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WEDNESDAY, MAY 16, 2018
VICTORIA’S INDEPENDENT WEEKLY NEWSPAPER
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S TATE EDITION Vol 50 No 1701 SERVING VICTORIA SINCE 1969
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FRANCSHISEES WANTED URGENTLY Melbourne Metro and Country Vic Options available; Some territories already trading; Some leads provided Low cost entry
● Dylan Henry (Scott Hastings) and Kristen Mihalos (Fran) star in an exciting new version of Baz Luhrmann’s Strictly Ballroom, The Musical at the National Theatre until May 26. Photo: Ben Fon
● See Page 36
Great apartments in Cairns
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● See advert, back page
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It’s All About You!
Melbourne
Nikki in Kabaret Dietrich Observer ■ Melbourne Cabaret Festival presents Nikki Nouveau in Kabaret Dietrich - a biography rendered through song, dance and music, being presented from June 20 – 21 at Chapel off Chapel The show is set in Weimar Republic Berlin and unmasks the trials of an ageing film star, from her early beginnings as a musician, an under-recognised performance career in cabaret and theatre, through to her emergence as a shining legend of the silver screen. Dietrich was at heart a gentleman, prepared to take on a man’s world in a man’s uniform with a man’s daring. Featuring a repertoire of cabaret classics, including Falling In Love Again, Lili Marlene and La Vie En Rose, delivered in German, French and English with accompaniment by piano and musical saw, played by Nouveau who has trained in the art of musical saw playing in NYC. Created and performed by Nikki Nouveau, a songstress, writer and producer whose glamorous productions have toured internationally to New York, Edinburgh, Adelaide, Sydney, Perth and Melbourne. Kabaret Dietrich is a unique interpretation of one of the greatest style icons of our time. Bookings highly recommended. Performance Season: June 20 – 21 at 8.30pm Venue: Chapel off Chapel, 10 Little Chapel St. Prahran Cost: $29-$38 Bookings: chapeloffchapel.com.au/show/ kabaret-dietrich/ - Cheryl Threadgold
Arts
● Peter Kemp
Hut Gallery Young Art A wonderful collection of artworks from the young people in our communities, giving them the opportunity to display their work in a gallery. Open Weekends from June 9 - 24. Closed Father's Day. The Hut Gallery 157 Underwood Rd, Ferntree Gully
● Nikki Nouveau in Kabaret Dietrich Photo: Kieran McNamara
Precarious
● Ensemble, Circus Oz’s Precarious. Photo: Rob Blackburn ■ In their 40th year, Circus Oz tumbles back cus innovation, extending expectations of cirhome to Melbourne to premiere their new cus skill and apparatus through collaboration show, Precarious, under the heated Circus Oz with the Circus Oz ensemble, musicians and Big Top. In the Royal Botanic Gardens from production team. June 26 – July15. The Precarious Co-Directors explain: “We Inspired by the garden surrounds, Precari- are in precarious times environmentally. How ous is a 70-minute non-stop spectacle of acro- much more can our ecosystem take? Are we batic mayhem for audiences of all ages. approaching the tipping point? Can humanity The Circus Oz ensemble will unearth in- restore the natural balance before it is too late?” novative circus acts to create an exciting threeTim Entwisle, Royal Botanic Gardens dimensional world that examines the fragility Victoria Director and Chief Executive, comthat exists between humanity and nature. ments, “We are delighted to be partnering with The skills and talents of the Circus Oz en- Circus Oz’s show Precarious. The show’s semble will include foot juggling, aerial rope nature theme perfectly complements the new and tippy ring, roué cyr, Chinese pole and hula location. We look forward to welcoming its hoop – all woven together with original music audience to the Gardens, and we hope to fosfrom the live Circus Oz band. ter a strong, ongoing relationship together.” Circus Oz Artistic Director, Rob Tannion, Performance Season 26 June – 15 July Dujoins forces with independent director, Kate ration 70 minutes (no interval) Fryer, to craft Precarious and create the mayVenue Circus Oz Big Top hem that is the ministry of nature – an absurd Location Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria, lo-fi bureaucracy filled with acrobatics, aeri- Southern Cross Lawn als, live music and physical comedy. Tickets $35 – $60 (plus booking fees) Brought together by their shared love of Bookings ticketek.com.au storytelling in recognisable, yet surreal worlds, Bookings: School and relax performances Tannion and Fryer will continue to push cir- artscentremelbourne.com.au
Japan and Birth of Modern Art
■ In 1854, Japan opened its borders to international trade following a long period of self-imposed isolation. The resulting influx of Japanese artworks into Europe triggered an artistic revolution, known a Japanisme, that helped to lay foundations of Western modern art. The never-before-seen Japanese objects and boldly-coloured woodblock prints offered dynamic new possibilities for European artists and craftspeople, who ado pted elements of the visual language of Japanese art in order to forge a new European art aesthetic. Japanisme: Japan and the Birth of Modern Art draws from works from the National Gallery of Victoria's collection to explore this period o art history through exquisite examples of Western decorative arts, works on paper, paintings, fashion and textiles, photography as well as Japanese art. The exhibition highlights include Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec's iconic Divan Japonais poser, examples from the 1866 Bracquemond-Rousseau dinner service, and a sinuous Art Nouveau display cabinet designed by Louise Majorelle, showcasing the influences of Japanese aesthetics on French furniture. Turn To Page 58
In This Edition
Cheryl Threadgold - Local Theatre Gavin Wood - West Hollywood Kevin Trask - Melbourne Showbiz Rob Foenander - Country Music Matt Bissett-Johnson - Cartoonist David Ellis - Travel John Rozentals - Wine James Sherlock - Movies, DVDs Aaron Rourke - Reviews Ted Ryan - Observer Racing Len Baker - Harness Racing Movies, DVDs The Arts Local Theatre C&W
Observer Showbiz
Latest News AroundVictoria
Police search
■ Police are appealing for public assistance to help locate missing Morwell mother Dominica Fenech and her five week old baby son Riley. The pair were last seen at a Fitzroy medical clinic about 2.45pm on Friday (May 11).. Police and family members have concerns for their welfare due to the length of time they’ve been missing.
More arrests
■ Detectives from the Armed Crime Squad have charged two more people following a shooting in Morwell in February. A 30-year-old Broome man was extradited from Broome and a 37-year-old Hastings man was arrested in Hastings.
Robbery case
■ A man has been charged by detectives from the Armed Crime Squad following an alleged attempted armed robbery at a bank in Geelong. A 55-year-old Winchelsea man was charged with attempted armed robbery, common law assault, assault with a weapon and commist offences whilst on bail. He faced Geelong Magistrate’s Court that day and was remanded to appear again on August 3..
Forecast ■ ■ ■ ■ ■
Today (Wed.). Mostly cloudy. 8°-13° Thurs. Mostly cloudy. 11°-14° Fri. Scattered showers. 9°-16° Sat. Scattered showers. 8°-14° Sun. Partly cloudy. 9°-16°
Mike McColl Jones
Top 5
THE T OP 5 C OMMENT S THA T MIGHT TOP COMMENT OMMENTS THAT BE HEARD WHEN THOUSANDS POSE NUDE FOR A PHOTO IN CHAPEL S TREET STREET TREET..
5. "Hang on, I just got caught in the tram track". 4."I don't think 'smile for the dicky-bird' is appropriate". 3. "I really don't think this is the place to be eating a kebab". 2. "That reminds me - I must ring my cousin in Tasmania". 1."I don't recall the face but everything else seems familiar".
Page 10 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 16, 2018
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■ Following the success of her autobiography, Electro Girl, Lainie Chait steps off the page and onto the stage in her first solo show, being presented from May 28 – June 2 at 7pm at The Butterfly Club. Electro Girl is the true story of Lainie’s journey living a symbiotic existence with epilepsy, and how her triggers – cheap alcohol, drugs, lack of sleep and dysfunctional relationships – bring on her seizures. Lainie says her tale is at times funny and also confronting as it challenges how the medical fraternity manages epilepsy and shines an electrical spotlight on alternative treatment options. Lainie is an author, stand-up comedian and public speaker. She created Electro Girl to expand the current beliefs around epilepsy and powerfully nudge audiences back into the driver’s seat in managing their own health. Bookings recommended. Performance Dates: Monday May 28 – Saturday June 2 at 7pm (except Tuesday) Cost: $27-34 Venue: The Butterfly Club, 5 Carson Place, Melbourne Tickets: thebutterflyclub.com - Cheryl Threadgold
National Gallery Major retrospective ofAustralian abstract painter Robert Hunter. Renowned for his complex geometric whiteon-white paintings Robert Hunter (1947 - 2014) will be celebrated in a major retrospective at NGV Australia featuring more than 40 works which traverse his more than 40-year career. At age 21, Hunter was the youngest artist to participate in the landmark exhibition The Field at the NGV in 1968. This exhibition announced the arrival of latemodernist abstraction into Australia and opened the new NGV building on St Kilda Rd. By the age of 27, Hunter had established himself internationally and was invited to participate in major international exhibitions including Eight Contemporary Artists at New York's Museum of Modern Art in 1974.IN the 1970s, Hunter maintained an unwavering commitment to a singular aesthetic, creating complex patterns using everyday materials such as masking tape and white Dulux house paint. Each of Hunter's paintings took up to three months to create and test the very limits of visual perception, revealing clean, crisp geometries and subtle hints of colour upon close inspection. The exhibition opened April 27 and is running until August 28. At The Ian Potter Centre Federation Square Swanston St. Melbourne The Field Revisited: NGV restages radical exhibition 50 years on. Regarded as a landmark exhibition in Australia's art history, The Field was the National Gallery of Victoria's inaugural exhibition at its new premises in St Kilda Rd. in 1968. With its silver foil-covered walls and geometric light fittings, this boundary-pushing exhibition was the first comprehensive display of colour field painting and abstract sculpture in Australia and opened to much controversy at the time. The Field boldly launched the careers of a generation of young Australian artists including Sydney Ball, Peter Booth, Janet Dawson and Robert Jacks, many of which were influenced by American stylistic tendencies of the time. Eighteen of the exhibiting artists were under 30 years, with Robert Hunter the youngest at 21 years As a number of works from the original 1968 exhibition are known to have been destroyed, and the fate of six paintings and six sculptures still remain unknown, the NGV commissioned a number of artist, including Garrey Foulkes, Col Jordan, Emmanuel Raft, Trevor Wickers and Normana Wright to recreate their original works for The Field Revisited. The remaining works from the original exhibition hat are absent from the 2018 exhibition will be commemorated through a specially designed silhouette on the gallery walls, their physical apace marked out throughout the exhibition to reinforce their importance and place in the 1968 exhibition
● Lainie Chait in Electro Girl. Where possible, the fate of these missing works will be noted in the exhibition wall text, allowing visitors an invaluable insight into the recent history of these works. The Field Revisited is accompanied by a reprinted version of the rare and highly collectable 1968 exhibition publication alongside a new publication which reflects on the importance of this exhibition over the past 50 years. Exhibition runs until August 2 at Ian Potter Centre Federation Square Swanston St. Melbourne. National Gallery of Victoria 180 St Kilda Rd. Melbourne - Peter Kemp
Regina returns After a long six year wait, New York's Russian born indie iconoclast Regina Spektor will return to Arts Centre Melbourne’s Hamer Hall for a special solo performance for one night only on Sunday July 8 – performing songs from her entire career including her breakthrough album Begin to Hope and most recent Remember Us to Life. Born in the Soviet Union, Regina Spektor began studying classical piano at the age of six. She continued that training after her family emigrated to New York City in 1989, eventually studying composition at the Conservatory of Music at Purchase College where she graduated with honours. She began writing pop songs in her late teens and made her recorded debut in 2001 with the self-released 11:11, a collection of songs heavily influenced by jazz and blues. Songs followed in 2002 and Soviet Kitsch in 2004. Introduced to the world by indie band The Strokes after they invited her to open for them on their 2003/2004 tour, Spektor’s commercial breakthrough came in 2006 with her fourth LP, Begin to Hope. The gold-certified album included the singles “On the Radio,” “Better” and “Fidelity,” which climbed the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart. Spektor released Far in 2009 and What We Saw From the Cheap Seats in 2012 - both debuting at No. 3 on the Billboard 200 albums chart. Following the Arts Centre Melbourne performance, Spektor will be performing for one night only at the Sydney Opera House on Monday July 9. - Contributed
Your Stars with Kerry Kulkens ARIES: (March 21-April 20) Lucky Colour: White Lucky Day: Friday Racing Numbers: 2.3.6.9. Lotto Numbers: 2.13.15.26.39.34. A very favourable time to try new ventures and asking special treatment from the people that matter. Many opportnuties coming your way, and it would be wise to grab them with both hands. Love life is also strongly featured. TAURUS: (April 21- May 20) Lucky Colour: Peach Lucky Day: Monday Racing Numbers: 4.6.5.8. Lotto Numbers: 4.12.26.29.8.33. Past efforts will now pay dividends. Some troubles at hoe could surface and there are a few changes at home to be made. A good period for real estate dealings. GEMINI: (May 21- June 21) Lucky Colour: Yellow Lucky Day: Tuesday Racing Numbers: 4.6.8.5. Lotto Numbers: 4.6.5.2.19.36. Do not spend your hard earned money too freely. Many will get support from influential people to achieve their ideals. Many will get recognition they have hoped to get from the people that really matter. CANCER: (June 22- July 22) Lucky Colour: Green Lucky Day: Thursday Racing Numbers: 1.3.9.5. Lotto Numbers: 1.15.26.45.42.24. Be discreet about love affairs. You will get the support needed to get ahead in your career. Beware of so called friends who may be jealous of you success. LEO: (July 23-August 22) Lucky Colour: Blue Lucky Day: Friday Racing Numbers: 1.3.5.9. Lotto Numbers: 1.15.26.36.38.40. A very favorable time to start a new venture or career.A new idea you have worked out could become successful. Many could meet the right person and embark on a long and meaningful relationship. VIRGO: (August 23- September 23) Lucky Colour: Green Lucky Day: Sunday Racing Numbers: 6.5.2.3. Lotto Numbers: 6.12.25.40.32.33. Do not take your work problems with you, leave them where they belong. Many will take a new direction in life. Also a job offer in a completely new field is indicated. LIBRA: (September 24- October 23) Lucky Colour: Red Lucky Day:Wednesday Racing Numbers: 4.6.2.3. Lotto Numbers: 4.12.26.36.35.2. You might need to be diplomatic and understanding in your domestic relationships to prevent fireworks. Everything will depend on maintaining harmony and most what you were working towards will eventuate. SCORPIO: (October 24- November 22) Lucky Colour: Grey Lucky Day: Wednesday Racing Numbers: 4.6.2.5. Lotto Numbers: 2.13.26.25.45.40. Take the opportunities as they come along this way much progress will be achieved during the next few weeks.Your partner could have a problem coping with your moods, try not to impose your views on others. SAGITTARIUS: (November23- December 20) Lucky Colour: Green Lucky Day: Monday Racing Numbers: 4.3.2.5. Lotto Numbers: 4.12.23.36.35.8. A few problems in the domestic area is likely you could be pushing a willing horse too far. If you take life as it comes for the next week or two your nervous tension will subside. CAPRICORN: (December 21- January 19) Lucky Colour: Yellow Lucky Day: Sunday Racing Numbers: 1.3.5.2. Lotto Numbers: 1.12.15.26.36.39. A tendency to go extremes will only make life more difficult for you, if you push too hard you will only come up with more opposition to your ideas. You must realize that some involvements will only take not give. AQUARIUS: (January 20- February 19) Lucky Colour: Cream Lucky Day: Saturday Racing Numbers: 9.6.3.2. Lotto Numbers: 9.6.3.32.20.12. The unusual and did different are likely to change your established routine. A very fast moving period but for many it will turn out to be profitable if you have any ambitions as a business person. PISCES: (February 20- March 20) Lucky Colour: Blue Lucky Day: Friday Racing Numbers: 4.9.8.7. Lotto Numbers: 7.5.12.26.36.39. For the ones that have done their homework success is assured, but the others you just have to start again and this time with more fore thought about what you are doing. Some lucky periods coming up fairly soon. KERRY KULKENS PS YCHIC LINE 190 2 240 051 or 1800 727 727 CALL COST: $5.50 INC G.S.T. PER MIN. MOB/PAY EXTR A. VISIT KERR Y KULKENS MAGIC SHOP AT 1 693 BURW OOD HWY BELG RAVE PH/FAX (0 3) 9754 4587 W WW .KERRY KULKENS.C OM.AU Like us on Facebook
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Melbourne Arts At Collingwood Works on Paper: Christina - Night Swimming. Louise - Where are we now? This exhibition opens at 5pm on Saturday (May 19) and runs until May 31. Collingwood Gallery 292 Smith St, Collingwood. - Peter Kemp
Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 16, 2018 - Page 11 Melbourne
Observer
Showbiz News
Sounds of Swing
Theatre People Trevor Ashley
Eildon Gallery By Way of Navigation An exhibition by Emma Hamilton. By Way of Navigation explores the disparities between our attempts to understand landscape through scientific calculation, mapping and photography, and our lived experiences. By Way of Navigation places our scientific modes of understanding landscape in direct intersection with the terrain of a Norwegian island. This is a landscape where light is an integral form of measurement, and locals navigate through sightlines. Using as its starting point a found diagram depicting the distortion of landscape through photography, this project explores the disparities between lived experience and or attempts to understand landscape through calculations, mapping and photography. Through the camera scientific observation meets visual observation, recording an image that simultaneously embodies the two. Exhibition: May 23 - June 10. Alliance François Eildon Gallery 51 Grey St, St Kilda - Peter Kemp
Burrinja Gallery The Power of the Sea. An exhibition of oil paintings and pastels by Maxwell Wilks depicting activities within and around Port Melbourne and on other waters. Maxwell Wilks is based in the Dandenong Ranges but he enjoys painting the powerful and strong shapes that are an everyday sight in their working day. Exhibition May 12 - June 10. The Wonder Wigwam -Amy Middleton & Dave Thompson Burrinja Kids Stay and Play: free family activity by local artists. The Wonder Wigwam is an interactive visual and sound installation for children and families. Created as a catalyst for imaginary play, The Wonder Wigwam uses books, environment and sensory triggers to evoke imagination and wonder. It brings together elements of an outdoor dwelling that includes a wigwam constructed from wood, fabric and found materials, interactive lighting, a soundscape and a range of books for children to enjoy that directly engages with theme of imagery contemplation/ play and idea generation. Illustrative books that so not include text will also be for those who find reading difficult due to age or language barriers. The installation will include a soundscape made in collaboration with local sound artist Dave Thompson. Turn To Page 59
● Guada Banez and Sonia Battistina in Sounds of Swing at the Knox Community Arts Centre. ■ SLAMS Musical Theatre Company team big band classics and jazz standards with a full up up with ‘The Fields’ Big Band to present big band backing. Sounds of Swing, a night of Swing, Jazz, Latin, Performance Dates: May 25, 26, 31, June 1, Funk and Soul, from May 25 to June 2 at 8pm at 2 at 8pm the Knox Community Arts Centre, Bayswater. Venue: Knox Community Arts Centre, 790 Directed by Robert Valk, with musical and Mountain Highway, Bayswater. co-direction by Marcus Fleming and choreogBookings: https://www.trybooking.com/book/ raphy by Katrina Katz, the show’s talented cast event?eid=363222&, 0412 605 182 or by email invites audiences to step back in time and enjoy slams.mtc@live.com.au
Bryce is new Director ■ Arts practitioner Bryce Ives is the new Artistic Director at Theatre Works, commencing in June. Bryce has extensive experience in fostering large-scale creative outcomes, and joins Theatre Works from the Ballarat Arts Academy at Federation University, where he was Director. He has also been Artistic Director of the Present Tense Ensemble, an Executive Producer of the ABC and General Manager at SYN Youth Media. Bryce has a strong commitment to rural and regional communities, to young Australians and striving for equity and equality. His broad professional experience includes media and broadcasting, community development and the music industry. Theatre Works Chair Ros Willett said: “The Board of Theatre Works is delighted to announce the appointment of Bryce Ives as our new Artistic Director. “Bryce’s past collaborations with diverse communities is invaluable as we develop our artistic model, purpose and place within the contemporary Australian theatre community.” Bryce Ives says of his appointment: “Theatre Works is iconic, a critical player in Australia’s theatre community in one of Melbourne’s most interesting neighbourhoods,
● Trevor Ashley ■ Trevor Ashley started out as a talented male cabaret artist in Sydney struggling to find work. His life changed when a ‘Drag Queen’ performer from the legendary Albury Hotel in Oxford Street saw him onstage and suggested he try working in Drag. Trevor took the advice and it has been successful part of his theatrical career. The big difference is that most Drag performers perform their act whilst miming another singer - Trevor has a great voice and actually sings in his act. His stage revues have included Fat Swan, Little Orphan tr Ashley and Gentlemen Prefer Blokes. He has toured his Trevor The Arena Mega Musical to New York's Don't Tell Mama and The Talk of London in England. Trevor has written comedy material for himself and many other artists. As an actor he has played roles in stage musicals such as Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Hairspray, The Producers and Les Misérables. Trevor Ashley's latest show The Bodybag - The Panto opens at the Comedy Theatre on Thursday, May 31 The cast includes five performers and has been touring Australia to great reviews. This musical spoof is only on for three performances and tickets can be booked via Ticketmaster. The show is for adults - the plot involves multi-award winning superstar Rachel Marinade who is one of the most successful entertainers ever to have come runner-up on Australian Idol. But after a spate of creepy "fan mail" it's clear that Rachel needs protection. TrevorAshley will be my interview guest during That's Entertainment on 96.5 Inner FM, Sunday (May 20) at 12 noon. - Kevin Trask
Tubular Bells
Melbourne Observations
with Matt Bissett-Johnson
● Bryce Ives St Kilda. My history with Theatre works spans the past seven years, through my role as Artistic Director of Present Tense, when we produced Ricercar and Margaret Fulton: Queen of the Dessert at Theatre Works. “I have a strong desire to see Theatre Works connect meaningfully with the most pressing and urgent conversations of our time. To be a local venue with a truly global perspective, to be a place renowned for its inclusive visionary approach.” Over the next three months, Bryce plans to invite artists, friends and community members to join him in a conversation about the future of Theatre Works. Questions will include how new creative voices can be fostered to thrive through Theatre Works and how to strengthen important voices in the community. - Cheryl Threadgold
● Daniel Holdsworth (left) and Tomas Bamford in Tubular Bells For Two at Arts Centre Melbourne. More details on Page 59.
