Melbourne Observer. 110330C. March 30, 2011. Part C.

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, March 30, 2011 - Page 39

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Observer Showbiz Every Week in the Melbourne Observer

Radio Confidential: Best man for the job ..... Page 42 Veritas: Latest TV, radio, theatre news ............. Page 43 The Spoiler: Next week’s ‘soaps’ plotlines ............ Page 43 Jim and Aaron: Best DVD-film selections ................. Page 44 Cheryl Threadgold: Community Theatre - it’s a wrap ...... Page 45 PLUS THE LOVATT”S MEGA CROSSWORD

LATEST RADIO RATINGS Mirror Image at Kensington

● Tommy Clifas and Lucinda Burney ■ Written and directed by Josie Parrelli, Mirror Image is the story of the soulmates eternal search for one another after they where split apart many lifetimes ago.

“The eternal search for reconnection… the eternal search for one another…the eternal search for love," promoters say.

Mirror Image will be performed as a contemporary play featuring music at Revolt Productions, Kensington for three shows from Thursday April 28 - Saturday April 30 Actors Lucinda Burney and Tommy Clifas bring to life the story and characters, soulmates Annie and George written and directed by Josie Parrelli , assisted by Kim Morrell, this marks Josie's first play to be performed in Australia.

Josie's previous play The Weekend was performed on stage in New York as a part of the Strawberry One-Act Festival in February this year where it was a semi-finalist.

After the Melbourne theatre run, Mirror Image will be touring regional Victoria and will then be adapted for the film version where it will be filmed in Melbourne and New York. This marks a new creative chapter in Josie Parrelli's professional career.

Tickets: $20 + booking fee Where: Revolt Productions, 12 Elizabeth St, Kensington When: Thursday April 28 and Friday April 29, 7.30pm Saturday April 30, 6.30pm.

Ronnie Charles at The Fleece ● Ross Stevenson and John Burns ■ 3AW, FOX and ABC 774 again dominated the Melbourne radio ratings when the second 2011 audience survey results were released yesterday (Tues.).

Ross Stevenson and John Burns continued to win the breakfast session (21.0 per cent), ahead of Red Symons (774 ABC) (13.7), Matt Tilley and Jo Stanley at FOX FM (12.5).

3AW increased its overall audience by 2.3 per cent to 17.3, of all people aged 10 and over, measured 5.30am-Midnight. Then followed: Fox 12.4, ABC 774 11.1, Nova 6.5, Gold 6.4, Magic 5.6, Mix 5.1, MMM 5.1, JJJ 5.1, SEN 4.6, Classic Rock 2.9, Radio National 2.6, ABC FM 2.4, MTR 2.0, News Radio 1.9.

Neil Mitchell’s 3AW morning program increased by 2.8 per cent to 19.9, well ahead of Jon Faine, 774 ABC, 11.9.

Denis Walter topped the afternoon programming (13.3), toppling music station Fox (12.9) for the first time in many surveys.

In ‘Drive’, 3AW’s Derryn Hinch’s share increased from 11.6 to 13.2. At Fox FM, Jules Lund and Fifi Box also bettered their last survey, up from 15.1 to 17.1. 774 ABC was 9.6.

Bruce Mansfield and Philip Brady jumped their Nightline ratings from 15.1 to 1.5, measured over 7pm-Midnight, beating Fox FM (12.6) and 774 ABC (12.2). JJJ fell in all timeslots. The survey was measured from January 30-March 19.

French theatre

● Ronnie Charles ■ Seen recently at The Go!! Show reunion concert, Ronnie Charles will feature at The Fleece Hotel, South Melbourne, tomorrow (Thurs.) from 8pm.

Ronnie Charles is branching out with a new line-up and a new set list featuring some of the classic songs from the past four decades.

His emerging band includes Ronnie on vocals, Dave Hertzog and Steve Ely on guitar.

The exciting trio will perform songs from The Beatles, Stones, Elvis, Wilburys, The Band, Pink Floyd, Steven Stills, Dobbie Bros and The Groop.

Admission is free. The Fleece Hotel, 120 Montague St, South Melbourne. Phone: 9682 0208. www.thefleece.com.au

Last Emperor tours

● From Page 10

Di Rolle’s Column The coffee is the best coffee I have had for a long time and remember Melbourne is the coffee capital of the world.

Tucked away in 2 Maddock St, Windsor. I recommend it highly. Phone 9078 5007 – I am going back.

The pedigree by the way of the restaurant is excellent.

John Garcia is the son of Pepe Garcia, who founded – with veteran Vincent Rosales – Maxims in South Yarra, a Melbourne institution of a bygone era.

John Garcia established Port Willunga’s Star of Greece in 1997. A restaurant that played host to some important chefs, including David Swain (Fino, Willunga) and Michael Ryan (Provenance, Beechworth). John was also with caterers Rowland’s.

At Garcia & Son, you will find the Garcia’s immersed in their Spanish heritage in Maddock St, off Chapel, in Windsor.

A must. Oh and I bumped into Tiffany Cherry, gorgeous sports presenter who looked as fabulous as ever.

■ The Melbourne French Theatre will present an Australian premiere of Le Medécin Volant (The Flying Doctor) and La Jalousie du Barbouillé (The Jealous Husband or Barbouillé’s Jealousy) from May 3-7 in Collingwood College, cnr Cromwell St and McCutcheon Way, entry from Cromwell St, Collingwood.

These two classical comedies previously unknown Molière masterpieces were discovered in the 18th century by JeanBaptiste Rousseau and published for the first time in 1819.

Written by the great 17th century French playwright at the beginning of his career, they are full of energetic performance and humour, highly inspired by the repertoire of the Commedia dell’Arte.

These French plays will be surtitled in English.

Executive Director and Producer is Michael Bula. Director : is Iris Gaillard Tickets: from $12 to $32 – see website for details ■ Next week stories of my travels to Alice Springs, I promOfficial website : www.mftinc.org ise!

- Di Rolle

● Liaoning Ballet’s exquisite balletic retelling of The Last Emperor, based on the astonishing life of China’s Last Emperor Puyi and choreographed

by Ivan Cavallari, is touring Australia throughout June and July this year.

The Last Emperor will be in Melbourne at the Princess Theatre from June 18 to 22.

Tickets are on sale across Australia from Tuesday (April 5).

Page 40 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, March 30, 2011

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Melbourne People

Grand Prix Celebrations Crown Metropol ‘28’

● Eddie Jordan, Mick Doohan and David Coulthard

● Billy Brownless and Lauren Phillips

● Georgia Sinclair with Stuart Andrews

● Chelsea Butler and mother Janine Luxon

● Chanel and Derryn Hinch

● Toby Roberts with Simone Callahan

● Ashley Hart and Ed Westwick

● Heath Meldrum, Rhys Uhlich and Kris Smith

● Alan Eskander and Tom Waterhouse

● Supermodel Jessica Hart with sister Ashley

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Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, March 30, 2011 - Page 41

Showbiz People

The Production Company 2011 Season Launch ‘Raheen’, Kew

● Campbell and Krystyna Campbell-Pretty with Dr Alastair Jackson

● Star performers Alex Rathgeber and Suzanne Carbone

● Annie Mann with Ken Mackenzie Forbes at the 2011 launch

● Gian Christian with Will Conyers

● 3MBS-FM’s Clark Stephen, Julie Houghton and John Sheridan

● José Carbo, who will star in Kismet, with Amy Gibson

● Tom Lambert, Brett Hayhoe and Adam Lowe

● Sponsorship/Subscriptions Manager Joanna Fripp with Kevin Trask

Page 42 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, March 30, 2011

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Observer Radio Confidential Showbiz News from stations from around Victoria Overnighters BEST MANN FOR THE JOB www.overnighters.com.au

MTR PROMOTES COLETTE INTO WEEKENDS

Tony Shields on TV ■ Collectables Show (12.05am Fridays, 3AW) panel member Tony Shields was seen on ABC-TV’s In Gordon Street Tonight with Adam Hills last week.

Tony and his brother run Shields Stamps and Coins in Heidelberg.

Tony brought a rare hundred trillon dollar note from Zimbabwe to show on the national weekly TV show.

● Tony Shields

Visitors to Melbourne ■ Overnighters host Keith McGowan’s cousin, Margaret Gow, and her husband Bruce, were in Melbourne for the Grand Prix weekend. Bruce is a familiar sight on the Echuca port, and is to retire later this week. Whilst in Melbourne, the McGowans and Gows joined with Bob and Cheryle Johnson at the favourite Thai restaurant in Gardenvale.

Laurie Allen tribute ■ A tribute website to the late Australian pop star Laurie Allen has been established at www.laurie allen.net - it includes free music downloads, and links to You Tube videos including Bobby and Laurie TV clips.

It’s a knockout!

● Colette Mann ■ Make no mistake, Colette Mann is one very intelligent operator ... and makes for a challenging radio host.

Colette has been standing in for Glenn Ridge on weekends (MTR), and provides an interesting alternative on Saturday and Sunday afternoons when most other stations have the football.

Mann takes no prisoners, and has a supersharp intellect. Veritas wonders if she is sometime TOO acerbic for Melbourne audiences.

Kick off ■ Former 3AW bound-

● 3AW producer Ken Francis (centre) with Rockin’ Ronnie Gonzo and Brian Mannix at the Chelsea Heights Hotel. ary rider Scott Cummings, and Leigh Colbert, are hosting the First Choice Liquor Footy Shout, at 5pm Fridays on Classic Rock 91.5.

Their first program was on Friday.

Cummings played for Essendon, West Coast Eagles and Collingwood.

Colbert was a Geelong captain, and later played with North Melbourne.

The dedicated footy show goes to air, 5pm6pm, Fridays.

New man at MTR

More girls on radio

● MTR overnight

Melbourne Radio Flashbacks

● Keith McGowan, Marc Pante and Angela McGowan after Marc scored a KO in his second professional fight.

r Observbei z Show

■ MTR 1377’s website says its overnight presenter is “to be confirmed”, following Sydney presenter Jim Ball’s departure.

Of recent times, the show has been presented

by Michael McLaren, who has been the producer of the Sydney night and overnight programs.

His university studies have included ancient history, and is a long-time supporter of the NSW rugby league team, the Balmain Tigers.

