32 minute read

Be Entertained

Next Article
Health

Health

Iknow some humans manage to be both dog and cat people, but my foot is firmly in the former. I can’t help it. I’ve just never had much luck with felines. Desperate for a kitten as a kid, we finally got one from the SPCA only for it to spend its life hiding under the house, in the bush or biting and scratching at the hand that tried to feed it. What can I say? I took it personally. And I’m allergic. What’s more, I think cats actually like that. Our house has been a cat-free zone in the 21 years we’ve had dogs. But we’ve been without a canine for 18 months now and the neighbourhood moggies are staying to take the mickey. I see them, out there sitting around like they own the place. If only they knew that the ghost of Ted, the Kerry blue terrier, is salivating in his grave. Oh, shoot, that reminds me. He isn’t in his grave. He’s salivating in the cupboard in the spare room along with Kit, his predecessor. Anyway, both dogs were holy terrors with cats, which despite my own ambivalence I did not encourage or admire. In fact, we spent a fortune training Ted in particular out of chasing the balls of fluff. I remember once the little horror spotted a cat and jumped out of the car before I could get him on the leash. He ran across the road, up a driveway, into the backyard then across three other properties until I caught him. Red-faced, I retraced my steps and fell on my sword, offering apology after apology to the owner of the driveway and house until I finally realised what he was trying to tell me. “It wasn’t my cat.” Oops. Regardless, Ted was literally on a short leash after that but whenever he saw a cat, he would squeak with longing and quiver with the lack of excitement at being able to pursue his terrier heart’s desire. So, today I was walking down the hallway when I saw through the window in the front door, the biggest, fluffiest grey cat striding down the driveway towards our house. I opened the front door expecting it to take flight, but it didn’t. Instead, it just stared at me as if to say: “And …?” Just then a bunny hopped across the drive, bold as brass, between myself and the cat. I looked at puss. “You could’ve at least got the rabbit!” I said. A t which the superior being gave me one last withering look, turned on its heels and sauntered –I say, sauntered –back down the drive with an arrogant flick of its tail. If that doesn’t say it all about cats, I don’t know what does. Although to be fair, Ted wasn’t much chop when it came to getting rid of rabbits either, although he liked to feast on their poo on occasion, which did nothing for his breath. B ut a rabbit doesn’t have attitude. A rabbit doesn’t taunt a less intelligent being into comin g for it. A rabbit’s simply not worth the bother. Like it or not, cats rule. FELINE PECULIAR An uninvited furball is not Sarah-Kate’s purr-fect guest with Sarah-Kate Lynch Chatter box

Home truths

Advertisement

with Kate Hawkesby I t’s empty-nest time for many around the country as kids head off to uni and set up their new lives in their new little parts of the world. And that includes us. We shed three family members in a week. I think that’s less “leaving the nest” and more having it ripped right open. There are only two remaining children at home. One has gone overseas to study, one to the South Island to study and one went flatting. B oom! Gone! Did we cry buckets and lament the quietness of the house? Actually, no. We were thrilled to see them on their way. Thrilled to see them chasing their dreams and heading off into the world. Thrilled to watch them set off to conquer all the challenges

of starting up afresh outside of the family cocoon. Thrilled th at they’ll now be buying their own food. I’ll admit I had one teeny-tiny wobbly moment as I stood in my son’s empty bedroom and tho ught how vacant it looked. But that was quickly replaced with excitement as to what I could do with that room now. “You can’t come back,” I told him when he called from his new flat, “because I’ve turned your bedroom into a shoe room.” “A whole room just for shoes?” he quipped. “Well, it’s kind of got other bits and pieces and storage-type stuff in it too –it’s actually super useful and it doesn’t smell like Lynx Africa any more, so I love it,” I enthused. That’s the fear for liberated empty nesters –that somehow at some point, the kids will b oomerang back. It’s happened before. My son went flatting once before and came back. This time I said he has to stay away. It’s for his own sake, I tell him, for the independence (and also for the sake of my shoes). Uni kids have less of the empty-nest vibe because the y bounce back and forth for holidays, so it doesn’t feel too final … yet. And we do have the added distraction of the two left at home. To be fair, when the baby leaves I’ll be a mess. I’ve told her she’s not allowed to ever leave home, or indeed even grow up, but she’s ignored that so far. I said that when and if she leaves home to go study overseas, I’ll just come with her. “No thanks,” she flippantly replied. “It’s not really cool to take your mum with you to uni.” She dashed my dreams with a withering eye roll. So until she goes, we’re coping pretty well with seeing our kids off into the world. The fridge stays full for longer, there’s less laundry, I feel like the house doesn’t need as much vacuuming. The worry doesn’t go away, though. As a parent you still lie awake at night hoping they’re feeding themselves properly, that they’re alright, that they’re happy and safe and well. You still think of them as tiny wee thin gs, even though they’re not. But they need to find their way, so all you can do is hope they’ve had enough instilled into them in the early years … and th at they’ll be OK. Kate finally has some room for her shoes SILVER LINING

