Melbourne Observer. 120606C. June 6, 2012. Part C. Pages 63-80

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, June 6, 2012 - Page 63

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www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Observer Showbiz Every Week in the Melbourne Observer

Showbiz People: Annie Opening Night ... Pages 64-65 Radio Confidential: with Melb. Flashbacks ....... Page 66 The Spoiler: Next week’s ‘soaps’ plotlines ............ Page 67 Jim and Aaron: Best DVD-film selections ................. Page 68 Cheryl Threadgold: Community Theatre - it’s a wrap ...... Page 69 PLUS THE LOVATT”S MEGA CROSSWORD

VOYAGES CONCERT AT ST KILDA Reliving 50 years of Aust. Ballet

● Natasha Kusen of The Australian Ballet ■ Free exhibitions are always a delightful idea, and the Australian Ballet is celebrating its golden anniversary with Time In Motion: 50 Years Of The Australian Ballet.

Opening on Saturday (June 9) and running until Sunday, September 23, in the Arts Centre's Gallery One and Two, the exhibition aims to give ballet lovers a behind the scenes look at the history and creative process of ballet.

Follow the Australian Ballet's history of producing national and international dancers through photographs, designs, costumes, memorabilia and archival footage.

Melbourne is fortunate to have an extensive Performing Arts Collection at the Arts Centre, and much of the exhibition has been sourced from that fine collection.

The Australian Ballet made its debut as the country's first fully professional ballet company in 1962, with the support of then-Prime Minister Robert Menzies and ballet legend Peggy van Praagh, who became the company's first Artistic Director.

The company's first ballet was the classic Swan Lake at Her Majesty's Theatre in Sydney on November 2, 1962.

Current Australian Ballet Artistic Director David McAllister says that the exhibition bought back a lot of memories for him.

"It's a fascinating collection of costumes and behind the scenes memorabilia and I'm delighted that the Arts Centre has been able to pull together such a beautiful anniversary tribute to share with the public," he said. www.artscentremelbourne or 1300 182 183 - Julie Houghton

New Golden Days CD ■ Golden Days Radio is releasing the third volume of its popular CD series. GDR President Larry James says the CDs are available for $25, which includes postage.

Orders may be placed through PO Box 287, Glen Huntly Vic 3163. You can contact Golden Days Radio by telephoning 9572 1466.

Wonderful night of musical theatre

● Radhey Gupta Sitar, director Matthew Fagan and Wang Zheng-Ting-Sheng will perform in the Voyages Multicultural Community Performing Arts Concert on June 24 at 3pm at the St Kilda Town Hall.

Photo: Mark Russel ■ International guitar virtuoso Matthew Fagan will direct the Voyages Multicultural Community Performing Arts Concert on Sunday, June 24 at 3.00pm at the St Kilda Town Hall, 99A Carlisle St, St Kilda. Doors open at 2.00pm.

There will be a display of works of local arts groups, information stalls and more.

Voyages showcases a fusion of cultures into a seamless music and dance event. Audiences will be visually delighted by a fiery dance of Flamenco, Belly Dance, Samba, Tap, indigenous Australian and African dance.

The event also features world musicians from India, China, Europe, the Far East, Africa, Brazil, indigenous Australia, local schools, local music and dance groups.

Admission: $20 full price, $15 concession, Family (2 adults and 2 children) $40, plus booking fee.

A proportion of ticket sales will be donated to the Port Phillip Community Group Food Parcel Program.

Tickets available at www.moshtix.com.au 1300 438 849.

For more information contact 0438 881 985

Todd chats on 3RPP ■ Todd McKenney and The Celtic Divas will be interview guests on the Sugar and Spice radio program presented by Bob Phillips and Judy Banks on 3RPP-FM tomorrow (Thurs.), 9am11am.

The Dancing With The Stars judge is currently appearing as ‘Rooster’ in Annie.

Also appearing on the 3RPP program will be Melbbourne Observer Editor Ash Long.

● Todd McKenney

● Brian Amos, guest reviewer ■ Babirra Music Theatre is presenting the evergreen favourite Lionel Bart's Oliver!

Director Sue Salvato has created a performance that could move to any stage with her direction and staging of this show.

During the set changes, that were carried out swiftly and quietly, her performers sang a reprise of the music taking your attention away from other activities.

Her strong leads and the entire cast were flawless. Oliver was played by a young lad who celebrated his 12th birthday on opening night, Jordie Race-Coldrey.

His diction and his reading of the role was perfect, Fagin (Peter Roberts) was played with all the energy needed for the role. Nancy (Rosa Mc Carty) was delightful and her singing was outstanding, Bill Sykes (Matt Hillman) played the role well but I would have liked to seen a little more aggression in this role, and Mr Bumble (Martin Spottiswood) played the role to perfection, and it is lovely to see this talented singer back on stage after many years.

All other cast members contributed to a wonderful night of musical theatre. The sets were some of the best I have seen at Babirra productions. They are big and set the mood of the action perfectly.

Musical Director Ryan Jacobs put together an excellent 17-piece orchestra for this production which did not compete with the singers.

The choreographers, Cameron O'Reilly and Lisa-Maree David, had every dance step and movement perfect, especially the 15 children of varying ages.

For this reviewer it was an evening of great enjoyment.

Congratulations to all who have provided another night of first class non-professional theatre at the Whitehorse Centre, Whitehorse Rd, Nunawading.

- Brian Amos, guest reviewer, Non-Professional Theatre Program, Radio Eastern 98.1, Croydon

Page 64 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, June 6, 2012

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Melbourne People

Annie Opening Night Regent Theatre Party: Long Room, Georges Building

● Wendy Stapleton with Natalie Grosby

● Paul Norton with daughter Alexandra

● Lucille Le Meledo with her mum Debra Byrne

● Shannon and Rochelle Noll

● Casey, Brian and Sue Mannix

● Donna Demaio and Helen Richey

● Brigitte Duclos with daughter Alex

● Anthony Warlow with Suzanne Carbone

● Richard and Lillian Frank

● Rose and Anastasia Pezzutto with Gypsy Rogers and Kate Ceberano

● Jennifer Keyte with sons James and Alexander

● Matt and Melissa Hetherington

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, June 6, 2012 - Page 65

Melbourne People

Annie Opening Night Regent Theatre Party: Long Room, Georges Building

● Rochelle Nolan with Jennifer Hansen

● Tracy Bartram, Vivien and Geoff Cox

● Mick and Nanette Malthouse

● Lisa Edwards with Dom Barbuto

● Lexie, with her mother Rhonda Burchmore

● Dennis Smith, Vanessa Allan and Frank Howson

● Helen Money with Alfie Duran

● Nicki Wendt and J P Bolton at Long Room

● Chloe Dallimore with Todd McKenney

● Kate Langbroek with mum Anne

● Jack and Stephen Quartermain, Paige, with Scarlett at front

● Comedienne Denise Scott at Annie

Page 66 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, June 6, 2012

Observer Showbiz

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Radio Confidential News from stations from around Victoria

INTELLIGENT TEAM AT MIX

Country Crossroads

CHRISSIE AND JANE BRIGHTEN 101.1

info@country crossroads.com.au ● Big Breakfast Show.

Southern FM 88.3.

Tues. 6am-9am. ● Country Crossroads.

Casey Radio 97.7.

Wed. 10pm-12 Midnight

Bruce invents Another 3AW his own history feud, ho hum

■ Geography and history are not the best subjects of Bruce Mansfield on 3AW, Melbourne’s alleged news-talk station.

Mansfield once told listeners that Japan bombed Pearl Harbour in retaliation for Hiroshima. Pearl Harbour was in 1941; the Hiroshima bombing was in 1945.

Laqst week, Bruce asked a caller when she was born.

“1937,” she replied. “Oh, just after the War,” said Bruce.

Rob Foenander

SHANE WINS APRA

■ Australian country music star Shane Nicholson has taken out this years APRA award for country work of the year.

Famous Last Words is the winning song from his multiaward winning album Bad Machines that saw Shane win the award ahead of a number of other well-known artists.

TOP AWARD FOR WARREN

■ The Australia Council's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Arts Board (ATSIA) has presented Warren H Williams with the $50,000 Red Ochre Award, the nation's highest peer-assessed award for an Indigenous artist.

"Warren H Williams is a singer, musician and songwriter from Hermannsburg in Central Australia. While known widely as a country musician, he brings together many threads of the contemporary Australian sound," said Lee-Ann Buckskin,Chair of the Australia Council ATSIA Board.

JORDIE PLAYS GRAM PARSONS

■ Celebrated Australian performer Jordie Lane is set to play the role of the man who, to this day, is hailed as the patron saint of alt-country and roots Gram Parsons.

Grievous Angel, The Legend of Gram Parsons tells the fascinating story of the original cosmic cowboy who lived fast and died young.

The show will play at the Athenaeum Theatre from July 20-29. Bookings at ticketek.com.au or 9650 1500

CAMILLE, STUIE IN MELB.

■ Australian country music couple Camille and Stuie French are hitting the road with Canadian singer -songwriter David Myles. They will perform in Melbourne: Friday, June 8 Wesley Anne Hotel, Northcote; Saturday, June 9 - Caravan Club, Oakleigh; and Sunday, June 10 at the Harvester Moon Café, Bellarine.

The tour will include songs from their critically acclaimed album Big Days & Little Years, previously profiled in the Observer.

David Myles, on the other hand has earned a formidable reputation for his ability to fuse musical styles, uniquely combining gentle rhythms and delicate songwriting For more details phone Leanne Mennard on 9689 0215.

r Observbei z Show

● Bruce Mansfield ● Jan Hall with daughter Lucia, 9, at Annie ■ Chrissie Swan is taking full control of her breakfast program at Mix 101.1, and presents an entertaining package with her equally-intelligent onair partner Jane Hall.

Mix 101.1 is obviously focusing on the younger adult female market, and double their strength when Chrissie appears with Yumi Stynes on the 3PM Pickup aired nationally each weekday afternoon.