Michael is presenting the program between Midnight - 3.30am.

● Gold 104.3’s Craig Huggins (then of 3XY) with the late Peter Brock.

It was 1982, and 3XY was one of the Brock ‘.05’ sponsors.

● Lindy Burns ■ Lindy Burns, 774 ABC ‘Drive’ presenter, was featured in an Age Green Guide feature last Thursday.

Journalist Michael Lallo reported on the few women working on Melbourne radio.

Observer Editor Ash Long, speaking with Denis Scanlan on Pulse 94.7, last Wednesday, predicted that there will be more women in prime shifts on Melbourne radio over the coming 12 months.

Two shows

■ Billy Pinnell and Alan Pearsall are back with their after-footy Blasts From The Past program, mainly from 11pm on Friday and Saturday nights.

Not only did the music make for a good show ... but so did the chatter when Alan Pearsall left the microphones partly open as the tracks played!

● Billy Pinnell

Who’s that?

■ One of the puzzles about watching re-runs of the original Prisoner TV episodes on cable TV channel, 111 Hits, was putting a name to the voice heard in the radio news bulletins that were part of the script back in 1979.

A look at the end-ofprogram credits reveals that it was Adam Joseph, who manned the 3AW weekend overnight programs in the late 1990s.

● Adam Joseph Melbourne

Observer

On This Day

Wednesday, Thursday, March 31 March 30

Friday, April 1

Saturday, April 2

Sunday, April 3

Monday, April 4

Tuesday, April 5

■ Entertainer Rolf Harris was born in Perth in 1930 (81).

American actor John Astin, who played Gomez in The Addams Family, is 81.

Actor Warren Beatty is 74 (1937).

Actor Alan Fletcher (Dr Karl Kennedy in Neighbours) is 54 (1957).

■ April Fools Day. Actress-singer Debbie Reynolds is 79 (1932).

Actress Ali McGraw is 73 (1938).

Singer Susan Boyle was born in Scotland in 1961 (50).

Australian country signer Gina Jeffreys (Hillenberg) was born in 1968 (43).

■ American actor Buddy Ebsen was born in 1980.

The Beverly Hillbillies star died aged 95 in 2003.

British actor Sir Alec Guinness was born in London in 1914. He died aged 86 in 2000.

Jack Webb, director and actor of Dragnet fame, was born in 1920 in California. He died aged 62 in 1982.

■ Doris day (Doris von Koppelhoff) was born in 1924 (87).

Actor Marlon Brando was born in 1924. He died aged 80 in 2004.

Singer Wayne Newton is 69 (1942).

US actor Alec Baldwin was born in New York in 1958 (53).

■ US actor Anthony Perkins was born in New York City in 1932. She died aged 60 in 1992.

Football identity Rodney Eade was born in Tasmania in 1958 (53).

Actor Hugo Weaving was born in Nigeria in 1960 (51).

Robert Downey Jnr was born in New York in 1965 (46).

■ Actor Spencer Tracy was born in 1900. He died aged 67 in 1967.

Actress Bette Davis was born in 1908. She died aged 81 in 1989.

Actor Gregory Peck was born in 1916. He died aged 87 in 2003.

British actor Nigel Hawthorne was born in 1929. Died in 2001.

■ American actress Shirley Jones is 77 (1934). She starred in The Partridge Family.

US musician Herb Alpert is 76 (1935). He co-founded A & M Records.

Actor Richard Chamberlain is 76 (1935).

US actress Rhea Perlman (Cheers) is 65 (1946).

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 30, 2011 - Page 43

Observer TV, Radio, Theatre Showbiz Latest Melbourne show business news - without fear or favour The Spoiler DOCO ON BENDIGO ST. Veritas

ShowBiz!

Melbourne’s Best TV-Radio Critic

For Those Who Have Lost The Plot

Neighbours

Fresh serial pest calls in

■ 6.30pm. Weeknights. Eleven.

■ Monday, April 4. Callum continues to search for his mother's true identity , but will his mission put him in danger? The girls and guys of Erinsborough struggle with the new arrangement of the Men's Shed..

■ Tuesday, April 5. Overcome with guilt, Sonya decides to reveal her secret, but Callum beats her to the punch by waking up and identifying her as his real mother. Tash and Summer both try to find Chris a date.

■ Wednesday, April 6. Libby is back! With her new, positive attitude, she strolls into Harold's Store and runs straight into her old pal, Toadie, who has never needed a friend with a sympathetic ear more than now.

■ Thursday, April 7. Lucas is caught in the middle when Jade asks if she and Sony a can stay with him. Will he choose loyalty to Toadie over his homeless friends? Kyle turns to Jade for some quick cash.

■ Friday, April 8. Tickets to Andrew's party are selling like hotcakes, but the event soon comes under scrutiny from the police. Kate is surprised to discover Brennan and Kyle competing for her attention.

■ Love ‘em or hate ‘em ... talkback callers provide a rich tapestry. A Box Hill chap has been pestering the night-time shows on 3AW, boasting of his IQ of 324. But, actually, the man is a bit of a dill. According to Veritas’s reading, the top IQ score is generally accepted to be 200 (although brainiac Stephen Hawking may have tipped the scales). So the Box Hill Brain is either a bit of a fibber, or a bit of a goose ... or both!

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

■ Monday, April 4. Who told immigration about Elijah and Grace? Grace makes a tough decision.

■ Tuesday, April 5. April reveals a secret and makes Dex promise he won't tell anyone. Liam forgets about his date with Bianca, while Elijah struggles to move on.

■ Wednesday, April 6. While Indi tries to move on with her life, Romeo makes a decision that shocks many. Then, Marilyn invites Roo to dinner.

■ Thursday, April 7. Charlie tries to reconcile with Ruby, while Dex encourages April to get help.

Romeo's life spins more out of control.

■ Friday, April 8. Casey is wary of Ruby's grand plan. While Charlie is invited to meet the Braxtons, Colleen goes on a date with Keith.

Media Flashes ■ The Observer told you two weeks ago that Shane Bourne would host the Logies.

■ A listener to Alan Pearsall’s 3AW weekend overnight program laughs that ‘Margaret of Preston’ mentions Alan’s name between 19-23 times on each call.

■ One year on ... and it’s fascinating to hear Martin King on air on MTR 1377. Sounds a dead ringer for Steve Price, in his early days.

■ Somers Carroll is producing a documentary on GTV9's former Bendigo Street studios which was the hub of live television in Melbourne for decades.

David Knox of TV Tonight reports that the woman (Corinne Lawrence) who started a Facebook page to encourage the Somers Carroll company to be given a chance to bring back Hey Hey to Channel 9, has been given a job by Daryl Somers.

“Sadly, there’s nothing to report about the on-air prospects of Hey Hey at this time but I can’t thank you enough for your efforts and genuine enthusiasm to keep the show on air,” Daryl says.

■ Friday. 7.30pm. St Kilda v Richmond. Seven ■ Sat. 2.10pn. North Melb. v Collingwood. Ten. ■ Sat. 7.40pm. GC Suns v Geelong.

Ten. ■ Sun. 2.10pm. Sydney v Essendon.

Seven.

All other matches on Fox

$2M ONLINE DEAL

■ In an Australian fi rst, comedy duo Hamish Blake and Andy Lee have signed a deal - rumoured to be worth $2m - with AAMI that will see the insurance fi rm support their digital content for 12 months, reports B&T. “The deal has been brokered by integrated agency Switch Digital and follows a business model started by US celebrities such as Ryan Seacrest and Chelsea Handler.

“AAMI will have advertising, custommade content and podcast coverage across Hamish & Andy online material – including AAMI watermarks on their video content.

Lee said the deal is intended to allow the pair's online content to remain free for fans, B&T reports.

“This deal comes a month after Hamish & Andy signed a deal with Channel Nine for their company, Radio Karate, to produce a series of comedy specials for the network,” the magazine reported on Monday.

Grand Prix

■ Former Geelong broadcaster Laurie Atlas is now handling the 1pm-6pm shift on the Prime Radio Heritage Network in northern Queensland.

■ Radio man Ross Stevenson (3AW) did not finish in the celebrity race at the Grand Prix. Lauren Phillips (WB For Kids, Nine) was placed last in the race.

■ TV Week magazine will announce its Logies nominations on Sunday, ahead of its next edition on Monday. The Logies Awards will be held on May 1.

Ross signs for 8 years ■ 3AW’s Ross Stevenson has signed for another eight years, at a reported $1 million a year.Stevenson, who co-hosts with John Bur ns, was on a seven-year contract from 2004. He started his radio career on 3RRR-FM.

● Ross Stevenson

Observer Special Reader Offer

Tony Fenelon

At The Mighty Regent Wurlitzer 20-Track CD.$20 (incl. postage) 32 favourites on the original Mighty Wurlutzer in Hoyts Regent Theatre Melbourne.

Recorded in superb stereo featuring some of the finest Oscar-winning songs throughout the years, plus Embraceable You, It’s Delovely, When You’re In Love, With A Song In My Heart, Chicago and selections from Snow White and Oklahoma. Tunes including Zip A Dee Doo Dah, Mona Lisa, Days Of Wine and Roses, High Hopes, Three Coins In The Fountain, Secret Love, Moon River and Over The Rainbow.

CD Order Form. $20 (incl. postage) To: Resonance Recording Co. 16 Christine Ave Berwick PO Box 565, Berwick, Vic 3806 Yes! Please send me the Tony Fenelon CD. I enclose my Cheque/Money Order for $20.

■ The next radio ratings will be announed on Tuesday, May 10. Yesterday’s figures produced few surprises.

■ Both Womans Day and Grazia magazines remade their front-page covers to pay tribute to the life of Hollywood legend, Elizabeth Taylor.

Footy On TV

Name: ............................................................................. ● Old mates: Radio veterans Darren James and Derryn Hinch at the Grand Prix.

Photo: 3aw.com.au

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

Page 44 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Observer Showbiz DVD & Blu-Ray Recommendations FILM: THE TOWN: Genre: Crime/Drama.

Cast: Ben Affleck, Jeremy Renner, Pete Postlethwaite, Rebecca Hall.

Year: 2010.

Rating: MA15+.

Running Time: 120 Minutes & 153 Minutes.