Page 12 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 16, 2018
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Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 16, 2018 - Page 13
Observer Magazine
Stateside with Gavin Wood in West Hollywood
Aussie scores big in ‘Shot In The Dark’ ■ Hi everyone, from my suite at the Ramada Plaza Hotel and Suites comes this week's news.
5th largest economy ■ California's gross domestic product surpassed $2.7 trillion from 2016 to 2017, making the U.S. state the world's fifthlargest economy, bigger than that of even the United Kingdom, according to recently released federal data. The most populous U.S. state saw a boom in almost every single economic sector, with a $26 billion growth in real estate and $20 billion in the information sector, according to the California Department of Finance. The state's economic output is now short of only that of Japan, China, Germany, and the total GDP of the U.S. the last time the state's economy ranked as the world's fifth largest was in 2002.
Melbourne to the world ■ From his role as presenter with Bert Newton on Channel 10's morning show 12 years ago to now sitting on top of the world, Shannon Watts has, in the eyes of Hollywood, made the big time. 'Shot in the Dark' is all about the cameramen armed with camcorders and police scanners in search of shocking and grisly crimes on the Los Angeles back streets and freeways after dark. The video footage ends up on the morning television news service. The Hollywood movie called Nightcrawler which starred Jake Gyllenhaal was similar to what happens in Shot in the Dark. Shannon Watts is the creator and executive producer and now after this success on Netflix worldwide, Shannon has many other shows that he is presenting to the major television networks and cable channels. It's a tough town to get anything produced and Shannon Watts has achieved so much. He is about to build his empire. A true local boy made good. Behind most Aussies that are trying to make it on the biggest stage in the world is the Managing Director of the Ramada Plaza Hotel and Suites, Alan Johnson who is always there to lend a helping hand to fellow Aussies. Pictured in front of the Ramada Plaza Hotel and Suites on Santa Monica Boulevard in West Hollywood is Mr. Alan Johnson with Executive Producer Shannon Watts.
Coca-Cola as health tonic
Spy agency triples work
● Alan Johnson with Shannon Watts
■ At a time when soda fountains were popular in the US due to the widespread belief that carbonated water was good for the health, American pharmacist John Pemberton came up with his own formula for a health tonic. Among its ingredients were cocaine, derived from the coca leaf, and caffeine, derived from the kola nut, leading to the name Coca-Cola. It was initially sold as a patent medicine for five cents a glass. It has come along way since then.
US, top oil exporter ■ As global oil markets shift their attention from U.S. shale oil production back to a resurgent Saudi Arabia and Russia and geopolitical concerns bearing down on oil prices, the U.S. is poised to surpass Saudi Arabia next year as the world's largest exporter of crude and oil products. The U.S. exported a record 8.3 million barrels per day last week of crude oil and petroleum products. Top crude oil exporter Saudi Arabia's, for its part, exported 9.3 million barrels per day in January, while Russia exported 7.4 million barrels per day.
Paris Hilton hacked ■ Paris Hilton made an appearance in federal court for the sentencing of a hacker who authorities say used her bank and credit card information to run up huge bills. Paystar Bkhchadzhyan was sentenced to four years and nine months in prison Monday and was ordered to pay more than $318,000 in restitution to Hilton's banks and credit card companies. In a deal with prosecutors, she pleaded guilty in November to conspiracy to commit bank fraud. In an unusual move in such cases, the 37-year-old heiress showed up at the downtown Los Angeles courthouse in a business suit and sunglasses to give a victim impact statement.
Santa Monica’s big jobs ■ Here is the top 11 paid positions in 2016 in Santa Monica, CA. The amount shown includes pay, overtime, and benefits. 1. Police Chief = $488,033 2. Deputy Police Chief = $453,831 3. Police Captain = $451,606 4. City Manager = $447,945 5. Asst City Manager = $437,902 6. Asst City Attorney = $436,482 7. City Attorney = $435,751 8. Police Captain = $427,305 9. Fire Captain - Suppression = $412,770 10. Fire Captain - Suppression = $411,823 11. Police Sergeant = $406,487.
Unemployment below 4%
GavinWood
From my Suite at the Ramada Plaza Complex on Santa Monica Blvd
■ The U.S. unemployment rate has moved below 4 percent the first time it has broken that symbolic barrier since December 2000, according to a report from the Department of Labor Statistics on Friday. However, job growth was slightly lower than expected in April. American employers added 164,000 jobs in April, less than what economists had previously forecast. Wages grew 2.6 percent from a year earlier also slightly below expectations. The economy has now been expanding for almost nine years, the second longest streak on record. Also Black, Hispanic unemployment rates hit record lows. The unemployment rate for black workers hit the lowest on record in April, according to the latest jobs figures released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The unemployment rate for black workers dropped to 6.6 percent, beating the previous record low of 6.8 percent set in December. The jobless rate for Hispanics fell to 4.8 percent, tying the record reached last year and in 2006. Meanwhile, unemployment for white Americans stood at 3.6 percent.
Out and About
Observer holiday deal ■ 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 Happy Holidays, Gavin Wood
■ The U.S. National Security Agency collected 534 million records of phone calls and text messages of Americans last year, more than triple gathered in 2016, a U.S. intelligence agency report released on Friday said. The sharp increase from 151 million occurred during the second full year of a new surveillance system established at the spy agency after U.S. lawmakers passed a law in 2015 that sought to limit its ability to collect such records in bulk. The spike in collection of call records coincided with an increase reported on Friday across other surveillance methods, raising questions from some privacy advocates who are concerned about potential government overreach and intrusion into the lives of U.S. citizens.
● Jennifer Aniston
www.gavinwood.us
■ Jennifer Aniston at Nello in NYC. ■ Tony Danza celebrating his birthday at Patsy's Italian Restaurant in NYC. ■ Marty Rhone wearing Denim and Lace on the subway in New York City. ■ Jackie Mason cracking up his waitress and the next table at Hi-Life Bar & Grill in NYC. ■ It's a boy for Kirsten Dunst and Jesse Plemons. The couple 36 and 30, respectively welcomed their first child, a rep for Dunst confirmed Tuesday. ■ Taylor Swift's Ex, DJ Calvin Harris and his girlfriend, ■ Aarika Wolf, slammed into another car this weekend, leaving a couple of young ladies injured. Eyewitnesses tell us Calvin's girlfriend, Aarika, was behind the wheel of a Range Rover on a residential street Sunday in Beverly Hills.
Page 14 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 16, 2018
Victoria Pictorial
www.MelbourneObserver.com.au
Service Stations Historic Photo Collection
● Footscray Motors, Hugh Williams Pty Ltd. Hopkins St.
● Dalgety Service Station. Church St, Richmond.
● Ripponlea Service Station
● Discount petrol sold by George Ljubinkovic. 1968
● Shell Service Station.
● Adelphi Service Station. Cnr St Georges Rd and Nicholson St.
● Halls Gap
● Junction Petrol Station. St Kilda Junction. Circa 1934.
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Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 16, 2018 - Page 15
Local History
Failed fight for a railway line ■ Whilst nearby lines opened in succession, Kinglake was unable to obtain the railway link to Melbourne that it so wanted. Victorian Railways Commissioners opened lines to Yea (November 16, 1883), Yarra Glen (May 15, 1888) and Whittlesea (1889). Kinglake’s only link was through its Timber Tramway that had a link to a siding at the Whittlesea Railway Station. Kinglake locals held out hope that the Hurst’s Bridge line that opened on June 25, 1912 (renamed as Hurstbridge on December 9 of the same year) might be extended to the top of the mountain. The Evelyn Observer newspaper reported on October 19, 1883, that a deputation representing Alphington, Heidelberg, Greensborough, Eltham, Nillumbik, Diamond Creek, Kangaroo Ground, Caledonia and Kinglake, met with the Commissioner of Railways. The depuattion comprise Messrs. P. W. Smith, John Donldson, Crisp, Jos. Blond, Studley, Scotland, Iredale, Flintoff, Wingrove, Wippell, Peers, N. Ellis, Cumming, John Bell, Robert Smith, and Staff accompanied by Dr. Dobson and Mr. Balfour, M.LC.'s, and Mr. Harper, M.L.A., introduced by Mr. E. H. Cameron. “The deputation, who took it for granted that the extension of the rail way from Alphington to Heidelberg was a certainty, asked that a survey be made from Heidelberg to pass midway between Greensborough and Eltham, thence up the valley of the Diamond Creek,” reported the Evelyn Observer, then headquartered at Kangaroo Ground. “The population on this route, within a radius of five miles was given at 3500. The mining portion at 270, and the amount of gold obtained during the quarter ended 30th September last, was 1095 ozs., value, £4880. “There were four crushing machines and a couple more likely shortly to be erected. “It was also pointed out that within the same radius there were 40,000 acres of alienated land, a great deal of which was purchased at prices from £1 to £5 some 35 or 40 years ago, and all small holdings, hence the larger population, who were occupied principally on the land producing a large quantity of fruit and cereals “It was contended that the valley of the Diamond was famous for the quantity and quality of the fruit grown. It was also mentioned that the timber forest could be reached
● Whittlesea Railway Station: earliest days. Photo: John Young Collection, at a nearer distance to Melbourne deputation retired well satisfied with “As far as Kinglake was con- opened, as also would cattle breedthan by any other route. the reception they received,” re- cerned, he had been living there ers, who would then truck their cattle “Railway accommodatioin was ported the Observer. many years and simply through per- to market. strongly urged on the ground that alThe same newspaper, in 1885, severance had made living, and was “Under existing circumstances though the localities to be served are reported on the efforts to have a rail- now realising £500 a year, while he they preferred to drive them to only fron 15 to 30 miles from the way to Yarra Flats (Yarra Glen), knew others who had taken up se- Melbourne, as it was the cheapest. Metropolis the transit of produce to noting that a road proposed byEltham lections and had commenced with “Mr Gillies, in reply to the depumarket costs as much as it does from Shire Council on land belonging to £500, £1000, and even £2000, had, tation, said he did not think it was the the agricultural districtsof Boort, Kinglake pioneers Staff and after spending their all, gone back to intention of anyone that the line would Charlton, or Dimboola, with their Thomson would bring Kinglake Melbourne. stop at Heidelberg, certainly it was hundreds of miles from Melbourne. within nine milles of the proposed “This was not owing to the land not his. “The deputation, to show their Yarra Flats railway station. being poor, but owing to it costing “He knew from personal visits to moderation, would be satisfied with The July 6, 1888 Observer noted from £20 to £30 an acre to clear,” the district that the several gentlea small instalment to begin with and that 50-60 people, representing the said the newspaper. men who had spoken had in no way only asked a survey to the Upper area between Heidelberg and Muddy “If a railway was constructed the exaggerated their remarks, and he Diamond, a distance of 12 miles Creek, met at the Grand Hotel, timber could be sent to Melbourne, would be glad to do all all he could to from Heidelberg, thus bringing a rail- Spring St, Melbourne, to discuss the and then, instead of ruination, it have the survey made. (Cheers),” way within four miles of Kangaroo discussion about the Heidelberg- would pay them to clear. noted the Observer. Ground, five of Panton Hill, eight Kinglake railway soon to be held “The mountain, too, was particuIn 1889, a meeting of the Railway of Queenstown, and four or five of with the Victorian Premier. Mr Beale larly adapted for growing fine veg- League at Queenstown was reported Arthur's Creek. represented Queenstown (St etables, and would supply the mar- in the local press. “The deputation is more likely to Andrews) and Mr McAleese was the ket at that time of the year when veg“A meeting, consisting of a numsucceed in their request on account spokesman for Kinglake. etables were scarce. ber of local residents and gentlemen of their moderation. Mr Beale said that the route the “The people residing on the other from Melbourne, was held at the “Another feature of this deputa- line would go could honestly be side of the watershed of the Divide Hall, Queenstown, on Friday evening tion was that each did not deem it termed a valley or orchards, each looked to and depended on this line. last, regarding the proposed Heidelnecessary to have his say, but was orchard varying in extent from one “Now they had to turn their backs berg to Kinglake railway. satisfied with the way the introducer to 10 acres. to Melbourne for a long distance if “Mr J. L. Beale, President of the put their claim, and so ably sup“The district was known to be a they desired to reach that place by Elthnm Shire Council, and Presiported by Messrs. Dobson, Balfour, particularly healthy one, and the im- rail. dent of the local Railway League, ocand Harper. pressive knolls, admirably adapted “There was a large number of cupied the chair. “Mr. Wingrove, who spoke, a few for villa residences, would be eagerly stock bred and reared there which “The Chairman, after stating he words, incidentally mentioned that sought after if the desired boon was would be sent by railway. Stock and had received an apology from Mr. care should be taken in entering obtained,” Mr Beale said. produce were ever increasing in the Cameron, who was unable to attend, Heidelberg to keep in view the sup“There was a gold industry too. A district and would increase tenfold if said one of the chief reasons for callplying of districts to the north-east, good deal of prospecting had been the railway was opened,” the Ob- ing the meeting arose through the “Mr. Gillies, in reply quite agreed done in times gone by, and even at server reported. desire of a number of gentlemen rethat care should be taken that the rail- the present time men were engaged Mr McAleese, of Muddy Creek, siding in Melbourne, but who hold way to Heidelberg should not termi- in it.” spoke strongly in favour of this line; land at Kinglake, to have their names nate at the place in a cul de sac, and “Payable gold had been obtained it would make a difference of be- onrolled as members of the league. was so impressed with a good case in several claims down to water level, tween 50 and 60 miles to them. “Several letters were read, the having been made out, that be prom- and he was of opinion it only required “A large number of splitters were most important of which perhaps was ised to have a flying survey made, capital to find that they were pay- engaged in the paling industry, who one from Mr. McAleese, of the would be gainerrs if this line was Muddy Creek sidebeyond Kinglake. for which he was thanked, and the able below that level.
● The freight service to Whittlesea was closed in the mid 1950s and the passenger service remained until the line beyond Thomastown was closed on November 28, 1959.
● Work on the Hurstbridge reailway line, early 1900s.
Page 16 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 16, 2018
Observer Magazine
■ Lyon Himan Green was born in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, 100 years ago. He was the son of Russian Jewish immigrants and he was known as Hyman during his school years. He started acting in drama productions whilst attending Queens University in Kingston. After graduation Hyman accepted a fellowship at the Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre in New York City. He returned home two years later and started working as a news reader at the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation where he became known as ‘The Voice of Canada’. He was now using the stage name of Lorne Greene. In 1938 Lorne married Rita Hands and they had two children. During the war years Lorne served in the Royal Canadian Air Force. After the war he returned to radio and invented a stopwatch that worked backwards to allow announcers to gauge how much time they had time available to close a program. In 1953 he was in a Broadway production of The Prescott Proposal and co-starring with Katharine Cornell at the Broadhurst Theatre. Lorne scored roles in television dramas and then appeared in films such as The Silver Chalice, Autumn Leaves, Peyton Place and The Trap. After a guest role in the television series Wagon Train he was asked to play ‘Ben Cartwright’ in the new western Bonanza. His hair was silver and he was perfectly cast
Whatever Happened To ... Lorne Green
By Kevin Trask of 3AW and 96.5 Inner FM
in the role. The series ran from 1959 till 1973 and it became one of the most popular shows on television. He was a father to three sons living on a ranch called The Ponderosa sometime after the American Civil War. The sons were originally played by Michael Landon, Pernell Roberts and Dan Blocker. Elvis Presley was a big fan of the show and visited the set. Following his divorce from Rita he married Nancy Deale in 1961 and they had a son. Lorne was earning a huge salary from Bonanza and became extremely wealthy through investments in real estate and other projects. He built a house in Arizona which was a
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Lorne appeared as a guest on The Dean Martin Show. Dean and Lorne sang songs and did some ad-lib dialogue as they sat on two very undisciplined horses. It was brilliant television Dean said he wanted to be on Bonanza and Lorne replied that he would make a great guest star. Dean quipped, "I don't want to be a guest star I want to be a son." It was hilarious. After Bonanza finished Lorne went straight into a new television crime series Griff where he played a private detective. He had a small role in the film Earthquake playing opposite Gregory Peck and Ava Gardiner. Lorne found fame again when he starred as ‘CommanderAdama’ in the futuristic television series Battlestar Galactica for several years. He was a guest star on many television shows such as The Love Boat, Highway To Heaven and Police Squad. His last acting role was as a lawyer in Dallas. Lorne Greene died in Santa Monica in 1987 at the age of 72 from pneumonia complications following surgery for an ulcer. Kevin Trask The Time Tunnel - - Sundays on 3AW ● Lorne Green That's Entertainment - 96.5FM replica of The Ponderosa. In 1964 he had a Sundays at 12Noon number one hit song titled Ringo and this led to a 96.5FM is streaming on the internet. series of popular albums. Lorne Greene visited Australia several To listen, go to www.innerfm.org.au and follow the prompts. times.
