Canberra CityNews December 16-22, 2010

More need Christmas help, say Vinnies

Vinnies’ chief

Bob Wilson... Christmas can be a time of great sadness for some people, he says.

By Megan Haggan

THIS Christmas, more Canberrans than ever need a bit of help, says Bob Wilson.

Bob is the CEO of the St Vincent de Paul Society Canberra/Goulburn Central Council – and the society is calling for donations of gifts, money and time.

Everyone needs to feel included in significant cultural occasions, he says: “We’re trying to make sure that people who are vulnerable in our society have an opportunity to have a little joy and a lift at Christmas time, a time when everybody sees a festive atmosphere and happiness.

“We want to spread that happiness to people who haven’t had a lot of it over the year.”

There are many reasons that people experience difficulty over the Christmas period, Bob says, but recent economic conditions haven’t helped, leading to an increase in calls for assistance: Last December, Vinnies received an average of 85 calls a day in the local region.

Those in need range from the homeless, people living with mental illness and families who face a daily struggle to feed, clothe and shelter loved ones, as well as people who feel isolated and alone during the holidays.

“We’ve had a number of people struggling financially because of the housing afford-

Comforts from home for injured heroes

By Kathryn Vukovljak

ANZAC biscuits and an iPod are among the contents of the new support pack the RSL is providing to all Australian Defence Force members wounded in overseas service.

“The ‘RSL Support Pack’ is for all ADF members who’ve been seriously wounded, who find themselves facing an extensive hospital stay with nothing to their name,” says Derek Robson, the RSL’s national secretary.

The pack consists of a carry case, tote bag, rug, Anzac biscuit tin, sports shirt and shorts, socks, notebook, pen, toiletries, an iPod and an Australian flag.

Derek says that severely wounded ADF members are taken to the NATO medical facilities in Germany for treatment, and that while they’re supported by the Defence logistic system, which remains responsible for them, “this pack provides a more personal connection to home”.

“The idea is that these items offer comfort,” he says.

“We want people who are in hospital in a wheelchair to be able to have an Aussie rug, things that remind them of home and things that say ‘we’re here for you’.”

The RSL also provides a respite family holiday for ADF members who have been rehabilitated, says Derek.

The RSL isn’t new to support packs, he says. Since the early 1960s it has sent six-monthly parcels to those serving overseas, containing Aussie snacks such as muesli bars, lollies and a letter of appreciation; and, since February, the Chief of Army has provided the “Simpson Pack” to soldiers injured on operations, which includes a track suit, T-shirt, shorts, cap, toiletries and a phone card.

“The RSL is honoured to be able to provide the new support pack on behalf of all Australians and a grateful nation,” says Derek.

“It’s a great initiative, and an expensive one; but the important thing is that they have our support.

“We’re doing this because we should.”

ability situation and the high rents, and who because of these expenses and the high cost of utilities, are having trouble providing their children with gifts,” Bob says.

“A lot of us take Christmas time for granted, but it can be a time of great sadness for some people, such as those who have suffered bereavement, or domestic violence, or haven’t had access to their children and are lonely.”

As well as foods appropriate for inclusion in Christmas hampers, Vinnies is also calling on Canberrans to donate gifts for a wide range of people.

This includes children of all ages, and Bob adds that older children, particularly teenage boys, shouldn’t be overlooked.

Rotary says, thank you

Incom I ng president of the c anberra South Rotary club m ichael Zarew, right, thanks deputy secretary Andrew Tongue, of the Department of Families, Housing, community Services and Indigenous Affairs, for his support at a recent fund-raising dinner. Rotary awards of appreciation were also made to Tax commissioner m ichael D’Ascenzo and AFP deputy commissioner Tim m orris. “citynews” was a sponsor of the event, at which more than $50,000 was raised for the club. The principal contributors were Lockheed m artin and SAP.

“Things like gift vouchers and movie passes are very useful. We’re also looking for gifts for men and women.”

Volunteers are also welcome to help out with activities such as packing and delivering Christmas hampers, answering phone calls and being part of Vinnies’ night patrol.

Bob says that for all of us, time is perhaps the most important gift we can give at Christmas.

“Sometimes people spend so much time shopping that they have little time to spend with those who they’re shopping for. The gift of yourself is something that’s equally important.”