Format: DVD & BLU-RAY. Stars: **** Verdict: Compelling action-thriller set in Boston of a long-time thief tries to balance his feelings for a bank worker connected to one of his earlier heists as he plans his new job, as well as the FBI agent looking to bring him and his crew down, there is not a dull moment in this tense, exciting and explosive edge-of-your-seat nail-biter, director and star, Ben Affleck, excels on both sides of the camera, and aided by outstanding performances from a top notch supporting cast, try to catch Ben Affleck's personally preferred and superior version on Blu-Ray which runs over 30 minutes longer.

FILM: THE AMERICAN: Genre: Crime/Drama.

Cast: George Clooney, Bruce Altman, Thekla Reuten.

Year: 2010.

Rating: MA15+.

Running Time: 105 Minutes.

Format: DVD & BLU-RAY. Stars: ***1/2 Verdict: George Clooney gives a restrained and enthralling performance as an assassin who hides out in Italy for one last assignment, but things don't quite go to plan, not your full throttle, big budget hit-man action thriller in the Leon: The Professional or Charles Bronson mould, relying more on mood, methodically deliberate pacing, atmosphere and tension to pull it off, with rewarding results, stunning European location bring it all together nicely.

FILM: THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES SMARTER BROTHER: Genre: Comedy.

Cast: Gene Wilder, Madeline Kahn, Marty Feldman.

Year: 1975.

Rating: PG. Running Time: 91 Minutes.

Format: DVD. Stars: **1/2 Verdict: Mildly entertaining Gene Wilder comedy of the younger brother of the famous consulting detective, Sherlock Holmes, who tries to steal Sherlock's glory by solving an important case assisted by an eccentric Scotland Yard detective and a lovely but suspicious actress, it's definitely no Blazing Saddles or Young Frankenstein, but a bit of good innocent fun to be had by all, if you are looking for a hilariously funny Sherlock Holmes spoof then check out the riotous Without a Clue starring Michael Caine and Ben Kingsley.

FILM: TO BE OR NOT TO BE: Genre: Comedy/War. Cast: Mel Brooks, Anne Bancroft.

Years: 1983.

Rating: PG. Running Time: 105 Minutes.

Format: DVD & BLU-RAY. Stars: *** Verdict: Above average remake of the original 1942 classic from Mel Brooks of a Polish actor who is just trying to make a living when what should intrude but World War II in the form of an invasion, and to top it off, his wife has the habit of entertaining young polish officers while he's on stage, but when one of her officers comes back on a Secret Mission, the actor takes charge and comes up with a plan for them to escape, almost word for word of the far superior original starring Jack Benny, but keeps it sense of fun well within its grasp and is far from disappointing.

FILM: TUNES OF GLORY: Genre: Drama.

Cast: Alec Guinness, John Mills.

Year: 1960.

Rating: PG. Running Time: 106 Minutes.

Format: DVD. Stars: ****1/2 Verdict: Thrilling and absorbing tale of a battle of military men and minds between an outgoing officer and his replacement of a Highland regiment in peacetime Scotland following WWII, with tragic results for both, gripping tour-de-force performances from both Alec Guinness and John Mills as they go head-to-head in this powerful social and psychological campaign of waring ideologies, engrossing from beginning to end, an absolute must-see!

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Movies, DVDs

With James Sherlock

Reviews by Aaron Rourke

SUMMER WARS

â– (PG) (Japan). 114 minutes. Available to rent on DVD and Blu-Ray now.

Full of energy, humour, and most of all heart, the tremendously entertaining 'Summer Wars' shows us why Japanese animators are still producing some of the best animation in the world.

After a dazzling opening sequence in which we are shown a virtual reality world called OZ, where people can interact with others on-line disguised in custom-made avatars, the story focuses on High School students Kenji and Natsuki.

Natsuki has asked Kenji to pretend to be her fiance at her family reunion, where they will be celebrating Natsuki's great-grandmother's 90th birthday.

Kenji is honoured but also incredibly nervous, as he has a huge crush on Natsuki. The two travel to the small town of Ueda, and Kenji is overwhelmed as he meets Natsuki's large and very lively family, who laugh and argue in about equal measure.

The first night there Kenji receives a mysterious e-mail that contains a bizarre mathmatical question.

Managing to crack the code within the question, Kenji finds out that it has been used to hack into OZ's security,

and that someone or something wants to destroy both the virtual and the real world.

Kenji, Natsuki, and her family must band together to defeat this formidable enemy. As with the best Japanese anime, 'Summer Wars' doesn't condescend to its audience, showing that the animation genre doesn't just have to be for kids. Screenwriter Satoko Okudera and director Mamoru Hosoda (who directed the 2007 version of 'The Girl Who Leapt Through Time', available on DVD and also highly recommended) carefully create their characters, making them feel like the kind of family one could encounter in real life.

They also make sure that Kenji and Natsuki are credible, natural youngsters whose coming-of-age journey and growing relationship is both warm and believable.

The strong character detail and sophisticated story structure are a few reasons why Japanese anime has remained so popular over the years.

Another reason is the vivid location flavour, and that country, smalltown feeling is perfectly captured here. Finally, the animation itself is first-rate, with an eye-popping blend of traditional and computer animation.

RATING - ****1/2

THE TOWN

â– (MA) (USA). 125 minutes. Available to rent on DVD and Blu-Ray now.

After making an outstanding directorial debut with 'Gone Baby Gone', Ben Affleck returns to the director's chair with 'The Town', which confirms his ability and talent as a film-maker.

Once again set in Boston, this story is set in the tough neighbourhood of Charlestown, which is infamous for the record amount of bank robberies that take place there.

We follow one group of bank robbers, headed by Doug MacRay (Ben Affleck), They are a close-knit, family-style outfit (think Robert De Niro's crew in Michael Mann's brilliant 1995 film 'Heat') who plan each robbery down to the finest detail.

During their latest robbery however, the volatile James Coughlin (Oscar nominee Jeremy Renner from 'The Hurt Locker') decides to take a hostage, Claire Keesey (Rebecca Hall).

Dumped once the crew are safe, Claire attracts the attention of the FBI agent on the case (John Hamm), as well as Coughlin, who feels she may be able to recognise them.

What proves unexpected is the relationship that develops between Claire and Doug. Like 'Gone Baby Gone', Affleck creates incredible local detail and flavour, immersing us in a world that is both close-knit and intensely dangerous.

It is a world that seems hard to break free from, and one that is passed down from one generation to the next.

As a director Affleck approaches both story and character with great skill and patience, an approach that is not that dissimilar to Clint Eastwood.

Affleck could have easily filled the film with car chases, shoot-outs, and explosions, but he is much more interested in the characters and the

world in which they live.

Performances are outstanding right down the line, which also includes Chris Cooper ('Matewan' / 'Lone Star' / 'American Beauty' / 'Silver City') and the late Pete Postlethwaite ('In The Name Of The Father' / 'The Usual Suspects').

There is also tremendous work done by cinematographer Robert Elswit, who captures Charlestown with amazing clarity.

The only downside is that this is a truncated version of Affleck's original cut (which reportedly ran around three-and-a-half hours), so a number of the supporting characters and subplots feel somewhat trimmed and incomplete.

The Blu-Ray has a longer version, running 155 minutes, so some of these areas will feel fully fleshed out. Hopefully someday we'll see the full director's cut.

Despite this, 'The Town' is still strong, absorbing entertainment made for adults, and now proves conclusively that Ben Affleck is a filmmaker to watch and respect.

RATING - ***1/2 - Aaron Rourke

Melbourne

Observer

Top 10 Lists THE AUSTRALIAN BOX OFFICE TOP TEN: 1. BATTLE: LOS ANGELES. 2. RANGO. 3. LIMITLESS. 4. HALL PASS. 5. THE ADJUSTMENT BUREAU. 6. THE KING'S SPEECH. 7. GNOMEO AND JULIET. 8. I AM NUMBER FOUR. 9. THE GIRL WHO KICKED THE HORNET'S NEST. 10. THE RITE. NEW RELEASES AND COMING SOON TO CINEMAS AROUND AUSTRALIA: MARCH 24: BARNEY'S VERSION, BIUTIFUL, RED RIDING HOOD, THE MECHANIC, WAITING FOR SUPERMAN. MARCH 31: HEARTBEATS, IN A BETTER WORLD, JUST GO WITH IT, LINCOLN LAWYER, NEVER LET ME GO, THE LIGHTHORSEMEN. THE DVD TOP SELLERS: 1. THE SOCIAL NETWORK [Drama/Jesse Eisenberg, Andrew Garfield, Justine Timberlake].

2. DUE DATE [Comedy/Robert Downey Jr, Zach Galifianakis, Jamie Foxx, Michelle Monaghan].

3. THE EXPENDABLES [Action/ Thriller/Sylvester Stallone, Jason Statham, Bruce Willis].

4. MACHETE [Action/Thriller/ Danny Trejo, Robert De Niro, Jessica Alba, Michelle Rodriguez].

5. THE TOWN [Crime/Mystery/ Thriller/Ben Affleck, Jeremy Renner, Pete Postlethwaite].

6. SKYLINE [Science Fiction/ Thriller/Eric Balfour, Scottie Thompson].

7. SAW: THE FINAL CHAPTER [Horror/Thriller/Tobin Bell, Betsy Russell, Cary Elwes].

8. TOY STORY 3 [Animated/Family/Comedy/Tom Hanks, Michael Keaton, Don Rickles].

9. JACKASS 3 - Uncut [Comedy/ Johnny Knoxville, Bam Margera].

10. THE GHOST WRITER [Mystery/ Thriller/Pierce Brosnan, Ewan McGregor, Kim Cattrall].

Also: UNTHINKABLE, THE SWITCH, EAT PRAY LOVE, RESIDENT EVIL: AFTERLIFE, LEGEND OF THE GARDIANS: THE OWLS OF GA'HOOLE, THE AMERICAN, CHLOE, PARANORMAL ACTIVITY 2, INCEPTION, THE GIRL WHO PLAYED WITH FIRE. NEW RELEASE HIGHLIGHTS ON DVD THIS WEEK: THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader [Fantasy/Adventure].