Swan confidently steers both programs. Hall does much more than the ‘Ha Ha Ha’ forced laughter job description ● This photograph of the original 3CS building at that some FM radio stations bestow of the girl presenters.

Colac is featured at the Australian Radio Group page Swan, Hall and Stynes on Facebook. The building was opened in 1939, just present as assured women, with prior to the start of World War II. No new stations modern tastes, that must be a opened in country Australia during the war years. dream for advertising sales It is understood that some nostalgia items are now people to take to a national on display in the 3CS foyer. marketplace.

Display at 3CS Colac

● Neil Mitchell ■ The Herald Sun has been running stories of more feuding at the 3AW studios, especially between combatants Neil Mitchell and Derryn Hinch.

There were breathless reports of Mitchell phoning in to the Hinch program, and the Human Headline’s response that he doesn’t talk to Mitchell or breakfast presenter Ross Stevenson. Haven’t we heard it all before?

Ratings soon

■ The fourth of eight radio ratings figures for 2012 will be released on Tuesday, June 19.

The mid-year ratings are important for ad agencies planning 2012-13 financial year spends.

Gold coin tour at Golden Days

■ Golden Days Radio is offering a ‘Gold Coin’ tour of its Glen Huntly studios on selected Wednesdays.

Tours include a showbag, and a cuppa afterwards. Bookings are essential, and may be made by phoning 9572 1466.

Melbourne

Observer

On This Day

Wednesday, Thursday, June 7 June 6

Friday, June 8

Saturday, June 9

Sunday, June 10

Monday, June 11

Tuesday, June 12

■ English cricketer Frank Tyson was born in 1930 (82).

Businessman Rene Rivkin was born in China in 1944. He died aged 60 in 2005.

Actor Andrew McFarlane was born in Albany, WA, in 1951.

Footy reporter Caroline Wilson is 52 (1960) today.

■ American comedienne Joan Rivers was born in New York in 1933 (79).

Singer Nancy Sinatra was born in 1940 (72). She recorded Something Stupid with her father Frank in 1967.

Archbishop George Pell was born in Ballarat in 1941 (71).

■ US songwriter Cole Porter was born in 1891.

He died aged 72 in 1964.

Motoring writer Peter Wherrett was born in 1946. He died aged 72 in 2009.

Actor Michael J Fox is 51 (1961).

US actor Johnny Dep was born in Kentucky in 1963 (49).

■ Jdu Garland was born as Frances Gumm in 1922. She died aged 46 in 1969.

New Zealand-born TB-radio comedian Tony Martin was born in 1964 (48).

Radio man Kyle Sandilands is 41.

Fashion designer Paula Stafford was born in 1920 (92).

■ French scientist Jacques Cousteau was born in France in 1910. He died aged 87 in 1997.

Irish actor Richard Todd was born in Dublin in 1919. He died aged 90 in 2009.

Actor Gene Wilder (Jerome Silberman) was born in 1935 (77).

Comedian Stephen Kearney is 40 (1973).

■ American singer Vic Damone was born in 1928 (84).

Issi Dye was born in Austraia in 1946 (66).

American actor and singer Jim Nabors was born in 1930 (82).

AFL player Warwick Capper is 49.

Comedienne Corinne Grant was born in Corryong in 1974 (38).

■ Actress Jessica Tandy was born in London in 1909. She died aged 85 in 1994.

US singer and actor Dean Martin was born in 1917. He died aged 78 in 1995.

Singer Tom Jones was born in Wales in 1940 (77).

Actor Liam Neeson was born in 1952 (60).

Thanks to GREG NEWMAN of the Birthday Bulletin for assistance with birthday and anniversary dates.

Find out more at www.birthdaybulletin.com.au

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

ShowBiz!

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, June 6, 2012 - Page 67

Observer Showbiz

★

Veritas had fond memories of Melbourne entertainer Ernie Bourne, when his daughter Sally, who plays the mother of central character Stormy, took to the stage at the Princess Theatre this week. Ernie would have been extra-proud.

Also proudly in the opening night audience were Anne and Don McQueen, mother of Marney, who plays Princess Zeena.

TV, Radio, Theatre Latest Melbourne show business news - without fear or favour

ROBOT vs ART

★

Moonshadow Melbourne ● Daniel Frederiksen, Simon Maiden and Paul Goddard are in Robot Robot vs Art at La Mama Theatre, Carlton ■ Robot vs Art is a great night’s entertainment. Written and directed by Travis Cotton and with a skillfully designed, moveable, compact stage

by Nick Waddell, it playfully explores a world where robots have killed off all but 10 per cent of the humans who designed them.

Edited by Cheryl The few humans left must slave underground in sustainable mines.

Threadgold The robots choose to live in what they see as humans’ most ergonomically designed buildings , art galleries. But they do not comprehend art.

Their perfectly constructed world of ‘bots’ is incomplete; they are pro- ■ What indeed? To answer this quesgrammed to identify and know ev- tion, Lloyd Jones directs an ensemble erything , but they have no feelings at cast of five women and six men in a all about anything. further development of his own work After downloading the entire his- which was first presented last year tory of art, Masterbot still cannot during La Mama’s Explorations sea‘feel’ it. A sort of Scherezade story is son. now set up whereby a human, Giles, Scenes melt into each other in a is brought out of the mines by dreamlike way using dance, role play ‘Masterbot’ and he will be allowed and limited dialogue. to live on, only if he can direct a play At first the characters barely acthat can make robots feel. knowledge one another, but soon The human vs robot dialogues are form into two groups, Men and really funny and brilliantly handled by Women.

Daniel Frederiksen, Simon Maiden, Their interaction grows in intenNatasha Jacobs and Paul Goddard. sity until violence erupts.

But despite the hilarity there are To say more would be to reveal an thought provoking ideas about the pros important plot development. and cons of what ‘feelings’ contribThere are hints that the action is ute to existence. meant to represent violence on a wider A lot depends on how Giles will be scale - excerpts from Keating’s able to direct his robot actors.

Redfern speech, a young girl’s speech At $25 or $15 conc. this must be in Arabic or Persian, but these are not one of the best value night’s enter- part of the main action, and seem to tainments in Melbourne. be add-ons.

Season: Until June 10 Still, this is an adventurous work, Times: Wed, Sun 6.30pm | Thu, and will reward those looking for Fri, Sat 7.30pm something more experimental from Venue: La Mama Courthouse, 349 the theatre.

Drummond St, Carlon.

A word of warning – the lighting is Running time: 90 minutes eccentric.

Tickets: www.lamama.com.au or Actors’ expressions are often hid9347 6142. den by poor lighting, or by a footlight - Maggie Morrison shining directly into the faces of the audience.

At the end of the performance, audience members are invited to consider the meaning of the title by supplying their own answer and placing it in the box provided.

A thought provoking performance exploring difficult ideas of violence, retribution, sorrow and regret.

You must come to your own decision as to What is the Question?

Performance season: Until June 10. Times: Wed, Sun 6.30 pm, Thu, Fri, Sat 7.30 p.

Running time: 60 minutes. Venue: La Mama Theatre, 205 Faraday St, ● What Is The Question?

Carlton. is playing at La Mama - Penel Gibson

Independent Theatre

● Kevin Trask with Robert Grubb

For Those Who Have Lost The Plot

Neighbours

There were some noticeable theatrical differences in the production of Moonshadow, possibly in deference to Muslim sensibilities. Physical distances on stage were greater, no flesh (apart from face and hands) was visible, and if you were expecting a happy kiss for a happy ending, you will be waiting a long time.

● Yusuf Islam talks with Kevin Trask of the Melbourne Observer ■ I attended the media call for the new stage musical Moonshadow at the Princess Theatre late last week and was delighted to be in the presence of Yusuf Islam or as he is known to millions, Cat Stevens.

I had been a fan of his recordings since the late 1960s. The media was invited onstage with cameras and recorders for a press conference with this famous English singer who has sold in excess of 60 million records during his career.

Yusuf has written the show Moonshadow over the past 10 years and it features many of his famous hit songs plus a few new ones. It is currently playing for 12 weeks at the Princess Theatre.

I asked him why he chose Melbourne for the world premiere of Moonshadow and Yusuf told me that there was a freedom that he needed, he felt comfortable with the people and he decided that Melbourne was the place to fulfil his dream.

It was great to catch up with my friend Robert Grubb who is in the cast playing the father, Mr Hojja. Robert and I toured his production of Enoch Arden several years ago.

The director of Moonshadow, Anders Albien, told me he was a fan of Robert's work through watching The Flying Doctors in Sweden.

Robert said that during his season of Mamma Mia, Björn Ulvaeus from ABBA told him that he was also a huge fan of the television series.

Tickets for Moonshadow are available via Ticketmaster.

- Kevin Trask

The Spoiler

What Is The Question?

■ 6.30pm. Weeknights. Eleven.

■ Monday, June 11. Disappointed when Jade is unable to help him woo a client, desperate Kyle urges Kate to pretend they’re a couple to win him some much-needed business.

■ Tuesday, June 12. Kyle suppresses his guilt to support Jade through her ordeal with Troy; and while Karl is keen to celebrate the news of her course transfer, Tash fears Summer will come out with an ‘I told you so’.

■ Wednesday, June 13. Toadie leads his family into a mediation session, hoping Jade’s evidence about Troy’s violent past will win their case; Rhys attempts to make Vanessa jealous in one of her cooking classes.

■ Thursday, June 14. Seeing Rhys flirting with Tiffany, Vanessa finally cracks; and pressured to produce more popular content, Susan asks Summer to write a dating column.

■ Friday, June 15. Vanessa’s plan backfires when she attempts to make Rhys and Lucas get along with each other; then Summer is thrown when Susan wants more of her ‘bad’ column.

Home and Away ■ 7.00pm. Weeknights. Channel 7.

■ Monday, June 11. Sid delivers concerning news about Bianca. Casey asks Brax about his father.

Roo and Harvey send Lottie back to her mother.

