Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 8, 2013 - Page 85
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Observer Showbiz Every Week in the Melbourne Observer
Radio: News from around Victoria ................... Page 86 Veritas: TV, radio, theatre news .......................... Page 87 The Spoiler: Neighbours, Home And Away latest ........ Page 87 Jim and Aaron: Movies, DVDs, Top 10 lists ................... Page 88 Cheryl Threadgold: Local theatre shows, auditions ............. Page 89 PLUS THE LOVATT”S MEGA CROSSWORD
LUST AND FORBIDDEN LOVE 200-voice choir at Melb. Town Hall
● Teddy Tahu Rhodes ■ Musical magic will be created on the Melbourne Town Hall stage at 5pm on Sunday (May 12) when the Royal Melbourne Philharmonic and Melbourne University Choral Society present Brahms' mighty Ein Deutsches Requiem Op. 45 (A German Requiem) and Morten Lauridsen's sublime masterpiece Lux Aeterna (Eternal Light). When operatic heart-throb, New Zealand bass baritone Teddy Tahu Rhodes and award-winning Sony Classics recording artist soprano Greta Bradman join the 200-voice choir and 70 members of the RMP Orchestra (under the baton of RMP Chief Conductor Andrew Wailes), the result will be a powerful and uplifting experience. Added to the large choral and orchestral forces Wailes has assembled will be Melbourne Town Hall's mighty grand organ (the largest in the southern hemisphere), all combining to bring to life two emotionally powerful choral works. Whilst the Brahms work is already well known, Wailes is confident that many will be emotionally affected by the sheer beauty of the contemporary classic by American composer Morten Lauridsen. " Lux Aeterna is now one of the most performed and loved choral works in the United States -I had the privilege of conducting the Australian premiere in 2001 and since that time Lux Aeterna has established itself as one of the world's most performed choral masterpieces," says Wailes. Teddy Tahu Rhodes has graced most of the great opera stages of the world including the Metropolitan Opera in New York, Hamburg State Opera, Bavarian State Opera, Welsh National Opera, and Opera Australia, for whom his powerful performance as Don Giovanni lit up the stage - and the audience! A new audience recently fell in love with Teddy at the Princess Theatre earlier this year when he sang the role of Emile in South Pacific. His 2013 engagements include a return season of South Pacific in Sydney, debuts in Chicago and Dallas, and New York's great Carnegie Hall. Singing the bass solos in Brahms' epic Ein Deutsches Requiem gives Melbourne audiences a chance to hear Teddy's deep and resonant voice at its best. Greta Bradman's debut CD for Sony, Forest of Dreams, reached number one on Australia's classical music charts and she has performed with the RMP several times. Greta will be leaving Australia in a few months to take up the prestigious Australian International Opera Award, which will take her to Cardiff for a year to the Wales International Academy of Voice, under the tutelage of renowned tenor Dennis O'Neill and iconic soprano Dame Kiri Te Kanawa. As Greta is the proud mum of two young boys, it's most appropriate that she is singing in a Mother's Day concert. And as both works were composed to honour mothers, Mother's Day is an ideal day to celebrate Brahms and Lauridsen in the grand surrounds of Melbourne Town Hall. Bookings: ticketmaster.com.au or 136 100. Enquiries: 0427 028 096. - Julie Houghton
By STEPHEN LEEDEN
● Joanne Redfearn and Matthew Connell in Scarborough, playing until May 18 at the Brunswick Arts Space. Photo: Tony Rive (Triggerpoint Photography) ■ In a faded beachside hotel room in Scarborough, a couple is having an illicit weekend away. Amidst the peeling wallpaper they laugh, quarrel and make love, but they don’t dare go out. Fiona Evans’s Scarborough is presented by up and coming Melbourne company The Honeytrap and directed by one of the company’s founding members, Celeste Markwell. The show takes you on a journey that is somewhat funny, somewhat intriguing and somewhat disturbing. I was promised an “electrifying portrayal of a dangerously charged romance, and its disturbing implications.” However, what I got was a slightly confronting yet stock standard portrayal of a love affair that was obviously doomed from the onset. Nevertheless, the cast of this production (Joanne Redfern, Matthew Connell, Doug Lyons and Libby Brockman) are engaging and captivating throughout. The four actors work brilliantly in the space and use the fourth wall effect of the audience to their advantage. The set is beautifully designed by Casey-Scott Corless and compliments the story well and the action that takes place within. As I left the show I wondered what the purpose and message really was apart from the obvious surface messages about lust and forbidden love. The cast and production crew should be proud though of the professional and well-constructed show they have produced. Season: Until May 18 Times: 8pm Thurs, 7pm and 9pm Fri and Sat Venue: Brunswick Arts Space, 2a Little Breese St, Brunswick Tickets: $27 Full, $19 Concession Bookings: www.thehoneytrap.net.au
‘Sunset Boulevard’
● Jim Sherlock discusses Sunset Boulevard, starring Gloria Swanson, on Page 88
Greg Evans on radio ■ TV-radio star Greg Evans will be special guest of the Sugar And Spice radio program on Mornington Peninsula radio station 3RPP FM tomorrow (Thurs.) from 9am. Bob and Judy Phillips present the show, which is also streamed on the internet
● Greg Evans
Bookery Cook: Art To Eat ■ Blogging is all the rage these days, and it seems to lend itself well to the subject of food. So thought the three Thompson sisters, Georgia, Jessie and Maxine, who decided to mix art, food and blogging - and then turn it into a book called The Bookery Cook: Art To Eat. Their blog, thebookerycook.com, features recipes, illustrations, reviews and interviews, with guest writers and illustrators. The new book showcases the work of several international artists, all bound by their love of food, and features 14 Melbourne artists contributing to this tasty project. The three sisters asked the artists to create art that focuses on recipes, including cultural references, ingredients, cooking techniques and the context of eating. There's a quirky sense of humour in The Bookery Cook: Art To Eat, with a pop art portrait of a cannellini bean in a top hat to accompany the Homemade Baked Beans recipe, and a golden horned ram's head sculpture next to the Lime and Peppercrusted Lamb Backstrap. The Thompson sisters grew up on a tropical hinterland farm on the Sunshine Coast, and have collectively worked and studied in the arts, design, fashion, travel and food industries. Enjoying meals was a huge part of the sisters' family life, so creating the blog and now the book springs from a life long love of food for Jessica, Georgia and Maxine. The book contains 120 recipes, 66 artists, and of course three sisters.
● Georgia, Jessie and Maxine Thompson And internet access has been a crucial element to getting the book together, as Jessica lives in Victoria, Georgia now hails from Queensland, and Maxine calls America home. So if you're looking for a Mother's Day present with a difference, this could be the answer. www.murdochbooks.com.au - Julie Houghton
Page 86 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 8, 2013
Observer Showbiz
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Radio Confidential News from stations from around Victoria
12% LISTEN TO DIGITAL RADIO
Country Crossroads
1.5 MILLION PEOPLE TUNE IN WITH NEW SETS
info@country crossroads.com.au Big Breakfast Show. Southern FM 88.3. Tues. 6am-9am.
Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth, and features a bonus offer of an Endota Spa massage voucher worth $60, when purchasing a selected digital radio from JB Hi-Fi. Rob Foenander
VALE GEORGE JONES
■ American country music legend and pioneer George Jones has died at age 81. Described as "the definitive country singer of the last halfcentury" Jones had countless hits that became timeless country music classics. She Thinks I Still Care, The Race Is On and He Stopped Loving Her Today were just a few of his trademark songs that also became hits for other performers. He was also known as ‘No-Show Jones’ for the concerts he missed during drinking and drug binges.
KASEY, SHANE SEPARATE
■ Country music's golden couple Kasey Chambers and husband Shane Nicolson are reported to have separated after eight years of marriage. A statement appeared on the pair's joint website recently saying, they have been "living apart for some time now".
DIRT TRACK COWBOYS TOUR
■ Adam Brand and Travis Collins have teamed up for a series of concerts around the country. The boys will be performing at the York On Lilydale for a dinner and show on May 10, and at the Hallam Hotel on June 7.
■ Digital radio sales and listening figures recorded another significant rise with 94,024 DAB+ digital radio devices sold in the first quarter of 2013. It brings the total number sold since the 2009 launch to 1,250,179. Listening figures from Survey 2, 2013 show 12.3 per cent of people are now listening via a DAB+ device each week. The first quarter sales figure for 2013 is up from the same quarter last year when 88,004 digital radio devices were sold. Largest number of digital radios sold in one quarter was recorded in the last quarter of 2012 and included the Christmas retail cycle when 153,189 devices were sold.
Radio Briefs
■ ABC Classic FM is again compiling its Classic 100. Listeners are this ytear being asked to list their favourite film score or piece of classical music used in a film. ■ Vehicle manufacturers including digital radios report more than 14,000 vehicles have been sold in Australia with digital radios this year.
■ The Survivors group of radio and show business veterans will gather for their winter 2013 luncheon at South Melbourne on Saturday, June 15. ■ 96.5 Inner FM presenter Rob Williams will be celebrating a milestone birthday on May 20. His popular show, Sentimental Favourites, can be heard at 3pm on Sunday afternoons. ■ Simon Owens and John Blackman will be interviewing Bill Oddie from The Oddies later this month. Simon, a dedicated fan, has already tickets for Bill’s concert at St Kilda on June 22.
Giveaway for Mothers Day
■ Steve Peacocke, who plays Brax in Home And Away, is quitting the Seven Network series to pursue a showbiz career in Los Angeles.
r Observbei z Show
Wednesday, May 8 ■ British naturalist Sir David Attenborough was born in England in 1926 (87). He has been seen on Aussie TV since 1956 US comedian Don Rickles was born in New York in 1926 (87). Singer Rick Nelson was born in 1940. He died in a plane crash on New Years Eve 1985, aged 45.
● Joan Warner ■ Commercial Radio Australia CEO Joan Warner says the industry is delighted with digital radio sales. A Mother’s Day radio campaign is on air across 42 commercial radio stations in the five digital radio metropolitan markets of Sydney, Melbourne,
■ Results for the third radio ratings survey for 2013 are due to be released on Tuesday, May 21. It will be an important survey for 3AW ‘drive’ presenter Tom Elliott who saw audience numbers drop in each of the first two surveys.
3CR radiothon worker search
Radio flashbacks
■ Melbourne’s original community radio station 3CR is looking for a person to help us with its annual Radiothon fundraiser. The two-week appeal courages listeners and supporters to keep the station on air. Each year 3CR employs a wadiothon worker to support staff and programmers with their fundraising efforts. This years appeal runs from June 3-16, plus the special Gardening Radiothon on June 23. The position is a fixed-term contract for 11 weeks until July.
SEEKERS AT GYMPIE
■ Australia's first international supergroup, The Seekers, have been announced as special guests at this years Gympie Music Muster. The annual event is one of the biggest music events in the country and this year will feature an A-list of both local and international artists. The Mavericks (USA) Mental As Anything, Graeme Connors, Rick Price and The Bushwackers are all part of the three day event in August. - Rob Foenander
Radio survey on May 21
To Europe ● The late radio man Eddie Balmer was pictured at the 3KZ reunion in 1994 held at the Trades Hall. Eddie worked at the Brighter Broadcaster from the 1930s.