RED [Action/Comedy/Bruce Willis, Morgan Freeman, Helen Mirren, Brian Cox, Ernest Borgnine].

BAMBI: Diamond Edition [1942/ Animated/Family/Classic/Hardie Albright, Thelma Boardman].

BAMBI 2: Special Edition [2006/ Animated/Family/Patrick Stewart, Alexander Gould].

WILD TARGET [Action/Comedy/ Crime/Bill Nighy, Emily Blunt].

DEVIL [Horror/Thriller/Geoffrey Arend, Bojana Novakovic, Logan Marshall-Green].

NEW & RE-RELEASE CLASSICS ON DVD HIGHLIGHTS: ARABESQUE [1966/Action/Adventure/Gregory Peck, Sophia Loren].

THE CAR [1977/Horror/Thriller/ Mystery/James Brolin].

Turn To Page ##

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, March 30, 2011 - Page 45

Observer Showbiz AUDITIONS

Peridot Theatre ■ Der Kriminalkommisar (by Michael McLean) April 4 at 7.30pm at the Unicorn Theatre, Mt Waverley Secondary College, Lechte Rd., Mt Waverley. Director: Edna Bartlett. Audition bookings: 0448 844 612.

Community Theatre Melbourne

Observer

With Cheryl Threadgold

SECRET BRIDESMAIDS’ BUSINESS SHOWS

Graeme Marriott

Peridot Theatre ■ The Glass Menagerie (by Tennessee Williams) April 6 at 7.30pm at the Unicorn Theatre, Lechte Rd., Mt Waverley.

Director: Vicki Smith. Audition bookings: 0419 329052 or 9568 4090 or stagestruck58@me.com

Williamstown Little Theatre ■ Come Back to the Five and Dime, Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean (by Ed Graczyk) April 17 at 1.00pm, April 18 at 7.45pm at Williamstown Little Theatre, 2-4 Albert St., Williamstown.

Director: Peter Newling. Audition Bookings: 0419 205 200.

Catchment Players of Darebin ■ Into the Woods Jnr. April 12, 13 at the Catchment Rehearsal Factory, 10 Malua St., Reservoir. Audition bookings: 0424 565 375.

Fab Nobs ■ The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee April 16, 17.

Director: Scott Hili; Musical Director: Phill Scanlon. Audition Bookings: 0414 367 062.

SHOWS

● Meet the cast of Secret Bridesmaids' Business, being presented on April 7, 8, 9 at 8pm at the Mechanics Institute Performing Arts Centre, Brunswick. From left are Tricia McRae, Hannah McRae, Hayley Gamble, Robert Clark, Leah Milner and Emily Attardi.

Photo: Jeremy Guzman ■ Purely Pensive Productions presents Secret Bridesmaids' Business on April 7, 8, 9 at 8pm at the Mechanics Institute Performing Arts Centre, Cnr. Sydney and Glenlyon Rds., Brunswick.

Written by Elizabeth Coleman and directed by Kathryn Lynch, Secret Bridesmaids' Business takes place in a hotel suite in the hours leading up to Meg Bacon's wedding. Meg has gathered together her Mum and bridesmaids for one last night of good oldfashioned girlie fun. Tickets: $20/$16. Bookings: www.purelypensive.com.au

Hartwell Players

Fab Nobs

■ Hamlet (by William Shakespeare) April 1 - 16 at Ashwood College Performing Arts Centre, Vannam Drive, Ashwood.

Director: Phoebe Anne Taylor. Tickets: $18/$12. Bookings: 9513 9581 www.hartwellplayers.org.au

■ Spring Awakening Until April 2 at the Fab Factory, 33 Industry Place, Bayswater. Directors: James Cutler and Karl McNamara; Musical Director: Tyson Legg. Book: 0401 018 846.

Sherbrooke Theatre Company

The Mount Players

■ Six of the Best (by Chris Hodson) April 1 - 16 at 8.15pm, April 3, 10 at 5.15pm at the Doncaster Playhouse, 679 Doncaster Rd., Doncaster. Director: Bob Bramble. Tickets: $25/$23. Bookings: 1300 650209. www.sherbrooketc.org.au

■ The Woman in Black (adapted by Stephen Mallatratt from the book by Susan Hill) until April 2 at 8pm at the Mountview Theatre, 56 Smith St., Macedon. Director: Frank Harvey. Tickets: $25/$22. Bookings: 5426 1557 or 1300 463224. www.themountplayers.com

Geelong Repertory

Catchment Players of Darebin

■ I Do Not Like Thee Dr. Fell (by Bernard Farrell) April 8 30 at 15 Coronation St., Geelong West. Director: Colin Urquhart. Tickets: $25/$23. Bookings: 5225 1200. www.geelongrep.com.au

■ Cabaret April 8 - 16 at the Banyule Theatre, Viewbank College, 10 Buckingham Drive, Heidelberg. Performances: April 8, 9, 11, 15 at 8pm, April 10 at 2pm and April 16 at 5pm. Bookings: 0437 228 246.

Adelphi Players Theatre Co. ■ The Night of the Ding Dong (by Ralph Peterson) from April 5 - 10 at Labassa Mansion, 2 Manor Grove, Caulfield North Director: Michael Mace. Tickets: $15/$12 (National Trust Members/Concessions) Bookings: 9690 1593.

Hay Fever

Frankston Theatre Group ■ Twelve Angry Men (by Reginald Rose, adapted by Sherman Segal) April 14, 15, 16 at 8pm, April 16, 17 at 2pm at the George Jenkins Theatre, Monash University, McMahons Rd., Frankston. Tickets: $26.50, PSSU $24.50. Bookings: 9905 1111.

Heidelberg Theatre Company ■ The Business of Murder (by Richard Harris) April 21 May 7 at 36 Turnham Ave., Rosanna. Director: John Jenkins.

Tickets: $25/$20. Bookings: 9457 4117. www.htc.org.au

Eltham Little Theatre ■ A Month of Sundays April 28 - May 14 at the Performing Arts Centre, 1602 Main Rd., Research. Director: Mel de Bono.

Tickets: $20/$16. Bookings: 9437 1574. ● Turn To Page 48

● Graeme Marriott, recently retired President of MLOC Productions.

■ Graeme Marriott has seen several changes in MLOC Productions during his term as Treasurer since 1980 and also as President for 17 years.

Now in its 65th year, MLOC Productions originally started in 1945 as the Mordialloc Philharmonic Society and has since been known as the Mordialloc Choral Society, the Mordialloc Musical Society, the Mordialloc Light Opera Company and, since 1992, MLOC Productions, a name which allows for more diversity in style of productions presented, but retains the Mordialloc tradition in the MLOC acronym.

The company rehearses in Parkdale and performs in the Phoenix Theatre, Elwood.

Awarded Life Membership of MLOC in 1994, Graeme has appeared in approximately fifty musical productions since 1979, mostly for MLOC but also for DLOC (Dandenong) and MOTTS. Roles include Jud Fry in Oklahoma!, Pooh Bah in The Mikado, Joey in The Most Happy Fella, Sid in The Pajama Game, Buffalo Bill in Annie Get Your Gun, The Wiz in The Wiz, The Pharaoh in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat, The Wazir in Kismet and Emile de Becque in South Pacific.

Performing regularly in many concerts, including for the Austral Salon of the Arts, Legacy, City of Mordialloc, Peninsula Community Arts, Kingston Arts Centre, Victorian Organ Society and the Bentleigh Progressive Synagogue, Graeme is also a regular soloist at the Beaumaris Community Christmas Carols event.

Graeme has done great work in successfully steering MLOC Productions over the past three decades, including surviving the tough financial times encountered by many community theatre companies.

Graeme will continue as Treasurer, and having retired as President will be replaced by Margot Sephton in this position.

FAMDA ● Matt Wilson (Simon) discusses his role with director Horrie Leek for Encore Theatre Company's production of Hay Fever.

■ Encore Theatre Company presents Noel Coward's Hay Fever until April 9 at the Clayton Community Centre Theatrette, Cooke St., Clayton.

Directed by Horrie Leek, the story tells of the ultra-Bohemian Bliss family. When guests arrive for the weekend, they suffer an uncomfortable tea, then there is a word game understood only by the family. Histrionics and terror see the guests making a lively exit the next morning. Tickets: $20/$18. Bookings: 1300 739 099.

■ (Foster Amateur Musical Drama Association) Cabaretro - an evening of sophisticated cabaret. April 1 - 8 at the Foster War Memorial Arts Centre, Main St., Foster. Director: John Laurie.

Tickets: April 1, 2 $50 incl. show with gourmet dinner; April 8 $30 incl. show with gourmet supper. Bookings: 0400 867 872 www.famda.org.au

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

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Page 46 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, February 9, 2011 Melbourne

Observer

Lovatts Crossword No 10 Across

Across

Down

Down

1. Magnifying 6. Pokes 11. Arouse 15. Accompanying 20. Back 21. Verification 22. Killer whale 23. Document, The ... Carta 25. Famous canal 26. Spanish festival 27. Contact 29. Submarine weapon 32. Bat & ...

34. Egyptian cobras 36. Nautical balance (3,4) 39. Reluctant 41. Reclines 43. Underwater detector 46. Infuriates 48. Annual horse race 49. Business note 51. Paddles 52. Close of church service 55. Deem 56. Catches in the act 59. Inched 61. Vein of ore 62. Nibble 63. Survive 64. Parachute straps 67. Perfect (society) 68. Spruce (up) 70. Came close to 71. Intimidating comment 72. Eskimo shelters 73. Dr Jekyll's alter ego (2,4) 74. Ethiopia's ... Ababa 75. Most impetuous 77. Rangoon is there 78. Nocturnal chicks 79. Felt hat 82. Painting supports 86. Horrified 87. Calf flesh 89. Battery pole 92. Duty 94. Wan 96. Board counters game 98. Sunbeams 100. Idolise 101. Supplements, ... out 103. Judge's gown 105. Bolivia's capital (2,3) 106. Poems 108. Tapering fruit 111. Nasty 112. North American salamanders 114. Hasten 116. Ponder 119. 1000 grams 120. Sound horn 121. 'Tis (2'1) 123. Wander 124. Community 125. Very clever 126. Catastrophes 127. Directions on envelope 130. Type of whiskey 131. Perfumed bags 135. Join together 138. Singer, ... Turner 139. Drizzle 141. Large sweet fruit 144. Avid 146. Food enhancer (1,1,1) 147. Non-coms (1,1,2) 148. Immense period 149. Note well, ... bene 150. Negotiable (1,1,1) 151. Metal track 152. Fantastic 153. Cotton spool 155. Drags laboriously 157. Regretful 158. US Military Academy, ... Point 160. Atlantic or Indian 161. Plastic 162. Baby-bottle tops 163. Reside 165. More independent 166. Primate 167. American espionage body (1,1,1)

168. Moral principle 169. Stereo (2-2) 171. Steer clear of 172. Hospital worker 175. Discover 176. Drinks like dog 179. Rescind 180. Breakfast cereal 182. Prude 184. Market for goods 185. Melbourne Cup winner, ... Lap 186. Alphabet (1,1,1) 188. Equal 189. Weeding tool 190. Divorce, decree ...

