How to survive a lightning strike

YOU may well have thought you would not be getting a lesson on how to survive a lightning strike if you went along to Outspoken’s evening with literary royalty, penned 60 books and sold more than 50 million copies, was at his story-telling best as guest of Outspoken speaking on subjects as diverse as sailing, Christianity, the alien language of pilots, the fine art of getting even and of course how best to

Speaking in Q&A format with Steven Lang, McCall Smith - affectionately known inspired him and other writers including

“We love that sort of thing. People get tremendously excited about someone

“When you encounter that you can say to them that, ‘well you need to get out a bit more’, but it’ can mean a lot to people.

“It’s a great area for fiction.

Asked to elaborate on his book, The Exquisite Art of Getting Even, Sandy said it was always interesting how important revenge was to people. “It’s something that really appeals,” he said.

“When we see someone getting their just desserts, we are very pleased.”

Sandy mixed story-telling, anecdotes and life advice throughout the evening.

Asked about doing away with unlikeable characters he spoke of one who he had struck by lightning and the fascinating research this revealed.

“I can give you one bit of advice: if you are in danger of being struck by lightning, make sure you are entirely damp. You need to be as wet as possible,” he said. “If you’re then struck by lightning the lightning travels on the edge of the skin ... and doesn’t damage the internal organs. Not many people know that.

“If you want to be completely safe, and minimise the risk of being damaged by lightning, then shower before you leave the house.”

The author of the beloved No1 Ladies’ Detective Agency series has just released a collection of short stories, The Private Life of Spies, a part-fiction, part-nonfiction series of tales on espionage exploits.

Outspoken will feature Kim Mahood on April at at the Maleny Community Centre. Tix from $18. outspokenmaleny.com

CAPRICORN

DECEMBER 22 – JANUARY 20 slower, more tender touch.

LEO

JULY 23 – AUGUST 23

With romance in the air, this week many singles could find that special soulmate. Couples rediscover the initial fascination. If love has been marred by problems, put misgivings in the past tense. Bottom line: whether single or settled, you now crave a sense of belonging. So stash away that workload, Leo. This week, love takes priority.

VIRGO

AUGUST 24 – SEPTEMBER 22 criticism this week, but your anxiety could have more to do with unresolved low self-esteem rather than with what’s been said. Release your burdens, Libra. You have carried the weight of old wounds long enough. Your smartest nurturing self-care. Do what makes you happy.

Prevention’s better than cure, Virgo. So if an old ailment looks as if it might recur, get it checked and sent packing. Even in perfect health, you may choose to withdraw to reassess your direction and values. If friends ask for your intervention in their conflicts, don’t buy into any trouble. At most, offer sympathy, but maintain grace under pressure.

SCORPIO

OCTOBER 24 – NOVEMBER 22

Don’t quit or give up, Scorpio. As hard as the battle may seem, if you persevere - you can and will succeed. It’s important to accept that sometimes we need to change course or direction in order to achieve goals and ambitions. If something isn’t happening, however hard you seem to try - perhaps you simply need to change tactics to get results.

SAGITTARIUS

NOVEMBER 23 – DECEMBER 21

A secret could be exposed, Sagittarius. While you may feel a tad indignant at having your psyche placed on such public display - avoid any temptation to retaliate. Whatever grace you have left, this is not a time to shoot yourself in the foot. The trouble with confronting bullies is that you risk acting the same way. Be the better person.

Now’s the time to sit back and put your feet up for a while as you start to reap the benefits of what you have sown. The road that you took to get here certainly had its ups and downs - all the more reason to take a well-earned break. What’s yours is yours, and no one is going to take that away from you. You can spend a little, too.

Aquarius

JANUARY 21 – FEBRUARY 18

You might want to put some space between yourself and a barrage of conflicting opinions. Be smarter in your decision-making, especially when it comes to business or purchases. To maintain stability at work and home, be patient and stay receptive to alternative viewpoints: honest discussion beats hostility any time.

Pisces

FEBRUARY 19 – MARCH 20

If you don’t know which way to turn, sit still and let events take their course. There’s little point in taking action when you’re unsure of the direction you should be heading. The best thing you can do is find some good company and a sympathetic ear. This week allows some down time - so catch up on some personal or professional stocktaking.

A splash of natural colour

By Kirra Livingstone

“Colours of Australia” is a stunning exhibition showcasing the works of four talented local artists from the Moreton Bay Regional Area and the Sunshine Coast. Ron Bryant, Karen King, Jo-Ann Middlebrough, and Tricia Taylor take you on a journey of their travels through Australia, filling the gallery with a burst of color and light.

All four artists are passionate plein air painters who love to travel with their art, capturing the beauty of Australia’s diverse landscapes. From Uluru to the MacDonnell Ranges, the Blue Mountains to the coastline, their impressionistic style of realism merges to create a cohesive exhibition.