■ 3AW Nightline and Remember When co-host Philip Brady will soon travel overseas, including a tour of holy places in Europe. Melbourne
Observer
On This Day Thursday, May 9
Friday, May 10
Saturday, May 11
Sunday, May 12
Monday, May 13
Tuesday, May 14
■ Sir Sidney Kidman, pastoralist, was born in South Australia in 1857. He died aged 78 in 1935. Scottish author J M Barrie was born in 1860. He died aged 77 in 1937. British actress Joan Sims was born in Essex, England in 1930. She died aged 71 in 2001.
■ American actor and dancer Fred Astaire was born Frederick Austerlitz in 1899. He died aged 88 in 1987. Singer-songwriter Donovan (Leitch) was born in Scotland in 1946 (67). Lead singer with Irish rock band U2, Bono (Paul Hewson) was born in Dublin in 1960 (53).
■ US songwriter Irving Berlin (Israel Baline) was born in Russia in 1885. He died aged 101 in 1989. Actor Frank Thring was born in Melbourne in 1926. He died aged 68 in 1994. US Phil Silvers was born in 1911. He died aged 74 in 1985. Roc-Kwiz star Glenn Bear celebrates his birthday today.
■ Nurse Florence Nightingale was born in Florence, Italy, in 1820. She died aged 90 in 1910. “The Lady With The Lamp’. English comedian Tony Hancock was born in Birmingham, England in 1924. He died aged 44 in 1968. Songwriter Burt Bacharach is 84.
■ US actress Beatrice Arthur (Bernice Frankel) was born in New York in 1923. She died aged 86 in 2009. Blind American singer Stevie Wonder was born in 1950 (63). Newsreader Chris Bath was born in Auburn, NSW, in 1967 (46). The famous omposer Sir Arthur Sullivan was born in 1832.
■ American singer and actor Bobby Darin was born in New York in 1936. He died aged 37 in 1973. Australian TV presenter David Reyne was born in Africa in 1959. Actress Cate Blanchett was born in Clayton, Vic. in 1969 (44). Actress Ada Nicodemou is 36 today.
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
Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 8, 2013 - Page 87
Observer TV, Radio, Theatre Showbiz Latest Melbourne show business news - without fear or favour The Spoiler ANDY AIN’T THE DEAL Media Flashes
ShowBiz!
For Those Who Have Lost The Plot
Neighbours ■ 6.30pm. Weeknights. Eleven ■ Monday, May 13. Kate and Paul make a new start without each other; It is judgement day for Bailey and Matt; Lucy has a plan that will bring the past back to Ramsay Street. ■ Tuesday, May 14. Chris's love life is sabotaged by Amber; Steph ditches her medication and steps up her plan to win Lucas; Paul's new manager of Lassiters turns out to be a rival. ■ Wednesday, May 15. Amber's honesty jeopardises her friendship with Chris; Georgia's insecurities get the better of her and she ends things with Kyle; Bailey puts his feelings aside for Rani because of Callum. ■ Thursday, May 16. Acting suspiciously noble, Paul agrees to help Mason with his legal fees; Bailey attempts to drop out of the play due to his attractions towards Rani; Kyle plans to save his relationship with Georgia. ■ Friday, May 17. Ajay is horrified to learn that Mason has signed with Paul's lawyer; Vanessa demands that Lucas cut all ties with Steph; Karl finds out that Steph has stopped taking her medication.
■ Veritas has never been a big fan of Andrew O’Keefe as host of Deal Or No Deal (5.30pm weekdays, Seven). We have pondered out loud how Seven’s host can be a whacky game show host, and then appear as frontman of a serious news show (Weekend Sunrise). Critic David Knox, of the TV Tonight website, points to O’Keefe weak ratings in the 5.30pm-6pm timeslot, as one of the reasons why Seven is trailing Nine in the news ratings in Victoria. David Knox points out that Eddie McGuire (Hot Seat, Nine) is winning the
NBN complete in 2021
Veritas
Melbourne’s Best TV-Radio Critic
● Andrew O’Keefe
battle for viewers. One night last week had Hot Seat attract 719,000 viewers. Deal was well behind with 521,000. Seven News trails Nine News by about 60,000 in the Melbourne market most nights. Deal Or No Deal is now in its ninth year. It started on Channel 7 in 2004. Ten News rated 627,000 viewers nationally.
How I Learned To Drive
Home and Away ■ Monday, May 13. Tensions mount between Heath and Brax. Chris wants more out of his relationship with Indi. April and Dex are happy they're back together, but April is still haunted by Steph. ■ Tuesday, May 14. Adam threatens to kill Brax if Ricky reveals their plans. John returns to work. Maddy and Spencer break up again. Indi breaks it off with Chris. Irene decides to go to Greece to visit Leah. ■ Wednesday, May 15. Rosie faints at the diner, Sid suspects Rosie could be pregnant and Spencer throws himself into caring about Rosie to distract himself from Maddy. Kyle agrees to do an illegal job for Ricky so he can help Brax. ■ Thursday, May 16. Double Episode. Rosie reveals to Zac and Spencer that she is pregnant. Sasha doesn't know how to help Rosie, and Sid encourages Rosie to see a counsellor.Dex hears that he'll need to appear in front of the hospital board to keep his job and Heath suggests he and Bianca have another baby.
★
Star Bursts
On May 26, St Kilda Film Festival will screen Old Gold St. Kilda featuring a new doco on Luna Park and a 1974 film on the demolition of the St Kilda Junction. The screening will, of course, be at the Astor Theatre. House of Cards, starring Kevin Spacey, premiered at 8.30pm last night (Tues.) on pay-TV's Showcase channel. Tony Abbott will ban live betting during televised sports broadcasts if he becomes Prime Minister. The Voice radio program commences on the Nova network from today (Wed.). Will the same happen in Melbourne? To promote Seven News in Sydney, newsreader Chris Bath became the morning news presenter on Fox sister station, 2Day FM, in the Kyle Sandilands-Jackie O program. Seven News/3AW presenter Nick McCallum had his Twitter account hacked on Monday. A diet company’s material appeared on his account. The same has happened previously to Channel 7 colleague Derryn Hinch. Insomnia Cat Came To Stay will play at The Malthouse from May 11-18. The next round of The Block begins at 6.30pm on Sunday (May 12).
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
■ Stephen Conroy, the Federal Broadband Minister, was embarrassed at the weekend when a NBN launch event was plagued with a breakdown. NBN is promising the national roll-out will be complete by 2021. A further 303,000 homes and businesses in Victoria are on their way to receiving high-speed broadband with the addi- ● Stephen Conroy tion of 41 towns and suburbs across the state to the NBN rollout footprint. The new locations bring to 994,600 in Victoria – and almost 5 million nationwide – the number of premises where construction will have commenced or where people can order an NBN service by June 2016. The updated three-year plan was announced at the weekend at an event to mark the connection of the first area of metropolitan Sydney to the NBN. The new Victorian locations are: Anglesea, Ballan, Beaufort, Beechworth, Castlemaine, Chiltern, Clunes, Coburg, Craigieburn, Daylesford, Dimboola, Elmore, Garfield, Glen Iris, Heathcote, Heidelberg, Heyfield, Kooyong, Kyneton, Lang Lang, Maldon, Mirboo North, Moreland, Nathalia, Newport, North Melbourne, Numurkah, Oakleigh, Point Cook, Portarlington, Romsey, Rushworth, Rye, Shoreham, Sunbury, Tallangatta, Thomastown, Trentham, Warburton, Winchelsea and Woori Yallock.
Campaign for Chrissy
● Peck (Jason Cavanagh) takes his young niece Li’l Bit (Sarah Reuben) out for dinner in Mockingbird Theatre’s How I Learned To Drive. Photo: Kyrilee and James Bodin ■ Since its impressive arrival last year Designer/Director Chris Baldock on Melbourne’s independent theatre takes his audience on a compelling jourscene, Mockingbird Theatre Com- ney with his creatively bold, yet sensipany has well and truly made its mark. tive interpretation of Paula Vogel’s The company’s third production, How play, complimented by Jason I Learned To Drive, can be seen until Bovaird’s stunning lighting and May 18 at the Brunswick Mechan- minimalistic staging, props and ics Institute Performing Arts Cen- screened images. tre. Jason Cavanagh superbly portrays The story tells of Li’l Bit’s (Sarah Uncle Peck with his affable yet sinisReuben) Uncle Peck (Jason ter personality, and Sarah Reuben deCavanagh) using the ‘privilege’ of livers a first-class performance as Li’l teaching his niece to drive his car for Bit. manipulative molestation purposes, Sarah’s characterisations of Li’l from the age of 11. Bit’s life stages, from young innocence The scary thing about the perverted and confusion, to infatuation, then anUncle Peck is that he appears so pleas- ger, switch seamlessly during the time ant and normal. changes. His wife, Li’l Bit’s Aunt Mary, is There is some funny dialogue in this envied by her friends because he is the show, but gradually over 140 minutes the perfect house husband, and so good with impact of the horror of what we are witkids “when they get to this age”. nessing has a numbing, but memorable Cunningly, Peck has all the ‘right’ effect. answers, such the falsely reassuring Congratulations to Mockingbird “Nothing is going to happen unless you Theatre Company for presenting a want it to.” powerful, excellent production. The narrative switches time-wise to The company is also supporting various stages in Li’l Bit’s life from Child Wise with this production. See the 1960s, and we meet her as an adult www.childwise.net who admits to now knowing paedophilia Performances: May 8-11 and May does not mean a lover of bicycles. 14-18 at 8pm Family members and others are skilVenue: Brunswick Mechanics Infully depicted by a multi-role playing stitute Performing Arts Centre, Corner Greek Chorus comprising three tal- Glenlyon and Sydney Roads, Brunswick ented actors: Andrea McCannon, Tickets: $30/$25. Bookings: Juliet Hindmarsh and Sebastian www.mockingbirdtheatre.com.au Bertoli. - Cheryl Threadgold
■ An online petition is being circulated to name a Melbourne laneway in honour of Chrissy Amphlett. The campaign is being supported by her husband, Charley Drayton. It is planned that the petition will be presented to the Lord Mayor, Cr Robert Doyle. Chrissy died after fighting cancer and MS. ● Chrissy Amphlett ● From Page 10
Di Rolle’s column ■ “Mozart wrote another awe-inspiring mass, an absolute masterpiece. It is known as The Great Mass and the time has come to bring it to the Brandenburg stage”. “This will be a sparkling, dramatic and spine-tingling event with the soaring Brandenburg Choir in full flight,” says Paul. Two of Australia’s finest and favourite singers will be soloists. Sara Macliver and Fiona Campbell are adored by Brandenburg audiences and were last heard with the Brandenburg in the 2012 opera production, Orfeo. Tenor soloist Richard Butler was also a cast member of Orfeo. A choral scholar at Kings College, Cambridge, and Richard has also performed as soloist with the prestigious Gabrieli Consort and English Baroque Choir. It doesn’t get much better than that. Paul has chosen a ‘tasting plate’ of Mozart showstoppers to open the concert, including an innocent lullaby, a cheeky canon, a duet for the rarely-heard basset horn and two of the most sublime pieces Mozart ever wrote – the Adagio from the Gran Partita, and the Ave verum corpus motet. “These concerts will be full of virtuosity and brilliance, a fitting tribute to Mozart the Great,” says Paul. Discover more at: www.brandenburg.com.au From Dylan to Mozart – it doesn’t get much better than that! I love my job! - Di Rolle