■ Tuesday, June 12. Casey visits his father, Roo and Harvey realise Mel is not coping and Liam thinks about moving to the city with Hayley.

■ Wednesday, June 13. Harvey realises the depth of Mel's issues, Jett runs away from his foster family and Sasha gets April to deal with Dex's heartache.

■ Thursday, June 14. Jett rebels against John's hard line, Ruby wants to move out with Romeo and Liam starts drinking again ■ Friday, June 15. Romeo confronts Ruby about warning off Indi, Indi pursues modelling to pay Romeo back and Bianca wakes up but behaves strangely.

Star Bursts

Has actor William McInness been signed for a ★The new drama series on ABC-TV? Beach Boys Historic 50th Anniversary Tour ★ Australian tour dates have been confirmed, Brian Wilson, Mike Love, Al Jardine, Bruce Johnston and

David Marks will tour together for the first time in more than two decades. The Melbourne event will be held at Rod Lever Arena on Friday, August 31. Tickets go on sale from Wednesday, June 13.

Victorian Major Projects Minister Denis Napthine was joined by Arts Centre CEO Judith Isherwood on Monday to announce the Hamer Hall re-opening celebrations over four days, which will egin with a starstudded concert on Thursday- Friday, July 26-27. A ballot will be held for Victorians to access free tickets for the Opening Concert.

The Ten Network’s Breakfast host Paul Henry has told industry newsletter Mumbrella thatthe show's struggling ratings will improve as its inexperienced production team finds its feet. But he has warned that the network will need to invest in marketing to persuade viewers to try the show.

A further Disney On Ice show has now been scheduled for Melbourne for 6pm on Sunday, July 8.

Publicist Julie Cavanagh says tickets for the Hisense Arena show go on sale this week.

Tickets for the RocKwiz Some Kind Of Genius Tour go on sale on Thursday next week (June 14).

The show will be presented at Festival Hall on Friday, October 12.

Burn The Floor - with ballroom and Latin danc ing - will open at The Plams At Crown on Thursday next week (June 14), with a season extending until June 30, says Crown’s Jodi Crocker.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Page 68 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, June 6, 2012

Observer Showbiz What’s Hot and What’s Not in DVD and Blu-Ray releases

● Elizabeth Taylor in Cleopatra FILM: THE STING: Cast: Paul Newman, Robert Redford, Robert Shaw, Charles Durning.

Genre: Crime/Heist/Comedy.

Year: 1973.

Rating: PG. Running Time: 129 Minutes.

Format: DVD and BLU-RAY. Stars: ***** Verdict: After the box-office smash 'Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid' screen greats Paul Newman and Robert Redford were [accidently] teamed for a second and final time in this now classic comic Oscar winning gem of two lovable conmen in 1930's Chicago out for revenge and a big score filled with laughs, thrills and a surprise or two. Screen legends Paul Newman, Robert Redford and Robert Shaw are right at the very top of their game, never better, as are an outstanding supporting cast that includes the wonderful Charles Durning (Dog Day Afternoon), Eileen Brennan (Murder by Death) and Ray Walston (Paint Your Wagon, My Favourite Martian). Landmark screenplay by David S. Ward and brilliantly skilled direction by George Roy Hill (Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid), standout production and set design and brilliant Scott Joplin ragtime score by Marvin Hamlish, this is as good as it gets, they certainly don't make them like this anymore. Well deserved Oscar wins for Best Picture, Art & Set Direction, Costume Design, Best Director, Film Editing, Music and Screenplay. This is a rich, intelligent, original and highly rewarding experience, one of those rare gems of exemplary movie-making that make it one of the most entertaining and fulfilling two plus hours you can have watching a movie!

FILM: CLEOPATRA: Cast: Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton, Rex Harrison, Roddy McDowell.

Genre: Drama/Historical.

Year: 1963.

Rating: M. Running Time: 243 Minutes.

Format: DVD and BLU-RAY. Stars: ** Verdict: Hollywood epic's rarely come any bigger than this, a standout cast, a monumental display of colour, spectacular sets, breathtaking costume design, and ultimately, the perfect cure for insomnia, a flat, over bloated, over budget and over long (and I mean long) pot-boiler that nearly sank a studio and legendary for what was going on behind the camera than in front of it. There are some fine performances throughout this misfire, if you can stay awake for the four hour plus running time. However, what makes this special is the outstanding feature length documentary and extra features on the making of the film, which I implore you to watch before sitting through the main feature. The revelations of excesses that went on behind the scenes in trying to get it made are truly fascinating, making it one of the best documentaries ever put together on bringing this blockbuster movie to the screen. In fact, a movie about the making of Cleopatra would be far more interesting and entertaining. It should have been called Carry On Cleo, but that was done the same year, and is far more enjoyable. Sadly though, here is an epic that has become legend for all the wrong reasons, it's a shame that the best this release has to offer is not so much the film itself, but a startling and valuable addition for any collection that was made over four decades later.

FILM:

OSS 117 - The Complete Collection: OSS 117: CAIRO-Nest of Spies and OSS 117: Lost in

Rio. Cast: Jean Dujardin.

Genre: Comedy/Action/Mystery/Crime.

Year: 2006/2009.

Rating: M. Running Time: TBC. Format: DVD. Stars: ***1/2 Verdict: If you've wondered what French 2012 Oscar winning star of the Best Picture Oscar winning film The Artist, Jean Dujardin, was up to prior to his recent acclaim, then look no further than these two hilarious, off-the-wall 1960's spy spoofs on the spy boom era, OSS 117: Cairo- Nest of Spies and OSS 117: Lost in Rio, two whimsically quirky parodies of a cross between Sean Connery as James Bond 007 and James Coburn's Derek Flint in Our Man Flint and In Like Flint. The look, the colour, the feel and everything about the 1960's spy adventures is captured so well you'd think these were actually made back then (these two movies were actually inspired by an OSS 117 series of films from that era ). Overflowing with many hysterically funny moments, most notably what happens in the chicken barn in OSS 117: Cairo - Nest of Spies, Jean Dujardin is perfectly cast as super spy Hubert Bonisseur de la Bath, aka OSS 117, considered the best in the business, so if you're in the mood for a good chuckle, try these crazy, zany, over-the-top send ups that both hit the funny bone right on the mark!

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Movies, DVDs

With James Sherlock

Reviews by Aaron Rourke

THE ALIEN SAGA ■ With Ridley Scott's Prometheus opening in cinemas everywhere tomorrow (Thurs.), there is currently major interest in revisiting this exceptional sci-fi series, which has enthralled audiences for years.

All four movies are available on DVD and Blu-Ray. Alien (M) (1979). 117 minutes / 115 minutes. *****.

Ridley Scott's elegant and eerie sci-fi classic is rightly regarded as one of the best films ever made.

The simple premise of a commercial spacecraft taking on a terrifying alien creature is the springboard for a very character-based horror/thriller, thanks to a knowing, intelligent screenplay by the late Dan O'Bannon (Dead And Buried / Total Recall / Return Of The Living Dead), and Scott's wonderful handling of the script's human element, making sure we care about what happens to the ship's crew.

Perfect casting elevates the believable characters even more. After a couple of bit parts, this is the film that shot Sigourney Weaver to Hollywood stardom, and she is simply magnificent as the strong-willed Ripley, but the entire cast are first-rate.

Tom Skerritt, Ian Holm, Yaphett Kotto, Harry Dean Stanton, Veronica Cartwright, and John Hurt all play off each other so well, adding the kind of realism that could exist between colleagues in any workplace.

The production design is incredible, with consoles and other equipment actually built to work.

The detail on the derelict alien ship is eye-popping, adding immeasurably to the other-worldly atmosphere.

Jerry Goldsmith's low-key score is suitably moody. The alien itself, designed by famed artist H.R. Giger, is absolutely one-of-a-kind, and is one of the scariest creatures ever created for a film.

Ridley Scott builds things slowly, allowing the characters to develop naturally, before turning the screws as the creature starts methodically attacking the crew.

His use of darkened areas as well as sound design is brilliant, making the most of the truly wonderful sets.

Superb cinematography by Derek Vanlint and excellent editing by Terry Rawlings helps make this a perfectly crafted film.

An incorrectly advertised 'Director's Cut' was released in 2003, which is (more appropriately) an alternate cut put together by Scott, putting back some infamous scenes originally deleted back in 1979.

It is an interesting version, but the 1979 theatrical cut is, as stated by Ridley Scott himself, the definitive version of the film. Still the best in the series.

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

Fantastic sequel to the 1979 hit cleverly expands upon the original film's premise, making for a genuine followup rather than just a lazy cash-in.

Ripley (Sigourney Weaver) is back, advising a tough group of marines who land on the planet where the alien eggs were discovered.

They discover to their horror that the planet has been over-run with alien creatures.

James Cameron, who had just had his first hit with The Terminator (1984), was given the high-pressure job of creating a quality sequel to Alien, and he not only gave audiences

● Sigourney Weaver a worthy successor, but a memorable film in its own right.

Stan Winston's outstanding effects won an Oscar, and a fine supporting cast included Lance Henriksen, Michael Biehn, Bill Paxton, Jenette Goldstein, and Paul Reiser.

The 154 minute extended cut is more for Alien fans than general audiences, but offers added depth to Ripley's character and more action and detail on the alien planet.

Alien 3 (M) (1992). 115 minutes / 144 minutes. *** / ****.

What turned out to be a very troubled production, with a change of director and numerous rewrites, the resulting film isn't as bad as expected, and provides strong visuals and an oppressive atmosphere.

Ripley crash lands on a prison planet, but unfortunately brings an alien with her. New Zealand filmmaker Vincent Ward (The Navigator / Map Of The Human Heart) had come up with a beautiful, highly imaginative story, but creative differences lead to him being replaced by firsttime director David Fincher.

To say that Fincher went through a trial by fire is a mild understatement, but it gave him the strength to go on to become one of the most formidable directors working today, crafting great films such as Seven (1995), The Game (1997), Fight Club (1999), and Zodiac (2007).

