Melbourne Observer. 120307C. March 7, 2012. Part C. Pages 49-72

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, March 7, 2012 - Page 49

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Observer Showbiz Every Week in the Melbourne Observer

Radio Confidential: Vertigan returns today ... Page 50 Showbiz: Ethnic stations welcome Minister ........ Page 51 The Spoiler: Next week’s ‘soaps’ plotlines ............ Page 51 Jim and Aaron: Best DVD-film selections ................. Page 59 Cheryl Threadgold: Community Theatre - it’s a wrap ...... Page 61 PLUS THE LOVATT”S MEGA CROSSWORD

MTR CLOSES: $15M LOST

● Steve Vizard was heard on MTR 1377

■ Voluntary administrators were appointed to Melbourne Radio Operations Pty Ltd, the joint venture company that has operated MTR 1377 (‘Melbourne Talk Radio’) for the past two years.

The station was pulled off-air at 5pm Friday, and has been replaced by a music track station, My MP, owned by station licence holder, Pacific Star Network.

PSN also operates SEN 1116. It is part-owned (14.9 per cent)

by Fairfax Media, operators of 3AW and Magic 1278.

PSN’s partner in the joint venture, Macquarie Radio Network, led by Sydney advertising man, John Singleton, wanted to conclude the joint venture, and served a notice, cancelling working capital, and calling in any moneys due and payable from MRO. Under the joint venture deed, PSN provided the licence, and Macquarie provided the working capital, and sustained any losses, which some reports have had listed as high as $15 million.

The station, captained by Program Director Steve Price, only attracted 1.4 per cent of the Melbourne radio listening audience. It was able to only secure about $856,000 advertising revenue in the past half-year, averaging less than $200 an hour.

Leading presenters Steve Price and Steve Vizard are employed by Macquarie.

- More on Page 62

It’s instant entertainment

Melbourne Opera’s La Bohéme ■ Melbourne Opera opened its 10th anniversary season last Saturday night with Giacomo Puccini’s four-act romantic opera La Bohème at the Athenaeum Theatre.

Set in 19th century Bohemian Paris, with libretto by Giuseppe Giacosa and Luigi Illica, La Bohème tells a tragic story of young love.

Melbourne Opera has assembled a terrific cast under the direction of Hugh Halliday, including Lee Abrahmsen and Danielle Calder alternating as seamstress Mimi, Roy Best and Paul Biencourt (Rodolfo), Antoinette Halloran and Angela Hogan (Musetta), Phillip Calcagno and Matthew Thomas (Marcello), Nathan Lay and Kristian Gregory (Schaunard), Steven Gallop and Graeme Russell (Colline), Roger Howell (Benoit/Alcindoro), Richard Wilson, Te Ua Houkamau and Tim Jaques (Parpignol), Stephen Brodie (Sergeant) and Michael Carr (Customs Official). The Melbourne Opera Chorus and Orchestra are conducted by Greg Hocking and the pleasing variety of ages in the Chorus

adds realism to ensemble scenes. The atmospheric and clever multi-purpose sets have been designed by Richard Jeziorny.

First class performances on opening night included 2010 Sun Aria winner Lee Abrahmsen’s portrayal of Mimi (her aria in Act One was a show highlight), Paul Biencourt (poet Rodolfo), Antoinette Halloran (Musetta), Phillip Calcagno (Marcello) and the dynamic Nathan Lay (Schaunard).

This most enjoyable production of La Bohème can be seen at the Athenaeum Theatre, Melbourne on March 7, 10, 14, 17 at 7.30pm and March 18 at 2.30pm.

Bookings: www.melbourneopera.com or 1300 795 012 A gala performance is being presented on Saturday, March 31 at 8.00pm at the Robert Blackwood Hall, Monash University.

Bookings: www.monash.edu/mapa or 9905 1111.

For more details of Melbourne Opera's performances, visit www.melbourneopera.com - Review by Cheryl Threadgold

● Lliam Amor and Amy Moule ■ Forget long hours of rehearsals, getting scripts word perfect - Impro Melbourne has its new show Generations currently running on Sundays at The Space in Prahran.

These talented improvising actors are loving their teambased format that is fun for the whole family.

Generations has teams of experienced improvisers with some new faces, all ready to take a story in any direction that might occur to them or the audience.

Taking the kids or the grandkids to an Impro Melbourne show is a great way to get them interested in theatre, because it is so accessible and it doesn't matter if the kids get a bit excited - that's the spirit of improvisation!

Anyone who has enjoyed Thank God You're Here on television will love seeing the real thing happen right in front of them.

For this new show, experienced improvisational actors Jason Gear, Patti Stiles, Mark Gambino and a host of colleagues will strut their stuff every Sunday in March.

Tickets are only $15 adults and $10 concession, so it's an affordable afternoon out with the family.

Details: The Space, 5 Carlton St, Prahran, for a 7 30 pm show on Sunday, March 11, 18 and 35.

Bookings at www.impromelbourne.com.au - Julie Houghton

Easter Children’s Week

● Phillip Calcagno (Marcello), Roy Best (Rodolfo), Lee Abrahmsen (Mimi), Nathan Lay (Schaunard) and Steven Gallop (Colline) in La Boheme.

Photo: Robin Halls

■ Skyhigh Mount Dandenong is providing entertainment for children from Sunday, April 1-Sunday, April 8.

Attractions include Igor The Giant’s Treasure Hunt, CFA display and badge making, didgeridoo lessons, mini pets, games and music, Jungle Jim’s play centre, nine-hole mini golf, an Adventure Walk, pony rides, planting with the gardener, face painting, farmyard friends and Black Snake Productions with a reptile display. Phone: 9751 0443.

Page 50 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Observer Showbiz

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Radio Confidential News from stations from around Victoria

WHAT A DUMB THING TO SAY, TOM

Country Crossroads

3AW PRESENTER TAKES A SWIPE AT THE ARMY

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

Rob Foenander

NEW ALBUM FOR TROY

■ Country star Troy Cassar Daley has released his eighth studio album, titled Home.

"I am very proud of this new album and hope that Australian country music fans enjoy listening to it as much as I enjoyed writing, recording and producing it," Troy said.

Troy will be hitting the road with a national tour to promote the new release and will visit Victoria during March. More info. www.troycassardaley.com.au

TOYOTA THANKS TAMWORTH

■ Toyota Australia has thanked the Tamworth Country Music Festival attendees for helping raise more than $20,000 for Canteen.

The car company is a sponsor of the annual event and this year donated hats which country music fans bought by way of a gold coin donation.

Over the past five years, more than $100,000 has been raised for various charities by Toyota at the music festival.

KEITH URBAN IN TOWN

■ Keith Urban has been in Australia filming for the new Channel 9 production The Voice. Urban’s role on the show will be as a coach to aspiring singers.

Other celebrity coaches include Delta Goodrem, Seal and Joel Madden.

Darren McMullen is the presenter. He is a Los Angeles based radio jock, comedian , producer, actor etc. Do we not have ample talent here in Australia who could have got the gig?

- Rob Foenander

Alert for Aussie bush poets ■ Entries have now opened for Australia’s leading bush poetry competition—the Australian Unity Bryan Kelleher Literary Award. Now in its fifth year, the competition encourages budding poets of all ages to follow in the footsteps of Banjo Paterson and Henry Lawson and pen a bush poem.

Australian Unity chairman Alan Castleman said last year’s record number of submissions, from poets as young as seven, shows that bush poetry is alive and well in Australia.

r Observbei z Show

Wednesday, March 7

■ Tammy Faye Bakker, once married to TV evangelist Jim Bakker, and later married to Roe Messner. She died in 2007, aged 65, Tv presenter David Koch was born in NSW in 1956 (56).

Former husband of Princess Margaret, Lord Snowdon is 82 today (1930).

● Tom Elliott ■ 3AWpresenter Tom Elliott is apologising for what he admits was “a poor choice of words” about the Australian Army.

Giving a clue in a competition in his Weekend Break program, Elliott said “back when being in the Australian Army actually meant something, not just handing out water to starving people and things like that.”

Obviously, Elliott has never served his country in the military, or has loved ones who put themselves in harm’s way on his behalf.

“What I meant to say what the ads for the Army.

“Back in the day if you joined the Army you were taught to drive a tank, fire a gun, at the end of the day do the things we need the Army to do.

“Whereas today, we focus on the humaintarian side of the Army, possibly at the expense of what it should do, which is have a war-fighting capability.”

Perhaps Elliott should get out of his expensive moneymaking suit and go out for a week with an Australian Army infantry company. We bet he doesn’t.

Elliott offered one of those half-hearted apologies that included the word ‘if’.

“If I said the wrong thing, I apologise.”

Any apology with the word ‘if’ is no apology at all.

New job at 91.5FM

■ Rohan Brown has been appointed to the newly created position of Program Director

for Melbourne’s 91.5FM. He has been in the Assistant role since 2008.

He started his radio career in Cairns, and joined Fox in 2001 as Mid-Dawn annoouncer. He also worked at Triple M.

‘Reach up’ ■ Derryn Hinch has had a word for sparring partner Steve Price.

Price went on record with The Age at the weekend, saying of the poor ratings at the station: “That’s your interpretation ... I feel it’s been successful.

“Look, I;ve had a great two years and I think it has been very successful.”

Price said he felt MTR could return. “Oh absolutely, because I think what we were doing was good .... it may all start again.”

Price blamed signal strength as to why MTR had poor ratings. The same signal strength put 3MP at the top of the ratings. Hinch said Price needed to reach up to the reality shelf.

JV on radio ■ John Vertigan, whose halfcentury pedigree in Victorian radio includes stints at 3UZ, 3DB and 3GL, will be the special guest of Ray Lawrence and Roy Hampson from 2pm-4pm today (Wed.) on Radio Eastern 98.1 FM. Vertigan has recently returned to Australia from several years living in the US. Although officially retired, he has been heard occasionally on 3RPH 1179 (Vision Australia Radio).