191. No score 193. Country, Costa ...

194. Pips 196. Horse's father 197. Unconscious state 198. Journalist's slant 200. European Jewish language 205. Typist's complaint (1,1,1) 207. Unconsumed 210. Frightening dream 211. Addition 212. Hop, ... & jump 213. Swelling 214. ... & don'ts 216. Panache 218. Flying saucers (1,1,2) 219. Snow-runners 220. Openings 224. Power-grabbers 227. Mideast area, ... Strip 229. Capsize, ... over 230. Nodule 231. Peace prize pioneer, Alfred ...

232. Verse-writer 233. Exude 235. Fumes 237. Jittery 239. Yield 241. Restaurant patron 244. Great Bear constellation, ...

Major 246. Determine (dispute) 249. Glimpse 252. Meagre 254. Singer, ... Streisand 256. Most likely to win (4-2) 258. East Central African land 259. Chortle 260. Paddocks 263. Early Peruvians 264. Not wholesale 265. Make untidy (4,2) 267. Empty-headed 270. In flight 271. Annoyed 272. Modernist design style (3,4) 273. Tribal chief 274. Street talk 277. Wheat husks 279. Inner drive 281. Fetes 284. Shop clearance 286. Frog-like creature 288. Heckler 292. Gleam 294. The M of YMCA (3'1) 295. Piquant 298. Snaking dance 300. All set 301. Bike 303. Alcove 306. Court sitting 308. Video format 309. Frees 311. Fixed (photo) on to backing 314. Hindu teacher 315. Nuclear 316. Required 317. Harbours 318. Roman garment 319. Copy outline of 320. Inconsiderable 321. Token of good luck 322. Chooses 323. Food sampler 324. Biscuit containers

1. Departure 2. Hide-out 3. Latin lover 4. Silver bar 5. Snatch 6. Italian seaport 7. Russian mountains 8. Turfed 9. Scanty 10. The D of AD 11. Struggle 12. Corporal's stripe 13. Combined figure 14. Rubber 15. Heads of corn 16. Pursue 17. Detox therapy 18. ... of Wight 19. Band's live performances 24. First man 28. Sure-fire thing 30. The O of PTO 31. Drip sound 33. Take into custody 35. Sacred songs 37. Sharp-eyed cat 38. Jabbers 40. Sailor's dance 42. Steak cut (1-4) 44. Repulsive 45. Energetic 47. Altogether (2,3) 48. Swindles 49. Tennis veteran, John ...

50. Olympic champion 53. Non-aligned 54. Set fire to 57. Very vague (4-5) 58. Roads 60. Drama house 63. Maddened 65. Tots up 66. Footwear item 68. Spirit 69. Jane Austen novel 76. Politically explosive region (3,4) 79. Influenza 80. Salivate 81. Lease again 83. Greek fable writer 84. Sinned 85. Pig enclosure 88. German shepherds 90. Morays 91. Leak out 93. Slur 95. Tidy 97. Long dry spell 99. Stupid 100. Calla lily 102. Tangles 104. Tolerated 107. Spay 109. Collect 110. Feral 111. Anchor (boat) 113. Acclaim 115. Photographing bones (1-6) 117. Engrave 118. Study hard 121. Haifa citizen 122. Severely 127. Crooked 128. Tell off, ... down 129. Secondary outcomes (4,7) 132. Heated row 133. Praise highly 134. Besmirch 135. Rain shields 136. Lack of knowledge 137. Letter coverings 138. Twisters 140. Fondness for the past 141. Australian nut-bearing tree

142. Slackening 143. Santa's home (5,4) 145. Loonier 151. Livestock thief 154. Happening 156. Stomach sore 159. Well-known record label (1,1,1) 164. Current unit 169. Joyful 170. Impostor 173. Guided (to seat) 174. Distinct variety 177. Aslant 178. Deposit eggs (of fish) 181. Enliven 183. Residents of institution 187. Lanky folk 192. Ailments 195. Mining 199. Innocence 201. Very black 202. Immerses 203. Abode 204. Sedate (character) 206. Lead-in 207. Utilisation 208. Greenish blue 209. People's self-pride 213. Enjoy 215. Circled (globe) 217. Scruff (of neck) 221. Lobby 222. Lebanese timber 223. Stuck-up person 224. Arm bone 225. Increased 226. Nips with beak 228. Unbiased 234. Questionable 236. Slaughtering 238. Pat 240. Wolf's home 242. Humbling 243. Emperor's wife 245. Inflexibility 247. Rife 248. Reject (4,3) 250. Restricts movement (4,4) 251. Stray from subject 253. Harvard's rival 255. Chopped 257. Statement of allegiance 258. Mother 261. Garb 262. Followed orders 265. Bully 266. Tiny tree branch 268. Irate 269. Hollered 275. Delicate fabric 276. Fish traps 278. Lacking in blood iron 280. Space missiles 282. Prayer ending 283. Raise stakes, up the ...

285. Recognise 287. Senility 289. Builds 290. Large American feline 291. Young swan 292. Engineless plane 293. Native of Glasgow or Edinburgh 296. Cinema gangway 297. Grind (teeth) 299. Of birth 302. Dessert, ... caramel 304. Pakistan's ... Khan 305. Seed shells 306. Dress ribbon 307. Char 308. Chew 310. As a gamble, on ...

312. Submissive 313. Mafia godfathers

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, March 30, 2011 - Page 47

Solution on Page 38

MEGA CROSSWORD No 10 1

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Page 48 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, March 30, 2011

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Melbourne

Observer Victorian Sport

HIRDY’S HOMEWORK IS CARBON COPY OF MAGPIE MALTHOUSE’S PLAN

■ Mick Malthouse’s Magpies set the scene demanding relentless running to outnumber the opposition at every contest supported by brutal tackling without fear for personal safety to win the ball.

Mick predicted other coaches would copy his simple ‘game plan’ – get numbers back and use the same runners to overlap in the charge forward as the key to victory is to turn defence into attack.

Hirdy’s boys never faltered. They kicked to the boundary line and their two ruckmen, Pat Ryder and David Hille dominated the hit outs and overhead marking duels. The game plan was a perfect duplicate of the Malthouse premiership tactics.

The Bulldogs missed star defenders Brian Lake, Jarrod Harbrow and Ryan Hargrave but the Dons were too good and too disciplined and won by 55 points!

Essendon will falter at times because this plan depends on pinpoint accuracy with hand and foot passing and super fitness which comes with experience. The Dons are much improved and a real danger as proved with their exciting play in the NAB Cup and again on Sunday with the demolition of the Bulldogs.

AFL football is a war played-out on a battlefield. The rules encourage the best of all the athletic sport skills with an emphasis on sportsmanship.

It rewards Team and Personal courage, discipline and desperation. There is no place to hide Fear or Failure.

The stars master the skills of Foot and Hand plus the Mental and Physical challenges.

Round 1 highlighted it will be a more even year with close finishes.

Winners came from behind after giving big starts (Geelong defeated St Kilda by 1 point 44 to 43, Adelaide down 30 points over-ran Hawthorn to win 105 to 85 points, Freo trailed all day but got up by 2 points and similarly with Melbourne who stormed home to force a tie with Sydney at 84 points. The closest clash was the WCE defeat of North Melbourne by 4 points with less than a goal difference at every change).

In four of the games the biggest margin was 4 points. That’s unbelievable! It was a case of snatching victory from the jaws of defeat and fans biting finger nails to the quick.

Today every player is expected to be a running defender and get to the increasing packs to hold the ball in for the inevitable ball-up. Or suffer the frantic scrimmages until miraculously the ball comes out. Standout forwards Nick and Jack Riewoldt and Lance Franklin are not exempted. One wonders how the recent colossus Tony Lockett would have survived. Not always the most entertaining to watch but it is filed under “Coaches” tactics.

Maybe the pre-game ‘bopping bands’ are expected to provide the entertainment!

The new Interchange Rules, reduced to three players plus a designated “Sub” with stricter criteria on concussed players returning to the playing field are under fire. The changes were highlighted in at least three matches. Carlton lost its concussed key forward Jarrad Waite which destroyed their ‘tall forwards’

goals in a most impressive performance and will no doubt be signed by GWS Giants or another interested AFL club.

AFL’s gigantic year

Harry Beitzel www.squidoo.com/harrybeitzel strategy against the Tigers smaller defenders then on Friday night down went Joel Selwood Geelong’s star midfielder also with concussion with an accidental bump to the head.

Both incidents happened in the first quarter and both players replaced by the “Subs”, took no further part in the game. With one less on the I/C bench coaches opted for medium sized ‘utility’, running players as the nominated subs. It meant most teams ignored a giant for the bench to replace a severely injured player. It backfired on the Brisbane Lions who finished with one interchange player after the injured Jonathon Brown, Mitch Clarke and Brent Staker, all big men were replaced. Brisbane lost by 2 points to Fremantle, 94 to 92 so the new I/C rules were blamed. There will be pressure from the coaches to the AFL’s Operations CEO, Adrian Anderson.

Here is the history of the I/C bench.

Introduced 70 years ago in 1930 with the 19th man who when used the player he replaced could not return to the playing field.

In 1946 the 20th man was added under same criteria – the two replaced players could not return to the field.

In 1978 the two (19th/20th) players could replace/interchange with teammates as often as the coach required.