The 144 minute extended cut, closest to Fincher's vision, is a vast improvement, giving us much-needed character definition, a change of alien host, and clearer plot details.

Sigourney Weaver is again excellent as Ripley.

Alien : Resurrection (MA) (1997).

108 minutes / 116 minutes. **.

In sequel number three Ripley is cloned by the Company, but her DNA is mixed with that of the alien species, and experiments see a new breed of alien let loose on the corporate-owned spaceship.

Despite visually impressive direction by French film-maker JeanPierre Jeunet (Amelie / City Of Lost Children) and the occasionally interesting idea, the film is destroyed by an awful script from Joss Whedon (Buffy The Vampire Slayer / Firefly / The Avengers), which is short on characterisation and an intelligent, serious tone, and instead is high on silly one-liners, making this feel more like a throw-away Arnie action flick rather than a film that is part of a highly regarded sci-fi series.

Sigourney Weaver manages to rise above the third-rate material.

Easily the worst of the series, and brought the franchise to a halt for quite some time.

- Aaron Rourke

Melbourne

Observer

Top 10 Lists THE AUSTRALIAN BOX OFFICE TOP TEN: 1. MEN IN BLACK 3.

2. THE DICTATOR. 3. THE AVENGERS. 4. DARK SHADOWS. 5. THE FIVE YEAR ENGAGEMENT. 6. BEL AMI. 7. THE BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL. 8. THE WOMAN IN BLACK. 9. SALMON FISHING IN THE YEMEN. 10. THE WAY. NEW RELEASES AND COMING SOON TO CINEMAS AROUND AUSTRALIA: MAY 31: DECLARATION OF WAR, GET THE GRINGO, TO THE ARTIC 3D WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN YOU'RE EXPECTING, TALAASH. JUNE 7: ANTON CHEKHOV'S THE DUEL, FRIENDS WITH KIDS, PROMETHEUS, SWERVE, SHANGHAI. THE DVD TOP SELLERS: 1. UNDERWORLD: AWAKENING [Action/Thriller/Kate Beckinsale, Michael Ealy].

2. THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO [Mystery/Thriller/Daniel Craig, Rooney Mara].

3. ALBERT NOBBS [Drama/Glenn Close, Mia Wasikowska].

4. SHERLOCK HOLMES: A GAME OF SHADOWS [Adventure/Robert Downey Jr, Jude Law].

5. TINKER TAILOR SOLDIER SPY [Drama/Gary Oldman, Colin Firth, Tom Hardy].

6.

HUGO [Adventure/Asa Butterfield, Christopher Lee, Ben Kingsley].

7. THE MUPPETS [Family/Adventure/Amy Adams, Jason Segal, Chris Cooper].

8. ALVIN AND THE CHIPMUNKS: CHIPWRECKED [Family/Animated/ Jason Lee].

9. MISSION IMPOSSIBLE: GHOST PROTOCOL [Action/Tom Cruise, Jeremy Renner].

10. JOURNEY 2: MYSTERIOUS ISLAND [Adventure/Comedy/ Dwayne Johnson, Michael Caine].

Also: WAR HORSE, THE ADVENTURES OF TIN TIN, PUSS IN BOOTS, TOWER HEIST, YOUNG ADULT, THE DESCENDANTS, THE IRON LADY, HAPPY FEET TWO, WE BOUGHT A ZOO, MIDNIGHT IN PARIS. NEW RELEASE HIGHLIGHTS ON DVD THIS WEEK: SAFE HOUSE [Thriller/Denzel Washington, Ryan Reynolds].

SHAME [Drama/Michael Fassbender, Carey Mulligan].

CHAD MORGAN: I'm Not Dead Yet [Documentary/Chad Morgan].

NEW & RE-RELEASE CLASSICS ON DVD HIGHLIGHTS: HARD TIMES [Action/Drama/ Charles Bronson, James Coburn].

KOYAANISQATSI [Documentary Feature].

OSS 117: The Complete Collection OSS 117: CAIRO-Nest of Spies and OSS 117: Lost in Rio [Comedy/Jean Dujardin]: NEW RELEASE TELEVISION, DOCUMENTARY AND MUSIC DVD HIGHLIGHTS: THE RETURN OF THE MAN FROM U.N.C.L.E. Turn To Page 75

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, June 6, 2012 - Page 71

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Observer Showbiz RADIO PLAYS ■ Terri Adams and Cheryl Threadgold will be presenting a workshop on July 7 titled 88.3 Southern FM - How To Create A Radio Play, as part of the Bayside Literary Festival.

It will be followed by a live recording of the best play in front of an audience on July 14. www.bayside.vic.gov.au/literaryfestival

ONE ACT PLAYS

Local Theatre With Cheryl Threadgold

Melbourne

Observer

INFO NIGHT FOR ‘WIZARD’ AUDITIONS ■ MLOC Productions Inc: The Wizard of Oz Information Evening June 26 at 8.00pm at the Parkdale Church of Christ hall, 174 Como Pde., Parkdale. Auditions: (Adults) June 28 and July 1; (Juniors) June 30 and July 7. Director: Lucy Nicolson; Musical Director: Tanya Chaves; Choreographer: Keir Jasper. Audition bookings: 9589 4912.

■ Catchment Players: Hairspray July 3, 4, 5 at the Catchment Rehearsal Factory, 10 Malua St., Reservoir. Directors: Nathan Firmin and Brad Fischer; Musical Director: Andrew Houston; Choreographer: Nathan Firmin. Audition bookings: 0458 467 766.

How To Succeed

SHOWS ■ 1812 Theatre: I Hate Hamlet (by Paul Rudnick) Until June 16 at 3-5 Rose St., Upper Ferntree Gully. Director: John Mills. Tickets: $25. Bookings: 9758 3964 or www.1812theatre.com.au ■ Brighton Theatre Company: Three Days of Rain (by Richard Greenberg) Until June 9 at Brighton Theatre, Cnr. Wilson and Carpenter Sts., Brighton. Director: Doug Bennett. Tickets: $20/ $18. Bookings: 1300 752 126 www.brightontheatreco.com ■ The Mount Players: Oklahoma! Until June 16 at 56 Smith St., Macedon. Directors: Peter Kelly and Olivia Kelly. Tickets: $25/ $22. Bookings: 1300 463 224. www.themountplayers.com ■ Lilydale Athenaeum Theatre Company: MASH Until June 16 at 39-41 Castella St., Lilydale. This lighter side of war by Tim Kelly, based on the book by Richard Hooker, is directed by Adrian Carr. Tickets: $25/$22. Bookings: 9735 1777 www.lilydaleatc.com ■ Swan Hill Theatre Group: Oliver! Until June 16 at the McCrae St. Theatre, Swan Hill. Director: Nikki Holt. Evening performances: 7.30pm, matinee at 2.00pm. Bookings: 0438 006274.

■ MLOC Productions: The Witches of Eastwick June 15 - 23 at the Phoenix Theatre, 101 Glenhuntly Rd., Elwood. Director: Jane Court; Musical Director: Martine Wengrow; Choreographer: Merilyn Young. Tickets: $32/$30/ Children 15 and U $28. Bookings: 9570-4052 www.mloc.org.au ■ Fab Nobs Theatre: Next to Normal June 15 - 30 at 33 Industry Place, Bayswater. Director: Nicholas Kong; Musical Director: Naomi Osborne www.fabnobstheatre.com.au

Cheryl Threadgold on 3AW

● Tania Knight and Andrew McNess in Wedding Story, one of three one-act plays being presented at the West Essendon Community Centre from June 716.

Photo: Eddy Doran ■ Essendon Theatre Company presents a One Act Play Season (Love and Other Calamities) from June 7 – 16 at the West Essendon Community Centre, Bradshaw St, West Essendon.

Plays include Love Or Nearest Offer by Hugh O’Brien, The Wedding Story by Julianne Homokay, and Do You Come Here Often? by Samantha-Ellen Bound.

The Wedding Story is directed by Cat Cummins and is a play narrated by a storyteller, bride and groom. It begins with the storyteller reading aloud to the audience, wanting to tell them a “happily ever after” story.

The bride and groom have other ideas, continually correcting the storyteller about the real goings on in their relationship. Tickets: $20/$18. Bookings: 0422 029 483.

AUDITIONS ■ The Basin Theatre Group: Over My Dead Body June 13 at 7.30pm at The Basin Theatre, Doongalla Rd., The Basin.

Director: Joe Tuppenney. Audition enquiries: 8711 3076.

■ Encore Theatre Inc: Jolson - You Ain't Heard Nuthin' Yet (by Kevin Trask) June 15, 22 from 7.30pm at Fleigner Hall, 31-39 Highland Avenue, Oakleigh East. Director: Kevin Trask.

Audition bookings: 9830 1669.

■ CLOC Musical Theatre: All Shook Up June 15, 16, 17.

Director/Choreographer: Craig Wiltshire; Musical Director: Danny Forward. Audition bookings: 1300 362 547 ■ Babirra Music Theatre: Hello Dolly! June 14, 17, 18, 21 at Highfield Road Uniting Church Hall, Highfield Rd., Canterbury. Director: Sure Salvato; Musical Director: Hamish Paterson; Choreographer: Cameron O'Reilly. Audition bookings: 0400 820 786.

■ Savoy Opera Company: Iolanthe June 17. For audition bookings call 0425 853 071 or email info@savoyoperacompany.com

■ Non-Pro Theatre columnist Cheryl Threadgold is heard weekly on 3AW Melbourne Overnight program hosted by Andrew McLaren. Cheryl presents a segment with the latest community theatre news at 12.45am Wednesdays.

● Lucia Craven plays flamboyant Hedy Lu Rue in Mountain District Musical Society’s production of How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying which runs from June 15 – 23 at the Karralyka Theatre, Mines Road, Ringwood.