● John Vertigan

Radio flashback

● The Melbourne Observer’s Jim Sherlock unearthed a 1933 copy of Listener In during a clean up. It included a 3AW program guide from its first 12 months.

Showbiz Stop Press ■ A ‘flash mob’ of some of Australia’s best opera singers burst from the crowd yesterday (Tues.) at the Queen Victoria Market.

They threw off overcoats to launch into a lusty rendition of La Traviata’s Brindisi (the drinking song), at Apple Corner in B Shed.

The dozen-or-so performers, with the men all wearing tuxedos, were accompanied by trumpeter James Morrison.

The event was staged to promote Opera In The Market, which supports cancer research at St Vincent’s Hospital.

Opera In The Market will be held on March 19 and 21 and will feature soprano Elena Xanthoudakis and Roy Best, and 100 voices conducted by Guy Noble.

● Queen Vic Market shoppers were given a surprise yesterday when a ‘flash mob’ struck Melbourne

Observer

On This Day Thursday, March 8

■ US actor Alan Hale Jnr was born in 1918. He died aged 71 in 1990.

Dancer Cyd Charisse was born as Tula Finklea in 1921. She died aged 87 in 2008.

Actress Lynn Redgrave is 69.

Singer Carole Bayer Sager (Moving Out Today) was born in New York in 1947 (65).

Friday, March 9

■ Detective novelist Mickey Spillane was born in New York in 1918. He died aged 88 in 2006.

Chess champion Bobby Fischer was born in the US in 1941. He died aged 64 (2008).

Comedian and writer John Doyle was born in Lithgow, NSW, in 1952 (59).

Saturday, March 10

■ TV and film writer Tony Morphett was born in Sydney in 1938 (74).

Chuck Norris is too tough to blow out birthday candles. He was born in 1939 (73).

English singer Tina Charles is 57. She was born as Tina Hoskins.

Prince Edward was born in London, England, in 1964 (48).

Sunday, March 11

■ Former British Prime Minister Sir Harold Wilson was born in 1916. He died aged 79 in 1993.

Squash champion Geoff Hunt was born in Melbourne in 1947 (65).

Singer Bobby McFerron (Don’t Worry Be Happy) was born in 1950 (62).

Monday, March 12

■ Actress Googie Withers was born in Karachi, India in 1917. She died last year, aged 94.

Barbara Feldon, who played Agent 99 in Get Smaqrt, is 80 today.

Liza Minelli was born in Los Angeles in 1946 (66).

Singer Al Jarreau was born as Alwyn Jarreau in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in 1940 (77)

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

Find out more at www.birthdaybulletin.com.au

Tuesday, March 13

■ US singer-songwriter Neil Sedaka was born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1939 (73).

George Negus was born in Brisbane in 1942 (70. He said a silly thing on TV last week.

Lady Phyllis Cilento, mother of the late Diane, was born in 1894, died in 1987.

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Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, March 7, 2012 - Page 51

Observer TV, Radio, Theatre Showbiz Latest Melbourne show business news - without fear or favour The Spoiler ETHNIC STATIONS Media Flash

ShowBiz!

For Those Who Have Lost The Plot

Neighbours ■ 6.30pm. Weeknights. Eleven.

■ Monday, March 12. Michael and Emilia hold off on telling Lucas about their relationship, eager to enjoy the calm before the storm. Toadie is nervous about his upcoming fertility test.

■ Tuesday, March 13. Lucas confronts Michael, who admits the truth; Toadie races the clock to get his fertility sample to the hospital on time.

Tash defends her new family.

■ Wednesday, March 14. Determined to make her journalism dream a reality and prove Paul wrong, Summer searches for a story that will generate debate online; Andrew’s business success comes with a hitch.

■ Thursday, March 15. Andrew goes against Paul’s wishes, convincing Kate to fund his new venture; later, Paul learns of Ajay’s re-election campaign and realises he could be a powerful ally.

■ Friday, March 16. Andrew’s worry grows when he learns ticket sales have slowed for Red Cotton’s gig at Charlie’s; despite Paul’s front page attack, Ajay remains confident that the community won’t be conned.

WELCOME LUNDY

■ Ethnic radio stations have welcomed Prime Minister Julia Gillard’s appointment of Senator Kate Lundy as Minister for Multicultural Affairs.

Dr Tangi Steen, President of the National Ethnic and Multicultural Broadcasters’ Council of Australia, congratulated Senator Lundy.

“This announcement fulfils a long standing request by broad sections of our multicultural society, and the NEMBC looks forward to continue working productively with Minister Lundy in developing and implementing progressive multicultural policies and programs.”

Crossy’s Charity Gig

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

■ Monday, March 12. Tension builds as both April and Henri want a romantic getaway with Heath.

Roo becomes competitive, fundraising for Alf as she tries to outshine Harvey, and Irene decides to get a singing coach.

■ Tuesday, March 13. April and Henri find out about Heath's deceitful two-timing behaviour. There's speculation about a romance between Irene and Eddie. And Tyler returns and steals a knife.

■ Wednesday, March 14. Tyler tracks down Casey and chases him while brandishing a knife. Indi becomes jealous and angry when Romeo admits that Ruby joined him surfing. And Brax apologises to Leah for his recent behaviour.

■ Thursday, March 15. Indi decides to trust Romeo and let him surf with Ruby, and Gina sees John accept money from Brax ■ Friday, March 16. John reveals his connection with Brax to Gina and moves out. Roo flirts with a tradie to get under Harvey's skin. And questions are unanswered about whether the Walker family will move for Sid's new job?

La Cage Aux Folles ■ In 2012, a story about a French night club owner and his long time male lover may not seem to be the stuff of drama.

But when the story is combined with fabulous songs in the musical La Cage Aux Folles, a hit show is born.

Quirky Productions are staging a revival of La Cage Aux Folles at St Kilda's National Theatre running from Thursdays to Sundays from Thursday, March 15 until Saturday , March 24.

Quirky has cast the legendary John O'May as Georges and the man with the golden pipes, David Rogers-Smith as Albin.

The story centres on the couple's relationship with Georges' son Jean-Michel, (the product of a one night fling) who has been raised by Georges and Albin. Jean-Michel. Now grown up, Jean-Michel becomes engaged to Anne, the daughter of a right wing politician and he wants to introduce the two sets of parents to each other. The scene is set for confusion, rejection, eventual acceptance and some brilliant songs including I Am What I Am and The Best Of Times Is Now. Directed by Shaun Kingma with musical direction by Kirk Skinner and choreography by Tamara Finch and James Rooney, La Cage Aux Folles is a glitzy show to watch, and it certainly tugs at the heartstrings and the funny bone - an excellent combination for a good night at the theatre.

Bookings at nationaltheatre.org.au or 9525 4611.

- Julie Houghton

● Senator Kate Lundy Concession $30 plus booking fee; Children under 12 years are free. www.tickets.oztix. com.au/?Event=25415 Further information on Facebook or www.crossys.com.au

Showbiz Shorts

● The late James Cross pictured in Bordeaux, France, where he was working as a teacher aide. James was killed in a ‘dooring accident’ one year later.

■ Crossy’s Charity Gig 2012 is being held on Sunday, March 18 from 12 noon to 8pm (gates open at 11am) at The Briars, Nepean Hwy, Mt Martha.

Entertainment includes Stonefield, Red Ink, Snowy Belfast, Le Fox, The Scarecrows and Roundhouse, with DJs Andy Hart and Fantastic Man. Attractions include a petting zoo, wineries, local food producers and face painting.

James Cross, was killed aged 22 on March 17, 2010 in a ‘dooring’ accident whilst cycling to Monash University.

In James’s memory his family is in the process of establishing the James Cross Charitable Foundation to further support the important work around road safety initiatives, to help reduce death and injury for all road users.

More than 1000 people gathered together at MorningStar Estate in March last year to celebrate James’s life and love of music.

Total proceeds from Crossy’s Gig in 2011 went to TRAG, (Teenagers Road Accident Group), where the volunteer group focuses on delivering a powerful educational program to year 11 and 12 students, based around risk and decision making.

Volunteers include Ambulance Victoria, Victoria Police and people who have lost a young person through road trauma. or been the victim or cause of road trauma themselves.

James was a passionate musician, composer and lyricist, who also performed with Panorama Youth Theatre, PLOS Musical Productions, Stella Productions (Rent at the National Theatre), had numerous lead roles in school productions and was chosen to perform in Top Acts at Hamer Hall for his outstanding results in VCE Year 12 Drama solo.

Tickets: Adult $40 plus booking fee;

■ Jamaica blue Coffee and Big 4 Holiday Parks are the latest sponsors to ‘jump ship’ from The Circle after the offensive comments made by Ymui Stynes about Cpl Ben Roberts-Smith VC. ■ Alasdair Macdonald, Ita Buttrose’s first husband, is suing the ABC over his portrayl in Paper Giants.

Press Council changes

■ The Gillard-Brown coalition’s pursuit of media appears to have prompted the Australian Press Council to announce some changes.

It says these will be improvements in its system for receiving, handling and adjudicating complaints, as well as for publishing information about complaints and outcomes.

Key changes to the complaints process will take effect in March.

■ Each issue of a publication must include a notice, accompanied by the APC logo, stating that the publication is bound by the Council’s Standards of Practice and telling readers how to contact the Council if they believe the standards have been breached.

■ It will no longer be necessary for complainants to permanently waive their right to take legal proceedings if they wish the Council to consider their complaint.

■ Special fast-track procedures will apply for complaints which the Council aims to finalise within less than 48 hours.

■ The deadlines for responding promptly to Council inquiries will be abbreviated substantially in these fast-track cases. These and other deadlines for responses will be firmly applied.

The Council’s Complaints Committee, which already must have a majority of members who are not from the industry, will no longer include members appointed by the publishers. Instead, industry members will be chosen by the Council itself.

