Melbourne Observer. 120829A. August 29, 2012. Part A.. Pages 1-16

Melbourne

Observer

TOP VALUE

WIN FREE TICKETS, DVDs

$1 LONG WAY TO THE TOP 95

64 PAGES

10TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR READER COMPETITION COUPON: P15

NEWS ★ SHOWBIZ ★ LIFESTYLE ★ TRAVEL ★ FEATURES ★ BARGAINS ★ SPORT

FIONA BYRNE QUITS Page 11

Melbourne

Observer $1 HINCH AXED

7-Day Liftout

95

STATE EDITION Vol 44 No 1484 SERVING VICTORIA SINCE 1969

Ph 1-800 231 311 Fx 1-800 231 312

LARGE PRINT TV GUIDE

NOW ONLY

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 29, 2012

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

JOHN-MICHAEL BEATS RADIO BAN

■ Broadcaster John-Michael Howson refuses to be silenced after 3AW suspended him for four weeks.

Howson will cohost the morning program at 3RPP 98.7FM tomorrow (Thurs.) with Bob Phillips and Judy Banks.

Full details on ● John-Michael Page 11.

Howson

BACK ON THE RADIO

Phil’s Affordable Barra Tours

Page 3

FOOTY WEEK LATEST

‘We guarantee never to be undersold on any comparable Barra fishing deal’

Phone: 0404 485 006 www.barratours.com.au Turn To Page 27

Page 62

‘I AM IN SHOCK’ SAYS DERRYN PHOTO: ASH LONG

Melbourne

Observer ISSN 1447 4611

$1.95

including GST

■ Radio station 3AW this week axed Derryn Hinch after 10 years in the ‘Drive’ program. Hinch, pictured with wife Chanel, this year won back the No 1 spot, ratings-wise. He is expected to be replaced, at least in the short term, by Tom Elliott. 3AW management says it will be taking the station in a different direction.

Observer Editor Ash Long has the full story on Page 12.

PHONE 0418 883 335 See our ad on P17

IVANHOE CYCLES FREE SIGMA COMPUTER*

9490 5251 ivanhoecycles.com.au * See our ad on Page 2

A BOOK ABOUT YOUR LIFE - SEE PAGE 21

Page 2 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, August 29, 2012

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, August 29, 2012 - Page 3

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

City Desk

Melbourne

Observer

The hottest news about Melbourne’s A-listers

The Buzz

Barassi in rehearsals

To London

● Steve Bastoni

● Marney McQueen ■ Melbourne entertainer Marney McQueen will be performing in London this weekend.

McQueen will present her She’s A Rump Steak At a Vegan Barbecue show at The Pheasantry

Off The Leash

● Debra Lawrence ■ Actors Debra Lawrance and Dennis Coard will take part in the dramatic reading of Jeannie Haughton’s short work, On Waking, on September 19 after Off The Leash Theatre’s AGM at 7:30 pm in the West Gipplsand Arts Centre meeting room, Warragul.

Visit to Max ■ Show business world veterans Pete Smith, Ted Ryan and Philip Ryan paid a visit to former Channel 9 and 10 executive Max Stuart yesterday (Tues.) who is living in care at Kyneton.

■ The cast of the new Australian stage play Barassi has begun rehearsals.

Steve Bastoni takes on the role of the legendary coach whilst Chris Asimos plays the young Barassi.

Matt Parkinson creates the role of coach and mentor Norm Smith, with Jane Clifton in the central role of narrator.

They are joined by Richard Sullivan, Amanda Labonte, Glenn Maynard and Russell Robertson.

The show opens at the Athenaeum on September 20.

GUESS WHO IS BACK ON RADIO

● Glenn Ridge

■ Glenn Ridge will return to Melbourne radio from next week, hosting the 9am-Noon weekday program on MyMP 1377.

Ridge will present a daily threehour program combining MyMP’s easy listening music playlist, combined with lifestyle segments featuring entertainment news, and a guide on places to go around Melbourne.

Ridge was most recently heard on the same frequency, as part of the Melbourne Talk Radio - MTR 1377 experiment. Ridge had weekday and weekend programs.

Ridge, 56, is also well-known as having been the host of Sale Of The Century on the Nine Network. He is Managing Director of the Q Media Group, which produces TV specials and documentaries.

The National Road Transport Hall of Fame inducted five Victorians ★ at a ceremony at Alice Springs on Saturday. They are Alison Coop, Forest Hill; Graeme Dyer, Sale; Carl Douglas, Airport West; Vincent Monahan, Larpent; and Mick Best, Mulgrave.

Phil Ah Wang has been nominated for a ‘Deadly’Award for the best indigenous Australian for activities run at the Victorian Aboriginal ChildcareAgency.

Radio broadcaster Derryn Hinch will next month hear the outcome of a Magistrates’ Court case in which he is objecting to a $155 fine for failing to vote in an election. The charge was brought by the Victorian Electoral Commission on Friday afternoon.

The Australia Israel Cultural Exchange and Palace Cinemas have announce Evgenia Dodina as the special guest of the 2012 AICE Israeli Film Festival. She will participate in a Q&A discussing the film and Israel’s film culture at Palace Cinema Como on Friday night (8.45pm), as well as introducing the film at Palace Brighton Bay at 5pm Saturday.

★ ★ ★

On Friday night at Palace Cinema Como, on Saturday and Palace Brighton Bay.

Clyde Simpson remembered ■ Melbourne radio man Clyde Simpson’s start in show business, as a movie projectionist, was remembered at a memorial service held at St SilasAnglican Church,Albert Park last week.

Tributes were offered by 96.5 Inner FM colleague, Kevin Trask ;and Shane Healy, General Manager of 3AW. Seen in attendance at the service led by Fr Ray McGuinness were Bruce Mansfield, Philip Brady, Wayne Browne, David Mann, Dean Reynolds, Peter O’Callaghan, Derryn Hinch, Gary and Joan Mac, Neil Mitchell, Bill Armstrong, John Veritgan and Graham Mott.

● Clyde Simpson

Other mourners included Billy Pennell, Bill Duff, Clark Fobesm Darren James and Michael James, Gerald Quigley, Karl Van Est, Fr Gerard Dowling, Denis O’Kane, Tony Tardio and Pat Panetta.

Amongst the hundreds in attendance were Clyde’s advertising clients, staff of 3AW and EON-FM (MMM-FM), his colleagues from community station 96.5 Inner FM, and the entertainment industry.

Atop the coffin were a ribbon microphone and a projector.

The grandchildren of Clyde and Nola Simpson kept alive a theatre tradsition by handing out bags of Jaffas at the conclusion of the service.

Under The Clocks Happy birthday to Kevin Trask ■ Melbourne Observer columnist Kevin Trask celebrates his 70th birthday this week, joining friends for a party.

Kevin has had a lifelong interest in show business, starting as a boy attending Saturday afternoon movies in Coburg, auditioning as a singer on 3XY’s early Saturday morning talent show, working as an actor and a director, and hosting the That’s Entertainment radio program on 96.5 Inner FM for the past 21 years.

Kevin appears with Bruce Mansfield and Philip Brady on 3AW, and also has weekly spots on 4BC Brisbane.

● Kevin Trask

Salvation Jane at Surrey Music Cafe

● Salvation Jane’s Tess Lewis (left), Penny Larkins, Jenny Szery, Anna Fletcher and Rose Sexton will launch their new CD at the Surrey Music Café on August 31.

■ The next Surrey Music Café on Friday (August 31) at 8pm features vocal group Salvation Jane and percussion duo Invention In Time.

Salvation Jane, a favourite vocal group of five women, is reunited in harmony with a new CD to launch – Something Old, Something New. The group burst onto the Australian music scene in the early 1990s, primarily focussing on a cappella bluegrass gospel.

With stunning harmonies and powerful vocals, they toured the UK and New Zealand, finally bidding farewell to their fans in 1996.

Returning with many of the songs that people love to hear, as well as new material, Salvation Jane will present a wide range of styles and collection of instruments with a touch of humour.

Invention In Time features percussionists Kate Adam and Ariel Valent on marimba and vibraphone, presenting an exciting visual musical experience.

Invention In Time specialises in creating intricate soundscape compositions that encapsulate the listener, with influences from world music and jazz, taking the audience on a journey of stimulating original music.

Venue: Box Hill Community Arts Centre, 470 Station St, Box Hill.

Date: Friday, August 31 at 8 pm, doors open at 7.30pm.

Tickets: $18.Bookings: Whitehorse Centre 9262 6555 or online www.surreymusic.com

What’s On In Melbourne

Fed Square’s car park rooftop was yesterday (Tues.) transformed ★ into a vibrant vegie garden to promote the benefits of one of Australia’s most favourite past times. Taxi Dining Room Executive Chef, Tony Twitchett had produce on show.