To donate, visit www.vinnies.org.au or call 131812.

Crossing the lines with cartoons

By arts editor Helen Musa

CANBERRA is full of capitalcentric rituals and one of them is the annual “Behind the Lines: the year’s best cartoons” cartooning exhibition staged by the National Museum of Australia.

This year, the ritual has come full circle and the show is back in Old Parliament House, this time under the joint management of the museum and the new Museum of Australian Democracy, in whose galleries it can be seen throughout summer before touring to Melbourne, Sydney, Perth and Brisbane.

National Museum director Andrew Sayers sniffed nostalgically at being back in the building where

partnership as “very sensible”, predicting that many of the cartoons on show would end up in his museum’s archives.

It was a rollicking opening, complete with satirical songs by Shortis and Simpson, who inevitably apologised for not being able to draw.

Sayers announced that the winner of the 2010 NMA Political Cartooning Award was Hobart cartoonist Jon Kudelka, whose work appears in “The Australian” and the Hobart “Mercury”, praising his “clean and simple lines and devastating captions.”

Cartoonist David Pope, in announcing the talented winners of the “drawing the lines” schools cartooning competition, which he judged, slipped in a plea of sympathy for Wikileaks founder Julian Assange.

Schools’ cartooning competition winner Cairo Modoo-Ley’s “Queue jumpers or legitimate refugees?”

The young winners, fearful to Pope because of the probability that they would pinch his generation’s jobs, were headed up by Cairo Modoo-Ley from Darwin, Simon Cutler from Nudgee, Queensland and Brenton Knight from Sawtell, NSW.

As for the show itself, introduced by the director of the Museum of Austral-

ian Democracy Jenny Anderson, it’s a beauty, benefiting from one of the most turbulent political and environmental years on record.

While Julia Gillard’s nose and Tony Abbott’s budgie smugglers were higher on the list for lampooning, in the end they were eclipsed by an even worthier subject – Foreign Affairs Minister Kevin Rudd. Two years ago the cartoonists were struggling to capture Rudd, but now they have him to a tee.

“Behind The Lines: the year’s best cartoons”, the Museum of Australian Democracy, Old Parliament House until March 20.

Cricket tickets

THE winners of the five double passes to the Prime m inister’s XI were: Tim m atthews, Kingston; o wen gregory, Amaroo; chris Tournier, Bruce; Lauren o gden, Aranda; and Alina Tooley, narrabundah.

‘Top Gear’

THE winners of the 10 “Top g ear – The challenges 4” DVDs were: Ian m cKenzie, Fisher; Jason Klose, Chifley; m ark Baker, cook; m ichael Baumgartner, Wanniassa; Winston gregory, murrumbateman; c athy g eier, Dickson; m aryanne Barbaro, Harrison; christina Faulk, Swinger Hill; Roger Bush, Kambah; and Jacqui Britton, narrabundah.

DVD prizes

THE winners of the 10 “m arried Single o ther” DVDs were: Tracy Du Plooy, Amaroo; Rhiannon Kelly, curtin; Jenny gregory, murrumbateman; Fleur Anderson, Jerrabomberra; Bronnie Bunnett, Hughes; Donna Fruzynski, c alwell; Brenda m oules, Kambah; Emily Richardson, nicholls; m erilyn Kolarik, n gunnawal; and Roger Bush, Kambah.

What chefs really think of that dinner

KATHRYN VUKOVLJAK

discovers a few secrets for a great Christmas dinner from a range of people who should know – successful chefs

“CHRISTMAS is about getting together with the family, and we like to have a real family feast,” says Jiju Rajappen, head chef at Axis restaurant in the National Museum of Australia and founder of catering firm Chef on the Move.

“We get big platters of turkey, ham, roast vegetables, plum pudding, and put them in the middle of the table and enjoy it all together.

“It’s great to get everyone involved – we

Jiju Rajappen, head chef at Axis restaurant in the National Museum of Australia… “Prepare what you can in advance.”

get the kids making the stuffing, which is really educational for them.”

For those cooking lunch for the family at home, Jiju suggests cooking the turkey on a very low heat, about 160 degrees.

“Take it out when it’s almost done and it will continue to cook for 10-15 minutes, which makes it very tender,” he says.