Each publication must provide quarterly statistics of the nature and outcomes of complaints made directly to it by readers.

Observer Special Reader Offer

CD: Matthew Field ‘Love Story’ $20 including postage and handling Melbourne pianist Matthew Field has released his latest CD, Love Story. The CD includes 13 great tracks: Lady Di Columbine Dance Medley - Souvenirs D’Enfance and Marriage D’Amour Easy Winners Rondo Alla Turca Medley - Jardins Secret and Coleur Tendresse Moonllight Sonata Tenderly The Man I Love Les Roses De Sable Ballad Pour Adeline Somewhere In Time Medley - Murmures & Love Story You can obtain this CD for $20, including postage and handling

Simply send the form below. All orders will be despatched promptly after cheque/ money order clearance.

Please PRINT CLEARLY your name/address/ phone number, and mail with cheque or money order to The Sheet Music Department P/L

To: The Sheet Music Department P/L PO Box 1023, Research 3095

5 Marconi Ct, Research 3095

Yes! Please send me a copy of Matthew Field’s CD, Love Story. I enclose my Cheque/Money Order for $20.

Name: .....................................................................................

Address: ................................................................................ ...................................... Phone: ............................................

Page 52 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, March 7, 2012

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Places To Go

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Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, March 7, 2012 - Page 53

Places To Go

Bundanoon Highland Gathering Inc ABN 15 707 708 006. Patron: Gary Barnsley OAM LLB FRSA Reg. Charity CFN 13267 PO Box 74, Bundanoon, NSW 2578 secretary.brigadoon@gmail.com stalls.brigadoon@westnet.com.au publicity.brigadoon@bigpond.com www.brigadoon.net.au

Bundanoon is Brigadoon 35th Annual Gathering April 21, 2012 Street Parade: 9.30am. Closing Ceremony: 4.30pm Events at the Oval: * Massed Pipes & Drums * Scottish Country Dancing, and Scottish Highland Dancing * Traditional Games and Not-So-Traditional Games for all ages * The Tartan Warriors, lifting the Bundanoon Stones of Manhood * Highlander Celtic Rock Band Australia * Swordplay School of Theatrical Fencing and Stage Combat * 92nd Highlanders * Southern Highlands Kennel and Obedience Club * Bonnie Bairns Competition at 12 Noon * 130 Specialty, Crafts & Souvenirs & Food Stalls, even “Haggis’. \* 30 Clan Information Tents to trace your heritage.

Admission: Adults $18. Child $5. Family $40 (2 adults + 2 children.

Concession $15. Only for holders of Age Pension Card which must be produced on request.

Contacts: Phone (02) 4883 7471 E-Mail: publicity.brigadoon@bigpond.com Website: www.brigadoon.net.au Official Brigadoon Ceilidh (Scottish Knees-Up) Bookings: Phone (02) 4883 6033 Accommodation Booking and Pre-Purchase Ticketing Service. Phone: (02) 1-300 657 559 ONLINE TICKET BOOKING NOW AVAILABLE ON OUR WEBSITE RAILCORP www.131500.com.au Scotalnd with a ‘wee’ bit of ‘Aussie Flavour’

Bundanoon Highland Gathering - You Tube (www.youtube.com)

Bundanoon is Brigadoon Future Gatherings: April 21, 2012.

April 6, 2013.

April 5, 2014.

April 11, 2015

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Page 54 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Places To Go

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Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, March 7, 2012 - Page 55

Places To Go

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Places To Go

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Places To Go

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Observer Showbiz

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Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, March 7, 2012 - Page 59

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Observer Showbiz DVD & Blu-Ray Releases FILM: MIDNIGHT IN PARIS: Cast: Owen Wilson, Rachel McAdams, Kathy Bates, Marion Cotillard, Adrien Brody.

Genre: Comedy/Romance.

Year: 2011.

Rating: PG. Running Time: 94 Minutes.

Format: DVD and BLU-RAY. Stars: ****1/2 Verdict: For over six decades Oscar winning screenwriter, director and star Woody Allen has polarized both audiences and critics alike, but none more less so than this well deserved Oscar nominated gem! It scored nominations for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Screenplay and Best Art Direction, winning for Best Original Screenplay. Midnight in Paris tells the delightfully bittersweet story of an engaged couple in Paris who are forced to confront their differing views of life. Owen Wilson is a successful Hollywood writer struggling on his first novel (I know how he feels), he falls in love with Paris and thinks they should move there after the wedding. However, his fiancé, Rachel McAdams, does not share his romantic notions of the City of Light, and when he takes a walk at midnight it takes him closer to the heart of a Paris he could ever have imagined and further from the woman he's about to marry. Rarely has a city been captured so breathtakingly beautiful and exquisitely accurate on film, the opening images evoking the mesmerizing and unforgettable prologue to the sounds of George Gershwin in his 1979 classic Manhattan. Rachel McAdams is splendid as the somewhat overly self opinionated bride-to-be, but it is Owen Wilson who carries it off with a standout performance as the frustrated and tormented writer torn between two worlds, a role that a younger Woody Allen have played himself with relish and vigour. The supporting cast play with style and comic grace, and a special mention that must go to Adrien Brody in a role that is so wonderfully realized you won't believe your eyes. But ultimately though, it is Paris that is the real star, and like the great artists of its past, Woody Allen has created a richly detailed, funny, poignant and captivating Parisian tapestry filled with a history and characters so seamlessly and beautifully woven together you will wish for a walk at Midnight in Paris.

FILM: THE PACKAGE: Genre: Thriller.

Cast: Gene Hackman, Tommy Lee Jones, Joanna Cassidy.

Year: 1989.

Rating: M. Running Time: 105 Minutes.

Format: DVD. Stars: *** Verdict: Above average thriller of an experienced Green Beret sergeant who, while escorting a prisoner back to the US escapes and must risk life and limb to catch him, and along the way he finds out that the prisoner is part of a plot by senior military personnel on both sides to kill a very high-ranking world figure. Oscar winning screen greats Gene Hackman and Tommy Lee Jones are a good match as they go head-to-head against each other in this race against time Cold War action-thriller from Under Siege and The Fugitive director Andrew Davis, so you know what to expect, and rounding out the cast nicely are Pam Grier (Jackie Brown) and Joanna Cassidy (Blade Runner). Reminiscent of John Frankenheimer's 1962 searing classic The Manchurian Candidate which is a classic in a league all of its own, this is no masterpiece by a long shot, but a good, solid, entertaining edge-of-your-seat slice of apple pie that should more than satisfy the palate.

FILM: DRIVE: Genre: Crime/Drama/Thriller.

Cast: Ryan Gosling, Carey Mulligan, Bryan Cranston, Albert Brooks.

Year: 2011.

Rating: MA15+.

Running Time: 100 Minutes.

Format: DVD and BLU-RAY. Stars: **** Verdict: Intensely atmospheric and compelling thrill ride of a mysterious Hollywood stuntman, mechanic and getaway driver who lands himself in some serious trouble when he helps out his neighbour. Ryan Gosling gives a beautifully understated but chilling performance as the stuntman and getaway driver, a role for which he should have received an Academy award nomination, and exactly the same must be said for Albert Brooks in a rare dramatic role as the ruthless crime boss. Beautifully paced and filmed, with respectful reflections of such classics as director Walter Hill's similarly themed and underrated The Driver, and the Michael Mann thrillers as Thief, Heat and Collateral, but this is very much grounded and stands firmly on its own two feet. Drive is exciting, compelling and poignant, a slow burner that sits like a motionless snake in the desert with a ferocious sting in its tail ready to strike at any moment, so buckle up and hang on for a great ride!

- James Sherlock

Movies, DVDs

With James Sherlock

Reviews by Aaron Rourke

ReykjavikRotterdam

■ (MA). 85 minutes. Coming soon.

With the Hollywood remake Contraband (starring Mark Wahlberg and Ben Foster) currently doing well at the Australian box-office, audiences should also focus on and track down the original, a terrifically compact thriller that involves from start to finish.

The story centres on Kristofer (Baltasar Kormakur), an ex-con who has given up a life of crime so he can be with his wife Iris and their young son.

Working as a lowly security guard, Kristofer and Iris are finding it hard to make ends meet, but are helped by Kristofer's best friend Steingrimur.

When Iris' brother falls foul of a ruthless gang of smugglers after throwing a shipment of illegal booze overboard during a ship inspection, Kristofer is forced to make one last run, which will exonorate his brotherin-law and make his own family financially secure.

Co-writer/director Oskar Jonasson is obviously a fan of Hollywood crime movies of the 1940s (as well as Walter Hill films of the 70s and 80s), as Reykjavik-Rotterdam is incredibly lean and efficient, never wasting a single minute of its 85 minute running time.

Jonasson keeps viewers on their toes as numerous problems arise, but always keeps the family's journey front-and-centre.

Colin Farrell-lookalike Kormakur (a director in his own right, having helmed the critically acclaimed 101 Reykjavik, Jar City, and Inhale, and has actually directed the remake of this film) convinces as the increasingly desparate Kristofer, and makes sure we are sympathetic to his situation, even though we are aware he has made mistakes in the past.

Lilja Nott Porarinsdottir also scores well as Iris, and both are backed up by a strong supporting cast.

The excellent Ingvar Eggert Sigurosson (Jar City / Cold Light / K19 : The Widowmaker) is again impressive as Steingrimur.

Reykjavik-Rotterdam is a superior thriller that intelligently uses an oldfashioned approach to tell its contemporary story, making for exciting viewing.

With the remake now in cinemas, we should see this released on DVD (it has screened on SBS) over the coming months.

RATING : ****

Inhale

■ (MA). 83 minutes. Now available on DVD. Brooding, provocative, and enthralling, this relentlessly downbeat thriller is quite an eye-opener in regards to its all-too-believable subject matter.