The show is directed by Richard Perdriau, with musical direction by Glen Barnett and choreography by Felicity Bender. Tickets: $35 full price, $323 concession, $30 children. Bookings: www.mdms.org.au Photo: Joanne Buckingham

AGONY AND ECSTASY OF STEVE JOBS ■ This really is a misnomer for a show that purports to factually blend an attack on Steve Jobs as well as decrying sweat shop conditions during Apple iphone and ipad productions in Shenzhen, China.

The fact that this monologue, first created and performed by Mike Daisy in the US, was later shown to be often fiction and not fact, should have led to some rewriting before presentation here.

By way of a very brief disclaimer before the start, performer Richard Pettifer clumsily uses a lap top voiceover on the floor questioning certain facts.

He then, as supposed original writer/performer Daisey, dons a T shirt with the word ‘Liar’.

While at times a certain hypnotic style of presentation lures us in to listening to the seriously hazardous conditions of work in Chinese ‘sweat shop’ factories, the actor’s several referrals to his lengthy script broke any sense of continuity of thought.

When theatre is used to make serious accusations against people or products, it is vital that both the script and the performer engage the audience artistically and of course sincerely; this performance was below a successful level on both counts.

Conditions in some Chinese work places are believed by many to be well short on workers’ rights and safety, and the subject is worthy of theatrical expose, particularly since we consumers are complicit.

But to attack Steve Jobs and present fiction as fact does not help improve things .

The title suggests an intense look at Jobs’ inner demons, whether work related, personal or both. This piece does not deliver that, nor is it theatrically successful, despite some humorous moments and some serious statements being made.

Venue: La Mama Theatre, 205 Faraday St, Carlton.

Performances: Sundays June 10, 17, 24 at 2.00pm

INDEPENDENT THEATRE REVIEW

Show duration: 90 minutes All tickets: $15 Bookings: 9347 6948 lamama.com.au - Maggie Morrison

LITTLE BIG SHOTS ■ Little Big Shots, Melbourne's very own International Film Festival, launched its eighth season in Melbourne last Saturday (June 2) at ACMI, Federation Square Seasoned filmmakers and first timers have produced a fascinating and entertaining selection of short films that will delight the whole family.

Little Big Shots will screen in Melbourne at ACMI from June 9 to June 13.

Some highlights of the festival are: The Gruffalo's Child. This enchanting, animated tale, features the voice talents of Helena Bonham Carter (narrator), Robbie Coltrane (The Gruffalo) and Shirley Henderson as the Gruffalo's Child, among others. The Gruffalo's Child 'who is not afraid' sneaks out one night in search of The Big Bad Mouse.

Mouse for Sale. Set in a pet shop, a little mouse with very large ears goes to great lengths to attract the attention of a young boy seeking a pet.

Ben. A hamster runs around the world in his tireless search for true love…

For session information and a complete list of the 83 short films that make up the Little Big Shots festival, please visit: www.littlebigshots.com.au

Page 70 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, June 6, 2012 Melbourne

Observer

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Lovatts Crossword No 26 Across

Across

1. Hair-stylist 6. Straight-line racing car 11. Famous Indian mausoleum (3,5) 15. Nightclub dancer 20. ... kwon do 21. Labyrinths 22. Aegean or Caspian 23. Lahore is there 24. Mad Russian monk 25. NE Scottish seaport 27. Jumbo animal 28. Watering tube 29. Fixed gaze 31. World fair 32. Cruel person 36. Pins & ...

37. Prolong (4,3) 38. Checks (text) for errors 41. Renovate (ship) 44. Metal bar 45. Unfortunately 48. Sneeze noise (1-6) 49. Oddball 52. Rectangular 56. Addressing crowd 57. Anxious (2,4) 58. Perfumed burning stick 61. Goat's wool 62. Economises, ... & saves 63. Fibbing 64. Naomi Campbell is one 65. Imperial ruler 66. Collided with (3,4) 67. Disincentive 71. Absurd comedy 73. Of the ear 75. Windbag 80. Clarify, ... light on 82. Hone 83. Disobey 85. Gauges 86. Befuddles 88. Labourer's tools, pick & ...

90. Welcomes 91. British coin 93. Taking sides 94. Climbing plants 95. Female voices 96. Wither 97. Tingle 99. Mark as correct 100. Holy places 104. Rubbish 105. School maxim 106. Track down 107. Sent via Internet 111. The other way around, vice ...

113. Observe 114. The masses, ... polloi 115. Disorderly 117. Smear 118. Affirmative replies 121. Russian spirit 122. Mustard & ...

125. Canine disease 126. Shaving cut 127. Roman dress 129. Pulpy, soft food 131. Yoga master 132. Apprehension 135. Feng ...

136. Unplaced competitor (4-3) 139. Wild party 140. Representatives 144. Strangely 145. Scandinavian 146. Wall painting 147. Underwriters 148. Glared

149. Gallows rope 150. Group of eight 152. Hang loosely 154. Flog 157. Fluid unit 158. Minutest 162. Iran's neighbour 163. Exhausts supply of (4,2) 166. Porridge cereal 167. Pour with rain 169. Slow down!

171. Car pioneer, Karl ...

172. Tobacco user 173. Leers 175. Lever (off) 176. Single 179. Swiss banking centre 180. Come to rest (3,2) 182. Liqueur, ... Maria 183. Towards stern 184. Blackboard stand 186. Negative 189. Harness-racing horse 190. Return (of symptoms) 191. Epic movie-maker, Cecil B De ...

192. Big Apple city (3,4) 196. 60s pop dance (2-2) 197. Dad 198. Heedful 199. Spend extravagantly 201. Not fit for consumption 202. Gloomier 203. Performing 204. Car-top luggage frame (4,4) 205. Worked hard 208. Guidance 210. Up to this time 211. Aquatic bird 212. Pragmatism 213. Vein of ore 215. Vending machine 219. Nimble 221. Small & efficient 223. Striped brown gem (5'1,3) 227. Biology or physics 228. Mummifies (corpse) 230. Donations 231. Scorch 232. Charts (course) (4,3) 233. Villain 234. Arrogant newcomer 238. Power outlet 239. Knit with hooked needle 240. Scratch 243. Eagle nests 246. Ancestry 247. Lease again 250. Naming words 251. Greek philosopher 253. Muddles (up) 256. Frequent visitor 257. Mischievous 258. Character 262. Manufacture 263. Florida's Key ...

266. Is in debt to 268. Citrus fruit 269. Surgical removal 270. Not enclosed (of land) 271. Ruling (monarch) 272. Decimal unit 273. Opinion surveys 274. Corroded, ... away at 275. Slyer 276. Supervised 277. Perseveres 278. Least

Down 1. Manages 2. Annoyed 3. Abstains from food 4. Salt Lake City state 5. Absconded (3,3) 7. Severely simple 8. Seedy conditions 9. Discharge 10. Talk wildly 11. Muscle rupture 12. Fire-resistant material 13. Of war 14. Country dance 15. Leaked slowly 16. Aura 17. Windscreen cleaner 18. Rocky Mountains state 19. Early guitars 24. Tenant's fee 26. Fish traps 30. Quarrel 33. Document bag, ... case 34. Evoke 35. Cavalryman 38. Triangular-sided building 39. Constantly busy (2,3,2) 40. Learn (4,3) 42. Great ages 43. Charges with crime 46. Furiously 47. Beliefs 49. Properly nourished (4-3) 50. Frostier 51. Stray 53. Bewails 54. More mature 55. Biblical sea 59. Oil paintings 60. Skittles 67. Lowers (oneself) 68. Fishing boat 69. Ex-pupils' get-together 70. Invigorate 72. Residential locations 74. Score after deuce 76. Exposed 77. French N-Test region, ... Atoll 78. Rude 79. Pestered 81. Cargo door 84. Unnerves 87. Strong coffee 89. Nonconformists 91. Primitive 92. Japan's second largest city 98. Recording room 101. Restrict (3,2) 102. Asian cricketing nation 103. Flattened 108. Countless number 109. Saturate (with colour) 110. Turn inside-out 112. Remembered 116. Carpenters 119. Brightening up 120. Proper behaviour 123. Now Zimbabwean 124. Set apart 128. News-sheet 130. Ill-bred 132. Unfulfilled

Down

133. Inaccuracy 134. Songs for one 137. Actress, ... Sarandon 138. Scoundrel 141. Heredity units 142. Cosy corners 143. Clean with broom 151. Household jobs 153. Riddle 155. Hot & moist 156. Lower leg joint 159. Revealed (knowledge) 160. Foolishness 161. Inducting, ... in 164. Too soon 165. Open wound 168. Alienate 170. Unfashionable 173. Reverse 174. Giving university talk 177. Soundly constructed (4-5) 178. Worsened (of crisis) 181. Leaves uncared-for 185. Permitting 186. Liked 187. Retailers 188. Football umpire 193. Sun or rain 194. Acorn bearer (3,4) 195. Sing-along entertainment 200. Prayer beads 201. Official emblems 206. ... & lemons 207. Wear best clothes (5,2) 208. Human rights group, ... International 209. Modesty 211. Large pedal 214. Moral 216. Dip in liquid 217. Capers 218. Numerals 220. Conclude 222. Toadstools 224. Great joy 225. Questionable 226. Junior 229. Fully satisfy 232. Liquefy 235. Actress, ... Cruz 236. Straighter 237. Reaction 241. Changing booth 242. Picasso & Monet 244. Library patrons 245. Belongings, personal ...

248. More meagre 249. You 251. Walk with heavy steps 252. Turns away 253. Imitate 254. Father Christmas 255. Praise highly 259. Divine messenger 260. Combine 261. Roman VIII 262. Small tick 264. Unknown writer 265. Swallow noisily 267. Appear

Solution on Page 62

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 30, 2012 - Page 71

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Page 72 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, June 6, 2012

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Melbourne

Observer Victorian Sport Racing Briefs

Hat-trick of victories ■ Rochester owners Mark & Sue Thompson's Real Desire/Karamea Toastime 3-Y-0 gelding Hes Real brought up a hat-trick of wins when successful in the Charlton Harness Training Complex Vacancies Available Pace for C0 class over 2100 metres, giving Ellen Tormey a driving double.

