Melbourne Observer. February 21, 2018

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WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2018

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Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, February 21, 2018 - Page 9

Showbiz News

It’s All About You!

Melbourne

Just sit right back and you'll hear a tale Observer

■ Gilligan’s Island plays at Chapel Off Chapel until March 4.

This production is a premiere for Melbourne and indeed it seems for Australia.

It is produced by Humdrum Productions and Left Bauer Productions in association with The Yarraville Club.

While based on the TV show created by Sherwood Schwartz and his son Lloyd ,there are a plethora of other creators and arrangers, too many to list.

So it is best to refer to the informative printed

program available on arrival – to Gilligan’s Island.

If you have ever followed the TV series you would not be disappointed with this production; it has all the elements of drama, surprise, tomfoolery, absurd encounters and the odd sensuous encounters.

While I am not a fan of cast involving themselves in ushering and exposing their characters before curtain up, it happened.

The element of surprise in building up their characters with the script was lost while the in-

In This Edition

Someone Like You - Local Theatre West Hollywood with Gavin Wood Photo Feature: Freemasons Whatever Happened with Kevin Trask Struth with David Ellis Sulky Snippets with Len Baker Country Music with Rob Foenander Melbourne Arts with Peter Kemp Local Theatre with Cheryl Threadgold Observer Racing with Ted Ryan Wine Column with John Rozentals Country Music Melbourne Arts Local Theatre Mega X-Word

Point of No Return

Observer Showbiz

Latest News

● Playwright Alaine Beek is involved in the launch for Point of No Return.

● Molly Fisher (Mary Ann) and Riley Nottingham (Gilligan) at rehearsals for Gilligan’s Island. teraction with the audience assembling tedious.

Back to the script and the performance you could not doubt the singing qualities of the cast.

With many individual, duo and castaways renditions delightfully performed between and during many of the ridiculous encounters that made the sitcom so successful.

Riley Nottingham as Gilligan plays the goofy role extremely well with great physicality. Skipper, played by Sam Marsden, while at times bumbling, showed great expression during the many failings of Gilligan.

The duo performance of Joshua Monaghan as Thurston Howell and his wife Lovey played

by Lauren Jimmieson almost stole the show with their demeanour, humorous lines and renditions of It’s Good To Be Rich and I’ll Spend My Time With You. However the sweet voice of Molly Fisher as Mary Ann was charming with How do you Know You’re In Love and later with Gilligan in Things I Never Said.

Both the Professor played by Kaya Byrne, and Ginger played by Alexia Brinsley, added great momentum to the performance that kept Gilligan’s Island well alive under the direction of James Cutler.

Continual changes of costumes created by designer Jodi Hope hit the mark, while prop designer Adam (Gus) Powerst excelled.

A well credentialed orchestra was led by Xavier McGettigan.

Dates: Until Sunday, March 4.Times: Matinees 1.30pm, 2.30pm, Evenings 6.30pm and 7.30pm (Check website for schedule) Cost: $25/$55 Venue: Chapel off Chapel Little Chapel St, Prahran.

Details: www.chapeloffchapel.com.au - Review by Graeme McCoubrie

AroundVictoria

Health warning

■ Tristar Medical Group believes health services helping thousands of Mildura residents are in jeopardy following a change to the funding model.

The group has called on the Murray Primary Health Network to explain why funding has ceased for mental health nurses working as part of its mental health program, reports the Sunraysia Daily.

Junket to China

■ An 11-day junket to China and Vietnam for Wodonga’s mayor, costing between $6000 and $9000, was to be considered by councillors at Monday night’s meeting.

Mayor Anna Speedie has been invited by some of the city’s education providers to join a delegation to the countries to “build upon links with educational institutions and to secure further business opportunities”, reports the Border Mail.

East. Fwy arrest

■ Police arrested a 31-year-old woman following a pursuit on the Eastern Freeway on Saturday night.

Police were called to reports of an erratic driver travelling towards the city on the Eastern Freeway about 10pm.

It is alleged a white Holden Viva sedan was seen swerving across lanes and side-swiped a number of vehicles.

Forecast

■ Today (Wed.). Partly cloudy. 17°-30° ■ Thurs. Partly cloudy. 19°-30° ■ Fri. Mostly cloudy. 20°-28°

Mike McColl Jones

Top 5

THE T OP REJE CTED TOP REJECTED HEADLINES DURING THE P AST WEEK PA

● William Farnsworth (left), Jeremy Withers, Phil Cameron-Smith, Alex Roe and William McDonald in Point of No Return.

Turn to the Observer Showbiz section for more details.

5. "Welcome to Canberra 'No honking, plenty of Bonking".

4. "Nobody can like Canberra Can".

3. "The Whole Towns's Talking about the Jones boy".

2. Canberra - A place of Mal 'Content".

1. "That's not a joke, Joyce".

Page 10 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, February 21, 2018

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Local Theatre with Cheryl Threadgold and team

● From Page One India-based surgeon Jagdish Chaturvedi performs comedy in Melbourne this weekend.

The Butterfly Club, Melbourne is the venue for ear nose and throat surgeon and medical devices innovator, Jagdish Chaturvedi from Bangalore, India, to perform his stand-up comedy for Melbourne audiences on February 24 and 25 from 8.30 – 9.30pm.

Jagdish says he is coming to Melbourne to ‘tickle your funny bones’ with his unique desi style of observational humour on traffic, relationships, education systems and ‘many other little things’.

Jagdish has been performing for over 25 years and performed in over 100 national and international shows.

He says he is popular for his dramatic style of imitating common reactions and local Indian accents.

The show will be performed in English along with occasional use of Hindi and is child-friendly for ages 12 and above.

Performance Details: February 24 and 25 from 8.30pm – 9,30pm Venue: The Butterfly Club, Carson Place, Melbourne CBD. ● India-based surgeon Jagdish Chaturvedi performs comedy in Melbourne Bookings: www.thebutterflyclub.com - Cheryl Threadgold this weekend.

Nightsongs explores sleep ■ Melbourne-based composer and director Natasha Moszenin explores the very personal spaces and feelings that come with sleep - or the lack of it - in this very accomplished original work.

Thirteen songs explore what Moszenin calls the unguarded time, a view of sleep shared by Shakespeare among others, who saw sleep as a mysterious, vulnerable state: “death’s counterfeit” no less.

This is a follow up to Moszenin’s acclaimed Insomnia Project of 2015, an uncomfortable place where anxiety, fear, depression, some wry humour and maddening exhaustion await.

Nightsongs, sung by Jai Luke, Claire Nicholls and Lara Vocisano (Luke and Nicholls also sang on the earlier work), are ethereal pieces with echoes of Erik Satie’s minimalist piano compositions.

Moszenin is a fine composer, lyricist and accompanist with a 25-year background in creating music and sounds for theatre.

The dreamlike songs and lyrics explore the intimacy of sleep and sleeplessness: the keenly felt absence of a lover; the emotions around infidelity; a child’s sleep interrupted by domestic violence; the monsters that creep into the mind when we are helplessly immobile.

There is humour too as the commonly prescribed strategies and medications to treat insomnia are put through an unflattering cross-examination.

Moszenin says the songs explore the landscape of the mind and the role of meditation and mindfulness in the creative process.

Nightsongs explores these questions. The show premiered at the Butterfly Club will return in August.

- Cheryl Threadgold

Your Stars with Kerry Kulkens ARIES: (March 21-April 20) Lucky Colour: Brown Lucky Day: Tuesday Racing Numbers: 1-5-7-9 Lotto Numbers: 9-13-16-20-25-37 Financially a rewarding period. However check the small print in anything to be signed and discuss important moves you plan with other interested partners before you act.

TAURUS: (April 21- May 20) Lucky Colour: Apricot Lucky Day: Wednesday Racing Numbers: 2-3-6-8 Lotto Numbers: 10-27-36-37-40-43 This doesn't have to be an unlucky period. However, if you don't see it with your own eyes don't believe anything or anybody. Finances should be less of a problem.

GEMINI: (May 21- June 21) Lucky Colour: Green Lucky Day: Wednesday Racing Numbers: 5-6-7-9 Lotto Numbers: 11-17-23-32-40-44 A busy period; many invitations and friendly contacts.

For many a hunch could be spot on and luck can come through a gamble. Problems can occur with work mates if you don't act tactfully.

CANCER: (June 22- July 22) Lucky Colour: Red Lucky Day: Monday Racing Numbers: 1-2-4-5 Lotto Numbers: 4-12-24-31-38-41 Wiser to spend only on necessities. Don't push your luck with authority figures. Your love affairs seem to have a bit of mystery surrounding them and your sex appeal could attract many offers.

LEO: (July 23-August 22) Lucky Colour: Grey Lucky Day: Monday Racing Numbers: 3-4-5-6 Lotto Numbers: 13-20-25-33-39-45 Friends could create a few problems at home if you let them use your home for their own convenience. Although for most your love life sparks, there does seem to be some outside interference.

VIRGO: (August 23- September 23) Lucky Colour: Mauve Lucky Day: Thursday Racing Numbers: 4-5-6-7 Lotto Numbers: 1-10-18-22-44-45 Most will be busier than usual, work or money situations improve. Unwise to withdraw from loved ones; they need your assurance. Good news concerning career should arrive soon.

LIBRA: (September 24- October 23) Lucky Colour: Purple Lucky Day: Monday Racing Numbers: 1-3-5-7 Lotto Numbers: 2-10-12-23-40-41 Check information before making any important moves.

Your emotional life should be stable and happier and family reasons to celebrate coming up soon. Travel could be in the pipeline.

SCORPIO: (October 24- November 22) Lucky Colour: Indigo Lucky Day: Thursday Racing Numbers: 6-7-8-9 Lotto Numbers: 7-14-21-30-34-43 Many will realize their value to others; promotions for some and most will find financial improvements. Check all important documents before you sign anything. A victory over a past foe is indicated.

Melbourne

Observer

●● Natasha NatashaMoszenin Moszenin

Melbourne Arts of discerning collectors and an Art Fair informed public for 30 years.

■ Melbourne Art Fair's 2018 edition will feature 40 leading galleries from Australia, New Zealand and Southeast Asia, presenting a curated selection of some of the newest and most respected names in contemporary at.

The Fair returns with a focus on solo shows and considered group presentations from both new and established galleries.

Melbourne Art Fair is the flagship event of Melbourne Art Week set to take place for the first time in the Southbank Arts Precinct and alongside iconic Australian Centre for Contemporary Art. From Thursday, August 2 to Sunday, August 5.

Beginning in 1988 Melbourne Art Fair was founded by galleries from Australia, and has fired enthusiasm

Over its extensive history, the Fair has been instrumental in stimulating critical and commercial attention for galleries and their artists, presenting a rich and diverse cross-section of the regions visual art scene.

Melbourne Art Fair is set to welcome over 20.000 visitors over five days from Thursday August 2 to Sunday August 5.

- Peter Kemp

Peter Kemp on mend ■ Best wishes to our Arts columnist Peter Kemp who had a short stint in hospital late last week, and is now on the mend. ● More Melbourne Arts listings,

by Peter Kemp, are on Page 42

SAGITTARIUS: (November23- December20) Lucky Colour: Yellow Lucky Day: Friday Racing Numbers: 3-6-7-8 Lotto Numbers: 15-17-24-30-37-40 Everything will turn out well so don't worry. For many a coming event brings a reason to celebrate. Lucky influences should improve your financial position and some could be lucky in real estate dealings.

CAPRICORN: (December 21- January 19) Lucky Colour: Pink Lucky Day: Saturday Racing Numbers: 1-2-3-4 Lotto Numbers: 2-19-26-31-32-40 A chance of a lifetime could come your way so keep your eyes and ears open.Travel plans could be made suddenly.

Social activities could be rather hectic and many will be very much in demand.

AQUARIUS: (January 20- February 19) Lucky Colour: Lemon Lucky Day: Saturday Racing Numbers: 3-6-7-8 Lotto Numbers: 4-11-23-34-35-44 Your ability to earn money should improve. However the tendency to spend money is evident; wiser to keep an emergency fund. Long term arrangements could be entered into around this time.

PISCES: (February 20- March 20) Lucky Colour: Indigo Lucky Day: Tuesday Racing Numbers: 3-6-8-9 Lotto Numbers: 16-29-36-38-40-41 Keep your plans flexible as times are changing, not wise to take on more than you can handle. Your ability to succeed could come to the fore and any calculated risks should pay off.

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Melbourne Arts Heide Museum Gardens and Sculpture Park Open all the year around, Heide's beautiful gardens offer a space for family enjoyment and individual reflection, as well as incorporating a sculpture park and several heritage listed gardens.

When Sunday and John Reed purchased Heide it was a neglected former dairy farm.

After 50 years of vision, dedication and sheer hard work, the Reeds moulded Heide into a personal Eden, connecting art with nature and creating a nourishing environment for the artists they championed - Sidney Nolan, Albert Tucker, Joy Hester, Charles Blackman and Mirka Mora among them.

Today, visitors can discover Sunday Reed's walled garden original kitchen garden and the wild garden ear Heide I, and the famous Heide II kitchen garden in which Sunday worked daily until just before her death in 1981.

Artist gardens have also been established within the Heide landscape by artists such as Lauren Berkowitz and Fiona Hall.

Sculpture Park There are over 30 stunning statues to discover across the 15 acre site including works byAnish Kapoor, Anthony Caroand NeilTaylor.

Jeff Thompson's iconic Cows (1087) are a playful reminder of the museum's dairy farm origins.

Families can play Heide Detective using a free trail sheet to discover more about the park and sculptures.

Heide gardens and sculpture park stretch from Heide 1 to the Yarra River.

7 Templestowe Rd, Bulleen

Port Phillip Gallery Confined 9 Spectacular and unique indigenous artworks are now showing for free at the Carlisle Street Art Space in St Kilda Town Hall.

Port Phillip Council is proudly supporting and helping stage Confined. An annual event now in its ninth year that's managed and delivered by indigenous organisation The Torch.

The Torch's exhibitions give indigenous offenders and ex-offenders a chance to tell their stories through art, re-connect with the wider community and develop arts networks.

Among the diverse pieces is a matchstick doll house complete with miniature objects called The Dreamhouse; and a knitted blanket with distinct colours to mimic the different pelts common on a possum skin cloak and centred with the Aboriginal flag called 'Warmth'.

The Dreamhouse by Palawa artist Shane, was made from 4950 matchsticks and 55550 Paddle Pop sticks in a Loddon prison over nine months. While Warmth conveys a deep connection with artist and Kamilaroi woman Frances Castles, who created the symbolic pice used it for comfort while prison.

Confined 9 runs till March 14.

Monday to Friday at 8.30am - 5pm. Saturday 12 Noon- 4pm. Late opening Thursday till 7pm.

City of Port PhillipArt Gallery St KildaTownHall,99a Carlisle St, St Kilda.

- Peter Kemp

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, February 21, 2018 - Page 11 Melbourne

Observer

Someone Like You

● Anna Reardon, Mathew Arter and Aidan Niarros in Someone Like You ■ Jonathan and Christine just moved in to- tween love and the desire to be wanted. gether. Hudson and Christine are falling apart.

Someone Like You launches North by South Jonathan and Hudson aren’t sure what they Theatre Company’s inaugural season; the brainare, and all three are happening at the same child of Cal Robinson-Taylor. time.

Cal returns to Australia after four years workThree people, having three very different re- ing in London, driven to deliver theatre that challationships simultaneously … or not? lenges learned behaviours and opens a window Someone Like You explores the isolation of into the heart of the human condition. relationships and our need to feel needed.

Bookings recommended.

Do we really fit together like lost fragments Performance Dates: February 21 - 25 of one whole or is it simply a nice way of feeling Time: 7pm, 6pm on February 23 less lonely on our own? What does it mean to be Cost: $25-32 someone else’s soulmate?

Venue: The Butterfly Club, 5 Carson Place, Returning to the Australian stage after a London workshop, Someone Like You, written by Melbourne Tickets: thebutterflyclub.com Cal Robinson-Taylor, intimately and unapol- Cheryl Threadgold ogetically confronts the often blurred lines be-

Crossing Delancey ■ Heidelberg Theatre Company presents Susan Sandler’s romantic comedy Crossing Delancey until March 3 at 36 Turnham Ave, Rosanna.

Jewish traditions clash with modern-day culture then meld harmoniously in this delightful story about the efforts of grandmother Bubbie (Genevieve Ryan) and Hannah the hired matchmaker (Paula McDonald) to find Isabelle (Izzy) (Julia Lambert) a husband.

‘Modern’ New Yorker Izzy questions parts of her Jewish heritage when becoming infatuated with suave, man-of-the-world author Tyler (George Alexander), but learns from ‘pickleman’ Sam (Seth Kannof) that the past can successfully merge with the present.

Director Llaaneath Poor has created a pacey and entertaining show, exuding good energy from the beginning. Performances presented downstage work well to immerse patrons in the characters’ stories.

Melbourne Observations

with Matt Bissett-Johnson

Showbiz News

The fine actors embody their roles beautifully, particularly Genevieve Ryan as lovable Bubbie, and Seth Kannof as sincere, gentle Sam. Julia Lambert delivers an appealing, naturalistic portrayal of Izzy, while Paula McDonald draws laughs as the colourful matchmaker Hannah.

George Alexander has an imposing presence as arrogant author Tyler, contrasting well with humble Sam. George’s hurried dialogue in the first act was at times unclear. Bravo to Malcolm Cotter (Delivery Man) who after constructing and painting sets for 35 productions has finally been cast in a role!

The show is set in the 1990s in the Lower East Side and Upper West Side of Manhattan, New York City.

George Tranter’s impressive set comprises Izzy’s book-shop on one side of the stage and Bubbie’s kitchen on the other.

Situated in between is the New York City skyline and park bench, which help facilitate the smooth scene transitions.

Era-authentic costumes by Wendy Drowley and team and lighting by Emma Fox also enhance the show’s aesthetics.

It is wonderful to see talented Llaaneath Poor making her directorial debut with Heidelberg Theatre Company, following in the footsteps of her parents to become a second-generation director.

Congratulations to Llaaneath and her team for a most enjoyable production.

Performance details: Until March 3 Venue: Heidelberg Theatre, 36 Turnham Ave., Rosanna Tickets: $27 Full, $24 Conc.

Bookings: 9457 4117 or htc.org.au - Cheryl Threadgold

Local Theatre In The Next Room

● Dr Givings (Xavier Ryan) and his wife Catherine Givings (Ruby Duncan) in In The Next Room in Brighton until March 3.

Photo:John Shelbourn ■ For an outstanding theatre experience in the suburbs with excellent cast, script and production, don’t miss In The Next Room or the vibrator play, being performed in Brighton until March 3.

This play is contemporary in the sense it was written by American playwright Sarah Ruhl and premiered in 2009.

However, the historical content, set in the 1880s just after the advent of electricity, exposes ignorance by both males and females towards women’s needs for sexual fulfilment.

Electrically operated vibrators were used in good faith by doctors to treat women and men for hysteria-related problems.

As director Natasha Boyd notes in the program, this was preferable to committing women to asylums for the insane, or conducting hysterectomies.