Churchillian devotion to the bubble ■ Having led Britain to victory in World War II as his nation’s Prime Minister and then seen his party thrown out of office in the first election after that war, Winston Churchill had one particularly important job in mind when he was re-elected again by voters in 1951. And that was to stock-take the cellars when he moved back into the Prime Ministerial home and office at Number 10 Downing Street. And critically for just how many bottles of Champagne they held, and of those how many were of the Champagneloving Churchill’s favourite drop, Pol Roger. When the reply came back that there was none, Churchill got straight on the phone to the Champagne house’s owner and his friend, Mme Odette Pol Roger in Epernay, who within an hour had a few cases heading to Number 10 post-haste. And all this before Churchill had even held his first Cabinet meeting there. Although he’d been enjoying Pol Roger for years, it was only in 1944 during a visit to Paris after the liberation of France by the Allies, that Churchill first met Jacques and Odette Pol Roger at a luncheon at the British Embassy. He was swept away both by Odette’s beauty and her wit (“as sparkling as her Champagne,”) and openly praised her courage as a bicycle courier for wartime’s French Resistance. As their friendship developed, the Pol Roger’s named their finest premium Champagne as Cuvee Winston Churchill, while he in turn named one of his race horses Pol Roger, and during the last 10 years of his life ordered over 500 cases of Pol Roger Champagne – literally a carton a week. And 46 years after his death in 1965, the French street in which the Pol Roger cellars are located was renamed in 2011 by the local Epernay Municipality, Rue Winston Churchill.
Pie-time ■ Pie eaters unite – June’s around the corner and that means it’s time again for Australia’s biggest celebration of everything pies in NSW’s Southern Highlands… that becomes the Southern Pie-lands for all of June.
WIN A DOUBLE PASS TO THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW The Rocky Horror Show returns to Melbourne’s Her Majesty’s Theatre from July 13. Australia’s favourite multi- award winning triple threat Todd McKenney will star as Frank n’Furter, a role he has wanted to perform since commencing his career. Shane Jacobsen will perform the role of the narrator, a Rocky Horror Show role traditionally performed by major stars across the globe. ● Winston Churchill and Odette Pol-Roger award in the 2017 Qantas Tourism Awards for best Destination Marketing Campaigns. And last year’s Southern Highlands Best Pie Competition has been expanded this year to become the NSW and ACT Best Pie Competition, with five categories of pies both savoury and sweet and with the winning pies being available for visitors to search out and chomp into. Plus Pie Time’s month long celebrations will culminate in a two-day “Pie Fest” on the weekend of June 23 and 24 that showcases all things pies and their best accompanying wines, beers, ciders and spirits made in the Southern Highlands, and further afield, will this year be held at the vast Bong Bong Picnic Racecourse just outside Bowral to accommodate a greater number of stallholders and with David Ellis activities – and with Based on the towns of Bowral, plenty of visitor parking as last year Mittagong and Moss Vale and the over 4000 attended the weekend. Organisers suggest pie-lovers inmany picturesque little mountain villages around them, the Southern High- terested in visiting this year’s Pie Time lands have more pie bakeries and pie book any accommodation needs early, outlets per capita than any other re- and can do this and get any further gion in Australia, and is arguably the information, by phoning Destination unofficial Pie Capital of the country. Southern Highlands on 1300 657 559 Last year’s inaugural Southern or visiting www.visitsouthern Highlands’ Pie Time drew thousands highlands.com.au And ask also about Pie Time’s Piof pie-lovers to the Highlands through the month of June who, with enthusi- not and Pie Tours, Pie Trike Tours and astic locals, chomped their way the Pie-cycle for cycling enthusiasts through just over 100,000 pies – and to enjoy their sport and a pie or three along the way.
Struth
The Rocky Horror Show is a true classic and one of theatre’s most endearing and outrageously fun shows. It opened at London’s Royal Court Theatre on June 19, 1973, quickly developing a cult following, and was adapted into the 1975 film The Rocky Horror Picture Show, which has the longest- running release in film history. This iconic brand holds a unique place in theatre history, a show which has defied the decades and continued to grow in popularity.
To enter, post to: Rocky Horror Comp PO Box 1278, Research, Vic 3095
We have six double passes (great Dress Circle tickets) to give away to readers for the ‘Rocky Horror Show’ at the Her Majesty’s Theatre, at 7.30pm on Thursday, July 11, 2018. To enter, complete the details on this entry form, and mail it to ‘Rocky Horror Comp.’, PO Box 1278, Research, Vic 3095, to reach us by first mail on Monday, May 28. Only enter if you can attend. These are great tickets. Winners will receive their tickets by mail.
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May's Sale Item is a ready-to-hang Limited Edition Art Print of Melbourne in 1882. This is a stunning Melbourne aerial view showing the historical development of the 1880's era. It is a beautiful reminder of our wonderful past and development.
Santorini on Mudjimba Beachfront accommodation on the Sunshine Coast 4 STAR ACCOMMODATION IN MUDJIMBA, SUNSHINE COAST, QUEENSLAND This four star resort offers you the opportunity to get away from it all. You can do as much or as little as your heart desires. Come and experience Mudjimba, the way the beach used to be. Just 5 minutes from Sunshine Coast Airport, Santorini Resort on Mudjimba Beach is a favourite for families, sporting groups and romantic escapes. The Mudjimba surf patrolled beach is on your doorstep and the parkland opposite comes complete with barbecues, shaded picnic areas and children’s playground. The beach captures the very essence of what makes the Sunshine Coast so special; with golden sands stretching as far as the eye can see. In keeping with its prime beachside location, Santorini on Mudjimba will meet all your expectations for a holi-
day to remember. The apartments are spacious and well appointed. Santorini’s onsite facilities include a resort style swimming pool, half court tennis and a large BBQ & entertainment area. The resort is a non-smoking facility. Come and experience this unique and convenient location on the Sunshine Coast’s pristine coastline. Mention this advert or visit our website for special direct booking discounts. www.santorinitw.com
Mattresses Galore open mon - fri 9am-5 pm saturday 9am-4pm sunday 10am-4pm Mattresses Galore supply a wide range of homeware products. including; Beds, Mattresses, Bedroom Furniture, Manchester
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Homemaker
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Best Places
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Port Melbourne
This magnificent property is for sale as a going concern or a private house
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Healthy Living
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Observer Classic Books
Hard Times - by Charles Dickens Handle them never so lightly, and they fell to pieces with such ease that you might suspect them of having been flawed before. They were ruined, when they were required to send labouring children to school; they were ruined when inspectors were appointed to look into their works; they were ruined, when such inspectors considered it doubtful whether they were quite justified in chopping people up with their machinery; they were utterly undone, when it was hinted that perhaps they need not always make quite so much smoke. Besides Mr. Bounderby’s gold spoon which was generally received in Coketown, another prevalent fiction was very popular there. It took the form of a threat. Whenever a Coketowner felt he was ill-used — that is to say, whenever he was not left entirely alone, and it was proposed to hold him accountable for the consequences of any of his acts — he was sure to come out with the awful menace, that he would ‘sooner pitch his property into the Atlantic. ’ This had terrified the Home Secretary within an inch of his life, on several occasions. However, the Coketowners were so patriotic after all, that they never had pitched their property into the Atlantic yet, but, on the contrary, had been kind enough to take mighty good care of it. So there it was, in the haze yonder; and it increased and multiplied. The streets were hot and dusty on the summer day, and the sun was so bright that it even shone through the heavy vapour drooping over Coketown, and could not be looked at steadily. Stokers emerged from low underground doorways into factory yards, and sat on steps, and posts, and palings, wiping their swarthy visages, and contemplating coals. The whole town seemed to be frying in oil. There was a stifling smell of hot oil everywhere. The steam-engines shone with it, the dresses of the Hands were soiled with it, the mills throughout their many stories oozed and trickled it. The atmosphere of those Fairy palaces was like the breath of the simoom: and their inhabitants, wasting with heat, toiled languidly in the desert. But no temperature made the melancholy mad elephants more mad or more sane. Their wearisome heads went up and down at the same rate, in hot weather and cold, wet weather and dry, fair weather and foul. The measured motion of their shadows on the walls, was the substitute Coketown had to show for the shadows of rustling woods; while, for the summer hum of insects, it could offer, all the year round, from the dawn of Monday to the night of Saturday, the whirr of shafts and wheels. Drowsily they whirred all through this sunny day, making the passenger more sleepy and more hot as he passed the humming walls of the mills. Sun-blinds, and sprinklings of water, a little cooled the main streets and the shops; but the mills, and the courts and alleys, baked at a fierce heat. Down upon the river that was black and thick with dye, some Coketown boys who were at large — a rare sight there — rowed a crazy boat, which made a spumous track upon the water as it jogged along, while every dip of an oar stirred up vile smells. But the sun itself, however beneficent, generally, was less kind to Coketown than hard frost, and rarely looked intently into any of its closer regions without engendering more death than life. So does the eye of Heaven itself become an evil eye, when incapable or sordid hands are interposed between it and the things it looks upon to bless. Mrs. Sparsit sat in her afternoon apartment at the Bank, on the shadier side of the frying street. Office-hours were over: and at that period of the day, in warm weather, she usually embellished with her genteel presence, a managerial board-room over the public office. Her own private sitting-room was a story higher, at the window of which post of observation she was ready, every morning, to greet Mr. Bounderby, as he came across the road, with the sympathizing recognition appropriate to a Victim. He had been married now a year; and Mrs. Sparsit had never released him from her determined pity a moment. The Bank offered no violence to the wholesome monotony of the town. It was another red brick house, with black outside shutters, green inside blinds, a black street-door up two white steps, a
Charles Dickens brazen door-plate, and a brazen door-handle full stop. It was a size larger than Mr. Bounderby’s house, as other houses were from a size to half-a-dozen sizes smaller; in all other particulars, it was strictly according to pattern. Mrs. Sparsit was conscious that by coming in the evening-tide among the desks and writing implements, she shed a feminine, not to say also aristocratic, grace upon the office. Seated, with her needlework or netting apparatus, at the window, she had a self-laudatory sense of correcting, by her ladylike deportment, the rude business aspect of the place. With this impression of her interesting character upon her, Mrs. Sparsit considered herself, in some sort, the Bank Fairy. The townspeople who, in their passing and repassing, saw her there, regarded her as the Bank Dragon keeping watch over the treasures of the mine. What those treasures were, Mrs. Sparsit knew as little as they did. Gold and silver coin, precious paper, secrets that if divulged would bring vague destruction upon vague persons (generally, however, people whom she disliked), were the chief items in her ideal catalogue thereof. For the rest, she knew that after office-hours, she reigned supreme over all the office furniture, and over a locked-up iron room with three locks, against the door of which strong chamber the light porter laid his head every night, on a truckle bed, that disappeared at cockcrow. Further, she was lady paramount over certain vaults in the basement, sharply spiked off from communication with the predatory world; and over the relics of the current day’s work, consisting of blots of ink, worn-out pens, fragments of wafers, and scraps of paper torn so small, that nothing interesting could ever be deciphered on them when Mrs. Sparsit tried. Lastly, she
was guardian over a little armoury of cutlasses and carbines, arrayed in vengeful order above one of the official chimney-pieces; and over that respectable tradition never to be separated from a place of business claiming to be wealthy — a row of fire-buckets — vessels calculated to be of no physical utility on any occasion, but observed to exercise a fine moral influence, almost equal to bullion, on most beholders. A deaf serving-woman and the light porter completed Mrs. Sparsit’s empire. The deaf servingwoman was rumoured to be wealthy; and a saying had for years gone about among the lower orders of Coketown, that she would be murdered some night when the Bank was shut, for the sake of her money. It was generally considered, indeed, that she had been due some time, and ought to have fallen long ago; but she had kept her life, and her situation, with an ill-conditioned tenacity that occasioned much offence and disappointment. Mrs. Sparsit’s tea was just set for her on a pert little table, with its tripod of legs in an attitude, which she insinuated after office-hours, into the company of the stern, leathern-topped, long board-table that bestrode the middle of the room. The light porter placed the tea-tray on it, knuckling his forehead as a form of homage. ‘Thank you, Bitzer,’ said Mrs. Sparsit. ‘Thank you, ma’am,’ returned the light porter. He was a very light porter indeed; as light as in the days when he blinkingly defined a horse, for girl number twenty. ‘All is shut up, Bitzer?’ said Mrs. Sparsit. ‘All is shut up, ma’am.’ ‘And what,’ said Mrs. Sparsit, pouring out her tea, ‘is the news of the day? Anything?’ ‘Well, ma’am, I can’t say that I have heard anything particular. Our people are a bad lot, ma’am;
but that is no news, unfortunately.’ ‘What are the restless wretches doing now?’ asked Mrs. Sparsit. ‘Merely going on in the old way, ma’am. Uniting, and leaguing, and engaging to stand by one another.’ ‘It is much to be regretted,’ said Mrs. Sparsit, making her nose more Roman and her eyebrows more Coriolanian in the strength of her severity, ‘that the united masters allow of any such classcombinations.’ ‘Yes, ma’am,’ said Bitzer. ‘Being united themselves, they ought one and all to set their faces against employing any man who is united with any other man,’ said Mrs. Sparsit. ‘They have done that, ma’am,’ returned Bitzer; ‘but it rather fell through, ma’am.’ ‘I do not pretend to understand these things,’ said Mrs. Sparsit, with dignity, ‘my lot having been signally cast in a widely different sphere; and Mr. Sparsit, as a Powler, being also quite out of the pale of any such dissensions. I only know that these people must be conquered, and that it’s high time it was done, once for all.’ ‘Yes, ma’am,’ returned Bitzer, with a demonstration of great respect for Mrs. Sparsit’s oracular authority. ‘You couldn’t put it clearer, I am sure, ma’am.’ As this was his usual hour for having a little confidential chat with Mrs. Sparsit, and as he had already caught her eye and seen that she was going to ask him something, he made a pretence of arranging the rulers, inkstands, and so forth, while that lady went on with her tea, glancing through the open window, down into the street. ‘Has it been a busy day, Bitzer?’ asked Mrs. Sparsit. ‘Not a very busy day, my lady. About an average day.’ He now and then slided into my lady, instead of ma’am, as an involuntary acknowledgment of Mrs. Sparsit’s personal dignity and claims to reverence. ‘The clerks,’ said Mrs. Sparsit, carefully brushing an imperceptible crumb of bread and butter from her left-hand mitten, ‘are trustworthy, punctual, and industrious, of course?’ ‘Yes, ma’am, pretty fair, ma’am. With the usual exception.’ He held the respectable office of general spy and informer in the establishment, for which volunteer service he received a present at Christmas, over and above his weekly wage. He had grown into an extremely clear-headed, cautious, prudent young man, who was safe to rise in the world. His mind was so exactly regulated, that he had no affections or passions. All his proceedings were the result of the nicest and coldest calculation; and it was not without cause that Mrs. Sparsit habitually observed of him, that he was a young man of the steadiest principle she had ever known. Having satisfied himself, on his father’s death, that his mother had a right of settlement in Coketown, this excellent young economist had asserted that right for her with such a steadfast adherence to the principle of the case, that she had been shut up in the workhouse ever since. It must be admitted that he allowed her half a pound of tea a year, which was weak in him: first, because all gifts have an inevitable tendency to pauperise the recipient, and secondly, because his only reasonable transaction in that commodity would have been to buy it for as little as he could possibly give, and sell it for as much as he could possibly get; it having been clearly ascertained by philosophers that in this is comprised the whole duty of man — not a part of man’s duty, but the whole. ‘Pretty fair, ma’am. With the usual exception, ma’am,’ repeated Bitzer. ‘Ah — h!’ said Mrs. Sparsit, shaking her head over her tea-cup, and taking a long gulp. ‘Mr. Thomas, ma’am, I doubt Mr. Thomas very much, ma’am, I don’t like his ways at all.’ ‘Bitzer,’ said Mrs. Sparsit, in a very impressive manner, ‘do you recollect my having said anything to you respecting names?’ ‘I beg your pardon, ma’am. It’s quite true that you did object to names being used, and they’re always best avoided.’ ‘Please to remember that I have a charge here,’