Get advice from fast-talking Rova and More FM star Polly Gillespie ASK POLLY Advice

Pollyism of the week

What would it be like to be a Real Housewife of some fabulous TV town? Not Auckland – that was not very Kiwi. But maybe Orange County? New York? Beverly Hills or Cheshire?

I’ve told friends that in my next life I’ll be a “trophy wife”, and they have one of two reactions. The first is, “Oh Polly! Tut-tut. That’s an awful goal. You’re a smart woman. And you call yourself a feminist!”

When I hear this, I think, “Oh shut up. On the inside I’m a supermodel, but I’m hiding under an imperfect face and a layer of chub.”

The second reaction is, “Oh stop it! You’d be so bored!” To this I roll my eyes and demand that I wouldn’t ever be bored. I’d shop and make marmalade, and get my hair blow-dried by my live-in hair stylist every day. I watch these women in these grand homes and all I can think is what great hair they have. I wonder if it’s their hair or extensions? I do worry about the thinness of some of the Beverly Hill s blondes, and I wonder where I can get a husband with that much money.

I know! I know! It’s terrible. I’m a terrible, awful person. I have never, ever in my life dated a rich man. The thing is, why the heck would a multi-millionaire marry me? Why would one hook up with a mother-of-three with too many kilos and too many issues when he could marry a sparkly new supermodel? You wouldn’t, would you? (This is the moment I need you to say “Oh Polly, of course he’d rather have you!” Thanks, I appreciate it.)

Are these women happy? To be honest, they probably are just as happy as us but with better furniture and really, really good hair extensions.

I don’t imagine they have any more problems than you or me, who spend far too long standing in front of the cooler at the supermarket trying to decide whether we need ridiculously expensive butter, or how we can drop three kids off to schools at opposite ends of the city, all within 10 minutes in rush-hour traffic? But they do have heavy periods, and husbands who snore, and children who go through anxiety, and friends who move away. They do worry about boyfriends who don’t text, and parent-teacher meetings, and if people like us think they’re morons.

I wonder if they sit on their beds at night overwrought with a desperate need to dye their roots and a power bill that keeps them awake.

I don’t imagine they do. They’re probably far too busy sorting piles of diamonds. There must be one billionaire wanting a nutty, middle-aged divorced woman with three kids and a leaking roof, right?

QI am confused about the talk about our carbon footprints and the impact air travel has on the world. But really, does that mean Kiwis have to stay put at home and not travel overseas in order to save the planet? I am confused. What are your thoughts? Fly Girl, via email

POLLY SAYS Great question. It’s a brain-splitter, right? You can offset your carbon footprint by making a donation when you buy your flights online. You can also go to various websites, including sustainable.org.nz, to calculate your carbon footprint and then offset that amount with good deeds.

QMy 25-year-old daughter’s new boyfriend is nice enough, but he is seven years older than her and he has a couple of kids, who spend every second weekend with him. There have been a couple of times where my daughter has ended up looking after the kids when he has gone out with his mates. I don’t think she should be a free babysitter. Do you agree? Irate Mum, via email

POLLY SAYS I totally agree, but it’s up to her to say something. Really, he should be getting a babysitter so they can both go out. Personally, I don’t think his ex would be impressed – he’s supposed to be spending time with his kids. I also think it’s unwise for you to interfere and talk to him, but a frank discussion with your daughter would be good!

BE ENTERTAINED!

COOL THINGS TO WATCH, READ, HEAR AND DOWNLOAD THIS WEEK!