This treatment provides good entertainment for modern audiences.

Boyd and her cast have impressively nailed the comedic aspects, but also sensitively capture emotions including loss of child, inability to breast feed, relationship problems, and beautifully controlled liberated discovery between husband and wife.

The cast of top players includes Xavier Ryan (Dr Givings), Ruby Duncan (Catherine Givings), Michaela Smith (nurse Annie), Cat Jardine (Sabrina Daldry), Ian McMaster (Mr Daldry), Rosalin Shafik-Eid (Elizabeth) and Raphael Lecat (Leo Irving).

All actors are terrific in their roles. Memorable moments include Ryan (Dr Givings) and Smith’s (Annie) skilled detached professionalism during procedures, Shafik-Eid’s (Elizabeth) moving monologue about losing her baby, Duncan’s (Catherine Givings) sadness and resentment towards wet-nurse Elizabeth, contrasting with spirited delight at discovering her husband’s mystery instrument in the next room, and Jardine’s expressive performance, highlighted by her (and Duncan’s) entertaining reactions to the vibrator treatment.

The atmospheric split set designed by Annie Blood, Natasha Boyd and Keith Francis comprises the richly wallpapered Givings’s living room and the appropriately equipped surgery on the other.

Era-authentic costumes by Annie Blood are great, and Blake Stringer’s sound design skilfully complements the script.

This commendable piece of theatre is the result of dedicated work by many under the creative leadership of Natasha Boyd. Don’t miss it.

Performance Details: Until March 3 Venue: Brighton Theatre, Cnr Carpenter and Wilson Sts, Brighton Bookings: 1300 752 126.

- Cheryl Threadgold

Page 12 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, February 21, 2018

Observer Magazine

MARKETING FEATURE

Stateside with Gavin Wood in West Hollywood

West Hollywood meetsVictoria

■ Hi everyone, from my suite at the Ramada Plaza Hotel and Suites comes this week's news.

Billions back to the US

WeHo-Melb. connection

n It's not every day that international film director Rod Hardy and international hotelier Alan Johnson find themselves back in their hometown of Melbourne together.

The two gentlemen spend most of the year at their respective West Hollywood offices.

Alan Johnson is Managing Director of the Ramada Plaza Hotel and Suites in West Hollywood. and Rod Hardy could be anywhere in the world directing movies.

Here they are lunching at the Botanical Hotel in South Yarra.

Goodbye Matt Lauer

● Alan Johnson and Rod Hardy

■ All Matt Lauer-linked talent is being axed at Today in the wake of the disgraced anchor's departure, including his favourite producer and contributors possibly including chef Giada De Laurentiis.

While trumpeting that Katie Couric is returning to NBC to co-host the Olympics opening, the network quietly announced that Lauer's top producer, Don Nash, "has decided to step away from his executive producer role at Today" after nearly 30 years at the show.

Amazon expands

Radio at its silliest

■ Hugh Wilson, who created the CBS comedy WKRP In Cincinnati and directed the raucous hit film Police Academy in 1984, died at his home in Charlottesville, Virginia.

He was 74. Hill & Wood Funeral Services of Charlottesville announced the death. No cause was given.

House of Horrors

■ The 13 siblings imprisoned by their parents in a California "horror house" were given just one meal a day and only allowed to shower twice a year, according to a horrific new report.

A law enforcement source told NBC that rooms in the fourbedroom house were found soaked with urine.

The news comes as investigators try to obtain statements from the adult children, who are being treated in Corona Regional Medical Centre while doctors are treating their underage siblings at a separate facility.

Their parents, David and Louise Turpin, were arrested after their 17-year-old daughter escaped the house where three children were later found shackled to furniture and alerted police they were being held against their will.

The couple faces nine counts of torture and 10 counts of child endangerment. The victims' ages range from 2 to 29, but investigators say they all look much younger, likely from stunted growth due to malnourishment.

GavinWood

From my Suite at the Ramada Plaza Complex on Santa Monica Blvd

■ Amazon said that it had whittled the list of possible homes for its second headquarters to 20, including centres of technology like Boston and some surprise locations like Columbus, Ohio. The full list of finalists leans toward locations in the Midwest and South and on the East Coast, and away from the tech-saturated hubs of the West Coast. Many of the finalists, including Dallas, Denver, Raleigh and Washington, were considered shoo-ins from the moment Amazon announced the search, largely because of the attributes that the company said it was seeking for its second home. Those criteria included a metropolitan area with a population of greater than one million and the ability to attract and keep strong technical talent. More unexpected was Amazon's selection of locations not typically thought of as tech centers, such as Columbus, Indianapolis, Miami and Nashville. Los Angeles was the sole city from the West Coast to make the cut. Just as surprising was Amazon's rejection of applications from Detroit, Phoenix and San Diego. Although it received bids from regions in Mexico, Amazon narrowed its finalists to just American locations and one city in Canada: Toronto.

Weinstein wound up ■ While disgraced movie mogul Harvey Weinstein is reportedly running low on cash, his former company has managed to keep paying its employees in the wake of the scandal that rocked the company. Final details are being hammered out in a sale of the Weinstein Co. that is expected to be announced soon. The film firm's being bought by a group led by Maria Contreras-Sweet, whose offer reportedly includes renaming the company and installing a women-led board.

Britney signs for LV

Out and About

■ Former White House chief of staff Reince Priebus enjoyed S.Y. Kitchen in Santa Ynez. Jon Hamm stopped by Trois Familia.

Music Producer Jerry Moss sat with Richard Donner at Mr. Chow. Ty Burrell checked out Eataly in Century City. Jaclyn Smith had dinner at Farmstop.

Arianna Huffington shared the room with Howard Kurtzman for dinner at Toscana in Brentwood. Patrick Wachsberger and Rob Reiner also were in, separately.

Charo had lunch at Il Fornaio in Beverly Hills. Riley Keough was at Deliah. Larry Flynt enjoyed dinner at Lawry's in Beverly Hills.

Kristen Stewart checked in at Mary Coffee. Zoey Deutch lunched with family at the Beverly Hills Hotel.

Adam Levine helped celebrate Chloe Bridges' birthday at Cleo Third Street in LA. It wasn't easy to command the spotlight at Stella McCartney's starry fall 2018 fashion show in Los Angeles, but new couple Chris Martin and Dakota Johnson turned many heads.

While Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, Quincy Jones, Goldie Hawn and Kate Hudson held court at Tuesday's event in Hollywood, the Coldplay front man was seen massaging the Fifty Shades Darker star's neck as they took in performances by Leon Bridges, Grimes, St. Vincent and Beck.

Meanwhile, Sir Paul jumped onstage to sing Beatles songs Helter Skelter and I Saw Her Standing There with a cover band as the crowd went wild.

■ Apple, which had long deferred paying taxes on its foreign earnings and had become synonymous with hoarding money overseas, unveiled plans that would bring back the vast majority of the $252 billion in cash that it held abroad and said it would make a sizable investment in the United States. With the moves, Apple took advantage of the new tax code that President Trump signed into law.

A provision allows for a one-time repatriation of corporate cash held abroad at a lower tax rate than what would have been paid under the previous tax plan. Apple, which has 94 per cent of its total cash of $269 billion outside the United States, said it would make a one-time tax payment of $38 billion on the repatriated cash. For years, Apple had said it would not bring its foreign earnings back to the United States until the corporate tax code changed, because such a move would be too costly. Now Apple's bet to hold back on paying such taxes is reaping rewards under the Trump administration.

■ Britney Spears has reportedly signed a deal for a new Las Vegas residency in 2019 just weeks after completing her last run in the city. The 36-year-old pop star is said to be returning to the stage for a new residency at Las Vegas' Park Theatre, inside the Monte Carlo resort, shortly after Lady Gaga completes her residency there.

John Fogerty says he's annoyed that Taraji P. Henson's new film, Proud Mary, borrows from his popular song's name without his involvement. Fogerty does not own the rights to his infamous song. In a statement, he says "it irks me when people seek to capitalise on the popularity of my music" for their own financial gain. Henson plays a hit woman in Proud Mary. Its trailer uses Tina Turner's version of Fogerty's 1969 song. ● Matt Lauer

Nightstick to the knee ■ Tonya Harding's comeback tour just took a nightstick to the knee over her own greed and denial.

The disgraced figure skater was dumped by her own publicist/agent for demanding that journalists pay fines if they dare ask about the kneecapping Nancy Kerrigan suffered ahead of the 1994 Winter Olympics.

Michael A. Rosenberg, who represented Harding during the I, Tonya promotional tour, revealed the demand in a Facebook post

www.gavinwood.us

Ask for special rate

■ If you are considering a move to Los Angeles or just coming over for a holiday then I have got a special deal for you.

We would love to see you at the Ramada Plaza Hotel and Suites, 8585 Santa Monica Boulevard, West Hollywood.

I have secured a terrific holiday deal for readers of the Melbourne Observer and The Local Paper.

Please mention 'Melbourne Observer' when you book and you will receive the 'Special Rate of the Day'.

Please contact: Joanna at info@ramadaweho.com Gavin Wood

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Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, February 21, 2018 - Page 13

Caravans,Camping andTouring

Page 14 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, February 21, 2018

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Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, February 21, 2018 - Page 15

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123A Thompsons Rd. BUNDOORA. Bundoora Centre Newsagency. Shop 3, 39 Plenty Rd. BURNLEY. Burnley Newsagency. 375 Burnley St. BURWOOD EAST. East Burwood Newsagency. 16 Burwood Hwy. CAMBERWELL. Burwood Newsagency.

1394 Toorak Rd. CAMBERWELL. Camberwell Centre Newsagency. 628 Burke Rd. CAMBERWELL. Camberwell Market Newsagency. 513 Riversdale Rd. CAMBERWELL. Through Road Newsagency. 18 Through Rd. CANTERBURY. Canterbury Newsagency.

104 Maling Rd. CARLTON. Lygon Authorised Newsagency. 260 Lygon St CARLTON NORTH. Rathdowne Newsagency. 410 Rathdowne St. CARRUM. Carrum Newsagency. 514 Station St. CASTLEMAINE. Castlemaine Newsagency. Shop 1, 45 Mostyn St. CAULFIELD EAST. Caulfield Newsagency. 14 Derby Rd. CAULFIELD NORTH. Junction Newsagency. 71 Hawthorn Rd. CHADSTONE. Supanews Chadstone. Shop 261, Chadstone Shopping Centre.

CHARLTON. Charlton Newsagency. 69 High St. CHELSEA. Chelsea Newsagency. 403 Nepean Hwy. CHELTENHAM. Cheltenham Newsagency. 332 Charman Rd. CLAYTON. Clayton Newsagency. 345 Clayton Rd. CLIFTON HILL. Clifton Hill Newsagency.

Queens Pde. COBURG. Coburg Newsagency. 481-483 Sydney Rd. COLAC. Blanes Newsagency. 164 Murray St. COWES. Cowes Newsagency. 44-46 Thompson Ave. CRAIGIEBURN. The Lucky Charm.

Craigieburn Central. 340 Craigieburn Rd CRANBOURNE. Cranbourne Newsagency. 105 High St. CROYDON. Burnt Bridge Newsagency. 434 Maroondah Hwy. CROYDON. Croydon Newsagency. 166 Main St. CROYDON NORTH. Croydon North Newsagency. 5 Exeter Rd. CROYDON SOUTH. Eastfield Newsagency. 7 The Mall.

DANDENONG. Lonsdale Newsagency.

216 Sunnyside Ave. DAYLESFORD. Daylesford Newsagency.

45 Vincent St. DELACOMBE. Ballarat Authorised Newsagency. 1 Laidlaw Drive.

DENILIQUIN. Deniliquin Newsagency and Bookstore. 14 Napier St. DIAMOND CREEK. Diamond Creek Newsagency. 62A Hurstbridge Rd. DINGLEY. Dingley Newsagency. Shop 2, Dingley Village.

DOVETON. Doveton News & Lotto. 37 Autumn Place.

DROMANA. Dromana Newsagency. 177 Point Nepean Hwy. DROUIN. MVH News. 93 Princes Way. DRYSDALE. Drysdale Newsagency. 14 High St. EAGLEMONT. Eaglemont Lucky Lotto News and Post. 60 Silverdale Rd. EDITHVALE. Edithvale Newsagency. 253 Nepean Hwy. ELSTERNWICK. Elsternwick News & Lotto. 444 Glenhuntly Rd. ELTHAM. Eltham Newsagency and Toyworld. Shop 2, 963 Main Rd. EMERALD. Emerald Newsagency. Main St. ESSENDON. Essendon Newsagency. 15a Rose St. ESSENDON . Roundabout Newsagency. 85 Fletcher St. ESSENDON NORTH. North Essendon Newsagency. 1085 Mt Alexander Rd. FAIRFIELD. Fairfield Newsagency. 99 Station St. FAWKNER. Fawkner Newsagency. 54 Bonwick St. FAWKNER NORTH. Moomba Park Newsagency. 89 Anderson Rd. FITZROY. Fitzroy Newsaagency. Cnr Brunswick and Johnston Sts. FOREST HILL. Brentford Square Newsagency. 29-31 Brentford Square.

FOREST HILL. Forest Hill Newsagency.

Shop 215, Forest Hill Chase.

GARDENVALE. Gardenvale Newsagency.

168 Martin St. GEELONG.. Geelong Newsagency and Lotto. 140 Moorabool St. GEELONG WEST. Murphy's Newsagency.

198 Pakington St.

GISBORNE. Gisborne Newsagency. Shop 20, Village Shopping Centre.

GLENFERRIE. Glenferrie Newsagency.

660 Glenferrie Rd GLEN WAVERLEY. Kingsway Newsagency. Shop 4, 39 Kingsway.

GLEN WAVERLEY. Syndal Newsagency.

238 Blackburn Rd. GLEN WAVERLEY. The Glen Newsagency. Shop 2, 065 The Glen Shopping Centre.

GLENROY. Glenroy Newsagency. 773 Pascoe Vale Rd. GRANTVILLE. Grantville Newsagency.

1509 Bass Hwy. GREENSBOROUGH. Plaza News. Shop 4/5, Greensborough Plaza.

GREYTHORN. Greythorn Newsagency.

272 Doncaster Rd. HADFIELD. Hadfield Newsagency. 120 West St HAMPTON. Hampton Newsagency. 345347 Hampton St. HAMPTON EAST. Hampton East Newsagency. 412 Bluff Rd. HAMPTON PARK. Hampton Park Newsagency. Shop 3, Shopping Centre HAWTHORN. Glenferrie South Newsagency. 546 Glenferried Rd HAWTHORN. Hawthorn News & Lotto. 89 Burwood Rd. HAWTHORN EAST. Auburn Newsagency.

119 Auburn Rd. HAWTHORN EAST. Auburn South Newsagency. 289 Auburn Rd. HEIDELBERG. Heidelberg Heights Newsagency. 35 Southern Rd. HEIDELBERG. Heidelberg Newsagency.

124 Burgundy St. HEIDELBERG WEST. The Mall Newsagency. Shop 18 The Mall.

HOLMESGLEN. Holmesglen Newsagency. 637 Warrigal Rd. HUNTINGDALE. Huntingdale Newsagency. 290 Huntingdale Rd. INDENTED HEADS. Intended Heads Newsagency. 13 The Esplanade.

KEILOR. Keilor Newsagency. 700 Old Calder Hwy. KEW. Cotham Newsagency. 97 Cotham Rd. KEW. Kew Newsagency. 175 High St. KEW NORTH. North Kew Newsagency. 93 Willsmere St. KINGSVILLE. Kingsville Newsagency.

339 Somerville Rd. KNOX CITY. Knox City Newsagency, Wantirna South.

KNOXFIELD. Knoxfield Newsagency.

1597 Ferntree Gully Rd. KOOYONG. Kooyong Newsagency. 483 Glenferrie Rd. KYABRAM. Kyabram Newsagency. 117 Allan St. KYNETON. Collins Newsagency. 95 Mollison St. LANGWARRIN SOUTH. Langwarrin South Newsagency. 1/143-149 Warrandyte Rd LARA. Lara Newsagency. 44 The Centreway.

LILYDALE. Lilydale Newsagency. 237 Main St. LOWER PLENTY. Lower Plenty Newsagency. 95 Main Rd. MALVERN. Lucky Malvern Lotto. 167 Glenferrie Rd. MALVERN. Malvern Newsagency. 114 Glenferrie Rd. MALVERN. Malvern Village Newsagency.

1352 Malvern Rd. MALVERN EAST. Central Park Newsagency. 393 Wattletree Rd. MALVERN EAST NEWSAGENCY. Waverley Road Newsagency. 336 Waverley Rd. McKINNON. McKinnon Newsagency. 163 McKinnon Rd MELBOURNE. Domain Newsagency.

Shop 6, 401 St Kilda Rd. MELBOURNE. Flinders Street Newsagency. 65 Flinders St. MELTON. Newsxpress Melton.

MENTONE. Mentone Newsagency. 24 Como Pde. MERLYNSTON. Merlynston Newsagency.

17 Merlyn St. MIDDLE PARK. Middle Park Newsagency. 16 Armstrong St. MILDURA. Klemm's Mildura Newsagency.

53 Langtree Mall.

MILDURA. Mildura Newsagency and Lotto. 71 Langtree Ave. MILL PARK. Mill Park Newsagency. 4 Stables Shopping Centre.

MITCHAM. Mitcham Newsagency. 503 Whitehorse Rd. MITCHAM NORTH. Mitcham North Newsagency. 228 Mitcham Rd MOOROOPNA. Mooroopna Newsagency.

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102 Mount Eliza Way.

MOUNT GAMBIER. Posters Newsagency.

79 Commercial St East.

MOUNT MARTHA. Mount Martha Newsagency. 2 Lochiel Ave. MOUNT WAVERLEY. Pinewood Newsagency. Shop 59, Centreway Shopping Centre.

MOUNTAIN GATE. Mountain Gate Newsagency. Shop 9B, Mountain Gate Shopping Centre.

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MURRUMBEENA. Murrumbeena Newsagency. 456 Neerim Rd. NARRE WARREN. Narre Warren Newsagency. Shop 1, Narre Warren.

NEWBOROUGH. Newborough Newsagency. 30 Rutherglen St. NEWMARKET. Newmarket Newsagency.

292 Racecourse Rd NOBLE PARK. Noble Park Newsagency.

422 Douglas St. NORTHCOTE. Newsplaza Newsagency, Northcote Plaza.

NORTHCOTE. Northcote Newsagency.

335 High St. NORTH MELBOURNE. Ledermans Newsagency. 234-244 Macauley Rd. NUNAWADING. Mountainview Newsagency. 293A Springfield Rd. PARKDALE. Parkdale Newsagency. 238 Como Pde. West.

PASCOE VALE SOUTH. Coonans Hill Newsagency. 67 Coonans Rd. PASCOE VALE SOUTH. Paper N Post.

372-380 Bell St. PRESTON. Preston N’agency. 377 High St. PRESTON. Preston Town Hall Newsagency. 247-249 Murray Rd. PRINCES HILL. Princes Hill Newsagency.