Dermot Mulroney and Diane Kruger star as Paul and Diane Stanton, a well-to-do couple who are trying to cope with the illness of their young daughter Chloe (Mia Stallard), who is in dire need of a lung transplant.

Chloe has been on the donor list for months, but her declining health means she may die in a matter of weeks.

Through his ex-senator friend James Harrison (Sam Shepard), Paul discovers an organ black market running out of Mexico.

Melbourne

Observer

Top 10 Lists THE AUSTRALIAN BOX OFFICE TOP TEN: 1. CONTRABAND. 2. THIS MEANS WAR. 3. THE VOW. 4. SAFE HOUSE. 5. THE GREY. 6. MY WEEK WITH MARILYN. 7. CHRONICLE. 8. STAR WARS: EPISODE I - THE PHANTOM MENACE (3D).

9. EXTREMELY LOUD AND INCREDIBLY CLOSE. 10. THE ARTIST.

● Jean Dujardin from Lucky Luke Knowing that this will be his last chance to save Chloe, Paul travels to Mexico, but is not prepared for what he will encounter.

Inhale brutally shows how this illegal business (known as organ browsing) affects not only the family involved, but also the people who rely on organ trafficking as a living, which makes the value of life around them merely financial.

What writers Walter Doty and John Clafin and director Baltasar Kormakur (Jar City / Contraband) manage to cram into the film's vigorous 83 minutes is quite remarkable, making for striking and arresting viewing.

The always under-rated Dermot Mulroney (About Schmidt / Copycat / Zodiac / My Best Friend's Wedding / The Trigger Effect) is first-rate as Paul, who will do anything to save his daughter, but is also appalled at the dark world he has entered.

The film wouldn't have worked if we couldn't connect with Paul's plight.

Diane Kruger (Inglourious Basterds / Anything For Her) is also convincing, and a strong supporting cast includes Sam Shepard, Vincent Perez, Rosanna Arquette and David Selby.

RATING : ***1/2

Lucky Luke

■ (PG). 103 minutes. Coming soon.

Although not completely successful, this live-action adaptation of the classic Lucky Luke comics is a visually spectacular representation, capturing its look very well indeed.

Set in the Western town of Daisytown, we see the laid-back Lucky Luke (Oscar winner Jean Dujardin from The Artist) dealing with outlaws such as Pat Poker, Billy The Kid, and Jesse James.

More a series of set-pieces than an actual story, with scenes picked out from various volumes, this does make the film feel somewhat fractured and overlong, but what it lacks in structure is mostly made up for with eye-popping cinematography, set and costume design, and locale.

Dujardin (OSS117 series / Marriages / 99 Francs) is perfectly cast as Lucky Luke, impressively recreating the character's look and physical demeanour, and again shows off his superb comic timing.

The rest of the cast all seem to be having fun, and director James Huth (Hellphone) shows he has a great camera eye, bringing Luke to life in vivid, vibrantly colourful detail.

RATING : *** - Aaron Rourke

NEW RELEASES AND COMING SOON TO CINEMAS AROUND AUSTRALIA: MARCH 1: A LITTLE BIT OF HEAVEN, A SEPARATION, CARNAGE, LIKE CRAZY, PROJECT X, SEA REX 3D, SIONE'S 2: UNFINISHED BUSINESS, THE DEVIL INSIDE. MARCH 8: 50/50, AFRICA UNITED, CORIOLANUS, HEADHUNTERS, JOHN CARTER, THE SOURCE, KAHAANI. THE DVD TOP SELLERS: 1. THE CUP [Drama/Tom Burlinson, Stephen Curry, Brendan Gleeson, Bill Hunter].

2. THE HELP [Drama/Viola Davis, Jessica Chastain, Sissy Spacek, Octavia Spencer].

3. WARRIOR [Drama/Tom Hardy, Joel Edgerton, Nick Nolte].

4. THE WHISTLEBLOWER [Drama/ Thriller/Rachel Weisz, Vanessa Redgrave, Monica Bellucci].

5. CONTAGION [Drama/Thriller/ Kate Winslet, Matt Damon, Jude Law, Gwyneth Paltrow].

6. SHERLOCK: The Complete Series Two. 7. TREE OF LIFE [Drama/Brad Pitt, Sean Penn].

8. THE THREE MUSKETEERS [2011/Action/Adventure/Orlando Bloom, Milla Jovovich].

9. THE HUNTER [Drama/Willem Dafoe, Sam Neill].

10. CRAZY STUPID LOVE [Comedy/Romance/Steve Carell, Ryan Gosling, Julianne Moore].

Also: PARANORMAL ACTIVITY 3 [Thriller/Lauren Bittner, Katie Featherstone], THE THING, TRESPASS, LOVE AND OTHER DRUGS, RISE OF THE PLANET OF THE APES, FRIGHT NIGHT, FINAL DESTINATION 5, RED DOG, THE ONE, BRIDESMAIDS. NEW RELEASE HIGHLIGHTS ON DVD THIS WEEK: MIDNIGHT IN PARIS [Romance/ Comedy/Drama/Owen Wilson, Rachel McAdams].

DRIVE [Action/Ryan Gosling, Carey Mulligan, Albert Brooks].

I DON'T KNOW HOW SHE DOES IT [Comedy/Pierce Brosnan, Sarah Jessica Parker].

ANONYMOUS: [Crime/Drama/ Rhys Ifans, Derek Jacobi, Vanessa Redgrave].

NEW & RE-RELEASE CLASSICS ON DVD HIGHLIGHTS: THE SHERIFF OF FRACTURED JAW [Comedy/Western/Kenneth More, Jayne Mansfield].

SAMSON & DELILAH [Drama/Victor Mature, Max Von Sydow, Jose Ferrer].

ESTHER AND THE KING [Drama/ Joan Collins, Richard Egan].

DAVID & BATHSHEBA [Drama/ Gregory Peck, Susan Hayward].

Page 60 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, March 7, 2012

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Services

Continued from Page 24

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, March 7, 2012 - Page 61

Observer Showbiz AUDITIONS ■ The Mount Theatre: Art (by Yasmina Reza) March 9 31, 8.00pm Fridays, Saturdays, 2.00pm matinees on Sundays at the Mountview Theatre, 56 Smith St., Macedon. Bookings: 1300 463 224 (10am-5pm Tues to Sat) www. ////////// Bookings: 1300 463 224 ■ Players Theatre Company: Urinetown March 11, 12, 14 at Fleigner Hall, Highland Ave., Oakleigh. Director: Carl Whiteside; Musical Director: Rebecca Dupuy-Purcell; Choreographer: Hayley Wood. Audition bookings: 0403 581 380 or email playerstheatre@hotmail.com ■ Eltham Little Theatre: The Pirates of Penzance Jr. (Youth Auditions) (written by WS Gilbert and A Sullivan) March 16, 7.00pm-10.00pm, March 17, 18 from 9.00am-12.00noon.

Please email audelt@hotmail.com . Closing date: March 2.

ARTS HOUSE ■ Arts House presents Clouds Above Berlin by Antony Hamilton and Melanie Lane, from March 7 – 11 at the North Melbourne Town Hall, 521 Queensberry St., North Melbourne.

Manipulating the interwoven nature of the body and it’s environment, Clouds Above Berlin is a catalytic double bill – Black Project 1 and Titled Fawn – where the symbiotic elements of body, light, objects and sound occupy time and space to explode any perception of a static universe.

Black Project 1 by Antony Hamilton: In an elaborately organised and microscopic dance, the world premiere of Black Project 1 is a meditation on the synthesis between the body and its gravity bound connection to earth’s forces and minerals.

Hamilton’s ideas are poetically rendered through the image of two beings, relentlessly traversing a panoramic linear terrain, leaving artefacts of human intervention in their wake as they enter solitude and emptiness.

As choreographer, Hamilton has collaborated extensively creating works for The Lyon Opera Ballet, Chunky Move, ADT, Dancenorth, LINK, The Victorian College of the Arts, Stompin and Rogue, and as a dancer Hamilton has performed with the Australian Dance Theatre (Garry Stewart), Kage Physical Theatre (Kate Denborough), Chunky Move (Gideon Obarzanek) and Lucy Guerin Inc (Lucy Guerin) throughout Australia and overseas.

Titled Fawn by Melanie Lane:Tilted Fawn is an intimate and intense audio-sensitive universe where desires to seek transformation through advanced technologies are brought into question.

Lane’s world is a sensory delight – an orchestra of lo-fi sonic objects that propel a lone dancer through landscapes that are luscious, melancholic, stark and utopian.

Based in Berlin, Lane is an artistic collaborator with Kobalt Works | Arco Renz (Belgium) Club Guy and Roni (Netherlands), Tino Seghal (Germany), Carte Blanche (Norway) and PVC (Germany).

Venue: Arts House, North Melbourne Town Hall, 521 Queensberry Street, North Melbourne Season: Wednesday, March 7 – Sunday, March 11 (Q and A post show on Thursday, 8 March 2012) Time: Wed - Fri, 7.30pm; Sat 2pm and 7.30pm; Sun, 5pm.

90 minutes including 15 minute interval.

Tickets: Full $25 / Conc $20 Bookings: artshouse.com.au or 9322 3713

● Clouds Above Berlin

Community Theatre With Cheryl Threadgold

Melbourne

Observer

‘STRIPPED’ AT LA MAMA SHOWS ■ La Mama presents Stripped from March 7 to 18 at La Mama Theatre, 205 Faraday St., Carlton.

Stripped is about sex and death. Set in inner-urban Melbourne, the play revolves around two sisters; Lillian, a lawyer and Sophie, a table-top dancer.

Lillian is dying of cancer of the mouth. Using multiple firstperson narrators, the play takes a raw and intimate look at the effects of Lilian's death on her family and close friends.