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Observer Classic Books From Page 30 said Mrs. Sparsit, with her air of state. ‘I hold a trust here, Bitzer, under Mr. Bounderby. However improbable both Mr. Bounderby and myself might have deemed it years ago, that he would ever become my patron, making me an annual compliment, I cannot but regard him in that light. From Mr. Bounderby I have received every acknowledgment of my social station, and every recognition of my family descent, that I could possibly expect. More, far more. Therefore, to my patron I will be scrupulously true. And I do not consider, I will not consider, I cannot consider,’ said Mrs. Sparsit, with a most extensive stock on hand of honour and morality, ‘that I should be scrupulously true, if I allowed names to be mentioned under this roof, that are unfortunately — most unfortunately — no doubt of that — connected with his.’ Bitzer knuckled his forehead again, and again begged pardon. ‘No, Bitzer,’ continued Mrs. Sparsit, ‘say an individual, and I will hear you; say Mr. Thomas, and you must excuse me.’ ‘With the usual exception, ma’am,’ said Bitzer, trying back, ‘of an individual.’ ‘Ah — h!’ Mrs. Sparsit repeated the ejaculation, the shake of the head over her tea-cup, and the long gulp, as taking up the conversation again at the point where it had been interrupted. ‘An individual, ma’am,’ said Bitzer, ‘has never been what he ought to have been, since he first came into the place. He is a dissipated, extravagant idler. He is not worth his salt, ma’am. He wouldn’t get it either, if he hadn’t a friend and relation at court, ma’am!’ ‘Ah — h!’ said Mrs. Sparsit, with another melancholy shake of her head. ‘I only hope, ma’am,’ pursued Bitzer, ‘that his friend and relation may not supply him with the means of carrying on. Otherwise, ma’am, we know out of whose pocket that money comes.’ ‘Ah — h!’ sighed Mrs. Sparsit again, with another melancholy shake of her head. ‘He is to be pitied, ma’am. The last party I have alluded to, is to be pitied, ma’am,’ said Bitzer. ‘Yes, Bitzer,’ said Mrs. Sparsit. ‘I have always pitied the delusion, always.’ ‘As to an individual, ma’am,’ said Bitzer, dropping his voice and drawing nearer, ‘he is as improvident as any of the people in this town. And you know what their improvidence is, ma’am. No one could wish to know it better than a lady of your eminence does.’ ‘They would do well,’ returned Mrs. Sparsit, ‘to take example by you, Bitzer.’ ‘Thank you, ma’am. But, since you do refer to me, now look at me, ma’am. I have put by a little, ma’am, already. That gratuity which I receive at Christmas, ma’am: I never touch it. I don’t even go the length of my wages, though they’re not high, ma’am. Why can’t they do as I have done, ma’am? What one person can do, another can do.’ This, again, was among the fictions of Coketown. Any capitalist there, who had made sixty thousand pounds out of sixpence, always professed to wonder why the sixty thousand nearest Hands didn’t each make sixty thousand pounds out of sixpence, and more or less reproached them every one for not accomplishing the little feat. What I did you can do. Why don’t you go and do it? ‘As to their wanting recreations, ma’am,’ said Bitzer, ‘it’s stuff and nonsense. I don’t want recreations. I never did, and I never shall; I don’t like ’em. As to their combining together; there are many of them, I have no doubt, that by watching and informing upon one another could earn a trifle now and then, whether in money or good will, and improve their livelihood. Then, why don’t they improve it, ma’am! It’s the first consideration of a rational creature, and it’s what they pretend to want.’ ‘Pretend indeed!’ said Mrs. Sparsit. ‘I am sure we are constantly hearing, ma’am, till it becomes quite nauseous, concerning their wives and families,’ said Bitzer. ‘Why look at me, ma’am! I don’t want a wife and family. Why should they?’ ‘Because they are improvident,’ said Mrs. Sparsit. ‘Yes, ma’am,’ returned Bitzer, ‘that’s where it is. If they were more provident and less perverse, ma’am, what would they do? They would say, “While my hat covers my family,” or “while my bonnet covers my family,” — as the case might be, ma’am — “I have only one to feed, and that’s the person I most like to feed.”’ ‘To be sure,’ assented Mrs. Sparsit, eating muf-
‘Thank you, ma’am,’ said Bitzer, knuckling his forehead again, in return for the favour of Mrs. Sparsit’s improving conversation. ‘Would you wish a little more hot water, ma’am, or is there anything else that I could fetch you?’ ‘Nothing just now, Bitzer.’ ‘Thank you, ma’am. I shouldn’t wish to disturb you at your meals, ma’am, particularly tea, knowing your partiality for it,’ said Bitzer, craning a little to look over into the street from where he stood; ‘but there’s a gentleman been looking up here for a minute or so, ma’am, and he has come across as if he was going to knock. That is his knock, ma’am, no doubt.’ He stepped to the window; and looking out, and drawing in his head again, confirmed himself with, ‘Yes, ma’am. Would you wish the gentleman to be shown in, ma’am?’ ‘I don’t know who it can be,’ said Mrs. Sparsit, wiping her mouth and arranging her mittens. ‘A stranger, ma’am, evidently.’ ‘What a stranger can want at the Bank at this time of the evening, unless he comes upon some business for which he is too late, I don’t know,’ said Mrs. Sparsit, ‘but I hold a charge in this establishment from Mr. Bounderby, and I will never shrink from it. If to see him is any part of the duty I have accepted, I will see him. Use your own discretion, Bitzer.’ Here the visitor, all unconscious of Mrs. Sparsit’s magnanimous words, repeated his knock so loudly that the light porter hastened down to open the door; while Mrs. Sparsit took the precaution of concealing her little table, with all its appliances upon it, in a cupboard, and then decamped up-stairs, that she might appear, if needful, with the greater dignity. ‘If you please, ma’am, the gentleman would wish to see you,’ said Bitzer, with his light eye at Mrs. Sparsit’s keyhole. So, Mrs. Sparsit, who had improved the interval by touching up her cap, took her classical features down-stairs again, and entered the board-room in the manner of a Roman matron going outside the city walls to treat with an invading general. The visitor having strolled to the window, and being then engaged in looking carelessly out, was as unmoved by this impressive entry as man could possibly be. He stood whistling to himself with all imaginable coolness, with his hat still on, and a certain air of exhaustion upon him, in part arising from excessive summer, and in part from excessive gentility. For it was to be seen with half an eye that he was a thorough gentleman, made to the model of the time; weary of everything, and putting no more faith in anything than Lucifer. ‘I believe, sir,’ quoth Mrs. Sparsit, ‘you wished to see me.’ ‘I beg your pardon,’ he said, turning and removing his hat; ‘pray excuse me.’ ‘Humph!’ thought Mrs. Sparsit, as she made a stately bend. ‘Five and thirty, good-looking, good figure, good teeth, good voice, good breeding, well-dressed, dark hair, bold eyes.’All which Mrs. Sparsit observed in her womanly way — like the Sultan who put his head in the pail of water — merely in dipping down and coming up again. ‘Please to be seated, sir,’ said Mrs. Sparsit. ‘Thank you. Allow me.’ He placed a chair for her, but remained himself carelessly lounging against the table. ‘I left my servant at the railway looking after the luggage — very heavy train and vast quantity of it in the van — and strolled on, looking about me. Exceedingly odd place. Will you allow me to ask you if it’s always as black as this?’ ‘In general much blacker,’ returned Mrs. Sparsit, in her uncompromising way. ‘Is it possible! Excuse me: you are not a native, I think?’ ‘No, sir,’ returned Mrs. Sparsit. ‘It was once my good or ill fortune, as it may be — before I became a widow — to move in a very different sphere. My husband was a Powler.’ ‘Beg your pardon, really!’ said the stranger. ‘Was —?’ Mrs. Sparsit repeated, ‘A Powler.’ ‘Powler Family,’ said the stranger, after reflecting a few moments. Mrs. Sparsit signified assent. The stranger seemed a little more fatigued than before. ‘You must be very much bored here?’ was the inference he drew from the communication. ‘I am the servant of circumstances, sir,’ said Mrs. Sparsit, ‘and I have long adapted myself to the governing power of my life.’ ‘Very philosophical,’returned the stranger, ‘and very exemplary and laudable, and — ‘ It seemed
to be scarcely worth his while to finish the sentence, so he played with his watch-chain wearily. ‘May I be permitted to ask, sir,’ said Mrs. Sparsit, ‘to what I am indebted for the favour of — ’ ‘Assuredly,’ said the stranger. ‘Much obliged to you for reminding me. I am the bearer of a letter of introduction to Mr. Bounderby, the banker. Walking through this extraordinarily black town, while they were getting dinner ready at the hotel, I asked a fellow whom I met; one of the working people; who appeared to have been taking a shower-bath of something fluffy, which I assume to be the raw material — ’ Mrs. Sparsit inclined her head. ‘ — Raw material — where Mr. Bounderby, the banker, might reside. Upon which, misled no doubt by the word Banker, he directed me to the Bank. Fact being, I presume, that Mr. Bounderby the Banker does not reside in the edifice in which I have the honour of offering this explanation?’ ‘No, sir,’ returned Mrs. Sparsit, ‘he does not.’ ‘Thank you. I had no intention of delivering myletter at the present moment, nor have I. But strolling on to the Bank to kill time, and having the good fortune to observe at the window,’ towards which he languidly waved his hand, then slightly bowed, ‘a lady of a very superior and agreeable appearance, I considered that I could not do better than take the liberty of asking that lady where Mr. Bounderby the Banker does live. Which I accordingly venture, with all suitable apologies, to do.’ The inattention and indolence of his manner were sufficiently relieved, to Mrs. Sparsit’s thinking, by a certain gallantry at ease, which offered her homage too. Here he was, for instance, at this moment, all but sitting on the table, and yet lazily bending over her, as if he acknowledged an attraction in her that made her charming — in her way. ‘Banks, I know, are always suspicious, and officially must be,’ said the stranger, whose lightness and smoothness of speech were pleasant likewise; suggesting matter far more sensible and humorous than it ever contained — which was perhaps a shrewd device of the founder of this numerous sect, whosoever may have been that great man: ‘therefore I may observe that my letter — here it is — is from the member for this place — Gradgrind — whom I have had the pleasure of knowing in London.’ Mrs. Sparsit recognized the hand, intimated that such confirmation was quite unnecessary, and gave Mr. Bounderby’s address, with all needful clues and directions in aid. ‘Thousand thanks,’ said the stranger. ‘Of course you know the Banker well?’ ‘Yes, sir,’ rejoined Mrs. Sparsit. ‘In my dependent relation towards him, I have known him ten years.’ ‘Quite an eternity! I think he married Gradgrind’s daughter?’ ‘Yes,’said Mrs. Sparsit, suddenly compressing her mouth, ‘he had that — honour.’ ‘The lady is quite a philosopher, I am told?’ ‘Indeed, sir,’ said Mrs. Sparsit. ‘Is she?’ ‘Excuse my impertinent curiosity,’ pursued the stranger, fluttering over Mrs. Sparsit’s eyebrows, with a propitiatory air, ‘but you know the family, and know the world. I am about to know the family, and may have much to do with them. Is the lady so very alarming? Her father gives her such a portentously hard-headed reputation, that I have a burning desire to know. Is she absolutely unapproachable? Repellently and stunningly clever? I see, by your meaning smile, you think not. You have poured balm into my anxious soul. As to age, now. Forty? Five and thirty?’ Mrs. Sparsit laughed outright. ‘A chit,’ said she. ‘Not twenty when she was married.’ ‘I give you my honour, Mrs. Powler,’ returned the stranger, detaching himself from the table, ‘that I never was so astonished in my life!’ It really did seem to impress him, to the utmost extent of his capacity of being impressed. He looked at his informant for full a quarter of a minute, and appeared to have the surprise in his mind all the time. ‘I assure you, Mrs. Powler,’ he then said, much exhausted, ‘that the father’s manner prepared me for a grim and stony maturity. I am obliged to you, of all things, for correcting so absurd a mistake. Pray excuse my intrusion. Many thanks. Good day!’ He bowed himself out; and Mrs. Sparsit, hiding in the window curtain, saw him languishing down the street on the shady side of the way, observed of all the town. ‘What do you think of the gentleman, Bitzer?’
she asked the light porter, when he came to take away. ‘Spends a deal of money on his dress, ma’am.’ ‘It must be admitted,’ said Mrs. Sparsit, ‘that it’s very tasteful.’ ‘Yes, ma’am,’ returned Bitzer, ‘if that’s worth the money.’ ‘Besides which, ma’am,’ resumed Bitzer, while he was polishing the table, ‘he looks to me as if he gamed.’ ‘It’s immoral to game,’ said Mrs. Sparsit. ‘It’s ridiculous, ma’am,’ said Bitzer, ‘because the chances are against the players.’ Whether it was that the heat prevented Mrs. Sparsit from working, or whether it was that her hand was out, she did no work that night. She sat at the window, when the sun began to sink behind the smoke; she sat there, when the smoke was burning red, when the colour faded from it, when darkness seemed to rise slowly out of the ground, and creep upward, upward, up to the house-tops, up the church steeple, up to the summits of the factory chimneys, up to the sky. Without a candle in the room, Mrs. Sparsit sat at the window, with her hands before her, not thinking much of the sounds of evening; the whooping of boys, the barking of dogs, the rumbling of wheels, the steps and voices of passengers, the shrill street cries, the clogs upon the pavement when it was their hour for going by, the shutting-up of shop-shutters. Not until the light porter announced that her nocturnal sweetbread was ready, did Mrs. Sparsit arouse herself from her reverie, and convey her dense black eyebrows — by that time creased with meditation, as if they needed ironing out-up-stairs. ‘O, you Fool!’ said Mrs. Sparsit, when she was alone at her supper. Whom she meant, she did not say; but she could scarcely have meant the sweetbread. Chapter II— Mr. James Harthouse THE Gradgrind party wanted assistance in cutting the throats of the Graces. They went about recruiting; and where could they enlist recruits more hopefully, than among the fine gentlemen who, having found out everything to be worth nothing, were equally ready for anything? Moreover, the healthy spirits who had mounted to this sublime height were attractive to many of the Gradgrind school. They liked fine gentlemen; they pretended that they did not, but they did. They became exhausted in imitation of them; and they yaw-yawed in their speech like them; and they served out, with an enervated air, the little mouldy rations of political economy, on which they regaled their disciples. There never before was seen on earth such a wonderful hybrid race as was thus produced. Among the fine gentlemen not regularly belonging to the Gradgrind school, there was one of a good family and a better appearance, with a happy turn of humour which had told immensely with the House of Commons on the occasion of his entertaining it with his (and the Board of Directors) view of a railway accident, in which the most careful officers ever known, employed by the most liberal managers ever heard of, assisted by the finest mechanical contrivances ever devised, the whole in action on the best line ever constructed, had killed five people and wounded thirty-two, by a casualty without which the excellence of the whole system would have been positively incomplete. Among the slain was a cow, and among the scattered articles unowned, a widow’s cap. And the honourable member had so tickled the House (which has a delicate sense of humour) by putting the cap on the cow, that it became impatient of any serious reference to the Coroner’s Inquest, and brought the railway off with Cheers and Laughter. Now, this gentleman had a younger brother of still better appearance than himself, who had tried life as a Cornet of Dragoons, and found it a bore; and had afterwards tried it in the train of an English minister abroad, and found it a bore; and had then strolled to Jerusalem, and got bored there; and had then gone yachting about the world, and got bored everywhere. To whom this honourable and jocular, member fraternally said one day, ‘Jem, there’s a good opening among the hard Fact fellows, and they want men. I wonder you don’t go in for statistics.’ Jem, rather taken by the novelty of the idea, and very hard up for a change, was as ready to ‘go in’ for statistics as for anything else. So, he went in. He coached himself up with a blue-book or two; and his brother put it about among the hard Fact fellows, and said, ‘If you want to bring in, for any place, a handsome dog who can make you a devilish good speech, look after my brother Jem, for he’s your man.’
To Be Continued Next Issue
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Crafts
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Quantity Surveyors Property depreciation services Just Depreciation is always going the extra mile to help all our clients whenever we can. We have decided to answer some of our frequently asked questions to help give you some advice and get a better understanding of our services to save you time and money. If, for any reason, there are still questions you would like to ask us about our property depreciation services then don’t hesitate to call our friendly team who would be only too happy to help. My property is old is it worthwhile getting a report prepared? Yes, all properties regardless of age have some form of depreciation. The fixtures and fittings in the property must be valued at the date that you first make the property available for rental. Just Depreciation recommend reports for all residential properties no matter how old the building may be. I have owned the property for a number of years and not claimed any depreciation, have I missed out? No, we will start your report from the first date of rental and your accountant can apply to the Taxation Office to get previous returns adjusted. It’s never too late to claim any property depreciation. How long does the report last for? Our reports have 10 years of detailed information and enough detail for your accountant to expand on the individual items after this date so you won't have to arrange for a another report unless you carry out major renovations or improvements. Do you guarantee your report will be worthwhile? Yes of course, and we guarantee that if you do not receive a deduction that is twice the amount of our fee in the first year, then the report will be free. We believe this is the fairest and best possible outcome either way for our clients. What is the process? Do I have to make appointments? No, we make the appointments on your behalf via your rental manager and liaise with tenants for a suitable time for the property inspection so you need not worry about a thing. What happens at the inspection? We measure the property, take photos, take note of all depreciable items and any capital building write off deductions that may apply and then return to the office to calculate and process the report.
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Rural News
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Observer Crossword Solution No 38 J U V E N I E O Y E U C A L Y R A O S A L I N E L L E I M P L O R A W I I N V I T E A L S S C U L P T W S A E V E N T F D R D I N C L I N S A O H E R E T I R M T O N S P E C I T H R E T Y P E E E A S I D E A S C N T H H E Y D A Y X H E S P R A I N E B A E L L I P S X E R P L A C E B A R V N O N F A T D E I S H R I L L O N E I M P E A C E X H B R O A D E U C R U N I T E S N N V M A D W O M E I K T R A P E Z
L I P S
E M A R F S E E A S T P E D T O A V O P S O M R E X M E G N I T E S D M I I O O R S I S P E A R L U L P S A L P V E R E E N O T A R C I D I E N T S N E E G G E A P E N A S P I D E T E T A R I R D T T W I N C H O O A I N A L L I N N E H O C M A T A E O B E S N I T A L T H R D A S I A E S T P L H B H L O C E R E I N R T E N E F E R U R O I L M A U L L A N E P I L C D F E S H A Y
S H Y E D R C A N N T E A O R S U L M U N T A O T I O N E G S T R A O G E L N E G H I R T O N A S E A T H R I C A N I E M L O N F E
A L E O F T D O V H E O R W L E E R E S F E R U M M P I O S W H N G O O A B L A N O D A G W E D H O V S T E E S T S E S S T T G U B V E
S S H A G L E F O C E M P T U O I L E R C E C H I D H N A F I E R T A L I G D A E L L S S S Y A N I N E D N R D A H O L M I S P E N E N R E E T R A H A M S O O K S E O M B E R A T D M E A Z E D T X A T I O B C A C A K S N E T S O R M W A M I C T H E F T E L I A R O N R E G
U F L C U T U T E G R S T I R I N N G R E R I N S O E R A T R C L A A M P I M R B I B D I N I G N F E E R O N O D E E E P V E N G S
F L A P I D D O U E T X A R M S E M E E R N G E A N C A Y E R A O P S L A N N E D E N F E O C T L O R A S M B I L E M E N A T B A X H E
E S E D A O R N S M I A R T E T N E A E S P T O O O N R C Y H E S S T E R A L A E R G R E S O S U E T I N G A S B G E N I T
A G P P B E A A R U D A I B L I E C
I L V A P E P O W R T P I O A N E D D O O
P D R E I B B L L E G R O A M G M L L Y
B R A D I O B N L A Y A C T S U A S T R K S R N A T I V I R S T U N E F L C F E S T Y L L I Y L I N D W M D H E M M I E E S E A R T H L S R P L A Z E E W C A L L I T S I P L A S T E N U N E A O N M N O B O L E E E L U D I F N N T W A D D W W O I C A D O N R R G R E S S E T M A R A U E S B N O B B L U N E S A D I H B D A N H O L T O E E A R S D
N G A T S S A Y S E S X U L A L E N E R A N G E E D L A S T E D A I D D S Y U D Y A N G R L E A R S E E S N D S L E D S S M O E S S A Y
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Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 16, 2018 - Page 43
Melbourne
Used sprint lane to perfection ■ Parwan owner/breeder Brad Barnes scored an impressive victory with a 4Y0 mare by the name of Redriverdeeba at Ararat on Tuesdat May 8, taking out the AHRC Members Trotters Mobile for T0 & T1 class over 2195 metres. Trained by father David and by Greg Sugars, Redriverdebba fist up since August last year began safely from gate two on the second line to settle three back along the markers as polemarker Bill Dispute led. Easing away from the inside shortly after to be mid-field, Sugars sent the daughter of Red River Hanover and Seattle Grace forward three wide with the race changing complexion when the leader galloped disorganising the field which allowed her to drop to the back of Armbro Hugh which had been outside the pacemaker. Travelling comfortably, Red Riverdebba used the sprint lane to perfection on straightening to record a 4.1 metre victory over Armbro Hugh and Mizurri (three wide home turn) after being severely checked in the earlier incident. The mile rate 2-03.6.