607 Lygon St RESERVOIR. Broadway Newsagency.

279 Broadway.

RICHMOND. Swan St Newsagency. 108 Swan St. RICHMOND. Vernons Newsagency. 308A Bridge Rd. RINGWOOD EAST. Ringwood East Newsagency. 52 Railway Ave. RINGWOOD NORTH. North Ringwood Newsagency. 182 Warrandyte Rd. ROBINVALE. Robinvale Newsagency. 67 Perrin St. ROSANNA. Rosanna Newsagency. 135 Lower Plenty Rd. ROSEBUD. Rosebud Newsagency. 1083 Point Nepean Rd. RYE. Rye Newsagency. 2371 Pt Nepean Rd. SALE. Sale Newsagency. 310 Raymond St. SANDRINGHAM. Sandringham Newsagency. Shop 5, 18-34 Station St. SCORESBY. Scoresby Newsagency. 14 Darryl St. SEAFORD. Seaford Newsagency. 124 Nepean Hwy. SEBASTOPOL. Sebastopol Newsagency.

Shop 3, 'Safeway Complex'.

SHEPPARTON. Goulburn Valley Newsagency. 314 Wyndham St. SHEPPARTON. Lovell Newsagency. 246 Wyndham St. SOMERVILLE. Somerville Newsagency.

Shop 24, Plaza, Eramosa Rd. SOUTH MELBOURNE. Clarendon Newsagency. 9 Thistlewaite St. SPRINGVALE. Springvale Newsagency.

321 Springvale Rd. STRATHFIELDSAYE. Strathfieldsaye News and Lotto. Shop 5, 939 Wellington St. TARWIN LOWER. Tarwin Lower Newsagency. 45 River Drive.

TATURA. Tatura N’agency. 138 Hogan St. TEMPLESTOWE. Macedon News and Lotto.

THORNBURY. Normanby News and Lotto. 25 Macedon Rd TOORADIN. Tooradin Newsagency. 92 South Gippsland Hwy. TOORAK. Toorak Village Newsagency.

479 Toorak Rd. TORQUAY. Torquay Newsagency. 20 Gilbert St. TRARALGON. Seymour Street Newsagency. 83 Seymour St. TRARALGON. Traralgon News and Lotto.

51-53 Franklin St. TULLAMARINE. Tullamarine Newsagency. 2/191 Melrose Dr. VERMONT. Vermont Authorised Newsagency. 600 Canterbury Rd. VERMONT SOUTH. Vermont South Newsagency. Shop 14, 495 Burwood Hwy. WANTIRNA SOUTH. Wantirna South Newsagency. 223 Stud Rd. WARRAGUL. Warragul Newsagency. 43 Victoria St. WARRNAMBOOL. Reinheimers Newsagency. 145 Koroit St. WATSONIA. Watsonia Newsagency.

Watsonia Rd. WHEELERS HILL. Wheelers Hill Newsagency.

WODONGA. Mahon's Newsagency. 168 High St. YARRAVILLE. Yarraville Newsagency. 59 Anderson St.

Page 18 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, February 21, 2018

People

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Freemasons Victoria - Northern District 50-year jewel presentation Photos: Ange Kenos

● Joel Solomon with 50-year jewel recipient Jack Hallam

● Terry Hodges and Kevin Holburt

● Garry Porter and Len Jinnette

● Terry Clifton and Wayne Young

● Richard Elkington and Barry Reaper

● Alan Boyd and Eric Daffy

● Lindsay Patullo and Steve Austin

● George Finniss and Shorsh Al Ahmad

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

People

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, y Februaryy 21, 2018 - Page 19

Freemasons Victoria - Northern District 50-year jewel presentation Photos: Ange Kenos

● Eric Williams and Frank Jenkins

● Freemasons Victoria Grand Master Don Reynolds and Jack Hallam

● Pete West and James Hutchison

● Ian Robinson and Neil Lollette

● Vic Asbury and Pete Henry

● Max Smith and Myles King

● Barry Watson and Laurie Jacobs

● Ian Thompson, Joel Solomon and Barry Minster

Page 20 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, February 21, 2018

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Observer Magazine

■ Dick Todd was a red-haired Canadian singer who was compared to Bing Crosby and became known as the ‘Canadian Crosby’.

I am a fan of Bing Crosby and I also love the great songs recorded by Dick Todd. There is an air of mystery about what happened to Dick in his latter years - how could a crooner who was a big star drift into obscurity?

Arthur Richard Todd was born in 1914, in Alberta, Canada.

His father was a retired Military Officer of Irish descent and when Dick was quite young the family moved to Montreal.

Dick grew up working on the family farm.

He learned to play the trumpet in his teenage years and worked in a band playing trumpet and singing. It was soon clear that his future was as a vocalist.

In 1936 he was signed to a recording contract with the Canadian Victor Company. In 1936 he recorded his first records which included I'm An Old Cowhand and Girl In A Bonnet Of Blue.

At that time, he was appearing in radio shows which were syndicated into the United States.

This exposure resulted in his move to New York in 1937 to do more radio shows and recordings. He made 200 recordings for the RCA Victor label and was regarded as the main opposition to Crosby.

Dick Todd married, but for the sake of his career he did not like to publicise the fact.

When he became a father he had little time

Whatever Happened To ...

Dick Todd

By Kevin Trask of 3AW and 96.5 Inner FM

to spend with his son and in later years they drifted apart. He appeared in two films Three Kings And A Queen in 1939 and Dancing On The Stars in 1943 which also starred Betty Hutton.

When Dick went to serve in the Second World War he arranged for Perry Como to be his replacement with the Ted Wheems Orchestra at RCA Victor Records.

Over the years his hit songs included Blue ● Dick Todd Orchids, Deep Purple, Penny Serenade, South Of The Border, Little Sir Echo, It's a Hap - Hap At one stage he worked as a Master of Cer- Happy Day and Daddy's Little Girl. emonies and could be seen riding a horse in the In 1945 Dick Todd was a regular singer on ring whilst singing in the Larry Sunbrook Cirthe radio show Your Hit Parade working with cus. famous bandleader Paul Whiteman.

During the 1950s his popularity began to wane.

He suffered severe arthritis and began drinking to numb the pain.

Dick performed in stage shows and the night club circuit. As the years went on he was reduced to working as a stage hand at a circus and then moving sets in a television studio.

He was last seen working as a stagehand behind the scenes at the Ed Sullivan Show at the Coliseum and at Studio 50 in New York.

His last known recordings were made in 1969 and included Big Wheel Cannnonball and Pennsylvania Turnpike, I Love You. His wife had passed on and his son refused to contact his father. He began drinking heavily and then just disappeared. Dick Todd's death was recorded in 1974.

It is a sad story for somebody who had a beautiful baritone voice, achieved internationa fame and was loved by his fans. He died homeless and his ashes were scattered at sea in accordance with his wishes.

Thank goodness we still can listen to his recordings and fondly remember Dick Todd.

Kevin Trask Kevin can be heard on 3AW Mike Till Midnight - Saturday at 8.10pm The Time Tunnel - on Remember When - Sundays at 9.10pm And on 96.5 FM That's Entertainment - Sundays at 12 Noon

50-year-old motorcycle to go to auction ■ One of the world’s rarest motorcycles, a Honda CB750 that was one of just four built by hand in Japan in 1968, and now one of only two of those four still in existence today, will go to auction in England in March with expectations it could fetch up to £40,000 sterling, or over AU$70,000.

The four hand-built CB750s were created to help promote the launch of the factory-made CB750 a year later in 1969, a four-cylinder machine dubbed “the world’s first superbike” and with a never-before top speed of 201kph.

Two others of the four hand-made models went to the USA and were eventually bought by enthusiasts after they’d completed their promotional duties, with one being re-sold there as late as 2014 for US$148,000 (AU$187,000) and the other crushed for scrap five years ago.

A third hand-made went to France for the CB750 launch all those years ago but what happened to it after that no one knows, and the fourth is now going to auction in March.

H&H Classics, which will conduct that auction say that on its release, the CB750 was “the most sophisticated production bike ever … one of the top landmarks of Japanese automotive technology.”

The 50-year-old hand-made machine to be auctioned on March 4 at England’s National Motorcycle Museum, was owned by the one motorcycle enthusiast for 35 years until his recent death.

For more information about the CB750 and other motorcycles and cars going to H&H Classics’ March auction, go onto info@handh.co.uk

Tunnel for ships

■ It has taken 144 years to do it, but Norway is finally starting work this year on the world’s first tunnel for ocean-going ships, and which was first sketched on drawing boards back in 1874.

The engineering wonder will be blasted through the mountainous Stad Peninsula that juts 20km into the ocean between the Norwegian Sea to the north, and the North Sea to the south.

OK. With John O’Keefe Devil Gate Drive ■ Suzi Quatro can still pull a crowd. Her month-long Australian tour is underway and already some performances are sold out.

Suzi has been rockin’ for 50 years, and current tour Leather Forever is her 31st tour in Australia.

Check with Ticketmaster for Melbourne performances where she is sure to sing Can The Can that sold 2.5 million copies worldwide.

Lawyers kepy busy over SEN ● One of the world’s rarest motorcycles, this 50-year-old handmade Honda CB750 is going to auction in England on March 4, with expectations it could fetch over AU$70,000.

Hurtigruten Group, saving them venturing through that perilous Stadhavet Sea. Some three million cubic metres of solid rock will be blasted out during the near-five years it will take to build the tunnel, which will even have an observation deck at one end for sightseers to watch dozens of ships entering and leaving the tunnel daily.

And while it will be a world’s first for ocean-going shipping when it opens in 2023, tunnels for canal and river vessels are nothing new … the first was dug for a canal to go through a mountain in France as far back as 1679.

Struth

Happy honeymoon ■ Serena Williams and new husband Alexis Ohaman had a wonderful honeymoon.

They caught a private jet bound for a week on a secluded island in the Bahamas.

Sounds sensational, and so it should. The rack rate for a stay in paradise is $ 35,000 a week. Being sceptical the doubt is whether the newlyweds stumped up the full fare, or was the stay on the house in return for publicity, yet the paperartzi were banned.

Life on the run ■ I’m sure it’s only a matter of time before 60 Minutes, or another investigative program, does a feature story on the worldwide hunt for Clive Palmer’s relative Clive Mensink.

Mensink left Australia in 2016, alleged to have been connected with $300 million in debts with the closure of Queensland Nickel refinery, plus hundreds of workers out of a job.

Last week Mensink was spotted in Bulgaria by a Murdoch reporter.

The one time businessman ran for his life and morphed into the crowd.

Not deterred , the snout discovered Boston, USA was young Clive’s next port of call.

Appears the net is closing in , so watch for the telemovie.

with David Ellis Coupled with fierce winds for over a third of the year, it means that where the two oceans meet off the Peninsula’s furthest extremity, is Scandinavia’s most treacherous point for violent storms, mountainous waves – and shipwrecks.

Now after 144 years of proposals and arguments the Norwegian Government has earmarked 2.7 billion Krone (AU$500,000,000+) for this revolutionary ship’s tunnel.

At 1.7km long, 45m high and 36m wide, it will be able to accommodate cargo and passenger vessels up to 16,000 tonnes, including the fjordland cruise ships of Norway’s popular

■ The merger of Craig Hutchison’s Crocmedia with radio station SEN has ruffled more than a few feathers as solicitors are hard at work preparing evidence for former on-air presenter David Schwartz who had his two year contract concluded, with allegedly $ 562,126 owing.

Another on-air personality Mark Allen is claiming $ $418,710 in agreed fees prior to being given the shunt.

Rumour is there are several more legal battles yet to emerge with disgruntled former SEN staff consulting their legal eagles.

Last word on Barnaby ● Computer image of an entrance to Norway’s planned world-first tunnel for ocean-going cargo and passenger ships.

■ Who can forget the exchange of words between Johnny Depp and Barnaby Joyce over Depp’s dogs Pistol and Boo? Johnny appeared on an evening talk show in the States where he described our Barnaby as “looking like he was inbred with a tomato”.

- John O’Keefe

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, February 21, 2018 - Page 21

Observer Classic Books

The Haunted Man and the Ghost’s Bargain

“Nigher forty, it seems,” he muttered. “Why, when I look at my father, sir, and come to think of it,” addressing Redlaw, with an impatience and irritation that were quite new, “I’m whipped if I can see anything in him but a calendar of ever so many years of eating and drinking, and making himself comfortable, over and over again.”

“I— I’m eighty-seven,” said the old man, rambling on, childishly and weakly, “and I don’t know as I ever was much put out by anything. I’m not going to begin now, because of what he calls my son. He’s not my son. I’ve had a power of pleasant times. I recollect once — no I don’t — no, it’s broken off. It was something about a game of cricket and a friend of mine, but it’s somehow broken off. I wonder who he was — I suppose I liked him? And I wonder what became of him — I suppose he died? But I don’t know. And I don’t care, neither; I don’t care a bit.”

In his drowsy chuckling, and the shaking of his head, he put his hands into his waistcoat pockets. In one of them he found a bit of holly (left there, probably last night), which he now took out, and looked at.

“Berries, eh?” said the old man. “Ah! It’s a pity they’re not good to eat. I recollect, when I was a little chap about as high as that, and out a walking with — let me see — who was I out a walking with? — no, I don’t remember how that was.

I don’t remember as I ever walked with any one particular, or cared for any one, or any one for me. Berries, eh? There’s good cheer when there’s berries. Well; I ought to have my share of it, and to be waited on, and kept warm and comfortable; for I’m eighty-seven, and a poor old man. I’m eigh-ty-seven. Eigh-ty-seven!”

The drivelling, pitiable manner in which, as he repeated this, he nibbled at the leaves, and spat the morsels out; the cold, uninterested eye with which his youngest son (so changed) regarded him; the determined apathy with which his eldest son lay hardened in his sin; impressed themselves no more on Redlaw’s observation — for he broke his way from the spot to which his feet seemed to have been fixed, and ran out of the house.

His guide came crawling forth from his place of refuge, and was ready for him before he reached the arches.

“Back to the woman’s?” he inquired.

“Back, quickly!” answered Redlaw. “Stop nowhere on the way!”

For a short distance the boy went on before; but their return was more like a flight than a walk, and it was as much as his bare feet could do, to keep pace with the Chemist’s rapid strides.

Shrinking from all who passed, shrouded in his cloak, and keeping it drawn closely about him, as though there were mortal contagion in any fluttering touch of his garments, he made no pause until they reached the door by which they had come out. He unlocked it with his key, went in, accompanied by the boy, and hastened through the dark passages to his own chamber The boy watched him as he made the door fast,

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listening) starting up, and running towards the door.

“Here’s the woman coming!” he exclaimed.

The Chemist stopped him on his way, at the moment when she knocked.

“Let me go to her, will you?” said the boy.

“Not now,” returned the Chemist. “Stay here.

Nobody must pass in or out of the room now.

Who’s that?”

“It’s I, sir,” cried Milly. “Pray, sir, let me in!”

“No! not for the world!” he said.

“Mr. Redlaw, Mr. Redlaw, pray, sir, let me in.”

“What is the matter?” he said, holding the boy.

“The miserable man you saw, is worse, and nothing I can say will wake him from his terrible infatuation. William’s father has turned childish in a moment, William himself is changed. The shock has been too sudden for him; I cannot understand him; he is not like himself. Oh, Mr. Redlaw, pray advise me, help me!”

“No! No! No!” he answered.

“Mr. Redlaw! Dear sir! George has been muttering, in his doze, about the man you saw there, who, he fears, will kill himself.”

“Better he should do it, than come near me!”

“He says, in his wandering, that you know him; that he was your friend once, long ago; that he is the ruined father of a student here — my mind misgives me, of the young gentleman who has been ill. What is to be done? How is he to be followed? How is he to be saved? Mr. Redlaw, pray, oh, pray, advise me! Help me!”

All this time he held the boy, who was half-mad to pass him, and let her in.

“Phantoms! Punishers of impious thoughts!” cried Redlaw, gazing round in anguish, “look upon me! From the darkness of my mind, let the glimmering of contrition that I know is there, shine up and show my misery! In the material world as I have long taught, nothing can be spared; no step or atom in the wondrous structure could be lost, without a blank being made in the great universe. I know, now, that it is the same with good and evil, happiness and sorrow, in the memories of men. Pity me! Relieve me!”

There was no response, but her “Help me, help me, let me in!” and the boy’s struggling to get to her.

“Shadow of myself! Spirit of my darker hours!” cried Redlaw, in distraction, “come back, and haunt me day and night, but take this gift away!

Or, if it must still rest with me, deprive me of the Charles Dickens dreadful power of giving it to others. Undo what and withdrew behind the table, when he looked broken scraps of food, and fell to munching, I have done. Leave me benighted, but restore round. and to staring at the blaze, and now and then to the day to those whom I have cursed. As I have “Come!” he said. “Don’t you touch me! You’ve glancing at his shillings, which he kept clenched spared this woman from the first, and as I never will go forth again, but will die here, with no not brought me here to take my money away.” up in a bunch, in one hand.

Redlaw threw some more upon the ground. He “And this,” said Redlaw, gazing on him with hand to tend me, save this creature’s who is flung his body on it immediately, as if to hide it increased repugnance and fear, “is the only one proof against me — hear me!”

The only reply still was, the boy struggling to get from him, lest the sight of it should tempt him to companion I have left on earth!” reclaim it; and not until he saw him seated by How long it was before he was aroused from his to her, while he held him back; and the cry, inhis lamp, with his face hidden in his hands, be- contemplation of this creature, whom he creasing in its energy, “Help! let me in. He was gan furtively to pick it up. When he had done so, dreaded so — whether half-an-hour, or half the your friend once, how shall he be followed, how he crept near the fire, and, sitting down in a night — he knew not. But the stillness of the shall he be saved? They are all changed, there great chair before it, took from his breast some room was broken by the boy (whom he had seen is no one else to help me, pray, pray, let me in!”

Hard Times - by Charles Dickens

Book the First — Sowing Chapter I— The One Thing Needful ‘NOW, what I want is, Facts. Teach these boys and girls nothing but Facts. Facts alone are wanted in life. Plant nothing else, and root out everything else. You can only form the minds of reasoning animals upon Facts: nothing else will ever be of any service to them. This is the principle on which I bring up my own children, and this is the principle on which I bring up these children. Stick to Facts, sir!’

The scene was a plain, bare, monotonous vault of a school-room, and the speaker’s square forefinger emphasized his observations by underscoring every sentence with a line on the schoolmaster’s sleeve. The emphasis was helped by the speaker’s square wall of a forehead, which had his eyebrows for its base, while his eyes found commodious cellarage in two

dark caves, overshadowed by the wall. The emphasis was helped by the speaker’s mouth, which was wide, thin, and hard set. The emphasis was helped by the speaker’s voice, which was inflexible, dry, and dictatorial. The emphasis was helped by the speaker’s hair, which bristled on the skirts of his bald head, a plantation of firs to keep the wind from its shining surface, all covered with knobs, like the crust of a plum pie, as if the head had scarcely warehouse-room for the hard facts stored inside. The speaker’s obstinate carriage, square coat, square legs, square shoulders, — nay, his very neckcloth, trained to take him by the throat with an unaccommodating grasp, like a stubborn fact, as it was, — all helped the emphasis.