Adapted from Caroline Lee's novel of the same name, Stripped is the latest collaboration between Laurence Strangio and Lee, the creative duo that presented alias Grace (La Mama Theatre and Malthouse Theatre) and La Douleur (The Stork Theatre and Malthouse Theatre).

This sharp and challenging new one woman show continues their uncompromising exploration into the world of the psyche.

Featuring lighting by Paul Jackson and sound design by composer Anita Hustas, Stripped is a tender and at times darkly humorous examination of the passage between life and death.

Performances: Wed, Sun at 6.30pm; Thurs, Fri, Sat at 7.30pm.

Venue: La Mama Theatre, 205 Faraday St., Carlton Running time: 70 minutes.

Tickets: $25 Full | $15 ConcessionTickets available online www.lamama.com.au or 9347 6142.

The Suitcase Royale

Red Stitch Theatre

● Roger Oakley in Red Stitch Actors’ Theatre production of Beyond The Neck.

■ Red Stitch Actors’ Theatre presents the Victorian premiere of Beyond The Neck from March 16 -April 14 at Rear 2 Chapel Street, St Kilda Written by Tasmanian playwright Tom Holloway and directed by Suzanne Chaundy, Beyond The Neck is a harrowing play dealing with the power of community, recovery and coming to terms with life changing experiences.

Set in the aftermath of the 1996 Port Arthur massacre, Beyond The Neck focuses its attention on four individuals, each one dealing with personal and very separate tragedy On a Sunday morning, a boy aged seven, a 17- year-old girl, a woman in her late 20s and a tour guide, independently converge on Tasmania's top tourist attraction, Port Arthur.

Two have been affected directly by the massacre 10 years earlier, two have not. All have something within them they can’t quite face - a part of themselves they are for one reason or another still holding onto.

Playwright Tom Holloway was a 17-year-old delivering pizzas as news of the massacre started coming in. The orders stopped and he was sent home.

Ten years later after conducting a series of in depth interviews, he was intrigued by the little moments of compassion and humanity that came out of the horror, and wove these real life accounts throughout a play.

After its debut in 2007 as one of 10 plays chosen to be part of the Royal Court Theatre’s International Young Playwrights’ Festival in London, Beyond The Neck received rave reviews, followed by a sell-out season in Tasmania.

Previews: March 14, 15.

Season: March 16 – April 14 (not Monday or Tuesday) Times: Wednesday-Saturday, 8pm; Sundays 6.30pm Bookings: www.redstitch.net (discounted tix) or 9533 8083.

Tickets: $27 - $39 ($20 student)

● The Suitcase Royale presents Zombatland from Marach 14 – 18 at the North Melbourne Town Hall.

■ Arts House presents Zombatland, The Suitcase Royale, from March 14-18 at the North Melbourne Town Hall, 521Queensberry Street, North Melbourne.

After smashing last year’s Edinburgh Fringe Festival, the hilariously inventive and Green RoomAward-winning The Suitcase Royale return to Arts House with the Australian premiere of their newest work of ‘junkyard theatre’ – Zombatland – a masterfully-mad tale from the dusty plains of the Australian outback.

At the Blue Lagoon Caravan Park, an idyllic paradise somewhere in the dead heart of Australia, wombats are the main attraction, until something goes very, very wrong – a mysterious disease has turned the wombats into blood-thirsty demons.

A wild ride to Zombatland is packed with smokin’ live music, junkyard sets and a caravan-full of twisted humour.

Since 2004, The Suitcase Royale have created theatre inspired by a ‘junkyard’ aesthetic, utilising junk left on the curb-side and the carelessly placed materials of construction sites to create a unique visual landscape – their work encompasses theatre, music and comedy.

Constructing highly developed and complex performances that impart the simplest of tales, and originally composed music, The Suitcase Royale create accessible theatre experiences for all audiences – more akin to a live music set than a traditional theatre show.

Venue:Arts House, North Melbourne Town Hall, 521 Queensberry St, North Melbourne Season: Wednesday, March 14 – Sunday, March 18 Time : Wed - Fri, 7.30pm; Sat 3pm and 7.30pm; Sun, 5pm.

Duration: 55 minutes, no interval.

Tickets: Full $ 30 / Conc $ 25 Bookings: artshouse.com.au or 9322 3713

AUDITIONS

■ Lilydale Athenaeum Theatre: M.A.S.H. March 17, 10.00am5.00pm, March 18, 10.00am-1.00pm, Callbacks March 19 at the Lilydale Athenaeum Theatre, 39-41 Castella St., Lilydale. Director: Adrian Carr. Audition bookings: 0425 434998.

■ Frankston Theatre Group: The Mousetrap (by Agatha Christie) March 22, 23, 7.00pm-10.00pm and March 24, 12.45pm4.30pm at The Shed, Overport Rd., Frankston. Director: David Wearne. Audition bookings: 0412 518710.

Cheryl Threadgold on 3AW ■ 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.

Page 62 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Observer Showbiz

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Radio Feature

By Ash Long, Editor

Melbourne

Observer

THE REASONS WHY MTR 1377 FAILED Famous last words ■ Young Sydney radio producer Amie Meehan bought herself a piece of Melbourne radio history on Friday afternoon when hers was the last voice to be heard on MTR 1377.

Afternoon presenter Luke Grant said his farewells, throwing to Amie in the 2GB newsroom, from where the Melbourne bulletins have been presented over recent months.

Meehan read the first item, then said: “OK, I’m really sorry. I thought that I was still doing one last bulletin.”

Responding to a phone conversation with producers, Meehan continued:“OK, no worries at all, you know. I know you guys worked your butts off, and, you know, no matter, whatever the ratings were, one way or another, it doesn’t change the way you do your day. So, I’m really sorry. No worries. Bye, bye.”

● Luke Grant Minutes arlier, Luke Grant told his afternoon show audience: “I’m told that’s it for MTR. “I’m sad to sad that, but I just have to tell you that, I think I would have to say on behalf of everyone who has worked here we’ve really appreciated your support over the past two years.

“Sadly, not everything turns out the way that you would like I wish we were here for longer but we are not.

“Thank you for listening and maybe we will meet some other day down the line.”

■ There was plenty of raw emotion about the MTR 1377 closure. Journalist Ashleigh Brown, who has since joined 3AW, said those rejoicing in the closure, “should be ashamed”.

■ Melbourne Talk Radio (‘MTR’) died on Friday (Mar. 2) for some very simple reasons. It was doomed from the start.

It died because it could not attract enough advertising revenue to operate at a profit.

In its final months, MTR 1377 was only able to secure about 0.8 per cent market share of the Melbourne radio advertising market, about $856,000.

This equated to approximately $190 per hour.

MTR was unable to attract advertising, because - largely - it was unable to attract enough listeners.

In the first audience survey for 2012, MTR’s audience totalled 1.4 per cent of those people listening to radios in Melbourne.

No other station rated so poorly. It meant that 98 per cent of the population chose not to tune in to 1377 AM frequency.

That frequency, broadcasting from Rowville, and principally pointed towards the Mornington Peninsula, was used as an excuse by the station’s promoters, as why audience numbers were so meagre.

The station had previously operated as 3MP, which for most of its three decades operated as a Mornington Peninsula-branded station, with local studios at Frankston.

This localised station was still able to be ‘Number One’ in the Melbourne market place, and no excuses were made about signals then.

Russell Tate, chairman of the joint venture company that operated MTR, said last year that application was being made to the Australian Communications and Media Authority, to alter the broadcasting set-up, with a signal that would be stronger in the northern and western suburbs.

MTR 1377 was unable to attract sufficient listeners because its programming was wrong for the Melbourne market.

MTR settled on a ‘right-wing’ confrontational programming, with more than half the shows originating from the Sydney studios of sister station 2GB. The station opened in 2010 with local presenters including Steve Price, ‘breakfast, 6am-10am; Steve Vizard, 10am-1pm; Martin King, 4pm-6pm; and Glenn Ridge, weekends.

High-profile commentators Sam Newman, Andrew Bolt and Jason Akermanis were signed as drawcards for Price’s weekday program. Newman quit several weeks ago, and is now heard with Eddie McGuire on the Triple M Hot Breakfast show.

It had a local newsroom, operating from the Richmond studios, in a buildiung shared with SEN. The updated studios will be retained by Pacific Star as part of the agreement.

MTR was not short on promotion.

From the start, Melbourne Talk Radio partnered with the Herald Sun newspaper and Nine News, for print and TV cross-promotion.

A campaign of paid press advertisements appeared in the Weekly chain of suburban newspapers published by opponent, Fairfax Media, mostly in the south-east.

Similarly, half-page and full-page ads were placed in the Leader chain, operated by the News Limited group, which publishes the Herald Sun. Even television advertisements

● Steve Price: MTR Program Director and ‘Breakfast’ host Even as recent as this past weekpromoted the station. But the Melbourne programs offered by MTR did end, after the MTR closure, Steve Price not sit well with Victorian audiences. was defending the programming.

He told The Age that the station had John Singleton is no doubt an advertising genius. He had made many been a success, and could even remillions because of his brilliance as a turn to air.

This style of unsuccessful chalmarketing strategist.

‘Singo’ has an intimate knowledge lenge has happened before in Melof what makes Sydney ‘tick’, and he bourne.

In the 1980s, the late media mogul has been the principal architect of the success of one of his stations, 2GB, Kerry Packer tried it with CBC, broadwhich is consistently market leader. casting simultaneously in Sydney ‘Singo’ poached Alan Jones from (2UE) and Melbourne (3AW).

Led by the late Brian White on the Fairfax-owned 2UE, which has never recovered in the ratings. He has Packer’s behalf, it included a star linealso steered Ray Hadley into becom- up of personalities including John ing that city’s leading AM-radio per- Blackman, John Laws, Phillip Adams, Don Lane, George Negus and sonality.

Part of the programming formula others. It too barely attracted a few has been abrasion and confrontation. percent of the local audience.