Pressured racing
■ Coimadai trainer Steve Zammitt combined with Greg Sugars to land the HRV Hero Pace for C2 & C3 class over 2195 metres at Ararat with last week's eye catcher Platinum Power in a rate of 2-01.1. Leading out from the pole, Platinum Power a 5Y0 Modern Art-Awesome Powers mare was pressured racing for the bell by a hard pulling All Jokers Todaright resulting in Sugars conceding and allowing it to assume control. Using the sprint lane, Platinum Power ran home nicely to score by 2.5 metres from All Jokers To Daright, with the disappointing long odds-on favourite Bee Gees Bandit 1.8 metres back in third place after racing exposed for the final circuit.
Sprinted sharply
■ At Yarra Valley on Monday May 7, Art Major-Radical Storm colt Muscle Up Major was a strong victor of the St Ronan's Cider Pace for C0 class over 2150 metres for Lancefield trainer/driver Rod Petroff. Taken back at the start from outside the front line, Muscle Major sprinted sharply in the last lap to join the leader and favourite Admiral approaching the home turn and in a head and head battle all the way up the running, prevailed by a half neck in a 2-02.2 rate. Bye Bye Barbie (one/ one) was 4.7 metres away in third place.
First-ever winner
■ Local area (Croydon) trainer Larraine McKenzie was all smiles at Yarra Valley when her 4Y0 Bettors Delight-Narree Rose gelding Royal Bettor greeted the judge in the Integrity Real Estate Pace for C0 & C1 class over 1650 metres. Driven by Tasmanian concessional reinsman Jack Laugher, Royal Bettor led throughout from the pole, accounting for Moreliner which shadowed him all the way by 2.5 metres in a rate of 2-00.2. Dangerous Women was 3 metres back in third place after being held up three back the markers. It was Larraine's first ever winner.
Parked outside
■ North East Victoria (Norong) trainer Mark Buckingham's very honest 8Y0 Modern Art-Miss North gelding Nor Nor West was strong in winning the Zonzo Estate Pace for C3 & C4 class over 1650 metres at Yarra Valley. Taking a concession for Brad Chisholm, Nor Nor West from outside the front line spent the entire race parked outside the leader Four Starzzz Forsa (gate three) before dashing clear at the straight entrance to register a 3.2 metre victory over the pacemaker in 1-55.4. Mister Zhivago (three wide last lap) was third a neck away.
Pinged away
■ Wednesday racing was at Ballarat and
Harness Racing
ballarattrottingclub.com.au 3Y0 Trotters Handicap at Ballarat on Wednesday. Driven by Zac Phillips, Aldebaran Jaytee was given a sweet trip three back the markers after stepping cleanly from inside the second line. Angling a passage in-between runners in the long straight, Aldebaran Jaytee finished full of running to gain the day 9.1 metres at Supertab odds of $110 over Godof-thunder and another roughie Bebubbalouie, returning a rate of 2-07.9.
1
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with Len Baker Kyneton part-owner/trainer Greg Leight's run of luck continued when bold front running Lawman-Kellybrooke 7Y0 gelding Law Legend scored in the Diamond Rewards Join Now Trotters Handicap for T2 or better class over 2200 metres. Taking a concession for Jack Laugher, Law Legend pinged away from the pole and rated a treat, held too many guns for Armchair Drive (one/one - three wide home turn) to gain a 3 metre margin, with Chrisken Kiosk 3.5 metres away in third place after racing in the open. The mile rate 2-05.1.
Top night at home
■ Burrumbeet reinsman Mick Stanley enjoyed a great night at his home track, chalking up a driving quartet of winners including three from his own stable. Three year old Rock N Roll Heaven-Victoria Street gelding Rackemup Tigerpie was first to arrive in the DNR Logistics 3Y0 Pace over 1710 metres. Trained by father Ian at Woolsthorpe, Rackemup Tigerpie raced exposed from gate two outside Believe In Forever (gate three), outstaying his rivals to register a 1.5 metre victory in 1-55.9 from The Hervey Bay (one/one) and Believe In Forever which held down third 6 metres away. Next to arrive was beautifully bred Lombo Pocket Watch-Lombo La Fe Fe 5Y0 gelding Mighty Moke Lombo in the 2200 metre Variety Club Cap 321 Pace for C1 class. With stable assistant Ryan Duffy in the sulky, Mighty Moke Lombo led all of the way from the pole to easily account for Ima Showgirl (one/ one at bell) by 9.3 metres in a 1-59 rate. Shady Dancer came from last to be third a head away. Betterthancheddar-Charlotte Church colt Watch List led throughout in the Flying Horse Bistro Vicbred Home Grown Classic (Heat 1) for 2Y0 Colts & Geldings over 1710 metres after the hot favourite Huli Nien galloped running into the first turn. Although Im Sir Blake which had been parked all of the way tried hard, Watch List kept on giving to score by a head in 1-56.5. Sahara Tiger (three back the markers) was third 10.9 metres back. Seven year old Real Desire-Ally Luvzit gelding Jedi Mind looked well graded in the BDTC150 On Twitter Pace for C5 to C7 class over 2200 metres and that's the way it panned out. Enjoying the run of the race from gate four trailing the front runner Reign Of Pain, Jedi Mind got clear in plenty of time and ran home best to prevail by 3.2 metres in a rate of 2-00.3. Our Sir Ivanhoe was third 10.5 metres away after following the pair.
Won at 100/1 odds
■ It's not often that a horse wins at TAB odds in excess of 100/1, however that's what occurred when Bolinda trainer Paul Males' Yeild BokoAldebaran Crumpet gelding Aldebaran Jaytee greeted the judge in the 2200 metre
■ Maryborough home of the trotter staged seven squaregaiting events on Thursday with the Aldebaran Park "Monte" over 1690 metres opening proceedings which was taken out by ex-Kiwi 7Y0 Muscle Mass-Starcus mare Zhenya. Trained by Jodi Quinlan in Parwan, Zhenya with Emma Hamblin in the saddle was having her first start in a ridden event and after stepping cleanly from 10 metres, lobbed along nicely midfield as Waiting Room led. Poised just off the leaders on the final bend, Zhenya ironically raced by Aldebaran Lodge Pty Ltd surged to the front halfway up the running to record a 10.4 metre margin in advance of the Steve Martin stablemates Shiftywall and Billy Phelps returning a mile rate of 2-03. Chances are that Zhenya will now retire a winner and head for the breeding barn. The other winners were : Saint Germain (Orlando Vici-Top Of The Anvils) for Anton Golino and Jason Lee, Georgias Pride (Bacardi Lindy-
Sulky Snippets This Week
■ Wednesday - Shepparton/Geelong, Thursday - Charlton/Ballarat, Friday - Bendigo, Saturday - Melton, Sunday - Swan Hill, Monday - Hamilton, Tuesday - Cranbourne.
Horses to follow
■ Ideal Suspect, Our Twentyten, Christian Major, Mollywood, Iona Spider, Kotare Yarra, Mister Zhivago, Louis Sedgwick, Mizurri, Im Sir Blake.
Abbys Idle) Mario Magri & John Caldow, Myrtle Vale (Skyvalley-Valchelon) Ivan Collison & Chris Alford), Derrie Aire (Bacardi Lindy-Gluteus Maximus) Andy & Kate Gath, Moreton Bay (Majestic Son-Escandolo) David Jack and Fear The Yankee (Yankee Spider-What A Tussle) Shane Gallagher & Anthony Butt. The Finals of most races will be held at Tabcorp Park Melton this Saturday. - Len Baker
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LAST SPOTS AVAILABLE FOR XMAS IN JULY
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Holiday Apatyments in Cairns, Tropical North Qld
Argosy On The Beach Our one and two bedroom apartments are truly relaxing. Spacious open plan living areas with floor to ceiling glass open onto huge private balconies overlooking the beach while taking in the cool sea breezes. All feature a queen size bed in the master bedroom with walk in robe and ensuite bathroom and two single beds in the second bedroom. Each apartment has two bathrooms, one with a full sized bath and every bedroom open directly onto rear balconies which over look rainforest and where the birdlife and free roaming kangaroos are simply a delight with all visitors. Kitchens are fully self contained with everything you need to make the most of your holiday including, naturally a dishwasher, full oven and cook top, microwave and fridge/ freezer. These spacious apartments have a separate laundry with dryer and ironing facilities and are fully air-conditioned. For entertainment, there are large flat screen TV's, CD music systems and each apartment has direct phone/internet access. For your convenience the apartments have lift access to all floors including wheel chair access to the complex. Premium linen is standard, with extra rollaway beds available upon request. We have the facility to lock off rooms for one bedroom bookings and these share one bathroom only. The two bedroom, two bathroom apartments accommodate up to a maximum of 5 persons per apartment, they are serviced weekly or by arrangement. Apartment Features Beachfront accommodation; 16 x 1 & 2 bedroom fully self contained apartments Large private balconies with absolute beachfront views Outdoor patio dining furniture and sun lounges Full air conditioning throughout with ceiling fans Master bedroom with queen bed, TV, walk in robe, ensuite and rear balcony Second bedroom with two single beds, large robe and rear balcony Second bathroom with shower and full sized bath TV, DVD and CD music systems FOXTEL TV Fully equipped kitchens with microwave, dishwasher, oven and refrigerator/freezer Coffee Plunger Separate laundry with washing machine, dryer and ironing facilities Hair Dryers STD/ISD direct dial telephones Wireless internet Premium linen including complimentary beach towels Apartments serviced weekly or by arrangement at your request 2:00pm check-in and 10:00am check-out Lifts to all floors
Book direct and save: (07) 4055 3333
www.argosycairns.com info@argosycairns.com
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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. We are Pet Friendly - well behaved, clean and brushed dogs allowed.
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Every Week in the Melbourne Observer
ver N ser O Ob TI C SE 3
Observer Showbiz
Theatre: Playwright competition details ........... Page 59 Arts: Peter Kemp’s weekly column ............................... Page 58 Country Music: Rob Foenander’s latest news ........... Page 58 Jim and Aar on: Top 10 lists, movies, DVDs ....................... Page 60 Aaron: Cheryl Threadgold: Local theatre shows, auditions ............ Page 61 PL US THE LLO OVATT”S MEGA CRO PLUS CROSSSWORD
LOVE IS IN AIR Going Down
● Catherine Davies and Josh Price in Sydney Theatre Company and Malthouse Theatre Company’s production of Going Down. Photos: Brett Boardman ■ Among-Australian writer Natalie’s semi-autobiographical, sex-positive debut novel, Banana Girl, has hit the shelves of the Nagambie local library where she is enthusiastically giving a reading at a book talk, much to the consternation of the locals. “Where are you from?” an audience member asks. “Canberra.” “No. where are you really from?” Later, in a bar in SoBo (south of Bell Street), Natalie rails against the unfairness of being compared to her archrival, Lu Lu Jayadi, a former Indonesian refugee who has written the stereotypical migrant story and in the process, has won the prestigious Miles Franklin Award. Written by Michelle Lee, this play has won a slew of awards and deservedly so. Themes of gender, sexuality, race and status sit alongside the often-side-splitting comedy of Going Down. Tightly directed by Leticia Cáceres, this show is fresh and fabulous. Catherine Davies as Natalie is a firecracker. She explodes with energy embracing all aspects of this part from the physical to the comedic and is a tour de force. Davies is ably assisted onstage by the ensemble cast of Naomi Rukavina, Paul Blenheim, Jenny Wu and Josh Price. An inventive set and clever costuming by The Sisters Hayes visually expand Lee’s probing questions of social class and taste. Lee’s characters grapple with difficult and often conflicting issues of gender, identity and class wrapped up in laugh-out-loud comedy. At the same time, Lee forces her audience to recognise their class prejudices and question their assumptions about race. It is both funny and painful how easily we can recognise the stereotypes. Performance Season: Until June 3 Venue: Malthouse Theatre, Southbank Bookings: http://malthousetheatre.com.au/whats-on/going-down - Review by Kathryn Keeble
● Catherine Davies
● Robert Harsley (Doug Hastings) and dancers in flashback Samba sequence. Photo: Ben Fon ■ An exciting new version of Baz Luhrmann’s Strictly Ballroom, The Musical premieres in Melbourne at the National Theatre until May 26. CLOC Musical Theatre’s revised production features an additional number of new songs composed by Eddie Perfect. Perfect’s observational lyrics with topics including the ‘war’ element of competitive ballroom dancing, and parental perspective of sacrifice, dreams and trophies, bring welcome insightful depth to this fabulously frothy, colourful show. Award-winning ballroom dancer Scott Hastings yearns to dance his own style from the heart, challenging the dance-sport establishment’s entrenched tradition and mother Shirley’s dreams for his future. Spanish and Aussie cultures merge when fledgling dancer Fran and her family inspire Scott to dance in the Championships, his way. Directed and choreographed by Craig Wiltshire, this slickpaced show features a terrific cast of principals and ensemble of fine dancers, who also deliver good harmonies during the visually spectacular routines. ● Arts centre at former Police stables Musical Director Malcolm Fawcett’s orchestra renders well the show’s diverse musical genres including ballads, Latin ■ The Victorian Government Creative Industries Minister Martin Foley this week (Monday, May 14) opened the American, pop, rock and Spanish. former Victoria Police Mounted Branch stables. Dylan Henry (Scott Hastings) and Kristen Mihalos (Fran) The Stables have been transformed into world-class utilise their beautiful vocal and dance talents to capture the huteaching and learning facilities for students of the Univerman aspects of their lives, and shared passion for dancing. sity of Melbourne’s Faculty of Fine Arts and Music, folStrong performances were also enjoyed from Robert Harsley lowing an $18 million make-over. (Doug Hastings), Lee Threadgold (Barry Fife), Melanie Ott The Stables feature a new visual arts wing with 170 (Tina Sparkle), Elizabeth Garnsworthy (Shirley Hastings), studios and flexible exhibition spaces and the former riding Elizabeth Matjacic (Abuela), Phil Lambert (Les Kendall),Tim school has been converted into a 260-seat multipurpose arts wing for theatre, dance, music theatre and music perforRyan (Rico), Lauren Edwards (Liz Holt), Tailem Tynan mances. (Vanessa), Thomas O’Reilly (Wayne Burns), David Torr (Ken The Stables were purpose-built in 1912 as part of the old Railings), Ashley Weidner (J. J.Silvers) and young stars of the Police Depot, which included a hospital, barracks and drill future, Charlotte Barnard and Isaac Pearson. hall. Superb costumes comprising stunningly rich colours, sparkle The $18 million refurbishment of The Stables was made and feathers, were created by 20 volunteer sewers working since possible through the significant support of the University of last November under designer Victoria Horne’s skilled direcMelbourne and generous philanthropists including The Ian Potter Foundation, The Myer Foundation and Martyn tion. and Louise Myer. BradAlcock’s lighting design and magnificent coloured patUniversity of Melbourne Vice-Chancellor said the terns enhance aesthetics, while Wiltshire’s set design believheritage features of the former police stables had been ably transports audiences between dance-world surreality, and maintained through the preservation of its bluestone mountFran’s family Milk Bar reality. ing yards, red brick façade and iconic octagonal roof and A key message in this show is to dance our own steps through skylight, formerly referred to by Mounted Branch staff as life. Best start by stepping out to see this top show by May 26. ‘The Dome’. Performance Season: Until May 26 “The Southbank campus transformation offers the Faculty of Fine Arts and Music tremendous opportunities to Venue: National Theatre, 20 Carlisle St., St Kilda. expand community engagement.” Bookings: www.cloc.org.au 1300 362 547 Turn To Page 00 - Review by Cheryl Threadgold
Horses to Courses
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Country Music, Radio, Theatre, Almanac Country Crossroads
By Rob Foenander info@countrycrossroads.com.au
Wolfe Bros tour
■ Aussie country rockers, The Wolfe Brothers, will commence a Victorian tour on May 31, supporting Lee Kernaghan. Dates as follows: Thursday May 31, 8pm Bunjil Place Casey. Friday, June 1, 8pm Kernot Hall, Morwell. Saturday, June 2, 5pm One Hot Country Night Festival Bendigo Stadium with The Davidson Bros. Thursday, June 7. 7.30pm Costa Hall, Geelong. Friday, June 8. 8.30pm Shoppingtown Hotel, Doncaster. Saturday, June 9. Macs Hotel, Melton. Sunday, June 10. Chelsea Heights Hotel, More info at www.thewolfebrothers.com/G
Canyon plays
■ Geelong band Canyon will perform their unique blend of American alt country, folk and West coast harmony at The Satellite Lounge, Village Green Hotel in Mulgrave on Saturday, June 2.
Della’s new song
■ Local singer songwriter Della Harris has released her second single from her self titled EP. My Turn Now was inspired by sitting in a doctor's waiting room supporting her elderly mother. Della says it's a poignant song dealing with how as our parents age it is our opportunity to turn the tide and be more active in the care for them. “My songs are stories about mine and other people's lives, relationships and everyday stuff we can all relate to,” she adds. - Rob Foenander
Birth of modern art From Page 9 The exhibition looks at the Japanese reverence for the natural world and the ways in which this theme was transposed into European art. It will also showcase a range of decorative arts that reference these key Japanese themes, including flora, fauna and the landscape. Such objects emulate a Japanese regard for organic forms, vibrant colours ad sensual textures derived from nature. Exhibition: May 26 - October 28. National Gallery of Victoria 150 St. Kilda Rd, Melbourne - Peter Kemp
c3 Space
■ At c3 Contemporary Art Space this month, a good Aussie bloke, gold nuggets wrapped in tissue, self portraits painted backwards, the inadequacy of memory and more! The convent's latest exhibition featuring Ben Burgess, Trudy More, Lauren Bamford, Tinieka Page and Nick Mahady, Elizabeth Nelson and Convent-based artist Jennifer Whitten. Exhibition opened Wednesday and runs until June10. Abbotsford Convent Gallery 1 St Heliers St, Abbotsford - Peter Kemp
r Obser vbeiz On This Day Show
Wednesday Thursday May 17 May 16 ■ Actor Henry Fonda was born in Nebraska in 1905. He died aged 77 in 1982. Liberace (Wladziu Liberace), flamboyant pianist, was born in 1919. He died aged 67 in 1987. Irish actor Pierce Brosnan was born in 1953 (65). He played James Bond.