‘In this life, we want nothing but Facts, sir; nothing but Facts!’

The speaker, and the schoolmaster, and the third

grown person present, all backed a little, and swept with their eyes the inclined plane of little vessels then and there arranged in order, ready to have imperial gallons of facts poured into them until they were full to the brim.

Chapter II— Murdering the Innocents THOMAS GRADGRIND, sir. A man of realities. A man of facts and calculations. A man who proceeds upon the principle that two and two are four, and nothing over, and who is not to be talked into allowing for anything over. Thomas Gradgrind, sir — peremptorily Thomas — Thomas Gradgrind. With a rule and a pair of scales, and the multiplication table always in his pocket, sir, ready to weigh and measure any parcel of human nature, and tell you exactly what it comes to. It is a mere question of figures, a case of simple arithmetic. You might hope to get some other nonsensical belief into

the head of George Gradgrind, or Augustus Gradgrind, or John Gradgrind, or Joseph Gradgrind (all supposititious, non-existent persons), but into the head of Thomas Gradgrind — no, sir!

In such terms Mr. Gradgrind always mentally introduced himself, whether to his private circle of acquaintance, or to the public in general. In such terms, no doubt, substituting the words ‘boys and girls,’ for ‘sir,’ Thomas Gradgrind now presented Thomas Gradgrind to the little pitchers before him, who were to be filled so full of facts.

Indeed, as he eagerly sparkled at them from the cellarage before mentioned, he seemed a kind of cannon loaded to the muzzle with facts, and prepared to blow them clean out of the regions of childhood at one discharge. He seemed a galvanizing apparatus, too, charged with a grim

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Observer Classic Books From Page 21 mechanical substitute for the tender young imaginations that were to be stormed away.

‘Girl number twenty,’ said Mr. Gradgrind, squarely pointing with his square forefinger, ‘I don’t know that girl. Who is that girl?’

‘Sissy Jupe, sir,’ explained number twenty, blushing, standing up, and curtseying.

‘Sissy is not a name,’ said Mr. Gradgrind. ‘Don’t call yourself Sissy. Call yourself Cecilia.’

‘It’s father as calls me Sissy, sir,’ returned the young girl in a trembling voice, and with another curtsey.

‘Then he has no business to do it,’ said Mr. Gradgrind. ‘Tell him he mustn’t. Cecilia Jupe.

Let me see. What is your father?’

‘He belongs to the horse-riding, if you please, sir.’

Mr. Gradgrind frowned, and waved off the objectionable calling with his hand.

‘We don’t want to know anything about that, here. You mustn’t tell us about that, here. Your father breaks horses, don’t he?’

‘If you please, sir, when they can get any to break, they do break horses in the ring, sir.’

‘You mustn’t tell us about the ring, here. Very well, then. Describe your father as a horsebreaker. He doctors sick horses, I dare say?’

‘Oh yes, sir.’

‘Very well, then. He is a veterinary surgeon, a farrier, and horsebreaker. Give me your definition of a horse.’

(Sissy Jupe thrown into the greatest alarm by this demand.)

‘Girl number twenty unable to define a horse!’ said Mr. Gradgrind, for the general behoof of all the little pitchers. ‘Girl number twenty possessed of no facts, in reference to one of the commonest of animals! Some boy’s definition of a horse.

Bitzer, yours.’

The square finger, moving here and there, lighted suddenly on Bitzer, perhaps because he chanced to sit in the same ray of sunlight which, darting in at one of the bare windows of the intensely white-washed room, irradiated Sissy. For, the boys and girls sat on the face of the inclined plane in two compact bodies, divided up the centre by a narrow interval; and Sissy, being at the corner of a row on the sunny side, came in for the beginning of a sunbeam, of which Bitzer, being at the corner of a row on the other side, a few rows in advance, caught the end. But, whereas the girl was so dark-eyed and darkhaired, that she seemed to receive a deeper and more lustrous colour from the sun, when it shone upon her, the boy was so light-eyed and lighthaired that the self-same rays appeared to draw out of him what little colour he ever possessed.

His cold eyes would hardly have been eyes, but for the short ends of lashes which, by bringing them into immediate contrast with something paler than themselves, expressed their form. His short-cropped hair might have been a mere continuation of the sandy freckles on his forehead and face. His skin was so unwholesomely deficient in the natural tinge, that he looked as though, if he were cut, he would bleed white.

‘Bitzer,’said Thomas Gradgrind. ‘Your definition of a horse.’

‘Quadruped. Graminivorous. Forty teeth, namely twenty-four grinders, four eye-teeth, and twelve incisive. Sheds coat in the spring; in marshy countries, sheds hoofs, too. Hoofs hard, but requiring to be shod with iron. Age known by marks in mouth.’ Thus (and much more) Bitzer.

‘Now girl number twenty,’ said Mr. Gradgrind.

‘You know what a horse is.’

She curtseyed again, and would have blushed deeper, if she could have blushed deeper than she had blushed all this time. Bitzer, after rapidly blinking at Thomas Gradgrind with both eyes at once, and so catching the light upon his quivering ends of lashes that they looked like the antennae of busy insects, put his knuckles to his freckled forehead, and sat down again.

The third gentleman now stepped forth. A mighty man at cutting and drying, he was; a government officer; in his way (and in most other people’s too), a professed pugilist; always in training, always with a system to force down the general throat like a bolus, always to be heard of at the bar of his little Public-office, ready to fight all England. To continue in fistic phraseology, he had a genius for coming up to the scratch, wherever and whatever it was, and proving himself an ugly customer. He would go in and damage any subject whatever with his right, follow up with his left, stop, exchange, counter, bore his opponent (he always fought All England) to

tain to knock the wind out of common sense, and render that unlucky adversary deaf to the call of time. And he had it in charge from high authority to bring about the great public-office Millennium, when Commissioners should reign upon earth.

‘Very well,’ said this gentleman, briskly smiling, and folding his arms. ‘That’s a horse. Now, let me ask you girls and boys, Would you paper a room with representations of horses?’

After a pause, one half of the children cried in chorus, ‘Yes, sir!’ Upon which the other half, seeing in the gentleman’s face that Yes was wrong, cried out in chorus, ‘No, sir!’ — as the custom is, in these examinations.

‘Of course, No. Why wouldn’t you?’

A pause. One corpulent slow boy, with a wheezy manner of breathing, ventured the answer, Because he wouldn’t paper a room at all, but would paint it.

‘You must paper it,’ said the gentleman, rather warmly.

‘You must paper it,’ said Thomas Gradgrind, ‘whether you like it or not. Don’t tell us you wouldn’t paper it. What do you mean, boy?’

‘I’ll explain to you, then,’ said the gentleman, after another and a dismal pause, ‘why you wouldn’t paper a room with representations of horses. Do you ever see horses walking up and down the sides of rooms in reality — in fact? Do you?’

‘Yes, sir!’ from one half. ‘No, sir!’ from the other.

‘Of course no,’ said the gentleman, with an indignant look at the wrong half. ‘Why, then, you are not to see anywhere, what you don’t see in fact; you are not to have anywhere, what you don’t have in fact. What is called Taste, is only another name for Fact.’ Thomas Gradgrind nodded his approbation.

‘This is a new principle, a discovery, a great discovery,’ said the gentleman. ‘Now, I’ll try you again. Suppose you were going to carpet a room.

Would you use a carpet having a representation of flowers upon it?’

There being a general conviction by this time that ‘No, sir!’ was always the right answer to this gentleman, the chorus of NO was very strong. Only a few feeble stragglers said Yes: among them Sissy Jupe.

‘Girl number twenty,’ said the gentleman, smiling in the calm strength of knowledge.

Sissy blushed, and stood up.

‘So you would carpet your room — or your husband’s room, if you were a grown woman, and had a husband — with representations of flowers, would you?’ said the gentleman. ‘Why would you?’

‘If you please, sir, I am very fond of flowers,’ returned the girl.

‘And is that why you would put tables and chairs upon them, and have people walking over them with heavy boots?’

‘It wouldn’t hurt them, sir. They wouldn’t crush and wither, if you please, sir. They would be the pictures of what was very pretty and pleasant, and I would fancy — ’ ‘Ay, ay, ay! But you mustn’t fancy,’ cried the gentleman, quite elated by coming so happily to his point. ‘That’s it! You are never to fancy.’

‘You are not, Cecilia Jupe,’ Thomas Gradgrind solemnly repeated, ‘to do anything of that kind.’

‘Fact, fact, fact!’ said the gentleman. And ‘Fact, fact, fact!’ repeated Thomas Gradgrind.

‘You are to be in all things regulated and governed,’ said the gentleman, ‘by fact. We hope to have, before long, a board of fact, composed of commissioners of fact, who will force the people to be a people of fact, and of nothing but fact.

You must discard the word Fancy altogether.

You have nothing to do with it. You are not to have, in any object of use or ornament, what would be a contradiction in fact. You don’t walk upon flowers in fact; you cannot be allowed to walk upon flowers in carpets. You don’t find that foreign birds and butterflies come and perch upon your crockery; you cannot be permitted to paint foreign birds and butterflies upon your crockery. You never meet with quadrupeds going up and down walls; you must not have quadrupeds represented upon walls. You must use,’ said the gentleman, ‘for all these purposes, combinations and modifications (in primary colours) of mathematical figures which are susceptible of proof and demonstration. This is the new discovery. This is fact. This is taste.’

The girl curtseyed, and sat down. She was very young, and she looked as if she were frightened by the matter-of-fact prospect the world afforded.

‘Now, if Mr. M’Choakumchild,’ said the gentleman, ‘will proceed to give his first lesson here,

Mr. Gradgrind, I shall be happy, at your request, to observe his mode of procedure.’

Mr. Gradgrind was much obliged. ‘Mr. M’Choakumchild, we only wait for you.’

So, Mr. M’Choakumchild began in his best manner. He and some one hundred and forty other schoolmasters, had been lately turned at the same time, in the same factory, on the same principles, like so many pianoforte legs. He had been put through an immense variety of paces, and had answered volumes of head-breaking questions. Orthography, etymology, syntax, and prosody, biography, astronomy, geography, and general cosmography, the sciences of compound proportion, algebra, land-surveying and levelling, vocal music, and drawing from models, were all at the ends of his ten chilled fingers. He had worked his stony way into Her Majesty’s most Honourable Privy Council’s Schedule B, and had taken the bloom off the higher branches of mathematics and physical science, French, German, Latin, and Greek. He knew all about all the Water Sheds of all the world (whatever they are), and all the histories of all the peoples, and all the names of all the rivers and mountains, and all the productions, manners, and customs of all the countries, and all their boundaries and bearings on the two and thirty points of the compass. Ah, rather overdone, M’Choakumchild. If he had only learnt a little less, how infinitely better he might have taught much more!

He went to work in this preparatory lesson, not unlike Morgiana in the Forty Thieves: looking into all the vessels ranged before him, one after another, to see what they contained. Say, good M’Choakumchild. When from thy boiling store, thou shalt fill each jar brim full by-and-by, dost thou think that thou wilt always kill outright the robber Fancy lurking within — or sometimes only maim him and distort him!

Chapter III—A Loophole MR. GRADGRIND walked homeward from the school, in a state of considerable satisfaction. It was his school, and he intended it to be a model.

He intended every child in it to be a model — just as the young Gradgrinds were all models.

There were five young Gradgrinds, and they were models every one. They had been lectured at, from their tenderest years; coursed, like little hares. Almost as soon as they could run alone, they had been made to run to the lectureroom. The first object with which they had an association, or of which they had a remembrance, was a large black board with a dry Ogre chalking ghastly white figures on it.

Not that they knew, by name or nature, anything about an Ogre Fact forbid! I only use the word to express a monster in a lecturing castle, with Heaven knows how many heads manipulated into one, taking childhood captive, and dragging it into gloomy statistical dens by the hair.

No little Gradgrind had ever seen a face in the moon; it was up in the moon before it could speak distinctly. No little Gradgrind had ever learnt the silly jingle, Twinkle, twinkle, little star; how I wonder what you are! No little Gradgrind had ever known wonder on the subject, each little Gradgrind having at five years old dissected the Great Bear like a Professor Owen, and driven Charles’s Wain like a locomotive engine-driver.

No little Gradgrind had ever associated a cow in a field with that famous cow with the crumpled horn who tossed the dog who worried the cat who killed the rat who ate the malt, or with that yet more famous cow who swallowed Tom Thumb: it had never heard of those celebrities, and had only been introduced to a cow as a graminivorous ruminating quadruped with several stomachs.

To his matter-of-fact home, which was called Stone Lodge, Mr. Gradgrind directed his steps.

He had virtually retired from the wholesale hardware trade before he built Stone Lodge, and was now looking about for a suitable opportunity of making an arithmetical figure in Parliament. Stone Lodge was situated on a moor within a mile or two of a great town — called Coketown in the present faithful guide-book.

A very regular feature on the face of the country, Stone Lodge was. Not the least disguise toned down or shaded off that uncompromising fact in the landscape. A great square house, with a heavy portico darkening the principal windows, as its master’s heavy brows overshadowed his eyes. A calculated, cast up, balanced, and proved house. Six windows on this side of the door, six on that side; a total of twelve in this wing, a total of twelve in the other wing; four-and-twenty carried over to the back wings.A lawn and garden and an infant avenue, all ruled straight like

a botanical account-book. Gas and ventilation, drainage and water-service, all of the primest quality. Iron clamps and girders, fire-proof from top to bottom; mechanical lifts for the housemaids, with all their brushes and brooms; everything that heart could desire.

Everything? Well, I suppose so. The little Gradgrinds had cabinets in various departments of science too. They had a little conchological cabinet, and a little metallurgical cabinet, and a little mineralogical cabinet; and the specimens were all arranged and labelled, and the bits of stone and ore looked as though they might have been broken from the parent substances by those tremendously hard instruments their own names; and, to paraphrase the idle legend of Peter Piper, who had never found his way into their nursery, If the greedy little Gradgrinds grasped at more than this, what was it for good gracious goodness’ sake, that the greedy little Gradgrinds grasped it!

Their father walked on in a hopeful and satisfied frame of mind. He was an affectionate father, after his manner; but he would probably have described himself (if he had been put, like Sissy Jupe, upon a definition) as ‘an eminently practical’father. He had a particular pride in the phrase eminently practical, which was considered to have a special application to him. Whatsoever the public meeting held in Coketown, and whatsoever the subject of such meeting, some Coketowner was sure to seize the occasion of alluding to his eminently practical friend Gradgrind. This always pleased the eminently practical friend. He knew it to be his due, but his due was acceptable.

He had reached the neutral ground upon the outskirts of the town, which was neither town nor country, and yet was either spoiled, when his ears were invaded by the sound of music.

The clashing and banging band attached to the horse-riding establishment, which had there set up its rest in a wooden pavilion, was in full bray.

A flag, floating from the summit of the temple, proclaimed to mankind that it was ‘Sleary’s Horse-riding’ which claimed their suffrages.

Sleary himself, a stout modern statue with a money-box at its elbow, in an ecclesiastical niche of early Gothic architecture, took the money. Miss Josephine Sleary, as some very long and very narrow strips of printed bill announced, was then inaugurating the entertainments with her graceful equestrian Tyrolean flower-act. Among the other pleasing but always strictly moral wonders which must be seen to be believed, Signor Jupe was that afternoon to ‘elucidate the diverting accomplishments of his highly trained performing dog Merrylegs.’ He was also to exhibit ‘his astounding feat of throwing seventy-five hundred-weight in rapid succession backhanded over his head, thus forming a fountain of solid iron in mid-air, a feat never before attempted in this or any other country, and which having elicited such rapturous plaudits from enthusiastic throngs it cannot be withdrawn.’ The same Signor Jupe was to ‘enliven the varied performances at frequent intervals with his chaste Shaksperean quips and retorts.’Lastly, he was to wind them up by appearing in his favourite character of Mr. William Button, of Tooley Street, in ‘the highly novel and laughable hippo-comedietta of The Tailor’s Journey to Brentford.’

Thomas Gradgrind took no heed of these trivialities of course, but passed on as a practical man ought to pass on, either brushing the noisy insects from his thoughts, or consigning them to the House of Correction. But, the turning of the road took him by the back of the booth, and at the back of the booth a number of children were congregated in a number of stealthy attitudes, striving to peep in at the hidden glories of the place.

This brought him to a stop. ‘Now, to think of these vagabonds,’ said he, ‘attracting the young rabble from a model school.’

A space of stunted grass and dry rubbish being between him and the young rabble, he took his eyeglass out of his waistcoat to look for any child he knew by name, and might order off.

Phenomenon almost incredible though distinctly seen, what did he then behold but his own metallurgical Louisa, peeping with all her might through a hole in a deal board, and his own mathematical Thomas abasing himself on the ground to catch but a hoof of the graceful equestrian Tyrolean flower-act!

Dumb with amazeme

To Be Continued Next Issue

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Melbourne Seniors News

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Best Places

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Best Places

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Best Places

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Best Places

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Best Places

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Maeburn Cottages 33 Mairburn Rd, Metung VIC 3904 Phone: (03) 5156 2736 www.maeburncottages.com.au

Relax and unwind at Maeburn’s luxury lakeside Cottages, set in an acre of established parklike gardens and positioned for privacy with ample adjacent parking and a ramp for easy access.

For that quintessential family holiday in Metung you can’t go past Maeburn Cottages! The ideal getaway for couples, families, friends and large groups of up to 20.

Cottage 1 The Queen Suite (front part of the main house) Main bedroom has a queen bed.

Second bedroom has a queen bed.

LCD TV. Kitchenette.

Private Tepanyaki BBQ and verandah.

Cottage 2 Main bedroom has a queen bed.

Second bedroom - one single bed.

Double sofabed in lounge.

Cottage 3 Main bedroom has a queen bed.

Second bedroom - one single bed and a king single bed.

Cottage 4 Main bedroom has a queen bed.

Second bedroom has a queen bed.

Every cottage has a dining and living area.

Cottages 2, 3 and 4 have a dining and living area with an 81cm LCD TV, DVD player and reverse cycle air-conditioning. Kitchens are equipped with stoves, microwaves, refrigerators, crockery, cutlery and cooking utensils.

Cottages 2, 3 and 4 have a washing machine, clothes line and dryer. Linen and towels for hire or BYO. Blankets and pillows are provided. New wooden deck with pergola and outdoor furniture.