A similar experiment was tried in But what works in Sydney radio, does not necessarily work in Mel- the 1990s with 3AK, under a number of owners including Mal Garvin’s bourne radio.

Sydney radio listeners enjoy the Fusion Media, Jeff Chatfield’s Data ‘attack’. Melbourne audiences pre- and Commerce, and newly structured fer ‘defence’. It is a formula that has by Ron Hall and partners.

3AK lacked promotion. It had an been perfected by 3AW, especially with presenters Neil Mitchell and Derryn admirable line-up which including Hinch, hwho have had associations Jane Holmes, Sam Kekovich, John with the 693/1278 frequency for more Jost, Tim Ferguson and Doug Aiton. than a quarter of AW’s 80-year his- At times, its high profile line-up included Derryn Hinch and Jeff tory.

The lessons are not new, but they Kennett.

Each time, the operators have igwere ignored Singleton & Co. They were, nonetheless, carried out of Pro- nored basic rules about Melbourne gram Director, Steve Price, who re- people and their preferences.

Media diversity is healthy. It is a portedly joined his Sydney bosses for a five-year contract worth $4 million. shame MTR ignored history.

● John Singleton ■ Last week’s drama between the partners of the MTR joint venture concluded on Friday when coluntary administrators walked in.

The MTR signal was switched off at 5pm Friday, and replaced by broadcasts

by Pacific Star Network, the local partner.

In late 2009, John Singleton’s Macquarie Radio Network reached agreement with Pacific Star Network, to operate a talk station on the 1377 frequency then carrying 3MP. MP had languished with an easy music format, and was only attracting a market share of few percentage points.

For Pacific Star, there was little to lose. It would be indemnified from losses. It would receive upgraded studios, and a share of profits if the concept worked.

All cash flow would be provided by Macquarie, and any loss suffered by PNW would be forgiven.

Macquarie wanted ‘out’ late last year. It submitted budgets to the joint venture company, Melbourne Radio Operations. They could not reach agreement.

Macquarie used the technicality of asking for outstanding monies to be repaid. It is basically asking itself for those funds.

The future of 1377 is not yet known. It may involve leasing the station to another enity, or a return to 3MP.

● Barrie Quick

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, March 7, 2012 - Page 63

Melbourne Observer

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www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Page g 64 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, y, y , March 7, 2012 Melbourne

Observer

Lovatts Crossword No 5 Across

1. Heavy rainfall 6. Canary or nightingale 11. Mob hanging 15. Incinerated (corpse) 20. Gallivant 21. Weird 22. The masses, ... polloi 23. Business conversation 24. Reprimand 25. Dead skin in hair 27. Most depressing 28. Holler 29. Boo-boo 31. Dublin republic 32. Black Sea port 36. The A of USA 37. Self-murder 38. Upper 41. Languished 44. Gowned 45. Noosed rope 48. Spanked 49. Radio crackle 52. Retaliate for 56. Gigantic 57. Las Vegas is there 58. Sleep 61. Inflexibility 62. Intervals 63. Cosy corners 64. At no stage 65. Skimpy bikini bottom (1-6) 66. Renewed 67. Resign (5,4) 71. Indian woman's forehead mark 73. Young owl 75. Nourishing substances 80. Fiesta, Mardi ...

82. More agile 83. Calf-length skirt 85. Stinginess 86. Gazing lecherously at 88. Lead astray 90. Without thinking 91. Relinquished (land) 93. Magazine users 94. Lamented 95. Reduce 96. Bends out of shape 97. Japanese wrestling 99. Flour factory 100. Vehement 104. Snapshots book 105. Perfect 106. Scale 107. Relents (5,2) 111. Proficient 113. Sick 114. Cry of delight 115. Escape adroitly 117. Bump 118. Flanks 121. Wild rose 122. Poet, ... Allan Poe 125. American president, Ronald ...

126. Salt Lake City state 127. Exploited 129. Famed lioness 131. Wine, ... spumante 132. Paler 135. Oil-exporting cartel 136. Singer, ... Etheridge 139. Speed measurement 140. Confused 144. Nunavut native 145. Wire 146. Biscuit topping 147. US island prison 148. Scandalised

Across 149. Dinners or lunches 150. Crocodile Dundee star, Paul ...

152. Brahma follower 154. Sends (money) 157. East Timor's capital 158. Foot arches 162. Part of eye 163. Exotic flower 166. Loop 167. Missile-launch pit 169. Nevada divorce city 171. Taj Mahal site 172. Fleet 173. Takes a break 175. Indigenous New Zealander 176. Acute remorse 179. Burnt brightly 180. Mountain chain 182. Relaxation art, ... chi (1'2) 183. Food additive (1,1,1) 184. Regal 186. Oval 189. Communications industry 190. Not anybody (2-3) 191. Of sound system 192. Freshness 196. Sacred ritual 197. Pig in a ...

198. Dummy pill 199. Paralysed 201. Tennis ace, Gabriela ...

202. Men's neck scarves 203. Capital of South Korea 204. Shameful secret, ... in the cupboard 205. Away from home, far ...

208. Movie theatre 210. News footage 211. Petticoat 212. Understand 213. Personal identity 215. Indigestion 219. Striped equine 221. Hospital worker 223. Supervisors 227. Prefabricated (concrete) 228. Unlock 230. Depart 231. Lace frill 232. Percussion instruments 233. Earth's environment, Mother ...

234. Temporary relief 238. Gaps 239. Design-tracing device 240. Rots 243. Group loyalty, ... de corps 246. Car repair set (4,3) 247. Desist 250. Swindle 251. NZ PM, ... Clark 253. Resupplies with weapons 256. Duplicate 257. Hoisting anchor cry (5-2) 258. Cruelty 262. West African country 263. Glue 266. Madam (2'2) 268. Writer, James ...

269. Nervous disorder 270. Aggravate 271. Many 272. Rascal 273. Surplus 274. LA suburb, ... Air 275. Spouse's boys 276. Holstered pistols (4,4) 277. Alberta's capital 278. Tooth doctors

Down 1. Nightclub 2. Belonging to whom?

3. Golfing strokes 4. Unattractive 5. Scrape together (4,2) 7. Tidiest 8. Between 9. Investigate 10. Venison animal 11. Open-air pool 12. January 1st, New ... (4'1,3) 13. Strong painkiller 14. Accustoming 15. Hooded snakes 16. Infuriate 17. Florida resort 18. Fangs 19. Discourage 24. Garbed 26. Touch 30. Manlike machine 33. Wettest 34. Part 35. Corrected 38. Huskier 39. Eucalypt 40. No longer existing (of species) 42. Dedicatory poems 43. Dodging (duty) 46. Kabul currency unit 47. Complacent 49. Flood-protection sack 50. Decorate 51. Dispatching 53. Retailers 54. Of shipping 55. Inconsistent 59. Still vivid (of memory) 60. Glorified 67. Japanese warrior 68. Insistent 69. Underground cell 70. Utterly preoccupied 72. Pakistan's capital 74. Striving to equal 76. Vibrated 77. Accuses 78. Spaghetti-like items 79. Enlists (5,2) 81. Skiffs 84. Christmas month 87. Lucky escape (4,4) 89. Enhances 91. Director, ... Mille (5,1,2) 92. Disapproves strongly of 98. Twins star sign 101. Dragonfly larva 102. Make into law 103. Sixth planet from sun 108. Taken from plane (of photo) 109. Heavy antelope 110. Established practice 112. School test 116. Unstintingly 119. Impetuous 120. Christian sacrament 123. Eternal punishment 124. Attributes 128. Involve in conflict 130. Milk sugar

Down

132. Propeller sound 133. Mode of expression 134. Octagon number 137. Sits idly 138. Uttered 141. Raise objections 142. Unwilling 143. Gave medicine to 151. Academy Awards 153. Achievable 155. Register 156. From Baghdad 159. Appointees 160. Employed (4,2) 161. Ancient 164. Length of metal links 165. Notions 168. Formerly Constantinople 170. City devastated by A-bomb 173. Curative 174. Hit with glancing blow 177. Faintness 178. Equatorial 181. Spray cans 185. Humorous account 186. Unveiled 187. Layabouts 188. Go in front 193. Stoat-like animals 194. Issue (from) 195. Procedures 200. Skilled arguers 201. Japanese meat dish 206. Died away, ... out 207. Curtains, cloth, etc 208. Middles 209. Most submissive 211. Tastes 214. Debarred 216. Longest Asian river 217. Simpler 218. Outdoor meals 220. French peak, Mont ...

222. Happen repeatedly 224. Motives 225. Allowed 226. Travelling stagehands 229. ... & hearty 232. Distribute, ... out 235. Tendency to fantasise 236. Iron 237. Tied 241. Explain in detail 242. Grand Canyon state 244. Tenor, ... Domingo 245. Imprecise 248. Panics 249. Ireland (poetic) 251. Residence 252. Lent to 253. Frisks 254. Paris landmark, ... Triomphe (3,2) 255. Fulfils (demand) 259. Delegate 260. Religious statues 261. Veils 262. Hitler's ... Kampf 264. Serpents 265. Grow weary 267. Donkey/horse cross

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, March 7, 2012 - Page 65

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Page 66 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, March 7, 2012

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Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, March 7, 2012 - Page 67

Melbourne

Observer Victorian Sport

Showbiz Extra ■ From Page 59

Top 10 Lists

IT’S SUPER SATURDAY

■ The Victoria Racing Club is gearing up for one of the big days on their racing calendar this Saturday with the running of the Lexus Newmarket Handicap and the Dubai Australian Cup at Flemington.

Over the years the classics have attracted some great sprinters and stayers, none better than Black Caviar who blitzed them in the Newmarket last year, carrying 58.5 kilos a record for a mare in the Newmarket beating her old rival, Hay List.

The Australian Cup has been won by some great gallopers including Lohnro, who is now Australia's leading sire.

As we came out on the streets with this edition of the Melbourne Observer, final declarations were being taken for both feature events at 10am.