Melbourne Arts With Peter Kemp
Jazz Festival
■ NGV partners with Melbourne International Jazz Festival for jazz-themed Friday nights winter series. In a series of performances in partnership with the Melbourne International Jazz Festival, at the NGV comes alive after dark with the eclectic sounds of jazz during this season of NGV Friday Nights. Heading the event will be Brooklyn-based, contemporary trumpeter Maurice Brown whose hip-hop funk combo has seen him record with leading artists including Florence and Machine, Wyclef Jean, Macy Gray and The Roots. Curated to reflect a varied range of musical experiences, the program draws inspiration from the home of jazz, New York city with rhythmic stylings including the Great American Songbook neo-soul, gospel, jazz blues, hip-hop and funk. The late-night art and music series runs alongside the NGV's Melbourne Winter Masterpieces exhibition MoMA at NGV - 130 Years of Modern and Contemporary Art. NGV Friday Nights June 15 - October 8. 6pm - 10pm. National Gallery of Victoria International Jazz Festival 150 St. Kilda Rd, Melbourne - Peter Kemp
■ The late Professor Julius Sumner-Miller was born in the US in 1909. He died aged 78 in 1987. Actor Dennis Hopper, best known for Easy Rider, was born in 1936. He died aged 74 in 2010. Irish singer/songwriter Enya (Eithne Ni Bhraonain) was born 57 years ago.
Starman
Heide Museum House of Ideas The home of John and Sunday Reed between 1935 and 1967, the Heide 1 cottage was a hub of progressive thinking and modernist ideas that centred on art, but which extended to literature, politics, and sociology. The rise of Communism and Fascism in the 1930s and 1940s and the spectre of World War II spurred urgent debate concerning the role of the artist and the imperative of creative freedom. Drawing on aspects of the European art movements of Cubism, Surrealism and Expressionism, and their own personal experiences, the artists of the Heide Circle forged a new humanist, antipodean modernism, the hallmark of which was a shift from objective to subjective reality. Exhibition: May 26 - November 11. Strange Neighbour X Heide: Darkroom Workshop Strange Neighbour, 395 - 397 Gore St. Fitzroy. Director of artist studios Strange Neighbour, Linsey Gosper, demonstrates the magical process of fibre-based hand printing to create black and white photographs in an intimate afternoon workshop. Participants will be introduced to various paper types and printing techniques and take home their own hand printed enlargements> No experience necessary. Places are limited. Sunday May 26 1 - 4pm. History Tour Past and Present. Learn about the fascinating history of Heide from the early days when John and Sunday Reed first purchased the property in 1934 through to its evolution into a museum of modern and contemporary art and public sculpture park. Every Sunday until May 27.At 2pm. Heide Museum of Modern Art 7 Templestowe Rd, Bulleen - Peter Kemp
● Sven Ratzke in Starman ■ Arts Centre Melbourne presents the Victorian premiere of the international smash hit Starman by Dutch/German entertainer Sven Ratzke on June 14 at The Playhouse, Arts Centre Melbourne A starburst cabaret and rock show experience inspired by the music of the legend that was David Bowie, Starman takes the audience on a crazy, intimate, rock'n'roll ride. Entering the hyper-real world of seventies glam-rock, Helpmann Award nominee, Ratzke inhabits Bowie’s multiple personas – a mad, bizarre, androgynous universe. Ratzke will be accompanied on stage by his three-man band who make the music groove from rock into sound collages and intimate moments. Entertainer and singer Sven Ratzke is a seasoned performer, spending 48 weeks of the year touring the world. From sold out shows at Lincoln Center in New York, to the Royal Concertgebouw in Amsterdam, to the famous Berliner Ensemble in Berlin. Ratzke’s style and talent is unique. He combines high culture with elements of cabaret and vaudeville. He can be a crooner, but also a cool rocker with the touch of Berlin golden twenties in his blood. Ratzke transforms legendary material from classics like Brecht/Weill or pop legend David Bowie into something you have never experienced before. Ratzke has won countless awards, writes for newspapers and theatre, has released several CD’s and has his own TV show, Ratzke’s Rendevous which has recently been broadcast throughout Germany and Holland. Performance Details: June 14 at 7.30pm Venue: The Playhouse, Arts Centre Melbourne Duration: Two hours including interval Bookings: artscentremelbourne.com.au or 1300 182 183. - Cheryl Threadgold Melbourne
Observer
Friday May 18
Saturday May 19
■ American singer Perry Como was born in 1912. He died aged 88 in 1901. Australian record producer Ron Tudor is 94 today. He was born in Gippsland in 1924. Dwayne Hickman (Dobie Gills) celebrates today. Newsreader Sandra Sully was born in in 1965
■ Dame Nellie Melba (Helen Mitchell) was born on this day in 1861 at Lilydale. She died aged 69 in 1931. Pete Townshend, guitarist for The Who, was born in 1945. Actress Claudia Karvan was born in Sydney in 1972 (46). Actor Nancy Kwan was born in 1939.
Sunday May 20 ■ Actor Jimmy Stewart was born in 1908. He died aged 89 in 1997. The late musician Joe Cocker was born in Sheffield, England, in 1944. Cher (Cherilyn Le Pierre) was born in California in 1946. The singer and actresss is 74.
Monday May 21
■ Jazz pianist and composer Fats Waller was born in 1904. He died aged 39 in 1943. Perry Mason’s Raymond Burr was born in Canada in 1917. He died aged 76 in 1993. Singer and musician Joe Camilleri was born in Malta in 1948 (70). His band was Jo Jo Zep.
Tuesday May 22 ■ Scottish writer Sir Arthur Conan Doyle was born in Edinburgh in 1859. He died aged 71 in 1930. US-born radio and TV host Bob Dyer (Dies) was born in 1909. He died aged 74 in 1984. Singer Linda Goerge was born in England in 1949 (69).
Thanks to GREG NEWMAN of Jocks Journal for assistance with birthday and anniversary dates. Jocks Journal is Australia’s longest running radio industry publication. ■ Melbourne Find out more at www.jocksjournal.com
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TV, Radio, Theatre
Playwright comp. ■ After 16 years and some 60 original winning One Act Plays, the 17th year competition hosted by Playhouse Players Inc. is calling for entries from novice and amateur playwrights to provide works suitable for premiere performance and cash awards. There is no restriction regarding topic, theme, gender or basis of play with all entries being judged by an independent judging panel, nominating three finalists, appointment of directors and casting prior going into a rehearsal period ready for a four performance premiere season. Many past winning entries are being performed Australia-wide in One Act Play Festivals, community theatres and schools while being read by play reading groups. Entries close July 30 with the finalist plays being performed in November in Melbourne. All details and entry form are available on www.playhouseplayers.org.au or email playhouseplayers@hotmail.com - Graeme McCoubrie From Page 00
Horses to Courses ■ University of Melbourne Faculty of Fine Arts and Music Dean Barry Conyngham said The Stables redevelopment, part of the University’s $200 million Southbank campus redevelopment, will offer world-class facilities to the growing student cohort at Southbank. “We are responding to a 66 per cent increase in our student numbers since 2010. One way we’re doing that is through renovating and changing existing buildings – most spectacularly, the conversion of the old Police Stables into a new facility for visual arts and performing arts,” Professor Conyngham said. Minister Foley said: “This project has breathed new life into The Stables and created another landmark for the Melbourne Arts Precinct, which is home to one of the highest concentrations of arts and cultural organisations in the world.” - Cheryl Threadgold
Tubular Bells
■ Arts Centre Melbourne presents the multiaward winning Tubular Bells For Two in The Playhouse theatre on June 15 and 16. Many people who grew up through the 70s can say where they were when they first heard Tubular Bells by Mike Oldfield. The album was the first release on Richard Branson's fledgling record label, Virgin Records, selling over 30 million copies, kickstarting the Virgin empire, and becoming the soundtrack to the cult-classic film The Exorcist. Now, more than 40 years on, two talented multi-instrumentalists - Daniel Holdsworth (who co-created the show with Aidan Roberts in 2010) and Thomas Bamford - will juggle over 20 instruments live on stage during the performance of Oldfield’s 1973 classic composition. The pair are literally rushed off their feet as they dash around a sea of instruments. It is an intricately choreographed, piece of tightrope theatre and musicianship, where the slightest mistake or misplaced limb can bring the entire show crashing to a halt. Beginning as a one-off performance conjured up after one too many bottles of wine, the show has grown and developed to critical acclaim. Creators Holdsworth and Roberts premiered Tubular Bells for Two at the Sydney Fringe Festival in 2010, where they impressively won the Best Music Moment award. Performance Dates: June 15 and 16 Venue: Playhouse, Arts Centre Melbourne Bookings: www.artscentremelbourne. com.au - Cheryl Threadgold
Dancing on the Volcano ■ Arts Centre Melbourne presents Robyn Archer’s Dancing on the Volcano , from July 9 – 11 in the Fairfax Studio, Arts Centre, Melbourne Having dazzled Australia and the world with her virtuosity and interpretation of the classic European cabaret repertoire, Robyn Archer returns to Arts Centre Melbourne, with this biting, satirical journey through Berlin cabaret of the 20s and 30s . There was a moment in Germany, between the two great world wars, when cabaret thrived in an atmosphere which commentators described as ‘dancing on the volcano’. While the era began with relief that the war was over, it exploded rapidly into the worst excesses of Nazism. An authentic interpretation of the repertoire, these songs written between 1919 and 1933 tell that dramatic story through a hearty dose of Brecht and Weill, Brecht and Eisler, Friedrich Hollaender ( Falling in Love Again ), Wilhelm Grosz (Red Sails in the Sunset), Kurt Tucholsky, Frank Wedekind, Mischa Spoliansky and more. Teaming up with long-time musical collaborators, Michael Morley (piano) and George Butrumlis (accordion), Robyn Archer says of the show: “It never fails to surprise us, every time we perform this repertoire, how pertinent many of the songs remain.” “For this season for instance, we have brought back one of the hits from Brecht and Weill’s The Threepenny Opera, The Ballad of Sexual Obsession – for obvious 21st century reasons. “It’s a wild ride, this one, from funny songs about human behaviour at the start, to devastating commentary on what happened as Hitler rose to power, a period of just 14 years. It’s a timeless warning about how quickly things can change and how complacency is inexcusable.” Robyn Archer’s latest performances of the cabaret repertoire (French, German and American) have drawn enthusiastic audiences and high praise. She won the Helpmann Award for best Cabaret Performer 2013 and was named Cabaret Icon at the 2016 Adelaide Cabaret Festival. The Sound of Falling Stars , which she wrote and directed , is touring Australia in 2018 to standing ovations. In addition to her award-winning, one-woman shows, Robyn is also known and admired as the Artistic Director of memorable arts festivals in Canberra, Melbourne, Adelaide and Tasmania. She has recorded 12 albums and her writing includes essays, songs, works for the theatre and children’s books. Robyn currently chairs HOTA Home of the Arts, Gold Coast and the Master of Arts (Cultural Leadership) at NIDA. She is an ABR Laureate, an Honorary Fellow of the Australian Academy for the Humanities, an Officer of the Order of Australia, Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres (France) and Officer of the Crown (Belgium) and also holds honorary doctorates from Flinders University (South Australia), Griffith University (Queensland) and the Universities of Sydney, Canberra and Adelaide. Michael Morley (piano) is currently Emeritus Professor of Drama at Flinders University. He has written widely on European and German theatre, concentrating particularly on the life and work of Bertolt Brecht and has served as President of the International Brecht Society. Michael has written about music, theatre and literary criticism for a variety of Australian and international publications, and has translated poetry by pianist Alfred Brendel, most recently for the English version of Brendel’sA Pianist’s A to Z. In 2012 Michael was awarded the South Australian Premier’s Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Arts. George Butrumlis (accordion) has played the piano accordion since the age of six. His career includes performances with Jeannie Lewis, Kristina Olsen, Ross Hannaford, Melbourne
● Robyn Archer Symphony Orchestra, the Three Tenors and Pavarotti’s last tour of Australia. George has played on countless Australian movie soundtracks including Red Dog, The Sound of One Hand Clapping, Lillian’s Story and most recently the film about the life of Mirka Mora, Monsieur Mayonnaise. George is probably most well-known for his band Zydeco Jump, which featured on the bill of many Australian music festivals for over twenty years and as a founding member of Joe Camilleri’s Black Sorrows. George has served a three-year term on the music board of the Australia Council for the Arts and has recently become director of the Melbourne Accordion Orchestra. He describes working with Archer and Morley for the past eight years or so as a great privilege and one of the greatest musical experiences of his life. Performance Dates: July 9 – 11 at 8pm Venue: Arts Centre Melbourne, Fairfax Studio Duration: 90 minutes (no interval) Tickets www.artscentremelbourne.com.au (or 1300 182 183) - Cheryl Threadgold
African Intelligence
■ Hawthorn Arts Centre will come alive when 10-piece ensemble, The African Intelligence, led by Senegalese singer and dancer Lamine Sonko, perform a percussive blend of jazz, funk, afrobeat, reggae and salsa on Friday, June 22. The band captivates audiences with funky baselines, swift guitar riffs, smooth grooves and a message with meaning, keeping audiences on their feet from beginning to end. Lamine Sonko is pushing boundaries with his signature fusion of African roots music, jazz, Latin and afro-classical soul. Lamine has travelled to the USA, France and South Africa, performing at major international festivals and significant venues, such as the South by Southwest festival in Texas, WOMADelaide, Byron Bay Blues Fest, Port Fairy Folk Festival, White Night Melbourne, Fed Square NYE, and Arts Centre Melbourne. image Last year, Lamine Sonko and The African Intelligence released their debut album, Afro E,pire, inspired by two recent trips to West Africa, infusing their afro beats with a new wave of future rhythms direct from the continent. The album went on to win ‘Best Global or Reggae Album’ at The Age Music Victoria Awards 2017. With a first-class line up of Australia’s finest world musicians, this band charms and engages its audiences with their own fusion of contemporary and traditional African rhythms. The historic Hawthorn Arts Centre will come alive with a performance that is exhilarating, dance-filled and infectious. HawthornArts Centre 360 Burwood Rd, Hawthorn
Earnest
● Alfred Kouris (Algernon) in The Importance of Being Earnest. Photo: James Lew. ■ Monash Uni Student Theatre (MUST) presents Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest from May 24 to June 2 at the MUST Space, Monash University, Clayton. Directed by Bernd Faveere, assisted by Georgie Wolfe, The Importance of Being Earnest tells of Jack Worthing and Algernon Moncrieff feeling tired of their arduous social obligations and cunningly adopting double lives, under the name of ‘Ernest’. All goes well until they fall in love with the ravishing Gwendolen Fairfax and Cecily Cardew, and struggle to keep up their story and deal with the riotous consequences of their deceptions. Making his directorial debut, Bernd Faveere says: “Whilst theatre is an excellent platform for engaging with the serious issues facing us as a society today, I think we forget that it can also be an excellent form of entertainment, an avenue for escapism.” MUST is a theatre company that creates innovative performances by and with Monash Students, for all audiences. In 2017, 820 MUST cast members and crew were involved in over 150 events and performances, with attendances totalling over 7000. Performances took place at Monash, in the Melbourne Fringe Festival HUB and at fortyfivedownstairs in Melbourne’s CBD. Performance Season: May 24 – 26, May 29 – June 2 at 7.30pm, Matinee June 2 at 2pm. Venue: The MUST Space, Ground Floor West, Campus Centre, 21 Chancellors Walk, Monash University, Clayton. Tickets: $21/$17 Bookings: msa.monash.edu/must or via the Student Union Rec Library Enquiries via MUST: 9905 8173 - Cheryl Threadgold ● From Page 11
Burrinja Gallery
■ The purpose of the soundscape is to offer our participants sensory triggers that support the idea of an outdoor environment. The natural environment of the Dandenong Ranges plays a large role in the conceptual development of Dave's art practice which compliments the outdoor theme ofThe Wonder Wigwam. Burrinja Gallery 351 Glenfern Rd, Upwey - Peter Kemp
Media Flashes
■ Network Ten has launched its new site today, Ten Daily. The standalone, mobileoptimised site features the latest in news, entertainment, lifestyle, food, opinion and sport, with a strong focus on video content.
Page 60 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 16, 2018
Observer Showbiz
www.MelbourneObserver.com.au
Movies, DVDs with Jim Sherlock, Aaron Rourke What’s Hot and What’s Not in Blu-Rays and DVDs FILM: THE POST: Genre: Biography/History/Drama. Cast: Meryl Streep, Tom Hanks, Sarah Paulson and Bruce Greenwood. Year: 2017. Rating: M. Length: 115 Minutes. Stars: ***½ Verdict: Political-drama of a cover-up that spanned four U.S. presidents that depicts the country's first female newspaper publisher, Katharine Graham of The Washington Post, and its hard-hitting editor, Ben Bradlee, who join in an unprecedented battle (suppressing) between journalism and Government in publishing the top secret Pentagon Papers, which revealed the explosive decades of lies of the United States government's involvement during the Vietnam War. Compelling Steven Spielberg drama is a worthy addition to such fact-based newspaper drama's such as Alan J. Pakula's Oscar winning Washington Post "Watergate" expose' "All The President's Men" (1976), and 2015s Oscar winning film "Spotlight," of The Boston Globe's drama on the uncovering of the Catholic Church Child molestation global scandal, among many others. As strong an intimate depiction of the unique relationship between publisher and editor as the unfolding saga of the Pentagon Papers, Meryl Streep gives a solid and convincing performance as embattled Washington Post publisher, Katharine Graham, however, for those who remember Jason Robards Oscar winning performance as legendary Washington Post editor Ben Bradlee in "All The President's Men" (1976), they may feel short-changed, but this is a hard act to follow, and nonetheless, Tom Hanks, no doubt aware of this, makes it his own. Almost [Frank] Capra-esque in feel and tone, as you would expect from Steven Spielberg all else excels, an outstanding supporting cast, most notably Bruce Greenwood as Secretary of Defence, Robert McNamara and Tracy Letts as Katharine Graham adviser, Fritz Beebe, superb period detail and production design, and effective music score from long time Spielberg collaborator, John Williams. Intelligent, thrilling, nostalgic, important and entertaining, this is a slice of history of when governments excelled and relished in arrogance and total abuse of power towards its people, and an affectionate tribute to those in the hey-day and struggle of journalistic bravery who exposed them. Also recommended is "The Pentagon Papers" (2003) starring James Spader as Government Defense worker and analyst Daniel Ellsberg. FILM: Genre: Cast: Bana,
THE SECRET SCRIPTURE: Drama. Rooney Mara, Aidan Turner, Theo James, Eric
Vanessa, Redgrave, Adrian Dunbar. Year: 2016. Rating: M. Length: 108 Minutes. Stars: ***½ Verdict: An elderly woman confined to a mental hospital in Ireland, a place she has called home for over 50 years, must vacate the soon to be demolished institution, but when the hospital's psychiatrist is called in to assess her condition, she reveals the history of her passionate yet troubled life in a hidden memoir, and soon finds himself intoxicated by her past, and a journey that reveals a dark secret. Co-written and Directed by Oscar-nominated filmmaker Jim Sheridan (My Left Foot, In the Name of the Father), has crafted an elegant and intriguing tale that covers a broad landscape spanning over five decades through war and the bloody and blindly brutal political and religious toxicity over the period towards women. Based on Sebastian Barry's award-winning novel of the same name, this old fashioned cinematic tale owes for most part richly convincing and detailed performances by Rooney Mara as the young Roseanne and Jack Reynor as the young pilot, Michael, however, it is Eric Bana as the psychiatrist and Oscar winning screen veteran Vanessa Redgrave that steal the acting honours with utterly compelling performances. Beautifully photographed Mikhail Krichman, this film does lack a more even thread, subtlety and emotional grip (soft), nonetheless, this is a well made drama on the personal tragedy of unforgiving dehumanizing 1940s political and religious absurdities, personal choice, fear and freedom, a journey through a period and a place in history which all too many did suffer, and which, sadly, their voices will remain silent. FILM: ROMAN J. ISRAEL, ESQ: Cast: Denzel Washington, Colin Farrell, Carmen Ejogo. Genre: Crime/Drama. Year: 2017. Rating: M. Length: 122 Minutes. Stars: *** Verdict: Set in the underbelly of the overburdened Los Angeles criminal court system. Denzel Washington stars as Roman Israel, a driven, idealistic defence attorney who, through a tumultuous series of events, finds himself in a crisis. Exceptional character study and legal drama falls short on emotion and central grip, but succeeds due to the compelling Oscar nominated performance by Denzel Washington as the shoddy, insightful off-centre lawyer, along with Colin Farrell as the cutthroat lawyer who recruits him to his firm. Extremely well filmed and paced with a solid supporting cast who all deliver, writer/Director Dan Gilroy, whose previous credits include the outstanding Oscar nominated drama "Nightcrawler" (2014) with Jake Gyllenhaal, has here created a unique character brimming with conviction, depth, humour and pathos. Well written in parts, any loopholes or shortcomings the screenplay delivers may not be all forgiven, but will mostly be forgotten, solely due to the exceptional performance of Denzel Washington in a character you won't soon forget!