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Page 38 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, February 21, 2018

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Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, February 21, 2018 - Page 39

Observer Crossword Solution No 21 P ROME N A D E POC K E T M TW I NGE CH I R P R W M N NOUN R RHODE N NAME N A I E CAGE D L I V E L Y N MA DRA S NE A RS MA DDE NS SO L O M O R P I T I N T NA T R DE N T E P E NA L UBOA T A I S L E ME T A MA T A O ME E T D I S T RE S S I NG Y A L E A OB E Y S A N MON K A H GA L A T L I R E MA T I NE E P UN I CORN O RE A L TOR MA N I A C L RE N T A L S R I SOB A R O MA O A REM I T L K E E NE S T I AWA I T N I GH T S N E S CA P E E E A S E L S E T E S E E AGE S O E DE LWE I S S N K I DS L P RA NK S P AM A M S N C TW I N H Y S ODDS S E A L URB A N OV E R N I NE P M I NE E L I T I S T S O S A T I R I S E OA T T A CO G L E N N M I GYM N N T RA I D I O T T A I L E NDE R E COS Y S T EM S K R I S HNA I N D I I OC M L E O E A R H T E NA K E D P E L E CRAG GNA S H B L E A R S T Y R MUCH G A L A U FOS V I A E H I T L E R T N S T Y E NA Y S A T A CA C RA Y S I R H I GHS A DHOC T UDOR C C L T GROOM A EON I RA I OU I J A N I NO E W A I RE S K NE E D T I E I N N D N A T RA I U ORA NGE N E SOSO A S T I T S A D E V E N MUG HOO T UGH B ROS Y S E L T RUS S DE L I L OA N S A T E S R E N DWA Y S C C B T NE E W C B N MA I U H C H A RMON I C A T H I GHBONE I E MMA MA C E I N M L A S N I U ROA D B ME A L NOBOD I E S V EGOMA N I A MA N G ME T E EM I T ME A NS NE RD TO I L U L T RA MUS E E O R A S OS SO E A O A O BOY S N MAGN I T UDE M P RAM N C O T T AWA M K N F AMOU S P A S S I S I R E N EWA L A S P RE E F O NA P P Y W P A ROD Y O MA S S E D U I P RA V DA U E X I US I NGUP P RUDO L P H R S CU T T L E E E M A L SO I L I NCA C A D A E SOP I MP A S S I ONE D MU T T D K I E V A NA B S R UNCU T L A T T E S T E E D P E A RS E A R L S E RMON S WE I R L I A E H CHE F S A L P E R E U S E N A I L E D M SWE A T Y AM I GO Y E N M R NU T S E E X AMS W ODE S A TONE D CROS S E Y E D S HA DE S N A S S URE

I E S T U W R O I ONS L I L A CE S L E S S T DAME T E D I UM A S E NA S H L EWE S R S B A S H L E F L A Y I A E T HOR T U I B I S NS O G I L D D A DE NS A I MOB Y N S A UDE U P O L L S A Y O T I C I H RONE E N I D S L T I E R N A T I D OWN

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Page 40 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, February 21, 2018

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Observer Victorian Sport Melbourne

Terang Cup to Messini, driven by Gavin Lang ■ Prolific winning 7Y0 Art Major-Mesmerizing entire Messini notched up his third cup victory for the season when successful in the $30,000 (Group 3) Terang Co-Op Pacing Cup for M0 class over 2680 metres at Dalvui Raceway Terang on Saturday.

Trained by Bolinda’s Brent Lilley and driven

by Gavin Lang, Messini settled at the tail of the field after starting from the extreme draw as last week’s Echuca Cup winner Motu Meteor (gate four) crossed polemarker Looks Like Heaven, Making a sharp mid-race move prior to the bell, Messini was able to surprisingly assume control as Mister Wickham circled the field to park in the open for the final circuit.

Travelling smoothly approaching the final bend, Messini held a handy margin as Motu Meteor came off his back to issue a challenge, but was no match for the revitalized old timer who held a 2.3 metre margin on the wire. Looks Like Heaven used the sprint lane for third 3.1 metres away.

Raced by long time partners John Wilkinson, Peter Males, Rob Owen, Gary Dowling, and Adam Wilkinson along with Messrs Scott, Benger and Pulverman, Messini returned a mile rate of 2-00.1 and is now the outright leader of the Trots Country Cups Championship. Messini is most likely to tackle the upcoming Kilmore and Mildura Cups over the next month or so.

Three-wide trail

■ Avenel trainer David Aiken has smart 5Y0 Rocknroll Hanover-Arty Alice mare Rockstar Angel back on target after bringing up two wins in succession, the latest the SBG Accountants Vicbred Pace for M0 & M1 class over 2240 metres at Tabcorp Park Melton on Friday February 16.

With regular reinsman Michael Bellman in the sulky, Rockstar Angel was driven forward from gate five to park outside the heavily backed leader Without You (gate two).

Showing plenty of toughness, Rockstar Angel outstayed her rivals to record a tough 1.9 metre victory over Nikkibadwagon off a three wide trail last lap and Without You in 1-59.6. It was the winners 14th success in 44 race appearances.

Can do no wrong

■ Youthful concessional reinsman Ryan Duffy can do no wrong of late and added another victory to his impressive tally this season when Grinfromeartoear-Alleluia Lombo gelding Boncel Benjamin trained by "boss" Mick Stanley in Bungaree led virtually throughout from gate four to land the Alabar 3Y0 Pace over 1720 metres at Melton on Friday. Rated to perfection, Boncel Banjamin always had the race in his keeping, scoring by 2.6 metres in advance of Ghadastar (one/one), with Vandanta from last a half head away third. The mile rate 1-57.

Beamed to France

■ Two meetings were held in Victoria on Monday February 12 - Warragul in the afternoon and Tabcorp Park Melton during the evening with selected trotting races beaming into France.

Myrniong husband and wife Jess Tubbs and Greg Sugars scored a huge victory with Shadow Play-Riverside Oakes gelding Joe Nien in The Downtowner 3Y0 Pace over 1790 metres at Warragul. Leading easily from gate two, Joe Nien toyed with his rivals, careering away to register a 27.9 metre margin in advance of Heidi Go Seek which trailed on debut, returning a mile rate of 1-56.4. Magical Times (one/one) was third 6.7 metres away.

Rockbank based Ritchie Caruana snared the 2210 metre Warragul Toyota Pace for C1 class at Warragul with Modern Art-Little Miss Philly 8Y0 mare Joelissa, Trained and driven by Ritchie, Joelissa which hadn't won a race since July 2016, led throughout from the pole, defeating Will Be Doc which raced in the open by a

Harness Racing

Melbourne

Observer

len-baker@ bigpond.com

with Len Baker head, with Our Eduardo Denaro (one/one) 5.2 metres back in third place. The mile rate 1-59.8.

11-card event ■ A mammoth eleven event card was held at Melton with several highlights. The Sonya Smith/Anthony Butt duo from Melton captured the TAB 3Y0 Multiplier 3Y0 Trotters Mobile over 2240 metres with beautifully bred Lucky Chucky-Calder Image gelding Blitzthemcalder.

Beginning best from gate two, Blitzthemcalder led throughout, gaining the day by a half neck from Imperial Whiz which trailed giving Melton the quinella. Kyvalley Finn was 6.9 metres away in third place after racing exposed. The mile rate 2-02.4.

Veteran Toolern Vale trainer Martin Zerafa scored a devastating 1-57.8 victory with 7Y0 Safari-Imagunnagetem gelding Runsafarirun in the C1 class 2 Construct Pace over 2240 metres.

Driven by Greg Sugars, Runsafarirun having his first outing since December settled mid-field in the moving line as the heavily supported My Mojito led from the pole copping plenty of pressure from Ice Sculptress.

Letting rip with a brilliant sprint in the final circuit to dash clear prior to the home turn, Runsafarirun had 26.5 metres to spare on the wire, accounting for Go Betweens (three back the markers - four wide home turn) and Abbeydale Road which trailed the weakening pacemaker.

Prominent owner/breeder Kevin Clark was victorious at Tabcorp Park on Monday when Machavelli, a Mach Three-Love The Red filly trained and driven by Bendigo's Ellen Tormey was a tough winner of the Melton Plate 2018 3Y0 Pace over 2240 metres.

Despite racing parked from gate five outside the short priced favourite Betting Man (gate two), Machavelli strode clear on the final bend to record a strong 5.8 metre margin over Three Cases which followed the pacemaker, returning a mile rate of 2-00.3. Lady Flora was third 5 metres away after following the runner up.

● Boncel Benjamin at Melton on Friday.

Gave it plenty

■ There were cheers all round at Swan Hill after local Noel Watson's impressive 3Y0 Courage Under Fire-Torridon gelding Courageous Saint led throughout from gate five in the 2240 metre Swan Hill Automotive Pace for C0 class.

Trained at Bolinda by Vince Vallelonga, Courageous Saint ($2.10) gave plenty in the straight to defy a challenge from ex-Kiwi Share The Road which raced parked from the bell when first up in Oz, with Hionjolt third after trailing the winner.

The margins 4.7 by 24.1 metres in a mile rate of 2-00.9.

Sweet passaage

■ Euroa trainer David Jack and nephew Cameron Maggs fought out the finish of the Race Services 2Y0 Pace at Bendigo on Wednesday with two fillies making their race debut.

The victor being Major Kiss, a daughter of Art Major and Kiss Kenny trained and driven by David. Giving a sweet passage from outside the front line trailing Ida Thoughtso (gate four), Major Kiss bred and raced by David was just a little too strong over the concluding stages after easing off the leaders back halfway up the running, scoring by a neck only in a slick rate of 1-58.4. Another newcomer Cornelia was third.

Paid $26.30

■ Strathfieldsaye trainer Glenn Douglas is no stranger to providing long priced winners and at Bendigo on Wednesday Kiwi bred 5Y0 Christian Cullen-Nickys Girl gelding Nicks Idol snared the 2150 metre Bendigo Bank Pace for C4 to C6 class at Supertab odds of $26.30.

Taking a concession for Gordon based Darby McQuigan, Nickys Idol (gate three) was eased at the start to possie three bacl along the markers ■ Melbourne owners Rod and Anne Pollock as polemarker No Bettertime retained the front were ecstatic when their honest 5Y0 home bred running.

Framework-Reigle Anne mare Scottish Sardius When Showgun Thomas following the leader saluted the judge in the 2240 metre Swan Hill was eased three wide approaching the final bend Ford Trotters Handicap for T0 or better class at by Chris Alford, it enabled Nickys Idol to move right behind the leader to be poised to make use Swan Hill on Tuesday.

Trained and driven by Inglewood's Peter of the sprint lane on straightening and that he did Sanderson, Scottish Sardius starting from 20 to register a 1.4 metre marin over a death-seatmetres stepped cleanly to settle four back along ing Christmas Jolt, with Magical Marn coming the markers in a strung out field with the tempo from a mile back to cut Showgun Thomas out of being set by equal 20 metre marker Tenno Sho. third in the last bound. The mile rate 1-57.6.

Coming away from the markers to lead up the outside division for the final circuit, Scottish Sardius ($3.40) showed a great will to win when ■ Huntly trainer/driver Stuart Rothacker scored challenged strongly by favourite Valley Ess Jay a well deserved victory with 5Y0 Bacardi Lindyin the run to the wire, registering a head margin Prinkipressa gelding Tiber in the Ballarat Pink in a rate of 2-05.3. Tenno Sho weakened to be Phoenix Breast Cancer Trotters Handicap for third 3.9 metres back.

T0 or better class at Bray Raceway Ballarat on

Ecstatic after win

Well deserved win

Sulky Snippets This Week

■ Wednesday - Bendigo, Thursday Shepparton/Cranbourne, Friday - Melton, Saturday - Melton, Saturday - Geelong, Sunday - Charlton (Cup), Monday - Hamilton/ Melton. Tuesday - Mildura.

Horses to follow

■ Sovereign Minx. The Thug, Golden Spurs, The Male Model, Aleppo Jewel, Its Just Kenny, Tin Roof Raider, Sunofatrump, Rockin Shiraz, Repeat After Me, Share The Road, Morvah.

Thursday. Coming off two close up seconds prior, Tiber raced by wife Janice began safely as he usually does from barrier two, crossing polemarker Lochlee Jacob to lead running into the first turn. Joined by the heavily supported favourite Athenry (three wide last lap) approaching the home turn, Tiber fought on courageously to defy a late challenge from Sunofatrump off a three wide double trail last lap to gain the day by a neck, with Very Belle running on late from well back to cut a weakening Athenry out of third in the last couple of bounds 11.8 metres back. The mile rate 2-06.4.

Took concession

■ Melton based owner/breeder/trainer John (Blue) McHugh captured the 1710 metre Ballarat Football Umpires Association Pace for C3 & C4 class at Ballarat with free running 7Y0 Bettors Delight-Karamea Amour gelding Just Call Me Mac. Taking a concession for Bungaree based Ryan Duffy, Just Call Me Mac led throughout from the pole after being rated to perfection, accounting for Final Over (mid-field) which sprouted wings in the straight and a death-seating Metroincharge.The margins a head by a nose in a rate of 1-57.

See Len Baker’s Sulky Snippets every week in the Melbourne Observer

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, February 21, 2018 - Page 41

Every Week in the Melbourne Observer

e urn lbo Me

Observer Showbiz

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People: Happy 100th birthday Betty! ................... Page 43 Arts: Passion at Chapel Off Chapel ............................. Page 42 Country Music: James Blundell at Meredith ............... Page 42 Jim and Aaron: Memories of Bill Paxton ............................. Page 44 Cheryl Threadgold: L ........................... Page 49 PL US THE LLO OVATT”S MEGA CRO CROSSSWORD PLUS

IT’S NEVER TOO LATE How To Be Sexy

● Jordan Barr ■ Up and coming comedian Jordan Barr will present How to be Sexy at The Butterfly Club from April 6-15.

In this one-woman variety show, Jordan says she is the girl you bonded with once in a nightclub bathroom.

She loved your statement glitter sneakers. She told you to chase those dreams. She gave you the details of that family member your mum has been searching for since 1986. She wants you to feel important and empowered – but is just taking a little time figuring out how to do that.

Jordan used her training from The Second City in Chicago to develop a sketch show during the Harvey Weinstein scandal.

Jordan says: “The show was already in the latter stages of development when women started publicly accusing Weinstein of sexual assault.

“I was incredibly empowered by their bravery. Those women inspired me to use humour as a weapon, rather than a defence mechanism.”

Using dark humour and satirical writing she aims to take emotions on a ride … leaving no man unscathed.

This show is promoted as a fun gal’s night out or a rude awakening for the old footy boys ‘annual catch up’.

Performance Details: April 6-15 at 7pm Venue: The Butterfly Club (Carson Place, off Little Collins) Bookings:https://thebutterflyclub.com/show/how-tobesexy-2018 ABOUTJORDAN Jordan Barr is an up and coming performer and comedian who has recently made it through to the Victorian preliminary finals for RAW Comedy (2018).

Her show How To Be Sexy debuted in October 2017 and is headlining at The Butterfly Club for the 2018 Melbourne Comedy Festival.

In 2017 Jordan co-wrote, produced and performed Elevate the Musical for the Melbourne Comedy Festival, which will premiere at the Adelaide Fringe Festival in March. In 2017, Jordan was shortlisted for Screen Australia’s Smart For A Girl: ROAR initiative.

Jordan graduated from the VCA BFA: Music Theatre course in 2014. In her time at VCA she played a number of roles including Aunt Eller in Oklahoma directed by Gary Young and Lorna in Nick Enright and Terence Clark's Summer Rain, directed by Nancye Hayes.

In her final year Jordan was Elizah in Peter Rutherford and James Miller's new Australian musical A Little Touch of Chaos directed by Iain Sinclair, Claudia in Showbites: Nine dir.ected by Sally Bourne, and Mammy in Li'l Abner, dir. Martin Croft.

Since graduating she has appeared in many short films, was a co-host for Channel 31's Smith Street 86 talk show.

- Cheryl Threadgold

● Pip Le Blond (left), Matthew Ducza, Rosey Cullinan and Robert Williams in It’s Never Too Late.

■ The Basin Theatre presents It’s Never Too Late until March 10 in their delightful theatre in Doongalla Rd, The Basin.

Directed by Christine Grant and written by Ron Aldridge, It’s Never Too Late tells of 58-year-old Susan Shaw journeying from abandoned housewife to liberated woman.

She has run the home, brought up her daughter, and had a very busy life involved with charities and village-hall committees. What does she do now … cry all day?

She decides to take action, and this comedic and at times tender, play follows Susan as she attempts a new start in life in the belief that “it’s never too late” and finds herself presented with a most surprising choice to make.

Dates: Until March 10 Venue: The Basin Theatre, Doongalla Rd., The Basin Bookings: thebasintheatre.org.au or phone 1300 784 668.

All tickets include program and sherry on arrival, tea/coffee and biscuits at interval and supper with the cast after the show.

- Cheryl Threadgold

Stephanie stars

The King’s Singers

■ The King’s Singers are touring in Australia touring and performing in Melbourne at Monash University’s Robert Blackwood Hall on March 4 as part of their Gold World Tour, celebrating their 50th anniversary world tour since forming in May 1968, With a discography of more than 150 recordings and renowned for their technical excellence, The King’s Singers have built an enviable global reputation through their ongoing commitment to musical diversity.

Officially formed by six choral scholars from King’s College, Cambridge, the vocal line-up, which has not wavered in 50 years, features two countertenors, one tenor, two baritones and one bass.

The current singers, aged from 25 to 39 years old, share diverse backgrounds from the University of Cambridge and the University of Oxford as well as the Royal Academy of Music and the Trinity College of Music.

First countertenor Patrick Dunachie is the newest and youngest member of the sextet and the only one from King’s College, while second baritone Christopher Gabbitas is the eldest and longest-serving singer, having joined the group from St John’s College, the University of Cambridge in 2004.

Timothy Wayne-Wright (second countertenor), Julian Gregory (tenor), Christopher Bruerton (first baritone) and Jonathan Howard (bass) make up the current sextet.

Along with classic audience favourites from the renaissance and the romantics to U2 and Paul Simon, the Gold concerts will feature new anniversary commissions from Bob Chilcott, Toby Hession, Nico Muhly and John Rutter.

Melbourne Performance: March 4 Venue: Robert Blackwood Hall, Monash University Bookings: https://mapa.monash.edu/event/kings-singersgold-50/

● Stephanie Haig ■ Stephanie Haig uses her powerful voice to deliver a splendid version of the song NYC in Annie, playing at the Cardinia Cultural Centre until February 24.

Her theatre experience includes dancing in several musical shows for the Cardinia Performing Arts Company, being assistant to the choreographer for Bonnie and Clyde, and dance captain for The Wizard of Oz, and now Annie.

During the day, Stephanie is studying full time dance and theatre and plans to pursue a career on the stage.

Looking forward to seeing Stephanie onstage in many more musical theatre shows. www.cardiniaperformingarts.com - Cheryl Threadgold

Page 42 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, February 21, 2018

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Observer Showbiz

Country Music, Radio, Theatre, Almanac Country Crossroads

By Rob Foenander info@countrycrossroads.com.au

Destiny Band

■ Husband and wife team Thomas and Tessa Libreri are certainly on a roll with their band Destiny.

With a new release EP, From The Heart, the Gippsland-based six-piece outfit is clocking up some impressive statistics on country radio charts around Australia.

Their versatility also sees them getting regular bookings for clubs and private functions showcasing a variety of different music styles.