THE INVISIBLE MAN In cinemas Thursday NEW RELEASE

INVISIBL E lisabeth Moss has made a career out of playing women who find themselves in distressing situations, but with her latest thriller she’s taking things to the next level in The Invisible Man . Based on H.G. Wells’ 1897 sci-fi novel of the same name, the film takes the titular character and turns him into the antagonist in this twisted tale. Cecilia (Elisabeth) is trying to move on from her violent and controlling ex (Oliver Jackson-Cohen), when she is informed that he has killed himself and left her $5 million of his fortune. The catch? She can’t cash it in if she’s found to be “mentally incompetent”. Soon Cecilia is being tormented by an unseen force confirming her suspicions that Adrian isn’t dead at all and has somehow turned himself invisible. ELISAB The actress goes from ha

Elisabeth’s character struggles to convince friends she is being taunted by an invisible force.

1993 THE GOOD SON Elijah played the reluctant protagonist in this psychological thriller opposite a chilling performance from Macaulay Culkin.

2001 THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE RING The child prodigy got his big break in Sir Peter Jackson’s blockbuster franchise, starring as tormented hobbit Frodo Baggins.

Oliver (left) says his co-star Elisabeth is “brilliant”.

ELIJAH WOOD

1993 THE ADVENTURES OF HUCK FINN At just 12 years old, Elijah brought Mark Twain’s iconic character to life in this tale of compassion and friendship. p

200 ETERNAL SUNS SPOTLESS Elijah acted alongs and Jim Carrey in th drama, which went Academy Award Original Screen 4 SHINE OF THE S MIND ide Kate Winslet is sci-fi romantic on to win an for Be st play.

Middle Earth was just one sto THROUGH TH

1992 RADIO FLYER The actor’s bowl cut and bright blue eyes featured in this charming tale of fantasy and brotherly bonding. and brotherly b

E FEAR T rue crime has long been an inspiration for films and TV shows, but these documentary series focus on the real people involved, and delve into the minds of killers and criminals. ETH’S UNSEEN Available on Amazon Prime Video In 2009, 11 decomposing bodies were found in and around the home of a known sex offender. This confronting tale takes you up close and personal with the victims and features chilling tales from survivors. MAKING A MURDERER Available on Netflix He served 18 years in prison for a wrongful conviction. Two years after his release, Steven Avery was charged with murder. This series explores the events leading to his first arrest and eventual return to life behind bars. MURDER FOR HIRE Available on Neon You thought your nine-to-five was g –try being a hitman. This gnarly series explores the dark world of killers for hire. i y i hl b CRIME & PUNISHMENT This updated take on a classic story contains a powerful message about the horrors of domestic violence. “You literally have a man who is invisible … she’s saying he’s there, that he’s attacking her, abusing her, manipulating her,” says The Handmaid’s Tale star, 37. “But everyone around her is saying, ‘Relax. It’s fine.’ No-one believes her. The analogy is incredibly clear.” While the relationship between the fictional couple is turbulent to say the least, Oliver, 33, couldn’t be more glowing about his co-star. The Haunting of Hill House star tells, “She’s brilliant. She is so funny. And, you know, of course, she’s pretty good at acting.” ndmaid to haunted

on this star’s rise E YEARS

DON’T F**K WITH CATS Available on Netflix This is the story of how internet sleuths analysed disturbing videos that murderer Luka Magnotta posted of himself doing atrocious things to cats, in their attempt to track him down and bring him to justice. KILLER INSIDE: THE MIND OF AARON HERNANDEZ Available on Netflix Football star Aaron Hernandez’s murder of fellow player Odin Lloyd rocked more than just the sporting world. This series helooks into toxic male behaviour and th pressures o f the game .

START HERE!

1989 BACK TO THE FUTURE PART II Elijah made his film debut at the age of eight with a small part in this classic time-travel tale. ME TO DDY emas sday COME DAD In c in e T hurs

2011-2014 WILFRED Hilarious and heartwarming, as well as confusing, this mindbending comedy drama features Elijah as a depressed man who sees his neighbour’s dog as a fully-grown Australian man wearing a dog suit. 2020 COME TO DADDY The talented performer finds himsel another battle for survival in this dark y thriller, directed by Kiwi Ant Timpson. When privileged Norval receives a letter from his longlost father, he jumps at the opportunity to see him. What he encounters, however, is a strange and terrifying string of events, leaving him with more questions than answers. f in yet comed y

LOCAL LOVE Our beautiful country has starred in many big-budget blockbusters THE LORD OF THE RINGS It was the trilogy that threw New Zealand into the limelight and, while it was shot across multiple locations, Hobbiton in Matamata is a must-visit for fans. Take a tour of the famous attraction, being sure to snap a picture outside Frodo’s door. COOL THINGS TO WATCH, READ, HEAR AND DOWNLOAD THIS WEEK! BE ENTERTAINED!

