest of the world moved on. Perhaps in 30 years we'll be holding state inquiries, lighting candles and wondering how on earth it all happened. Again. Sarah Holmes, Newcastle, Co Wicklow Summer is only a rumour up north Madam — Naoise Dolan may loathe the sun in Dublin, but some of us up north wouldn't mind the chance to loathe it more often ('No, I am not enjoying 'the lovely weather' — but I do like a whinge', July 13). Here in Armagh, summer is a rumour. We get about three days of it — and two are usually damp. SPF remains mostly theoretical. And as for tourists blocking pavements, we're just pleased someone's found us. While I admire Ms Dolan's defence of Irish whingeing, I must gently point out that pessimistic small talk isn't uniquely Dublin's. In the North, we've elevated it to an art form — we just do it while watching the rain fall sideways. So let Dublin stew in its sunshine. Up here, we measure summer not in degrees but in glimpses — a shaft of light on a gable wall, the brief scent of cut grass before the drizzle returns. We don't need the sun to be grateful. We just need it to show up now and then, unannounced, like a cousin from Belfast. Enda Cullen, Tullysaran, Co Armagh Dublin's postal woes given scant regard Madam — I always enjoy the unique contributions from Declan Lynch. However, his focus on 'rural post offices closing' ('Post office closures give me double vision', July 13) once again raises the often-ignored impact of 'national' decision-making on Dublin. In addition to the closure of too many post offices in rural Ireland, every post office in Dublin 4 closed down in recent years with not a whimper from any media, particularly the so-called public service broadcaster based in the heart of the area. Dermot Lacey, Donnybrook, Dublin 4 Little Richard was bought for a song Madam — Declan Lynch tells us in his radio review ('Magical musical tour led by the great O'Connor') that Little Richard earned but a pittance from the sales of his hit Tutti Frutti. A case of 'good golly less lolly'?
West Australian
3 days ago
- West Australian
Kolkata banyan tree is the world's biggest
There is just one moment of weakness when I wonder if it's worth the heat. We have climbed down from our air-conditioned bus, with its endless water bottles and sanitiser, and melted into Kolkata's summer, pre-monsoon heat. I haven't even bothered to look at the official temperature, as I just have to tell you that it is very hot and humid. I just have to tell you that I have chosen a shirt that doesn't look much different when wet (unlike those light blue shirts that quickly look like you've just fallen into a swimming pool). I just have to tell you that I did my old trick (taught to me by Aboriginal bushmen) of loading up on tea at breakfast, and will now only sip on room temperature water. And so, our little group walks with local guide Vikal to the Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Indian Botanic Garden's big attraction, a Ficus benghalensis tree. This banyan tree is a living heritage site. It is huge. In fact, it is so big that there is no longer a central trunk — this living tree is a conglomerate of more than 1000 aerial roots. And, according to its 1989 entry in the Guinness Book Of World Records, it is the biggest tree specimen in the world, as judged by canopy coverage. The tree, which is more than 250 years old, is a forest in itself. The paved path around it, outside the wall and metal fence protecting it, is a 330m circle. Inside this, a man is working on supporting thin, new aerial roots, with bamboo props tied with jute string. It strikes me it is like a giant bonsai. In 1925, the main trunk was removed to keep the remainder of the tree healthy. It had become infected with a nasty and potentially fatal fungi, after being damaged by two cyclones. In October 2024, the high winds and torrential rain of cyclonic storm Dana hit the botanical garden, in Shibpur, which is one of the biggest and oldest in South Asia, uprooting more than 2000 trees. It left two empty patches in the giant banyan — but nature, of course, abhors a void, and aerial roots will continue to fill these. The banyan continues to draw visitors — perhaps more than the rest of the collection of exotic plants from five continents. There are more than 14,000 plants representing 1300 species. It is no secret that it suffers from a lack of money — it is reported that there is no specific funding for the garden; it is in a pool with many others. But the 110ha gardens also give insight into a different, less manicured, more natural way of presenting a botanical garden. The botanical garden isn't actually in Kolkata — it is in its twin city, Howrah, the other side of the River Ganges. It was originally called The Royal Botanic Garden, and founded in 1786 by the East India Company, on the advice of Colonel Kyd, who became its first superintendent. It was renamed the Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Indian Botanic Garden in 2009. Bose was a son of Kolkata, and one of whom Bengalis are very proud. Sir Jagadish Chandra Bose, who died in 1937, was a polymath scientist who was a pioneer in the investigation of microwave optics and, more relevantly, made significant contributions to botany. He is also considered to be the father of Bengali science fiction. The banyan tree in Kolkata's botanical gardens is an old friend. I have visited it before and watched the protective wall and fence around it grow into a bigger and bigger circle. I hope I will visit it again one day. It is always worth any amount of heat. Of course.