In 1994 the I/C increased to three players with no restrictions as often as the coach required.

In 1998 the I/C increased to four players still with no restrictions.

In 2008 any violations of the I/C rules penalised with a Free and a 50m penalty forward of the Centre Circle In 2009 any violations of the I/C rules penalised with a Free and a 50m penalty forward of wherever the play stopped.

In 2011 the I/C reduced to three players plus the designated “Sub” as described above.

Now to my constant umpiring beef with unfair shepherding going for marks and ruck duels in general play ‘ball-ups’ and boundary ‘throw-ins’.

Since the Laws Committee had to remind the umpires’ that ‘hand(s) in the back was and always will be a free the umps have decided all other forms of ‘pushes in the back’ or interference unless the ball is within 5 metres are legal be they deliberate forearms, el-

bows, shoulders or using the body to propel the opponent under or out of the contest. These illegal tactics must be paid a free. The unsightly wrestling and strong arm pushes by ruckmen at the boundary throw-ins are a blot on our game. Umpires ping the initiator and this problem will soon vainish. Fans want ruck men palming the ball to their rovers not our version of TV’s World Championship Wrestling.

Carlton was not overly impressive against the youthful Tigers led by ‘Jumping Jack’ Riewoldt’s six goals.

Too much is left to Chris Judd, Bryce Gibbs and Marc Murphy. Richmond can be pleased especially with its six goal third quarter to lead by 10 points into the last quarter. Geelong and St Kilda turned on another dour defensive but interesting game with a one point 44 to 43 points win to the Cats.

Adelaide shocked Hawthorn with a brilliant final quarter to win by 20 points while Freo’s coach Mark Harvey admitted his team didn’t deserve the win by 2 points as Brisbane was the better team on the day. He will take the 4 points as it is Fremantle’s longest ‘road trip’.

Melbourne and the Swans proved a thriller in the final quarter but new coach John Longmire will be scratching his head as to how did his boys manage to lose this game. It was Melbourne’s perseverance. WCE and North Melbourne was a close thriller all day.

Next week will be interesting and the Gold Coast Suns debut against Carlton on Saturday night at The Gabba. The opening Round crowd was well down on last year when 337,109 fans attended – this weekend only attended.

The AFL launched its new Australia wide Foxtel Cup on Saturday at AAMI Stadium. The first Game in the 17 Teams Knock-out competition was between the QFL Morningside and the NT Thunders with Andrew McLeod the inspiring captain/coach.

His team won an interesting and high standard game 12-4-76 to Morningside 9-7-61 with NT advancing to the Quarter Final. Personality “Man of the Match” went to Ross “Rocco” Tungatalum who kicked 4

■ It has been spelt out from the top this is the AFL’s year of challenge.

It’s also a big welcome to the 17th team the Gold Coast Suns.

The NAB preseason Cup was a resounding success and has temporarily quietened its knockers. In Mick Malthouse’s last year of coaching the Magpies it was obvious he wanted the trophy for the already overflowing cabinet. All the expert judges including the other 16 captains believe Collingwood will dominate the season and finish top of the ladder and win back to back premierships.

So first up here is my stab at picking the Final Eight in order, the Brownlow in five and I agree Melbourne

Observer

Collingwood for the Flag.

The Final Ladder: Collingwood, Hawthorn, Geelong, Western Bulldogs, St Kilda, Sydney Swans, Essendon, Fremantle then: Carlton, North Melbourne, Port Adelaide, Adelaide, WCE, Melbourne, Richmond, Brisbane and Gold Coast Suns.

The Brownlow Medal: In order Gary Ablett, Dane Swan, Adam Goodes, Joel Selwood and Chris Judd.

Theatre Extra

Premmle Players ■ Music and Mayhem (a play of songs, dance, laughter and surprises, created by Erik Donnison and Laurie Davis) May, 7, 14, Showtime 7.30pm; May 15, Showtime 3.00pm at the Mt Eliza Community Centre, 90-100 Canadian Bay Rd. BYO food and drink.

Tickets: $27.50 (incl. $2.50 booking fee) $13.75 (Children under 15, incl. $1.25 booking fee). Bookings via Peninsula Visitors' Information Centre, 9.00am - 5.00pm, 7 days a week, phone 5987 3078, in person at 359B Pt. Nepean Rd., Dromana or online at www.peninsulahospice.com.au All funds go to Peninsula Hospice Services.

Comedy Festival ■ Sammy J and Randy in Bin Night. Banquet Room, 215 Victoria Hotel, Little Collins St. 7pm (6pm Sundays). March 31 ; April 24 (not Mondays), Previews Mar. 31 and Apr. 1. Tickets: Fri/Sat $28.90/25, Wed, Thur, Sun $25.90/22, Tues $20, Preview $18, Group $22 +6 The winners of Best Show at the 2010 Melbourne Comedy Festival return with a brand new comedy extravaganza! Join everyone's favourite skinny man and purple puppet as they sing, joke and swear their way through domestic misadventures at Ricketts Lane. As seen on Good News Week.

“Fiendishly talented” - Scotsman, Edinburgh ■ Felicity Ward, Honestly. Portico Room, Melbourne Town Hall. 8.15pm (7.15pm Sundays). March 31; April 24 (not Mondays), Previews Mar 31, Apr. 1. Tickets: Fri/Sat $26.90/23, Wed, Thur, Sun $24/20, Tues/Preview $18, Group $20 +6 Felicity Ward (Spicks & Specks, Thank God You're Here) is back with a new, stand-up comedy show: Honestly. There are jokes and stories about chimps and toddlers. Any questions? 4 Stars "One of the funniest shows I've seen this year." - The Scotsman ■ Smart Casual; The Story Of Capt-

● From Page 45

ain Entree. The Acacia Room, Victoria Hotel. 9.45pm (8.45pm Sundays). March 31 to April 24 (not Mondays), Previews Mar 31, Apr. 1. Fri/ Sat $22.50/18, Wed, Thurs, Sun $20/ 18, Tues/Preview 15, Group $18 +6 Smart Casual have taken a year off show biz. Year off options?

1. Be do-gooder suck-ups and volunteer in a third world country (yucky!)

2. Join an old sea captain for an adventure around the world. (shweet) They picked option two, and they're back to tell us about it.

■ David Quirk. The Day Late Wombat. Portland Hotel. 9.45pm (8.45pm Sundays). March 31; April 24 (not Mondays), Previews Mar 31; Apr 1. Tickets: Fri/Sat $22.50/$18, Wed, Thurs, Sun $20/$18, Preview/ Tues $15, Group $18 + 6 Good ol' award-winning comic, David Quirk's new show is about the dreams he's had, the sins he's committed and the stories that haven't happened, but he'll tell anyway. What becomes of a boy who once ate wombat?

“Radical, dark and hilariously appalling.” The Scotsman “Blunt, brazen and brilliant.” The Age Bookings: www.comedyfestival. com.au/ticketmaster.com.au or 1300 660 013

At Abbotsford

■ C3 Gallery at Abbostford Convent is launching a new show, launching today (wed., Mar. 30) 6pm - 8pm and exhibiting until Sunday April 14 (open times: Wednesday - Sunday, 10am 5pm).

Step Off!

■ An Urban Dance Crew competition. This highly anticipated dance event returns, this time to a larger venue, the Dallas Brooks Centre, 300 Albert St, East Melbourne. Doors open 6pm, event begins 7pm. Saturday, April 2. For more information on the event contact Youth Services, Moonee Valley City Council on 9243 8888

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, March 30, 2011 - Page 49

Melbourne

Observer Victorian Sport

STICK WITH SEPOY

■ Despite being beaten into second place at Rosehill recently, Blue Diamond Stakes winner, Sepoy, is still the one to beat in the Golden Slipper in Sydney on April 2.

The Son of Elusive Quality was all at sea on the heavy track at Rosehill, having his first start racing clockwise and wasn’t disgraced.

He was only beaten .75 of a length by a smart youngster from the Anthony Cummings stable in Smart Missile.

Sepoy’s trainer, Peter Snowden, was quite happy with the run especially on the heavy track and having his first go the reverse to Melbourne where he bolted way from his opposition in the Blue Diamond.

Big punters have stuck with Sepoy and in the latest market on the Golden Slipper; he is $2.70, with his conqueror Smart Missile backed right in to $5.50.

On the next line is another smart youngster, Foxwedge, also

by Fastnet Rock who finished third to Smart Missile and Sepoy only a half neck away.

He is being quoted at $8.

On the next line is the filly Elite Falls prepared by John O’Shea, who got away with another of the early favorites Satin Shoes under the care of Clarrie Connors.

Elite Falls is being quoted around the $ 9 mark, while Satin Shoes has lost ground at $11.

The big drifter is the Magic Millions winner, Karuta Queen, who has got out to $15, after her surprise defeat in the Black Opal in Canberra after starting at long odds on.

I feel if you stick with Sepoy, he will give you a good sight for your money especially if the track at Rosehill on the big day, is better than heavy.

Dates moved ■ The Racing Victoria Board has approved 570 race meetings for the 201112 season across the State.

Central to the

Ted Ryan

meeting on Wednesday June 13, 2012 has been allocated to Caulfield.

AFL Grand Final With the AFL Grand Final moving to the first Saturday in October this year, the Turnbull Stakes meeting at Flemington has been moved to Sunday October 2, 2011, whilst the Benalla and Bairnsdale Cups have been moved to Sunday September 25, 2011.

Ted Ryan talks racing with Denis Scanlan on the Pulse 94.7 radio every Friday morning dates in the continued expansion of Victorian racing into new timeslots with the introduction of night racing at Cranbourne and the development of a Thursday twilight circuit.

The Thursday twilight circuit has been programmed from the first quarter of 2012 and will take in meetings at Ballarat (six), Seymour (two), Werribee (two), with Bendigo and Geelong racing once.

As a second night venue, Cranbourne will complement the existing Moonee Valley night program and allow Victoria to showcase consistent Friday night racing from October through until April.

To facilitate this expansion Sunday meetings previously held at Cranbourne during this period have been transferred to other country venues, mainly in rural Victoria.

These meetings will replace Saturday country meetings in winter, which will not be programmed from August 2011 on, excluding the Swan Hill Carnival meeting on June 9, 2012.