What’s buzzing on the page, stage and airwaves PODCAST The Shrink Next Door If you’re on the hunt for a new true-crime addiction, look no further! This sixpart series tells the unbelievable story of how successful businessman M arty Markowitz lived under the control of his psychiatrist for almost 30 years.

KING KONG Sir Peter Jackson certainly knows how to showcase our country. Filmed mostly in Wellington, it was Auckland’s Civic Theatre that came alive as the magnificent New York Theatre where Kong escapes.

THE LAST SAMURAI When Tom Cruise slashed his sword in this 2003 film, it wasn’t Mt Fuji in the background –it was Mt Taranaki! Another spot used in the area was Pukekura Park, which was used as the Imperial Army parade area and palace.

MOVIE Horse Girl Available on Netflix Alison Brie gives an incredible performance in this tense drama about a shy woman who slowly loses touch with reality as she starts to believe she is a clone of her grandmother, and disturbing lucid dreams take over her waking life. EVENT Winding Up ASB Waterfront Theatre, Auckland – Until March 8 Local acting legends Alison Quigan and Mark Hadlow tread the boards in a new play showing the lighter side of the golden years. Barry and Gen may be retired, but that won’t slow them down. With overseas travel to plan and a friend to bury, this pair put the fun in funeral! MUSIC Birds of Prey: The Album If you loved Margot Robbie’s exciting new Harley Quinn romp, you can now pick up the fantabulous soundtrack. With tracks from Halsey and Jurnee Smollett-Bell, it’s the perfect pre-party pump-up. A WRINKLE IN TIME While much was shot in LA, key scenes were filmed here. Four South Island sites were used, including Lake P ukaki in the Southern Alps. At the time, Oprah shared a picture saying, “Around every corner yet another breathtaking view.” THE PIANO Who could forget the iconic scene on Karekare Beach featuring Holly Hunt, Anna Paquin and a grand piano? Dame Jane Campion’s 1993 drama was also filmed on farms in Matakana and Taranaki, while the epic underwater scenes were shot in the Bay of Islands.

BOOKS Our deputy editor Marilynn McLachlan shares her page-turning picks

TOP READS

OUT NOW OUT NOW

AMERICAN DIRT JEANINE CUMMINS (Hachette, rrp $34.99) When Lydia’s entire family are murdered by a gang in Acapulco, she has to make the long journey to America with her eight-year-old son Luca in order to survive. With the gang leader’s reach extending across South America, they must try to stay one step ahead as they head north, encountering both the best and worst of humanity along the way. THE FOUNDLING STACEY HALLS (Allen & Unwin, rrp $23.99) Six years after leaving her illegitimate newborn at London’s Foundling Hospital, shrimp seller Bess Bright returns to take her home. But when she gets there she is told that her daughter has already been claimed by someone else. Determined, Bess turns her life upside down in order to find her girl in this page-turning historical novel.

Am er family’s resort in the Whitsundays for her father’s wedding –to another man. Always put in the ‘friend zone’, Amy realises that her dad and dancer mum have more of a love life than she does, making it all the more devastating when she feels The Pull for Josh, who turns out to be her future stepbrother, which means nothing can happen between them – or does it?

Meanwhile, cousin Harry, who has been bruised in love before, finds fellow guest and jilted bride Sophia more attractive than he should. Matriarch and meddler Nan has high hopes for her grandchildren to have children to one day take over from her, and she doesn’t mind “arranging” for things to happen to make it all the more likely. Lovestruck is a heartwarming and romantic read that will have you cringing one moment and laughing the next, with characters that will stay with you long after the last page. LOVESTRUCK BRONWYN SELL (HarperCollins, rrp $32.99) h ea to h OUT NOW BOOK OF THE MONTH!

NEW IN NON-FICTION

OUT NOW OUT NOW OUT NOW

TINY HABITS BJ Fogg (Penguin, rrp $32) New year, new you? Chances are those big plans have gone out the window, and it’s only February! Tiny Habits explores why and how we need to start small in order to achieve big results – no more failed resolutions, guilt or bad feelings. THE ART OF REST Claudia Hammond (Canongate, rrp $32.99) Mindfulness and the importance of sleep have been in the spotlight for a while, but not much has been said about rest. Examining its significance in the modern age, this book also explores the top 10 ways of finding rest. QUIT LIKE A WOMAN Holly Whitaker (Bloomsbury, rrp $29.99) She’s been running her blog Hip Sobriety for years and now Holly has penned her first book. She delves into both society as a whole and her own history with alcohol, while giving solid self-care advice.