The Irish Sun
5 days ago
- Politics
- The Irish Sun
Hundreds part with hard-earned cash to back presidential hopeful as Connolly's Aras war chest gets major day one boost
CATHERINE Connolly has raised €12,000 in the first 24 hours for her presidential campaign. She announced 3 Independent TD Catherine Connolly announced her official entry into the Aras race this week Credit: Brian Lawless/PA Wire 3 Michael D Higgins will depart the Aras later this year Credit: Sportsfile - Subscription Her election bid is expected to cost between €250,000 and €500,000. The former Leas Ceann Comhairle secured €12,000 in donations in just 24 hours, with more than 600 people donating amounts between €1 and €200. A post updating supporters on the fundraising effort boasted that 'in a little over one day, we have raised more in donations than total declared donations to Gallagher 2018, McGuinness 2011 or Dana 2011'. Read more in News Some 2,000 people have already signed up to be part of the Connolly campaign team with a major 'people power' style campaign planned over the coming months before polling day. The presidential wannabe has promised to visit 'cities, towns and villages across the island' over the campaign. The former barrister previously told the Irish Sun that she believes she is at an advantage by being the first candidate to enter She said: 'I think I'm actually at an advantage. To a certain extent, I've let some of the people who are supporting me down a little bit by taking so long with the internal torturous decision which I'm now over. Most read in The Irish Sun 'I would have declared sooner if I was able but it really took me to go through that process and I am fully ready now for the campaign. 'I don't think it is too soon – quite the contrary. I'm an independent candidate with support from parties. We don't have a huge big machine. 'I think we have conviction. I think we believe in what we're doing and I think we are happy to put forward that vision.' 3 Some 2,000 people have already signed up to be part of the Connolly campaign team in her Aras bid Credit: Alamy
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Washington Co. solicitor resigns citing weeks of harassment
WASHINGTON COUNTY, Ga. (WJBF) – The part-time Washington County solicitor has resigned. Michael Howard made the announcement on Facebook. He said he's left his position after what he calls weeks of online harassment of recused Washington County Sate Court Judge, John Dana. Howard claims Judge Dana made allegations of corruption against him in May. Read the entire Facebook post below: Following weeks of online harassment courtesy of recused Washington County State Court Judge John Dana and the attorney hired to do his bidding, Michael Howard has resigned from his position as part-time Washington County Solicitor. Judge Dana, who was forced to recuse himself from all criminal cases in State Court due to his own violations of Georgia's Code of Judicial Conduct, has through his lawyer Ben Sessions made daily social media posts attacking Howard and promising the attacks will not stop until Howard resigns. 'You can stop the embarrassment of yourself and your community,' Sessions posted on June 26. 'This is ON YOU.' According to Code of Judicial Conduct Rule 2.3 (B) addressing bias, prejudice, and harassment, 'a judge shall not, in the performance of judicial duties, by words or conduct manifest bias or prejudice, or engage in harassment, including but not limited to bias, prejudice, or harassment based upon age, disability, ethnicity, gender or sex, marital status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic status. Judges shall not permit court staff, court officials, or others subject to the judge's direction and control to do so.'On May 13, Judge Dana made outlandish allegations of corruption against Solicitor Howard and the State Court Public Defender, exhibiting clear bias and prejudice, for which Judge Dana was forced to recuse himself from all criminal cases in State Court so long as Howard remained in place. Judge Dana, in retaliation, engaged in a public harassment campaign against Howard, directing his hired attorney to attack him on social media, intimidate Howard's private clients and encourage his clients to fire him. 'Serving as Washington County Solicitor has been an honor until the clear bias, prejudice, and harassment by Judge Dana and his allies made it impossible for me and my family to continue doing so,' said Howard. 'Judge Dana, who will have still violated Georgia's Code of Judicial Conduct long after I am gone, can find someone else to retaliate against for his own actions that he understandably finds professionally embarrassing.' Following Howard's resignation, Georgia's Judicial Qualifications Commission's investigation into Judge Dana's violations remains pending. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Solve the daily Crossword