Rourke’s Reviews
Top 10 Lists MAY 13 to MAY 19 (2018): THE AUSTRALIAN BOX OFFICE TOP TEN: 1. AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR. 2. I FEEL PRETTY. 3. BREATH. 4. THE GUERNSEY LITERARY AND POTATO PEEL PIE SOCIETY. 5. A QUIET PLACE. 6. RAMPAGE. 7. PETER RABBIT. 8. ISLE OF DOGS. 9 SHERLOCK GNOMES. 10. DAANA PAANI.
● Arnaud Valois co-stars in Robin Campillo's highly acclaimed, award-winning drama BPM, opening in cinemas a fantasy, to hide something terrible that is happening in real life. ■ (MA). 143 minutes. Opens in Those who have seen J.A. Boyena's richly textured A Monster selected cinemas May 17. Crafted with genuine conviction Calls (based on the 2011 novel by and passion, this compelling and Patrick Ness) will know exactly emotionally involving film looks at where this is going, but unfortunately the French branch of the AIDS ac- screenwriter Joe Kelly (adapting tivist group Act Up, who were des- his and J.M. Ken Niimura's 2008 perately trying to get an unsympa- seven-part comic book) and debut thetic government and greedy phar- director Anders Walter (who won maceutical companies to take their an Oscar for his 2013 short film Helium) wallow too much in the plight seriously. Set around 1993, when public fantasy, unwisely withholding the knowledge about the illness was tangible reason for Barbara's disstill vague and largely incorrect, we tress until the final moments of the see what extremes the group mem- film, considerably undercutting bers have to go to, to be able to what should be a moving denouement. make their point heard. RATING - **½ Writer/director Robin Campillo (They Came Back, Eastern Boys) injects the material with incredible energy and life, and performances across the board are outstanding. ■ (MA). 100 minutes. Now While confidently looking at the streaming on Netflix. With internet privacy a major bigger picture, Campillo never forgets the people who are at the cen- concern in recent months (particutre of all this chaos, determination, larly after the Facebook scandal), and loss, and delicately leads the the new Netflix thriller Anon story to a quietly moving finish, couldn't have come at a better time. Unfortunately, potentially proshowing the real impact this devastating illness had, not only on the vocative material is given routine sick individual, but also the family and derivative treatment by writer/ director Andrew Niccol, who has and friends around them. While BPM incredibly did not failed to deliver anything substanreceive an Oscar nomination for tial since striking gold with Gattaca Best Foreign Film at this year's (1997) and The Truman Show Academy Awards, it did score four (1998). Clive Owen stars as Sal awards at Cannes, and won big at Frieland, a big city detective who the French Oscars, taking home six operates in a world where everyone is literally connected online, Cesars. enabling the powers-that-be to view, RATING - ****½ anticipate, and stop any criminal activity. When people start turning up ■ (M). 107 minutes. Opens in se- dead, with their eye tech 'hacked', so the authorities can't see who is lected cinemas May 17. Though nicely produced, with committing these murders, Sal fosome sincere performances, this cuses on the main suspect (Amanda frustratingly uneven drama ends up Seyfried), a memory modifier who failing to fully connect with audi- miraculously has no digital footprint whatsoever. Borrowing heavily ences. The story centres on twelve from Kathryn Bigelow's brilliant year-old Barbara (Madison Wolfe), Strange Days (1995) and Steven who distances herself from those Spielberg's Minority Report (2002), around her, due to the fact that, un- as well as the anime series Dennou beknownst to the townsfolk, she Coil (2007), David Cronenberg's Scanners (1981), and the works of hunts and kills giants. Continually clashing with older Mamoru Ishii (Ghost In The Shell, sister Karen (Imogen Poots), Sky Crawlers) and the late Satoshi school psychologist Mrs. Molle Kon (Paprika, Paranoia Agent, Per(Zoe Saldana), and class bully Tay- fect Blue), Niccol fails to explore lor (Rory Jackson), the reclusive this world in a satisfying manner, teen unexpectedly finds a friend in relying too much on technical gimnewcomer Sophia (Sydney Wade), micks which grow tiresome very who has recently moved from the quickly. Owen seems disinterested U.K. As Mrs. Molle and Sophia at- throughout, while Seyfried registers tempt to break through Barbara's little as the Basic Instinct-style emotional wall, it eventually be- femme fatale. RATING - ** comes apparent that she is living in
BPM
Anon
I Kill Giants
NEW RELEASES AND COMING SOON TO CINEMAS AROUND AUSTRALIA: MAY 10: CHAPPAQUIDDICK, CROOKED HOUSE, LIFE OF THE PARTY, MIDNIGHT OIL: 1984, TULLY. MAY 17: AURORE, BPM (BEATS PER MINUTE), CARGO, I KILL GIANTS, REDOUBTABLE. THE DVD AND BLU-RAY TOP RENTALS & SALES: 1. THE GREATEST SHOWMAN [Music/Biography/Hugh Jackman, Michelle Williams, Zac Efron]. 2. THE SHAPE OF WATER [Sci-Fi/Fantasy/ Adventure/Sally Hawkins, Michael Shannon]. 3. THE COMMUTER [Action/Thiller/Liam Neeson, Patrick Wilson]. 4. I, TONYA [Drama/Margot Robbie, Allison Janney, Sebastian Stan, Julianne Nicholson]. 5. DEN OF THIEVES [Action/Crime/Drama/ Gerard Butler, Pablo Schreiber]. 6. DARKEST HOUR [Biography/War/Drama/ Gary Oldman, Kristin Scott Thomas]. 7. FIFTY SHADES FREED [Drama/Romance/ Dakota John son, Jamie Dornan]. 8. PHANTOM THREAD [Drama/Romance/ Daniel Day-Lewis, Lesley Manville]. 9. BREATHE [Biography/Drama/Romance/ Claire Foy, Andrew Garfield]. Also: INSIDIOUS: The Last Key, PITCH PERFECT 3, ALL THE MONEY IN THE WORLD, THE POST, ENGLAND IS MINE, FATHER FIGURES, COCO, CALL ME BY YOUR NAME, JUMANJI: WELCOME TO THE JUNGLE, STAR WARS: THE LAST JEDI. NEW HOME ENTERTAINMENT RELEASE HIGHLIGHTS THIS WEEK: THREE BILLBOARDS OUTSIDE EBBING, MISSOURI [Drama/Frances McDormand]. STRONGER [Biography/Drama/Jake Gyllenhaal, Tatiana Maslany, Clancy Brown]. DEEP BLUE SEA 2 [Thriller/ BASMATI BLUES [Musical/Comedy/Brie Larson, Donald Sutherland]. DVD AND/OR BLU-RAY NEW & RE-RELEASE CLASSIC MOVIES HIGHLIGHTS: MONEY TRAIN [Action/Comedy/Woody Harrelson, Wesley Snipes]. NEW RELEASE TELEVISION, DOCUMENTARY AND MUSIC HIGHLIGHTS: GUNPOWDER. MURDOCH MYSTERIES: Series 11. - James Sherlock
www.MelbourneObserver.com.au
Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 16, 2018 - Page 61
Observer Showbiz
Local Theatre with Cheryl Threadgold and team CARRION
● Carrion by Justin Shoulder Image by Tristan Jellah ■ Justin Shoulder can be seen in a new solo performance of Carrion on June 27 – 30 at Arts House, North Melbourne. What does it mean to be human, in a period when destruction on the planet is rapidly redefining the laws of nature? Melding flesh, costume and a robo-primordial aesthetic, Carrion is a stunning new solo performance by Justin Shoulder (V and The River Eats) that introduces the figure of Carrion – a shape-shifting, post-human spectre that speaks in multiple forms and languages. Blurring the boundaries between animal, human and machine, Carrion draws on queer and ancestral mythologies and evokes a postapocalyptic landscape rife with decay, where the human and the android have merged for survival. Season: June 27 - 30 Times: 8pm Wed – Sat Duration: 60 minutes Location: Arts House, 521 Queensberry Street, North Melbourne Tickets: $25 – $35 (plus transaction fee) Bookings: artshouse.com.au or 9322 3720
FURY ■ Red Stitch presents Fury by Joanna Murray-Smith from May 29 – July 1 at Red Stitch Actors’ theatre, Rear 2 Chapel Street, St Kilda East. Directed by Brett Cousins and Ella Caldwell, Fury tells of Alice and Patrick who are conscientious and thoughtful, educated and open-minded, and that’s how they have raised their son, Joe. However, one evening Joe’s teacher arrives to tell them Joe is in trouble with the police through committing an act of vandalism against the local mosque. In this story of suburban extremism, the most terrifying explosions are the ones within families as children and parents fight to survive the truth about each other. How well do we know our children and how deep is our responsibility for them and to them? And in the trenches of a privileged family's life, what is fury — a force for evil or a force for good? Fury features Danielle Carter, Chris Connelly, Shayne Francis, Joe Petruzzi, Dushan Philips and Sean Rees – Wemyss. With set and costume design by Chloe Greaves, composition by The Sweats and lighting design by Kris Chainey. Performance Season: May 29 – July 1 Venue: Red Stitch Actors’Theatre, Rear 2 Chapel St., St Kilda. Bookings: 9533 8083 or www.redstitch.net
Sisters In Crime awards ■ Sisters in Crime Australia’s 25th Scarlet Stiletto Awards were launched by Dr Angela Savage at Melbourne’s Athenaeum Library, and almost $10,000 is on offer in prize money. Savage, the 2011 shoe winner and now Director of Writers’ Victoria, declared the awards ‘a milestone for Australian crime – at least of the literary persuasion.’ The awards, she said, had ‘spring-boarded the careers of many writers, including myself.’ To date, 3084 stories have been entered with 23 Scarlet Stiletto Award winners –including category winners – going on to have novels published. ‘Like many of Sisters in Crime’s best ideas, it sprang from a well-lubricated meeting in St Kilda when the convenors debated how they could unearth the female criminal talent they were convinced was lurking everywhere. ‘Once a competition was settled on, it didn’t take long to settle on a name – the scarlet stiletto, a feminist play on the traditions of the genre. The stiletto is both a weapon and a shoe worn by women. And of course, the colour scarlet has a special association for us as women. And they were right – talent is lurking everywhere, sometimes in the most unlikely places!’ The success and longevity of the awards have been hugely dependent on the generosity of Australian publishers, booksellers, the film and tele-
vision industry, authors and other parties. There are two new awards on offer this year: Writers Victoria Crime and Punishment Award ($660) for the story with the most satisfying retribution (the winner gets a three-month spell in prison in the guise of a studio residency at Old Melbourne Gaol) and the International Association of Forensic Linguistics (IALF)Award for Best Forensic Linguistics Story ($1000). Awards include: The Swinburne University Award: 1st Prize: $1500 The Simon and Schuster Award: 2nd prize: $1000 The Sun Bookshop Award: 3rd Prize: $500 The Fleurieu Consult Award for Best Young Writer (18 and under): $500 The Athenaeum Library ‘Body in the Library’ Award: $1000 ($500 runner-up) International Association of Forensic Linguists Award: $1000 for Best Forensic Linguistics Story The Every Cloud Award for Best Mystery with History Story: $750 Closing date for the awards is 31 August. Entry fee is $20 (Sisters in Crime members) or $25 (others). Maximum length is 5000 words. The awards will be presented at a ceremony in Melbourne in late November. www.sistersincrime.org.au
Latest shows, auditions SHOWS
AUDITIONS
■ Theatre of the Winged Unicorn: The Doll's House (by Henrik Ibsen) Until May 19 at the Ceres Hall, McCann St., Ceres. Director: Elaine Mitchell. Tickets: $32/$30/$28, Refreshments $5 per person. Bookings: www.trybooking.com/ TOZG. Enquiries: 5249 1350. ■ Phoenix Theatre Company: Ghosts Until May 19 at the Doncaster Playhouse. Director: Renee Maloney; Musical Director; Ben Heels. Tickets: $30. Bookings: 9012 5897. ■ Brighton Theatre Company: Forget Me Not (by Tom Holloway) May 17 - June 2 at the Brighton Arts and Cultural Centre, Cnr Wilson and Carpenter Sts., Brighton. Director: Annie Blood. Bookings: 1300 752 126. ■ Wyndham Theatre Company: Calendar Girls (by Tim Firth) Until May 26 at the CrossRoads Theatre, Cnr Synnot St. and Duncan's Rd., Werribee. Director: George Benca. Bookings: www.wyndhamtheatrecompany.org.au ■ Skin of Our Teeth Productions: Jane Eyre (by Charlotte Bronte, adapted by Christine Davey) Until May 26 at Shenton Theatre, Cnr Ryrie and Garden Sts., Geelong. Director; Christine Davey. Bookings: 0409 389 461. ■ The Mount Players: Love Letters (by A. R. Gurney) Until May 27 at the Mountview Theatre, 56 Smith St., Macedon. Director: Frank Harvey. Bookings: www.themountplayers.com ■ CLOC Musical Theatre: Strictly Ballroom Until May 26 at the National Theatre, St Kilda. Director/Choreographer: Craig Wiltshire. Musical Director: Malcolm Fawcett; Bookings: www.cloc.org.au 1300 362 547 ■ Nova Music Theatre: Guys and Dolls Until May 26 at The Whitehorse Centre, Whitehorse Road, Nunawading. Co-Directors: Noel Browne and Wayne Robinson; Musical Director: John Clancy; Choreographer: Dean Robinson. Bookings: 1300 304 433. ■ Williamstown Musical Theatre Company: Hot Mikado May 18 - 26 at the new location Centenary Theatre, 71 Railway Place, Williamstown. Bookings: www.wmtc.org.au or 1300 881 545. ■ Strathmore Theatrical Arts Group (STAG): Play It Again Sam (by Woody Allen) May 24 June 3 at the Strathmore Community Theatre, Loeman St., Strathmore. Director: Lee Cook. Tickets: $20/$15. Bookings: 9382 6284 or www.stagtheatre.org
■ MLOC Productions: Spring Awakening May 25 - June 2 at Shirley Burke Theatre, 64 Parkers Rd., Parkdale. Director/Choreographer: Angela Phillips; Musical Director; Malcom Huddle. Bookings; www.mloc.org.au. ■ SLAMS Musical Theatre: Sounds of Swing May 25, 26, 31, June 1,2 at 8[pm at The Knox Community Arts Centre, 790 Mountain Highway, Bayswater. Director: Robert Valk; Musical Director/Co-Director: Marcus Fleming; Choreographer: Katrina Katz. Bookings: slams.mtc@Live.com.au or 0412 605 182 ■ Beaumaris Theatre: The Mystery of Irma Vep May 25, 26, June 1,2,7,8, 9 at 8..00pm, June 3 at 5.00pm at 82 Wells Rd., Beaumaris. Director: Div Collins. Bookings: www.beaumaristheatre.com.au ■ Peridot Theatre: 84 Charing Cross Road (adapted by James Roose Evans from the book by Helen Hanff) June 8 - 13 at 8pm, Matinees June 10 at 2.15 and June 19 at 4pm at the Unicorn Theatre, Mt Waverley Secondary College, Lechte Rd., Mt Waverley. Director: Horrie Leek. Bookings: www.peridot.com.au
AUDITIONS ■ Brighton Theatre Company: Other Desert Cities (by Jon Robin Baitz) May 20, 21 at 7pm at Bayside Cultural Centre, Cnr Carpenter and Wilson Sts., Brighton. Director: George Werther. Enquiries: 0402 222 090. ■ Strathmore Theatrical Arts Group (STAG): 27 Wagons Full of Cotton and Something Unspoken (two plays by Tennessee Williams) May 26 at 2.00pm and May 29 at 7.30pm at the Strathmore Community Theatre, Loeman St., Strathmore. Director: Marti Ibrahim. Audition enquiries: 0423 758022 or email marthaibrahim3@gmail.com ■ Heidelberg Theatre Company: Blue Stockings (by Jessica Swale) May 27, 28 at 7pm at 36 Turnham Ave., Rosanna. Director; Natasha Boyd. Enquiries: info@bookbonding.com.au ■ MLOC Productions: The Boy From Oz June 12, 14, 15 (singing and acting), June 17 (dancing). Mentone and Mordialloc area. Director/ Choreographer: Rhylee Nowell; Musical Director: Matthew Hadgraft. For audition bookings visit www.mloc.org.au - Cheryl Threadgold
VINEGAR TOM
● Georgina Rawson and Reilly Holt in Vinegar Tom. Photo: Pathana Ganesarasa ■ Vinegar Tom, with its appeal to the discipline of Epic Theatre , is Carly Churchill’s take on gender and power. Set in 17th Century England where superstition and belief in witchcraft prevailed, the issues of inequality, violence, poverty, oppression and inequity still resonate. The Monash University Student Theatre production was a valiant attempt but the challenges inherent in the form require a depth of experience and craftsmanship that these students will eventually acquire. The opening vignette between the man (Aleksandr Corke) and Alice (Monique Marani) is written with a subtext of desire, control, social norms, expectation and manipulation that it takes artists of inordinate power to realize the layering of themes and issues. The various levels of ability were also inherent in the other cast members as one would expect from a student production. The demands of Epic Theatre form needed to be more seamlessly interwoven into the production which required more directorial ingenuity. Gina Dickson had modern day medics with the requisite sound of a heart monitor as a point of discord to break the naturalistic mould but the integration of the music, the movement of the set and the choreography needed to be better handled. The coda at the end of the show where two vaudevillian spruikers document the misogynistic views of society from the bible onwards almost came as a complete afterthought and a performance piece of its own. Thus, the transfer between forms which is a hallmark of the Epic genre needed an extra degree of creativity. There was also more light and shade to be realized in the production – humour needed to be found to balance the overwhelming gravity of predetermined witchcraft trials. The company should be encouraged – despite this critic’s disparagement. I am being honest rather than condescending for the effort and enthusiasm needs acknowledgement and there is no better praise than being reviewed professionally. Congratulations to the ensemble – Samantha Hafey-Bagg, Ashleigh Gray, Natalie Speechley, Lily Thomson, Georgina Rawson, Ellis Finnie, Reilly Holt, Vincent Brown and Fraser Mitchell. And I only wish I had more space to include all the crew involved. University student theatre serves a vital purpose within the community and for the development of the craft. Venue: The MUST Space, 21 Chancellors Walk, Monash University Performance Season: Until May 19. Bookings: msa.monash.edu/must - Review by David McLean
www.MelbourneObserver.com.au
Page 62 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 16, 2018 Melbourne
Observer
Lovatts Crossword No 38 Across