BE ENTERTAINED!

COOL THINGS TO WATCH, READ, HEAR AND DOWNLOAD THIS WEEK!

Best on THE

THE POISON ROSE Wednesday, 8.30pm, Sky Movies Extra John Travolta and Morgan Freeman star in this dramatic thriller about an alcohol-dependent detective who takes on a missing person case but finds himself sucked into more than he bargained for. He must ra against the clock to solve the mystery and save himself from danger e, c e r.

PETER PERYER: THE ART OF SEEING Thursday, 8.30pm, Rialto Channel A picture is worth a thousand words, especially one taken by celebrated New Zealand photographer Peter Peryer. Thi ife and career of dicate himself to t of everyday scenes. ph otog ra p Th is eye-opening film documents the l the man behind the camera, who d ed seeing and making works of art o ut

RS A WHO Nickelodeon classic comes to life imated flick. When ant Horton (voiced by i i TON HEHOR , 6.30pm, NFriday

s sDr. Se u ’ timele ss ad orable a nin this

arted elep habig-he

) diJi C ers a microscopic erything in his power m the gargantuan rrey) discoveJim C a

, he does evsociety

e them fromto res cu

und them. eto rescu a row orld

MODERN FAMILY Friday, 10pm, THREE Back for its final season, we say our last farewells to the DunphyTucker-Pritchett clan as loose ends are tied up and our hopes for the expanding family are either realised or shattered.

BOX

MADAM SECRETARY Thursday, 9.30pm, PRIME Office politics are always tricky to handle, even more when you work in the Oval Office. Recently elected as President, Elizabeth McCord’s future hangs in the balance as an investigation is launched into her past. The ever-popular political drama returns for its sixth and final season with all the drama you’d expect.

MONDAY FEBRUARY 24 - SUNDAY MARCH 1

CHECK OUT OUR TOP PICKS FOR THE WEEK THE BEST OF STREAMING

I AM NOT OKAY WITH THIS Wednesday on Netflix RATING: ★★★★ Navigating highschool awkwardness, family drama and sexuality is never easy, but doing all of that while discovering your own superpowers is near impossible! From the producers of Stranger Things , this is a must for fans of the supernatural.

CALL THE MIDWIFE Friday, 8.30pm, TVNZ 1 Midwifery is never an easy job – add a society that’s rapidly changing, a dash of demolition, as well as the return of a deadly disease and it becomes quite the occupation! Now in its ninth season, this beloved series deals with the aftermath of Winston Churchill’s death, as well drug abuse, cancer and tuberculosis.

THE WALKING DEAD Monday, 9.30pm, TVNZ 2 This fan-favourite horror series is back after a mid-season break, so get ready for more destruction and zombie killing! Civilisation stands on the brink of destruction, and the search for safety and balance is called into question as bands of militia continue to fight. Will humanity become its own undoing?

ALTERED CARBON Thursday on Netflix RATING: ★★★ In a world where humans can store their consciousness and transplant ‘themselves’ into other bodies, you can guarantee there’s going to be chaos. This futuristic drama series returns for a second season, mixing mortality and ethics in the most exciting way.

BETTER CALL SAUL Monday on Lightbox RATING: ★★★★ Season five of this Breaking Bad spin-off kicks off this week. Jimmy, now doing business as Saul Goodman, unveils an unorthodox strategy that tests Kim’s tolerance of his new legal persona. Meanwhile, Lalo searches for the mysterious Michael, only to discover a problem within his own operation.

MAD ABOUT YOU Saturday on TVNZ OnDemand RATING: ★★★★ It’s the latest in a surge of ’90s TV reboots, with Paul Reiser and Helen Hunt returning in their leading roles. New York City can be a tough place to live – how have the last 30 years treated the Buchmans?