A total of 34 night meetings are programmed next season with the first of 18 at Moonee Valley on Friday September 30 and Cranbourne’s opening meeting is scheduled for October 14.

Other highlights of Victoria’s 2011-12 race dates are.

Country Stand

Alone Saturday – A Saturday in autumn 2012 has been earmarked as a country stand alone meeting pending an appropriate business case and concept.

Ballarat, Mornington, and Bendigo are the clubs who remain in the tender process.

Geelong Synthetic – the numbers of meetings programmed on the Geelong synthetic track has been increased from 27 to 32 to reduce the likelihood of transferred meetings and give certainty to trainers on the programming of races.

Synthetic racing will finish three weeks earlier this year on September 16 and will recommence three weeks later than the current racing season on April 13, 2012.

Mornington - Four metropolitan meetings have been allocated to the Melbourne Racing Club at Mornington.

Meetings on Wednesday August 10, 2011, and AFL Grand Final day October 1, this year, join the Queen’s Birthday Monday with the Mornington Cup Day February 15, 2012, fixtures as those carrying full metropolitan status.

Caulfield - The Easter weekend double header returns to Caulfield with a new meeting on Easter Monday April 9, 2012, joining the current Easter Saturday fixture.

A new midweek

■ The team at Slickpix Photographics is jumping up and down after their very smart young filly; Very Cherry won her first race recently, and is starting to show her true potential.

Placed in listed company at Flemington, she had been very unlucky in a number of her starts, being a little on the small side.

But now the team is getting excited with leading trainer, Leon Corstens preparing her for the Queensland Oaks.

She will stay all day being by the very good sire Annabaa from the Woodman mare, Woodie.

From 10 starts she has saluted once with three seconds and a third. She is raced by the owners of Slickpix Brett and Ross Holburt, with a number of the villains who work there.

The Slickpix people are Mark Gatt, Gary Wild and Sarah Jackson.

Although they have only a small interest in part of her mane, they all love her.

They are all part of the ‘Shangi Woodie’ syndicate managed by David Roe. Leon Corstens, his son Troy, and another leading trainer, John Sadler have all got a good opinion of the filly.

Observer Racing

Showbiz Extra ■ From Page 32

DVD Recommendations FILM: TOMMY: Genre: Musical/Drama/Fantasy.

Cast: Roger Daltrey, AnnMargret, Oliver Reed, Jack Nicholson, Eric Clapton, Elton John.

Year: 1975.

Rating: M15+.

Running Time: 111 Minutes.

Format: DVD & BLU-RAY. Stars: *** Verdict: Wild, loud and typically over-thetop Ken Russell all-star-cast film of the rock opera Tommy by the rock group The Who of a psychosomatically deaf, dumb and blind boy who becomes a master pinball player and then becomes the object of a religious cult, full of many great, totally off-the-wall visuals and moments to the now classic ear thumping songs and music, Oliver Reed and Keith Moon's performances have to be seen to be believed, as well as Tina Turner as The Acid Queen, the Eric Clapton song "Eyesight to the Blind" on Marilyn Monroe and celebrity obsession is a standout, and gives a whole new meaning to baked beans, if you are looking for a South Pacific of The Sound of Music this is definitely not the one.

- James Sherlock ■ From Page 32

Top 10 Lists HARRY POTTER AND THE HALF BLOOD PRINCE [2009/Fantasy/Adventure/Daniel Radcliffe].

DEAD MEN DON'T WEAR PLAID [1982/Comedy/Crime/Mystery/Steve Martin, Rachel Ward].

TRESPASS [1992/Action/Thriller/Bill Paxton, William Sadler, Ice-T].

THE COWBOY WAY [1994/Action/Comedy/ Woody Harrelson, Kiefer Sutherland].

NEW RELEASE DVD TV/DOCUMENTARY HIGHLIGHTS: LITTLE HOUSE ON THE PRAIRIE: Season 8 Part One. LITTLE HOUSE ON THE PRAIRIE: Season 8 Part Two. MURDER SHE WROTE: The Complete 12th Season.

NEW TO MUSIC ON DVD: LES MISERABLES: The Musical Event of a Lifetime - In Concert - 25th Anniversary.

● Sepoy Photo by SLICKPIX, phone 9354 5754

● Very Cherry Photo by SLICKPIX, phone 9354 5754

TOP BLU-RAY SELLERS: 1. THE SOCIAL NETWORK [Drama/Jesse Eisenberg, Andrew Garfield, Justine Timberlake].

2. THE TOWN [Crime/Mystery/Thriller/Ben Affleck, Jeremy Renner, Pete Postlethwaite].

3. DUE DATE [Comedy/Robert Downey Jr, Zach Galifianakis, Jamie Foxx, Michelle Monaghan].

4. SKYLINE [Science Fiction/Thriller/Eric Balfour, Scottie Thompson].

5. THE EXPENDABLES [Action/Thriller/ Sylvester Stallone, Jason Statham, Bruce Willis].

6. MACHETE [Action/Thriller/Danny Trejo, Robert De Niro, Jessica Alba, Michelle Rodriguez].

7. TOY STORY 3 [Animated/Family/Comedy/ Tom Hanks, Michael Keaton, Don Rickles].

8. SAW: THE FINAL CHAPTER [Horror/ Thriller/Tobin Bell, Betsy Russell, Cary Elwes].

9. THE GHOST WRITER [Mystery/Thriller/ Pierce Brosnan, Ewan McGregor, Kim Cattrall].

10. JACKASS 3 - Uncut [Comedy/Johnny Knoxville, Bam Margera].

Also: Eat Pray Love, Resident Evil: Afterlife, The American, Buried, Mad Max, Inception, Paranormal Activity 2, Legend of the Guard ians: The Owls of Ga'Hoole [2D/DVD Combo Pack], The Girl Who Played With Fire, How to Train Your Dragon.

NEW RELEASE HIGHLIGHTS ON BLU-RAY THIS WEEK: THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader [Fantasy/Adventure].

RED [Action/Comedy/Bruce Willis, Morgan Freeman, Helen Mirren, Brian Cox, Ernest Borgnine].

Page 50 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, March 30, 2011

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Melbourne

Observer Victorian Sport

INTER-DOMINION BEGINS

Racing Briefs

4th win from 18 runs ■ Former Gippsland trainer Michael Hughes now based in Melton, has Kiwi bred Bettors Delight/Alta Valera 3-Y-0 gelding Houhora Delight going great guns, chalking up his 4th success in 18 outings by taking the SEW-Eurodrive Pace for C0 class over 2150 metres at Yarra Valley.

Driven by Parwan's Jodi Quinlan, Houhora Delight was bustled from gate five to settle five back in the moving line, with the polemarker Yellow Diamond leading.

Gaining a lovely three wide trail home on the back of recent Tasmanian winner Leighton Buzzard in the final circuit, Houhora Delight a prohibitive $1.30 favourite had his rivals covered a long way out, before coasting to the wire 6 metres in advance of Leighton Buzzard in a 2-00.3 rate, with Kattrin a further 23 metres back in third place.

Lang dominates ■ Chris Lang continued his dominance of most trotting events, when Yankee Paco/Invasions Pride filly Class Of Her Own bred and raced by Port Fairy's Richard & Pauline Matthews led throughout from the pole in the Freemantle Stock Feeds 3-Y-0 Trotters Mobile over 2190 metres at Maryborough to score as she pleased over Mikey Son which followed, moving away from the inside on straightening, with the first starter Pound Foolish (Safely Kept/ Tupenny Bit) using the sprint lane for third from three back the markers. Chris (Jnr) was the winning reinsman.

Class Of Her Own is a half sister to Inter Dominion contender Let Me Thru (Muscles Yankee).

Outstayed his rivals ■ Bendigo's Norm Diebert combined with Daryl Douglas to land the Sky Racing Pace for C1 & C2 class over 2240 metres at TP Melton on Thursday with 4-Y-0 Day In A Life/Countess Rainbow gelding Colour Our Day. Given a sweet trip from gate two three back in the moving line, Colour Our Day moved three wide in the final circuit to be outside the leader Action Royale on the home turn, before outstaying his rivals to defeat Action Royale in the shadows of the post, with Revivalist third after following the winner home.

The mile rate 2-01.6.

This Week’s Meetings ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

Wednesday - Maryborough/Ballarat, Thursday - Melton/Bendigo, Friday - Mildura/Melton, Saturday - Cranbourne, Sunday - Kyabram@Shepparton, Monday - Horsham, Tuesday - Geelong.

Horses To Follow ■ Western And Western, Fictional Hero, Mister Pinocchio, Sakwi, Ubringthedrinks, Blaring, Pound Foolish, Post It Away.

■ Australasia's greatest harness event - the Inter Dominion commenced at Alexandra Park Auckland last Friday hosted by the Metropolitan Trotting Club in ravaged Christchurch where the series should have been held.

Consisting of two heats for both pacers and trotters, it was a triumph for Australia and especially Victoria, with Lance Justice's Smoken Up taking the first pacers heat and Chris Lang's Let Me Thru the second trotters heat, while W-A's Themightyquinn snared the second pacers heat.

The first trotters heat went the way of the Paul Nairn (South Island) trained Dr Hook (Jim Curtain), which led throughout from gate five to score from Springbank Richard and Beat The Monarch in an all Kiwi finish..

Smoken Up led throughout from gate five in accounting for Mr Feelgood which shadowed him and Villagem (one/one) in a rate of 203.8, giving Australia the trifecta.

Let Me Thru did similar from gate three in defeating Sovereignty which raced outside him from the bell and Stylish Monarch (one/one) in a rate of 2-02.

Themightyquinn (Gary Hall Jnr) was given the run of the race one/one from gate six, easing three wide entering the straight to score from the Queenslander Washakie which led and Choise Achiever which trailed the winner, with Blacks A Fake third after racing in the open.

The mile rate 2-00.4.

The disappointment of the night being two time ID Trotting Final winner Sundons Gift which finished at the tail of the field after racing in the open behind Dr Hook.

The final heats will be held this Friday.

Leo blooms ■ Long Forest duo Andy and Kate Gath landed a

Baker’s Delight

Harness Racing

Memories made of this

Melbourne

Observer

lenbaker@ bigpond.net.au

with Len Baker

double at Yarra Valley on Monday March 21, with Leopold Bloom and Caribbean Blaster winning their respective races.