Page 88 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 8, 2013
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Movies, DVDs With Jim Sherlock and Aaron Rourke
What’s Hot and What’s Not in Blu-Rays and DVDs
● SUNSET BOULEVARD: Screen legend Gloria Swanson in her iconic role as the fading silent screen star Norma Desmond in Billy Wilder's searing, haunting and unforgettable masterpiece Sunset Boulevard, also starring William Holden and Erich Von Stroheim. FILM: THE HOBBIT - AN UNEXPECTED JOURNEY: Genre: Adventure/Fantasy. Cast: Martin Freeman, Ian McKellen, Hugo Weaving, Elijah Wood, Andy Serkis. Year: 2012. Rating: M. Running Time: 169 Minutes. Format: DVD, BLU-RAY & BLU-RAY 3D. Stars: ****1/2 Verdict: Oscar winning director Peter Jackson returns to the world of J.R.R. Tolkien with this prequel to his epic Lord of the Rings trilogy saga, The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, again the first of three, and the results are outstanding. Here a younger and more reluctant Hobbit, Bilbo Baggins, sets out on a journey with a spirited group of Dwarves to reclaim their stolen mountain home from an evil dragon. Once again Jackson has brought to the screen an exciting realization, an epic adventure ideally cast, brimming with richness, intelligence, drama and humour. With breathtaking imagery and jaw dropping special effects this is a journey that combines the Cecil B. DeMille style epics of yester-year with the technology of today that is highly recommended worth taking. FILM: SUNSET BOULEVARD: Genre: Drama. Cast: Gloria Swanson, William Holden, Erich Von Stroheim. Year: 1950. Rating: PG. Running Time: 110 Minutes. Format: DVD and BLU-RAY. Stars: ***** Verdict: Legendary multi Oscar winning filmmaker Billy Wilder's dark gothic masterpiece of a hack, broke and out-of-work screenwriter who hides in car from debt collector's in an old Hollywood mansion and ends up writing a comeback screenplay for a former silent-film star who has faded into Hollywood obscurity, with shattering results. Brilliantly written, directed and cast this is one of the greatest and most searing classics of all time, and I'm talking in the Citizen Kane league here, and is unlike anything Hollywood had ever attempted before or since with such haunting and unforgettable results. From the opening frame it hits you like a spell with knife-edged dialogue and striking imagery. And yes, that's the real comic great Buster Keaton in a cameo and the real legendary director Cecil Be DeMille as himself on the set of his classic epic Samson and Delilah. Many real life incidents are beautifully paralleled. Both Cecil B. DeMille and the butler, played by Erich Von Stroheim, in real life were responsible in making Gloria Swanson one of the biggest stars in the history of silent cinema. Books have been written about this one movie, and for good reason, so don't miss it. FILM: REAR WINDOW: Genre: Crime/Drama/Mystery/Thriller. Cast: James Stewart, Grace Kelly, Raymond Burr. Year: 1954. Rating: PG. Running Time: 109 Minutes. Format: DVD and BLU-RAY. Stars: ****1/2 Verdict: Voyeurism and chills are given the Hitchcock touch in this thrilling and darkly comic tale of a wheelchair bound photographer who spies on his neighbours from his apartment window with binoculars and becomes convinced one of them has committed murder. All the classic 'Master of Suspense' Hitchcock trademark touches fall right into place here which will keep you firmly on the edge-of-your-seat from beginning to end. Screen great James Stewart has never been better, and Grace Kelly never more stunningly beautiful, or threatened Hitchcock style. A classic! FILM: THE BIRDS: 50th Anniversary Edition: Genre: Thriller/Horror/Romance. Cast: Rod Taylor, Tippi Hedren, Suzanne Pleshette. Year: 1963. Rating: PG. Running Time: 115 Minutes. Format: DVD and BLY-RAY. Stars: ****1/2 Verdict: The legendary 'Master of Suspense' Alfred Hitchcock's nail-biting classic finally reaches Blu-ray for its 50th anniversary. Based on the short story by Daphne Du Maurier of a wealthy San Francisco playgirl who pursues a potential boyfriend to a small coastal town which takes a turn for the bizarre when birds of all kinds suddenly begin to attack people in increasing numbers and with increasing viciousness. After his groundbreaking and landmark horror classic Psycho in 1960 this was the perfect vehicle for the legendary auteur and is brimming with his unique cinematic flare and terror, and then some. This is a real nail-biter!
THE EVIL DEAD RETURN
● Bruce Campbell in a promo shot for the original 1983 horror classic The Evil Dead. ■ Sam Raimi, who directed the a deliberate homage to Raimi's hugely successful Spider-Man trilogy favourite comedians, the Three and recently topped the box-office with Stooges. The bigger budget allowed Raimi Oz : The Great And Powerful (which has now easily passed the $200 million to deliver several visually inventive mark in the US), started his career in set-pieces, jaw-dropping camerawork, 1983 with a very low budget film called and spectacularly over-the-top makeThe Evil Dead, which has definitely up effects. Bruce Campbell is markedly betentered movie folklore as one of the scariest and most gruelling horror films ter this time around, and handles the role's humour and exhausting physical ever made. Gruelling would also describe the nature brilliantly. Probably the cornerstone example of actual production shoot, which is welldocumented in star Bruce blending a horror set-up with perfectlyCampbell's very entertaining book If executed comedy. Army Of Darkness (M) (1993). 81 Chins Could Kill. With The Evil Dead remake hitting cinemas on Thursday, minutes / 96 minutes. Available here is a look at the original and its two on DVD and Blu-Ray. ****. This charming, film-savvy, and sequels, all of which have garnered a cleverly handled second sequel is goodhuge following all around the globe. The Evil Dead (R) (1983). 85 min- natured entertainment, and is easily the utes. Available on DVD and Blu- most accessible to general audiences, who will take to its air of high advenRay. *****. The film that traumatised many a ture and funny one-liners. Ash has been transported to the 14th movie-goer back in 1983, this harrowing, relentless horror opus still manages century, where he encounters King to shock 30 years later, and overcomes Arthur and his men, who are also its limited resources in many remark- dealing with the undead. When the army of darkness are able ways. Five college students travel to an iso- inadvertantly brought back, Arthur lated cabin in the woods for a relaxing needs Ash's knowledge of the future weekend, but instead are attacked by to help destroy them. Despite plenty of impressive makedemonic forces who possess various members of the group, forcing them to up, there is very little gore, with Raimi making this entry a loving tribute to face off against one another. Despite its low budget, Raimi of- Sinbad-style movies of the 1950s, with fers many impressively stylish mo- a particular nod to effects genius Ray ments, and imbues his debut feature Harryhausen. The fish-out-of-water premise is with a number of movie references for played to the hilt, and provides many film-buffs. Raimi also fills the screen with of the film's funniest moments. The studio forced Raimi to shorten some of the most unforgettable graphic horror ever seen, images that have left the film and change its downbeat endaudiences shaken for three decades (it ing (which left the way open for a Part is always interesting talking to others 4), but thankfully both versions are about how The Evil Dead affected them available on DVD. The re-shot ending is fun, but the back in '83). While the performances are decid- original ending set-up a fascinating edly uneven, they are at least natural bridge to what would have been a postand more importantly likeable, a point apocalyptic battle between Ash and the which is lost on today's horror film- evil dead. Fans are still hopeful that this battle makers, who expect us to be on the edge-of-our-seats and care for charac- will come to fruition. Evil Dead (R) (2013). 91 minutes. ters that are obnoxious in the extreme (I like to call this modern problem the Opens in selected cinemas on May Eli Roth - director of the awful Hos- 9. **. Despite a slick surface and serious tel films - factor). The remake has a approach, this empty, frustratingly stulot to live up to. Evil Dead 2 (R) (1987). 85 min- pid remake of the 1983 classic makes utes. Available on DVD and Blu- one ask the familiar question, 'Why?'. Dull performances, uninvolving Ray. *****. After working on the troubled stu- characters, clumsy plot construction, dio-backed comedy Crimewave (1985) silly dialogue, and a noticeable lack of (**½), Raimi returned to demon-in- logic during some pivotal moments fested woods with Evil Dead 2, a su- makes this a surprisingly tiresome exper-stylish, incredibly entertaining film perience. There are a number of references that is one unforgettable roller-coaster to the original (music, sound effects, ride. Ash (Bruce Campbell) is back camera angles, among others), but this battling the forces of darkness, this only underlines how pointless the whole time helped by a professor's daughter exercise is. - Aaron Rourke and a couple of local southern assistants. What surprised audiences was the DVDs and Blu-Rays kindly supplied by Video Vision, 177-179 Carlisle change in tone. Where the first film was deadly serious, horrific, and ruthless, Street, Balaclava. For information or bookings on the original Evil Dead Evil Dead 2 is full of wild black humour trilogy please call 9531 2544. and physical comedy, with some scenes
Top 10 Lists THE AUSTRALIAN BOX OFFICE TOP TEN: 1. IRON MAN 3. 2. THE CROODS. 3. OLYMPUS HAS FALLEN. 4. OBLIVION. 5. IDENTITY THIEF. 6. THE COMPANY YOU KEEP. 7. WARM BODIES. 8. ESCAPE FROM PLANET EARTH. 9. SCARY MOVIE 5. 10. ADVENTURES IN ZAMBEZIA. NEW RELEASES AND COMING SOON TO CINEMAS AROUND AUSTRALIA: MAY 2: 42, CAMILLE REWINDS, DRIFT, THE BIG WEDDING, THE HUNT, MET OPERA: FRANCESCA DA RIMINI. MAY 9: EVIL DEAD, SPRING BREAKERS, STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS, THE PLACE BEYOND THE PINES, YOU AIN'T SEEN NOTHIN' YET. THE DVD TOP RENTAL & SELLERS: 1. THE HOBBIT: An Unexpected Journey [Fantasy/Adventure/Martin Freeman, Ian McKellen]. 2. QUARTET [Comedy/Drama/ Maggie Smith, Michael Gambon, Billy Connolly]. 3. SKYFALL [Action/Adventure/ Daniel Craig, Javier Bardem, Judi Dench]. 4. LES MISERABLES [Musical/ Drama/Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe, Anne Hathaway]. 5. WRECK-IT RALPH [Animated/ Family/John C. Reilly, Jack McBrayer]. 6. ALEX CROSS [Action/Thriller/Edward Burns, Jean Reno]. 7. ARGO [Thriller/Ben Affleck, Alan Arkin, John Goodman]. 8. TWILIGHT SAGA: Breaking Dawn - Part 2 [Drama/Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson]. 9. THE SESSIONS [Drama/Helen Hunt, John Hawkes, William H. Macy]. 10. PARENTIAL GUIDANCE [Comedy/ Family/Billy Crystal, Bette Midler, Marisa Tomei]. Also: RISE OF THE GUARDIANS, TROUBLE WITH THE CURVE, RED DAWN, PERKS OF BEING A WALLFLOWER, THE MAN WITH THE IRON FISTS, DREDD, SEVEN PSYCHOPATHS, THE INTOUCHABLES, TAKEN 2, PITCH PERFECT. NEW RELEASE HIGHLIGHTS ON DVD THIS WEEK: LIFE OF PI [Drama/Adventure/Irrfan Khan, Suraj Sharma]. NEW & RE-RELEASE CLASSICS ON DVD HIGHLIGHTS: ABBOTT & COSTELLO TRIPLE PACK: Jack and the Beanstalk, Hold That Ghost, Africa Screams. BREWSTER'S MILLIONS [Comedy/ John Candy, Richard Pryor]. THE BABE [Drama/Biography/John Goodman, Kelly McGillis]. THE COOLER [Drama/Alec Baldwin, Mario Bello, William H. Macy]. HITCHCOCK CLASSICS Triple Pack: Blackmail,The 39 Steps, Sabotage. LONE WOLF & CUB: The Ultimate Collection [R18+]. LAUREL & HARDY: Triple Pack - Volume One: A Haunting We Will Go, Bullfighters, The Flying Deuces. THE COWBOY WAY [Action/Comedy/ Woody Harrelson, Kiefer Sutherland]. THE PAPER [Comedy/Drama/ Michael Keaton, Robert Duvall, Glenn Close]. Turn To Page 95
www.MelbourneObserver.com.au
Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 8, 2013 - Page 89
Observer Showbiz REVIEW: SWEET CHARITY
Local Theatre With Cheryl Threadgold
‘PAST PERFECT’ AT 1812 SHOWS
● Sweet Charity cast members: Ali Hickerson, Blake Testro, Alana Kiely, Stuart Dodge, Jessica Prinzi, Martin Quinn and Ashley Tynan. Photo: Gavin D Andrew ■ Floating bubbles galore greet patrons on arrival at the Williamstown Mechanics Institute to see Neil Simon’s fun, equally frothy musical, Sweet Charity. With music by Cy Coleman and lyrics by Dorothy Fields, Williamstown Musical Theatre Company’s production offers a warm, happy refuge from Melbourne’s chilly weather. Elfin-like Alana Kiely is literally a sweet Charity Hope Valentine, who sings and dances her way through adventures with flair, experiencing the ups and downs of life, but always with refreshing optimism. Alana is joined by a good support cast and an all-dancing, all-singing Ensemble which includes some new young faces, which is great to see. Instead of traditional scenery, director/choreographers Samantha Heskett and Narelle Bonnici have used representational settings and screened images, complimented by Daniel Treloar’s terrific lighting design, to cleverly solve the challenge of how to present this show on the Williamstown stage. Interestingly, no psychedelic colours have been used, but the focus on orange/brown tones is still true to many who lived in the musical’s original era, 50 years ago. The marvellous orchestra playing off-stage, is conducted by musical director, Daniel Heskett. Standout performances for me were from the orchestra, Alana Kiely (Charity), Blake Testro (Vittorio Vidal), Martin Quinn (Oscar Lindquist), Ashley Tynan’s great dancing and vocals with Ali Hickerson (Helene), Nathan McCarron (Featured Ensemble) and Philippa Chalke (Rosie). Congratulations to all cast and crew on an entertaining and enjoyable show. As co-directors Samantha Heskett and Narelle Bonnici say in the program: “For two hours forget what is outside those doors and allow yourself to be absorbed into her (Sweet Charity’s) world.” Season: Until May 18 Venue: Williamstown Mechanics Institute, Cnr Melbourne Rd and Electra St, Williamstown. Tickets: $32/$28. Bookings: www.wmtc.org.au
■ 1812 Theatre: Past Perfect (by Trudy Hellier) Until May 11 at 3 Rose Street, Upper Ferntree Gully. Director: John Bishop. Tickets: $25. Bookings: 9758 3964 www.1812theatre.com.au ■ Torquay Theatre Troupe: Breaker Morant Until May 14 at 16 Price Street, Until May 18 at 36 Turnham Avenue, Rosanna. Director: Joan Moriarty. Bookings: 9457 4117 or htc@htc.org.au ■ Croydon Parish Players: Hotel Sorrento (by Hannie Rayson) Until May 11 at the Croydon Uniting Church, Tallent Street, Croydon. Director: Brenda McMinn. Tickets: $20/$18, Enquiries 0447 014584 www.croydonparishplayers.com.au ■ The Colac Players Inc: The Adventures of Aladdin: The Rock Panto May 9 - 11 at COPACC, Corner Rae and Gellibrand Streets, Colac. Director: Al Mustapha Al Shahid. Tickets: $22/$15. Bookings: 5232 2077. ■ CLOC Musical Theatre: The Phantom of the Opera May 10 - 25 at the National Theatre, St Kilda. Bookings: 1300 362 547. www.cloc.org.au ■ Nova Music Theatre: Sweeney Todd May 11 - 25 at the Whitehorse Centre, Nunawading. Director/designers: Chris and Lynette White: Musical Director: Phillip Osborne. Tickets: $38/ $33. Bookings: 1300 305771 or 9727 0192. ■ Strathmore Theatrical Arts Group (STAG): The Merry Widows (by Cenarth Fox) May 16 - 26 at the Strathmore Community Hall, Corner Napier and Loeman Streets, Strathmore. Director: Mel de Bono. Tickets: $20/$15. Bookings: 9382 6284. ■ The Basin Theatre: The Woman in Black May 17 - June 8 at The Basin Theatre, Corner Doongalla and Simpson Roads, The Basin. Director: Justin Stephens. Tickets: $25. Bookings: 1300 784 668 www.basintheatre.org.au
AUDITIONS ■ Mordialloc Theatre Company: Night Must Fall (by Emlyn Williams) May 19 at 2.00pm at audition venue tba. Director: Lesley Batten. Audition enquiries: 9598 4636. ■ The Basin Theatre Company: Lend Me a Tenor (by Ken Ludwig) May 22 at 7.30pm at The Basin Theatre, corner Simpson and Doongalla Roads, The Basin. Director: Joe Tuppeney. Audition bookings: 0408 336310.
ELTHAM LITTLE THEATRE
PERIDOT THEATRE ● Christine Muscat (left), Jean Russell, Jo Warr, Genevieve Ryan and Margaret Rawlinson in Eltham Little Theatre's production of Calendar Girls, opening on May 10. Photo: Ian Clark ■ Eltham Little Theatre presents Calendar Girls from May 10 - 24 at the Eltham Performing Arts Centre, Main Rd, Research. Written by Tim Firth and directed by Gayle Poor, tickets ($22.50/$17.50) can be booked on 9437 1574.
● Anne Wigglesworth, Rebecca Gooley, Angela Ellis and Phillipa Adgemis in Peridot Theatre's Nunsense, running until May 18. ■ Peridot Theatre presents Nunsense, by Dan Goggin, until May 18 at 8pm, with a 2.15pm matinee on May 11, at the Unicorn Theatre, Lechte Rd, Mount Waverley. Directed by Frank McCarty, this winner of the Outer Critics' Circle Awards for the best Off-Broadway musical, is an hilarious talent show staged by five survivors at the Little Sisters of Hoboken Nunnery. The rest of the sisterhood have succumbed to botulism after eating vichyssoise prepared by Sister Julia, Child of God. The remaining 'Little Hobos' parade their talents at a variety show staged to raise funds so that the last four of the dearly departed can be buried. Nunsense provides hilarity for the whole family, proving conclusively that run rhymes with fun! Bookings: 1300 138 645 (toll free) or 9898 9090 (for mobiles). Email: peridotboxoffice@yahoo.com.au
Melbourne
Observer
Nude
● Becky Lou (left), Scarlett (standing) and Ruby Bellinger can be seen in Nude, from May 10 - June 29 at Red Bennies, South Yarra. ■ Scarlett Productions and Red Bennies announce the launch of their first collaborative seasonal show, Nude, bringing Melbourne audiences a totally new experience in burlesque, circus and live entertainment. The show will span eight weeks every Friday and Saturday night at Red Bennies, South Yarra, opening on Friday, May 10. Nude is designed to inspire and provoke, to incite questions, and to tease. The show reveals what is beautiful and confronting about the human body as we experience it in performance, questioning why nudity is contextualised and controlled in ways that ensure audiences are delivered what is socially appropriate. On one hand we encounter nudity that is 'artistic', beautiful and revered. On the other, it is scorned and hidden, a seedy underbelly of the night. The line between the two is what fuels this show. Taking inspiration from a vast range of topics including art, sculpture, burlesque, circus, stripping, fashion, religion, sex, commercialisation, and social policy, wrapping it within the parameters of the venue's licensing, and delivering exquisite costume and stage design, is Nude: humanity's greatest cover up. Nude will be performed by a cast of seven dancers, one singer and one speaker, including aerialists Hannah Trott and Danny Golding, burlesque starlet Becky Lou, and Sydney based singer Kira Puru, performing solo with songs that are both sexual and sweet. The speakers in Nude will introduce the three acts with ideas behind the show. Aimed at giving audiences a range of views and insights into the show as well as their own perspective on nudity, the headlining speakers each feature prominently within their respective fields and the wider community. They are artists, comedians, politicians, actresses and business owners. The ideas being expressed in Nude designed to concurrently seduce and challenge an audience, the battle that presents itself within moments of beholding a naked figure. We are creatures of desire as well as reason, and it is this tension that Nude recognises, embraces and celebrates. Venue: Red Bennies 1/373 Chapel St South Yarra Dates: May 10 - June 29 (Every Friday and Saturday night) Times: Doors 7pm, Show 8pm Tickets: Pre sale $30, Door $35 Website: redbennies.com/events/nude
AUDITIONS ● Child Wise representatives Shelley Andreetta (left) and Carol Croce were at the opening night of Mockingbird Theatre’s How I Learned To Drive. More photos by Malcolm Threadgold are on Page 14.
■ Strathmore Theatrical Arts Group (STAG): Laying the Ghost (by Simon Williams) May 19 at 5.30pm; May 20 at 7.30pm at the Strathmore Community Hall, Corner Loeman and Napier Streets, Strathmore. For further details visit www.stagtheatre.org sin. Director: Joe Tuppeney. Audition bookings: 0408 336310. ■ Williamstown Little Theatre: Morning Departure June 3, 4 at 2 Albert Street, Williamstown. Director: Gaentano Santo. Audition bookings: 0419 529 208.
www.MelbourneObserver.com.au
Page 90 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 8, 2013 Melbourne
Observer
Lovatts Crossword No 19 Across
1. Able to be modified 6. Run away (4,3) 10. Crumpling 16. Drunkard 17. Canary Islands port, ... Palmas 19. Endure 20. Sheep fibre 21. Brass instrument 22. Snatched 23. Wallop 26. Church senior 28. Alliance 30. Smiles 31. Recite 33. Composer, Sir Edward ... 35. Serviceable 37. Wild grass 38. Fork point 39. Espionage agents 41. Mountain call 43. Supplement, ... out 44. Fragrant flower 45. Scornfully disobey 46. Corrosive substance, ... soda 48. Aquatic mammals 50. Contributes 51. Devout 52. Small fenced-in area 53. Sore secretion 55. Ice-cream server 57. Respectful 60. Ethnic bigots 62. Young man 64. Fire-fighting fixtures 67. Mass 68. Damages (bodywork) 69. Public pool 71. Achiever 72. Endorse (motion) 74. Camouflage colour 75. Italian farewell 77. Naked rider, ... Godiva 79. Bravery badges 82. A single entity 83. Peruses 85. Betray, ... on 87. OK (informal) 89. Tennis barrier 90. Ashen 91. Epsom annual horse race 92. Actor, ... Gibson 94. German Mrs 96. Distort 98. The N of NB 99. Synagogue scholar 100. Send back 102. Sort (through) 104. Cut (timber) 106. Gets 107. Tout 109. Cargo 111. Be unfaithful to (3-4) 112. Nothing 113. Milkshake ingredient 114. Ship's spine 116. Fraud 118. Frog relatives 119. ... of Carpentaria 121. Incursion 123. Woodwind instrument 125. Fibbed 127. Can metal 128. Excursion 130. Sunbeams 132. Truck compartment 134. Palm cereal 136. Tanzania's ... es Salaam 137. Squalid 139. Large racing yacht 140. Tennis ace, ... Nastase 141. Fishing-line fibre 143. Convict's ball & ...
Across 145. Mortuary table 147. Lawyer's charge 148. Wound with dagger 149. Ready for picking 150. Pledge 152. Put strain on 154. Writer, ... Blyton 156. Basketball shot, ... dunk 158. Flavouring herb 159. Oxlike antelopes 161. Acorn bearer 163. Prince Edward, ... of Wessex 165. Spicy lentil dish 167. Hunger pain 169. Restate 171. Fabric join 173. Cropping up 175. Silver bars 177. Pet's parasites 179. Ills 181. Nipples 182. Lion's neck hair 183. Honey wine 185. Positive replies 187. Dismiss 189. ... & downs 190. Kitchen flooring 191. Female opera singer 192. Cloth remnant 194. Security lapses 196. Non-clergy 197. Antarctic inlet, ... Sea 198. Judo level 199. Beijing's former name 202. Deplete 204. Cycled 205. Fast planes 206. Counterfeited 208. Auction 210. Knight's mount 212. Filled pastries 213. Sports team 214. Infant babble (4,4) 216. Happily ... after 217. Contactable (2,4) 219. Realms 221. Devonshire tea cake 223. Red-rind cheese 225. Perform 226. All-in fight 227. Open tart 230. Long films 232. Snowfields elevator (3,4) 235. Shopping precincts 236. Mother 238. Smash into 240. Anaesthetic gas 242. Exclusive group 243. Dispatches 244. Town plan 245. Physician 246. Attacked (3,2) 247. City, ... Angeles 248. Nursemaid 249. Ring-throwing game 251. Hallucinogenic drug (1,1,1) 253. Electricity power source 255. Greener 256. Revise (text) 258. Cash disc 259. Cases 260. Belonging to us 261. Beer 262. Divorce order (6,4) 263. Gizmos 264. Armless (dress)
Down 1. Marriage cheat 2. Vibrates 3. Pixie 4. Very eager 5. Radiant 6. Destines to grim fate 7. At summit of 8. Smoke vent 9. Tale 11. False pretences 12. Push for 13. Unrefined 14. Partook of liquor 15. Aphrodite & Athena 16. Moved to & fro 18. Regrettably 24. Clue 25. Low platform 27. Swollen heads, big ... 29. Yes vote 30. Tile mortar 31. Potatoes 32. Even so 34. Stretch 36. Alias (1,1,1) 38. Cheap booze 39. Indian gowns 40. Drink delicately 42. Windies batsman, Clive ... 45. Pasture 46. Desert plants 47. Kill selectively 49. ... & Gomorrah 51. Dried plum 52. Jerks 54. Voyage 56. Primp & ... 58. Peeper 59. Black wood 60. All set 61. Neck warmer 63. Date of offensive (1-3) 65. Cosmetics boss, Elizabeth ... 66. Israeli city, ... Aviv 68. Sheikhdom, Abu ... 70. Dedicatory verses 72. Cloyingly sweet 73. Duress 74. Roadway edgings 76. Rowing aids 78. Jabbers 80. Vaporised 81. Removes whiskers 83. Resist openly 84. Half 86. Fox brush 88. High temperature 91. Actor/singer, Sammy ... (5,2) 92. Fade (away) 93. Touch with tongue 95. Flying saucers (1,1,2) 97. World Wide Web (1,1,1) 99. Cheese skin 100. Entertainer, ... Harris 101. Layers 103. Mexican food shell 105. Carol, The First ... 107. Common seasoning 108. Afternoon meal 110. Gentle strokes 113. Humdrum 115. Lawful 117. Groaning 118. Close-fitting 119. Cunning 120. Polishes (car) 122. Tibet's ... Lama 124. Pyramids country 126. Blowpipe missiles
Down
129. Commercials 130. British flying force (1,1,1) 131. Produce 133. Overalls, ... & brace 135. Bullfight cry 137. Big cricket hit 138. Unique model (3-3) 142. Persona ... grata 144. African anteater 146. Inclination 148. Clever 149. Betrothal token, engagement .. 151. Scrutinising (accounts) 153. Every day 155. Sketched 157. So! 158. Provides with personnel 159. Squall 160. Obtain (support) (4,2) 162. Bend to pray 164. Mekong valley nation 166. Holidays owed, time in ... 167. Coal mines 168. In attendance (2,4) 170. Abated 172. Breakfast or dinner 174. Enervates 175. Forbids 176. One, numero ... 178. Browns (meat) quickly 180. Disfigure 182. Feel the loss of 184. Michaelmas ... 186. Skim on ice 188. Environmental treaty, ... Protocol 190. Plenty 191. Challenged 193. Midges 195. Filter 197. Cotton spool 198. Avoid 200. Age 201. Candied 203. Requires 205. Abandon (lover) 206. Financial penalties 207. Shady tree 209. Flee to wed 211. Duck's mate 212. Agreement 213. Window ledges 214. Confused 215. Fuses (of bones) 218. Coffee lounge 219. Surfer, ... Slater 220. Sailors 222. Troop formations 224. Flour factory 226. Yacht's principal canvas 228. Antiquated 229. Crooner, ... King Cole 231. Hardens 233. Leo animal 234. 'Tis (2'1) 235. Death in Venice author, Thomas ... 236. China's ... Zedong 237. Pacify 239. Portable 241. Horse-riding show 243. NE US state 244. Corpse repository 248. Fixes with hammer 250. Ayatollah's land 252. Former Italian currency 253. Castle ditch 254. Model, ... Macpherson 257. Used spade
Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 8, 2013 - Page 91
Solution on Page 81
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Page 92 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 8, 2013
www.MelbourneObserver.com.au
Telstra Testimonials Send your contribution to editor@MelbourneObserver.com.au
Melbourne
Observer
● ‘Telstra testimonials’ is a weekly section of the Melbourne Observer, where we hold the national communications company to account. Australians are sick and tired of breakdowns, and a poor service attitude. Every week we send a copy of the Melbourne Observer to David Thodey, CEO of Telstra, Locked Bag 5639, Melbourne, Vic 3001. He and his staff are always welcome to comment on, and fix, the complaints
No call back ■ Martin Cassar said: “What does it take for you people to call some one back after logging a complaint twice. “Mind you, I've only been waiting two weeks and after waiting 12 days to get home phone/ internet fixed! “You stink, the worst part of it is that I have a two-year contract with you.”
Pick up phone
It’s my money
FILE IMAGE
■ Alex Ander said: “Hey Telstra. I have left three messages over the last two day for the level 2 Marion store to call me, but have had no response. “Is there any other way I can get in contact with them? Can't get down there any time soon.”
Problem with bill
■ Kyle Le Roux said: “My only issue is I'm paying for a service that I'm not receiving. “I know and believe there's an issue but I feel like its been avoided or not looked into enough. “I thought it was just me or the location but the almost the whole country too ... I'll always be a loyal customer but just want it be sorted.”
‘Nothing wrong’ ■ Ben Whitehead said: “I have been having these (low) speeds for around three months now. “Every time I ring up Customer Support I get the same old answer, ‘Sir can you restart your modem and then check again the problem should be fixed’. “Well it’s not fixed, it never is. I just get sick of some person who doesn’t even live in our country say there is nothing wrong with the internet. “I live one suburb from the CBD, so you tell me how I’m on ADSL2+ and I’m having these speeds. “I used to get around 5mbps with 1.5sbps upload. We pay three times more than other countries for internet speed that is not even 10 per cent of other countries’ speeds.”
■ Andrew Robinson said: “You know what would be really lovely ... a Bigpond service that actually posted useful and intelligent outage explanations without having to ring to find out and then wait for 40 minutes on the phone to speak to someone. “Elsternwick, on cable, and speeds approaching dial-up. “Not happy and somewhat pathetic ... 30,000 staff and no one home.”
Call centres
■ Petrina Limkin said: “Another unhappy customer. (I) rang '’Help'’ (?) about an ongoing billing problem since March 1, to speak to a fellow with a strong accent who got more and more agitated and condescending when I did not understand what he was telling me, “Customer service? ... I don’t think so. Bill number 3 on its way next month. God knows what I will get charged for then.”
‘Frustrated’ ■ Tamra Stringer said: “I am a very frustrated Telstra customer. “(I) have had no landline since April 22 and still no return call to explain. “I have little to no mobile service unless I am standing out under the stars so even with all calls being diverted I still at times cannot get them. “I have not received any calls back to update or even respond to my complaints “I have had to ring for updates to be told each time a different date. “I am thinking an Ombudsman will be my next call. “We run a business from a rural property and this is undoubtedly causing us to lose business! Where is the customer care!”
Poor service ■ Anthony Pemberton said: “Had the worst customer service today at Fountain Gate today. The person stuffed up what they had to do for me and now I need to go back and do it all again.”
■ Ben Whitehead said: “Been on the phone for one hour now to Telstra. “Brilliant service I must say. That’s one hour on hold by the way, haven't even spoken to an Indian yet. “They then wont be able to fix my problem due to lack of training from Telstra. “I will then be passed on to service level 2. From my experience they also have little to no training. “This problem has been going for over three months. I have phoned at least once a week for three months, sometimes more. I still have the issue. “I do hope there is a Tech Support Level 3. at least they might be able to speak some sort of English to me and not tell me to restart my modem over and over again. “It’s lengthy every week from my experience, must have a constant stream of bad service and problems.”
Keep taking cash
■ Ben McArdle said: “I get more and more disgusted by Telstra every time I have to deal with them! Indians, Pakistanis or whatever you are, we can't understand a word you say! “Never mind how hopeless you are when it comes to customer service!”
■ J K Kelly said: “I am currently residing overseas, and have had three automatic payments using B-Pay made to for my mobile bill, which I cancelled before I left. “I now have about $250 in credit I want put back into my account. Just wondering is there an email address I can contact someone on to resolve this issue?”
Better at Dodo
More expensive ■ Mina Hunt said: “Good on ya Telstra, a $299 connection fee when I was told it would be $129. How does that happen?”
Still waiting
‘Doesn’t work’ ■ Trev Ward said: “Hey guys thanks for letting me pay $300 to connect phones at my place and then get home to connect my Broadband and it doesnt work. “Then sit on the phone waiting for Tech Support to answer but after 75 minutes I had enough. “You have actually improved your customer service recently but have let me down this time. Hit me back.” ■ Telstra’s 24/7 staff member Joe suggested that Trev go to a website http://goo.gl/38X5n Trev had just told him that told him that he could not get the Broadband service to work.
No-one at home
‘Worst company’ ■ Craig Crawford said: “Telstra suck. I got tired of the over priced broadband deals, home phone and line rental costs. “Couldn't be happier since I switched over to Dodo.”
■ Jaime Barr commented: “Worst company I’ve ever been with, “I hope you like a good fight for rights because I'm about to give you a good one. “Biggest money-hungry scammers I’ve ever come across.”
Low speed
Girls to talk to ■ Malachi Julian said: “Hello Telstra, ever since last week on Friday my internet cuts out at around 6pm - 9pm. “Please fix this problem because I have homework to be done and girls to talk to. Thank you.”
■ Ben Cowie said: "Stop being hopeless and just fix my internet!”
■ Jake Gatt said: “I'm running at under 2MPBS which is your lowest speed which you consider ‘viable’ internet speed, “I've had months of problems, hours of calls with you guys. “Now you've officially broken your lowest speed promise and I have photo evidence. Your move Telstra.”
Put on ‘hold’
2-week delay
■ Rhiannon Rogers said: “ As you can see I'm currently on hold for the ludicrous amount of time, with the clock still ticking and my cable service recently transferred to my new address “Still not activated. “Between being transferredm not once but five times because the consultants can't differentiate between billing, complaints, bundle sales, Bigpond and activations, I'm left wasting my evening hoping that someone will pickup before either the call drops out or I'm transferred again incorrectly. “I'm a loyal customer with my three main services and am considering the move across to Optus after this. “Your coverage comes into question on value, when you force your customers into dealing with poor service. I want my service active and something done about this!”
● Malachi Julian pictured on Facebook
■ Margaret O'Keefe complained: “I just want my home phone and internet working. Two weeks and still nothing.”
Look after staff
Hard to deal with
Just fix it
■ Nadine Innes asked: “What has become of Telstra call centres and the ability not only to look after their customers, but their staff. “Currently on the phone to a poor guy from the Philippines for the last three hours (he is now the fourth person I have spoken to and I have been cut off a couple of times, I am feeling very sorry for him). “Unfortunately he does not know how to fix the problem. Now his English is fine, however he does not understand what he is doing as he is contradicting himself. “He has told me ‘the SMS card has not been activated, so I should not be able to get the internet’, yet by some miracle I can get the internet. “It is totally unstable and I unable to complete the work I need done this evening. “Surely one of the main rules for a healthy call centre is to never leave your call centre staff without a buddy or a supervisor, who can handle difficult situations just because it is too late for the supervisor/manager to be working.”
These are all real stories. Customer ‘feedback’ sourced from Telstra’s 24/7 page on Facebook
■ David Bishop said: “Never thought it was so hard to get internet until i dealt with you guys.”
Useless T-Box ■ Bec Fry said: “We have a Tbox and it is useless “It hasn't worked for six months. “As soon as it is turned on it takes the internet off the computer and won’t connect to the tbox. “It has been replaced once before and now we would like to get rid of it and get it taken off our bundle package that we have. “what is the procedure to make this happen? “I feel I am wasting my money every month on this.” Melbourne
Observer
Got a complaint about Telstra? E-mail to editor@ melbourneobserver.com.au or mail to PO Box 1278, Research, Vic 3095
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Craft
Hobbies and Craft
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East Ivanhoe Physiotherapy 221 Lower Heidelberg Rd, Ivanhoe East 9497 3098 www.eastivanhoephyshio.com.au
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Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 8, 2013 - Page 95
Melbourne
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Showbiz Extra ■ From Page 64
Top 10 Lists
CAULFIELD CUP MARKET LATEST ■ Now that we have rocketed into May, one of the major races of the spring, is only five months away, the running of the Caulfield Cup on October 19. On present charts with all the betting agencies, AJC Derby winner It's a Dundeel heads the list, after his impressive win in the AJC Derby, and although I thought disappointing last start, when an average second, behind Reliable Man. On top this he proved back in the spring, that he appeared to be on the wrong foot going anticlockwise, well beaten at the Valley, then a shocker when a short priced favorite in the Victoria Derby. At the moment he is being quoted around $8, in front of the second favourite for the Melbourne Cup, the very impressive grey, Puissance De Lune, who blitzed them in the Bendigo Cup and the Classic L.K.S. McKinnon Stakes at Flemington. After his jockey dismounted, Puissance De Lune's, rider Glen Boss, a very good judge, said that you were looking at the next Melbourne Cup winner. On his return he ran a great race to finish in the placings, in the Blamey Stakes at Flemington and was very unlucky. Although his main objective is the Melbourne Cup, come November, he will still be hard to beat, as he can be up on the pace or lead like he did in the Bendigo Cup. On the next line is the Victoria Derby winner, Fiveandahalfstar, who will probably lead them up, and is a young stayer, with plenty of ability. He in the astute
Ted Ryan
● Royal Descent Photo by SLICKPIX, phone 9354 5754
camp of Anthony Cummings, and is certain to be thereabouts. Melbourne Cup placegetter, Fiorente, is on the next line in the market, and is a very smart type, and was placed recently in a top field in Sydney. Prepared by Hall of Fame trainer, Gai Waterhouse, Fiorente, has been set for the Melbourne Cup, and Gai has a very big opinion of him, presently at $ 13. I too like his chance in the ‘two miler’come the first Tuesday in November. He has been joined by my fancy in the Caulfield Cup, Royal Descent, who will turn four come August 1. Royal Descent made everybody sit up and take notice when she absolutely smashed them in winning the AJC Oaks. She greatly impresses me with her turn of foot and can sit on the pace or even come from back in the field. Royal Descent is prepared by Leading
trainer, Chris Waller, who knows what it is all about. I have taken the $13 each way and in a Caulfield and Melbourne Cup Double with Puissance De Lune at $ 9. Another two you can't leave out in the Caulfield Cups are Jetaway and Reliable Man. Jetaway is prepared by David Hayes, and was a most impressive winner at Bendigo in the Golden Mile in March; then David took him to Caulfield, stepping him up in distance and after being in trouble early flashed home to win brilliantly. Hayes has a very high opinion of him and at $15 is juicy odds; each way. Of the others, Reliable Man, another prepared by Chris Waller, was at his brilliant best when he accounted for It's A Dundeel, last start. He pulled up very sore after that race, and Waller thought he had broken down badly and would miss future engagements.
● Pierro Photo by SLICKPIX, phone 9354 5754
However after a couple of days of treatment, and scans, he was found to only have had minor injuries which they can treat quickly. Waller is confident that he can develop into a Cups horse especially with his impeccable form overseas.
Plenty for Pierro ■ Champion colt Pierro, a winner of 11 of his 14 starts, two second,s a third, recently bought for $30 million by the Coolmore Stud will stand at a fee of $77,000 plus GST, this season. A magnificent dark colt, accumulated over $ 4 million in his short
● Puissance De Lune Photo by SLICKPIX, phone 9354 5754 racing career, and fin- they had a go, and they ished with a coura- have a horse who will geous second to Sa- let down into a magnificred Falls on a bog cent entire with his track at Randwick, black coat. carrying 56.5 kilos. On top of all this he He is by Lohnro, has a nice laid back deand is beautifully bred meanor, not always a and was trained trait with most stalthroughout his career, lions.\ by Gai Waterhouse who declared him the best horse she had ever ■ This years' All Victrained. Admittedly $30 mil- torian sprint series lion is a lot to lay out, began with a flurry but when you consider with the running of the most stallions can time honored Wanserve for many years, goom Handicap at at an average 200 Warrnambool with mares per year, and at the Clinton Mc $77,000 for a short Donald trained, wintime, that is a lot of ning for the coveted event for the second hay. One year alone with timer in succession. The favorite, the 200 mares will bring the Coolmore That's The One ran second and Dash for Stud a pretty penny. Good luck to them Viz third.
Sprinters
● Puissance De Lune Photo by SLICKPIX, phone 9354 5754
NEW RELEASE TELEVISION, DOCUMENTARY AND MUSIC DVD HIGHLIGHTS: CALL THE MIDWIFE: Season 2. CALL THE MIDWIFE: Seasons 1-2. THE HIGH CHAPARRAL: Season 2. HATFIELDS & McCOYS: BAD BLOOD [Western/ Christian Slater, Jeff Fahey]. BULLET IN THE FACE [MA15+/Drama/TV/Eric Roberts, Eddie Izzard]. THE FABRIC OF THE COSMOS. TOP BLU-RAY RENTAL & SELLERS: 1. THE HOBBIT: An Unexpected Journey 3D + Blu-Ray [Fantasy/Adventure/Martin Freeman]. 2. QUARTET [Comedy/Drama/Maggie Smith, Michael Gambon, Billy Connolly]. 3. SKYFALL [Action/Adventure/Daniel Craig, Javier Bardem, Judi Dench]. 4. WRECK-IT RALPH - Blu-ray 3D + Blu-ray [Animated/Family/John C. Reilly, Jack McBrayer]. 5. LES MISERABLES [Musical/Drama/Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe, Anne Hathaway]. 6. ARGO [Thriller/Ben Affleck, Alan Arkin, John Goodman]. 7. ALEX CROSS [Action/Thriller/Edward Burns, Jean Reno]. 8. PARENTIAL GUIDANCE [Comedy/Family/Billy Crystal, Bette Midler, Marisa Tomei]. 9. TWILIGHT SAGA: Breaking Dawn - Part 2 [Drama/Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson]. 10. TROUBLE WITH THE CURVE [Drama/Clint Eastwood, John Goodman, Amy Adams]. Also: Schindler's List, Rise of the Guardians, The Man With The Iron Fists, Perks of Being a Wallflower, Red Dawn, Seven Psychopaths, The Intouchables, Pitch Perfect, Lawless, Taken 2. In 3D + Blu-Ray Combo: Top Gun, Dredd, Frankenweenie, Shrek, Kung Fu Panda. NEW RELEASE HIGHLIGHTS ON BLU-RAY THIS WEEK: LIFE OF PI [Drama/Adventure/Irrfan Khan, Suraj Sharma]. LIFE OF PI - 3D + Blu-Ray [Drama/Adventure/ Irrfan Khan, Suraj Sharma]. BULLET IN THE FACE [MA15+/Drama/TV/Eric Roberts, Eddie Izzard]. - James Sherlock
Sulky Snippets: Terang ‘Annual’ Week ■ The Terang Harness Racing Club staged their traditional Warrnambool Grand Annual Week meeting at Dalvui Raceway on Tuesday April 30 and what a night it was for the Western District. Local Matthew Craven and Ararat's Michael Bellman took the honours for the night, each landing multiple victories. Bellman opened the night's proceedings by winning the Noir Rover 3-Y-0 Pace over 1680 metres aboard his Royal Mattjesty/Mango Madness filly Mango Silhouette, paying Supertab odds of $36.90. Settling three back along the markers from gate two with the hot favourite Lombo Madam Lashe taking control from gate four, Mango Silhouette making her second race appearance finished hard along the sprint lane to defeat Peter Manning's Boyz Torque out wide off a three wide double trail last lap in a finish which tricked many, with Lady Royal Tee another of the Manning team third after trailing the leader and also using the sprint lane. The mile rate 2-001. Michael then repeated the dose in the Terang Home Hardware Pace for C1 class over 2180 metres in identical fashion. Driving 7-Y-0 Mach Three/Wish You Were Here gelding Tres Hombre for Woorndoo trainer Bob Mahncke, Tres Hombre from inside the second line spent the entire race three back along the markers, before using the sprint lane to nose out Burston Holme (three wide last lap from last) again in a tricky finish, with Please Yourself (four back the markers) third after being taken away from the inside in the last lap. The mile rate 2-01.8. Young Kieran O'Keeffe the son of Terang Secretary Diane and trainer husband Laurie driving Roman Way, finished just behind the placegetters in eighth place. - Len Baker
Page 96 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 8, 2013
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Observer Victorian Sport Racing Briefs
M’boro drive of the day ■ Elmore trainer/driver Matt Higgins was responsible for the ‘drive of the day’ at Maryborough on Thursday, May 2, after winning the Roma and Daphne Pocock Pacers Handicap for C1 or better class over 2190 metres with $18.20 chance Dynamic Dude. Skipping for a few strides as the starter released the tapes, Dynamic Dude (barrier two) quickly hit his straps to settle one/one on the back of Tealsby Lyle which flew away from the 10 metre mark, with the noted sit/sprinter Bubble Art leading. Not happy with the slow tempo, Higgins vacated the prime spot to park in the open and dictate the terms of the race. Travelling kindly throughout, Dynamic Dude took a slender lead on the home turn with 20 metre backmarkers Lights And Music (three wide) issuing a strong challenge being trailed by We Never Say Die. Still holding a narrow margin on straightening, Dynamic Dude defied all challengers to score by a half head in a rate of 2-02 over Lights And Music, with We Never Say Die a neck away in third place. A 4-Y-0 gelded son of The Wrath Of Pan and Ata Guide, Dynamic Dude bred and raced by Allen Dennis recorded his sixth victory in 44 outings.
First win in two years ■ Woodend trainer/driver Jack Sullivan was successful with reliable 4-Y-0 Fairly Free/Stage Coach Annie mare Nicky Newky at the Geelong meeting on Wednesday May 1, taking out the BTS Business Technology Specialists Trotters Mobile for T0 class over 2100 metres. Lobbing one/one from gate three with Halfpenny Brown inside her leading, Nicky Newky was shuffled back a spot when Tarara Yankee circled the field to park outside the leader mid-race. Easing three wide to follow Shea Keystone in the final circuit, Nicky Newky despite being four wide on the home turn, rattled home to gain the day by 5.9 metres in a rate of 2-07 over Wortherly from well back, with Spiros The Greek (one/one) third after being held up at a vital stage. It was Nicky Newky's first victory since April 2011.
Promising results ■ At Maryborough on Thursday, Bolinda's Chris Alford landed the Seelite Windows and Doors 2Y-0 Trotters Mobile over 2190 metres with promising Yankee Spider/Rockolina gelding Miracle, making it two wins and a third from only three outings. Beginning safely from gate six, Miracle led for most of the journey to just last by a half head from Edge Hill (one/one) and Zharis Idol which trailed the winner third. The mile rate 2-03.5.
Super performance ■ Monegeetta's Lisa Miles brought up two wins in a row with Art Major/Duel Castle filly Jewel Castle by taking the $8,000 Challenger Series Final for Three Year Olds over 2190 metres at Maryborough on Thursday. In what was a super performance, Jewel Castle was restrained from outside the front row to be taken back to last, with the hot favourite The Fire Within leading effortlessly from gate three. Setting off three wide solo at the bell, Jewel Castle sustained a long run to register an impressive head victory over the pacemaker who had no excuses, with Itz Dreamin Jonesy (one/one) third. The mile rate 2-00.6.
This Week’s Meetings ■ Wednesday - Stawell/Kilmore, ■ Thursday - Wedderburn @ Maryborough/ Ballarat, ■ Friday - Melton, ■ Saturday - Shepparton, ■ Sunday - Robinvale @ Mildura, ■ Monday - Yarra Valley, ■ Tuesday - Terang.
VICS TAKE PACING GOLD FINAL
■ In what was a huge weekend for Victorian harness racing, Monegeetta co-trainers Lisa and David Miles snared the quinella in the $307,000 Australian Pacing Gold Final for Two Year Old Fillies over 1660 metres at Brisbane's Albion Park on Saturday with Mindarie Priddy defeating Manellira. Driven by David, Mindarie Priddy from gate two on the second line settled mid-field in the moving line, with another Victorian Fast Flyer leading from gate two for David Aiken and Chris Alford, while Manellira (Lisa Miles) was caught leading the outside division. Sent forward three wide racing for the bell, Mandarie Priddy showed a brilliant turn of speed to lead for the final circuit in winning by 1.6 metres in 1-57.7 over a game Manellira which went down fighting, with Fast Flyer using the sprint lane to no avail to finish third.
Destroyed ■ At Alexandra Park Auckland on Friday, star trotter Blitzthemcalder recaptured his best form to destroy his rivals in the $80,000 Breckon Farms Northern Trotting Derby over 2700 metres, giving owner/breeders Rick and Jan Burchell a huge thrill, but nothing could match the emotion and elation that trainer/ reinsman Ross Payne received. Having his first registered drive since Christmas Eve 2011 when suffering severe shoulder and wrist injuries in a horrific race fall at Tabcorp Park Melton, Ross drove the horse with plenty of aggression to head off the champion filly Habibti, before copping plenty of pressure through the middle stages. Given full rein at the straight entrance, Blitzthemcalder coasted to the wire six metres in advance of Habibti and Sheemon in a race record mile rate of two minutes even, eclipsing 0.4 seconds off the previous record. A colt by Metropolitan from Like A Calder, Blitzthemcalder has had trouble handling the reverse way of going in his previous two outings, but being on the inside this time obviously made a huge difference. He will now head to Ashburton (South Island) on June 1 to contest the Harness Jewels Series.
Baker’s Delight
Harness Racing
Horses To Follow ■ Wolfpack, Reign Of Pain, Lombo Cloud Nine, Rock On Tiger, Drop Of Paradise, Four Zoe, Pensicola, Always Wantano, Rorybeebellows.
Driven with aggression Melbourne
Observer
len-baker@ bigpond.com
with Len Baker
Brilliant go ■ Closer to home, outstanding Mach Three/ Star Of The Ball colt Macha coming off a second to Alta Christiano in the WA Derby onApril 19, made his rivals look second rate in winning the $20,000 Colin and Heather Holloway 3-Y0 Classic at Bray Raceway Ballarat on Saturday. Trained at Lara by Dean Braun, Macha driven by Shepparton based David Moran began brilliantly from gate five to lead easily and after being rated a treat, bounded away on straightening to score untouched by 17.7 metres in a rate of 157.1 (last half 55.3 - quarter 27.6) from the hot favourite and NSW Derby winner Lennytheshark which raced outside him throughout, with Keayang Starzzz 7.4 metres away in third place after following the winner.
Kicked away ■ Gisborne's Donny Lock was successful with Christian Cullen/Western Dream filly Cullen Time at Ballarat after leading throughout from the pole to capture the Atmosphere Events 3-Y-0 Pace over 1710 metres. Driven by Brian Gath, Cullen Time kicked away on turning and always looked the winner in the long straight, but only scrambled home by a nose in a tricky finish over the first starter Nogueira which raced in the open, with Arts Professor third after trailing the winner. The mile rate 1-59.
Three wins ■ Junortoun father and son - Len and Graeme Maher - brought up three wins in succession this time in with Pegasus Spur/ Sister Beep 5-Y-0 gelding Stephen John by taking out the Ballarat Pressings Tool Making Trotters Handicap for
T2 or better class over 2200 metres at Ballarat. Raced by the pair, Stephen John was given an easy time from the 10 metre mark trailing the surprise pacemaker Button Brigade which left the hot favourite Waikare Aristocrat caught in the open. Moving away from the markers in the last lap, Stephen John was eased three wide on straightening and finished full of running to blowse a game Waikare Aristocrat by a half neck in 2-04.5, with Button Brigade third.
Home win ■ Daylesford husband and wife Mick Barby and Anne-Maree Conroy were winners at their home track Ballarat on Saturday, when a horse with a huge future - 4-Y-0 It Is I/Glenlyon Glad gelding It Is Billy scored in the Ballarat Pressings Laser and Wire Cutting Pace for C2 class over 2200 metres. Driven forward from gate five by Anne-Maree to park outside the leader Eljulio, It Is Billy was always travelling on a tight rein appearing to have the leader covered. Not perturbed at any stage, Anne-Maree allowed It Is Billy a little more rein approaching the winning post and he did the job unextended to score by 1.2 metres in a rate of 203.5 over the leader, with V C Devil (one/one) third.
Easy time ■ Jet Laag/Lombo Luvbird filly Hollys Miss Molly scored in the Morning Melodies 16th May Pace for C0 class (mares) over 2180 metres at Kilmore on Thursday May 2. Coming off a victory at Adelaide's Globe Derby Park the previous Monday, Hollys Miss Molly from the pole was given an easy time trailing the leader Galeforce Grin drawn next to her throughout the race.
■ Crystal Peacock drained plenty of money from the TABs Australia wide, when 5-Y-0 Aces N Sevens/Perfect Memory gelding Perfect Sequence greeted the judge in the Schweppes Pace for C1 class over 2240 metres at Tabcorp Park Melton on Friday. A winner at Albury on March 13, Perfect Sequence with Brian Gath in the sulky was driven with aggression after parking outside the well backed leader Purple Village drawn inside him in gate three. Having a real dip for the lead at the bell, Perfect Sequence led for the final circuit in defeating Braeview Warrior by a half neck in 1-59.1, with Rubys Bad Boy third. Perfect Sequence then had to survive a protest from the runner up which was dismissed quickly.
Given run of the race ■ Bacchus Marsh trainer/driver Amy Tubbs was victorious with Northern Luck/Lombo Sapphire filly Brite Spark Lombo in the Vinmar Homes 3-Y-0 Pace over 2100 metres at Geelong on Wednesday May 1. Given the run of the race from inside the second line trailing the poleline pacemaker Franco Seelster, Brite Spark Lombo finished best along the sprint lane to gain the day by 1.3 metres from Phil Chircop's Reign Of Pain (one/one - three wide home turn) and Franco Seelster in an all Bacchus Marsh trifecta. The mile rate 2-01.2.
Parked outside leader ■ Long Forest duo Andy and Kate Gath snared the Neale Wheat Pace for C2 & C3 class over 1609 metres at Geelong with smart Ponder/Andrels Love colt Echeveria in a rate of 1-57.6. Starting from gate three on the second line, Echeveria raced wide before parking outside the poleline leader Our Horizon for the last lap. Showing his staying prowess, Echeveria ran to the wire strongly to record a 5.2 metre victory in 157.6 over Illawong Sister Styx and Claire Jasper in another all Bacchus Marsh area finish.
Two wins in succession ■ Daylesford duo Bob and Anne-Maree Conroy brought up two wins in succession with in-form 6-Y0 Earl/Special Code gelding Bill Peperell at Geelong, taking out the MCG Signs Trotters Handicap for T1 or better class over 2570 metres, much to the delight of mother Pat who shared the ownership with Anne-Maree. Coming from the 30 metre mark, Bill Peperell spent most of the race at the rear of the field after the well supported equal backmarker Illcryifhewinds circled the field to park outside the leader Mowbray Mates. Latching to the back of Johncarlo in the last lap, Bill Pepperell finished full of running to score by 5.7 metres in a rate of 2-07.1 over Johncarlo and Drop Of Paradise which made a mess of the start.
Snared Advertiser Cup ■ Parwan's Jodi Quinlan snared the Maryborough District Advertiser 3-Y-0 Pace over 1690 metres on Thursday at Maryborough with smart Mach Three/Paige Nicole Q filly Getya Wings Out in a rate of 1-59.5. Taken back off the gate from outside the front line, Getya Wings Out was sent forward when the speed slackened to park in the open at the bell. With the leader Classy Guy (gate five) kicking strongly after an easy time, the pair drew away to fight out the finish, with Getya Wings Out showing her qualities on hitting the wire to score by a nose.
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RICHARD COLLESS WILL BE MISSED
■ Every day produces more big-time AFL news and this week’s highlights are headed by Richard Colless’s decision to vacate the position of Chairman of the Swans. He will be missed. He leaves mighty, big shoes to fill. Importantly he leaves what was a ‘cot-case’ club to now the most respected and the “blueprint for sports, clubs culture” to be emulated. I am qualified on this subject as I’ve virtually lived in Sydney since 1995. I reported on the original and heated debate of shifting South Melbourne to Sydney. I broadcast the original ‘trial’ matches in Sydney at the SCG in the late 1970s and four in 1980 and two in 1981. I was there to welcome Barry Round and his boys on their official relocation of South Melbourne to Sydney on St Patrick’s Day, March 17, 1982. The Sydney Swans were launched and went paddling along. Bill Collins, the famous ‘race caller’ and a fanatical Swans supporter was the original President and somewhat of an innovation, Sir James Hardy, the yachtsman and wine expert, was the original Chairman. The club always boasted the ‘big name’ personalities as its leaders. Then followed Michael Edgley, the colourful Dr Geoff Edelsten, the Sydney Lord Mayor Doug Sutherland, Michael Willesee restored the President’s title in 1989 with John Gerahty his Chairman. The dual leadership lasted until 1995 with Peter Weinert moving after five years as Chairman to President. The AFL was called in for a second time as the ‘private’ ownership was bankrupted and sent top administrators Alan Schwab and Ken Gannon to help rescue the Sydney Swans AFL Club. I suspect Alan Schwab, before his tragic death, appointed Richard Colless as Chairman in 1994. This saved the Swans! Stability and fundamental accounting and commercial principles were installed ‘off-field’ and the club was rebuilt around a strong business administration. And so followed a stronger ‘on field’ performance with the Grand Final in 1996 as runners-up to North Melbourne. As a fanatical AFL fan I thank ‘the quiet achiever’, Richard Colless, for first rescuing and secondly establishing AFL in Sydney. Well done!
WASA denies Dank e-mail ■ The Wolrd Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has moved to shoot down Stephen Dank's claim that he had its permission to use a banned substance. The body has released what it says is a series of email exchanges with the controversial sports scientist regarding the anti-obesity drug AOD-9604. Channel Seven reported on Wednesday that Dank had claimed he had an email from WADA, giving him permission last year to use the drug. Dank reportedly said the email dated back to January last year and he would be prepared to produce it in court. WADA issued a statement last week saying AOD-9604 is a banned substance. The drug has become a hot topic as the Australian Sports Anti-Doping
Harry Beitzel www.squidoo.com/harrybeitzel Authority (ASADA) continues its investigation into supplement use last year at Essendon. Dank ran that supplement program, but is no longer at the club. The ABC's 7.30 said that in a February 2 email last year, Dank was seeking confirmation from WADA aboutAOD-9604. WADA claims its Research and Prohibited Listings Manager Irene Mazzoni replied: "Dear Steve, as I mentioned during our telephone conversation you should contact your national anti doping organisation, in this case ASADA, as certain drug preparations may differ between countries, such seems to be the case with AOD9604. "Please be aware that there is a section in the prohibited list S0 - that deals with non approved substances. "Therefore even if the substances or similar substances do not appear listed it does not automatically mean the substance is permitted." Dank then allegedly replied: "Thank you for your reply and confirmation that the product or any related product does not appear on any prohibited list." Mazzoni: "I could not find that it had been approved by any government or regulatory authority. "That's why I say to contact ASADA to check its status in Australia." Dank also queried about a number of other supplements, asking whether they were permissible for use. Mazzoni: "Dear Steve, please address your inquiry to ASADA as they will be in a better position to assess medication sold in Australia. "WADA only provides information to federations and anti doping organisations. "This is why you must contact them directly." 7.30 said ASADA would not comment on any communication with Dank.
12,000 join GWS Giants ■ The Greater Western Sydney Giants have topped 12,000 members in just their second season in the AFL. The Giants’ 2013 membership stands at 12,016, compared to 8479 at the same time last year. This represents a 41 per cent increase on the year to date and an 18 per cent increase on the club’s total membership of 10,241 in 2012.
Giants Chief Executive David Matthews said it was a significant milestone for the club and thanked fans for their support. “This is a tremendous show of faith in our club which has been embraced by the people of Western Sydney and Canberra in particular and I want to acknowledge everyone who has supported us,” Matthews said. “It can take a long time for clubs to build this sort of support and for us to have reached 12,000 members early in our second season is a fantastic result and proves the Giants are on the map in Western Sydney and Canberra. “We hope we can now build our membership towards 15,000 and I would encourage anybody who has not signed up to get on board as we head into our first match at Skoda Stadium against Adelaide on Sunday (May 12). “Skoda Stadium is a world class venue which offers great entertainment for families and we are looking forward to seven games there this year against some big clubs including Adelaide, West Coast, Geelong, Essendon and Richmond.” Matthews said while the club was disappointed not to have brought up a win so far in 2013, there was no doubt it was a playing a competitive and attractive brand of football. “We have kicked over 100 points in each of our last two games and we are continuing to see improvement from our exciting young playing group which is competing longer into games than they did last year and I have no doubt that we are building for long term sustained success.” Fans can purchase a family three game membership package at Skoda Stadium for two adults and four children for just $185. A three match adult membership costs $75 for adults and $25 for juniors. Fans who take up the Origin `Big Kick In’ deal are also eligible for a free three game membership plus a merchandise package valued up to $200.
Magpie army grows stronger ■ The vast Collingwood army continues to build. With several months and a series of drawcard matches to play before the membership counting period concludes, the club has already signed a new competition record 73,770 members. The previous record of 73,605 was set by the Magpies in 2012. Collingwood’s membership has all but doubled across the past six seasons. In 2007, the club’s total stood at 38,587. Collingwood Chief Executive, Gary Pert, offered thanksto those new and long standing members, standing side by side, who have joined the cause thus far. The club hopes to break the 80,000 mark by the end of the season. “On behalf of the board, players, coaches and staff, I want to thank you for your support so far in 2013. Without your contribution as a member, we wouldn’t be able to pursue our goal of being the biggest and best sporting club in Australia,” Pert said. “Your membership allows us to build the best training facilities and have the best football department in the league that together will drive us in our quest for our next premiership. “Whilst we recognise the significance of this milestone, we will not rest on our laurels but will continue to look for ways to improve our performance both on and off the field, which will in turn see the Magpie Army grow even stronger.
Foxtel Cup ■ The 2013 Foxtel Cup is underway. The remaining fixture is (all times are local): Tuesday, May 21 – Match 1; Norwood v East Fremantle at AAMI Stadium. 8.05pm Tuesday, May 28 – Match 2; Werribee v Queanbeyan at Etihad Stadium, 8.35pm Tuesday, June 11 – Match 3; Port Melbourne v West Adelaide at the MCG, 8.35pm Tuesday, June 18 – Match 4; Claremont v Southport at Patersons Stadium, 6.35pm Tuesday, July 9 – First Semi Final; Winner Match 1 v Winner Match 2 at venue tbc, 8.35pm Tuesday, July 16 – Second Semi Final; Winner Match 3 v Winner Match 4 at venue tbc, 8.35pm Tuesday, August 6 – Grand Final at venue tbc, 8.35pm
ROUND 7 Friday, May 10 Geelong Cats vs. Essendon (ES) (N) Saturday, May 11 Port Adelaide vs. Richmond (AS) Brisbane Lions vs. West Coast Eagles (G) Western Bulldogs vs. North Melbourne (ES) (T) Hawthorn vs. Sydney Swans (MCG) (N) Fremantle vs. Collingwood (PS) (N) Sunday, May 12 GWS GIANTS vs. Adelaide Crows (SK) (E) Melbourne vs. Gold Coast SUNS (MCG) (T) Monday, May 13 St Kilda vs. Carlton (ES) (N)
So long Jeff
■ I’ve dedicated this comment to my dear friend Jeffery Patterson whom I umpired in his short but colourful career in the VFL in the years 1951-1954 during which he played for three clubs, South Melbourne 1951-2, 20 games 2 goals, Richmond 1953-4 14 games 6 goals and also in’54 Fitzroy 7 games 6goals, Total 41 games 14 goals. We had some fun one day at Punt Road when Richmond played Essendon. Patto lined up on the mercurial John Coleman. This story awaits another occasion. But from that day the three of us became great mates. Poles apart as ‘players’ but both, I’m proud to say trusted pals. Jeff was a boxer of sorts and when he and his closest mate Don ‘Mopsy’ Fraser went to play with East Launceston, Patto’s promotional flair for the ‘big shows’ was launched. He had ‘contacts’ in America who helped him set up the entertainment for the American Troops serving in Europe. Jeff was very successful. He was a millionaire and to his credit he visited Melbourne and repaid his debts. He put his mate and Brownlow Medalist Ron ‘Smoky’ Clegg as part of the troupe with reciting of The Deck Of Cards. ‘Smoky’ was no Sammy Davis or Roy Orbison but Patto got away with it! I’ll miss him. Vale Jeff Patterson.
Official statistics
■ Official AFL Player Ratings will be revealed for the first time, beginning Tuesday (May 14). I’m credited with starting Player Stats back in 1965 in my Footy Week paper. I designed and patented the format still used today after my patent ran out. I’m most interested in this latest development. It will be fantastic for the AFL. When I created ‘player stats’ I had difficulty with the VFL hierarchy obtaining ‘passes and press-box’ space and co-operation for my staff. It was similar to my push for ‘Cheer Squads Banner Run-Throughs’. Now both have become AFL icons with the ‘stats’ the official ‘bible’ for fans, coaches and players. Both have also been good for the AFL. - Harry Beitzel
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Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 8, 2013 - Page 99
Page 100 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 8, 2013
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