THIS WEEK’S BIG CROSSWORD

ACROSS 1. Lending a hand 6. Southern Lights, … Australis 11. Singer and star ofViva Las Vegas , … Presley 14. Looked at quickly, … the document 15. Ham it up 17. Language of East Africa 18. Evade 20. Level high ground 22. What movie stars do 24. Solid water 25. Chemical opposite of an acid 27. Affirmed 28. Cast a banning vote, … the idea 29. Conquer 31. Jeans pioneer, … Strauss 32. Biological egg 34. Sentimentally cute 35. Bubbly bathtub 37. Golf trousers, … fours 38. Child’s stick on a spring 40. Slightly drunk 43. Stage whisper 45. Object, protest 47. Fry lightly 48. Untidy, unkempt person 50. Ascend 52. UK royal racecourse 53. Capital of Japan 54. Dressmaker’s template, eg 55. Rot, decompose 58. Printing fluids 60. Baseball glove 62. Swedish co-star of 11. Across, …-Margret 64. Slightly damp 67.Offspring actress, … Keddie 69. Consumed, had … 71. Held responsible 73. Resided, lived at 76. Star ofThe Poseidon Adventure , … Borgnine 78. Feasible 79. Tramples heavily 80. Sewing device 82. Tallied up 85. Plod, … wearily 87. Rule as monarch 88. Spiteful, mean and … 91. Singer, ... Jackson 94. Female deer 96. Took legal action against, … for damages 98. Yield to another 100. Old Russian monarchs 103. Deep-seated enmity 104. First African-American US president, Barack … 105. Make parallel 107. Pastry dishes SUDOKU WHO AM I? Fill in the blank squares with the numbers 1 to 9 so that each row, each column and each smaller 3 x 3 block contains all the numbers from 1 to 9. 6 5 2 1 8 4 9 3 6 1 7 9 2 6 4 1 5 7 3 6 1 2 1 2 7 3

4 5 1 7 8 9 I was born in the UK in 1993. Dad is a massage therapist for Everton FC , and my brother and I grew up in a sportsmad house. I was into local theatre and singing, then gave it up to focus on dance , but when my school d rama teacher put me forward for a radio play audition, I landed my first professional role. On leaving school I gained small roles on shows includingSilent Witness , and a part in a miniseries calledGood Cop . O ne of the show ’s stars, Stephen Graham, recommended me to his agent and w ith her help, I won a big role on the teen comedyMy Mad FatDiary . In 2015, I acted inDoctor Foster , but it wasn’t until I played an assassin, alongside Sandra Oh, that I earned global fame … plus an Emmy Award! Due to the success ofKilling Eve , Hollywood came calling: I had a cameo inStar Wars: The Rise ofSkywalker and also filmedFree Guy , with Taika Waititi and Ryan Reynolds, which is out later this year. Who am I? Relax with our fantastic collection of fun puzzles and you could win cash! Puzzles 74 Wom an ’ s Day

108. Cut sharply 109. Religious verse 112. Char-grills, … the meat 114. Spooky, uncanny 117. Vote into office 119. Commotion, … and bother 120. Spoken, not written 122. Movie,… So it Goes 123. Musical symbol, treble … 125. Units of electrical resistance 126. Increases an engine’s speed 127. Bird, spangled … 129. Crop-destroying insect 132. Retreat, withdraw (4,4) 133. Mottle with spots 135. Part of a curve 136. Spanish bullfight cheer 138. Product consumer (3-4) 141. On the ocean (2,3) 142. Re-erected from scratch 143. Curving over 144. Have faith 145. Alleviates, … the pain 146. Star ofThat ’70s Show , … Kutcher 147. Ventilating device, … fan