Trained by Mark, Hes Real bided his time midfield in the moving line after starting from gate two on the second line, easing three wide in the last lap.

Showing his customary finishing burst, Hes Real gathered in his rivals with ease in accounting for the pacemaker Bella Hotshot and Superbarby which trailed the leader in a rate of 2-01.5.

Showed plenty of fight ■ Bullengarook's Graham Lee was a welcome winner at Tabcorp Park Melton on Thursday, when 4-Y0 Wind Cries Maori/Rich Victory gelding Illcryifhewins broke his maiden status at start number 15 by taking the Bet With The TAB Trotters Handicap (2nd Heat) for T0 & T1 class over 2240 metres.

Stepping cleanly from barrier two to trail the pole line leader Dartrenzac, Lee eased Illcryifhewins to trail Gunnawinwunday in the breeze mid-race, enjoying a lovely trip.

Sent forward three wide in the back straight on the final occasion, Illcryifhewins joined Dartrenzac on the home turn and driven confidently, raced clear in the shadows of the post to register a 9.9 metre victory in 2-06.1 from Dartrenzac which showed plenty of fight, with The Driller third after following the runner up.

Success at M’borough ■ At Maryborough on Wednesday, Bendigo's Trevor Monk was successful with ultra-consistent 7-Y-0 Sports Town/Could It Be gelding George Samuel in the Maryborough Cleaning Service Pacers Handicap for C1 or better class over 2190 metres.

With John Caldow in the sulky, George Samuel coming from the 10 metre mark settled four back in the moving line briefly, before being sent forward to race outside the pacemaker Magical Bazz.

Showing plenty of fight on turning, George Samuel put pay to the leader, then defied all challengers to score by a half head over Ringtripleowe (one/one) in a tricky finish, with Freestyler a head away in third place after trailing the leader and using the sprint lane. The mile rate 2-02.1.

Large group delighted ■ Gillieston trainer Russ Thomson secured the services of Chris Alford to land the Keith Pratt Pace for C3 & C4 class over 2190 metres at Maryborough with 4-Y-0 Blissful Hall/Valchelon gelding Pinevale Willpower, much to the delight of a large group of owners including Terry & Julie White who have only recently bought into him.

Showing his usual gate speed from gate three, Pinevale Willpower crossed the polemarker Mathias heading into the back straight on the first occasion and from there on, it was shut the gate as he comfortably held his rivals at bay to score by 3.9 metres in advance of Flying Class (three wide last lap) and Le Rapide off a three wide trail from last. The mile rate 1-58.8.

This Week’s Meetings ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

Wednesday - Maryborough/Echuca, Thursday - Melton/Terang, Friday - Yarra Valley/Melton, Saturday - Bendigo, Sunday - Mooroopna @ Shepparton, Monday - Donald @ Charlton, Tuesday - Geelong.

Horses To Follow ■ Djasker, Enerjetic, Kai Star Fella, Lookatime Philo, Castro, Bevstuanmarylou, Kingofthedesert, Cardon Merger, Pacobamba.

BRILLIANT WIN FOR LOCALS ■ Friday night's Tabcorp Park meeting was huge for the Bacchus Marsh/ Melton area, with Jodi Quinlan taking the $25,000 (Group 3) VHRSC Holmfield for 3-Y-0 Trotters over 1720 metres aboard Sunset Invasion and Andy & Kate Gath the $50,000 (Group 2) Schweppes 4YO & 5YO Championship with Chariots Of Fire winner Caribbean Blaster.

Sunset Invasion a gelded son of Last Sunset and Maramas Invasion raced by registered owner Sandra Garbutt along with husband David and brother-in-law Barry (Garbutt), from gate two on the second line settled a "mile" off the leader Rockport Crown in a race run at a very fast tempo for that age bracket.

Still a long way back approaching the home turn, Jodi eased Sunset Invasion very wide and he motored to the post at a great rate to tip out the almost unbackable favourite Aldebaran Shades which ambled to the front on turning by 3 metres in a rate of 1-59.4, with Loveyougoodboy a game third after racing in the open.

Both Barry and David Garbutt have been involved in harness racing for most of their lifetime and the victory repaid them for their enthusiasm.

Caribbean Blaster a 4Y-0 intact son of Bettors Delight and Kalypso raced

by Sydneysider Rob Nalder in partnership with Alabar Bloodstock, was simply stunning in his victory.

Starting from the extreme draw in a star studded line-up, Caribbean Blaster was sent forward from last with around 1700 metres to travel to park outside the Mildura Cup winner Heza Trick who had taken the front running away from Jadahson approaching the bell.

Pulling way to the front prior to the home turn, Caribbean Blaster scored brilliantly by a 7.2 metre margin in a rate of 1-58 (last half 55.8 - quarter 28.1) from the favourite Abettorpunt which raced wide for the last lap, with Jadahson a half head away third after being extricated from a tight pocket on turning.

Quinella ■ It was a Parwan quinella to the finish of the Schweppes Pace for R0 & R1 class over 1720 metres at Tabcorp Park Melton on Thursday May 31, with Johnny Armbros defeating Bettor Abs in a mile rate of 1-57.7.

Raced by Phil and Cath

Baker’s Delight

Harness Racing

Led throughout at Shepp.

Melbourne

Observer

lenbaker@ bigpond.net.au

Settled among markers

with Len Baker

Chircop along with long time friend John Lorensini, Johnny Armbros trained by Phil and driven by Craig Demmler led for most of the journey from gate four in defeating Bettor Abs (Jodi Quinlan - one/one three wide home turn), wuth the rank outsider Myslendi Bay (three back the markers) third.

A gelded son of Armbro Operative and Hanover Chic, Johnny Armbros has faced the starter 13 times for 2 wins and five placings.

Cracked it ■ Bungaree trainer Luke Steenhuis finally cracked it for a victory with 5-Y-0 Village Jasper/Lochlee Mazza gelding Dark Jasper on Thursday, taking out the Sky Racing Trotters Handicap (Heat 1) for T0 & T1 class over 2240 metres at Tabcorp Park.

With Gavin Lang once again in the sulky, Dark Jasper possied three back along the markers from the pole, moving to be one/one for the final circuit to follow Tawonga South.

Easing wide on straightening, Dark Jasper finished fast to overhaul a game Tawonga South in the shadows of the post in a 2-06.8 rate, with Donkiri third after coming off the back of the leader Arctic Wolf at the bell and striding clear in the back straight.

Salute judge ■ Bendigo's Roma Pocock and the HRITC Board Of Management have been on fire in recent weeks and another winner came their way at the Charlton fixture on Monday May 28, when 10-Y-0 Extrovert/Geechar gelding Mister Jonas saluted the judge in the Charlton & District Community Bank Trotters Handicap for T0 or better class over 2100 metres in a thrilling finish.

■ On what's been an amazing week for the Central Victorian and Goulburn Valley area, Bendigo's Michelle Eastman landed the Help Us End NF Through Research Trotters Mobile for T1 & T2 class over 2190 metres at Shepparton on Thursday with 4-Y-0 Sundon/Insulated mare Aleppo Midas in a rate of 2-03.

With Haydon Gray in the sulky, Aleppo Midas led throughout from gate two in easily accounting for Djasker off a three wide trail last lap and Dreamscape Aurora (one/one).

Driven by Charltonian Ellen Tormey, Mister Jonas from the 10 metre mark led up the outside division shadowing Whiteway Lane during the first half of the journey, before taking cover on Tawonga South with a circuit to travel.

Easing three wide on the final bend, Mister Jonas making his 115th appearance at the races, prevailed by a nose over Tawonga South in a rate of 2-07.6, with Atego Lilly (three wide last lap) a head away in third place.

It was Mister Jonas' 7th victory.

Three wide ■ Junortoun's Gary Donaldson combined with Leigh Sutton to land the Race Names For Sale 3-Y-0 Pace over 2100 metres at Charlton with Art Major/My Gentle Persuasion gelding Bazzas Art. Restrained to the tail of the field from gate five, Bazzas Art gained a lovely three wide trail home at the expense of Well Oiled Lombo in the final circuit to score from One Wise Man (one/two) and Final Count which led in a rate of 2-00.1.

Big sprint ■ Another Bendigo winner on the day was 5-Y-0 Pacific Fella/Wide Glide gelding Georgefromguam for Shelbourne's Lynette Eastman in the This Could Be Your Business Name Pace for C2 & C3 class over 2100 metres.

With Chris Alford in the sulky, Georgefromguam possied three back in the moving line, sprinting sharply along the back straight to open up a commanding lead on straightening.

George dug his toes in and raced erratically as the winning post loomed to score by only a half head in 1-59.6 from Doves Patch from last along the sprint lane.

■ Goornong trainer/driver Peter Salathial snared the NF Effects 1 IN 3000 2-Y-0 Pace over 2190 metres with Charli Springfield, a daughter of Village Jasper and Charlize Theron.

Enjoying a one/one trip from gate six after settling three back along the markers, Charli Springfield ran home best to blouse a death-seating Art De Triomphe in a tricky finish, with Enerjetic coming from last at the bell to finish third. The mile rate 204.

Honest run at Kilmore ■ Veteran Meltonian Graeme Lang was in the winners stall at Kilmore on Wednesday, following the victory of honest 4-Y-0 Bettors Delight/Red Hot Mamma mare Well Hello Dolly in the Harness Breeders (Vic) Pace for C2 to C4 class (mares) over 2180 metres.

Driven to perfection by Gavin Lang, Well Hello Dolly from gate two led throughout in easily accounting for Illawong Kath which raced outside her in a rate of 2-03.5, with Please Dont Talk (three back the markers) third.

Start from extreme draw ■ Kilmore trainer Bruce Kennedy's John Street North/Taroona Rose gelding Funny Car chalked up victory number eight when successful in the Old Fella 22nd July At Kilmore Pace for C0 class over 2180 metres on his home track on Wednesday May 30.