Black Caviar was nominated, but will not run, if they had have accepted with her, she would have had to carry 63.5 kilos.

Now it appears if Hay List starts, he will carry topweight of 58.5 kilos, a weight connections are not happy with, having to concede big weights to other top chances.

One of Hay List's owners is well-known fashion designer, Katie Davenport, and its common knowledge she and trainer, John McNair, are not happy ‘chappies’ with the weight allotted.

However in the handicapper's defence, what weight did they think he would get, with Black Caviar having to carry 63.5 kilos.

If Hay List doesn't run, it is still a top class field with the likes of the Jason Warren class act, Bel Sprinter, who should have won the Oakleigh Plate at Caulfield after not being able to get a clear run until the last 100 metres, where he flew to run sixth.

The star sprinter before that had won five of six starts with his second coming behind Lone Rock, up the straight at Flemington.

He will be a better horse for the experience and is my tip to win the great race.

Others with chances appear to

Ted Ryan

Decircles, if they accept, who is racing very well, Eagle Falls, a Sydneysider and a good second in the Oakleigh Plate, while her stablemate Foxwedge, a good fourth to Black Caviar in the Lightning Stakes will be hard to beat.

You have to include Kulgrinda from the Peter Moody camp, placed behind Black Caviar, Master Harry, and Temple Of Boom, who loves the straight six.

The big mystery horse is the top Sydney galloper, Rain Affair, aptly named because he loves wet tracks.

The horse has won 10 of his 11 starts having won over 1400 metres last start in Sydney on a heavy 8, once again blasting the opposition into oblivion.

Naturally his trainer, Joe Pride is hoping for a wet track before making up his mind.

Put it this way if they race on a surface such as a slow or heavy just pour it on, as he gets the giggles when it rains, and the wetter, the better.

Moving on to the Dubai Australian Cup over the 2000 metre trip, naturally the interesting runner will be 2010 Melbourne Cup winner, Americain, now with leading trainer, David Hayes at Euroa.

From all reports he has done exceptionally well under the astute mentor, and even if he is first up since his win in the Sandown Classic in November, he is a class act.

I am sure that Hayes will have him primed to a possible first up win.

Another interesting runner from the Hayes camp is the German galloper, Budai, who is sure to be spot on under his care, and could be one to watch down the track, if not

Observer Racing

here as we are lacking in depth stayers in Australia.

Green Moon, a top stayer from the Robert Hickmott stable, is very smart, and will be right in it.

While Illo, placed at Caulfield recently, from the strong Bart Cummings stable could be right in it.

After a big run in the Moonee Valley Cup last year, he was expected to feature strongly in the Melbourne Cup, but failed to show up.

It looks like they may have found the answer to him.

● Bel Sprinter Photo by SLICKPIX, phone 9354 5754 The former InterLucas Cranach, the former German gal- national galloper loper, has taken all be- Manighar trained by fore him after being Luca Cumani, now picked out by leading with Peter Moody, has trainer, Lee Freed- improved out of sight after being just behind man, overseas.

After a few prob- the placegetters in lems they ran him in two Melbourne Cups.

Of the others you the Caulfield Cup and Playing God, he ran extremely well have placed in an Austrarunning a good fifth, lian Cup, Precedence then ran superbly in the from the Cummings Melbourne Cup stables, Caulfield beaten in the last 20 Cup winner Southern metres to run a great Speed and up and third. comer from the Then at Caulfield Alderson team, he showed them what That's the One. it was all about with a It's a tough one; I brilliant win, I reckon like Lucas Cranach, he could be a star this Americain and SouthAutumn and Spring. ern Speed.

BENDIGO STAND-ALONE ■ The Bendigo Jockey Club's CEO, Ian Hart, and his hard working staff are looking forward to their stand-alone meeting to be held on their picturesque track on March 17 (St.Patrick's Day).

The words standalone means it is the major race meeting, with no metropolitan races run on that day.

● Lucas Cranach Photo by SLICKPIX, phone 9354 5754

The BJC have planned a bigger than big day with plenty happening of which I will be part of on the big day.

Because of St Patrick's Day they will have the Celtic Mist Irish Band entertaining racegoers, an Irish dance troupe, a Chinese dancing group, and on top of this you have a chance to win a trip to Hong Kong.

Fashions On The Field will once again play a big part of the day, as well as an A Zone for the Kids, and a music festival in another part of the course.

Being the next best thing to a major metropolitan meeting the Club, is hoping to entice top fields for the day.

Features on the program include, the $125,000 Yalumba Mile (1600metres), the $90,000 Bendigo Bank Guineas and

$50,000 Inglis Bonus, and $30,000 Super Vobis Bonus (Qualified Horses).

The $90,000 Catanachs Gold Bracelet, and the $75,000 Centrebet Bendigo Gold Stayers final, and five other supporting races of $50,000 each.

There are plenty of corporate packages available with general admittance $20. Members Reserve Crossover $ 50, Concessions $ 15.

Children 15 years and under admitted free, but must be accompanied by an adult.

Give the Club a ring, ask for Jenny or Brook on 5448 4209.

See you there.

For advertising phone Mary 0404 131 069

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Benjamin Clark ■ Benjamin Clark from Australia’s internationally acclaimed The Ten Tenors, is presenting a twilight concert, Some Enchanted Evening, on Saturday (March 10) at 8pm at The Barn Gallery, Montsalvat, Hillcrest Ave, Eltham. Refreshments and champagne will be available for purchase from 7pm.

The program will include a combination of opera, musical theatre and contemporary music and features Laura Fitzpatrick as guest artist and pianist Mark Jones.

As a youngster, Benjamin was one of the original Catchment Kids with Catchment Players of Darebin, performing in many of their productions before attending the VCA. Tickets: $39 adults, $35 concession Bookings: Call Montsalvat during office hours on 9439 7712. www.montsalvat.com.au

Page 68 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, March 7, 2012

People

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‘The Collection’ Cocktail Bar re-launch Richmond

Melbourne

Observer Sport

‘LAST-EVER’ ID

● Black Caviar owners Jill Taylor and David Taylor

● Chadwick model and actor James Pidgeon and actress Maryanne Niceforo

● Im Tyhemightyquinn takes the Inter-Dominion honours ■ A sad ending came at Perth’s Gloucester Park Paceway on Friday (March 2), when the last ever traditional Inter Dominion Carnival concluded.

First held in Perth way back in 1936, the Inter Dominion was held throughout Australia and New Zealand on a rotation basis, with every state and both islands across the Melbourne Tasman competing in an exciting test of speed and stamina. len-baker@ As of next year when bigpond.com the Inter is being conwith Len Baker ducted in NSW at Menangle for a period of three consecutive years, completely different conditions will apply much to the dismay of many harness followers. ★★★ Superstar 7-Y-0 Washington VC/Love Sign gelding Im Themightyquinn demoralised his rivals in the 2012 V75 Inter Dominion Grand Final over 2506 metres on Friday.

Restrained to the rear of the field from gate PHOTOS: seven as anticipated with BILL CRABB the pole marker Mr Feelgood leading from ● Part-owner Gary Rolston and Mysta Magical Mac (gate WA Racing Minister, Terry Waldron. five) and Smoken Up (gate six) three wide run- Auckland Reactor for- the pair drawing clear to ning into the first turn, the ward mid race to park in fight out the finish.

On hitting the wire, Im huge crowd in attendance the open, putting those in scored gasped when Smoken Up the moving lane all back Themightyquinn by a margin of 1.4 metres a spot. driven hard by John JusJohn Justice had the in advance of Mysta Magitice went off stride putting audacity to send Smoken cal Mac which ran the an end to his chances, alof his life, with Up forward in a short lived race lowing Mr Feelgood and Lombo Navigator 2.5 John McCarthy to control move at the bell, with Im metres away in third place Themightyquinn still last the race. ahead of Raglan and Can On settling it was Mr having to produce a gigan- Return Fire.

Feelgood from Mista tic effort to score as the With quarters of 30.6, Magical Mac, Lombo leader appeared to be do- 29.7, 28.2 and 28.3 for the final mile, Im TheNavigator trailing the ing it easily.

Challenged strongly by mightyquinn returned a pacemaker, Crombie one/ one, Raglan three back the Auckland Reactor on the mile rate of 1-57.6.

For trainer Gary Hall markers being followed final bend, Mr Feelgood

by Can Return Fire, while was a spent force on turn- (Snr) and reinsman son Auckland Reactor from ing with Mysta Magical Gary (Jnr) in was a moto savoir after losing outside the front row Mac easing three wide, ment last home town Inter possied nicely to be three Crombie four wide and the (2004) to Jofess in a nail back in the moving line Im Themightyquinn join- biting nose decision. and Im Themightyquinn ing in off the track five Many Victorians last with the exception of wide.Showing his almost cheered loudly for unbelievable turn of speed Charlton’s Ellen Tormey Smoken Up. The field remained in on straightening, Im who took out the the same formation until Themightyquinn joined Australasian Young DrivMysta Magical Mac, with ers Championship.

Anthony Butt sent

Harness Racing

Observer

● Comedian Justine McInerney and Eleni Martakis

● Eugene Loane and model Natasha Wilson

● Ex Miss Universe contestant Paris Ogden and William Holland

● Australian Fashion Guide fashionistas Ian Livock and Scott Fiora

● James Pidgeon and Helen Reizer

● Jonathan Ciullo and Matthew Brent

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Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, March 7, 2012 - Page 69

Page 70 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, March 7, 2012

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Melbourne

Observer Victorian Sport

MOST ASTONISHING REPLY I’VE EVER HEARD

■ Round 2 of the NAB Cup saw all teams step up the pace.

The results: Geelong as expected in the second half outclassed GCSuns and won by 49 points, 118 to 69. ‘ Hawthorn, without ‘Buddy’ Franklin did the same to the GWS Giants winning 108 points to 34 by 74 points.

The microscope was on and will continue to focus on Issy Folau and Tom Scully.

Folau hardly touched the ball in the first half whether playing forward, back or ruck but showed signs he can make it with four strong marks and a goal in the second half.

It was a confidence boost for the champion athlete and former NRL star.

Scully too improved but both have a long, tough road ahead.

WCE fell in with a late goal to defeat a rejuvenated and determined Port Adelaide by 5 points, 92 to 87 and remain undefeated with an impressive Adelaide who killed Brisbane Lions by 51 points 93 to 42.

The Essendon v St Kilda match was cancelled because of the weather conditions which prevented the two planes carrying the Essendon players and staff being refused permission to land and returned to Melbourne.

St Kilda has been awarded the 4 points as it travelled by bus and presented at the ground and in fact put on a ‘clinic’ for the sell-out crowd who will be refunded their ticket money.

St Kilda’s media statement

Wangaratta game cancellation The St Kilda Football Club has this morning decided not to formally request the awarding of points following the cancellation of the Club’s Round 2 NAB Cup game against Essendon in Wangaratta on Saturday night.

The Club felt it was inappropriate to assess the circumstances surrounding Essendon’s non-arrival from Melbourne.

St Kilda Football Club has resolved that it will accept the final decision of the AFL. “We remain more concerned for the City of Wangaratta and the disappointment that was experienced by the local community who supported the game despite extreme weather conditions,” said St Kilda’s Head of Football Chris Pelchen.

“St Kilda Football Club remains committed to supporting the promotion and development of AFL in regional areas.”

The Club will make no further comment following this statement.

What the AFL said

■ What follows is the AFL’s official media release, but in my opinion both teams should have been quickly awarded 4 points each, the AFL accept blame for the travel arrangements as surely it must be responsible for these costs, stop the ‘blamegame’ and FIX the problem so it does not happen again.

The AFL Media Release “Following a review of the circumstances around the forced cancellation of the NAB Cup match in Wangaratta, and based on discussions with the St Kilda and Essendon

Do you believe ‘Caro’ (Wilson) was briefed by the AFL to write this article?

Harry Beitzel www.squidoo.com/harrybeitzel Football Clubs, the AFL resolved that the full match points will be awarded to St Kilda.

This determination is based on the NAB Cup Pre-Season Competition regulations in relation to a match that is unable to commence.

28.3 Pre-Season Competition 28.3.1 Match not Commenced If a Pre-Season Competition Match is unable to commence for reasons beyond the control of the Club, the General Manager – Football Operations shall endeavour to reschedule the Match so that a result can be obtained.

If the Match cannot be rescheduled, the winner will be decided by the toss of a coin.’

The AFL noted that extreme weather conditions meant that Essendon was unable to reach Wangaratta by air for the match.

However, it also resolved that alternate travel arrangements were available to the club and therefore Essendon’s inability to attend the match was ultimately within its control.

AFL General Manager Football Operations, Adrian Anderson, acknowledged that the circumstances leading to the NAB Cup match cancellation and the decision to award match points to St Kilda were extremely unusual.

“Unfortunately for Essendon, a late deterioration in weather conditions meant that several attempts to land their chartered planes in or near Wangaratta were unsuccessful and as a result they were forced to return to Melbourne, with the match cancelled,” Mr Anderson said.

“The AFL has resolved that the circumstances were not beyond Essendon’s control because the club could have initially arranged an earlier flight or taken more reliable travel options that were available to them.

“We do acknowledge however, that Essendon did have a bus on standby in the case of the airlines indicating that it was not possible to travel.

“Essendon has informed the AFL they were assured by the airline operators that the aircraft could reach Wangaratta based on the weather forecast at the time of departure.

“Clearly flying conditions changed dramatically over the course of the flight and the repeated efforts by the pilots to land in the region were only thwarted by the shocking weather

onditions and related safety considerations."

Mr Anderson thanked both the St Kilda and Essendon Football Clubs for their considered responses to what was an unusual situation.

He particularly paid tribute to St Kilda’s players and coaches who agreed to conduct a practice match in tough conditions at Wangaratta for those local fans who turned up for the match.

The AFL also sincerely apologised to the Wangaratta community and fans of the two clubs for the match cancellation.

“This was the regrettable outcome of an unusual set of circumstances, including extreme weather conditions, and we are very sorry for the disappointment and frustration caused to so many people in Wangaratta who had been looking forward to hosting an NAB Cup match in their local community.

“There was great anticipation around the match and many locals had worked hard to help us put on what would have been a great show,” Mr Anderson said.

“Essendon has already indicated that it will be looking at ways to directly thank the local community for their understanding and the AFL has also informed local authorities that we will make every effort to schedule a NAB Cup game in Wangaratta next year.”

Mr Anderson said that the AFL would review the match day arrangements that apply during the pre-season competition to see what lessons can be learned to ensure a similar situation does not happen again.

All patrons who bought a ticket for last night's game will be eligible for a full refund.

Patrons who purchased a ticket via credit card will have the amount automatically refunded to their personal account within five days, while patrons with cash sales should return with their tickets to the point of purchase for a refund.

NAB Cup success ■ The remaining matches saw Sydney Swans again looking sharp defeat North Melbourne, 82 to 65 points, Melbourne hang on in an exciting battle with Collingwood, 79 to 70 points; W. Bulldogs defeat the ‘winless’ Carlton by 4 points 74 to 70 and Fremantle over run the tired Tigers in

he last half to win 105 to 67 points.The Ladder is: Adelaide, WCE 12pts; Haw, Geel, Swans, Freo, Melb, Coll, St Kil, W Bull all 8pts; Nth Melb, Port Adel, Bris, Rich, Gold CS all 4pts; Carl, GWS, Essendon all 0 Points.

Next week’s Round 3 Matches: Ess v Syd, Adel v Coll, GWS v GCS, Geel v Rich, PtAd v Freo, Bris v Carl, Melb v Haw, WCE v St Kil, Nth Mel v W Bull,.

Despite the injuries, the weather, the cancelled game, the I/C Bench problems again the NAB Cup is a success!

Saints wants games in NZ

■ The St Kilda Football Club is in preliminary discussions with the AFL about the expansion of the game in New Zealand and the role the Saints may play.

With the recent inclusion of AFL as a sanctioned sport in schools in New Zealand, the Saints would like to develop the game further through engagement with the community.

The Saints also see an opportunity to build player talent pathways for local talent to play AFL and potentially play games for premiership points in Wellington in the future.

“We have had very preliminary discussions with the AFL,” said St Kilda Football Club Chief Executive Officer, Michael Nettlefold.

“We plan to continue those discussions over the coming months but at this point nothing has been agreed.”

“Yes, I do’

■ “Yes I Do!” was Mike Sheahan’s response to Paul Roos (On The Couch, Foxtel, Feb 27) re Caroline Wilson’s Age article headed ‘AFL disgusted as Roos unloads again’ This banner headline was held aloft by chairman Gerard Healy which boldly highlighted selective pars, “It would be simplistic to say Paul Roos still holds a grudge against Andrew Demetriou and that all his football opinions are shaded against the AFL as a result.

“Although you could mount strong evidence to support that view.

“Take Monday night's 2012 debut of Fox Footy's signature program On The Couch.

“Yet again it was all about the emergency rule - one of Roos' pet hates and one of the AFL's self-claimed success stories.

“This time Roos did not cover himself in glory.Neither did James Hird.

“The program replayed an interview involving Roos and Hird from a pre-recorded NAB Cup feature in which both revered football identities mused and agreed that the new bench rule was forcing out of the game players lacking endurance.

“By logical conclusion, they agreed, this could adversely affect the

recruitment of indigenous players.”

I challenge and do not accept this is fair comment, quote: “By logical conclusion ... ” about two greats who have played with and supported our brilliant indigenous players.

It is NOT logical in my view.

“Surely Roos and Hird were not alluding to race-based selection?

“Roos was challenged by his fellow commentators but continued to repeat his and Hird's assertions on Monday night, although his only argument was to repeat again and again that ''it's happening already''. Not according to all recruiters.“Behind the scenes the AFL was disgusted at several levels.

The key spokesman for the revised interchange bench - football operations boss Adrian Anderson - would not discuss the indigenous link to the debate but strongly disputed Roos' stand yesterday.” ''It's a gross generalisation and very unfair,'' he said. ''I've heard a lot of nonsense over the years about rules and rule changes and how they affect certain types of player. We know this game celebrates tall players and short players and that has not changed, and it is one of the great things about our game that it requires and includes players of all types.''

“Any speculation otherwise is unfair and unwarranted.''

“Roos is a media commentator who must say what he thinks.

“That he spent a vast proportion of his debut on Fox Sports last year railing against rules and umpires is his prerogative.

“Only he knows whether he speaks with a biased and bitter tongue when it comes to the AFL and whether he still targets the AFL due to Demetriou's ''ugly brand of football'' gibe.”

This was said in 2005!

Mike then questioned Roos on his reaction to these vitriolic comments.

Coolly, Paul ‘the pro’ replied it doesn’t faze me, “it was seven years ago and we have moved on.

“When I praise the AFL it is never reported. I remind you the Swans won the Flag that year – the first in 72 years!”

Not satisfied Mike, the most respected journalist in AFLhistory with theAFLMedia Centre rightly named in his honour, turned to Roos and asked one of the most controversial questions in his brilliant career, “Do you believe ‘Caro’ (Wilson) was briefed by the AFL to write this article?”

A stunned Roos, paused then said, “I don’t know I’m new to the media and learning - but what do you think?

Mike’s three word response was one of the most astonishing I’ve heard in my 65 years involvement with our game.

“YES I DO!” The AFL/The Age/Mike Sheahan must explain is/was there collusion?

There is more but that’s enough, if you want the full article go to The Age website.

- Harry Beitzel

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, March 7, 2012 - Page 71

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