DOWN 1. Deviating from normal, an … situation 2. Cut of meat, rump … 3. Page fastener 4. Very tiny amount 5. Movie,… with the Wind 6. Alleviate, … their fears 7. Evaluate again 8. Coerce, … into going 9. Jakarta’s island 10. Hair tangle 11.Trading Places star, … Murphy 12. VCR, … cassette recorder 13. Fast motor cruiser 14. Appraise, gauge (4,2) 16. Coastal rock faces 19. Eight-legged creature 21. Top of baby’s bottle 23. Actor’s prompts 26. Confess 28. The other way around, … versa 30. Pair, duo 31. Enticed, tempted 33. 180-degree change of direction (1-4) 36. Visual representation 39. Killer whales 41. Household animals 42. Harnessing-frames for oxen, eg 43. Eased off, the storm … 44. Wayward 45. Bugs Bunny saying, What’s up …? 46. Salad dressing (abbrev) 49. Select, … for 51. Tavern, pub 56. Inters in a crypt 57. General pardon 59. North Korean leader, … Jong-un 61. Dublin is there 63. Poseidon 65. Swimmer, … Thorpe 66. Very hard dark wood 67. TV commercials (abbrev) 68. Of greater weight 70. Novelist, Danielle … 72. Regard highly, hold in … 74. Tie the knot 75. Be untruthful 77. Come to a close 81. Legendary lover, … Juan 82. Relaxed (2,4) 83. Recognise, find out 84. Neglected state 86. Open-back van 89. Took into the family 90. Buy and sell 92. Awry 93. Italian volcano 95. Raw mineral 97. Tea-making vessel 98. South African city, … Town 99. TV crime series,… in Paradise 101. Donkey 102. Practises boxing 105. Associate, … with 106. Symbolic move, token … 110. Ice-cream server 111. Cycling courier, bike … 113. Fraudulent practice, tax … 115. Fleshy head parts (3,5) 116. Wishful thinker 118. Loan provider 120. Egg-shaped 121. Slatted door or window 123. Baking container (4,3) 124. German for “Mrs” 128.The Godfather: Part III actor, Andy … 130. Companies of actors 131. Wound crusts 134. Write in capital letters, 136. Birds said to be wise 137. Garden paradise 139. Distribute, … out 140. Food seasoning, sea …

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13

14

15 16 17 18 19

20 21 22 23 24

25 26 27 28

29 30 31

32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39

40 41 42 43 44 45 46

47 48 49 50 51 52

53 54 55 56 57

58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65

66 67 68 69 70

71 72 73 74 75 76 77

78 79

80 81 82 83 84 85 86

87 88 89 90

91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99

100 101 102 103 104

105 106 107 108 109 110 111

112 113 114 115 116 117 118

119 120 121 122 123 124 125

126 127 128

129 130 131 132 133 134

135 136 137 138 139 140

141 142 143

144

145 146 147

Puzzles

1

BRAINBUSTERS 1 Renée Zellweger won the Best Actress Oscar for her portrayal of which Hollywood legend? 2 Kia Motors is based in which country? 3 Which actor angered Donald Trump by portraying him on Saturday Night Live ? 4 What flavour sauce is served with the poached pear dish belle Hélène? 5 What is the name of the first musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice to be produced professionally on the stage? 6 AT&T is the world’s largest company in which field? 7 What part of the body is the thorax? 8 Action star Jason Statham represented Britain in the 1990 Commonwealth Games in which sport? 9 Which famous children’s character lives on the island of Sodor? 10 Which river runs through Perth? 11 Which New Zealand bowler holds the record for the most wickets taken in Test cricket? 12 What marine animal is believed to have inspired the legend of mermaids? 8

WORDFIND WOODY HARRELSON The names, words and titles below all relate to actor Woody. All except one of them can be found in the grid. They can read backwards or forwards, vertically, horizontally or diagonally. The leftover name, title or word is the mystery answer. Battle in Seattle Billy Carson Charlie Cheers David Doc Hollywood Edtv Ernie Ezra Hank Haymitch Kingpin Larry Flynt LBJ Max Mickey Midway Money Train Now You See Me Rampart e The Colonel The Duel The Grand The Hunger Games The Messenger Tobias Tommy Wilson Woody Boyd Zombieland $250 PRIZE See ‘How to enter’ (PAGE 80) L ARRY F L YNTRAPMAR NOWY OU S E EME B E D T V GEL TTAESN I EL TTAB T R L DOCHO L L YWOOD U HE E K I NGP I NBPN L SW EGUNNQHANKMJ OE YO GNDNA L E I BMO Z S N E O REEEBARZEANDROKD ASHPSENCAYECA LCY NS TMXR I DHUYKCO I B D EWO I Y E N I A T E I CMO BMC I BDME Z V R I I EMY I E U O L I WMH Y A L Y H A D LHUE T SAAOC I D I T XP L TWL L EOS Y T NMJ E Z F Y I PY LRPNHAYM I TCH

21 13 15 26 18 16 2 8 4 9 23 3 5 20 7 24 4 25 13 10 16 6 4 6 24 25 24 9 16 CODE CRACKER Each number in the grid represents a different letter of the alphabet. Work out which number stands for each letter, write them in the grid below and cross them off the list –we’ve given you three to start you off.

Fill in the letters in the box beneath the puzzle to spell the mystery word.