Leopold Bloom bred and raced by radio personality Keith McGowan in partnership with wife Angela, streeted his rivals in the Eagle Image Pace for C1 class over 1650 metres in a brilliant rate of 1-57.4.

Leading out from gate two, the 4-Y-0 gelded son of Village Jasper and Nora Barnacle just kept going further ahead as the race progressed to score by a 18 metre margin in advance of Four Grinners and Go Milo in an all Melton area trifecta.

Cleverly named three year old Bettors Delight/ Kalypso colt Caribbean Blaster was just as impressive in the De Bortoli Pace for C2 class over 2150 metres.

Settling four back in the moving line from gate three on the second line, Kate urged Caribbean Blaster forward approaching the bell lap to park outside the pacemaker Tiana Bromac for the final circuit, before leaving his rivals standing on straightening to score by 22 metres in 1-59.2 over Mistamuckalee (one/ two) and Triple Draw (one/one).

Eased wide ■ An impressive winner

at "The Valley" was 6-Y0 Fully Loaded/Baulkamaugh Dee gelding Brulea Charlie in the Sticks Yarra Valley Claiming Pace over 2150 metres.

Raced by Blowhard (Ballarat) potato farmer James Sobey in partnership with Tasmanian Todd Struthers, Brulea Charlie (claiming price $9,000) trained at Lara by Dean Braun was immediately eased to the tail of the field from inside the second line by young gun Leroy O'Brien, before commencing a forward move three wide racing for the bell, flushing out the favourite Jackson Grant from mid-field in the process.

Gaining a beaut ride home, Blulea Charlie when eased three wide approaching the final bend, finished strongly to defeat Jackson Grant in a 1-59.3 rate, with Jubilee Ball (three back the markers) running on late for third.

At M’boro.

■ Huntly (Bendigo) trainer/driver Anthony Crossland's Kiwi bred Continentalman/Sun Goddess gelding The Bohemian resumed with an all of the way victory in the Intergrating Technology 3-Y-0 Trotters Mobile over 2190 metres at Maryborough on Wednesday in a rate of 2-06.6.

Minister opens Legends Café ■ The Victorian Minister for Racing, Dr Denis Napthine, officially opened Tabcorp Park’s brand new Legends Café on Friday night.

Situated at the end of the home straight, the Café offers a diverse range of facilities and panoramic views of the track through its floor to ceiling windows in a comfortable and inviting setting.

“The harness racing industry is a critical part of Victoria, contributing $257 million to the economy annually and directly employing more than 2000 people,” Mr Napthine said.

“Victoria’s Harness Racing’s headquar-

ters, Tabcorp Park, is an essential ingredient of that contribution.

“This new facility Legends Café will help boost attendances by making the racetrack even more appealing to more people,” Mr Napthine said.

The 200-seat Legends Café includes a bar and all new casual dining menu, plus tote facilities, lounge area and a broadcast room that will be utilised by Sky Racing.

Entry is free and no bookings are accepted, so patrons are invited to come along and experience it at their leisure.

“Following the opening of Tabcorp Park, we identified a need for a casual dining fa-

cility and the Legends Café concept was subsequently born early last year,” said HRV Chairman Ken Latta.

“Because it’s a café for the people, we recently invited naming public submissions.

“The winning suggestion of ‘Legends Café was ultimately chosen as it provides us with tremendous scope to theme the room over time with memorabilia and tributes to our greatest horses and industry participants, rather than name it after one horse or individual.”

The Legends Café will be open each Friday night, as well as feature race nights, at trial nights and Thursday afternoons.

■ Glencoe (Mount Gambier) youngster Jayson Finnis will long remember Ararat's Wednesday fixture after landing a driving double with Unfair Dismissal (Jet Laag/Manderley) in the Happy 100th Albert Spiller Pace for C1 class over 2195 metres and Longtan Luke (Armbro Operative/Livin Doll) in the Bands Feedbarn Pace for C2 & C3 class over 1790 metres, with Unfair Dismissal being the most significant victory as it gave him his 100th winner in the sulky.

Trained at the Mount by David Drury, Unfair Dismissal from the pole trailed the pacemaker Lady Tottington (gate five), before making full use of the sprint lane to gain the day over Sakwi off a three wide trail at the bell, with Shake Em Buster which faced the breeze and Shards Of Ice (three back the markers) dead-heating for third in a rate of 2-03.5.

Longtan Luke also trained at Mount Gambier by Mick Micallef raced three wide with a trail from gate six on the back of the favourite The Good Girl for the entire journey, before sweeping home out wide to score from Miss Athens (one/one) and Ubringthedrinks which raced in the open. The mile rate 1-57.7.

Rattled home to take win ■ Former South Australian Vinnie Albanese now based in the Bacchus Marsh area, almost snared the quinella in the Wattle Office Supplies Pace for R2 & R3 class over 2190 metres at Maryborough on Wednesday , with stablemates Trumpeter and Heezabit Rusty finishing first and third.

5-Y-0 Mach Three/Alert Sue gelding Trumpeter was given the run of the race from the pole by Greg Sugars trailing Glory Jasper next to him, with Heezabit Rusty (Albanese) three back the markers following the pair.

Locking wheels momentarily on the home turn with the favourite Heisbackinblack in the breeze,Trumpeter when clear rattled home to gain the day in advance of the roughie Truscott Cam (one/one), with Heezabit Rusty using the sprint lane for third. The mile rate 2-02.4.

Raced roughly but won ■ McKenzies Creek (Horsham) trainer Barry Dunn was victorious with Il Vicolo/Romador 5-Y-0 gelding Nomind in the SEW-Eurodrive Pace for R3 to R5 class over 2240 metres at TP Melton on Thursday.

Settling near last from the extreme draw, reinsman John Caldow sent Nomind forward three wide in the last lap and after racing very roughly, regained his composure to be six wide on the final bend.

Rattling home down the outside fence, Nomind scored by a neck in a thrilling four way photo over Grins Rendition, Sirnelson Of Ascot and Pete Of Pan in a rate of 2-00.1, with less than 1.4 metres separating the quartet going to the wire.

Much in the Marsh ■ Thursday's Tabcorp Park Melton fixture was great for the Bacchus Marsh/Parwan area, with Ross and Kylie Sugars taking the Provideo 3-Y-0 Pace over 2240 metres with La Bella Aurore and Andy and Kate Gath the Vermont Panels Trotters Handicap for TR0 & TR1 class over the same journey with Louey Louey Louey.

La Bella Aurore (Safely Kept/Dallas Opal) spent most of the race three back along the markers from a solo second line draw and when eased wide in the home running, finished at 100 miles an hour to defeat Dillon Daphne and Yes Jerry in a rate of 202.8.

Louey Louey Louey (Cr Commando/La Coocaracha) led throughout from barrier three to win as he pleased from Bill Pepperell and Umgawa in 2-10.

- Len Baker

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, March 30, 2011 - Page 51

Mooloolaba Spit Holiday Apartments RIGHT ON MOOLOOLABA SPIT BETWEEN BEACH AND RIVER ‘For the perfect getaway in Queensland’

Mooloolaba is famous for its beautiful, safe, north facing beach, and the beautiful Mooloolah river. These apartments are right in the middle of the very best location in Mooloolaba with the ocean and the beach on the North side and the Mooloolah River on the other side of the famous Mooloolaba Spit

DAILY DIRECT FLIGHTS MELBOURNE TO MAROOCHYDORE

● Mooloolaba Spit … premier location in Mooloolaba Sunshine Coast. ● Walking distance to The Surf Club, coffees shops, Underwater World, The Spit Fisheries, Restaurants & Boutiques ● 1, 2, 3 & 4 bedroom apartments available ● Broadband Wireless Internet & Cable TV all top quality properties ● 15mins to Sunshine Coast Airport ● Share the cost with friends … call us.

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www.mooloolabaspit.com.au

Page 52 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, March 30, 2011

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Location is everything!

Coolum Beach Getaway Resort provides spacious air conditioned accommodation in a small family friendly resort featuring a quiet, charming, secluded setting where you can really get away from the hustle and bustle of modern day life and yet it is only an easy stroll to the beautiful patrolled beach, great shops and alfresco dining.

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www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, March 30, 2011 - Page 53

Page 54 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, March 30, 2011

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Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, March 30, 2011 - Page 55

With its waterfront position and central location, Clubb Coolum Holiday Accommodation offers 65 luxurious self-contained two- and three-bedroom cool holiday apartments with a 4.5 star, AAA rating.

Clubb Coolum Beach Resort is 11-storeys opposite a patrolled beach and on the main Esplanade at beautiful Coolum, which is situated halfway between Noosa and Mooloolaba. The views are spectacular to say the least.

It is also an ideal base for all your needs! ● Surf, swim or fish out the front on Coolum’s award winning main beach, or sit back relax and watch the kids from your own private balcony. ● Dine in our on-site restaurant or the many clubs and cafes all within a short stroll. ● Have a round of golf on Australia’s PGA Championship course which is only a few minutes' drive, or the many other Sunshine Coast golf courses has to offer. ● Shopping on the main Esplanade in Coolum is laidback with a wide variety of surf shops, boutiques etc to browse through. ● Walking and cycling on the beautiful boardwalk directly opposite is a must for breathtaking views that stretch for miles. Look out for the whales which can easily be spotted during migrating season. ● Try tennis on our full size court or work up a sweat in our gymnasium. ● Coolum Beach is among the most beautiful of the unspoiled natural surfing beaches along the 30 Km coastal strip between Noosa Heads and Maroochydore which include the worlds famous surfing beaches, Sunshine, Castaways, Peregian, Marcoola and Mudjimba Beach.

The clean white sand invites early morning walks and romantic after dinner strolls while listening to the gentle waves breaking on the shoreline and breathing the fresh sea air.

Our on site Licenced Restaurant, Bistro Seagrass, specialises in modern Australian cuisine and Seafood. Our inviting cocktail bar is the perfect meeting place for an intimate pre-dinner drink.

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Web: www.clubbcoolum.com.au E-Mail: enquiries@clubbcoolum.com.au

Page 56 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, March 30, 2011

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