“Prepare what you can in advance, like the stuffing. Try pork mince and add dried fruit and nuts, mix it together and form it into a sausage and bake. You can reheat it on the day to make things easier.

“Make gravy out of the turkey juices by adding red wine and seasoning. You can either buy cranberry sauce or make your own by cooking down fresh cranberries, sugar and red wine.

“Baste the ham with honey and cinnamon, and serve it thinly sliced with applesauce and mashed potato. And it makes great sandwiches after!

“A good way to make leftovers more interesting is to boil the turkey carcass in vegetable stock, then remove the carcass, strain the liquid down and add noodles.”

“ITHI n K anyone cooking christmas dinner at home should keep it simple,” says John Leverink, head chef and owner of Podfood, Pialligo.

“g et really good produce and you won’t need to do much to it – fresh prawns, a nice cut of beef, simple salads. Spend more time with the family than cooking, that’s what it’s all about.

“If I was doing the christmas lunch at home, I’d poach some prawns in lemongrass and coriander, and maybe slow roast a beef joint – not a lean one as they’re prone to over-cooking – and roast ham with honey, star anise, cinnamon, or perhaps

cider. I’m into Asian flavours at the moment, so I’d make flavoursome salads with Vietnamese mint, mango, pineapple and bean shoots.

“You can’t beat a pavlova, you don’t want anything too heavy, and I love a christmas pudding spiced up with some cognac.

“Having said that, cooking is probably the last thing I’d do if I had christmas off! I’d sit back with a good bottle of wine and a locally sourced cheese platter and graze all day.”

“IABSOLUTELY

love Christmas, and all the cooking and eating involved!”

says Shay O’Brien, third-year apprentice chef at Rydges Capital Hill, Manuka.

“I think the secret to staying chilled out when cooking for Christmas is to find the dishes that are easy for you,” says Shay. “For me, it’s ham – delicious and it feeds a lot of people. My secret recipe is to baste it in Dijon mustard, honey, apricot jam and brandy. My family is always on at me to make that for them!-

“I love desserts, too, they’re the best thing to make because you can be so creative,” she says. “I love to make crème brulée, mud cakes, cupcakes – everything! Pavlova is a great one at this time of year because it’s so light and refreshing.

“At my house we get everyone involved, we give the kids

little things to do, then the pressure isn’t on one person, no one gets stressed and it’s more fun.

“Not panicking is the key. Christmas is about enjoying everything!”

Let’s stop the spin!

In the wake of the decision by FIFA to award the 0 World Cup to Qatar it’s time to rethink professional sport, says TIM GAVEL

Un LESS there is greater transparency, it is not worth bidding for the World cup in the future. It will be hard to believe anything FIFA says anymore; it is just spin, so far as I am concerned.

During the bidding process we were told how important it was that the World cup be used to promote the code with community involvement somewhere in the mix. You get the picture; FIFA was portraying itself as an altruistic organisation seeking to do good. It was only in the weeks leading up to the vote by the 22-member executive that it became obvious that it was going to come down to money. How much could FIFA make from television rights through Europe and the Americas? It would be less if the World cup was staged in Australia than if it was staged elsewhere. Rival countries such as Qatar and the US could offer a greater financial return. Australia’s fate was sealed.

I like Qatar’s idea of dismantling the stadiums built for the World cup and relocating these to needy countries post the cup. When you’re cashed up, anything is possible and at least this is a way of helping developing countries. A positive, but expensive move.

I am more convinced that money is exerting a greater influence on sport than ever before. But just when you start to lose faith in sport someone does something to offer a glimmer of hope.

In this case it is Frank Lowy, who instructed his bid team that there would be no financial inducements to the FIFA executive. As it turns out, it may have cost Australia votes, but I am proud that we didn’t stoop to what amounts to bribery.

Despite this bouquet to the Football Federation Australia, I am still at a loss to work out why c anberra didn’t get an A-League licence as it becomes more obvious that the second team in Sydney is struggling to get its act together.

If the FFA wanted a team in Sydney so much because of the potential for greater television revenue why bother with a so-called bidding process that, on the surface, was a waste of time?

But wherever you look, there are things that restore faith in sport. Just when the off-field antics of professional sportspeople get you down, along comes somebody such as Allan Tongue.