20 20 22 24 15 24

1 13 13 17 3 22 9 4 14 14 18 16

A B C D

1 18 2 10 19 L

3 11 20

N O P Q

E F G H I J

4 12 21

5 13 22 6 14 23 O

R S T U V W X Y Z

22 4 24 16 3 16

24 3 20 17 16 18 16 15 13 6

18 17 21 17 15 1

17 24 23 18 20 14 11 22 19 16 9 13

25 6 24 20 22 18

14 24 9 24 14 16 3 17 24 9 16 17

ACROSS 7. Toil swallowing rum again causes chaos (7) 9. Point to stick-like hard black wood (5) 10. Billy’s mate could look after your child (5) 11. Past bit altered to be like biblical prophet John? (7) 12. Not starting fire in anger (3) 13. Renault’s change of disengaged gears (8) 16. Environmentally friendly insect is a garden pest (8) 17. Sporting gear kept inside team-room initially (3) 19. Right to disconcert Wild West snake (7) 21. Ron goes to shindig with piece of classical music (5) 22. Rear part of ship’s firm (5) 23. Man sees movement as a group (2,5) DOWN 1. Noise after Stan’s temporary replacement (5 -2) 2. Gran rude about magnificence (8) 3. Turned up rod, yes, to fish (4) 4. Pray then move to prewedding bash (3,5) 5. Some oregano, rice and seaweed used in sushi (4) 6. Tokyo destroyed by another Japanese city (5) 8. Employed population to work with army (6,5) 13. Embroidering is annoying (8) 14. Like Prohibition agent Eliot’s portrait (8) 15. Very pleased about right to be caressed (7) 18. Metal alloy used for money (5) 20. Walker turned back during long hike (4) 21. Heard to wander in Italian city (4) CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

1 2 3 4 5 6

7 8 9

10 11

12 13 14

16 17

18

19 20 21

22 23 15

STARWORD Work out the names of the celebrities pictured and enter for your chance to win!

Giant store Baby’s game Make a mistake Equipment

Footslog Defrost Period of history Freshly produced Young boy Ceremonies Heavy shoe

Pictured star, Rosam - und ... Limited Cooking pan Barbie’s ex-boy - friend Very happy

Play a role Army officer

Pen filler

As well Darn Do nothing Ceramic slab US actor, ... Kilmer

Mature Family pet US comedy actress, ... Fey

Get ready (for) (4,2) Brad Pitt Greek epic Ireland Psychic power (1.1.1.)

Hemmed

TV breaks Inner self Large quantity

Crooner Braid

Jump on one leg Attend to, ... a fire Fierce giant Fit out

In the past

$250 PRIZE See ‘How to enter’ (PAGE 80)

Tinted Metal source

Annoy Quoits target

Puzzles

3 5

6 2 4 3

1 5 1 1 1

2 4 5 6

7

ROSETTA A rosetta is made up of a centre coloured hexagon surrounded by six white hexagons. To complete the puzzle, fill in all seven rosettas with each number between 1 and 7 in no particular order while also ensuring that: 1. No number is repeated in a horizontal row 2. Each number from 1 to 7 is represented in the seven coloured hexagon cells.

WORDMAKER How many words of four letters or more, including one of nine letters, can you make from the letters here –with each word containing the letter in the centre? Don’t include proper names or plurals.

F E L N L G G D I

LOGIC BRAINTRAINER The Blakes at No. 93 invited their neighbours over for a Sunday barbecue, asking them to bring a salad and a bottle. From the clues, can you tell what each couple took? C LUES 1. James and his wife took a bottle of white. 2 . Kelly and her partner didn’t take the pasta salad. 3 . Denise and her boyfriend took the green salad and the rosé. 4 . Rhonda and Iain took a bottle of their favourite red. IAIN JAMES SPENCER GREEN SALAD PASTA SALAD POTATO SALAD RED ROSÉ WHITE

Each time you rule out match, put a cross where the vertical and horizontal squares meet in the grid. When you find a match, put a tick in the grid. Also put a cross in the other two squares horizontally and vertically in the same line, as no other combinations can be true. By doing so, you’ll gradually be able to solve the puzzle.

WHICH COUPLE TOOK THE POTATO SALAD?

DENISE KELLY RHONDA RED ROSÉ WHITE GREEN SALAD PASTA SALAD POTATO SALAD

MAN WOMAN SALAD BOTTLE

This article is from: