Melbourne Observer. 120314C. March 14, 2012. Part C. Pages 39-60

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, March 14, 2012 - Page 39

e urn lbo Me

ver N ser IO Ob T C SE 3

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Observer Showbiz Every Week in the Melbourne Observer

Radio Confidential: Guest rdaio writer ......... Page 40 Veritas: New Melbourne radio station .............. Page 47 The Spoiler: Next week’s ‘soaps’ plotlines ............ Page 47 Jim and Aaron: Best DVD-film selections ................. Page 49 Cheryl Threadgold: Community Theatre - it’s a wrap ...... Page 50 PLUS THE LOVATT”S MEGA CROSSWORD

TRANSGENDER COMEDY Roxane performs at Playhouse

Vienese flautist performs here

● Roxane Hislop ■ Roxane Hislop is one of Victoria's busiest opera singers this year, and the mezzo-soprano couldn't be happier.

Roxane takes to the stage of the Victorian Arts Centre's Playhouse next week in Victorian Opera's first main stage opera of its 2012 season, The Rake's Progress by Igor Stravinsky, in the role of Baba the Turk.

Joining her is Dr Ben Namdarian as Tom Rakewell, the Rake of the title. In real life, he is a medical doctor as well as an opera singer.

Audience favourite soprano Tiffany Speight joins Ben as Anne Truelove, the love of Tom's life, in a production directed by John Bell of Bell Shakespeare fame. Victorian Opera Music director Richard Gill is conducting, with former Australian Ballet principal dancer Steven Heathcote as choreographer.

In any good opera plot there is always a 'baddie', and in the Rake's Progress it's the malevolent Nick Shadow, the devil in disguise, sung by Andrew Collis.

The Rake's Progress opens with a romantic duet between Tom and Anne, but their harmony is soon disrupted by the temptations of Nick Shadow, and Tom leaves behind true love for wealth and position.

A second marriage follows, to Baba the Turk, and cunning Nick comes into the picture again and convinces Tom to invest in a sham project, which ruins his life.

When he's not on stage, Ben Namdarian is a Urological Surgical Registrar at Box Hill Hospital, in the third year in a six-year training program to be a surgeon. How does the lifestyle of a busy doctor allow for professional opera?

"It's a significant challenge but I have been very fortunate to have wonderful support in both disciplines and from my wife - each year I use my annual leave from hospital to be in a production, while throughout the year I perform with various organizations,' Ben explains.

Ben says that the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and the Urological Society supervisors have been supportive in accommodating his leave, and he thrives on the wonderful release he gets from performing opera.

He finds his character Tom incredible rewarding to portray, and he sees many parallels with today's fast-paced lifestyle.

Turn To Page 47

● Viennese flautist Karin Leitner will perform in Concerts in Melbourne and Barwon Heads.

Photo: Johannes Tichy ■ Renowned Viennese flautist Karin Leitner arrives in Australia this month for recitals at selected venues.

Karin studied at the Academy of Music and Arts in Vienna and at the Academy of Music, Freiburg, Germany.

She has won many competitions and performed solo concerts with various orchestras, including the Vienna Chamber Orchestra, Vienna Mozart Orchestra, London Gala Orchestra, Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra, Capella Istropolitana, Slovak Radio Orchestra and Bratislava Symphony Orchestra.

Chamber music recitals include in the main concert halls in Austria, Germany, Czech Republic, Poland, Hungary, England (London Chamber Music Festival), Ireland, Iran, USA, South Africa, Holland, Switzerland, France and Italy.

She has also played in concerts on the Hapag Lloyd cruise yacht MS Europa, Nepal and India.

Karin has also tutored at the Sandor Vegh Symposium for woodwinds, and conducted chamber music workshops in Ireland, China, Iran and South Africa.

Karin has a contract for the stage orchestra in the Vienna State Opera and is also Artistic Director of the Vienna Film Orchestra.

Performances playing Principal Flute and Principal Piccolo include in the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, BBC Symphony Orchestra, London Mozart Players, Irish Chamber Orchestra, London Gala Orchestra, Phantom of the Opera and Les Miserables.

Her recorded CDs can be found on Amazon and I-Tunes.

In 2010 Karin was awarded a Composition Prize of the City of Vienna and has been appointed Artist and Composer in Residence in Tehran, Iran in 2012.

Victorian performances: Lunch Hour Concert with Karin Leitner (flute) and Jacinta Dennett (harp):Monday, March 26 at 1.10pm.Melba Hall, Melbourne Conservatorium of Music, The University of Melbourne, Gate 12, Royal Pde., Parkville. Free Entry.

Mozart Flute and Harp Concerto – The Melbourne Musicians 38th Concert Season:Wednesday, March 28 at 8.00pm Melba Hall, The University of Melbourne, Parkville.

Barwon Heads Fine Music Society Inc. Sunday, April 8 at 2.30pmAnglican Church, Hitchcock Ave., Barwon Heads www.karinleitner.com - Cheryl Theadgold

● Stand up comedian Andrew O’Neill is performing at Pony, March 29 to April 22 as part of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival ■ 2012 sees the return of occult comedian Andrew O’Neill, who over the past few years has stormed the screens, including appearances on Good News Week and Spicks and Specks.

This year Andrew is bringing his brand new show Alternative to the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, as part of his Australian tour.

Facts that Andrew likes known about himself include that he is a heterosexual transvestite with an obsession for high heeled shoes and it was his Adelaide-born ex-girlfriend who encouraged him to try stand-up.

He is in a Victorian-themed punk band called The Men That Will Not Be Blamed For Nothing, is a vegan, but definitely not a goth.

He also filmed a stand-up set for the most recent series of Stewart Lee's TV show and appeared alongside Steve Coogan in the sitcom Saxondale.

Andrew’s performances in the Melbourne International Comedy Festival will be from March 29 to April 22 (no shows Mondays and Tuesdays) at 7.30pm at Pony, 68 Little Collins St. Tickets: www.ticketmaster.com.au or at the door.

More information about Andrew O’Neill can be found on www.andrewoneill.co.uk - Cheryl Theadgold

George Negus loses job ■ TV reporter George Negus has lost a $25,000 hosting job following his slur against Cpl Ben Roberts-Smith VC. He was booked to compere a private Telstra conference for senior management in Melbourne but has been informed his services were no longer required.

Page 40 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Observer Showbiz info@country crossroads.com.au

Rob Foenander

SLIM’S NEW RECORD

■ The late Australian country music pioneer Slim Dusty has created another record, this time from a statistical aspect.

The Very Best Of Slim Dusty album has been in the ARIA Australian country charts for a staggering 400 weeks as reported in the Country Music Bulletin making it one of the longest charting albums.

Slim passed away in 2003 after a career spanning nearly seven decades.

FRY BROTHERS’ NEW SINGLE

■ Victorian artists The Fry Brothers have released the first single Drivin' Rain from their debut album, Waitin' On The Wonderful.

The album is described as a mix of bluegrass, gospel and country.

Tim and Roy Fry have had a lengthy career in the industry and grew up in Hillcrest, playing throughout their childhood and teens as an acoustic duo and also in a number of country and rock bands.

RICK PERFORMS

■ Singer-songwriter Rick Price hits the road for an Australian tour to promote his new CD The Waters Edge.

Rick will perform at Topolinos in St Kilda on March 21 and Wellers Kangaroo Ground on March 22 amongst other Victorian dates.

In 2011 Rick starred in a narrative concert, theatrical production The John Denver Story interpreting the songs and life story of the late country singer songwriter.

AUSSIE IN ISC FINALS

■ Australian country music artists Neville Anderson, Catherine Britt and Shane Nicholson are finalists in the International Songwriting Contest to be announced in April.

Peter Denahy from Yackandandah is also included in the Comedy/Novelty section with his classic hit Sort Of Dunno Nothin'.

Artists compete for prizes and cash worth over $150,000 - Rob Foenander ■ Sammy J will host the Comedy Festival Gala Concert on March 22, to be televised by Channel 10.

r Observbei z Show

Wednesday, March 14 ■ Physicist and humanist Albert Eilnstein was born in Ulm, Germany, in 1879. He died aged 76 in 1955.

Actor Sir Michael Caine was born as Michael Micklewhite in London in 1933 (79).

Actor and comedian Billy Crystal was born in New York City in 1948 (64).

Radio Confidential News from stations from around Victoria

MTR’S KEY PROBLEM: IT BORED US

Country Crossroads ● Big Breakfast Show.

Southern FM 88.3.

Tues. 6am-9am. ● Country Crossroads.

Casey Radio 97.7.

Wed. 10pm-12 Midnight

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

■ I enjoyed the read on MTR in last week’s Melbourne Observer (Mar. 7).

But i think the headline The Reasons Why MTR 1377 Failed was more backed up in a buried paragraph, than in the intro.

The buried par was '” ...what works in Sydney radio does not necessarily work in Melbourne radio”.

And therein lies the flaw in the whole MTR adventure.

They tried to foist the whole Sydney right-wing shock-rubbish on Melbourne ... and it got rejected - rejected big time.

To make MTR work, it needed three things.

■ a strong signal to radios all over melbourne.

■ a narrative from the announcers/journalists which was part of the left/right narrative of Melbourne. At the same time, a mentally challenging narrative.

■ deep pockets - as it would take years and years to make it work.

MTR had none of those.

On the way to the last Annual General Meeting of Pacific Star Network which partowned MTR, I listened to Andrew Bolt in his regular 8am slot with Steve Price.

As i listened, i wrote down the topics he covered/blasted: unions, the ABC, Gillard, the Federal Labor Government, climate change isn't happening etc.

At the AGM, I raised that Bolt seemed to be day-afterday talking about the same topics with the same angles.

In reply, i was told by the board: "at least he is consistent".

In one of those esprit de l'escalier moments, I realised later that i should have told the board: "yes. consistently boring".

And therein lies the whole flaw with MTR in relation to its possible Melbourne listening audience - it was boring!

Melbourne radio listeners

BY MICHAEL FRAZER, GUEST RADIO WRITER

● Michael Frazer is an experienced producer of radio programs at 3AW and 3AK. He worked on programs including those of Ross Stevenson, Derryn Hinch and John Jost. He is also an experienced television producer, and print journalist.

Disclosure: Michael Frazer holds in Pacific Star Network, Macquarie Radio Network, and Fairfax.

don't want opinions pushed down their throats -the same opinions over and over again without there being some gentleness, some argument, some logic, some openness to hear the opposite side ...

I am not a sniper from the trenches, suddenly putting my head-up to go 'nah-nar-nar' after the demise of MTR. Last year, i wrote to John Singleton of Macquarie (the Sydney radio partner of MTR) with some ideas on how to improve the MTR signal.

My letter went to 2GB in Sydney. No reply.

So after a few weeks, so i wrote again to his home address (not difficult as John Desmond Singleton is in the electoral roll) pointing out that I was a shareholder in both Pacific Star Network (the Melbourne end of MTR) and a shareholder in Macquarie Radio Network (the Sydney end of MTR).

Never got a reply. Not even a one-line note from a secretary saying "Mr Singleton wishes to thank you for your letter ... etc" Perhaps that no-reply attitude was a cold shoulder metaphor as to how the Sydney end of MTR felt about the Melbourne end of MTR. But let's go on the positive side, let's find a new format for the old MTR? Someone to buy/lease it with ready made studios in Richmond ... someone with a format which Melbourne people will listen to and bring in revenue.

You are other there - a genius with a new format, a new Steve Jobs, a new Bill Gates ... a new ...???

Go for it ...

The format needs to be inexpensive to produce, seduce a percentage of Melbourne so that they listen, and has that ... ????

- Michael Frazer Melbourne

Observer

On This Day Thursday, March 15

Friday, March 16

Saturday, March 17

Sunday, March 18

Monday, March 19

Tuesday, March 20

■ American actor MacDonald Carey was born in 1913. The Days Of Our Lives star (Dr Horton) died aged 81 in 1994.

US television Jimmy Swaggart was born in 1935 (77).

Singer Christine Anu was born in Cairns in 1970 (42).

US singer Sly Stone is 68 (1944).

■ US comedian and actor Jerry Lewis was born as Joseph Levitch in New Jersey in 1926 (86).

Actor Erik Esstrada was born in New York in 1949 (63).

Melbourne’s Botanic Gardens were established in this day in 1846. They are amongst the world’s best.

■ St Paticks Day. US singer and jazz pianist Nat ‘King’ Cole was born in 1917. He died aged 47 in 1965.

Little Pattie (Pattie Amphlett) was born in Sydney in 1949 (63).

Actor Patrick Duffy (Dallas) is 63 today.

US actor Kurt Russell was born in Massachusetts in 1951 (61).

■ Black country singer Charley Pride is 74.

Soul singer Wilson Pickett was born in 1941. He died aged 64 in 2006.

Australian racing driver Larry Perkins was born in Cowangie (Vic.) in 1950 (62).

Singer Queen Latifah is 42 (1970).

■ Welsh comedian Tommy Cooper was born in Wales in 1921. He died aged 63 in 1984.

Actor Patrick McGoohan was born in New York in 1928. He died aged 80 in 2009.

US actress Glenn Close is 65 (1947).

Actress Karen Robson was born in Malaysia in 1957 (55).

■ American actor, singer and director Carl Reiner was born in New York City in 1922 (90).

American actor Hal Linden was born in New York in 1931 (81).

US actor William Hurt is 62 (1950).

Singer Lady GaGa (Stefan Germanotta) 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, March 14, 2012 - Page 41

Victorian Rural News

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Page 42 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Victorian Rural News

Women encouraged to join CFA â—? Peter Ryan

â– Victorian women are becoming more likely to take up posts in frontline emergency service positions; contributing valuable diversity, experience and skills, Deputy Premier and Minister for Police and Emergency Services Peter Ryan said this week.

Speaking at the Bayswater Country FireAuthority this week, Mr Ryan joined local CFA Captain Diana Ferguson and the brigade's female volunteers to celebrate International Women's Day and encourage more women to consider a career in front-

line emergency positions.

"The number of females in the CFA has grown by 682 in the past year alone to 12,511," Mr Ryan said.

"Today we have 15 female CFA captains; 2,400 female volunteers under 25; 154 female lieutenants and, proudly, 4,003 female volunteers.

"Indeed, Bayswater CFA appointed its first female captain, Diana Ferguson, just last year and it is clear what a great job Captain Ferguson and her team do supporting the community in this region."

Mr Ryan also announced a new CFA recruitment campaign looking for community-minded males and females to join the organisation.

"The CFA is seeking to broaden its recruitment and plans to add 342 career firefighters to its ranks over the next four years," Mr Ryan said.

"To achieve continued growth there will be a new advertising campaign to attract more recruits, both males and females from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

For more information about a career with the CFA visit: www.cfa.vic.gov.au career "Information sessions will be held in Melbourne, Geelong, Wangaratta, Swan Hill, Traralgon and Fiskville, including one specifically for women interested in a career with the CFA."

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, March 14, 2012 - Page 43

Victorian Rural News

Page 44 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, March 14, 2012

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Country

$100 Factory Cashback,see below for details

Return this ad and your purchase invoice to RTM Products Pty Ltd 39 Dunorlan Rd Edwardstown SA 5039 to receive $100 cash back on complete vanity unit purchases made between March 14th and April 30th 2012. Offer applies to purchases of complete Vanitone Vanity Units incorporating either our Federation or Classic Basin. Basin purchase is not necessary to claim cash back on our Grange, Henley or Lincoln models. Must be redeemed before June 30th 2012.

Full conditions at: www.vanitone.com.au/ cashback

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, March 14, 2012 - Page 45

Homemaker

Victorian Agent: Melbourne Aluminium Iron & Lacework 452 Heidelberg Rd, Fairfield. Phone: (03) 9489 5100

Page 46 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Melbourne Observer

Tipper Kits Australia Tip Tray Conversion Kit Convert your ute into a tipper with this DIY Kit! With all of the complicated geometry, cylinder mounting, hinge design and power unit wiring done for you, the installation is straight forward and backed by telephone technical support available 7 Days!

Standard Features - Uses your existing ute tray - Double Acting Tipper Cylinder - Auto Tray Lock System secures tray when lowered - Hose Burst Protection - Cylinder Pressure Limiting System - Safety Pins - Manual Over Ride for Electric Valve - Built in Factory Pre-set Pressure Relief Valve - Comprehensive User Guide Standard Specifications - 1000Kg Tipping Capacity* - also available in 1500Kg - Approximately 50 degrees of tip angle - Suits most tray top utes - Suits tray size up to 2.6M long with minimum 900mm between rails - Subframe 2310mm x 800mm - Can be shortened to 1850mm - 12V 100A Horizontal Mount Power Unit - Steel 4L Reservoir with Dip Stick & Drain Plug *evenly distributed load, includes the weight of the tray. $2650 for 1000Kg Kit Including GST and freight to over 50 depots Australia wide

Phone - 0419 567 080 Visit our website at www.tipperkits.com.au Business finance available to approved applicants from $23.95 per week Purchase in February and get a free upgrade to 1500Kg 2000Kg Light Truck Kit also available Subframe and Cylinder Made in Australia Power Unit Assembled and Tested in Australia Tipper Kits Australia are distributors for EZY-FIT Hydraulic Cylinders. EZY-FIT Hydraulics are Australia's leading manufacturer of quality hydraulic cylinders. Their products include tie rod, mill, nfpa and agricultural cylinder types which can be designed and manufactured to your specific needs.

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, March 14, 2012 - Page 47

Observer TV, Radio, Theatre Showbiz Latest Melbourne show business news - without fear or favour Politics: The Spoiler THE HISTRIONIC Federal what a laugh!

ShowBiz!

For Those Who Have Lost The Plot

Neighbours ■ 6.30pm. Weeknights. Eleven.

■ Monday, March 19. Chris tries to make peace between Andrew and Summer; Emilia is tempted to tell Lucas the truth, to take Michael out of the firing line.

■ Tuesday, March 20. Wanting to show her support of Michael and Emilia, Tash offers to cook them dinner; worried about how Lucas is coping now that Michael and Emilia are together, Sonya resolves to help him.

■ Wednesday, March 21. While Michael deals with the fallout of Tash’s actions, Tash seeks solace in Summer; anticipating Toadie’s test results will come through soon, Sonya channels her energy into nesting.

■ Thursday, March 22. When an old friend of Karl’s dies, Karl finds his new girlfriend Jessica is not as understanding as he would have liked; Toadie and Sonya go to war over renovations and Toadie’s secrecy.

■ Friday, March 23. Karl avoids telling Jessica about his night with Susan; Jade has fun with Kyle and Callum until Rhys works on her commitment phobia.

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

■ Monday, March 19. Sasha remains tight lipped about her bully and John moves out without telling Gina.

■ Tuesday, March 20. Sasha reveals who has been bullying her and Sid is offered his old job back.

■ Wednesday, March 21. Henri decides she can no longer tutor Casey and Irene invites Eddie to her birthday dinner.

■ Thursday, March 22. Ruby pulls out of the Surf Competition at the last minute, Roo lies about a date she has to Harvey and Brax is knocked out at Angelo's ■ Friday, March 23. Brax fights despite his head injury, Xavier and Ruby have a fun night in and Romeo ruins his romantic evening with Indi. Meanwhile, Harvey forces Roo to admit her feelings for him.

The Rake’s Progress

● From Page 39 "Many people strive to pursue fame, fortune and pleasure, seeking happiness in all these things when it probably already exists in the simplest of life's joys love." Ben said.

Tiffany Speight is delighted to be singing in the tole of Anne, one which she says fits her vocally like a glove, and she loves singing Stravinksy.

"This piece is a wonderful musical challenge - a bit like rubbing my tummy and patting my head," Tiffany laughs.

The Rake's Progress is Roxane Hislop's second appearance already this year for Victorian Opera, as she relished the chance to play the wicked stepmother in Richard Gill's operatic pantomime Cinderella in January.

She says that Baba the Turk is a good vocal fit for her and she loves the challenges of its wide vocal range, tricky rhythms, as well as its legato singing.

Roxane has always loved being a mezzo soprano, and feels she is lucky as there are so many dramatic and character roles mezzos can sing for many years, providing the voice stays in good shape.

"I've been blessed in the last few years since Victorian Opera emerged, to have sung some wonderful roles in great productions - they are committed to showcasing Victorian-based artists and do a brilliant job developing new and exciting talent as well as cherishing experienced artists," she said.

The Rake's Progress is at The Playhouse from March 17-26. Bookings: theartscentre.com.au or 1300 182 183.

- Julie Houghton

■ Two legends of the stage, Barry Otto and Bille Brown , will star in Thomas Bernhard’s rampaging satire The Histrionic (Der Theatremacher), opening on April 2 at the Malthouse Theatre, joined by an exceptional cast including Kelly Butler, Josh Price, Katherine Tonkin, Jennifer Vuletic and Edwina Wren.

A once-feted star of the stage, and National Living Treasure used to performing to crowds of adoring fans, Bruscon (Bille Brown) finds himself in Utzbach, in a town with a pig population larger than its human inhabitants.

This is a terrible low in his career but, ever playing the leading part, he is determined that the show must go on.

As a mighty storm gathers overhead, the petty tyrant issues directions, while a beleaguered innkeeper (Barry Otto) attempts to meet his absurd demands.

With its gravity lurking under a comic mask, The Histrionic is deeply tragic but also farcical, funny and mischievous.

Director Daniel Schlusser who will be making his debut at the Malthouse Theatre, says: "I love this play for the laughs, and the deep sense of despair bubbling beneath those laughs.

“Directing Bernhard's text is like wrestling a very clever squid."

Schlusser’s production of The Histrionic premieres at the Malthouse Theatre in April before a season atSydney Theatre Company’s The Wharf from June 15 to July 28.

Performance Season: April 2 – May 5 Venue: Merlyn Theatre, Malthouse Theatre Complex, 113 Sturt St., Southbank.

Tickets: $58 - $28.

Performance Times and booking Information: www.malthousetheatre.com or 9685 5111

Children’s TV ■ Almost 30 years to the day the Australian Children’s Television Industry was first established, it says it is fighting the same battles to ensure quality Australian children’s programming is created – only this time, the playing field is much bigger, targeting digital platforms such as YouTube.

The ACTF will celebrate its 30th Anniversary this Friday (March 16) – around the same time the Convergence Review Committee will hand down its final report into how Australian screen content is supported and regulated in a convergent media future.

Already, the digital platforms such as Google and Telstra and the free-to-air and pay TV broadcasters are describing the Review’s recommendations as ‘deeply flawed’.

But CEO Jenny Buckland says content on multiple platforms and competition for the children’s audience between broadcasters is essential to improving the quality of offerings even further.

“Children are early adopters of new technology and the most important audience of all. We need to ensure that no matter what platform they access content on, they can be exposed to quality programming specifically designed for them.”

● Barry Otto and Bille Brown in The Histrionic at the Malthouse Theatre, opening April 2.

Showbiz Shorts ■ Does the 5am early bulletin on Channel 9 really have the refer to itself as the Qantas Inflight News? Surely the network can afford a different ‘intro’ for the program that goes to air across the network.

■ Observer reader Gregory Gilpin emailed us his thoughts about the closure of MTR 1377: “Please refer to my letter which was published in your paper on the May 5, 2010. Sorry to see the demise of 3MTR? No, I don't think so. Good to have a victory over those football knowalls.”

■ With the recent tension in federal politics and the cliffhanger question of who was going to be Prime Minister by March 2012, you might think we had all had enough of the politicians’ shenanigans.

But for the cast of the famous Sydney Theatre Company Wharf Revue, recent events were music to their ears, to be added to their current show called The Wharf Revue - Debt Defying Acts!

The Wharf Revue is currently touring Melbourne, and is at the Clocktower Centre tonight (Wed., Mar. 14) and travels to Nunawading's Whitehorse Arts Centre for three shows on Friday (Mar. 16) at 8pm, Saturday (Mar. 17) at 3pm and 8pm.

So popular is Debt Defying Acts that at the time of writing, Friday (Mar. 16) is already sold out, with the two Saturday shows at the Whitehorse Centre filling fast.

And just to show there is no political bias, Tony Abbott is portrayed as The Evil Doctor No with his Invisible Mandate.

Then there are Assange and Robertson, NoveltyWhistle Blowers, and a host of other targets for this talented team to take pot shots at.

Audiences can be assured that The Wharf Revue team of Jonathan Biggins, Drew Forsythe, Phillip Scott and Amanda Bishop will satirise anyone of any political colour!

Bookings: www.whitehorsecentre. com.au or 9262 6590 for Saturday (Mar. 17) or for tonight (Mar. 14) www. clocktowercentre.com.au - Julie Houghton

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 48 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, March 14, 2012

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, March 14, 2012 - Page 49

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Observer Showbiz

Movies, DVDs

With James Sherlock

Reviews by Aaron Rourke

Melbourne

Observer

DVD & Blu-Ray Releases

Top 10 Lists

FILM: TAKE SHELTER: Cast: Michael Shannon, Jessica Chastain, Kathy Baker.

Genre: Drama/Thriller.

Year: 2011.

Rating: M. Running Time: 116 Minutes.

Format: DVD. Stars: ***** Verdict: Every once in a while a unsuspecting movie appears with little or no fanfare, in this case the latter, that takes you totally by surprise, and this story of a young husband and father who is suddenly plagued by a series of apocalyptic visions and questions whether to shelter his family from a coming storm, or from himself, is one of those all-too-rare events. This is a knockout, a superbly paced, highly atmospheric, slow burning chiller that will leave you somewhat shell-shocked by it all.

Michael Shannon is simply superb as the father who thinks he is going bonkers and a possible danger to his family, due to a history of schizophrenia in his family, as is Jessica Chastain [Oscar nominated this year for her performance in The Help] as the increasingly concerned wife and Mother. But this film belongs to Michael Shannon, giving such an overwhelming performance of disturbing intensity that it can only be seen as a major injustice in him not being nominated for an Academy award at this year's Oscars. Here is an actor to watch out for, his other more than impressive performances recently include Revolutionary Road, The Runaways and the hit series Boardwalk Empire. It's a real shame that the distributor is not supporting the release of this movie, they told me so, not even releasing a Blu-ray edition, but it will achieve its well deserved audience and status through the best publicity a movie can ask for, and that is word-of-mouth, so on that note, the rest is up to you.

THE AUSTRALIAN BOX OFFICE TOP TEN: 1. PROJECT X. 2. CONTRABAND. 3. THIS MEANS WAR. 4. THE VOW. 5. THE DEVIL INSIDE. 6. SAFE HOUSE. 7. THE ARTIST. 8. HUGO. 9. MY WEEK WITH MARILYN. 10. THE GREY.

FILM: ALL QUIET ON THE WESTERN FRONT: Genre: War. Cast: Lew Ayres, Louis Wolheim, John Wray.

Year: 1930.

Rating: PG. Running Time: 145 Minutes.

Format: DVD and BLU-RAY. Stars: ***** Verdict: One of the truly great classics of all time, a landmark of American cinema! This 1930 Oscar winner for Best Picture and Lewis Milestone for Best Director was adapted from the novel by Erich Maria Remarque, and remains a brilliantly realized cinematic equivalent of the book. It follows a group of German schoolboys talked into enlisting at the beginning of World War 1, and as the boys witness death and mutilation all around them, any preconceptions about an enemy and the rights and wrongs of conflict disappear, leaving them angry and bewildered with the profound disillusionment in the soul-destroying horror of war. Eight decades on and it has not lost any of its shattering power through its haunting imagery and supreme poignancy. Yes, many great war movies have followed, Stanley Kubrick's Paths of Glory, Patton, Francis Ford Coppola's Apocalypse Now and Steven Spielberg's Schindler's List are just a few, but this is the one that inspired them all, and remains an unforgettable testament to the power of cinema that excels on every level. I cannot recommend All Quite on the Western Front highly enough!

FILM: CLASSIC WESTERNS - Volume One: Genre: Western.

Cast: Sidney Poitier, James Garner, Jason Robards, Charles Bronson & More.

Year: Assorted Years.

Rating: M. Running Time: Assorted Running Times.

Format: DVD. Stars: *** Verdict: A good, solid selection of five classic must-see westerns featuring Ralph Nelson's exciting and acclaimed Duel at Diablo with Sidney Poitier and James Garner, director John Sturges' superb 1967 follow up to his classic 1957 Gunfight at the OK Corral with Hour of the Gun starring James Garner and Jason Robards, Navajo Joe with Burt Reynolds in an early starring role, the cult classic The White Buffalo with Charles Bronson, and The Glory Guys from the screenplay by legendary Sam Peckinpah and starring Harve Presnell, Slim Pickens and James Caan.

A great thrill ride for all western fans. Others in the Classic western series are: Volume Two with: Sabata, Adios Sabata, Return of Sabata, Barquero and Gunfight at Dodge City, Volume Three with: Gunslinger, The Spikes Gang, Young Billy Young, Billy Two Hats and Chato's Land, and Volume Four with: The King and Four Queens, Lawman, Man With The Gun, Day of the Outlaw and The Hills Run Red. These titles are not available individually, and a number of them are also available on Bluray.

- James Sherlock

● The cast of Carnage mance in Quentin Tarantino's Inglourious Basterds).

■ (M). 79 minutes. Now showing in Roman Polanski shows audiences selected cinemas. that there are film-makers who want Deliciously funny and darkly un- to look unflinchingly at the flawed comfortable in about equal measure, make-up of the human race, allowing Carnage sees a master film-maker in us to see a twisted but all-too-believtop form, and again unafraid to show able reflection of ourselves, with that the underbelly of human nature, black sense of humour that always warts-and-all. gives his films that added sting.

Based on the play by Yasmina RATING : **** Reza, the story centres on two groups of parents who are meeting after an incident involving their two young sons.

Penelope and Michael Longstreet ■ (MA). 107 minutes. Opens in se(Jodie Foster and John C Reilly) have lected cinemas on March 15.

After the disappointment of Oliver invited Nancy and Alan Cowan (Kate Winslet and Christoph Waltz) to their Stone's much-hyped but tepid Wall New York apartment to discuss what Street : Money Never Sleeps, along will happen next, and that the Cowan comes Margin Call, and quietly sucboy apologise to their child for strik- ceeds where Stone's film failed.

Set in 2008 on the eve of the global ing him in the face with a stick.

The meeting is initially civil and financial crisis, we see a well-repolite, as all four want to deal with spected investment bank going this unfortunate situation like adults, through a brutal downsizing process.

One of the victims is Eric Dale but as the afternoon goes on everyone will gradually let their guard (Stanley Tucci), head of the risk mandown, and raw emotions (both honest agement division who was currently analysing the company's loans and and reactionary) start to surface.

Legendary director Roman holdings, and what would happen if Polanski (Chinatown / Rosemary's the market crashed while these loans Baby), co-adapting the play with Reza, were still in place.

Dale gives the information to wizdoesn't make the mistake of trying to expand (and therefore dilute) the story, kid underling Peter Sullivan (Zachary keeping the action within the walls of Quinto), who completes the puzzle the Longstreet's well-kept apartment. late that night, and what he discovers Polanski still shows a great cin- isn't pretty.

This sets off a chain of events that ematic eye in the way he focuses on the characters' emotional and social will involve his superiors, including disintegration, and brilliantly incorpo- his office boss Will Emerson (Paul rates details that surround them (mir- Bettany), trading floor manager Sam rors, items of ownership, sounds from Rogers (Kevin Spacey), financial nearby apartments), giving the mate- manager Sarah Robertson (Demi Moore), branch manager Jared rial added layers.

The film is reminiscent of earlier Cohen (Simon Baker), and the comPolanski work, such as Knife On The pany boss himself John Tuld (JerWater (1962), Repulsion (1965), Cul- emy Irons).

First-time writer/director J C de-Sac (1966), The Tenant (1976), and Death And The Maiden (1994), and Chandor builds the characters and Carnage shows his continuing fasci- story in an incredibly measured fashnation at how seemingly intelligent ion, giving each person a central core human beings can fall from grace, and we can connect with, then shows us how political correctness has made how this volatile world can alter their things needlessly complicated, where moral compass.

Chandor carefully increases the genuinely communicating with others tension and drama, slowly tightening is slowly becoming impossible.

The film also joyously attacks the the screws as the situation gets worse, obsessive overuse of mobile phones. and even explains the financial side Given the close-quarters setting in a way that is clever and involving, and basically real-time structure, all instead of bombastic and unsubtle.

Performances are all first-rate, with four actors are up to the challenge.

Jodie Foster is exceptional (along Spacey (in a tailor-made role) and with The Beaver, it is great to see her especially Irons (who deserved an back on screen), as is Kate Winslet, Oscar nomination for his unnervingly each displaying a level of skill that is slimy turn) particular stand-outs.

Margin Call is the kind of film adult wonderful to watch.

They are matched by John C Reilly audiences crave for, where strong (Casualties Of War / Boogie Nights / writing, intelligent direction, and careGangs Of New York) and Christoph ful casting is what shapes its identity Waltz (who burst onto the Hollywood and vision.

RATING : **** scene with his Oscar-winning perfor-

Carnage

Margin Call

NEW RELEASES AND COMING SOON TO CINEMAS AROUND AUSTRALIA: MARCH 8: 50/50, AFRICA UNITED, CORIOLANUS, HEADHUNTERS, JOHN CARTER, THE SOURCE, KAHAANI. MARCH 15: 21 JUMP STREET, GHOSTRIDER: SPIRIT OF VENGEANCE, KID WITH A BIKE, MARGIN CALL, THE RUM DIARY, VINCENT WANTS TO SEA. THE DVD TOP SELLERS: 1. MIDNIGHT IN PARIS [Romance/Comedy/Drama/Owen Wilson, Rachel McAdams].

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

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

4. THE CUP [Drama/Tom Burlinson, Stephen Curry, Brendan Gleeson, Bill Hunter].

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

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

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

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

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

10. THE TREE OF LIFE [Drama/ Brad Pitt, Sean Penn].

Also: SHERLOCK: The Complete Series Two, CRAZY STUPID LOVE, THE THREE MUSKETEERS, PARANORMAL ACTIVITY 3, THE THING, LOVE AND OTHER DRUGS, RISE OF THE PLANET OF THE APES, FRIGHT NIGHT, FINAL DESTINATION 5, BRIDESMAIDS. NEW RELEASE HIGHLIGHTS ON DVD THIS WEEK: TAKE SHELTER [Drama/Thriller/ Michael Shannon, Jessica Chastain].

THE TWILIGHT SAGA: BREAKING DAWN - Part One [Drama/Fantasy/Robert Pattinson].

OUR IDIOT BROTHER [Comedy/ Elizabeth Banks, Steve Coogan, Zooey Deschanel].

SHARK NIGHT [Thriller/Chris Carmack, Katherine McPhee, Sarah Paxton].

NEW & RE-RELEASE CLASSICS ON DVD HIGHLIGHTS: MARAT/SADE [1967/Drama/ Glenda Jackson, Patrick Magee, Freddie Jones].

TNT JACKSON [1974/Action/ R18+/Jeannie Bell, Stan Shaw].

BLACK MAMA, WHITE MAMA [1973/Action/Pam Grier].

POWAQQATSI [1988/Documentary Feature].

NEW RELEASE TELEVISION, DOCUMENTARY AND MUSIC DVD HIGHLIGHTS: KING: The Complete First Season.

SECRET DIARY OF A CALL GIRL: Series 1-4.

THE WALKING DEAD: Season One. BB KING & FRIENDS LIVE AT THE ROYAL ALBERT HALL. TONY BENNETT: Duets II - The Great Performances.

PROJECT NIM [Documentary].

Turn To Page 55

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Page 50 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Observer Showbiz AUDITIONS ■ 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 .

■ Lilydale Athenaeum Theatre: M.A.S.H. March 17, 10.00am-5.00pm, 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, 12.45pm-4.30pm at The Shed, Overport Rd., Frankston. Director: David Wearne. Audition bookings: 0412 518710.

■ Peridot Theatre Company: One Act Play Season. The Shell Seekers (by Charlotte Bingham) March 25 at 1.30pm at the Unicorn Theatre, Lechte Rd., Mt Waverley. Director: Christine Grant. For further details visit www.peridot.com.au ■ Peridot Theatre Company: One Act Play Season. No Chocolates, By Request (by Chris Hodson). March 26 at 7.00pm at the Unicorn Theatre, Lechte Rd., Mt Waverley.

Director: Lisa McNiven. Audition bookings: 0410 567 834.

■ Brighton Theatre Company: Who's A Good Boy? (by Anthony Wood) March 27 at Brighton Theatre Company, cnr.

Wilson and Carpenter Sts., Brighton. Director: Andrew McMillan. For audition enquiries please email a.mcmillan50@optusnet.com.au ■ Peridot Theatre Company: One Act Play Season. The Waiting Room (by John Bowen) April 2 at 7.00pm at the Unicorn Theatre, Lechte Rd., Mt Waverley. Director: Annie Blood.

Call 9551 9084 for audition bookings.

SHOWS ■ Gemco Players: Wait Until Dark (by Frederick Knott) Until March 17 at 19 Kilvington Drive, Emerald. 2.30pm matinee, March 17. Director: Barry O'Neill. Tickets: $22/$20. www.gemcoplayers.org ■ Lilydale Athenaeum Theatre: Glorious (by Peter Quilter) Until March 24 at 8.30pm, 2.30pm matinee on March 28 at 39-41 Castella St., Lilydale. Director: Doug Bennett. Bookings: 9735 1777. www.lilydaletc.com ■ Fab Nobs Theatre: Avenue Q March 16 - 31 at The Fab Factory, 33 Industry Place (Off Malvern Street), Bayswater.

Bookings: www.fabnobstheatre.com.au or 0401 018 846 .

■ Essendon Theatre Company: Caravan March 15 - 24 at 8.00pm with a 2.00pm on Sunday at the Community Centre, 9 Bradshaw St., West Essendon (off Buckley St.) Bookings: 0422 029483. www.essendontheatrecompany.com

BEAUMARIS THEATRE ■ Beaumaris Theatre presents To Kill A Mockingbird from March 16-31 at 82 Wells Road, Beaumaris.

Adapted by Christopher Sergel from the novel by Harper Lee, Beaumaris Theatre’s production is directed by Robyn Morris.

In 1936 in a small town in Alabama, USA, Tom Robinson, a black man, is accused of raping a white woman.

Lawyer Atticus Finch takes on the case, much to the disapproval of the town’s white population.

The story is told from the point of view of Atticus’ s daughter Scout, and explores the face of ignorance and intolerance, issues that remain relevant today.

Performances: March 16, 17, 23, 24, 29, 30, 31 at 8pm and March 25 at 5pm. Tickets: $25/$22 Family $80. Enquiries: 9583 6896. Bookings: www.beaumaristheatre.com.au

● Millie Hourigan (Scout) and Cory Porter (Tom Robinson) in Beaumaris Theatre’s production of To Kill A Mockingbird, opening on March 16.

Photo: Debbie Keyt

Community Theatre With Cheryl Threadgold

Melbourne

Observer

ACTORS’ READING THIS SUNDAY 10-MINUTE QUICKIE ■ Eltham Little Theatre: Ten Minute Quickie Play Competition. Producer Paula Armstrong says she has wonderful scripts and directors but now actors are needed. There will be a reading on Sunday, March 18 at 1.00pm at the Eltham Performing Arts Centre, 1603 Main Rd., Research, to sample the selection of plays available. Auditions will be held on March 19 and 20 at 7.30pm at the Eltham Performing Arts Centre. For further enquiries please email: jean1957@hotmail.com or visit www.elthamlittletheatre.org.au

A Modern Deception

SHOWS ■ Altona City Theatre: Aladdin the rock panto March 16, 23 at 7.30pm and March 17, 18, 24 at 2.00pm at Altona City Theatre, 115 Civic Parade, Altona. Director: Scott Bradley; Musical Director: Jaxson McLennan; Choreographer Steph Jones. All tickets $7. Bookings: 0425 705 550. www.altonacitytheatre.com.au ■ The Mount Theatre: Art (by Yasmina Reza) Until March 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) Bookings: 1300 463 224.

■ Encore Theatre: Rumors (by Neil Simon) March 16, 17, 22, 23, 24, 29, 30, 31 at 8.00pm, March 18, 25 at 2.15pm at the Clayton Community Centre theatrette, Cooke St., Clayton. Tickets: $20 Full Price, $18 Concession, $15 Opening Night tickets.

Bookings: 1300 739099 www.encoretheatre.com.au ■ Eltham Little Theatre: 10 Minute Play Competition Playreading March 18 at 1.00pm. Auditions March 19, 20 at 7.30pm at Eltham Performing Arts Centre, 1603 Main Rd., Research. Enquiries: 10minquickie@gmail.com ■ Leongatha Lyric Theatre: Habeus Corpus March 23 - 31 at 8.00pm, 2.00pm matinee Sunday, March 25 at Mesley Hall, Leongatha Secondary College, Nerrena Rd., Leongatha. Bookings: Mushroom Crafts 5662 3940 www.lyrictheatre.net.au ■ Sherbrooke Theatre Company: The Shoehorn Sonata March 15, 16, 17, 22, 23 and 24 at 8.15pm and March 18 at 5.15pm at the Doncaster Playhouse, 679 Doncaster Road, Doncaster. Bookings: 1300 650 209 www.sherbrooketc.org.au ■ 1812 Theatre: Round and Round the Garden (a comedy from Alan Ayckbourn's Norman Conquests trilogy) Until March 31 at The Bakery, 3 Rose St., Upper Ferntree Gully. Bookings: 9758 3964 or 0406 752067. www.1812theatre.com.au

● Vyon Sharma (left), Alex de la Rambelje and Luke Hocking return to the Melbourne International Comedy Festival with their new show, A Modern Deception: More Diabolical Magic. Photo: James Penlidis.

■ After a sell-out season at last year’s Melbourne International Comedy Festival and receiving rave reviews in the recent Adelaide Festival, Alex de la Rambelje, Vyom Sharma and Luke Hocking are back to present more beautiful and difficult illusions with their new show, A Modern Deception: More Diabolical Magic.

Combining comedy with stunning magic, the show will make audiences laugh and gasp at the same time.

A Modern Deception: More Diabolical Magic can be seen in the 2012 Melbourne International Comedy Festival from March 30 to April 14 at 7.30pm, Wednesday to Saturday, at the State Library of Victoria, Village Roadshow Theatrette, 179a La Trobe St., Melbourne.

The show runs for 50 minutes. Tickets: $20/$18. Groups 10 or more $15. Bookings: Ticketmaster 1300 660 013 or at the door.

■ 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.

‘Don’t Dress For Dinner’at Eltham

● Meet the happy cast and crew of Eltham Little Theatre’s Don’t Dress For Dinner. Back row (crew)Stephanie Boff, Max Russell, Karen Dowling, Andrea Cole, Bonnie Rothwell, Marilyn Pearce. Front row (cast) Jackie Fraser, Phil Holmes, Raine Dinale, Jonne Finnemore (Director), James Carlon, Penny Bolton and Dieter Kunze.

Photo: Liz McCrory ■ Eltham Little Theatre presents Don’t Dress For Dinner from her trip away at the last moment and Bernard’s intended alibi March 15-31 at the Eltham Performing Arts Centre, 1603 Main Robert turns out to be his wife’s lover. When the hired cook, Suzette, is mistaken for Bernard’s mistress, confusion reigns.

Rd., Research.

It’s laughter and mayhem to the final curtain.

Written by Marc Comoletti and directed by Jonne Finnemore, Performances: March 15-19, 22-24, 29-31 at 8.00pm, with a the story tells of a renovated French farmhouse, about a twohour drive from Paris, where Bernard is planning a weekend 2.00pm matinee on Sunday, March 25. Tickets: $20 full, $16 concession. Phone bookings: 9437 1574. Website: with his mistress.

But things become chaotic when his wife Jacqueline cancels www.elthamlittletheatre.org.au

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, March 14, 2012 - Page 51

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Services

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Page 14, 2012 g 52 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, y, y March , Melbourne

Observer

Lovatts Crossword No 6 Across

Across 1. Most advantageous 6. Drearier 11. Oil-exporting cartel 13. Oar 17. Frustrates 22. Mushroom seed 23. Go to bistro (3,3) 24. Chief 25. Step 26. Scottish city 27. Cavort 29. Domesticated 32. Flair 34. Terra firma (3,4) 35. Chain-store outlet 36. Demure 38. Glide aloft 39. Thoughts 41. Pointy beard 42. Keepsakes 44. Finest 46. Mausoleum, Taj ...

48. Doze, ... off 49. Common shoreline bird 50. Lucifer 51. Direction 53. Elbowroom 56. A single entity 57. Man 58. Reached high point 59. Female fox 60. Beast 63. Agree to 65. Deity 66. Red-faced 67. Grandma 68. Squash (insect) 69. Cloth scrap 71. Manned (ship) 72. Skirt edge 74. Fencing sword 75. Canine skin disease 76. Float on breeze 77. Early Peruvians 79. Classic painting, ... Lisa 80. Adult education group (1,1,1) 82. Elliptical shapes 84. Vegetable paste 85. Tiny 87. Tennis champ, Monica ...

89. Mad Roman emperor 91. Recount 93. Disguises 94. Circus performers 96. Demise 98. Festival, Mardi ...

101. Mongrel dogs 102. Female zebras 103. Meal, bangers & ...

104. Quantity of paper 106. Streamlined 108. Plain-spoken 109. Minerals 110. Attracted 111. Earthquake measure, ... scale 113. Dressed 115. Fully satisfies 117. Active European volcano 118. Persona ... grata 119. Eiffel Tower city 120. Heavily scented 121. Restorative medicine 123. Move unsteadily 125. The masses, ... polloi 126. Eskimo coat 127. Flagpoles 128. Jacob's Old Testament twin 130. Racing driver, ... Mansell 132. Verification 134. Marshy 135. Drains (udder) 137. Shout 139. Apple drink 141. Me, ... truly 143. Wigwam 144. Money factories 145. Floor dance 147. Patch up 149. Recorded 151. Trace 153. Cracks (of lip) 154. Israel's ... Meir 155. Tablets 157. Soon 159. Mention, ... to 161. Damascus is there 162. Aviator, ... Johnson 163. Dads 164. Card game 166. Fuse (of bones) 168. Challenger 170. ... Francisco 171. It is (poetic) ('3) 172. Peaceful resort 173. ... Lang Syne 174. Form (conclusion) 176. Valley 178. Giant 180. Golfing body (1,1,1) 182. Asked (question) 183. Healthy 185. Radial or cross-ply 187. Utter (cry) 189. Tibetan priests 191. African language group 192. Super athlete, ... Lewis 193. Army eatery 195. Naval exercises 197. Couple 199. Filled pastries 201. Gullible 202. Greek philosopher 203. Killer whale

204.

205.

207.

208.

210.

212.

213.

214.

215.

217.

220.

222.

224.

225.

226.

229.

231.

233.

235.

236.

237.

239.

241.

243.

245.

247.

248.

249.

251.

253.

255.

256.

257.

258.

260.

262.

264.

265.

266.

268.

270.

272.

273.

274.

276.

278.

280.

281.

282.

283.

286.

288.

290.

291.

292.

294.

296.

298.

299.

301.

302.

303.

304.

306.

308.

309.

310.

311.

313.

315.

318.

319.

320.

323.

325.

326.

327.

328.

330.

332.

333.

334.

335.

336.

338.

339.

340.

342.

343.

344.

346.

348.

350.

352.

353.

355.

356.

359.

360.

361.

362.

363.

364.

365.

368.

369.

371.

373.

374.

376.

379.

381.

382.

383.

385.

386.

387.

388.

389.

390.

391.

392.

393.

Implement Haggard Drizzles Musical, Porgy & ...

Cuban currency Sink in middle Following Clothing Tennis great, ... Borg Ermine Eternal City Singer, ... Horne Italian money unit Blunders Glum Canadian gold rush region Lifeless (hair) Rescue Jazz style, bossa ...

Toadstools China's ... Zedong Bark ... mortis Boxing dais White ant Wordless acts Actors Gibson or Brooks Underneath Of birth Murder (2,2) Cash advances Pulverises (fruit) Ravine Old photo shade Scour Haemorrhaged Brazil's ... Paulo Surrenders Metal mixture Howls shrilly Egret US shares index, ... Jones Unwanted plants Verdant Chairs Inflexible Playwright, ... Simon Macho Small change Delivery vehicle 135 down opera house, La ...

Uncovered (facts) (3,2) Elevators Police klaxon Also known as (1,1,1) Skip Run off to marry Half Queens' seats Bops Potato Brown pigment Principle Phoned Jug Styles Stairs, apples & ...

Hurl ... & lows Shrieked Rent out again Slum area Nail Judges Nasty Sections The Constant Gardener's ... Fiennes Longbow timber Skating stadium Hitler's Third ...

Golfing stroke CDs, compact ...

Beliefs Thus far, as ...

Neatly Yasser Arafat's group (1,1,1) Salesmen Double agent Sit idly Windies batsman, ... Richards Prima donna Writer, ... Hemingway Itemises Carnival car Seed Fashionable, ... mode (1,2) Movie examiner Religious sister Scene of event Clever Irish paramilitary force (1,1,1) Thai food ingredient, ... grass Composer's work Bombardments Dishes Viola flower Solid Tenancy agreements Snagged First Collar folds Prayer ending Rugby player Ocean phase (3,4) Balderdash Garden water feature Twice Master of Ceremonies Reckoned Stylish Louts Ordered about Scraped (river bottom)

Down

Down 1. Continuing 2. Sad play 3. Flavour enhancer (1,1,1) 4. On top of 5. Cut (lawn) 6. Debauched 7. Bonier 8. NCO rank, ... corporal 9. Engrave 10. Caviar base 11. Sofa footstool 12. Bosom 13. Gently touch 14. Cricketer, ... Gilchrist 15. Fuel oil 16. Property 17. Little bit 18. Engage 19. Dryly humorous 20. Rude driver (4,3) 21. Encumbered (with) 28. Considered 30. Yemen port 31. Males 33. Nuzzles 35. Betting organiser 36. Doled (out) 37. Namely (2,3) 40. Extinguish 41. Dirty looks 42. Mel Gibson movie, Mad ...

43. Footy Show personality, ... Newman 45. Employ (4,2) 47. Positive electrode 49. Mankind 50. Scorch 52. Tells good story 54. Fishing bait 55. Sighed sleepily 58. Pressed fabric folds 59. Windmill arms 60. Appalling 61. Chatter 62. Mixed (with poison) 64. 12 months 67. Irritating complainers 68. Chanted 70. Strong winds 72. Testosterone & oestrogen 73. Melted (of rock) 75. Contemplated 76. England's Isle of ...

78. Closes securely 81. Withholds vote 83. Tubs 84. Trims 85. Feebly sentimental 86. Vertical 88. Pilfer 90. Lecherous gaze 92. Greek & German currency unit 93. Hymn, Ave ...

94. Car hoists 95. Beauty parlour 97. Excited (3,2) 99. Baseballer, Babe ...

100. AD, ... Domini 102. Unclear 103. Fogs 105. Frenzied 107. SeaChange actress, ... Armstrong 110. Jumbo 111. Teething sticks 112. Contact 114. Number 116. Scurry 119. Book leaves 120. Mediterranean republic isle 122. Lebanese wood 124. 24 in a day 126. Opium source 127. Cares for 129. Fertiliser compound 131. Social outcast 133. Becomes tattered 134. Light rays 135. Northern Italian city 136. End 138. Jerk 140. Refurbish 142. Abandon 143. Siamese 144. Scooter 145. Bacon edge 146. Trudge 148. Hunger 150. Evil spirit 152. Monarch 154. Relinquished (4,2) 155. Election 156. Varieties 158. Longest river 160. Proportional, pro ...

163. Bygone 164. Strain (muscle) 165. "No" vote 167. Office casual 169. Lantern 171. Burrows 172. Integrity 173. Spray can 175. Inscribed 177. Romantic US falls 179. Kenya's capital 181. Sneeze noise (1-6) 182. Prepares (the way) 183. Irrigate 184. Stick-on symbol

186.

188.

190.

191.

192.

193.

194.

196.

198.

200.

206.

209.

211.

213.

214.

216.

218.

219.

221.

223.

224.

225.

227.

228.

230.

232.

234.

235.

236.

237.

238.

240.

242.

244.

246.

247.

248.

250.

252.

254.

256.

257.

259.

261.

263.

265.

266.

267.

269.

271.

273.

274.

275.

277.

279.

281.

282.

284.

285.

287.

289.

290.

291.

292.

293.

295.

297.

300.

301.

302.

305.

307.

309.

310.

312.

314.

316.

317.

318.

319.

321.

322.

324.

326.

327.

329.

331.

335.

337.

340.

341.

343.

344.

345.

347.

349.

350.

351.

352.

353.

354.

357.

358.

360.

361.

366.

367.

368.

370.

372.

374.

375.

377.

378.

380.

382.

383.

384.

Resin glue Coronet Burns surface of ... & brace Humbly, ... in hand Mr & ...

Wise men Drunkard Apply friction to Transgression Steak cuts (1-5) Tart Actor, ... Sharif Type of orange Yield, ... in Prompts (memory) Similar Roman garments Writer, ... Blyton Singer, ... King Cole Auction items Jostles Yeses NRL legend, Laurie ...

Nick Door handle Cupid Weather feature, El ...

Dossiers Cantaloupe Friend in war Pontiffs Less frequent Cover with gold Address to royalty (2'2) Caked with soil Stubborn animals Cunning tricks Graphic Inert gas Removes skin from Music guru, ... A Baker Quickly False Lived Dollars & ...

Ram zodiac sign Piously Musty Timbuktu's river Thin biscuit Injures with horns Announces (5,3) Deadly sin Three Musketeers author Excavated Cat-like mammal Bullets Pen-points Greenfly Squeeze between fingers Mooed Facets Lethargy Actor, ... Russell Trial Famous Swiss mountain Send (payment) Sudden bumps Ooze Chirp Feels about Clemency Mucus Sharp-tasting Happy face Eject lava ... & crafts Speaks gratingly January birthstone Dry Blades Spurn Ski trail Lives without comforts, ... it Banish Ku Klux ...

Submitted (application) Islamic governors Of kidneys Treats royally, ... & dines Dallied Holding dear Blood-sucking creature Dried coconut kernels Small chunk Folk heroes Dubious Male duck Zigzag-edge scissors, ... shears Listen attentively (3,4) Dirtied Wrinkle Floral arrangement urn Fellows ..., steady, go Assault weapon, battering ...

Swimming places Truck's unladen weight Snow-covered peaks Vagrant South African conflict, ... War Belonging to it Jar top Chinese ... sauce Centre Liquid crystal display (1,1,1) Teeny-weeny

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, March 14, y y 2012 - Page g 53

Solution on Page 24

MEGA CROSSWORD No 6 2

1 1

3

4

5

6

7

22

8

9

10

27

40

28

29

82 91

83

118

135

143

145

154

183

191

193

202

228

239

240

294

286

271

287 296

297

312 320 329

321

322

314 323

331

346 356

357

363

348 358

370 377

371 378

335 342 352

380

353

361

362

368

373

369

374 381

386 391

375

382 387

383 388

392

337

343

351

367

336

319 327

360 366

293

310

318

350

365

379

390

309

341

292 302

334

359

372

385

301

326

349

364

291

317

340

275

282

300

333

347

266 274

308 316

238

248

265

325

339

355

389

315

332

237

257

290

307

324

338

376

306

216

247

281

299

207

256

280

200

236

264

181

225

255

289

305

206

273

298

313

330

345

279

199

215

246

263

180 190

198

235

272

288

304

311

254

189

214

245

262

278

188

170 179

205

234

161

178

197

152

169

224

233

253

270

196

142 151

168

187

223

244

261

277

303

232

252

269

295

195

141

160

177

213 222

243

260

276

186

194

212

231

251

268

185

176

204

221

242

259

285

220

241

258

211

230

250

284

219

229

249

267

210 218

175

203

209 217

344

184

192

201

328

174

125 133

150

167

100

117 124

159

99

108

132

149

166

98

123

140

81

90

116

131

158

65

80

115

139

157 165

173

182

227

156

64

107

122

148

56

89

106 114

138

55

97

130

147

164

172

208

146

155

163

171

113

137

21

47

79

96 105

129

136

144

153

283

128

20

71

88

121

127

134

70

87

104 112

54

78

95

120

126

162

86

111

19

46

63

77

103

119

53

69

94

110

45

62

76

102

18

34

44

61

85

17

33

52

68

93

109

226

60

84

92

16

38

51

75

101

32

43

67 74

15

37

59

66 73

31

50

58

14

25

42

49

72

30

36

41

57

13

24

35

48

12

23

26

39

11

393

384

354

Page 54 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, March 14, 2012

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, March 14, 2012 - Page 55

Melbourne

Observer Victorian Sport

BENDIGO, WHAT A BUZZ ■ The city of Bendigo is gearing up for one of its biggest meetings of the year this week with their stand alone meeting at their picturesque track.

A stone alone meeting means it is the major meeting in Victoria on the day, with no metropolitan meeting being run.

The Bendigo Jockey Club, under CEO Ian Hart, has planned a big day and has put in a lot of hours to make sure it goes well.

With more than $700,000 in prize money, this new racing event is sure to be a golden day out in Bendigo.

The Club has organised train trips to from the Goldfields with package fares to Bendigo.

They include return economy V/Line travel to Bendigo, transfers from Bendigo station to the racecourse and general admission.

Check the Club's website for timetable details.www.bendigo. countryracing.com.au Package fares are available from Swan Hill, Castlemaine, Kyneton, Woodend, Gisborne, Sunbury and Melbourne (Southern Cross).

To book call V/Line on 136 186.

Vline.com.au The Club is also organising buses to look after racegoers. If interested ring on 1300 139 402.

The meeting has been referred to as the Golden Mile Raceday and should be a great day.

I will certainly be very busy hosting at the main gate, and later at marquees.

Hope to see you

Ted Ryan

Observer Racing

● Pierro . Sportpix photo courtesy Magic Millions

HOW GOOD THE RIDE?

there, and don't forget it is the main race meeting in Victoria, with no metropolitan meeting being run.

Happy Gai ■ You can't get the smile off leading Australian trainer, Gai Waterhouse’s face, after her colt put in a mighty performance to win the Silver Slipper trial at Rosehill.

The mail was right about the two yearold, Pierro, as he overcame a blunder earlier, when he bungled the start in the Silver Slipper, but showed plenty of heart to beat another smart youngster, Hussousa, who was backed into favortism, getting home by a length on a very heavy track.

Gai has always had a big opinion of the colt, but said he wouldn't want to miss the start again especially in the big one.

● Damien Oliver Photo by SLICKPIX, phone 9354 5754

Bookies were impressed with the victory of Pierro; he is now a clear second favorite behind the flying Victorian filly, Samaready who blitzed them in the Blue Diamond at Caulfield.

Her trainer, Mick Price, has got big raps on the filly and feels she could be anything.

Pierro, was bred by Sheik Mohammed's powerful Australian Derby operation through their draft for only $115,000 at the 2010 Magic Millions National Weanling Sales.

There he was pinhooked by Victorian horseman David Kobritz, and sold through his Musk Creek Farm draft for $230,000 at the 2011 Magic Millions Gold Cost Yearling Sales.

Pierro is a son of last season's champion sire Lohnro, who is taking all before him, and is from a Sydney and French winner, Miss Right Note.

A daughter of Dyalami, Miss Right Note, is a half sister to the former Italian champion, Laverock, who like Lohnro, is by former Aussie Champion, Octagonal.

So far Pierro has earned just under $200,000 in stake earnings just under his purchase price.

Definitely one to watch in the Slipper, come Easter.

■ One of the best rides ever; is the only way you can describe Dan Nikolic’s ride on Mosheen to win the Australian Guineas at Flemington.

Whether you were at Flemington like I was, on a very wet day, you had to see the ride to believe it on a slow 6 track.

The champion filly, Mosheen, drew the outside of the 16 runners, a very awkward barrier at anytime, let alone the ‘mile’ at Flemington and on a very wet day.

Race caller Greg Miles summed it up beautifully when he was calling the race and mentioned the face that Nikolic had got the filly over to the inside, just past the 800 metres, and exclaimed, how in the hell did he get there after drawing 16.

The rest is history, with Nickolic able to thread his was through from there, and finally bolt in with the Classic on the best three year old filly in Australia.

Dan has battled to get rides over the last few months and is now hoping to get many more top rides fro trainers, who have gone missing over recent months.

One of the nicest jockeys riding, Dan deserves better; let's hope this is the breaking of the Cold War. Looking back on Dan's ride, brought back memories of a similar situation, for those who can remember, the date was October 1976; the occasion was the running of the Caulfield Cup that year.

A very good friend of mine now the Managing Director of the

Ramada Inn Luxury Hotel in West Hollywood, Alan Johnson, also a former member of the North Melbourne Football Club Committee, raced a horse by the name of How Now, with the late and great trainer, Colin Hayes.

The mare, from memory, either drew the extreme outside, or near enough.

Her jockey the South Australian great Johnny Stocker, had the sit, and some how got her across and going out of the straight the first time had her on the fence, and she went on win easily.

Like Dan's ride on Mosheen, and John's on How Now, give credit where credit is due, the jockeys take their lives into their own hands steering an animal of around 500 kilos every time they go around.

Everybody is quick to knock them if they ride a bad race, but very seldom to praise, when they ride a good race or let alone a great race, like John and Dan. Then again punters have got short memories.

■ My good old mate 'The Preserver’ Ray Benson who covers all the Horse trials around Victoria, tells me the son of leading trainer Michael Kent, rode in the trials at Cranbourne recently and Michael junior will soon go for his licence.

Meanwhile another Trainer, Colin Davies who has a team at Cranbourne is moving to Caulfield. Colin has the very good old grey sprinter, Stanzout.

Thanks for that Ray.

Showbiz Extra ■ From Page 8

Nice cup of tea The history of Afternoon Tea is most interesting. In 1662, Catherine of Braganza of Portugal married Charles II of the English House of Stuart.

It was Catherine of Braganza who made tea the official court beverage in the 1660s.

At this time tea was a rare luxury good because it was highly taxed, expensive and scarce.

It was the famed English East India Company that formally introduced tea to England in the 1600s.

The East India Trading Company, which had a monopoly on China tea, presented Charles II with small gifts of tea for Catherine in 1664 and 1666 in an attempt to please him.

The British tradition of afternoon tea is said to have started with Anna, the 7th Duchess of Bedford in the early 1840s.

In the 19th century dinner was served until 8.30pm or 9pm in the evening and the Duchess who was hungry by mid-afternoon decided to ask her staff to serve bread, butter, cakes, biscuits and tea.

Soon it became a fashionable pastime of the upper classes to have afternoon tea.

The 19th century then saw the opening of tea houses such as Lyon’s in London and the popularisation of tea in America through Sir Thomas J .Lipton in 1890 who owned tea estates in Ceylon.

Afternoon tea is always served on fine English bone china and with silver.

An excellent book I highly recommend to read is Taking Tea at The Savoy by Anton Edelmann, who has been at London’s Savoy Hotel for 17 years and who is the Savoy’s Maître Chef.

It’s a wonderful black and white little square book with the most divine pics and recipes.

Oh my goodness I have to go and put the kettle on!

My father by the way made the BEST Asparagus Rolls with a cup of tea!

- Di Rolle ■ From Page 49

Top 10 Lists TOP BLU-RAY SELLERS: 1. MIDNIGHT IN PARIS [Romance/Comedy/ Drama/Owen Wilson, Rachel McAdams].

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

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

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

5. THE CUP [Drama/Tom Burlinson, Stephen Curry, Brendan Gleeson, Bill Hunter].

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

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

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

9. THE TREE OF LIFE [Drama/Brad Pitt, Sean Penn].

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

Also: Sherlock: The Complete Series Two, Crazy Stupid Love, The Three Musketeers, Paranormal Activity 3, The Thing, Love and Other Drugs, Rise of the Planet of the Apes, Fright Night, Final Destination 5, Bridesmaids.

NEW RELEASE HIGHLIGHTS ON BLU-RAY THIS WEEK:

● Danny Nikolic Photo by SLICKPIX, phone 9354 5754

THE TWILIGHT SAGA: BREAKING DAWN Part One [Drama/Fantasy/Robert Pattinson].

OUR IDIOT BROTHER [Comedy/Elizabeth Banks, Steve Coogan, Zooey Deschanel].

SHARK NIGHT 3D & 2D [Thriller/Chris Carmack, Katherine McPhee, Sarah Paxton].

TONY BENNETT: Duets II - The Great Performances.

POWAQQATSI [1988/Documentary Feature].

- James Sherlock

Page 56 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, March 14, 2012

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Melbourne

Observer Victorian Sport Racing Briefs

Sent forward on last lap ■ Rochester trainer Mark Thompson combined with Shepparton's Nathan Jack to capture the Ray and Grace Hepworth Memorial 3-Y-0 Pace (2nd Heat) over 2170 metres with Mcardle/All But filly Woke Up Tired in a rate of 2-03.9.

Sent forward three wide solo from mid-field in the last lap, Woke Up Tired prevailed in a three way finish to score narrowly over Life Of Ted along the sprint lane which trailed the leader and third placegetter Saint Jack.

■ Even though both the Northern Region Championships and Hepworth Memorial were listed as Semi's and Heats, there were never any previous heats held as they were scheduled for the abandoned Mildura meeting a week earlier.

Back on winners’ list ■ Kialla trainer Patrick Ryan made a welcome return to the winners list, when 4-Y-0 Yankee Paco/ Fulloninterest gelding Innocentbystander (first up for him) scored in the Tabcorp Park Melton Vicbred Trotters Mobile for T0 class over 2240 metres at Melton on Thursday.

Raced by Sheron Park Pty Ltd managed by Kevin Risely, Innocentbystander driven by John Justice possied beautifully one/one from outside the second line, enjoying the run of the race, with the well fancied Illcryifhewinds leading from gate six.

Eased three wide approaching the home turn, Innocentbystander raced clear on turning to win in a breeze over Dark Jasper (three back the markers) and Illcryifhewinds in a rate of 2-02.9.

Quinella ... almost!

■ Elmore's Neville Welsh almost snared the quinella in the Junction Tabaret 3-Y-0 Trotters Handicap over 2240 metres at Melton with Sans Frontiere and Wildenstein.

Sans Frontiere a Sundon/Sorry Hall gelding with Neville driving, led throughout from barrier four at Supertab odds of $16.10 to score from Enjoy Ish (one/one) and Wildenstein who was almost certain to finish second only for going off stride half way up the running and being restrained to a walk.

Both horses are raced by staunch stable client Graham Mulhall.

Three-wide solo, last lap ■ Kilmore pair Julie Mifsud (trainer) and Phillip Walters (driver) snared the Tabcorppark.com.au Claiming Pace over 2240 metres at Melton on Thursday with 7-Y-0 The Prowler/Too Hot To Handle entire Adistactos who ‘jumped out of the ground’ to record a form reversal.

Restrained to the tail of the field from outside the front row, Adistactos raced three wide solo for the last lap, before exploding away on straightening to defeat James Ryan which followed him home, with Will Of Iron third after facing the breeze. The mile rate 1-57.4.

This Week’s Meetings ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

Wednesday - Maryborough/Ballarat, Thursday - Melton/Ouyen@Mildura, Friday - Horsham/Melton, Saturday - Shepparton, Sunday - Boort (Cup), Monday - Warragul, Tuesday - Geelong.

Horses To Follow ■ Trappers Puzzle, Glenferrie Shuffle, Cyrus, Artoc, Heavyweight, Koowee Tooey, Stephen John.

Observer Racing Editor Ted Ryan presents his weekly round-up of the gallops on Page 56.

FIRST UP VICTORY FOR LYON

■ Popular Kyabram (Goulburn Valley) trainer Graham Lyon scored a first up stable victory with 7-Y-0 Our Sir Vancelot/ Glimpse gelding Sir Philo in the Santons Of Bendigo Pace for R2 to R4 class over 2150 metres at the Bendigo Restricted meeting on Monday March 5.

Having his first outing since October last year, Sir Philo coming off some terrific trials recently was given a lovely passage by Nathan Jack from gate two trailing the speedy mare Madam Altissimo drawn inside him.

Not bothering to use the sprint lane, Sir Philo was eased to the outside on the final bend, before coasting to the wire in defeating the leader by 4.2 metres unextended in a rate of 2-00 even, with George Samuel third off a three wide trail in the last lap.

Lightly raced, Sir Philo has recorded 3 wins and 1 placing from 16 race appearances.

Yes, yes!

■ The strangely named P Forty Seven/Sunset Hamilton gelding No No No No No landed the Alabar Bloodstrock 3-Y0 Pace over 2150 metres on debut.

Trained and driven by Avenel's David Aiken for Nicole Atkinson, No No No No No led throughout from the pole to score by a neck from the roughie Glasscutterspirit which trailed, moving outside him on turning and appearing to be going better, with Mosquito Master (four back the markers) an eye catching third.

The mile rate 1-59.8.

Apparently the horse is named after a catchphrase used regularly by Rugby commentator Phil Gould.

10th win ■ Ultra consistent 8-Y-0 Christian Cullen/ Smooth Asset mare Smooth Christian registered her 10th victory in 116 outings which include 34 placings, by taking the Evolve Accounting Pace for C1 class over 2150 metres in a rate of 2-00 even.

Trained and driven by Ardmona's Doc Wilson who produced the ‘drive of the day’, Smooth Christian from gate three possied three back along the markers, with Johny Rondo burning across the face of the field to lead from gate five.

Coming away from

Baker’s Delight

Harness Racing

Driving honours shared

Melbourne

Observer

len-baker@ bigpond.com

with Len Baker

the markers in the last lap to be one/one on the back of the favourite Our Puddy which had moved to race in the open for the final circuit, Smooth Christian ran home strongly on straightening to score from Our Puddy who battled into second, with Johny Rondo weakening for third.

Blitzed ‘em ■ Former top class filly Giggling Girl blitzed her rivals in the Schweppes Pace for C1 class over 2150 metres.

A 4-Y-0 daughter of Grinfromeartoear and Atomic Fusion trained by Peter Salathiel at Goornong assisted by daughter Katrina while Peter is recovering from a nasty trial accident, Giggling Girl driven by Brian Gath exploded away from gate five to lead throughout in accounting for the ex-Kiwi Please Dont Talk on debut in Australia which raced three wide for the final circuit.

Waterslide finished third after following the winner. The mile rate 159.2.

Delighted ■ Seven year old Fully Loaded/ReallyAnd Truly gelding Its His Fault registered his first success since January 2008, when victorious in the Decron Horse Care Pace for C0 class at Cranbourne on Tuesday, no doubt delighting owner Garry Rogers who races under the banner of Ulverstone.

Making only his 15th appearance at the races, Its His Fault trained locally at Longwarry by Michael Hughes and driven by Jodi Quinlan, enjoyed a sweet passage one/one from gate four, with the almost unbackable favourite Cold Major ($1.20) leading from the pole.

Sprinting sharply in the last lap, Its His Fault joined Cold Major ap-

Len Baker can be heard on Racing Review on 97.9.net 8pm-10pm Mondays proaching the home turn and the pair engaged in a two horse way all the way up the running, with Its His Fault prevailing by a nose in a rate of 2-05.2.

Cyclonedomic finished a further 10 metres away after trailing the leader.

Debut run ■ Art Major/Makin Faces gelding Artique snared the Warehouse Sales 2-Y-0 Pace over 1609 metres on debut for Drouin co-trainers Gary and Debbie Quinlan in 200.9.

Enjoying the run of the race from gate two trailing Magnum Express (gate three), Artique when eased away from the inside on straightening, finished strongly to gain the day in advance of Im Smouldering (one/three) off a three wide trail on the back of the third placegetter Mister Metro in the final circuit.

Long wait ■ Youthful Kilmore trainer Brett Chapman was in the winners stall at Cranbourne, when 8-Y0 Cam's Trickster/Paradaiso gelding Pomardi saluted the judge in the Sen Sportsentral Pace for C1 class over 2080 metres.

Driven by Robbie Walters, Pomardi from gate three was given the run of the race trailing the poleline pacemaker Rockn Katie, before easing wide on straightening and finishing best to score from Count Of Rowan (three back the markers) and Rockn Katie in a rate of 2-01.7.

It was Pomardi's first victory since December 2010 at Victor Harbor (SA).

■ A thrilling eight event harness card was held by the Nyah HRC on Wednesday, with the action on from start to finish in most races.

Three reinsmen - David Moran, Daryl Douglas and Shayne Cramp shared the driving honours on the night, each recording dual victories, as did trainers Wayne Lear, Glenn Douglas and Shayne Cramp.

Avenel based David Moran snared the book ends - first and last races starting off with Run Forrest in the Swan Hill Holden Pace for C1 class over 1765 metres.

Run Forrest, a 5-Y-0 Safely Kept/Macraysheezallthat gelding was sent forward immediately after the start from gate two on the second line to park outside the hot favourite Xavier Jack which was crossed by from the pole by the Lake Boga hope Sita Khan before moving around her shortly after.

Keeping the pressure on throughout the sprint affair, Run Forrest outstayed his rivals to claim Xavier Jack in the shadows of the post, with Sita Khan using the sprint lane for third. The mile rate 2-00.3.

The long wait in-between races was worthwhile when 4-Y-0 Nicholas Branach/Ramseys Best gelding Nics Best scored in the Swan Hill Holden Pace for C0 class also over 1765 metres.

Having his fourth outing at the races, Nics Best from inside the second line possied five back in the moving line, with Nolagalile a stablemate of Sita Khan leading from gate three.

Gaining a three wide trail on the back of the favourite So It Goes in the last lap, Nics Best swept to the front halfway up the running to score from Joan Margaret (one/one) and the fast finishing Fairhurst from nowhere after being shuffled back through the field when the pacemaker fainted in the last lap. The mile rate 2-02.9.

Brothers score double ■ The Douglas brothers double came about with two five year old geldings - Talk To The Hand in the Swan Hill Holden Used Cars Pace for C2 & C3 class over 2170 metres and Sunrose Don in the Swan Hill Holden Pace for C5 or better class over 2170 metres.

A son of Panorama and Mamore Ginger, Talk To The Hand (gate two on the second line) ran home strongly out wide off a three wide double trail from mid-field in the moving line to swamp his rivals in defeating Dakota Rebel (three wide at bell) and Our Flying Jazz which raced in the open from the bell in a rate of 2-01.1.

Nyah owner/breeder Robert Dacey's Sunrose Don (Peace Of Art/Kelise Lou), led throughout from gate two in accounting for Triple Vance which flew home off a three wide trail last lap and a deathseating Master Waratah in a rate of 2-00.9.

Scored by 6.1 metres ■ Mildura's Shayne Cramp fresh from being in Perth last Friday to witness Im Themightyquinn's Inter Dominion Grand Final, landed both SemiFinals of the time honoured Alabar Bloodstock Northern Region Championship for C1 & C2 class over 2170 metres with Maastricht and Jamies Boy. Maastricht, a 4-Y-0 daughter of Blissful Hall and Forest Glory, has been a revelation since coming to Sunraysia and first up since August, scored brilliantly in a rate of 2-02.1.

Settling three back in the moving line from gate two on the second line with the hot favourite Mad House leading from gate two, Maastricht raced three wide for the final circuit, before exploding to the front on straightening to score from Flip The Coin which raced in the open, giving Cramp the quinella, with Mad House weakening to finish third.

Four year old Washington Vc/Jamies Lass gelding Jamies Boy was ultra impressive in bringing up his 7th victory in 16 outings.

Surging to the front on the home turn, Shiro was tackled by Jamies Boy who raced clear shortly after to score by 6.1 metres in 1-59.7 from La Moray.

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, March 14, 2012 - Page 57

Antiques and Collectables

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Page 58 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Melbourne

Observer Victorian Sport

CONFUSION AFTER 73 YEARS IN THE GAME

■ I’m confused about the latest AFL releases on injuries, speed of the game, players’ fatigue factor and the best interchange bench model to benefit our game and players longevity.

The clubs, coaches, commentators and players are also confused as to the best approach.

I’ve been involved with VFL/AFL since 1939 when aged 12 I was picked in the Victorian State Schoolboys U14 team to play WA so I suppose I can boast 73 years continuous involvement in our great game.

I’ve always loved it.

I’ve seen changes to the style of play, the growth of the controlling Administration at the top AFL level down through their clubs, coaching and football specialists departments and ‘committees’, players and their payments and welfare, media, sponsors and the AFL’s involvement, at all levels with Governments, communities, women’s affairs and development of juniors and in particular our indigenous brothers into our elite ranks.

I quote ‘committees’ because every person who is elevated to this position feels it is their duty to contribute with some advice or an idea from ‘leftfield’ to either hold their place or if being paid to hold their job.

So we can be inundated with a host of ideas deserved to be trialled.

Perhaps this is timely for me to quote two ‘isms’.

“There are lies, lies, lies and statistics and then, There is statistics versus evidence.

AFL don’t get weighed down with ‘statistics against the hard evidence’.

And ‘if it ain’t broke don’t try to fix it’.

Read the AFL media releases and some of the reactions and see if you can fathom the correct answers to my opening paragraph confusion.

Andrew D has requested we come up with a ‘title for the local Sydney Derby between the Sydney Swans and the GWS Giants’.

I think Kevin Sheedy has hit the bullseye with his ‘Battle of the Bridges’.

It has so many natural connotations to develop such as the ‘beauty, serenity, delight of the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House matched against the Anzac Bridge with the fighting spirit of our famous ‘Diggers’ of past wars and the workers of the West’.

But a couple more ‘Sydney Skirmish 1’, ‘Sydney Stoush’ and ‘East v West’. But stick with The Bridges!

The AFL’s media release

■ The AFL's annual injury survey has showed that injury rates in 2011 saw a marked change in the types of injuries sustained in AFL competition.

The trends in both injury incidence and prevalence remained in line with 2010 results but the 2011 year saw a statistically significant fall in hamstring injuries and all leg muscle strains, matched by an increase in the incidence of PCL knee injuries and concussion.

In 2011, revised concussion management guidelines strengthened a more conservative clinical approach and this was supported by the AFL. The AFL injury survey, which was completed for the 20th consecutive year in 2011, was released after being presented to the AFL Medical Officers' Association.

Harry Beitzel www.squidoo.com/harrybeitzel Report authors Dr Hugh Seward and Associate Professor John Orchard reported that the overall incidence of injury decreased while a rise in the prevalence of injuries was largely attributed to higher than usual rates of knee ACL injures and fractures, which are all accompanied by long periods of absence for each injury.

Hamstring strains, which have always been the most common injury in the game at the elite level, were at their lowest point in a decade in 2011, the report stated.

“Both the total incidence of hamstring injuries, which is new and recurrent injuries combined, and the figures for recurrence rates, were at their lowest rates in 2011 for the 20-year history of the survey.

“Groin injuries, which are the other major soft tissue injury, were also at a historically low level in 2011.”

Dr Seward and Associate Professor Orchard said it was their view that it was too early to declare that the change last year to the interchange bench of the substitute rule (three interchange players and one substitute player) had contributed to this change in results for strain injuries, but the evidence suggested there could be some association.

“The 2011 GPS report show that average player speed and time spent at the highest speeds both decreased in 2011 for the first time in several years, which was pleasing in the context of reducing the risk of injury.

“Ongoing assessment of injury rates in 2012 will allow for further analysis to be performed.” AFL General Manager Football Operations Adrian Anderson said he wished to thank Dr Seward and Associate Professor Orchard for their work, and in particular thank all clubs for their involvement in producing the survey data.

Mr Anderson said the AFL would continue to examine all aspects of player safety, in a bid to reduce injury rates and to keep players on the ground.

"The Injury Survey has played a pivotal role in guiding the AFL Research Board to commission and fund projects that further investigate injuries.

"The AFL has also demonstrated a willingness to consider and implement rule changes where necessary to improve player safety," he said. \ The 2011 injury survey again con-

firmed the most severe injury in terms of games missed remains the Knee ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament) tear, with higher rates in 2011 compared to recent years.

Shoulder injuries further increased in 2011, following a long upward trend.

“There has been a parallel longterm upward trend in the numbers of tackles per team per game and the increased incidence of shoulder injuries correlates very highly with the numbers of tackles.

“There has been a global shift to a more conservative approach to concussion management, which may have led to a more cautious decision about allowing a player to return to play the week after injury,” the report said.

Swimming in the NSW publicity ■ The AFL has enjoyed a plethora of publicity of late here in Sydney.

The boss, Andrew D, spent time in the Harbour City last week hosing down the other three football, the two Rugbys and Soccer, codes fears we are not taking over their territory and there is room for us all.

It started with a ‘one on one’, no holds barred interview with the Daily Telegraph’s ‘Sports Editor at large’, the highly respected Phil Rothfield.

It ended with obvious mutual respect.

Every day AFL featured in the Sport section culminating on Saturday with the page 34 Editorial lead header, “It’s not Sheeds who’s the problem”.

I quote parts: “The legendary (US) football coach Bill Shankly famously observed. ”Some people feel football is a matter of life and death, I am very disappointed with that attitude. I can assure you it is much, much more than that.”

“The future of each code (NRL and AFL in Western Sydney) will be determined on who wins on this battlefield.

“The AFL has always struggled to gain support it has sought in Sydney, especially in the west. The Swans have attracted a largely eastern suburbs and north shore following ..... (for 30 years on their own hard work. HB) “Andrew Demetriou’s response to this is to unleash its primary weapon right on league’s front doorstep. A weapon by the name of Kevin Sheedy.“... league loyalists have been

quick to cry this is a struggle for the game’s very survival.

But this fight does not have to be a fight to the death, and nor should it.

Western Sydney is more than big enough for both codes and will benefit enormously from the competition between them.

“The problem for the NRL is not the AFL incursion per se, it is the fact the AFL has a 20-year-plan while the NRL often seems to have a one-year plan.

“While the NRL is getting ready for the next season, the AFL is getting ready for the next generation.”

Also on Saturday was a double page spread, in-depth analysis titled ‘Storming the Western Front’.

It was designed and written on the theme of War and the Battlefield. Andrew Hill who was ‘head-hunted’ from football manager at Parramatta Eels to be GM Community and Development when GWS was started in 2010 but now wooed back by David Gallop to League put the NRL case and Sheedy was quoted for the AFL. The comments from Phil Gould, the legendary controversial, champion of all things NRL were most pertinent.

He criticised the apathy of the NRL in not taking the fight to the AFL and allowing the ‘enemy to not only get a foothold but to be seen ‘furiously digging trenches and bringing in the ammunition for the big-guns to fire on and takeover our land’.

NRL is well entrenched in the West boasting four NRL teams, Penrith, Canterbury, Parramatta and West Tigers with a total membership 40,228 (av 10.000 each) to AFL’s GWS 7,000 members (but they beat GCSuns on Saturday); plus 21,137 school participants to AFL’s 13,682 (was 1,460 in 2005), 97 junior clubs with 25,000 participants to AFL’s 28 Clubs but 11,583 in the Junior Auskick program.

It’s all about troops, guns, battlefields, winning ground.

This is the media painting the picture, stamping its imprimatur on the WAR theme as it is here to stay.

(Andrew D: this is why I say go for ‘The Battle of the Bridges’ title for the Swans v Giants Derby.)

Like the ‘marketing man’ spruiks “...but there’s more!” and there was – a full inside backpage Rebecca Wilson column on you Andrew D coming forth to Sydney, quote:”... all sweetness and light when he paid tribute to the NRL’s dominance in the west of Sydney this week.

A day later, the smiling assassin struck.” The article was about you poaching Carmichael Hunt and Israel Folau from NRL, paying them millions when they will never be AFL champions and heaping a further disgusting $600,000-800,000 a year to Issy to continue to promote GWS in the west.

In my view the most important article, including the unprecedented Editorial, was on page 9 under the banner: CHICK, BOOM “How AFL

woos women to win the west” by Neil Cordy.

In the ‘factbox’ the AFL’s Female Push claims: 40 per cent of 650,000 members are female; 41 per cent of 7 million Game-Day attendees are female (I estimated a similar percentage figure in an Australia Day speech for Australian Natives Association way back in 1967!); 43 per cent of TV audience are female; 98,230 females are now playing Australian football; 30,524 girls are participating in Auskick.

What a guarantee future for our game having the women, mothers pushing our game.

To round off last Saturday’s publicity splurge let me quote from the final paragraphs:”We’re here forever.

This is generational what we are trying to achieve and Sydney’s west is number one priority in the AFL” says GWS boss David Matthews, Andrew D’s “Mr Magic – just Fix-it man” And the final par: “The Big Sell” is still on Sheedy’s mind. At a seminar of local businesses at Homebush this week he broke up the room when he told them this. “Well, at least we came up the Parammatta River, Captain Cook never did. He missed the turn. We didn’t!”

I’ll write about my NAB Cup summary later in the week at the website but for now congratulations to next Saturday nights Grand Finalists in the much improved Adelaide Crows and WCE to be played at AAMI.

NAB Cup TV special on Seven

■ Channel Seven will televise an exclusive behind-the-scenes documentary with unprecedented access on the epic 2011 AFL Grand Final following the NAB Cup Grand Final on Saturday (March 17).

The one-hour documentary – entitled Two Hours – captures Mick Malthouse’s extraordinary and emotional pre-match address which will get the hair on the back of every footy fan’s neck standing up.

It tells the stories behind the game featuring interviews with Collingwood coach Mick Malthouse and Geelong coach Chris Scott, as well as raw interviews with several players including Geelong captain Cameron Ling, Collingwood captain Nick Maxwell, Steve Johnson, Chris Dawes, Matthew Scarlett, Tom Lonergan, Jimmy Bartel and James Podsiadly.

Steve Johnson, who was famously in doubt for the match with a ‘wrenched’ knee, candidly reveals the challenges he went through to play in this Grand Final, even concealing the extent of his injury from teammates.

When several players arrived at Johnson’s house in the lead-up to the match, Johnson hid the fact he was icing his knee.

“I had this blow-up ice thing on my knee and I just whipped that straight off and quickly hid it in the corner and answered the door,” he says.

Premiership winning Geelong captain and now Channel 7 AFL commentator Cameron Ling says: “Those two hours on Grand Final day changes so many people’s lives.”

AFL Media producer Peter Dickson was granted unparalleled access behind the scenes during the Grand Final and he spent several months interviewing players and coaches involved.

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, March 14, 2012 - Page 59

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

EDITOR’S CHOICE

Melbourne Observer Editor Ash Long offers his selections to best businesses around town. These people enjoy reputations for top service.

BIN HIRE

CAKES, BAKERY

BRIDGE BIN HIRE

693 Mountain Hwy, Bayswater 3153

2 Metre Bins, up to 12 Metre Bins Plus Bobcat Hire Contact Andrew Stewart bridgebins@gmail.com.au

0459 274 296 RADIO STATIONS THE GREAT MUSIC OF THE ‘30s TO ‘60s Streaming through the Web goldendaysradio. com PHONE: 9572 1466

Brian Smith

BAYSWATER CAKE KITCHEN

www.bayswatercake.com.au All Cakes and Pastries Designed and Cooked on the Premises

Registered Civil Celebrant Weddings, Funerals Special Events, MC

CELEBRATION & NOVETY CAKES PIES, PASTRIES & SAUSAGE ROLLS SANDWICH PLATTERS WEDDINGS & PARTIES CATERED FOR

John Parsons PROPRIETOR Office: 9720 3800

FUNERALS

CELEBRANTS

Tel: 9729 6904

0412 427 247

Fax: 9720 3700 Email: bayswatercakes@i.net.au

146 ARGUS ST, CHELTENHAM VIC 3192 TEL: 9585 2822 F AX: 9585 2422

SHOES

SPECIAL OFFER

Wide Shoes

Don’t miss a single issue in 2012

AAAA (SS), AAA (S), AA (N), B (M), C (W), D, EE (WW), US SIZES 2-14

Get More At Gilmours!

Glen Huntly, West Heidelberg & Ringwood. 1-800 819 936!

LIMITED OFFER! You can have 45 editions of the Melbourne Observer newspaper delivered to your home for just $99 pre-paid.

The regular subscription price is $228, so you save $129. You can pre-pay by cheque, Money Order or Card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express). Phone our office on 1-800 231 311, or mail to Melbourne Observer Subs, PO Box 1278, Research, Vic 3095.

ADVERTISER OF THE WEEK

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Page 60 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Sea Change, Safety Cove, Tasmania Amazing Tasmanian Holiday Experiences

BOOK ONLINE NOW! One of Tasmania's best waterfront location for accommodation Adjacent to the pristine Safety Cove Beach with magnificent views of Tasman Island and the highest sea cliffs in the southern hemisphere

Sea Change Safety Cove 425 Safety Cove Rd, Port Arthur, Tas 7182 Ph/Fax (03) 6250 2719 www.safetycove.com E-Mail: safetycove@ bigpond.com