Enthusiast Ron Smith is making a free e-book about vegie growing available for children. To obtain a copy, e-mail simplygreen@ thelittlegreenbooks.com.au Victorian Opera soprano Tiffany Speight will perform at the Artists For Orphans fundraiser at The Elms Room, Kyneton Racing Club, on a night that includes an art auction, advises Roni Wildboer, phone 0424 938 931. www.trycooking.com/31455

★ ★

Page 4 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, August 29, 2012

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Mark Richardson ♥ Straight from the heart

E-Mail: mark@localmedia.com.au

HOPE UNVEILED IN MELBOURNE

■ Many of Australia's influential 'role models' including the likes of Ricky Ponting, Tommy Hafey, Delta Goodrem and our most recently named Melburnian of The Year, Michael Gudinski, all rose to the occasion by pledging their support at the National Institute of Integrative Medicine's (NIIM) inaugural 'Role Models' fundraising event in Melbourne Aug 16).

Following the highly engaging personal discussion and debates on relevant and topical issues moderated by Jana Wendt, it was announced that former owner of Sportsgirl and philanthropist, David Bardas, donated $400,000 to aid in the ever-increasing need for more evidence-based treatments and much-needed equipment for the treatment of cancer and other chronic illnesses.

The founding director of NIIM, Professor Avni Sali, believes the ongoing support and input from many Australians, such as David, will help ease the problem that affects a high proportion of our community including claiming the lives of people every day and stalling the careers of some of our celebrities including Kylie Minogue, Delta Goodrem, Derryn Hinch and Michael Douglas.

I was invited to interview Professor Avni Sali, who together with his highly skilled team retains a great passion for clinical research; with a strong focus in chemo-radiation

Contemplative Porch Thoughts therapy. From his early years in medicine, Professor Sali looked beyond the parameters of mainstream medicine to a model integrating safe and effective complementary medicines with orthodox medicine, incorporating the philosophy of a preventive approach to healthcare, with the patient as an active participant in their own healing.

Often referred to as the 'founding father' of integrative medicine in Australia, Professor Sali's expertise spans academia; medical practice including surgery, medical author, and research.

NIIM works to raise awareness of the role of integrative medicine in medical practice and public health and brings together practice, education, and research of integrative medicine all under the one roof in Hawthorn, and with the generosity of David Bardas and our influential 'Role Models', Australia's first Hyperthermia System will be unveiled in Melbourne today.

When did your interest in a more integrative approach to medicine begin?

I think even as a child, I was al-

ways interested in 'why' things happened. As a medical student it felt natural for me to look beyond the confines of the curriculum and explore other ways to approach medicine. When I see a patient for the first time I will spend 2-3 hours with them. I always like to find out 'why' their illness has happened.

You have an impressive CV with decades of work in this field of medicine. What inspires you to keep going?

Despite a recent negative movement against the education and practice of complementary medicine, the need for co-existence between conventional and complementary medicine is imperative. Given the advances in scientific evidence and the public interest in complementary medicine with many doctors seeking more natural treatment options for their patients, I have no doubt integrative medicine is the way forward for medicine.

Why is integrative medicine becoming so popular?

Australians widely embrace complementary medicines and therapies with seventy per cent using some form of complementary medicine. We are a well-informed public looking beyond the prescription book for answers to health issues. The 'integrative medicine' approach is the medical model for the future - but it is happening here and now, in response to the demands of the public.

So what is integrative medicine?

It is about combining the best of both worlds. Keeping in mind it is about safe, evidence-based complementary medicine. It is a whole person approach encompassing the mind and body. This approach also involves the patient in being an integral part of their own healing process.

What types of patients do you treat?

My focus is on chronic illness or persistent illnesses - the areas that really challenge prescription-based medicine. I mainly see cancer patients who are seeking a broader treatment approach to their illness.

It's about providing the best treatment options for that particular individual with their own particular health issue and encouraging them to be an active participant in their health. A high percentage of cancer patients explore the use of complementary medicines and therapies along with their conventional cancer treatment.

● Professor Avni Sali Why is this approach better for the patient?

Healthy cancer patients do better than unhealthy cancer patients so it's important to make them as healthy as possible and that is not always acknowledged in the traditional oncology world. They don't talk about diet and lifestyle.

What can people do to prevent chronic illness?

Science now strongly supports the fact that there are many factors leading up to an illness - this takes in the mind and the body. Importantly you must look at what's going on in your life such as the food you are eating, how much exercise you do, the amount of sunlight exposure and how you are dealing with stress.

Making adjustments in these areas have been shown to have huge impact on prevention, treatment and recovery.

What is The NIIM 2012 Hyper● David Bardas thermia Study?

We encourage readers to get to This TGA-approved trial will examine the effects of Hyperthermia know our work through our website as an adjunctive cancer treatment and also by booking into one of our on patients in Australia alongside Integrative Healthchecks - the best therapies such as chemotherapy and indicator on the status of your health.

What is your 'Porch' Thought radiotherapy. We anticipate replicating the high success rates of previ- of the Day? Contemplation. We live in a deous studies with minimal risk, thereby pioneering another tool in the manding society leading to us being time poor. Technology distracts us battle against cancer.

Acquiring equipment such as the we are never able to switch off. Quiet Morestep NRL-003 Hyperthermia contemplation time is essential to System is very significant for the allow our bodies to find that off advancement of our work. We could switch - even for a few minutes. not have done this without the gen- Meditation allows our bodies recoverosity of David Bardas and the ery time.

- Mark Richardson Bardas Family Foundation.

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au Melbourne

Observer

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, August 29, 2012 - Page 5

Breaking News

It’s All About You!

Melbourne

SEX OFFENDER DENIED Observer CASH AFTER JAIL BASHING In This 64-Page Edition

Norma revisits bronze age

● Norma Redpath at Mercy Place, East Melbourne. . Photo: Jaclyn Bond Jasmeet Sidu, Lifestyle Coordinator at ■ Renowned Melbourne artist and aged care resident Norma Redpath revisited the Mercy Place East Melbourne, said of the excursion “We’re so proud of Norma, she has bronze age this week.

Sculptor Norma Redpath OBE, a resident achieved some amazing things in her life and of Mercy Place East Melbourne, accompa- it’s an honour to be able to take this journey nied by staff of the aged care residence, re- with her.”

Norma was born in Melbourne and studvisited one of her most iconic sculptures - the coat of arms adorning the entry arch of the ied at Swinburne Technical College and RMIT. National Gallery of Victoria.

In the 1950s she undertook studies at Throughout her illustrious career, Norma received several commissions in Australia, Perugia in Italy and travelled extensively including bronze reliefs for BP offices in throughout Europe.

Her early work attracted attention at the Melbourne and Westernport in 1964; and the Treasury Fountain, Canberra, 1965 to 1969. Centre Five exhibitions and at the annual exNorma also provided broze work for the Vic- hibitions of the Victorian Sculptors' Associatorian State Coat of Arms for the façade of tion, of which she was a council member and the National Gallery of Victoria, 1968; the Vice-President.

In 1970 Norma was awarded OBE - Order Sydney Rubbo Memorial at the University of Melbourne, 1970 to 1974; and the Higuchi of the British Empire - for her contribution to Sculpture at Monash University, 1971 to the development of Australian sculpture.

- Jaclyn Bond 1972.

Mike McColl Jones

Top 5 THE TOP 5 COMMENTS HEARD WHEN PRINCE HARRY SHOWED OFF THE ‘ROYAL JEWELS’ IN LAS VEGAS. 5. "Now, that's what I call a Royal Flash!"

4. "That reminds me. Would someone ring room service and order some hot dogs!

3. "I've never heard language like it!

Harry, your Nana is on the phone" 2. "Watch out for the billiard cue ... er ... it isn't a billiard cue?”

1. "Harry, your Grandfather is on the phone.

He wants to know the room number!"

■ Convicted sex offender Peter Comfort has been denied a damages payout after he was assaulted in prison.

Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal Senior Member Ian Proctor affirmed a decision by the Victims of Crime Assistance Tribunal to pay compensation related to his medical expenses.

“I do not consider Mr Comfort to be an appropriate recipient of a symbolic expression by the State of the community’s sympathy by way of an award of special financial assistance,” Mr Proctor said.

The Tribunal heard that Comfort’s nose was broken after a dispute with two cellmates about the volume on the television in the prison cell.

Comfort received medical advice that if his breathing is to be improved his nose will need to be re-broken and reset.

Comfort had been convicted of sexual pentration of a child under 16 years (she was 14) which he described as “the stupidest thing I’ve ever done”.

Comfort had prior convictions for theft of a motor vehicle, threat to inflict serious injury, unlawful assault, and wilfully injure property.

City Desk: Melbourne’s A-Listers ........... Page 3 Mark Richardson: Straight from heart ... Page 4 Melbourne People: Been and Seen ........ Page 6 News: Lawyer wants to change plea ....... Page 9 Di Rolle: I Love My Job ...................... Page 10 Melb. Confidential: Priceless gossip ..... Page 11 Long Shots: Colourful characters ......... Page 12 Extra: Kevin Trask’s profiles ............... Page 14 Readers’ Club: Comp. entry coupon ..... Page 15 TV Times: 8-page liftout ............. starts Page 27 Sulky Snippets: Len Baker reports ....... Page 59 Movies, DVDs Local Theatre TV, Radio Latest Mega Crosswords

Observer Showbiz

Latest News Flashes Around Victoria

6 years jail for sex crime ■ A registered Ballarat sex offender has been jailed for more than six years after he had a sexual relationship with a 15-year-old boy, reports The Courier. The man cannot be named for legal reasons. He pleaded guilty to eight charges.

Messy love triangle ■ A messy love triangle which led to a bashing at a Warrnambool bakery has resulted in four friends being assessed to serve time in youth detention, reports The Standard. Five mates, David Jayden Debono, Joshua Craig Edwards, Brandon William Everard, Levi Gordon Geebung and Wade Ashley Paton, leaded guilty in Warrnambool County Court to aggravated burglary and assault.

Page 6 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Melbourne wins Culinary Charity Challenge ■ Di Rolle (Page 10) reports that Melbourne won its night against Sydney in the 2012 Culinary Charity Challenge at the Palladium at Crown.

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

People Melbourne

Send news to editor@melbourneobserver.com.au

● Quentin Ready and Penelope Clark

● Andrew McConnell and MC Geoff Jantz.

Fax: 1-800 231 312

● Terry Durack and Lisa Hudson

● Dr Tim Ryan with Rebecca Johnston

● Jill Dupleix and Joanna Saville

● Roisen Bettany and Isobelle Landigan

● Nathan Herman and Rachel Buckley

● Dr Andrea Gogos and husband Yure Arambasic

● Susan Sangster with Dr Henry De Aizpurua

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, August 29, 2012 - Page 7

Page 8 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, August 29, 2012

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, August 29, 2012 - Page 9

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au Melbourne

Observer

Breaking News

LAWYER MAY NOT CHANGE GUILTY PLEA Briefs

‘Shire’ man charged

Seriously

■ A cast member of The Shire (Ten Network) has been charged following an alleged homophobic attack in Surry Hills late last week that also involved two other cast members.

The Sydney Morning Herald reports Daniel ‘Folkesy’ Folkes, 24, was arrested shortly before midnight after allegedly urinating on a man while the two other cast members, aged 27 and 28, are accused of abusing him with homophobic insults.

● Lachlan Murdoch ■ US showbiz newspaper, The Hollywood Reporter, is linking the Ten Network’s programming failures to directorn Lachlan Murdoch, after the ‘resignation’ of David Mott. Murdoch’s wife, Sarah, was host of the flop, Everybody Dance Now..

3AW row

■ Victorian lawyer Robert Vincent Booth has been refused permission to change his guilty plea in a ‘professional misconduct’ case. Booth says the guilty plea was made when he had a “mental block”.

Booth is facing disciplinary charges brought by Legal Services Commissioner Michael McGarvie.

Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal Member Gerard Butcher says he is satisfied that Booth’s change of heart regarding the plea was being made because Mr McGarvie “intends to seek an order that Mr Booth be suspended from practice”.

Collapse ■ The 148 creditors of Kala Homes are unlikely to receive a cent of the $1.6 million owed to home, reports the Geelong Advertiser newspaper.

Tickets, DVDs

Classic hits Long Way To The Top 10th Anniversary

Misconduct charges “I am not satisfied that Mr Booth suffered a mental block which caused him to plead guilty to the charges.”

Mr Butcher said Booth had pleaded guilty last October to 14 charges of professional misconduct. Witnesses were excused, and Booth gave sworn evidence.

Mr Butcher said that Booth , represented by counsel Mr S Warne, applied to change his plea to not guilty, and to resile from admissions.

Booth had submitted: “I pleaded guilty because I wanted an end to the investigatioins and the prosecutions which they engendered.

Experienced

● Steve Vizard ■ 3AW presenters Neil Mitchell and Derryn Hinch are objecting to ex-MTR host Steve Vizard being appointed to fill in for Denis Walter when he takes leave next month. Mitchell and Hinch appear to believe that presenters, not management, run their radio station.

WIN! WIN! WIN!

“At this point I had never sought legal or other advice in relation to the issues raised by the investigations or in relation to the prosecution.”

Mr Butcher said: “Mr Booth is a legal practitioner of considerable experience and is a person who one would expect to be fully cognisant of the legal and factual issues involved.”

A further date was ordered to be set for the hearing of submissions.

● Doug Meares and Mike Symmons Photo: Malcolm Threadgold ■ Doug Meates (left) and Mike Symmons will join fellow members of the Bayside Car Enthusiasts to display their vehicles at the Classic Car Day being presented on Sunday, September 9 from 10am-2pm at historic Black Rock House, 34 Ebden Ave, Black Rock.

Enjoy live music from the band The Good Times Roll and a fund-raising sausage-sizzle provided by the Brighton Lions Club.

Free entry. Enquiries: 0438 141 389 www.blackrockhouse.org.au

The Melbourne Observer has FOUR ‘Long Way To The Top 10th Anniversary’ gift packs to be won by lucky readers.

Each gift pack includes: ★ A free double pass to the “10th Anniversary of the Long Way To The Top’ show at 7.30pm, Friday, October 5 at the Rod Laver Arena ★ A Special Edition 3 Disc Set - CD/DVD. Billy Thorpe and The Anztecs, Col Joye, Lucky Starr, Little Pattie, Spectrum, Axiom, Brian Cadd, Marcia Hines, John Paul Young, Russell Morris, Masters Apprentices, Max Merritt, Glenn Shorrock, The Twilights, Chain, Doug Parkinson, Dinah Lee, Lobby Loyde. And Much More.

To enter, complete and send in the entry form, on Page 15.

ASTOR THEATRE Your Melbourne Observer SAVED: LOCAL CR Home Delivered

■ St Kilda’s historic Astor Theatre has been saved, being bought by Ralph Taranto, 80 “St Michael ‘sSchool has sold the Astor Theatre to a passionate cinema owner,” Cr Serge Thomann announced on social media.

“The new owner will give the old lady the touch up she needs to be beautiful again and George Florence will remain at the cin-

For A Year - For Just $99

Anywhere in Australia - delivered by Aust. Post The best way to secure your weekly copy of the Melbourne Observer is to pick-up your copy at your local Victorian newsagent - it’s only $1.95 each week.

However, for some, it’s more convenient to have their weekly copy posted to them. We currently have a discounted offer of $99 for 45 copies.

Send the coupon or ph 1-800 231 311

● Astor Theatre ema. A great outcome for all, the City of Port Phillip and the arts world in general. All happy!”

Melbourne Observations with Matt Bissett-Johnson

To: Melbourne Observer Subs PO Box 1278, Research, Vic 3095

30 Glen Gully Rd, Eltham 3095

Yes! Please send me 45 editions of the Melbourne Observer for $99. ❏ I enclose Cheque/Money Order ❏ Please charge my Credit Card (Visa, Mastercard, AE) for $99.

Charges appear on Credit Card statements as ‘Local Media’ Name: Address: Phone: Credit Card No.

Expiry:

Page 10 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, August 29, 2012

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

To

Di Phew! What a week!

● Nigel Triffitt Photo: Jeff Busby ■ Phew! What a week The television was great with Howzat! It is a terrific television series, I just love it.

Prince Harry has been showing himself to the world. He certainly is like his mum and gets up to shenanigans,.

He is not the first Royal to do that. Shenanigans and such carry on have been rife in the world of the Royals for years, it’s just they didn’t have mobile phones!

I thought it was harmless fun and he shines the light on his older brother by being the naughty spare to the heir – third in line – and perfectly health! ★★★ And in sad news, the Melbourne theatre world lost a lovely man in Nigel Triffitt.

The wonderfully talented Nigel famous and much loved theatre director, died at 62 of natural causes.

He was farewelled, fittingly at The Arts Centre Melbourne at the Fairfax Studio.

You will be missed Nigel, we all loved you.

● Andrew McConnell, story at right

I love my job!

For WELL, HELLO LADIES!

■ A man who is incredibly talented and will be visiting our shores is Stephen Merchant.

Genius is the word to describe this Emmy,Golden Globe and Bafta Award winning co-creator of The Office television series, Idiot Abroad, and Life’s Too Short.

He is bringing his stand-up act to Australia for the first time.

His show is called Hello Ladies and it will be priceless!

Stephen will perform at The Athenaeum Theatre, on Wednesday, December 12.

A great Christmas stocking gift, tickets go on sale tomorrow (Thurs., Aug. 30) Snap them up they will go quickly. I better get my skates on, I will be there.

We won!

■ I had a great night at the 2012 Culinary Charity Challenge at Palladium at Crown, a fabulous event.

It was Melbourne versus Sydney. Melbourne won!

Two celebrity chefs and one pastry chef from Sydney, and two celebrity chefs and one pastry chef from Melbourne competed against each other.

Peter Gilmore was the chef from Sydney and Andrew McConnell was the chef from Melbourne. It was great to see Melbourne win!

The evening was fabulous. Produced by Perfect Events, headed by Liliana Sanelli, it was so good it should have been televised.

Certainly one of the country’s top charity events, the chefs sautéed, seared and steamed everything in sight.

with leading Melbourne publicist DI ROLLE

● Stephen Merchant A terrific team of mentia. The funds judges headed up by raised will enable Chair of Judges, scholarships for Jacques Reymond; young scientists, trainJill Dupleix, freelance ing and developing food writer, author and our future neuroscieneditor; Janne Appel- tists, as well as the gren, Editor, The Age purchase vital equipGood Food Guide; ment that can accelerAnthony Puharich, ate discoveries that CEO, Vic’s Premium will change the lives Quality Meat; Terry of one in five AustraDurack, chief restau- lians who live a menrant critic of The tal illness.

Sydney Morning HerNobody knows ald; Joanna Saville, why mental illness co-editor, The Sydney occurs.

Morning Herald Good Most of the current Food Guide and Fes- medical treatments tival Director of Crave only address the sympSydney International toms and not the Food Festival; Jane cause.

Willson, Editor, The What’s more they Age Epicure; and the don’t work for everycharming James one.

Andronis, Director Diagnosing a menClamms Seafood. tal illness is also a Much fun was had complex process, reby all in this fund lying on subjective raiser, MC’d by Geoff analysis of symptoms Jantz. It was so nice rather than any bioto see Geoff in logical test.

Melbourne again.

Dementia remains the third biggest killer of adult Australians; it kills more people than ■ The reason we lung cancer, diabetes were all there was to and breast cancer.

The World Health raise funds and support one of the for world– Organisation says class research into there is a new case of mental illness and de- dementia every four

● Noel Fielding

seconds, and predicts the number of cases worldwide will roughly triple by 2050.

The Mental Health Research Institute has formed a partnership with the University of Melbourne and the Florey Neuroscience Institutes to establish a new neuroscience centre.

This Institute is at the forefront of worldwide research into neurodegenerative disease like Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease as well as psychiatric illnesses including depression, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.

Through research, they strive to find better way to diagnose and treat illnesses, and ultimately prevent or cure them.

It was a very beneficial evening.

Winner ■ No sooner was the 2012 Culinary Charity Challenge over and Peter Gilmore’s restaurant Quay won

the nation’s top restaurant at the Australia Gourmet Traveller Restaurant Awards.

This is the highest accolade for any Australian restaurant.

The awards are the hottest ticket on the dining calendar in Sydney.

This is the third Restaurant of the Year gong for Quay, which overlooks Sydney’s harbour, bridge and Opera House.

Quay tops a fiercely competitive field of more than 400 establishments in the new edition of the Australian Gourmet Traveller Restaurant Guide, the country’s only national restaurant guide.

Laugh!

■ I love British humour and the more British comedians that come to our shores the happier I am!

It looks like I will be doing a lot of laughing in the next few months.

So imagine how

Dementia

● Peter Gilmore

thrilled I was when I heard Noel Fielding was coming to Melbourne. For two shows only!

UK surrealist, comedian, actor, artist, DJ and musician, Fielding is returning to Australia for the first time in nearly 10 years – for two very exclusive shows in Melbourne: October 23 and 24 at the Athenaeum Theatre book at Ticketek 132 849 www.ticketek.com.au Tickets are on sale now!

Noel Fielding (aka Vince Noir), is co-creator and one-half of the award winning comedy duo The Mighty Boosh who have written and appeared in three highly acclaimed series for BBC3 and BBC2, and Adult Swim in America.

His first solo television series, Noel Fielding’s Luxury Comedy, was broadcast this year and his other television work includes appearances in Nathan Barley, Garth Marenghi’s Dark Place and three series’ of the IT Crowd.

They have completed two UK tours, playing at packed venues including London’s 02 Arena and Wembley Arena and also hosted their very own MightyBoosh Festival.

Noel, born in Westminster in 1973, is a highly regarded comedian in his own right.

Noel is the Team Captain on the music panel show Never Mind The Buzzcocks Be quick as these exclusive solo shows by the hilarious Noel Fielding will sell out fast!

- Di Rolle

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, August 29, 2012 - Page 11

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Confidential Melbourne

Talk is cheap, gossip is priceless

JOHN-MICHAEL BEATS HIS 3AW RADIO BAN

Bitch Melbourne’s Secrets

Healthy serve of talkback

● Mark Petkovic, Aust. Overnight, 3AW ■ Interstate radio listeners expecting to hear Tim Shaw instead of 3AW’sAndrew McLaren and Mark Petkovic on their overnight wireless, are said to have received an energetic reply when they phoned in their complaints to the national 13 13 32 talkback line, midnight-yawn last week.

Bitch’s mole at 3AW says the callers were told - without any chance of confusion - that it was not the fault of the Melbourne presenters that the Victorian program was being piped into Sydney, Brisbane, Can-berra and regional stations.

Plans to relay the 3AW weekend program, hosted

by Alan Pearsall, into other marketplaces, were apparently shelved at the last minute. John Kerr’s program continued as normal.

Losses on paper ■ Things are q uite tight at Fairfax Media after the company last week reported a $2.7 billion loss. Especially when the entire company was valued by the share market at just $1 billion.

Cutbacks have extended to supplying no more free copies of The Age to 3AW staff, working in the same Docklands buiding. Overnight announcing staff can still access free copies of the Herald Sun, and are reading from it, on-air.

Fiona Byrne quits paper ■ Herald-Sun celebrity/ entertainment writer Fiona Byrne is taking a News Limited redundancy package, and is expected to leave the newspaper this week.

Byrne joins a long list of long-term employees including Geoff Wilkinson, Norrie Ross and photographer Craig Bar● Fiona Byrne row to leave the tabloid.

Byrne was a former Editor of the Confidential pages, and had also written the Sunday Herald Sun gossip pages. An avid horse lover, Byrne was raised in country Victoria, and held ambitions as a teenager to work on the Sun News-Pictorial.

She had been a contributor on the 3AW Nightline program with Bruce Mansfield and Philip Brady, then swapped across to the ill-fated Melbourne Talk Radio MTR 1377 when the Herald Sun formed a promotional partnership with the radio challenger.

■ Melbourne broadcaster John-Michael Howson is about to defy the four-week on-air ban placed on him by 3AW. Howson was banned from broadcasting by 3AW management, after John-Michael made ‘Sieg Heil’ taunts at Christine Assange, mother of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange.

Tomorrow (Thurs.), Howson will co-host the morning program on Mornington-based radio station, 3RPP 98.7, which is also heard online at www.3rppfm.com.au Howson will host the 9am-11am program with Bob Phillips and Judy Banks from Mornington.

● John-Michael Howson and Suzanne Carbone

Howson made an apology for the remarks made on the Sunday Morning program, when Mrs Assange called him a ‘pig’.

3AW colleagues Derryn Hinch and Neil Mitchell went on air to criticise Howson for his outburst.

Hinch encouraged Mrs Assange to sue Howson for defamation.

Melbourne Confidential understands that Howson and Mitchell have had an angry e-mail exchange, where Howson is believed to have told the 3AW morning program host that he is mistaken in believing that Howson “gives a stuff” about what Mitchell thinks.

Whispers

Dry vote

■ There is still a large component of Boroondara resdients who would like to be an alcoholfree zone.

More than onethird (371) of the 1060 have voted against the proposal for Epoca Restaurant to have a liquor licence for 117 Bulleen Rd, Balwyn North.

Buffett

BODIES LOSE STATUS Rumour Mill ■ A number of Victorian associations have lost their incorporation status, advises Deputy Registrar David Betts: Western River Soccer Club Inc.; Reema Kindergarten Inc.; Alexandria’s Dance 2000 Inc.; North East Victoria Small Business Incubator; Australian Web Ministry Network Inc.; Snowy River Coast Action – Marlo Inc.; Australian Alpine Valleys Agribusiness Forum Inc.; Australian Council Master Men Hairdresser’s Inc.; Wonthaggi Wellness Association Inc.; Glover Recreation Reserve Committee Inc.; Regional Business Development Network Inc.; Quitober Inc.; Melbourne Masters Football Club Inc.; Oakbrook Kindergarten Inc.; Yinnar and District Tennis Association Inc.; Sebastopol South Kindergarten Inc.; Beaufort Keepsakes Inc.; Ormond Thunder Basketball Inc.; Next Step Inc.; Tatura East Sporting Complex Inc.; Swan Hill Club Inc.; Hallam Kindergarten Inc.; Western Region Football League Sports Trainers Association Inc.; Sebastopol Masonic Centre Management Committee Inc.; Latrobe University Students’ Representative Council Inc.; Probus Club of Cheltenham Inc.; The Oneness-Heart-Tears and Smiles Inc.; Parenting Foundations Inc.; Archers of Warrnambool Inc.; Broad Insight Group Inc.; Edenhope Durong Tennis Club Inc.; Parkhill Playhouse Inc.; Map Action Group Inc.; Caos Inc.; Council of Taxi Industry Associations Inc.; Taxinet Taxi Club Inc.; Geelong Organisation of Directors of Nursing Inc.; Warracknabeal Riders Inc.; Chilean Craft & Arts Group ‘La Ruca’Inc.; Neighbourhood Watch Moorabbin Inc.; Central Victorian Organic Growers Inc.; International Sport Karate Association Inc.; Energetic and Informational Medicine Association Inc.; Oz Wheelchair and Maxi Association Inc.; Cabbie Activity and Recreation Association Inc.; Victorian Taxi Drivers’Association Inc.; Courier Taxi Club Inc.; The Cat Authority of Victoria Inc.

Hear It Here First

Warning: fake $50 notes

■ A new burst of fake $50 notes has hit across Melbourne. Shopkeepers are market stall holders are being warned about fraudsters buying small items such as cigarettes with the counterfeit currency. There is no compensation for victims.

Paper’s viability tagged ■ The viability of weekly ‘buy and sell’ newspaper Trader Tag is to be assessed over coming months, according to a circular issued by VANA, the Victorian newsagent association.

“Over the coming months they will be doing auditing to check on sales figures to determine the publication viability,” said the bulletin issued on Friday.

“It is of great importance that you continue to push Trader Tag into all of your subagents to maximize sales and keep TraderTag ranged into these stores ongoing.

“This will provide benefits to both the publisher though increased sales and to you through increased revenue.”

E-Mail: Confidential@MelbourneObserver.com.au

● Jimmy Buffett ■ Singer-songwriter Jimmy Buffett will perform at the Palais Theatre, St Kilda, on Sunday, September 23. It is the artist’s first visit to Australia in 20 years.

Chugg Entertainment yesterday (Tues.) announced that he will be joined on stage by Mac McAnally. Tickets go on sale on Wednesday next week (Sept. 5).

Clash ■ Hundreds of Police clashed with workers at the Myer site in the City yesterday (Tues.) morning. This followed a Supreme Court order.

Cutbacks ■ Budgetary cutbacks are hitting all parts of the Fairfax Media empire. The Land rural news-paper (NSW) has had to drop its weekly television program guide to save cash.

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Page 12 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, August 29, 2012 Melbourne

Observer

Ash On Wednesday

DERRYN HINCH AXED

Freemasons use Hyperdrive for Variety bash

Our Doors are Open!

Freemasons Victoria Grand Master MWBro. Bob Jones as Jedi Master Obi Wan Kenobi for the 2012 Variety Bash Photo courtesy Bob Jones

Freemasons Victoria Grand Master, Bob Jones, revisited his racing car driver past when he joined the team in Car 321 as part of the Vareity Bash 2012 on Thursday (Aug. 23).

Freemasons has a long standing relationship with Variety the Children's Charity, participating in both the Variety Bash and Bikes 4 Kids. This year, the Car 321 team is hoping that their Star Wars theme will help them hyperdrive to the finish line.

Creswick publican and Freemason Eddie Koene has worked tirelessly over the past year to raise nearly $20,000 for the cause, fundraising with his own lodges of St Johns and Creswick Havilah and inspiring support from Freemasons across the state. The 2012 Car 321 Team includes Eddie, his wife Liz and fellow Freemason Gerard Nagle.

Eddie says it's easy to support Variety, because he knows that the majority of the money raised goes straight to the kids.

“We don't use any of the money we raise for our own travel and accomodation, or for servicing the car.

“It would probably be easier for us to just donate our costs, but the Variety Bash is great fun - all of the members are like a family. We all know that we are making a real difference to the kids that Variety supports,” he said.

“Freemasons Victoria is honoured to partner Variety once again. I'm excited to be getting behind the wheel, knowing that the money we have raised is going directly to kids in need,” Mr Jones said.

The Variety Bash is one of many benevolent activities Freemasons Victoria is involved in to empower Victorian children who are sick, disadvantaged or have special needs to live, laugh and learn.

Freemasons Victoria also offers scholarships and bursaries to assist students with fees for further education.

Freemasons Victoria have supported many youth focused groups such as TLC for Kids, the CanTeen organisation, the Good Friday Appeal, Kalparrin Early Childhood school, the Ionic Coaching Service and are a proud partner of Melbourne Youth Music.

To find out more about Freemasonry, how to become a member, attend upcoming public events, or to take a tour of the Masonic Centre, please visit www.freemasonsvic.net.au or 'Like' our Facebook page, www.facebook.com/ freemasonsvic for the most up to date information.

■ Veteran 3AW broadcaster Derryn Hinch’s one-year contract will not be renewed at the end of the year, the top-rating Drive program host was told on Monday night.

Hinch, 68, made this statement at his Human Head-line website: “Sacked. And this time it applies to me. I was called in to the general manager’s office after my 3AW program finished tonight (Monday) and was told my services were no longer required.

“I asked why and was told by the GM Shane Healy that they planned to ‘ take the station in a different direction’.

“Seeing my program is No. 1 on Melbourne I’m tempted to think that direction is down.

“I am in shock. Didn’t see it coming. But had heard five weeks ago that my occasional fill-in Tom Elliott had told people at Channel Ten that this was my last year and he was replacing me.

“Fairly prescient. I wish him luck.

3AW manager’s statement

● Derryn Hinch

Long Shots

On leave ■ “The decision to not renew my contract had nothing to do with last week’s on-air dispute with management over Steve Vizard. This move was decided back in June<“ Hinch said.

“I will be on air as usual tomorrow. Then on leave for a couple of weeks while I decide on future plans.

“I will fulfil my contractual obligations and finish the year in as professional a manner as I can muster.

“At least they trust me enough to do that.

“Tonight’s irony was not lost on me. I’d just come off air after doing one of the best interviews in years. An exclusive with BuzzAldrin. Ah well, that’s life.

“Follow the [non] bouncing ball.”

Swinging ■ Diane ‘Dee Dee’ Dunleavy, herself sacked from Gold 104.3 at the ende of last year, tweeted her message of support: “I greatly admire Derryn Hinch's dignity in the face of his shock sacking. But please don't let us down now. Go out swinging.” ● Why Hinch was sacked - turn to Page 51 for our analysis.

editor@ melbourneobserver.com.au

with Ash Long, Editor “For the cause that lacks assistance, ‘Gainst the wrongs that need resistance For the future in the distance, And the good that we can do”

Observer Treasury Thought For The Week ■ “Go to the ant thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise.”

- Proverbs

Observer Curmudgeon ■ “Pessimist: one who, when he has the choice of two evils, chooses both.”

- Oscar Wilde

Text For The Week ■ “If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.”

- John 15:7 The Melbourne Observer is printed by Streamline Press, 155 Johnston St, Fitzroy, for the publisher, Ash Long, for Local Media Pty Ltd, ABN 67 096 680 063, of the registered office, 30 Glen Gully Road, Eltham, Responsibility for election and referendum comment is accepted by the Editor, Ash Long.

Copyright © 2012, Local Media Pty Ltd (ACN 096 680 063).

IMPORTANT NOTE ABOUT COURT REPORTS Contents of Court Lists are intended for information purposes only. The lists are extracted from Court Lists, as supplied to the public, by the Magistrates’ Court of Victoria, often one week prior to publication date; for current Court lists, please contact the Court. Further details of cases are available at www.magistratescourt.vic.gov.au The Melbourne Observer shall in no event accept any liability for loss or damage suffered by any person or body due to information provided. The information is provided on the basis that persons accessing it undertake responsibility for assessing the relevance and accuracy of its content. No inference of a party’s guilt or innocence should be made by publication of their name as a defendant. Court schedules may be changed at any time for any reason, including withdrawal of the action by the Plaintiff/Applicant. E&OE.

● Shane Healy, 3AW General Manager ■ “3AW has decided not to renew the contract of drive-time presenter Derryn Hinch,” the station announced on Monday night.

“Derryn's one-year contract was set to expire at the end of this year.

“The drive host was told of the decision not to renew his contract at a meeting with station management when he came off air tonight (Monday).

“While Derryn will not reappear behind the drive microphone after December, 3AW hopes to explore other opportunities with the respected broadcaster to enable him to remain in the Fairfax Radio fold.

“The station expects to make an announcement on Derryn's replacement in the next few days.

“3AW general manager Shane Healy paid tribute to Derryn's ‘fantastic’ contribution to the station over the past 10 years.

"Derryn has been part of the fabric of Melbourne's No.1 radio station for many years and we are immensely proud and grateful for his efforts over this time," Mr Healy said.

"However, like all branches of the media it is impossible to stand still in a world of ever-accelerating change, " he said.

"Radio has withstood the immense challenges of the digital revolution much better than any other traditional media but we, like print and television, cannot afford to stand still.

"3AW, Melbourne's most successful radio station of the modern era, must position itself to take advantage of the exciting possibilities opening up in the digital world and changing audience expectations."

“Mr Healy said he hoped Derryn would consider the options that could be available to enable him to still play a role in broadcasting at Fairfax Radio.

“It is unclear whether Derryn will return to the microphone this week. The drive presenter was due to take two weeks' holiday from next week.

“Derryn has had two stints at 3AW. He established his broadcasting reputation on the station in the 1980s before he leaving for television current affairs.

“In the past 10 years 3AW has stood behind the broadcaster through a series of controversies. Only last Friday 3AW gave the broadcaster the day off to fight in court a charge of failure to vote.

"Life will not be the same without Derryn around but we believe listeners will react more than favorably to the changes we have in mind," Mr Healy said.

Free reader ads are available in the Melbourne Trader section of the ‘Melbourne Observer’

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au Melbourne

Observer

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, August 29, 2012 - Page 13

What’s On In Melbourne

Ancient Rome on show at Docklands

■ They say Rome wasn’t built in a day. Named after the Emperor Augustus, the month of August originally had 30 days.

Legend has it that he ‘stole’ a day from February to make his month longer.

With August drawing to a close and Spring on its way, have you ever stopped to think about how our months came by their names or about the invention of the calendar?

Societ owes its modern calendar to Julius Caesar, and it was originally known as the Julian Calendar in his honour.

It has 365 days and includes the leap year system to keep the months in line with the seasons.

Before the introduction of the Julian Calendar the year started on March 1, however at this time two new months were added to the calendar; January and February.

January is named after Janus, the god of new beginnings.

He has two heads; one looks forward toward the future while the other stares behind him at the past.

● Emperor Augustus

February is named after a Roman festival of purification.

While the calendar is no longer named after Julius Caesar, the month of July is still named after him. In fact, all months still bear Roman names.

The month of August is named in honour of the first Roman Emperor Augustus.

Nephew and adopted son of Julius Caesar, Augustus (born Gaius Octavius) restored many of the traditional roles and powers of the Roman Senate that his uncle stripped from them during his reign as Dictator.

In gratitude the senators bestowed upon him the title of Augustus, “the revered one”.

Legend has it that August originally had 30 days, so Emperor Augustus ‘stole’ a day from February to make his month longer!

You can learn more about Ancient Rome at the Ancient Rome Exhibition showing daily in Melbourne’s Docklands (Docklands Drive) until October7. www.romanexhibition.com.au - Stephanie Mason

Footy Colours Day

■ Footy Colours Day will be held on Friday September 7, when all Australians are asked to wear their favourite footy colours and donate to Fight Cancer Foundation and support fellow Australians living with cancer.

Suggestion include people organising a footy fashion parade, footy trivia quiz, handball competition, footy-themed morning tea, decorating their work place or simply having a casual clothes day.

Many local schools and companies which have registered to participate who are excited about Footy Colours Day.

Melbourne

Observer Life & Style

News Briefs

BOOZE, SMOKES AND SEX

Manager

■ It won’t take any imagination this year to buy a gift for dad on his special day.

Forget the books, the socks and the gardening tools, you just have to look at the dozens of ads in the press, on radio and television for cheap alcohol and the problem is solved.

I’m not a Mrs Grundy, but I would like to see the effort, which has been put into the Quit Smoking Campaign given to a Quit Alcohol Campaign.

But I doubt if it will ever happen. Those who enjoy a glass or two of wine won’t appreciate the problem with booze that society is having with the binge drinker, and the young ones who don t think they are having a good time unless they wipe themselves out.

Yvonne’s Column

Pleading for a last gasp ■ As a reformed smoker I’m pleased that smoking is banned in restaurants and in public buildings, but it has also brought out of the woodwork, non-smokers who feel that they have the right to be rude to a smoker.

I actually saw one selfish and very rude person spit at a person who was smoking in the street.

Obviously these people have never smoked and therefore can’t understand how hard it is to stop.

Two of my dearest friends, both heavy smokers, died of lung cancer. And nothing would convince them to stop the habit although they knew the consequences.

In fact, one of my friends asked for a cigarette whilst waiting for the ambulance to take her to hospital.

She knew she was dying, but she asked me why she should deny herself the pleasure of a cigarette. It could be her last.

What could I do? No pleading would make me in all conscience, relent and give her a cigarette. She could hardly breath, and here she was begging for another gasper. What extraordinarily powerful addiction nicotine is?

Going up in smoke ■ Some say it is harder to give up nicotine than heroin.

My husband who is a reformed smoker says it is the hardest thing he has ever done. Mind you he went cold turkey after a bout of Hong Kong ‘flu 30 years ago.

When he went into hospital for an operation several years ago he was asked if he smoked and he jokingly said, “ not for 30 years”.

The doctor then wanted to know how many a day and what brand, which gave Peter cause to reflect about the possible long-term damage that he may have done.

And as he drifted off into the arms of Morpheus he dearly wished he had never started the habit.

And the breathing problem he had after the operation the doctor put down to his heavy smoking even though it was thirty years ago.

As long as smoking is legal, and people know the danger of lighting up, then it is surely their choice whether to smoke or not.

Horrible consequences ■ Why isn’t the Government pursuing the liquor industry with the same tenacity as it has done with the tobacco industry.

I dread seeing a huge double spread in my morning paper with alcohol at ridiculously low prices.

It’s possible to buy a bottle of wine for less than a bottle of water. And certainly less than that world famous brand of soft drink. So what hope have we got?

Father Bob Maguire wrote on my Facebook ‘morning paper double spread (even twice in one issue) advertising grog, can I request space to advertise antidote?

If you work with the young members of the community you are continually horrified at the reasons the young give you for wiping themselves out on a party night.

Smile for the camera with Yvonne Lawrence yvonne.lawrence@bigpond.com

Sickening scenes ■ I’m not making excuses for the smoker: they know the dangers of their habit, but the authorities should look at the dangers and problems associated with alcohol.

I acknowledge that smoking can be a killer, but it doesn’t have the disastrous effect on the entire community as alcohol.

Look at the road toll with teenage drivers where alcohol has been involved.

The police know that alcohol is the major problem with the assaults and the sickening scenes outside the nightspots with teenage girls and boys lying on the footpaths too drunk to walk.

And the domestic violence cases directly attributed to alcohol are sickening.

Alcohol related illness mustn’t be counted out.

I knew a fellow who was an alcoholic and lost everything, his family, his house, his job and self-respect.

This man ended his days in hospital, and died, after drinking brake fluid when he couldn’t afford a bottle of booze.

It must be the dread of every parent when their son or daughter goes off in their car for a night out. You may have talked to them about drinking and driving, and you are hoping that it has sunk in.

It not until a policeman knocks on your front door in the early hours of the morning, your worst fears clutch your heart, and you pray that you are not about to receive the dreaded news.

Something must be done.

■ Poor old Prince Harry is in trouble for his antics in an alcoholic night of nude games and forgetting that everyone has a mobile phone that takes excellent photographs.

However I do ask what his minders were doing. I bet it will be a case of “ off with their heads’ when they face the Queen.

We have to remember that wherever we are we can be photographed.

You have to wonder what sort of people would do such a thing because they say that “what happens in Las Vegas stays in Las Vegas”, but apparently not in the case of the Prince.

He must wonder if there is anyone in the whole world that he can really trust.

I don’t use a mobile phone, and the first thing friends ask me is how can I live without capturing those special ‘Kodak’ moments.

I say, very well thank you!!

Respect in the morning ■ The contraceptive pill for men could be with us in five years.

Good luck if your man has had too much to drink and just falls into bed, or hasn’t a good memory. The morning after pill won’t work for the blokes once the horse has bolted.

If you are into a long-term relationship you will most probably take it all seriously, but the male who is out for a one-night stand really couldn’t care less.

Can’t you hear it now? “Of course I’ve taken the pill, and of course I’ll respect you in the morning.”

Oh yeah!

- Yvonne Contact: Melbourne Observer P.O. Box 1278, Research 3095

■ Gareth Eden is to become the new manager of Byblos Melbourne restaurant from next month. It is part of the Garnhem group.

Profit

■ Seven Group yesterday (Tues.) reported a 38 per cent rise in full-year underlying net profit to $343.2 million.

Going

■ More departures from the Herald Sun have been announced. Also leaving the tabloid are senior writers Terry Brown and Kelly Ryan, plus Racing Editor Adrian Dunn, and veteran scribe Russell Robinson.

Charges ■ A 29-year-old Bonbeach driver alleged to have been on heroin, stopped his car in trafic for several minutes, Police allege. They say the driver surfed the internet on his laptop computer, causing trafic chaos outside Brandon Park Shopping Centre.

Page 14 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, August 29, 2012

■ For regular readers of the column it is painfully obvious that I love the old films. I enjoy the classic movies more that the current releases.

Jean Harlow died before I was born but thankfully her films are still available to watch and enjoy.

Harlean Harlow Carpenter was born in Kansas City, Missouri, in 1911. Her parents divorced when Harlean was in her teenage years.

Her mother took Harlean to Hollywood where she tried without success to break into films.

At the age of 16, Harlean eloped with 21year-old Charles McGrew who fortunately received an inheritance and the couple were quite wealthy.

The marriage was a disaster and when they separated Harlean went to live with her mother.

As time went by it was Harlean who got into films and in 1929 she appeared in 15 films working as an extra or in bit parts.

Jean was only 18but already a beautiful young girl. She was cast in a major role in Hell's Angels in 1930 under the name of Jean Harlowe but she received critical reviews.

Jean gradually built up her reputation in films over rhe next few years and on her 21st birthday Louis B Mayer bought out her contact from Howard Hughes and Jean was now working for MGM Studios.

She was using the name of Jean Harlow and was the Marilyn Monroe of the 1930s - the beau-

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Whatever Happened To ...

Jean Harlow

By Kevin Trask of 3AW and 96.5 Inner FM tiful platinum blonde, 5'2" with a great figure.

Her performance in the classic film Red Dust with Clark Gable established her as a major Hollywood film star.

Her second husband, MGM producer Paul Bern, committed suicide at their home. Her films included Reckless, Bombshell, Platinum Blonde, China Seas and Libeled Lady.

Some of her co-stars were the biggest box office actors in Hollywood - Clark Gable, Spencer Tracy, Wallace Beery, Robert Taylor and James Stewart.

Jean married for a third time to Harold Rosson but the marriage only lasted for six months. She was engaged to the actor William Powell for almost two years.

● Jean Harlow

Jean Harlow was the first film actress to have her photo on the cover of Life magazine.

During the filming of Saratoga with Clark Gable in 1937 Jean became very ill.

She was finally rushed to the Good Samaritan Hospital in Los Angeles where she died of a kidney disease at the age of 26. (There were no antibiotics, dialysis or kidney transplants in those days.)

This was a great shock to the public and like James Dean and Marilyn Monroe (who also died at early age) her films became very popular at the cinemas.

The funeral was a huge affair managed by Louis B Mayer. Nelson Eddy and Jeanette McDonald sang Ah Sweet Mystery Of Life at the service. Her mother passed away in 1958.

There have been two films titled Harlow made on the life of Jean Harlow starring two fine actresses, Carroll Baker and Carol Lynley.

This beautiful young girl made a big impression on the world during her short Hollywood career.

My favourite Jean Harlow film is Red Dust.

- Kevin Trask The Time Tunnel - with Bruce & PhilSundays at 8.20pm on 3AW That's Entertainment - 96.5FM 12 Sundays at Noon 96.5FM is streaming on the internet.

To listen, go to www.innerfm.org.au and follow the prompts.

SEARCHING FOR THE NIGHT PARROT

■ I thought that we'd done crocs for a while, but no!

As I've often mentioned, the Northern Territory has three times the national average of alcohol consumption - they claim that it's so hot that they get thirstier than the southerners!

Now there's a new excuse for a visit to a Darwin pub - a public crocodile forum.

It's part of National Science Week, to be held in Shenanigans pub, and will feature my mate Grahame Webb, who I mentioned last week.

Drinkers can saunter in, buy a beer, and have a chat about crocodiles with Grahame.

"When the hunting stopped, there hadn't been a lot of investigation on crocs", he said.

"Traditional knowledge, but not a lot of scientific research. Territory scientists have led the way in understanding these reptiles".

Obviously theTerritory relies on a few icons to attract visitors, both local and international - the Centre has the Rock, and the Top End Kakadu with its crocs.

They strike fear into the average man in the street, whether in Melbourne or Miami, so they give the Territory plenty of publicity the world over, and attract many visitors with a perverse sense of fascination to see them.

I haven't heard of any Melbourne Science Week activities in pubs!

■ Whilst I never come across much interest in our feathered friends down on the Peninsula, birdwatching in Alice is at fever pitch!

Firstly, and probably most importantly, the initial waders, some Wood Sandpipers, some Common Redshanks and Asian Dowitchers, have just arrived in Broome, so they should soon touch down in Alice.

Some have flown all the way home from the Russian tundra. A long flight to plop into the Alice sewerage ponds!

However its breeding season, so they'll have a bit of fun to look forward to!

Then a huge flock of about 1000 Corellas has been spied. I love to encounter these birds on the Stuart Highway as they tumble about beside the road nibbling on the paddy melons.

And a ‘flock’ of four redwing parrots was seen at Arthur Creek on the Plenty Highway.

Then the ducks! Some beautiful

The Outback Legend

with Nick Le Souef Lightning Ridge Opals 175 Flinders Lane, Melbourne Phone 9654 4444 www.opals.net.au Pink Ears have been flying about, and some Chestnut Teal have been flapping around the poo ponds as well.

Facetious though I may appear at this pastime, I must confess that I am really one of them, and am always transfixed by all the magnificent feathers which wing their way around the Outback.

■ And then there's the Night Parrot, probably the most controversial bird in Australia, again in the news.

A few years ago Dick Smith offered a $50,000 prize to anyone who could find evidence that they still existed.

There was some controversy at the time, because the actual bird found was a dried and squashed headless roadkill, rather than the pristine specimen that Dick had hoped for.

Before this the last confirmed record was in 1912.

They are Australia's only nocturnal parrot, and not much is known about them except that they rarely fly, mostly living on the ground, and maybe they nest in Spinifex clumps.

Even at the best of times they were

hardly ever seen. I've always kept my eyes open for them whenever I've been travelling in the Centre.

My mate Ozzie reckons he used to see them at night on bush roads around Boulia, in Western Queensland, where locals call them the "stupid bird" because they just sit on the road at night, and don't fly off.

He suggested that we should collect samples of bird droppings around dams in the area, and have them analysed. That'd probably work, but I haven't got round to it yet!

Like the Tassie Tiger, it remains a mystery!

■ Many of my visitors and customers are U.S. citizens, whether out here as tourists or on business with local companies with U.S. affiliations.

As a result I'm a member of several U.S.- Australian organisations, one of which is the Australian American Association.

Just like last year when I received an invitation to Government House in Sydney for a function, I'm hardly going to turn down an invite from the U.S. Consul General to share a few drinks at the Consulate!

His name is Frank Urbancic, and he's a good bloke! I've met him a few times at various U.S.- oriented functions, and we get on well.

He's in charge of Victoria, South Australia and the NT, so he's travelling around a bit, and of course with all the U.S. activities currently occurring in Darwin, he's spending a lot of time up there.

Not all officialdom and work though - he's taking his kids to see the jumping crocodiles in Adelaide River this weekend!

He's previously been serving diplomatically in Cyprus, Kuwait, Istanbul, Abu Dhabi, Sierra Leone, Qatar, Canada, Tunisia, Saudi Arabia and Jordan. He's been around!

The cocktail party began with the usual little offerings, but, from an Aussies drinker's point of view, welcome, because of a good supply of U.S. beer and wine to slake our thirsts!

■ Throughout the Territory there are laws banning public drinking, but there are also many people who try and thwart these, and sneak grog, especially white wine, into mineral water bottles to try and disguise the contents.

And the police are always on the lookout for such activity. As soon as

● Frank Urbancic, US Consul-General

they locate some drinkers, they confiscate the grog and pour it out.

I have seen some such drinkers burying their booze in the sand of the Todd River bed.

Police are always prowling in the river in their 4WD's and trail bikes, trying to locate this illicit activity.

Such a situation arose in Darwin last week, not in a river bed, but in one of the local parks.

When a police patrol drove past a group of drinkers they leapt up and jumped over a fence to hide their grog.

Unfortunately they were at a cliff edge, and one of them fell about 20 metres to the bottom.

A large scale emergency-service exercise was needed to wind him up, with a broken leg.

Quite an expensive drink!

- Nick Le Souef ‘The Outback Legend’

From The Outer

Melbourne

Observer

kojak@ mmnet.com.au

With John Pasquarelli

■ These days there is not mucg difference between big government and big business. The cult of the apparatachik, spin doctors and factions have infected our political system while the bureaucrats have become the real masters of government, tying most MPs up in knots and frustrating the development of policies which means Australia’s progress is constantly stalled.

In big business the same sort of process is being repeated, leading to increased costs and shareholders being treated like most voters.

As government bureaucrats are the real fatcats so are company CEOs as demonstrated by the unreal salaries paid to many of them with the banks leading the way.

Political correctness has become well entrenched in both systems and Workplace Health and Safety is one example. Of course we need safe workplaces but the system is weighed down by too many bureucrats creating more and more regulations and cluttering up the landscape with more and more signs - a bit like our road systems where signage is now visual pollution.

The process has been building for years now and just as our MPs have become puppets of the bureaucracy, one wonders if people like Clive Palmer and Gina Rinehart really know what is happening inside their empires?

- John Pasquarelli:, kojak@mmnet.com.au

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, August 29, 2012 - Page 15

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Observer Readers’ Club Reader Recipes

● Scotch Finger Apple Crumble Prep time: 10 min Cooking time: 25 min Chill time: None Serves: 8 Ingredients 2 x 800g cans pie apple 100g butter, softened ¼ cup brown sugar 1 x 250g packet Scotch Finger biscuits, crushed 1 tsp cinnamon Method Preheat oven to 180°C. Place pie apple into a 2 Litre (8-cup) capacity ovenproof dish.

In a bowl, add butter and brown sugar and beat, with an electric mixer, until mixture is fluffy.

Add crushed biscuits and cinnamon and mix until combined. Spread evenly over the top of the apples. Bake for 25 minutes or until golden.

Serve with cream, ice-cream or custard, if desired.

For a tempting twist: Add 300g frozen raspberries, blueberries, blackberries or pitted cherries with the pie apple.

Use ground ginger in place of cinnamon.

For a wheat free option, use Rice Cookie instead of Scotch Finger and bake for only 20 minutes.

- Thanks to Arnott’s

Melbourne Photo Flashback

Join in our chat IN PRINT: Read the Melbourne Observer every week.

Buy at your newsagent, or by mail subscription.

FACEBOOK: Follow our updates, and post your own coments at www.facebook.com/ MelbourneObserver TWITTER: Follow our updates, and post your own Tweets at www.twitter.com/ MelbourneObs

BY POST: Mail contributions to Observer Readers’ Club PO Box 1278, Research, Vic 3095

● Yallourn. Circa 1930s. Possibly a Sunday School picnic.

Car Sticker

Birthdays/Celebrations

■ You have the right to remain stupid. Anything you say can and will be ignored.

■ Wednesday, August 29. Greg Irvine and Linda Long celebrate today. TV preesenter Charlie Pickering is 35. Happy birthday to Gold 104.3’s Craig Huggins.

■ Thursday, August 30. Birthday greetings to Alan Baskin at Australian Radio Network.

Singer Linda Bull was born in Melbourne, 45 years ago.

■ Friday, August 31. Observer reader Phyllis Parker Pointek is 69. Actor Jack Thompson is 72.

■ Saturday, September 1. Madison Long celebrates her first birthday today. Observer reader

Wise Advice ■ A friend knows the song in your heart, and sings it back to you when you have forgotten.

Just A Thought ■ The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires.

Your Stars with Christina La Cross Aries (Mar 21 - Apr 20) Opposition to your plans from a close one may arise quite suddenly and can make you overly sensitive. You've guessed what a certain person's plan is.Only trick now is how you tell the others involved.

Taurus (Apr 21 - May 21) If the troubles of others affected you yesterday, now's an easy day, in which you can do what's possible to get back on an even keel. Personal affairs can be attended to and closure to the past found.

Gemini (May 22 - June 21) Time spent helping other people find solutions to their problems is worth the effort today as you finally get to show your softer side after last week's very dramatic personal events which caused such attention.

Cancer (June 22 - July 23) Don't be afraid of the future and the unknown but it embrace it. I can see from your stars it's set to be more successful than you'd dreamt possible. Telling secrets comes back on you, beware.

Leo (July 24 - Aug 23) New people, animals or new beginnings in general enter your life and place a fresh feel over the stale atmosphere which made for such a difficult beginning to the month for you and your close ones.

Virgo (Aug 24 - Sept 23) The little things you say and do will be taken more seriously than the big announcements and actions Virgo, so pay attention to detail and make sure you finish anything that you start please.

Libra (Sept 24 - Oct 23) You have some unusual ideas, but now's not the time to put them to use. You would be far better to bide your time and put detail to your plans. It's the key to your success.

Scorpio (Oct 24 - Nov 22) Time is of the essence in any business or financial affairs at this time. People are listening when you speak so now is the time to tell others what you really want from your future Scorpio.

Sagittarius (Nov 23 - Dec 21) This is a fortunate day for all your financial interests with a chance for good luck at last. Unforeseen co-operation can come from unexpected sources and is sure to be really helpful to you.

Capricorn (Dec 22 - Jan 20) Opportunities may appear from people who may not want publicity, so check with them first before you start pushing them into the limelight. Exciting and celebratory changes are announced in the family circle.

Aquarius (Jan 21 - Feb 19) Be careful that you are not making decisions based on what other people want but try to focus on what your original game-plan was instead. It's sure to show you how able you are to look after yourself.

Pisces (Feb 20 - March 20) This is a great day for all that pertains to the home and family. Favourable too for buying or selling things and for making the most of your personal time. Wear orange for luck in financial meetings.

FAX: 1-800 231 312 E-MAIL: editor@ melbourneobserver.com.au

Birthdays/Celebrations

Barry Willis of Airport West is 80. Observer reader Donelle Gilbert of Seabrook is 72. Entertainer Natalie Bassingthwaighte is 37.

■ Sunday, September 2. Ernie Sigley is 74; happy birthday Ern. Michael Cormick is 49.

Radio man Lionel Yorke was born in Ormond in 1945.

■ Monday, September 3. TV presenter Penne Dennison is 43 (1969) ■ Tuesday, September 4. Actor Kevin Harrington is 53.

This Week’s Competition

‘LONG WAY TO THE TOP’ TICKETS, CD/DVDs Winners receive two tickets to The Tenth Anniversary of ‘Long Way To The Top’ 7.30pm, Friday, October 5 at Rod Laver Arena. Plus 3 Disc Set: CD/DVD. The Melbourne Observer has FOUR Long Way To The Top Gift Packs. You could win a pack.

To enter this competition, complete the details on the form below, and post it - so it will reach us by first mail, Monday, September 10, 2012. Four entries will be drawn. Winners’ details will be published in the Melbourne Observer on Wednesday, September 12, 2012. Prizes will be mailed to winners.

To enter, post to Long Way To The Top Melbourne Observer PO Box 1278, Research Vic 3095 to reach us by first mail, Mon., Sept. 10, 2012

TELL US YOUR BIRTHDAY DAY MONTH (notYEAR compulsory)

Name: ..................................................................................,.

Address: ..............................................................................

Postcode: ........................... Phone: .....................................

Subject to Melbourne Observer competition terms and conditions which include publication of your name, address and birthday details

Page 16 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, August 29, 2012

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Melbourne People

‘Chess’ Opening Night The Productioon Company State Theatre, The Arts Centre

● Tony Bartucchio with Jeanne Pratt

● John, Alexandra and Erin Lidgerwood

● Maria Mercedes with Allison Rando

● Tim Lawson with Peta Webb

● Greg Bird, Silvie Paladino and their children Isabella and Christian

● Chess costume designer Krystal Gidding with Rachel D Taylor

● The Production Company Artistic Direcftor Ken Mackenzie-Forbes

● Director Gale Edwards at the Opening Night after-show party