Driven as usual by Jodi Quinlan, Funny Car starting from the extreme draw settled a "mile" off the leader Lucindas Fella (gate seven) who went like the wind in the early stages.

Still well back at the bell, Funny Car trailed up Rajah Wealth four wide in the final circuit to be poised one/one approaching the home turn and when given full rein on straightening, coasted to the wire in a rate of 2-00.1 over Rajah Wealth, with Lucindas Fella hanging on to finish third.

Kicked away on bend ■ Tony Peacock's smart Live Or Die/Solberge 3Y-0 gelding We Never Say Die returned to something like his best form when victorious in the Northern Fascia Pace for C1 class over 2180 metres at Kilmore.

Spearing away from gate five, We Never Say Die pounced on the lead and rated well by Brian Gath, kicked away on the final bend with a commanding margin.

Although getting tired halfway up the running, We Never Say Die scored by 2.7 metres in a rate of 2-01 in advance of Rhodium Castle from last, with the roughie Seattle Grace third after following the winner.

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Melbourne

Observer Victorian Sport

Showbiz Extra ■ From Page 68

BIG ASK FOR TOP FILLY ■ With the additional 1.5 kilos given to star filly, Sea Siren, she may have her work cut out against the older horses, in The Stradbroke Handicap, if she starts.

Sea Siren was given 54 kilos, but this will now be raised another kilo due to the injury sustained by the Topweight Black Piranha, who will miss the Classic.

Sea Siren is all class, and is raced by well known owner Keith Biggs, whose horses carry the familiar colours of a champion of the past.

One such horse was the top stayer, Doriemus, who won the Caulfield and Melbourne Cups back in 1995 with leading jockey, Damien Oliver aboard.

In the Stradbroke, Sea Siren will be ridden by her usual postillion, Jimmy Cassidy, who has steered the filly to her last two brilliant wins.

The trainer of Sea Siren, John O'Shea is known as an astute judge and is worried with the weight given to his star.

He feels his filly won't be able to give weight to Mental, who has only 50.5 kilos, but could be penalised.

Sea Siren, the current favorite around the $ 5.00 mark, will need to set a modern weight carrying record for a filly in a 1400 metre race.

The last four fillies to win the Stradbroke, were Canterbury Belle in 1980, Dane Ripper, 1997, Private Steer, trained by O'Shea in 2003, and La Montagna in 2006, who did not carry more than 50 kilos.

At the time of going to press, O'Shea and her connections were still deciding if they were going to run her.

I feel she is good enough, but then again the breaks and barrier have to go her way.

However she is all class, and with a very astute team of racing folk.

It would be a welcome change of luck for John O'Shea, as he faces Court costs of around $500,000 after a recent case in Sydney.

Ted Ryan

Observer Racing

● Melito. Photo: Greg Irvine Among the others sion of the Magic Mil- Coolmore, is the fourth lions National Brood- highest in the history of competing in the mare Sale at the Gold the sale and the sec- Derby, the top New ond most expensive Zealand filly, MissArCoast recently.

The last lot in the for a mare in foal. tistic is not without a All up on the open- chance. think the policy in supplementary cataVictoria is if the logue for the first ses- ing day of sales over horse's weight is under sion, Melito, attracted $8 million was traded 55.5 kg, they ( jock- bids from no fewer on 144 lots, which sold ■ If a National Stew- eys), can get .5 kg than four different par- at an average price of ards Conference en- overweight, and in ties before Coolmore's $56,102-up 30 per cent dorses a proposal at NSW, we take the Stud, Tom Magnier, on last year's session ■ The latest report their next meeting, jockeys off, and it var- trumped the others one average of that top young lady riders, Michelle Payne iockeys will not be ies elsewhere. with a $1,650,000 bid. $43,259. and Katelyn Mallyon, able to ride .5, or a kilo Offered by Reavill "What is being recare well on the road to overweight in races. ommended is that Farm, Melito is a mulrecovery after shockConference Chair- when the handicap tiple Group One wining falls, is great news. man, Sydney's Ray weight was 54 kilos ner, and is in foal at The likeable young Murrihy, said Jockeys there would be no present to top sire ■ Top trainer, Peter ladies are tops in their no longer needed to more jockeys riding Encosta De Lago.

Moody, on a high at the claim being .5 or a kilo overweight".

Magnier said after moment, will saddle chosen profession and overweight, given the the sale: “She is a up the short priced fa- deserve the accolades they receive. recent rise in weights. lovely looking indivorite for the Both received horThe minimum weight vidual with a great Queensland Derby to rific injuries, but was raised to 54 kilos pedigree. in January.

She will be served be run at Eagle Farm thankfully; not a great deal, that time won't He added: “It's ■ Star Group One this spring by interna- on June 9.

The good colt, heal. time to have a Na- winning mare, Melito, tional galloper and tional Policy in regards only recently retired, former Australian star, Brambles, after an to overweight", proved the star of the So You Think. easy all the way win in Murrihy said 'I show at the first sesThe price paid by the Grand Prix Stakes, defeating his stable- ■ Celtic Divas’ mate Vatuvei.

Noriana Kennedy, Joyce It appears likely that Nicola the 2400 metre trip will (Grada) and Irish suit Brambles down to duo Lumiere are thrilled to have the ground.

Peter Moody has a Melbourne’s own strong hand in the race Irish Dancing World with Brambles, Champions join Vatuvei, and Soros go- them for their Vicperforing around in the Derby, torian with all strong winning mances.

2012 Irish chances. dancing World Although Bram- C h a m p i o n s , bles and Vatuvei were Essendon’s own impressive, the run of Christine Ayres Soros was outstanding Irish dancers plus just missing the place Liam Ayres, Underafter missing the start 19 World Irish in the Grand Prix.

Dancing Champion OTI Racing headed and dancer in the up by Terry Riverdance touring Henderson and former troupe, will join test cricketer, Simon the Celtic Divas at O' Donnell, who have the Frankston Arts raced many a good Centre on June 28, horse, such as Bauer, the Melbourne Rerunner up to Viewed in cital Centre on the Melbourne Cup June 29 and the and present star, Bendigo Capital Manighar, race Arts Theatre on June 30. ● Tom Magnier signs for Defiant Dame. Photo: Greg Irvine Brambles.

Overweight problem

Great news

Brambles firms

Big cash for mare

Dance

Top 10 Lists MISS FISHER'S MURDER MYSTERIES: Series One - Volume Two. THE BILL: Series 7, Part One. THE BILL: Series 7, Part Two. THE BILL: Series 8, Part One. THE BILL: Series 8, Part Two. TOP GEAR: Great Adventures 5 - The India Special & Supercars Across Italy.

THE WONDER OF IT ALL [Space/History/ Documentary].

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3. THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO [Mystery/Thriller/Daniel Craig, Rooney Mara].

4. TINKER TAILOR SOLDIER SPY [Drama/ Gary Oldman, Colin Firth, Tom Hardy].

5. SHERLOCK HOLMES: A GAME OF SHADOWS [Adventure/Robert Downey Jr, Jude Law].

6. THE MUPPETS [Family/Adventure/Amy Adams, Jason Segal, Chris Cooper].

7. JOURNEY 2: MYSTERIOUS ISLAND-2D & 3D [Adventure/Comedy/Dwayne Johnson].

8. ALVIN AND THE CHIPMUNKS: CHIPWRECKED [Family/Animated/Jason Lee].

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10. WAR HORSE [War/Drama/Jeremy Irvine, Peter Mullan, Niels Arestrup].

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NEW RELEASE HIGHLIGHTS ON BLU-RAY THIS WEEK: SAFE HOUSE [Thriller/Denzel Washington, Ryan Reynolds].

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TOP GEAR: Great Adventures 5 - The India Special & Supercars Across Italy.

MISS FISHER'S MURDER MYSTERIES: Series One. KOYAANISQATSI [Documentary Feature].

THE WONDER OF IT ALL [Space/History/ Documentary].

- James Sherlock

‘Underpaid $191,000’ The Fair Work Ombudsman has launched a prosecution against a national service station operator, alleging it underpaid over 200 staff more than $191,000.

Facing court is Freedom Fuels Australia Pty Ltd, a Brisbane-based company which operates service stations in Queensland, Victoria and NSW. The company allegedly underpaid 234 employees a total of $191,197 between May, 2006 and July, 2009.

The employees, including a number of juniors aged under 21, worked as casual and part-time console operators.

It is alleged that 169 employees in Queensland - at locations including Brisbane, Toowoomba and Goondiwindi were underpaid $112,615.

It is further alleged that 56 employees in Victoria - at locations including Melbourne, Sale, Traralgon, Churchill, Moe and Morwell - were underpaid $73,905, and nine employees in NSW.

Midwinter Dream Helen Ayres, Tim Nankervis and Anna Goldsworthy - reunite in June for their first concert, Midwinter Dream.

The program is at the Art Gallery of Ballarat at 7pm on Friday, June 15; and at the Elisabeth Murdoch Hall, Melbourne Recital Centre on Saturday, June 16.

Page 76 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, June 6, 2012

Extra Places To GoTravel Over The Long Weekend

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Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, June 6, 2012 - Page 77

Page 78 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, June 6, 2012

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Melbourne

Observer Victorian Sport

EVERY TEAM CAN BE BEATEN

■ What a round of surprises. But despite the two top teams and flag favourites, WCE (2 point margin) and Essendon (6pts) losing respectively to lowly Brisbane and Melbourne, plus Carlton being pulverised by Port Adelaide (54pts) the top four is unchanged.

The unconvincing Cats have taken St Kilda’s place in the Eight after debutants GWS surprised and outplayed them with spirit to be level at quarter and half time.

The Cats got involved in the second half and outscored the Giants 81 points to 16 for a comfortable 65 points win.

Without injured Tom Hawkins Geelong trialled Harry Taylor up forward in his 100th game and it proved a success with three goals.

The Demons win was the top highlight and surprise! Mark Neeld was a ‘happy chappy’.