More info: www.destinyband.webs.com

James at Meredith ■ James Blundell will perform at the Royal Hotel, Meredith, on Sunday, March 18.

The multi-award winning singersongwriter will also be touring other parts of Victoria this year with a Warragul Arts Centre show on May 26 and a performance at the Plenty Valley Arts Centre on August 15

Our Kinda Country ■ The annual Our Kinda Country Royal Childrens Hospital fundraiser will be held on March 11.

Flanagans Traralgon will come alive with a host of bands and artists donating their talent for the cause.

Performers include Yesteryear, Evan Platschinda, Ryan Shore, Sandra Rasmussen, Chris Newman, Bryce Wright and more, plus raffles and auctions.

- Rob Foenander

r Observbei z Show

Passion at Chapel Wish You Were Here A life-long passion for roaming with her camera and sketchpad, an en plein air painting workshop in Tuscany, a wedding in Portugal and a recent residency in UK's Lake District, have been the collective inspiration for Pamela Reid's latest exhibition Wish You Were Here.

Her suitcase now carries canvas, oil paints and brushes, the tools for mixing surrounding colours, to create a series of 'postcards from my palette'.

Pamela's previous solo exhibition at Chapel off Chapel, Women in Love, demonstrated her responses to the impact of light and the framework of life drawing.

Wish You Were Here reveals her experience if being within a landscape and capturing its essence.

Exhibition opens February 27 to March 25.

Opening hours daily: 12 Noon to 5pm.

Chapel Off Chapel 12 Little Chapel St, Prahran - Peter Kemp

Kingston Art Centre ■ Applications for 2018-19 arts grants are now open and will close Monday April 2 (Easter Monday) at midnight, Each year the City of Kingston invites individual artists, not for profit arts groups and organisations to apply for an arts grant as part of the wider Community Arts Program.

If you are applying as and individual or group you must be a practising artist or arts worker and an Australian citizen o permanent resident.

You may not apply for a grant if you received a grant, or administered a grant, from the City of Kingston in the past and that grant has not been satisfactorily acquitted.

Artists, not for profit groups and organisations can apply for an Arts Grant across all four categories. Community Arts $3000; Youth Arts Internships $3000; Arts and Cultural Tourism $5000; Sharing Cultures $5000.

The City of Kingston Arts and CulturalAdvisory Committee will assess your application.

All arts grants will be assessed on the following criteria: creativity, innovation and originality, capacity for engagement, project outcomes.

Applications must be submitted online by visiting Smarty Grants at http// lingston.smartygrants.com.au When completing your application please check that you have read the Arts Grants Guidelines and Checklist and that you have completed all sections as required.

All required information must be supplied to be eligible for assessment.

Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted for assessment. The deadline for ap-

Melbourne Arts plications is Monday, April 2. There will be an information session at Westall Community Hub today (Wed., Feb. 21) at 11.30 am-1pm.

Kingston Art Centre 979 Nepean Hw, Moorabbin - Peter Kemp

Burrinja Gallery ■ Oneekends from Sunday March 4 - 25, 114pm in the Foyer, art works of Olga Megemes and Hsin Lin will be displayed.

In the Gallery, the members Collage Exhibition will be displayed Official opening is at 2pm on March 11. All works are for sale.

Burrinja Gallery 351 Glenfern Rd, Upwey - Peter Kemp

Geelong Gallery Outrage, obscenity and madness Elizabeth Gertsakis Elizabeth Gertsakis; digital paintings and works on paper reinterpret the illustrations accompanying reports of crimes and misdemeanours published in broadsheet newspapers by Richard Egan Lee in 1870s Victoria, including newsworthy events that occurred in and around Geelong.

An advocate for the dissemination of information to all classes of settlers.

Egan Lee fought multiple slander and obscenity cases - after each of which he established a new masthead including Police News, Police Budget, Citizen Press, Banner of Truth and Pictorial Weekly budget - and changed visual censorship laws in Victoria.

Gertsakis's profiling and re-evaluation of these images 140 years after they first circulated amongst Victoria's burgeoning population is particularly timely given recent and ongoing censorship debates, while her digital manipulation of images parallels the cut and paste techniques of the historical broadsheet illustrators.

Until May 6.

Recent acquisitions 2016 -17.

A diverse selection of paintings and works n paper that reflects the Gallery's active acquisition program and the generosity of a range of valued donors. Included works by Benjamin Armstrong, Brent Harris, Gloria Petyarre, Rosslynd Piggott and Robert Rooney.

On This Day Friday Saturday Wednesday Thursday February 21 February 22 February 23 February 24

■ Actor Kelsey Grammer was born in the Virgin Islands in 1955.

American actor Christopher Atkins was born in New York in 1961 (57).

US actor William Baldwin, younger brother of Alec, was born in New York in 1963 (55).

■ Lord Baden-Powell, founder of Scouts, was born in 1857. He died aged 83 in 1941.

Australian director and producer Ken G Hall was born in 1901. He died aged 92.

US actor Robert Young (Father Knows Best) was born in 1907. He died aged 91 in 1998.

■ Former Australian Prime Minister Sir William McMahon was born in Sydney in 1908. He died aged 80 in 1988.

Actor Peter Fonda was born in New York in 1939.

English actress Emily Blunt was born in London in 1981 (34).

Her work includes Devil Wears Prada.

Radio plays on stage

■ US actor James Farentino was born in New York in 1938. He died aged 71 in 2012.

Australian actor, director and producer Phil Avalon (Philip Holbrow) was born in Newcastle in 1945 (70).

English actor Dennis Waterman was born in 1948 (70).

● Ben Volchok ■ Ben Volchok Presents features two episodes of original radio comedy, live on stage from April 9-22 at Tasma Terrace as part of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival.

Written and performed by Ben Volchok, a range of characters will be embodied for this one hour’s entertainment and draws inspiration from classic radio comedy programs such as The Goon Show and Hancock’s Half Hour.

From the creator of Ben’s Illustrious Fact Show come two new adventures, Pru Blue: Outback Spy Hunter and Mysteries of an Uncanny Nature.

With multitudes of characters and silly puns, it’s all done live on stage in front of the audience’s ears.

Ben Volchok is a winner of the Melbourne University Campus Comedy Competition, which has previously been won by the likes of Ronny Chieng, Hamish Blake and Sammy J. Performance Dates: April 9 -22 Time: 7pm Venue: Tasma Terrace, 6 Parliament Place, East Melbourne Tickets: micf.tickets.red61.com - Cheryl Threadgold

Reef Dreaming ■ Justin Evans is an emerging indigenous artist, Reef Dreaming is his first exhibition The show represents the vivid imagery of his homeland in Queensland - a place he holds dear to his heart.

The show consists of a collection of painted artworks representing his deep-rooted connection to the stories of the saltwater and reef which he explores through this exhibition.

Opening Friday February 23 to Saturday March 24..

The Ferntree Gully Arts Society.

The Hut Gallery 157 Underwood Rd, Ferntree Gully - Peter Kemp Melbourne

Observer

Monday Sunday February 25 February 26 ■ Pim O’Brien is 94.

Actor Zeppo (Hebert) Marx was born in New York in 1901.

He died aged 78.

Ian ‘Pee Wee’ Wilson, one of the Delltones, was born in Sydney in 1940 (78).

George Harrison, one of The Beatles, was born in Liverpool in 1941. He died aged 58

■ Actor Jackie Gleason was born in New York in 1916. He died aged 71 in 1987.

Actor Tony Randall was born as Leonard Rosenberg in 1920.

US actress Betty Hutton was born in 1921.

She died at 86.

Singer Fats Domino was born in New Orleans in 1928.

Tuesday February 27 ■ Singer Guy Mitchell (Al Cernik) was born in Yugoslavia in 1927.

He died aged 72 in 1999.

Actress Joanne Woodward was born in 1920. She is the widow of Paul Newman.

Dame Elizabeth Taylor was born in London in 1932.

She died in 2011.

Thanks to GREG NEWMAN of Jocks Journal for assistance with birthday and anniversary dates.

Jocks Journal is Australia’s longest running radio industry publication.

Find out more at www.jocksjournal.com

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Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, February 21, 2018 - Page 43

Observer Showbiz

TV, Radio, Theatre

Music Bus Tour ■ From late February, Arts Centre Melbourne and the Australian Music Vault extend an invitation to jump on board a Melbourne Music Bus Tour, with six guided tours scheduled to take place this year in celebration of Melbourne’s rich musical heritage.

Relevant, irreverent, educational and entertaining, the tour will include a broad and diverse range of inner Melbourne sites such as Dame Nellie Melba’s first home, the residence of Kylie Minogue, sites visited by the Beatles and ABBA as well as venues and locations associated with Nick Cave, AC/DC, the Seekers, the Easybeats, Men at Work, Paul Kelly, Kim Salmon, Frente, Gotye, King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard and Courtney Barnett. There will also be some surprise stop-offs along the way to pick up announced guests.

Running for approximately 3½-hours with one scheduled stop, the Melbourne Music Bus Tour departs from out the front of the Australian Music Vault at Arts Centre Melbourne and will travel to South Melbourne, Albert Park, St Kilda, Prahran, South Yarra, Richmond, Abbotsford, Collingwood, Fitzroy, Carlton and the city before returning to its point of departure.

Ticketholders will get to visit current venues, iconic laneways, important indigenous music spots, music video locations and places which have inspired some of our most loved songs.

The tour will also visit locations to which the general public would not normally gain access, such as recording and rehearsal studios and musicians’ homes.

Sites visited on the tour include: Armstrong Studios; Bakehouse Studios; Champion Hotel; Crystal Ballroom; the Dogs in Space house; The Espy; The Exford; Faraday Street; Ian ‘Molly’ Meldrum’s house; Muchmore Ballroom; Mushroom Records; the Nylex Clock sign; the Old Greek Theatre; the Palace; Punters Club; Richmond Recorders; Sing Sing Studios; Tiger Lounge and the Venue. The tour will also travel to Chrissy Amphlett Lane, Charcoal Lane, Rowland S. Howard Lane and AC/DC Lane.

Leading the tour will be Melbourne’s very own musicologist Bruce Milne, a lifetime resident of Melbourne who has been involved with Triple R since its fledgling years, founded the iconic independent record store and label Au-go-go Records, managed artists, worked at EMI in A&R and now coowns Greville Records.

Bruce introduced rock bar culture to Melbourne when he established International Bar on the same site which the Ding Dong Lounge now inhabits, and was licensee of one of Melbourne’s archetypal live music venues, The Tote Hotel as documented in the film Persecution Blues. Bruce Milne is also a member of the Australian Music Vault Advisory Group.

Bruce Milne says of the tour, “There’s musical history on every street and corner of Melbourne. There’s colourful (sometimes outrageous) tales too. I have stories to tell but I love to hear stories from other people as well. Get on the bus and let’s explore and share- and have some fun.”

Open daily and featuring a free permanent exhibition, digital and interactive experiences and an extensive learning program, the Australian Music Vault charts the story of contemporary Australian music from the 1950s until today.

It showcases the iconic people, events and places that define Australian music in a purpose-built exhibition space within Arts Centre Melbourne’s Theatres Building on St Kilda Rd, Melbourne.

Patrons of the Australian Music Vault are co-founder of Mushroom Records Michael Gudinski, music legend Ian ‘Molly’ Meldrum, songstress Kylie Minogue, indigenous singer-songwriter Archie Roach and Australian singer/songwriter Tina Arena.

Turn To Page 49

Happy 100th birthday Betty

● Betty Newton (centre) celebrates her 100th birthday with sons Rex (left) and Ross Newton.

■ When Betty Newton celebrated her 100th Not to be deterred, Betty heard that a female birthday with 40 family and friends at the pharmacist in Darwin had been accepted into Victoria Golf Club, she was joined by relatives the Forces, so with much spirit argued her case from New Zealand, Perth, Queensland and many in Melbourne, and finally succeeded. parts of Victoria, including her home town of She joined the Australian Army Medical Corryong.

Women’s Service and after training at an army Betty was delighted to receive greetings from base, was promoted to Staff Sergeant, serving the Queen, the Governor-General and the Prime as a pharmacist at Heidelberg Repatriation HosMinister, and reminded guests of the amazing pital. advances in technology she has witnessed over When Betty moved to Highett after the War, the past 100 years. the area mostly consisted of open paddocks and Cars and aeroplanes were still a novelty when market gardens. she was born. There was no spacecraft, no teleNewly married and always community convision, computers or mobile phones. She asked scious, Betty lobbied the local council for muchguests to imagine life without all those things, needed resources for families such as schools, and ‘wow!’ was heard from several quarters. kindergartens and roads.

In her professional life, Betty was one of a Betty courageously opened her own pharfew women to qualify as a pharmacist in the macy in Highett in 1955, and became a much1930s. She applied to enlist in the Armed Forces loved and highly respected identity when operwhen World War II broke out, but the applica- ating her business there for 25 years. tion was refused because she was a woman.

- Cheryl Threadgold

Bombshells breaks stereotypes ■ Wit Incorporated present the comedy Bombshells in the Bluestone Church Arts Space in Footscray from March 9 -24.

Six women are about to explode and they are not sure whether to laugh, cry, scream or tap dance.

How long do you have fake it before you make it? Why are we still pretending that everything is okay? Join the mother, divorcee, the drama nerd, the bride, the widow and the diva as they balance gladness, sadness and madness.

This is the first offering of Wit Incorporated’s year of accessible theatre. Artistic Director Belinda Campbell ensures that every season has an Auslan interpreted show and a relaxed performance, and good wheelchair access.

Director Sarah Clarke says: “Coming off the back of our year of women and diversity on stage, it’s exciting to tell stories that are entertaining, important and told by women.

“They are real women in moments of hilarious chaos and we’re right there with them as they navigate the turmoil.”

Clarke believes Bombshells is important because it disproves of some of the feminine stereotypes constantly grappled with in today’s world.

“Bring your mum, your nanna, your wife, your best friend and your aunties,” says Clarke. “This is a rollercoaster that we can all relate to.”

Thanks to Arts and Culture Maribyrnong, local residents can obtain tickets to a free preview on Wednesday, March 7, by emailing their suburb and phone number to hello@witinc.com.au with ‘Bombshells tickets’ in the title.

Bombshells is a VCE text and students are

● Belinda Campbell and Jennifer Piper in Bombshells. encouraged to stay after the show to discuss the text and its themes with the cast and creative team.

Performances: March 9-24 Venue: Bluestone Church Arts Space, 8A Hyde St, Footscray Tickets: $30 full, $25 Conc, $15 Preview Auslan interpreted show Thursday March 15 Relaxed performance: Sunday, March 18 Tickets on sale now at www.witinc.com.au/ whats-on/bombshells - Cheryl Threadgold

Faulous Singlettes

● The Fabulous Singlettes: Naomi Eyers, Melissa Langton and Diane Dixon. Photo: Pierre Baroni ■ Three pairs of perfectly feline eyeliner flicks, matching beehives, three tangerine and fuchsia cocktail dresses, kitten-heel pumps and opera gloves take to the stage and belt out the Shoop Shoop song, One Fine Day and Be My Baby.

Think Dreamgirls powerhouse vocals but with slapstick, innuendo and great choreography and you have The Fabulous Singlettes.

A costume change reveals three blue-satin, Mad Men-esque Stepford wives complete with frilly aprons and Doris Day wigs who launch into a passive-aggressive medley of classics like It’s My Party and I’ll Cry If I Want To, I Only Want To Be With You and Where The Boys Are. Next, unsuspecting audience members, Barry, John and Don are inveigled to play the Dating Game onstage.

Barry eventually wins a tin of spam. Another costume change and we’re in the Diva era with a medley of Supremes hits.

Another costume change and we’re in the 70s. Think Farrah Fawcett’s bouncy blow wave, poodle perms and ABBA-inspired gold lame; Saturday Night Fever with eye rolls.

Accompanied by a four-piece band, the Singlettes keep the entertainment coming for two hours. It’s hard to believe that the Singlettes have been touring the world for the past 30 years.

The formula is fresh and funny and the audience loved it.

The Fabulous Singlettes would not have lasted if they weren’t so good at what they do. Terrific harmonies, great costuming and great comic timing are what makes the Singlettes fabulous.

Naomi Eyers, Melissa Langton and Diane Dixon are on time, on point, funny and faultless.

- Review by Kathryn Keeble

Paul signs off ■ Veteran radio broadcaster Paul Konik signed off on Friday (Feb. 16) after 56 years in the industry.

For the past 16 years Paul has been the breakfast show presenter at 3NE, based at Wangaratta.

● Paul Konik

Page 44 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, February 21, 2018

Observer Showbiz

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Movies, DVDs with Jim Sherlock, Aaron Rourke What’s Hot and What’s Not in Blu-Rays and DVDs FILM: MOTHER! Genre: Drama/Horror/Mystery.

Cast: Jennifer Lawrence, Javier Bardem, Ed Harris, Michelle Pfeiffer.

Year: 2017.

Rating: MA15+ Length: 121 Minutes.

Stars: **** Verdict: A couple's relationship becomes increasingly tested when uninvited guests arrive unexpectedly at their eerily isolated house undergoing renovation, and what is seemingly a harmonious beginning soon disrupts their tranquil existence and things slowly spiral out of control.

Oscar nominated writer-director Darren Aronofsky has created a complex, spellbinding, intensely searing and highly evocative journey of innocence and psychological horror of unrepentant and irredeemable evil.

Comparable to such filmmakers as David Lynch, Terry Gilliam, Jean Cocteau, Stanley Kubrick and Roman Polanski, Aronofsky has excelled in controlling emotion, tension, and most importantly, commanding audience's attention throughout.

Jennifer Lawrence as the increasingly concerned wife, Javier Bardem as her poet-writer husband, and veterans Ed Harris and Michelle Pfeiffer as the mysterious couple, all shine in their respective and complex roles of what lies beneath.

Aided superbly by its claustrophobic setting and isolated surroundings and by a haunting music score reflective of Gyorgy Ligeti (The Shining, 2001: A Space Odyssey), here is a work clearly inspired by a number of (unmentionable) classics.

Alice in Wonderland meets Black Sabbath, if you like an audacious, exhilarating, dark, disturbing, shape-shifting, mind-bending and thought provoking horror of ambiguous surrealism filled with shock and awe, then this is for you.

FILM: BLADE RUNNER 2049: Genre: Sci-Fi/Thriller.

Cast: Ryan Gosling, Harrison Ford, Ana de Armas, Robin Wright, Jared Leto.

Year: 2017.

Rating: MA15+ Length: 163 Minutes.

Stars: **** Verdict: Thirty years after the events of the first film, a new blade runner, LAPD Officer K unearths a long-buried secret that has the potential to plunge what's left of society into chaos, and K's discovery leads him on a quest to find Rick Deckard, a former LAPD blade runner who has been missing for three decades.

Sicario (2015) and Arrival (2016) director Denis Villeneuve and executive producer Ridley Scott have created an absolutely Spellbinding long-awaited (35 years) follow up to Scott's 1982s sci-fi classic "Blade Runner," which fans of the original and the science fiction genre will relish from the opening frame to the last.

Ryan Gosling puts in a solid performance as K, the new LAPD replicant hunter "Blade Runner," along with Robin Wright as his superior, Lt. Joshi, Ana de Armas as K's holographic girlfriend, and Jared Leto as the (Replicant) Corporation CEO. Harrison Ford in his reprisal as blade-runner in hiding Rick Deckard from the original 1982 "Blade Runner" compels the film and story to dizzying heights as the secrets unfold and past meets the future, with shattering results.

Director Villeneeuve, along with cinematographer Roger Deakins (The Shawshank Redemption), have combined to create a bold, lush, complex, surreal, mind-bending and visually eye-popping spectacle as enthralling and aesthetic as the original.

"Blade Runner 2049" may not be perfect, length its main debated issue, but add to the mix a haunting and pulse-pounding music score by Oscar winner Hans Zimmer and Benjamin Wallfisch, the end result is a highly intelligent, original, thought provoking, poignant, and thrilling multi-layered tapestry that not only respectfully honour's its own legacy, but to the science fiction genre as a whole.

FILM: BATTLE OF THE SEXES: Genre: Biography/Comedy/Drama.

Cast: Emma Stone, Steve Carell, Andrea Riseborough, Bill Pullman, Elizabeth Shue, Sarah Silverman, Alan Cumming.

Year: 2017.

Rating: M. Length: 121 Minutes.

Stars: ***½ Verdict: Based on the true story of the 1973 tennis match between World number one Billie Jean King and ex-champ and serial hustler Bobby Riggs, in the wake of the sexual revolution and the rise of the women's movement, and billed as "Battle of the Sexes" it became one of the most watched televised sports events of all time, reaching 90 million viewers around the world.

Tremendously enjoyable entertainment, and even though the outcome of this legendary match is well documented in history, the inside story and overall outcome hits the mark, a real crowd-pleaser, and then some.

Emma Stone gives an outstanding career defining performance as the beleaguered but brilliant Billie Jean King as she battles personal demons and champions for equality, however, it is Steve Carell as the chauvinistic and acid tongued clown prince of the tennis court, Bobby Riggs, one of the first self-made media-age celebrities, that lifts it to a whole new level in an unforgettable performance.

Where the film also excels is off the tennis court, as it delves seamlessly into the personal lives, most notably with a beautifully sensitive performance by Andrea Riseborough as the hairdresser in her relationship with Billie Jean King.

Also starring Elizabeth Shue, Bill Pullman, Sarah Silverman and Alan Cumming, this is an extremely thrilling, humorous, poignant and entertaining experience, a solid, finely tuned and well choreographed effort told with intelligence and respect, and whether you are a fan of tennis or not, "Battle of the Sexes" serves up a real treat!

Rourke’s Reviews: Bill Paxton ■ It is hard to believe that it's almost a year since beloved character actor Bill Paxton suddenly and tragically passed away on February 25 2017, due to complications that arose during heart surgery.

He was incredibly well-liked by colleagues and movie-goers alike, and it was a massive loss that fans are still getting over.

Mr Paxton was only 61 years old. To commemorate this fine actor, who also pursued a career behind the camera, here are some of my favourite Paxton films.

It is fun to try and spot him in fleeting parts in Jonathan Demme's second feature Crazy Mama (1975), and the Bill Murray comedy smash Stripes (1981).

Streets Of Fire (1984) (M). 93 minutes.

Walter Hill's glittering homage to 50's Drive-In fare is a wonderful mix of motorcycle gangs, catchy music, and young love. Bill Paxton plays Clyde, Michael Pare's old bartender friend. Also stars Diane Lane and Willem Dafoe.

The Terminator (1984) (M). 107 minutes.

The film that put James Cameron on the map is a relentless sci-fi/action/thriller, about a cyborg set from the future to kill the mother of the future leader of the human resistance.

Mr Paxton's role is brief but memorable, and is the one who feeds Arnie one of his famous lines.

Weird Science (1985) (M). 94 minutes.

Not the best film from teen expert John Hughes, but has enough insightful moments to be worth a look, and Mr Paxton gives a committed performance as one of the main character's obnoxious older brother.

Commando (1985) (R). 90 minutes.

Mr Paxton is only in one scene, but it is a worthy excuse to recommend this outrageous Arnie action/ comedy, which always puts a smile on your face.

Aliens (1986) (M). 137 / 154 minutes.

The film that properly introduced the world to Mr Paxton, who is superb as the faux-tough Private Hudson, with a multitude of lines that millions of people still quote today.

Near Dark (1987) (R). 94 minutes.

One of the best and most unusual vampire films ever made, written by Eric Red (The Hitcher) and directed by Oscar winner Kathryn Bigelow (The Hurt Locker, Zero Dark Thirty). Mr Paxton commands the screen throughout.

Predator 2 (1990) (R). 108 minutes.

Colourful, explosive sequel is somewhat under-rated, and helmed with energy, style and skill by Aussie Stephen Hopkins. Mr Paxton is the talkative newcomer who joins Danny Glover's close-knit group of L.A. cops who battle the dangerous alien. Beware of the cut version that was originally shown in Australian cinemas.

One False Move (1992) (R). 105

● Bill Paxton minutes.

Arguably Mr Paxton's finest work as an actor, playing a spirited southern cop who attempts to help the FBI capture a trio of killers. Costars and is co-written by Billy Bob Thornton. A cult favourite that deserves to be seen.

Trespass (1992) (R). 101 minutes.

Mr Paxton re-teams with director Walter Hill for this tough, violent action/thriller, written by Robert Zemeckis and Bob Gale, of Back To The Future fame. Another film that is very under-rated.

True Lies (1994) (M). 141 minutes.

His role may be relatively small, but Mr. Paxton walks away with the film, absolutely hilarious as a sleazy used car salesman who infuriates super spy Arnie.

Apollo 13 (1995) (PG). 140 minutes.

Solid retelling of the troubled Apollo 13 mission, featuring reliable performances from Paxton, Tom Hanks and Kevin Bacon.

A Simple Plan (1998) (M). 121 minutes.

Sam Raimi's tale of greed ruining friendships may be uneven, but it is worth watching for Mr Paxton's outstanding central performance.

Frailty (2001) (MA). 100 minutes.

Mr Paxton stepped behind the camera to direct this eerie, unsettling thriller, while offering a strong, measured performance as a father who may or may not be receiving heavenly messages to kill demons who appear to be human.

2 Guns (MA). 109 minutes.

After disappearing from the big screen for several years to star in the hit TV series Big Love, Mr Paxton made a welcome return in this Lethal Weapon-style action/ comedy, starring Denzel Washington and Mark Wahlberg, and once again steals the film, this time as the main villain.

Edge Of Tomorrow (2014) (M).

113 minutes.

Big budget alien invasion movie, where Mr Paxton is certainly having fun as Tom Cruise's loudmouthed sergeant.

Nightcrawler (2014) (MA). 118 minutes.

Bill Paxton plays a veteran news videographer who sets newcomer Jake Gyllenhaal on a very dark path indeed. Dan Gilroy's scathing thriller has a typically transformative performance from Gyllenhaal, but Mr Paxton is also a stand-out.

Top 10 Lists FEBRUARY 18-24 THE AUSTRALIAN BOX OFFICE TOP TEN: 1. FIFTY SHADES FREED. 2. THE GREATEST SHOWMAN. 3. I, TONYA. 4. INSIDIOUS: THE LAST KEY. 5. DEN OF THIEVES. 6. JUMANJI: WELCOME TO THE JUNGLE. 7. MOLLY'S GAME. 8. THREE BILLBOARDS OUTSIDE EBBING, MISSOURI. 9. DARKEST HOUR. 10. THE 15:17 TO PARIS. NEW RELEASES AND COMING SOON TO CINEMAS AROUND AUSTRALIA: FEBRUARY 15: BLACK PANTHER, CODE GEASS LELOUCH OF THE REBELLION MOVIE, LADY BIRD, THE MONKEY KING 3: KINGDOM OF WOMEN. FEBRUARY 22: 2:22, A FANTASTIC WOMAN, ANOTHER MOTHER'S SON, ERIC CLAPTON: LIFE IN 12 BARS, FINDING YOUR FEET, GAME NIGHT, THE BBQ, WINCHESTER. THE DVD AND BLU-RAY TOP RENTALS AND SALES: 1. BAD MOMS 2 [Comedy/Mila Kunis, Kristen Bell, Kathryn Hahn].

2. SUBURBICON [Comedy/Mystery/Drama/ Matt Damon, Julianne Moore, Oscar Isaac].

3. BLADE RUNNER 2049 [Sci-Fi/Mystery/ Drama/Ryan Gosling, Harrison Ford, Robin Wright].

4. THIS BEAUTIFUL FANTASTIC [Comedy/ Fantasy/Drama/Jessica Brown Findlay].

5. BRAD'S STATUS [Comedy/Drama/Ben Stiller, Michael Sheen, Austin Abrams, Jenna Fischer].

6. GEOSTORM [Action/Thriller/Sci-Fi/Gerard Butler, Ed Harris, Abbie Cornish].

7. THE LIMEHOUSE GOLEM [Horror/Thriller/ Bill Nighy, Olivia Cooke, Douglas Booth].

8. MOTHER! [Mystery/Horror/Jennifer Lawrence, Javier Bardem, Michelle Pfeiffer, Ed Harris].

9. BATTLE OF THE SEXES [Comedy/Biography/Drama/Emma Stone, Steve Carell].

Also: BRAWL IN CELL BLOCK 99, HOME AGAIN, TOMMY'S HONOUR, THE SNOWMAN, ANOTHER MOTHER'S SON, JIGSAW, THE LOVERS, THE MOUNTAIN BETWEEN US, KINGSMAN: THE GOLDEN CIRCLE, THE FOREIGNER. NEW RELEASE HIGHLIGHTS ON DVD THIS WEEK: GOODBYE CHRISTOPHER ROBIN [Biography/Drama/Domhall Gleeson, Margot Robbie].

DETROIT [Crime/Drama/Thriller/John Boyega, Will Poulter, Anthony Mackie].

SHOT CALLER [Crime/drama/Thriller/Nikolai Coster-Waldau, Jon Bernthal].

6 BELOW [Biography/Adventure/Drama/Kale Culley, Sarah Dumont, Josh Hartnett].

CHASING THE DRAGON [Action/Crime/Biography/Andy Lau, Donnie Yen].

NEW RELEASE HIGHLIGHTS ON BLU-RAY THIS WEEK: GOODBYE CHRISTOPHER ROBIN [Biography/Drama/Domhall Gleeson, Margot Robbie].

DETROIT [Crime/Drama/Thriller/John Boyega, Will Poulter, Anthony Mackie].

6 BELOW [Biography/Adventure/Drama/Kale Culley, Sarah Dumont, Josh Hartnett].

NEW & RE-RELEASE CLASSIC MOVIES ON DVD HIGHLIGHTS: None Listed for This Week.

NEW RELEASE TELEVISION, DOCUMENTARY AND MUSIC DVD HIGHLIGHTS: BERSERK: The Complete Series.

LOVE LIVE! SUNSHINE!!: Season 1.

ONE PIECE VOYAGE: Collection 7.

SEARCH PARTY: Season 1.

POWER: Season 4.

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Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, February 21, 2018 - Page 45

Page 46 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, February 21, 2018

Home and Garden

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Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, February 21, 2018 - Page 47

Home and Garden

Places To Go,Things To Do

Page 48 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, February 21, 2018

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Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, February 21, 2018 - Page 49

Observer Showbiz

Local Theatre with Cheryl Threadgold and team BREXITER ■ Brexiter, produced by Fifi La Boom! Productions and hosted by The MC Showroom in Prahran can be seen from March 2-4.

Based on a true story, this 60-minute production will feature singing, dancing, and anecdotes and will embodythe authentic cabaret style of the ages.

Following her debut one-woman show, Songs and Sexcapades, Fifi La Boom! is back with a new show, telling audiences once again about how she Brexited from the UK and why she left the glamorous London lifestyle for Melbourne suburbia.

Using an eclectic array of songs from Stevie Wonder to Jungle, Brexiter celebrates what makes this country so great, with the usual Fifi La Boom! comedy that will have you cringing or laughing at her ridiculous antics ... or both!

The MC Showroom is a cosy performance venue in the heart of Prahran and the popular Chapel St precinct.

With a smart layout and well-equipped facilities, it has numerous possible uses, be it creative workshops, drama classes, rehearsals, auditions, to name a few.

The MC Showroom was co-created by Melbourne music producer Craig Bryant and multicultural communication expert, Mangmang Miao through their passion to offer both an accessible and high quality creative space for local talent.

Their ultimate vision is to help launch successful creative productions with an affordable platform that encompasses the entire production process, in conjunction with the studios of Paxus Productions under the same roof.

Performance details: March 2 – 4 at 7.30pm (doors open at 7pm) Cost: $26-32 Venue: The MC Showroom, Level 1, 48 Clifton Street, Prahran Tickets: www.trybooking.com/TUXW - Cheryl Threadgold

MUSIC BUS TOUR

● From Page 43 Arts Centre Melbourne is a fitting home for the Australian Music Vault.

Much of the exhibition’s rich content is drawn from the Australian Performing Arts Collection, the nation’s leading specialist collection documenting Australia’s music, circus, dance, opera and theatre heritage.

Established in 1975 and now formally recognised as a state collection, it consists of over 600,000 items including costumes, designs, programs, photographs, posters, personal memorabilia and archival material.

The Melbourne Music Bus Tour, alongside the Australian Music Vault, builds on Melbourne and Victoria’s reputation as a cultural destination by exploring and celebrating Melbourne’s unique music history.

There are music city tours on offer in cities such as London, New York, Seattle, Liverpool and LosAngeles- Melbourne now joins this list.

Tour Dates: Saturday February 24, March 24, April 28, May 26, June 23, July 21 at 1pm Tour Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes. Please allow additional time in case of unexpected traffic Tickets: $60.00 Melbourne Music Bus Tour is all ages, however children must be accompanied by an adult.

Please arrive at the Australian Music Vault 10-15 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time. The bus will return to Arts Centre Melbourne at the conclusion of the tour. Latecomers will not be admitted.

Point of No Return launch ■ An indulgent culinary fund-raising event to be held in one of Wyndham’s finest homes on Friday, March 23 at 7pm will launch the 2018 Victorian tour of the locally written, multi-award winning play Point of No Return, written by Alaine Beek.

Titled A Taste of Heston, the exclusive meal will comprise an eight-course Heston Blumenthal themed barbecue menu, presented

by Bart Beek, Executive Chef for Everdure by Heston Blumenthal, in the stately Hopper residence at 456 Sayers Rd, Tarneit.

Special features of the event will include specialty wines, auctions, raffle and a door prize.

Tickets are limited to 75 guests.

Point of No Return is an artistic project based in Melbourne’s west. It is presented by Essence Productions in conjunction with the Wyndham Theatre Company, which celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2018.

Written for adults, the play will also target youth, reaching out to Victoria’s high schools.

This unique and relatively unknown piece of Australian history is based on the true story of the British Empire’s first ever boys’ prison, Point Puer, located at Port Arthur, Tasmania, and attempts at rehabilitation of the youths in prison.

The drama tells of the boys all belonging to a gang to survive and having a strong but difficult connection with their guard, Hawkins.

However, a new young prisoner is introduced into the group and this brings changes in power status, dynamics and risks.

The play is said to be about young men sur-

viving, belonging, loyalty and betrayal, and although brutal at times, is a story of hope.

Beek wrote the play after visiting the prison some years ago. As the mother of a young teenage boy, she found much of what they had to go through to be unfathomable, yet real.

The play has already won Judges’ Choice for Best Written Script, People’s Choice for Best Written Script and People’s Choice for Best Performed play in the 2014 National One Act Playwright awards.

It was then developed into a full length play, and with a new cast of young professional graduates, has an exciting tour planned for July and August this year.

Alaine Beek said it will be the first time these young graduate actors and crew from the west of Melbourne will have been involved in a professional tour, which she believes is necessary for the play to receive creditability and recognition.

“This is an incredible artistic local Wyndham project which will showcase to the whole of Victoria and beyond, what amazing things we are doing here,” says Beek.

The luxury barbecue event is being held to raise much-needed funds to support the tour costs.

Event Details: Friday, March 23 at 7pm Venue: Hopper residence, 456 Sayers Road, Tarneit Cost: $190 per person Bookings: www.essenceproductions.com.au - Cheryl Threadgold

Latest shows, auditions SHOWS ■ Cardinia Performing Arts Company (CPAC): Annie Until February 24 at the Cardinia Arts and Cultural Centre, Lakeside Boulevard, Pakenham. Director: Lee Geraghty. Bookings: www.cardiniaperformingarts.com ■ Heidelberg Theatre Company: Crossing Delancey (by Susan Sandler) Until March 3 at 36 Turnham Ave., Rosanna. Director: Llaaneath Poor. Tickets: $27 Full, $24 Conc. Bookings: 9457 4117 or htc.org.au ■ Brighton Theatre Company: In the Next Room or the Vibrator Play (by Sarah Ruhl) Until March 3 at Brighton Theatre, Cnr Carpenter and Wilson Sts., Brighton. Director: Natasha Boyd.

Bookings: 1300 752 126.

■ Malvern Theatre Company: Last Gas (by John Cariani) Until March 3 at Malvern Theatre, 29 Burke Rd., Malvern. Director: Helen Ellis. Bookings:1300 131 152 or www.malverntheatre.com.au ■ The 1812 Theatre: Calendar Girls (by Tim Firth) February 22 - March 17 at The 1812 Theatre, 3-5 Rose St., Upper Ferntree Gully. Director: John Mills. Bookings: www.1812theatre. com.au ■ Mordialloc Theatre Company: All the King's Women (by Luigi Jannazzi) Until March 3 at Shirley Burke Theatre, 64 Parkers Rd., Parkdale.

Director: Barbara Crawford, Bookings: 9587 5141 or www.mordialloctheatre.com ■ Eltham Little Theatre: The Importance of Being Earnest (by Oscar Wilde) February 23 March 4 at The Eltham Performing Arts Centre, 1603 Main Rd., Research. Director: Brad Buckingham. Bookings: www.trybooking.com/ book/event?eid=344247 ■ The Basin Theatre Group: It's Never Too Late (by Ron Aldridge) Until March 10 at The Basin Theatre, Cnr Doongalla and Simpsons Rds., The Basin. Director: Christine Grant.

Bookings: 1300 784 668 or www.thebasintheatre.org.au ■ Lilydale Athenaeum Theatre Company: Sylvia (by A. R. Gurney) March 1 - 17 at 39-41 Castella St., Lilydale. Director; Catherine

SHOWS ■ Strathmore Theatrical Arts Group (STAG): Wait Until Dark (by Frederick Knott) March 1 11 at the Strathmore Community Centre, Cnr Loeman and Napier Sts., Strathmore. Director: Rhys Purdey. Tickets: $20/$15. Bookings: 9382 6284 or www.stagtheatre.org/reservations ■ Beaumaris Theatre: Chicago March 2 - 17 at Beaumaris Theatre, 82 Wells Rd., Beaumaris.

Director: Debbie Keyt; Musical Director: Rhonda Vaughan; Choreographer: Camilla Klesman. Bookings: www.beaumaris theatre.com.au

AUDITIONS ■ Strathmore TheatricalArts Group (STAG): Play It Again Sam (by Woody Allen) Audition dates on website www.stagtheatre.org. Director: Lee Cook. Full details www.stagtheatre,org ■ The 1812 Theatre: Dial M For Murder (by Frederick Knott) March 4 at 7.00pm at The 1812 Theatre, 3-5 Rose St., Upper Ferntree Gully.

Director: Chris Procter. Enquiries: 9754 3081 ■ Brighton Theatre Company: Forget Me Not (by Tom Hollway) March 4 at 2.00pm, March 5 at 7.00pm at Bayside Cultural Centre, Cnr Wilson and Carpenter Sts., Brighton. Director: Annie Blood. Enquiries: 0427 848 118 ■ Peridot Theatre: 84 Charing Cross Road (adapted by James Roose Evans from the book

by Helene Hanff, March 4 at 1.00pm and March 6 at 7.30pm at the Unicorn Theatre, Mt Waverley Secondary College, Lechte Rd., Mt Waverley.

Director: Horrie Leek. Enquiries: 0412 474 255.

■ Warrandyte Theatre Company: Doubt (by John Patrick Shanley) March 18 at 4.00pm, March 20 at 5.00pm at the Mechanics Institute Hall, Yarra St., Warrandyte. Director: Susan Rundle. Enquiries: 0416 298 136 ■ Peridot Theatre: The Shoe-Horn Sonata (by John Misto) March 25 at 6.30pm, March 27 at 7.30pm at the Unicorn Theatre, Mt Waverley Secondary College, Lechte Rd., Mt Waverley.

Director: Alison Knight. Enquiries: a8knight@bigpond.net.au - Cheryl Threadgold

PAULA ARMSTRONG

● Paula Armstrong ■ Paula Armstrong is well reputed in the world of non-professional theatre for initiating innovative projects and making them happen.

Paula says she loves creating events and opportunities that bring creative people together.

She has enjoyed success as a playwright, actor and director and been involved in various aspects of theatre for over 30 years. She says, however, that she still feels like a novice.

Her first full length modern-day comedy/ drama/farce was Katerina in 2007, which made its successful debut at STAG (Strathmore Theatrical Arts Group) in November 2009, and had another airing at Eltham Little Theatre in 2013.

Paula’s short plays A Criminal Mind, Just One and The Other Sister, have been shortlisted and performed in various festivals including Boardshorts at the 1812 Theatre, Play Six and various Short and Sweet festivals in Australia and New Zealand.

The one act play version of Criminal Minds won the 2010 Boroondara National Playwright Competition.

Another of Paula’s successful projects was as producer and creator of the highly successful Ten Minute Quickies – a 10-minute play competition that enjoyed five seasons between May 2009 and May 2016, when presented at Eltham Little Theatre.

Paula is currently working with ARK Theatre’s Jimmy Dunne and Rosey Cullinan on the birth of a fresh new concept on the short play circuit.

Merging the One Act Play festival concept with a writing competition, ARKfest have paired original scripts from writers from all over Australia with Victorian theatre groups and ensembles, including 1812, Hartwell, Euroa Little Theatre and Gemco to name a few.

Actors will have five minutes to set up, perform in 10 minutes and then strike the set.

The festival runs over March 24-25, with two plays from each heat going into the finals on the Sunday evening.

Patrons can enjoy a barbecue lunch between heats with a glass of wine or some organic coffee. The event is sponsored by the Healesville RACV Country Club.

ARKfest judges include Stephen Barber, Terese Maurici, Jennifer Paragreen and Cheryl Threadgold.

Event Details: ARKfest Short Play Festival, March 24 – 25 Venue: Lilydale Heights Performing Arts Centre, 17 Nelson Rd, Lillydale.

Tickets: From $10 Bookings: https://www.trybooking.com/ book/event?eid=344224& - Cheryl Threadgold

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Page 50 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, February 21, 2018 Melbourne

Observer

Lovatts Crossword No 21 Across

Across

Down

Down

1. Seaside walkway 6. Pouch 11. Brief sharp pain 15. Most cheerful 20. Naming word 21. Chicken breed, ... Island Red 22. Nominate 23. Behind bars 25. Active 26. Indian port, now Chennai 27. Moves closer to 29. Infuriates 32. Unaccompanied 34. Hair dye 36. The N of UN 39. Firmly cooked (of pasta), al ...

41. Of punishment 43. WWII German sub (1-4) 46. Church passage 48. Tin or lead 49. Spy, ... Hari 51. Fulfil (demand) 52. Upsetting 55. US university 56. Shoe cord 59. Follows orders 61. Friar 62. Sports day 63. Britain's Scilly ...

64. Afternoon performance 67. Mythical horned horse 68. US property agent 70. Lunatic 71. Landlord's income 72. Weather map line 73. Lady's title 74. Send (cash) 75. Most avid 77. Anticipate 78. Days & ...

79. Flee 82. Painters' stands 86. Boredom 87. Long time 89. Austrian alpine flower 92. Children 94. Escapade 96. Luncheon meat 98. Identical sibling 100. Laughing scavenger 101. ... & evens 103. Fasten (envelope) 105. Civic 106. Finished 108. Number of cat's lives 111. Dig for minerals 112. Exclusive group members 114. Lampoon 116. Vow 119. Filled tortilla 120. Scottish valley 121. Exercise club 123. Incursion 124. Lambs' mothers 125. Straggler (4-5) 126. Self-sustaining environment 127. Sect, Hare ...

130. Olympic Games body (1,1,1) 131. Talk at incessantly 135. Nude 138. Brazilian soccer hero 139. Rugged peak 141. Grind (teeth) 144. A great deal of 146. In the manner of (1,2) 147. Flying saucers (1,1,2) 148. Through 149. Executive jet 150. Swine enclosure 151. Flog 152. Dictator, Adolf ...

153. Eyelid swelling 155. Ayes & ...

157. Wattle tree 158. Shafts of light 160. ... & lows 161. For a specific purpose (2,3) 162. Henry VIII royal house 163. Kon-Tiki's captain, ... Heyerdahl 165. Bride's partner 166. Immense period 167. Irish organisation (1,1,1)

168. Seance board 169. Climate feature, El ...

171. Argentina's Buenos ...

172. Struck with leg joint 175. Relationship (3-2) 176. Wading bird 179. Carrot colour 180. Middling (2-2) 182. ... spumante 184. Coaches (team) 185. Bright (future) 186. Unhappy 188. Unfluctuating 189. Earthenware cup 190. Owl call 191. Yuck!

193. Cover with gold 194. Bind with string 196. Cold meats & cheeses shop 197. Cash advance 198. Fully satisfies 200. On end 205. Named before marriage 207. Damsels 210. Mouth organ 211. Femur 212. Actress, ... Thompson 213. Anti-attacker spray 214. Gambling city, ... Vegas 216. Street 218. Fabled whale, ... Dick 219. Breakfast or dinner 220. Insignificant people 224. Excessive self-love 227. Rock band, Manfred ...

229. Hand (out) 230. Give off 231. Money resources 232. Dork 233. Slog 235. Extremely 237. Ruminate 239. Knuckle of veal stew, ... bucco 241. Perfume, ... toilette (3,2) 244. Lads 246. Size 249. Infant's carriage 252. Eminent 254. Birthplace of St Francis 256. Canada's capital 258. Hillocks 259. Baby's skin problem, ... rash 260. Licence update 263. Shopping binge 264. Spoof 265. Formed a crowd 267. Russian newspaper 270. Strangely beautiful 271. Exhausting supply of (5,2) 272. Red-nosed reindeer 273. Deliberately sink 274. Greek fable teller 277. As well 279. Ancient Peruvian 281. Hum tunelessly 284. Ukraine capital 286. Captures (criminal) 288. Rousing (speech) 292. Mongrel 294. Writer, ... Blyton 295. Uncensored 298. Milk coffee style 300. Knight's charger 301. Tapering fruit 303. Noblemen 306. Priest's lectures 308. Barrier across stream 309. Head cook 311. More briny 314. Recycle 315. Hammered (in) 316. Perspiration-soaked 317. Spanish friend 318. Crazy 319. Knowledge tests 320. Dedicatory poems 321. Suffering optical defect (5-4) 322. Shelters from sun 323. Promise 324. Moderated (5,4)

1. Prudish 2. Had to repay 3. Reception host 4. Acute anxiety 5. Manage, make ... meet 6. Young hen 7. Vegetable, spring ...

8. Moscow citadel 9. Sample (3,3) 10. Hollywood legend, Marilyn ...

11. Attracts 12. NC US state 13. Tiny insects 14. Readily 15. Dollar division 16. Silly 17. Macaroni or spaghetti 18. European currency unit 19. Ones & ...

24. The A of AD 28. In proportion, pro ...

30. Saudi native 31. June 6, 1944 (1-3) 33. First batsman 35. More orderly 37. Misfortunes 38. Kind 40. Sending via Internet 42. Take on 44. Cook in juices 45. On dry land 47. Eskimo hut 48. Became gentler 49. Latter-day Saints follower 50. Youths 53. Lurked 54. Kindles 57. German shepherd dogs 58. Admires 60. Spruce (up) 63. Crossly 65. High cards 66. Conger fish 68. Metal track 69. Neglect 76. Young paper seller 79. Extrasensory perception (1,1,1) 80. Fast-moving celestial body 81. Bursts (of laughter) 83. Royal racecourse 84. Come in 85. Slide on snow 88. Vital 90. Large birds 91. Taverns 93. Furthest inside 95. Chinese city, Hong ...

97. Utterly stupid 99. Penned 100. Principal 102. River-mouth triangle 104. Directed 107. LP material 109. Uproar 110. Set of two 111. Lowing sounds 113. Most shipshape 115. Discrepancy 117. Thyme or coriander 118. Minus 121. Mourned 122. Assembly toy kit 127. Cambodian communist group, ...

Rouge 128. Irritated (of skin) 129. Carelessly 132. Magician's chant 133. God of Islam 134. Author, Georgette ...

135. Most slender 136. Nepal's capital 137. Work clothes 138. Had 140. Pregnancy 141. Slopes

142. Space traveller 143. Bulb flowers 145. Study of past events 151. Apt 154. Tugs sharply 156. Corrosive fluids 159. Boxer, Muhammad ...

164. French yes 169. Suckle 170. Snooped 173. Token (fee) 174. Baby eagles 177. Pop song's flip (1-4) 178. Mixer drinks 181. Former (3-4) 183. Defrosting 187. Great foe 192. Alternator 195. Writers 199. Is plentiful 201. Unfeeling 202. Impact sound 203. Climb 204. Sydney surf beach 206. Bell 207. Florida resort 208. Condemn to hell 209. Pen tips 213. ... & papa 215. Greed 217. Up hill & down ...

221. Premonitions 222. News stories 223. Polluted air 224. Jacob's Old Testament twin 225. Start (of illness) 226. Scent 228. Romanticise 234. Flattery 236. Summary 238. The States (1,1,1) 240. Jet-bubble bath 242. Joined 243. Cheap-rate time (3-4) 245. Antagonist 247. Parachute delivery 248. Playful marine mammal 250. Remove (limb) 251. Prepared mentally, ... up 253. Speaks 255. Trade 257. Banknote bundles 258. Ship's bottom 261. Naturist 262. Rhyme, Wee ... Winkie 265. Mutter 266. Fissure 268. Paris landmark, ... Triomphe (3,2) 269. Charge with offence 275. Irish Republic 276. Single egg cell 278. Sniffed 280. Brothers' sons 282. Repose 283. Longest river 285. Pimples 287. Holy people 289. Stage whispers 290. Mariner 291. Black Sea port 292. Dr Jekyll's alter ego (2,4) 293. Pull heavily 296. Standards 297. Illegal moneylending 299. Garbage 302. Performer 304. From India or China 305. Composer, Andrew ... Webber 306. As a gamble, on ...

307. Nevada quickie divorce city 308. Weave (one's way) 310. Shun food 312. Towards centre of 313. Wet weather

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, February 21, 2018 - Page y, , g 51

Solution on Page 39 g

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Page 52 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, February 21, 2018

Observer Victorian Sport Melbourne

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Wine Column Complex, intriguing

Blue Diamond: Oohood should

■ Without doubt, the Tony McEvoy trained filly, Oohood, should be the one to beat in the Blue Diamond Stakes to be run at Caulfield this Saturday.

Barriers play an important part as the 1200 metre start can upset a few.

Oohood has put in two terrific runs in the Blue Diamond Preview and the prelude in recent weeks to earn her price.

In the Preview, she was well back at the 300 metre mark, and her rider, Luke Currie, zigged instead of zagging, she couldn't get a run, and finished a great third.

Then in the Blue Diamond Prelude, she was once again unlucky, this time at the barrier. She was a little on edge and the Vet wanted to check her out before she was given the all clear to race.

On top of this they used the barrier blanket to try and calm her down.

She was tardy away, and was near last at the turn, before Currie, pulled her to the extreme outside, and she flew home to get beaten a halflength by Enbihaar.

Her trainer, Tony McEvoy, was not a happy chappy after the race when I spoke to him.

He said next week an additional 100 metres is going to help, but she needs luck.

Her stablemate, Kinky Boom, is the early outright favorite after a brilliant win first up at Caulfield She beat the colts first up at Caulfield on the strength of an eight length barrier trial win.

McEvoy brought her d own on the Tuesday, having to miss another trial and she went in cold against the colts.

The mail going around was that she was good, and the mail was strong.

She began tardily, but her rider, Craig Williams, restrained her back to last place, before he made his move getting through half way down the straight to win being eased down, she is good, really good.

Kinky Boom is by the former Queenslander star, Spirit of Boom, and showed all his customary dash when Craig let her go.

Written By, prepared by Graeme Begg, is smart after a good win over another of the McEvoy runners Sanctimonious at Sandown.

Tony McEvoy has a big opinion of Sanctimonious, who he is likely to set for the Sires Produce at Flemington over 1400 metres.

Written By is by Written Tycoon, and is part-owned by Graeme's father Neville, one of the best trainers going around, when he was in charge.

Of the others the Sydney colt, Plaque Stone, prepared by James Cummings, for the Godolphin team, was a little unlucky, and ran a big race to finish second, to Written By. Long Leaf, the early favorite for the HayesDabernig team was impressive in winning, while Seabrook, from the Mick Price, camp ran a great third after getting clear in the straight.

I am sticking with the McEvoy pair, Kinky Boom and Oohood, to give you a good run for your money, providing they have luck in the run.

● Kinky Boom wins in great style at Caulfield. Racing Photos high opinion of the colt by Lohnro.

On the next line is the smart filly, Aloisia with Aaron Purcell, who is filling in for suspended trainer, Ciaron Mahar, whose suspension finishes soon.

She was an unplaced favorite in the Victorian Oaks last November, but failed to run out the 2500 metre journey and will be better suited over the 1600 metres of the Australian Guineas.

Mighty Boss, prepared by Mick Price, was extremely unlucky last start in the C.F.Orr Stakes when he took on the heavies like Hartnell, and got a bad check in the straight.

He has a lot of ability and Mick is quietly confident that he has a good one in Mighty Boss.

Peaceful State from the Weir camp has won two races and has ability, while Kaonic from the Waller team in Sydney, ran sixth over 1300 metres at Rosehill last start.

Villiermont, I thought was disappointing at his last outing in the Autumn Stakes at Caulfield over1400 metres when well supported, and it would pay top forget the run, he is better than that.

The James Cummings trained three yearold, Astoria, finished well to run third in the Autumn Stakes and will improve on that run.

One that impresses me is the Peter Gelagotis prepared, Levendi, who got back too far back at his first start since winning the Carbine Club Stakes at Flemington over the Cup Carnival.

We will follow up on the Australian Guineas as we get closer to the big day.

- Ted Ryan

Ted Ryan

Aust. Guineas

■ With the first acceptances for the Australian Guineas taken yesterday, the Australian Guineas to be run at Flemington on Saturday March 3 over 1600 metres at Flemington, the classic has attracted some good three-year-olds.

The early market has the Darren Weir good galloper, Cliff's Edge, as favourite, for the Guineas on the back of a good win over 1200 metres in the Manfred Stakes at Caulfield on February 3.

From his 11 starts the son of the Irish stallion, Canfords Cliff, he has recorded five wins and three seconds and deserves be the logical choice as favorite.

The James Cummings trained Kementari is smart and was most impressive in his win at his first start since finishing well back in the Coolmore Stud Stakes at Flemington over the Cup Carnival last November.

He's only had seven starts now with two wins two seconds and a third, and the stable have a

● Oohood runs second in the Blue Diamond Prelude. Racing Photos

● Heather Fraser has learned plenty about viognier from an excellent mentor.

■ John Rozentals finds a viognier very much to his taste.

Heather Fraser, winemaker responsible for Yalumba's 2017 Y Series Viognier, has been ideally mentored for the task.

Her boss, Louisa Rose, the company's chief winemaker, is undoubtedly Australia's most experienced hand with this often-difficult white variety.

Especially since creating the Yalumba white flagship, The Virgilius Viogner, Rose's name has become virtually synonymous with the variety in this country.

Fraser, who had graduated in chemistry and marine biology before being bitten by the winemaking bug, has obviously learned well.

I must admit to not being the world's greatest viognier fan. Too often, I simply find the variety's hallmark perfumes just too overwhelming.

But this wine I found both complex and intriguing, delivering a range of flavours and not at all dominated by any simple perfume.

The winemaker's notes mention orange blossom, ginger, fresh pineapple, honeysuckle and dried figs. I can't disagree with any of those descriptors, neither with the food-matching suggestion of harissa chicken.

At $15, this is a great introduction to viognier, which in the Rhone Valley and Australia is also sometimes blended in small amounts with shiraz to create an alluring dry red, but that's a completely different story.

WINE REVIEWS Yalumba 2017 Y Series Chardonnay ($15): Complexity and creaminess are keynotes here, with a range of fruit flavours, including citrus and nectarine, mingling with the nutty, butterscotch flavours derived from fermentation in oak and maturation on yeast lees. This has sufficient weight to carry a white-sauced pasta dish such as carbonara.

Yalumba 2017 Y Series Sangiovese Rosé ($15): I wrote recently about the rapid growth in popularity of this Italian red variety for producing rosé styles in Australia.

Here's another example of sangiovese's ability to produce aromatic, refreshing, zesty wines that are completely dry and suit our lifestyle so well. Drink on its own or, as the winemaker suggests, with rockmelon wrapped in prosciutto.

WINE OF THE WEEK Shaw Vineyard Estate 2015 Winemaker's Selection Cabernet Sauvignon ($15): I must admit that I usually prefer young shiraz to young cabernet, simply because it's usually much more ready to drink on release, but I do like the cassis and blackberry flavours shown by this wine. It's made entirely from the company's Murrumbateman vineyards and should reward a decade's cellaring.

Drink with roast lamb.

- John Rozentals

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

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