1. Supporting structure 6. Discreetly 11. Discontent 15. Enlisting (7,2) 20. Verve 21. Circle (planet) 22. Aria-nominated singer, ... Murray 23. Soiled 25. Reflector 26. Nastier 27. Of kidneys 29. Debar (4,3) 32. Close 34. Go berserk, run ... 36. Self-centredness 39. Acute remorse 41. Tree, copper ... 43. Merits 46. Fatigued 48. Blunder 49. Swerve 51. Stone god 52. Revenge 55. June 6, 1944 (1-3) 56. Louts 59. Confuse 61. Whisky & ... 62. Tennis ace, Steffi ... 63. Condition 64. Verb modifiers 67. Many-sided figure 68. Pacify 70. Earth's environment, Mother ... 71. Stern 72. Cricket side 73. Anxious (2,4) 74. Polite form of address 75. Italian rice dish 77. Lead-in 78. Radiate 79. Measly 82. German war vessels (1-5) 86. Madden 87. Russian leader 89. Alpine flower 92. Truck's unloaded weight 94. Country, Sri ... 96. Catch sight of 98. Negative votes 100. Cure (fish) 101. Feel the loss of 103. Old Testament son of Isaac 105. French cap 106. Murder (2,2) 108. In charge, at the ... 111. Domestic servant 112. Bread grillers 114. Light classical musical 116. Early guitar 119. Authentic 120. Hasten 121. Typist's ailment (1,1,1) 123. Arguable 124. Engrave 125. Wipe out 126. Revenge 127. Constantly busy (2,3,2) 130. City's chief mail centre (1,1,1) 131. Thin-petalled flowers 135. Tartan skirts 138. Leonardo da Vinci's ... Lisa 139. Genuine thing, the ... McCoy 141. Barbie toys 144. Chew like rat 146. Sergeant or corporal (1,1,1) 147. At that time 148. Hawaiian garland 149. Female horse 150. Nautical yes 151. Cut (timber) 152. Amounted to (4,2) 153. Wine, ... spumante 155. Happily ... after 157. Garden tool 158. Volleyball court dividers 160. Requirements 161. Elevate 162. Progress chart 163. Mirth 165. Light purple 166. Uncle Sam (1,1,1) 167. Anger 168. Official decree 169. Europe/US defence pact 171. Pale beer
Across 172. Board 175. Jottings 176. Per, for ... 179. Swelled 180. Lessen 182. Tennis great, Arthur ... 184. Prompting (actor) 185. Uprising 186. Achieve 188. Drag with effort 189. Drilling platform 190. Soviet Union (1,1,1,1) 191. Utilise 193. Perfumed powder 194. Community spirit 196. Father 197. Covers 198. Overfills 200. Furtiveness 205. Definite article 207. Climbs 210. Intoxicate 211. Chatty 212. Suffer pain 213. Saint's ring 214. Mayday signal (1,1,1) 216. Zodiac crustacean 218. Wickedness 219. Eastern European 220. Dining table protector (5,3) 224. Dreamer 227. Pint-size 229. Jeans maker, ... Strauss 230. Black soft drink 231. Bounders 232. Front of leg 233. Concept 235. Durable fabric 237. Performs 239. Hitler's ... Kampf 241. The Devil 244. Dancer, ... Pavlova 246. Coiffure 249. Eye lustfully 252. Gives birth to pups 254. Make untidy (4,2) 256. Charmingly unusual 258. Pill 259. Hostile frown 260. Primped 263. Cowardly informer 264. Minor details 265. Interfere 267. Sand granules 270. Threat 271. Imperial ruler 272. Marine mollusc 273. Ancient Arabic tribesman 274. Partners 277. Yuletide 279. Sudden invasion 281. Fires (from job) 284. Famed lioness 286. High temperature 288. Died before 292. Additional 294. Encounter 295. Half-diameters 298. Cook in oven 300. Come up 301. Screened (film) again 303. Marten fur 306. Racing car's protective frame 308. Single thing 309. Embraces 311. Paltry sum of money 314. Internet message 315. Cease operating (3,3) 316. Gradually implant (ideas) 317. Dinners or lunches 318. Meadows (poetic) 319. Supplementary 320. Fiddling emperor 321. Tough circumstances 322. Nipped with beak 323. Sat lazily 324. Freedom fighter
Down 1. Load completely 2. Actor, ... Baldwin 3. Encourage (3,2) 4. Skips 5. Lock openers 6. Movie star, ... L Jackson 7. Join 8. Set fire to 9. Big Apple resident, New ... 10. Engross 11. Maximum 12. Estate agent 13. Lance 14. Expressed as 15. Yank 16. Personal 17. Eskimo shelter 18. Mongolian desert 19. Rhyme 24. Picnic blankets 28. Taj Mahal city 30. Had to repay 31. Philosopher, ... Marx 33. Atomic devices (1-5) 35. Most likely to win (4-2) 37. Brisk pace 38. Filter 40. Natives of Lhasa 42. Hag 44. Church corridors 45. Gold ore lump 47. Foolish 48. Cosmetic pencil 49. Most conceited 50. Opinion column 53. Narrowed 54. Volcanic (rock) 57. African anteaters 58. Dissolved (ties) 60. Tag for future use 63. Similar-meaning word 65. ... Sea Scrolls 66. Golfer, ... Ballesteros 68. Edible flesh 69. Front 76. Forth 79. Woman's title 80. Yawning gulf 81. Satirical play 83. Pop song's flip (1-4) 84. Sharpshooter, ... Oakley 85. Pig's home 88. Of beauty 90. Wanes 91. Interested in 93. Sheepishly 95. Amongst 97. Medieval farm labourer 99. Actor, ... Banderas 100. Indecent material 102. US Rockies state 104. Loft 107. Request from menu 109. Composer, Andrew ... Webber 110. Broad smile 111. Engage (with) 113. Thinks logically 115. Author's alias (3,4) 117. Snake-like fish 118. Point of perfection 121. Splendid clothes 122. Play piano, tinkle the ... 127. Liver or spleen 128. Stretch (of land) 129. Family-tree specialist 132. Varieties 133. Altogether (2,3) 134. Burn (hair) 135. Enlightenment 136. Gandhi's garment 137. ... & weaknesses 138. Fulfil expectations (7,2) 140. Bulkiness 141. Crystal brandy bottles 142. Verbally attacks (6,3) 143. Items of stage scenery (3,6)
Down 145. Rinse (4,3) 151. Section 154. Snares 156. Yashmaks 159. Historical period 164. And so on 169. Standards 170. Steak cut (1-4) 173. Makes fizzy 174. Young eagles 177. Anew 178. Pawns 181. US cotton state 183. Crowded together 187. From Addis Ababa 192. Picking 195. Be melodramatic 199. Idiotic 201. Mite 202. Primates 203. Pull strenuously 204. Brutal 206. Prince Andrew's ex 207. Diminish 208. Covet 209. Quacking bird 213. ... & hearty 215. Supervise 217. Bigotry 221. Fees 222. Ruined Inca city, ... Picchu 223. Siamese 224. Child's guessing game (1,3) 225. East England county 226. Restrict 228. Vagrants 234. Frivolous time-wasting 236. Caravan nomads 238. Wheel-shaft projection 240. Olympic Games body (1,1,1) 242. Rouses 243. Be unfaithful to (3-4) 245. India's capital (3,5) 247. Satisfy 248. Accounts books 250. Connections 251. Non-believer 253. Swindle 255. Jug 257. Charged atoms 258. Docile 261. Rubber 262. Gallows loops 265. Composer, Wolfgang Amadeus .. 266. Gets rid of 268. Stage whisper 269. Malay garment 275. Singing pitch 276. Tea, ... Grey 278. Paintings & drawings 280. Spray can 282. Prayer ending 283. Conserved 285. Cricketer, ... Gilchrist 287. Shoe reinforcement 289. Moved swiftly 290. Musky cats 291. TV reception pole 292. Manhandled 293. Explorer, ... Tasman 296. Aids in crime 297. Baghdad native 299. Tickle 302. White wine, ... Riesling 304. Quickly 305. High-quality printer type 306. Hurry 307. Suggestive look 308. Troubles 310. Urban haze 312. Russia's ... Mountains 313. Two-seater lounge
Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 16, 2018 - Page 63
Solution on Page 42
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Page 64 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 16, 2018
Observer Victorian Sport Melbourne
It’s Goodwood Gold
■ The time honoured, Goodwood Handicap to be run at Morphettville this Saturday has attracted some of Australia's best sprinters for the coveted prize. Heading the charts is the Hayes- Dabernig crack sprinter Vega Magic, resuming after an injury sustained in his paddock suffering a superficial injury, last November. Vega Magic was considered very unlucky not to have beaten the world's best sprinter, Redzel, in the inaugural Everest Classic Co-trainer, Tom Dabernig, said " The injury is a structural thing, just a cut''. He added that his skin tone and his skin quality were excellent. The co-trainers took him to Werribee recently for a gallop, where he showed he was right on the mark, with a thrashing of several restricted gallopers, brushing them aside in easy fashion. Vega Magic is bidding to become the first horse in 106 years to win consecutive Goodwood Handicaps. The former Western Australian galloper showed them what it was all about running the 1100 metre trial in 1m.07 seconds, blowing his four rivals away, but then again so he should. Damien Oliver, who will ride the gelding in the Goodwood, was on him in the trial and said after that he had made really nice improvement in a trial at Tatura. Sidelined since finishing seventh in the Darley Classic in November over the Melbourne Cup Carnival, Vega Magic needed several stitches in his leg after running through a fence in a paddock incident as mentioned earlier. He was to run in the recent T.J.Smith Classic in Sydney last month, but that was ruled out with the injury. Co-trainer David Hayes is confident that he has a big chance for Vega Magic to become the second horse to win successive Goodwood Handicaps. At this stage the stable are looking at this run and then having another crack at the big prize in the Everest in Sydney, in October. Before that the stable has planned to win successive Memsie Stakes at Caulfield prior. He is all class and will be hard to beat come Saturday. On the second line of favortism is the very good filly, Shoals, from the Anthony Freedman camp, who has proved herself time and time again. Her win in the Sangster Classic recently had to be seen to be believed, when she came with a barnstorming finish to blow them away. Prior to that, she won the Surround Stakes a Group One Event at Randwick, also in great fashion. From her only 10 starts, she has won seven races with two minor placings and two Group Ones. Although giving the older sprinters a few years she is extremely talented and will be hard to beat and at the good odds of $10 each way. On the next line is another very good sprinting mare in Viddora, who recently sustained an injury and missed her engagement. The former Western Australian mare is all class and will be in the firing line for some time. The consistent Mick Price mare, Secret Agenda, is racing well and finished hard along the inside to run a good second to Shoals in the Sangster, and will be hard to beat. From her 22 starts she has won seven with six minor placings, and will be in the firing line right throughout. On top of this she will have one of Australia's most astute trainers in her corner. Another big run at Morphettville on Sangster day was that of Santa Ana Lane, a stablemate of Shoals. Her form of late has been mixed, but she had problems at her last start with respiratory issues. On his day he can put in a good run, and it wouldn't surprise if he ran very well here. From his 25 starts he has won five with six placings. Victorian trainer, Mick Kent, has his good sprinter, Supido, going around for big bikkies, and you can never leave him out.
● Damien Oliver will ride the gelding in the Goodwood. Racing Photos He is being quoted at $ 15, and is well worth Coffey boot home his first Group One winner in a place bet at those odds or a place ticket. the Australian Oaks at Morphettville. The young rider has battled Cystic Fibrosis, an insidious affliction for some time, and has missed many a meeting, despite being only 22 ■ It was a pleasure to watch jockey Harry years of age. His father Austy Coffey along with leading trainer, Darren Weir, have been the mainstay for the popular rider from his apprenticeship. Harry booted home the smart staying filly from the Darren Weir barn in Sopressa to win in easy fashion after a stylish ride. Top Sydney jockey, Tommy Berry, tweeted his delight from Sydney after watching the young man boot home, Sopressa for Darren Weir in the Oaks over 2000 metres. Many racing folk have joined in the chorus for Harry. Great to see a good story in light of the proceedings going on in Racing at the moment.
Hot Coffey
Ted Ryan
Clocked
■ The Flemington track was on fire Saturday as a few sectionals ran the clock down. In the first event for the two-year old fillies, the winner, Crack the Code, stormed home to run 11.28 seconds for the final two hundred metres, that's Black Caviar's time, and her last 400 metres in 22.54, to just beat the Hayes Dabernig filly, Yulong Mercury. The trainer of Crack the Code, Mick Price, has a very big opinion of the filly, and rightly so, on that run, likewise Yulong Mercury. In the same race, Aristia, from the EllertonZahra camp was slow early, but rattled home to finish fourth running home in 22.51 seconds for the last four hundred metres Lady Espirit , who ran third behind Malibu Style, in the Tommy Hughes Sprint over 1000 metres, ran 21.85 second for the final four hundred metres, after Bullpit scorched away with a big break early. Bullpit was clocked running 20.46 from the 800 metre mark to the 400 metre point; he tired to run fourth.
● Great times last week at Flemiongton. Racing Photos
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Wine Column Great Margaret River flavour
● Janice McDonald has created a remarkable Margaret River chardonnay. ■ Jonh Rozentals has the pleasure of tasting a Margaret River chardonnay showing exceptional power and intensity of flavour. As an extremely fortunate and regular imbiber of great bottles and scribbler about wine, one of the most difficult questions posed to me goes along the lines of: "If I spend $50 on a bottle will I get five times as good a wine than if I spend just $10?" My answer usually goes something like this: "You should certainly expect a significantly better wine but I really doubt that it will be five times better." Just as a top-line Mercedes is a better car then a Commodore but doesn't really some out as that much better than their respective price tags would suggest. I remember, from very hazy days long ago, learning in economics about the law of diminishing returns. I'm sure that this question is somehow related to that, though I can't quite pin down how. I suppose that, in a nutshell, each improvement in grape quality comes only at a much more significant cost. I pondered this over a glass of exceptional chardonnay, produced principally from Margaret River fruit by Janice McDonald at Western Australia's Howard Park. As my tasting notes indicate, this wine is one of the richest and most intensely flavoured white wines I have had the pleasure of sipping. It's priced at $54 and significantly better than your average $10-a-bottle chardonnay. But five times better? I doubt it, but if I had the readies I know which I'd rather be drinking. Visit www.burchfamilywines.com.au. TASTING NOTES Howard Park 2017 Miamup Sauvignon Blanc Semillon ($28): an excellent example of why this blend has become a Margaret River Clasic. While most of the fruit is cold fermented in stainless-steel tanks, some batches are fermented in oak. The resultant complexity shows. A great match for the best oysters you can lay you hands on. Howard Park 2017 Flint Rock Pinot Noir ($28): Winemaker Janice McDonald has sourced 85 per cent of the fruit for this delightful red from the Great Southern region, a goodly drive east Margaret River. Fruit flavours are dominated by cherries and roast duck would be my accompanying dish of choice. WINE OF THE WEEK Howard Park 2017 Chardonnay ($54): An absolute marvel of rich and intense chardonnay fruit flavours that really do epitomise why Margaret River has emerged as an Australian - and, indeed, world - king. A pleasure to drink. Bring on the crayfish salad. - John Rozentals
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Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 16, 2018 - Page 65
Sunday, May 20, 2018
Page 66 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 16, 2018
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Metropolitan and Regional Victoria
GARNET BAILEY 0417 34 6214 ALL HOURS Offering a caring and professional service. A LOCAL, WHO KNOW S LOCAL NEEDS
Prices start from $2500
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Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 16, 2018 - Page 67
Page 68 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 16, 2018
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Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 16, 2018 - Page 69
Deck-Doc
Local company chosen as best in the world
For many years Deck-Doc has been supplying retailers throughout Australia with their premium range of timber and decking oils. For the past three years, Deck-Doc has been predominantly selling their products online to service the whole of Australia as well as international customers.
Deck-Doc was recently chosen over other companies to supply their oils to an international company and is in the process of sealing an agency agreement for exclusive distribution and selling rights in Sri Lanka and the Maldives. Deck-Doc timber oil is environmentally friendly and the business has been manufacturing unique, lanolin-based timber oil in Geelong for 15 years. The formula was developed by Robert Hylands to preserve the natural oils and tannins in the timber. The timbers oils and tannins determine the colour of the timber. If the tannins dry out, the timber will lose its own natural colour. The formula is made up of many different plant oils, waxes and lanolin and designed to stay soft and pliable when absorbed into the surface layers of the timber, therefore will not solidify and form a hard membrane of the surface. It will move with the timber during all weather conditions preventing water absorption and drying out of the tannins. Mr Hylands first developed the timber oil when he noticed there was nothing on the market that preserved the timber and protected the timber’s natural colour. Before his time at Deck-Doc, he gained experience when he owned a factory making hand carved, handpainted wooden decoy ducks for duck hunters. The timber used for the ducks had to maintain its natural colour and stay on the water without absorbing moisture. After extensive research, he found lanolin (wool grease) gave excellent water repellency as well as UV protection. Mr Hylands developed lanolin-based timber protection oil and found the water-repellent protection and preservative way far superior and says lanolin is “Nature’s natural UV protection”. Lanolin comes from the wool of sheep and is extracted from the fleece. It is a substance that waterproofs, insulates, and protects sheep from the cold, wind, rain and harmful CV sun rays. Deck-Doc uses the best merino wool to extract lanolin. Throughout history ancient mariners such as the Vikings used lanolin to protect, waterproof and preserve the wooden boards on their ships. Many of the ships were away from their home bases for many years and their ships were subjected to wild storms at sea. They survived thanks to the protection of Lanolin. Deck-Doc invites all to visit their showroom in Moolap for free advice in a number of important issues concerning timber care. There is a large selection of timber types that have been exposed to severe weather conditions, enabling people to understand the importance of choosing a suitable timber type. for the right application. Also know what happens to the different types of decking stains and coatings, how they weather, and the maintenance required. The friendly staff have useful hints for anyone preparing to build a new deck.
Page 70 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 16, 2018
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