In what is best described as ‘The Buddy Franklin Show’ with his 13 goals.4 effort in Launceston, Hawks demolished and demoralised North Melbourne by 115 points.

Its percentage jumped by 13.5 to 128.9 in what could prove as good as a win come the Finals.

The Magpies easily defeated Gold Coast Suns by 97 points with the highlights being Gary Ablett’s 53D and the foot injury to Collingwood superstar and Brownlow favourite Scott Pendlebury which will side line him for two to three weeks.

Jack Riewoldt wins and loses ■ In what turned out to be the best match of the round last Friday night, ‘Jumping Jack’ Riewoldt booted 8.3 from 20D as the Tigers match-winner, while his older cousin and recognised ‘super star’ Nic had 17D 3.2 and 2 OoB for St Kilda.

Both took 9 marks but Nic still suffers the ‘yips’ kicking for goal which was costly in the 8 point loss.

The Tigers killed the Saints in the ruck, 43 HO to 12. Ivan Maric got 33 in a top all round performance.

St Kilda is missing injured big men Ben McEvoy and Rhys Stanley who return in 2-3 weeks.

Richmond’s win puts them on 20 points equal with the Saints and Fremantle.

The next four, North Melbourne, Port Adelaide, Brisbane and West Bulldogs have four wins 16 points which makes their task to make the Final 8 most difficult.

Adelaide defeated Freo by 29 points at Paterson Stadium while the Swans had a birthday party in the wet and muddy SCG with a huge 92 points win but lose young Luke Parker for 6 weeks with a broken collarbone.

What does it all mean? Clearly every team can be beaten on any given day. This is good for the competition, the AFL and the fans.

Living The Dream ■ Balmain and Fremantle Dockers have announced that Dekka Adams is the recipient of the ‘Live The Dream’ experience at Docker HQ in Perth.

Dekka is one of 16 boys nationally who have been given this unique opportunity.

Dekka is a former Glebe Greyhounds player from the age of 10.

Harry Beitzel www.squidoo.com/harrybeitzel He recently travelled to Perth with the Under 18 team to play in the Partner Club Challenge at Subiaco.

During his time at Fremantle, Dekka will live the life of an AFL player for five days.

The cost of the trip is fully funded by the Fremantle Dockers and the program sponsor Decmil Australia.

The program activities include: ■ Appointment of a player mentor for each boy involved in the program ■ Leadership training ■ Physical and skills sessions ■ Conditioning and injury prevention sessions ■ Nutritional advice ■ Media training and player welfare information ■ The match day experience with the Fremantle Dockers "I am really looking forward to travelling to Perth to be part of this fantastic opportunity" Dekka commented.

"Balmain’s relationship with Fremantle has given me opportunities that I could only have dreamed of".

It will give Dekka a first rate chance of ‘Living The Dream’.

I love Foxtel’s 24/7 footy ■ I’m a footy fanatic and love Foxtel’s 24/7 AFL Channel which show replays of all nine matches plus nightly programs which are mostly indepth, highly analytical and very technical selected passages of strategic ‘plays’ explaining why your team won or lost.

In reality it is an advanced “coaches clinic” conducted by experienced experts. I love it!

They have even developed their own confusing, specialist “speak”, such as ‘contested ball’, ‘press’, ‘inside - outside’, ‘stopper’, ‘sweeper’, ‘swooper’, ‘possessions’, ‘turnovers’, ‘hard-ball gets’ and dozens more as each commentator competes to ‘dream-up’ another cliché.

I’ve always believed our game is great because it evolved on “simplicity and entertainment” for the fans.

Supporters, in my view are even more important than the players.

There is NO AFL, NO Club, NO game without them. I wonder how all these Foxtel shows rate?

Channel 9 doesn’t broadcast AFL games but has the highest rated, long-

est running, AFLTV Footy Show, even on a Thursday night! Why? It’s all about entertainment.

(I’ll contact the AFL Media Dept. to get the Foxtel ratings for these shows and let you know).

I’ve been asked to explain ‘Aussie Rules’ to dozens of newcomers to the game.

Indeed as recently as last Saturday night to ‘Pip’ (Phillipa), the Sydney RAS PR Manager, attending her first game at her ‘Showgrounds’, now the home ground of Skoda sponsored GWS Giants. I keep it simple and gave her my well rehearsed spiel.

I said “The principle of the game is like all ball games (Pip follows Rugby).

First win the ball-you are now in control- secondly get it to a team-mate who is in the best position to send it onto the team’s advantage-thirdly repeat this routine until one of your teammates scores getting it through the big sticks.

The team at the Final Siren with the highest points is the winner.”

Game explained!

Rules? Don’t worry about them!

“Once upon a time”, many years ago, they were simple and the players, fans and even the umpires knew them.

We’ve managed to confuse everyone with continual new interpretations. Which in many ways has been good for the fans. It has enhanced their entertainment value as even expert commentators are confused so nobody is totally wrong!

What you must do next is decide which team is your team. When your team gets a ‘free-kick’ from one of the umpires you cheer and clap as loud as you can.

If the decision goes to the other mob you “boo and hoot” as loud as you can! The result? You are now a fully qualified rabid “barracker”.

The fans around you accept you as a friend and a fanatical, knowledgeable AFL fan!

The most enjoyable thing about being a ‘one-eyed’ supporter is your new found friends universally agree the umpires didn’t have a clue about the Rules.

“Pip” enjoyed it and is now a GWS Giants supporter. She loved the entertainment!

Foot note. In case you agree I’m stupid. Eighty five years ago there was a Collingwood coach called Jock McHale who led his team to four consecutive premierships between 1927

to 1930 which still stands as a VFL/ AFL record.

He was the boss – no 20 assistants, no coaches for defenders, midfield and forwards, no specialist dieticians, physiotherapists, psychologists and only a three man selection team comprising Senior and Seconds coaches and the first eighteen captain.

Jock’s coaching career spanned 37 yrs, 8 Flags, 9 R/U. His philosophy: 1) win the ball; 2) deliver it to your teammate; 3) shepherd, block, assist your team-mate and play man on man; 4) kick a winning score.

This view was shared by Reg Hickey, Norm Smith, Alan Jeans and many others. The KISS principle.

Tigers turned purple ■ Richmond’s players worespecialedition warm-up tops at last week’sgame at Etihad Stadium, to support The Alannah and Madeline Foundation.

The Alannah and Madeline Foundation, a national charity that keeps children safe from violence and its devastating impact, recently became the Tigers’ preferred charity partner.

The purple and yellow warm-up tops, individually signed by the players participating in the match against St Kilda, were auctioned off at richmondfc.com.au A pair of boots, specially-designed and worn by Brett Deledio during the game, were also available at auction at Richmond’s web site.

Richmond’s partnership with yhe Foundation fits well with Richmond’s community arm, the Tigers in Community Foundation’s charter of supporting young people and preventing harm.

A key component of the partnership is the Club’s support of The Foundation’s Better Buddies Framework, a program which has been introduced into almost 1000 primary schools across Australia to help reduce bullying and create friendly, caring school communities.

The Tigers are raisingfunds to help support the Better Buddies Framework in primary schools throughout Melbourne.

Richmond players, including star forward Jack Riewoldt, promote the work of the Foundation in ambassadorial roles.

New deals inked ■ Richard Douglas has agreed to a new three-year contract with the Adelaide Football Club.

The 2010 Club Champion, recruited from Victorian U18 club Calder Cannons, is now set to spend at least a decade at the Crows, with the new deal extending to the end of the 2015 season.

Douglas, 25, was Adelaide’s first draft pick (No 16) in the 2005 AFL national draft.

Round 11 Friday, June 8 Carlton vs. Geelong Cats (ES) (N) Saturday, June 9 Richmond vs. Fremantle (MCG) Gold Coast SUNS vs. St Kilda (MS) (T) Essendon vs. Sydney Swans (ES) (N) Sunday, June 10 Port Adelaide vs. Hawthorn (AS) (T) Monday, June 11 Melbourne vs. Collingwood (MCG) Byes: Adelaide Crows, Brisbane Lions, GWS GIANTS, North Melbourne, West Coast Eagles, Western Bulldogs

He made his AFL debut the following season and has now played 98 AFL games.

Crows Football Operations General Manager Phil Harper said he expected the midfielder to continue to be an important member of the team.

“Richard has won a best-and-fairest but he is now entering the prime years of his football career, so we look forward to him continuing to being a key part of this new era under Brenton Sanderson.”

Defender Matt Jaensch has also agreed to the terms of a new two-year deal with the Adelaide Football Club.

Jaensch, 22, has played 30 AFL games since being rookie-listed by Adelaide at the end of 2009.

The Hahndorf and Sturt product was upgraded to Adelaide’s primary list for the 2011 season and last year won the Club’s ‘Emerging Talent’ award.

Harper said: “Since his debut, Matthew has shown steady improvement. His pace and elite kicking skills make him an important member of our team, now and into the future.

“We are very happy Matthew has re-committed to the team as we enter an exciting period for the Club.”

Facelift for Punt Road

■ Richmond’s famous Punt Road Oval will undergo a major facelift from next month, with resurfacing and reconfiguration works set to bring it to Etihad Stadium proportions.

The support generated by the Club’s Fighting Tiger Fund, combined with AFL support, has made the project possible.

Importantly, the new state-of-theart surface will be complete in time for beginning of the 2013 pre-season – the most critical time of the year for training.

“It is imperative the surface is available for pre-season, which is when it is used most by players – that is why it makes sense to push ahead with these works now,” said Richmond CEO Brendon Gale.

“The timing is never ideal, but now is the right time to move. There will be some short-term inconvenience, but it is simply something that needed to be done for the long-term benefit of the Club.

“It is the players’ most important piece of equipment, and it is critical we give them the best possible surface.

“The first phase of the Fighting Tiger Fund provided us with the financial support to reduce our debt by $1 million and, combined with AFL support, provide the necessary funding for us to reconfigure and resurface Punt Road Oval.

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, June 6, 2012 - Page 79

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