Tongue is one of the few in professional sport who doesn’t have a player manager; he knows his worth to the Raiders and is grateful for the opportunity to play rugby league for a living. Then there is c arrie graf, who seems unrelenting in her quest to promote women’s sport.

It’s important that we get back to what is good about sport rather than be swamped by the spin that professional sport has become.

By Kathryn Vukovljak

ANYONE interested in researching their family tree is sure to find it time-consuming.

But there are ways to fit it in around your everyday life – and you won’t be sorry you did, says Canberra-based Megan Gibson, freelance researcher on the Australian version of the TV show “Who Do You Think You Are?” and author of “How To Get More Family Tree Time”.

“It’s just such a valuable thing to do,” she says. “Your family’s history is disappearing before your eyes. It’s so important to talk to those older relatives about what they remember before it’s too late.”

The death of an elderly aunt, who Megan says she’d always meant to spend more time with to find out about her family’s past, was the wake-up call that started her “tips” for the time-poor.

“I realised that while I was very organised in my work life, the same couldn’t be said for my life in general, and while I’m creative and passionate about genealogy I just wasn’t making time for it,” she says.

“Family tree research has to be very accurate, with no short cuts. The internet has helped speed some things up but it can introduce inaccuracies as well. You have to get out there and do the research yourself.

“I started creating the tips for myself, because like most people I have

Author Megan Gibson… “Be persistent and nosy – in the nicest possible way!”

Make time for the family tree

a busy life and I think it’s important to fit everything in.”

Megan says she’d been curious about genealogy from the age of 14, stemming from her natural fascination with history.

“As a teenager, I would shun traditional Australian activities and spend my time in graveyards. But I wasn’t a goth!” she laughs.

The beauty of the tips, says Megan, is that they can apply to anyone doing any sort of research – the tips include advice such as check copyright, back everything up, simplify your goals and figure out your filing system.

“I didn’t want to write a book about how to research your family tree – there are enough great books out there that can tell you that – I wanted to help people make the time to do it with a practical guide,” she says.

Megan says the most important tip is setting a goal. “It’s so important,” she says. “You have to be persistent and nosy – in the nicest possible way!”

“How To Get More Family Tree Time” is available online at www. familytreetime.com.au and costs $27.95

Greetings from the sardine (in denial) in row 49…

THE dollar hovers at parity with the greenback, it’s been another tough year and you deserve a holiday, so why not head down to the travel agent and book an overseas trip?

oh, mr Browning, let me count the ways. o verseas travel is a bit like childbirth – you look forward to it for months, it’s absolute agony at the time but afterwards – while you bore friends and relations witless – you forget what a horrendous experience it really was. In fact, you pretend in the telling that it was all wonderful because like those guys in the movie: “You just can’t handle the truth”.

Especially if you travel sardine class.

Let’s start with the travel agent. Basically you don’t need them because you can do it yourself online. But if you want the reassurance that some professional is on the job, beware. I have just emerged from a horrendous experience in which they lost the tickets…for three weeks!

However, let’s say you have been able to print off your own e-ticket and you’re on the way. First problem is connecting with your overseas plane that leaves from Sydney. You can’t risk travelling the same day so you head down to one of those capsule hotels the night before. There you’re ensconced in a big, plastic coffin before rising at dawn for the first overseas leg. You hang around the terminal for hours before climbing aboard only to discover that you are seated next to a young family with a baby that will grow up to be the

the gadfly Robert

Macklin

new Joan Sutherland. And she practices hitting High c all the way to Singapore. There should be a special sealed soundproof compartment for babies. I am tempted to start a grassroots campaign with the airlines, but they are about as interested in customer complaints as the banks. o f course, when you lean your seat back to retreat as far as possible from the screams, the guy behind you bangs his knees into your back. Then (this was awful) a face of m iddle Eastern appearance looms from behind and threatens to rearrange your facial features unless you sit bolt upright for the rest of the trip. Singapore is hot and sweaty and the journey stretches ahead to an infinity of discomfort. If your destination is china then jetlag isn’t so bad. But Europe is insane. It’s days before your body clock adjusts and by then you’re already having nightmares about the return journey. m akes you wonder, really, why we put ourselves through all the torture, especially since the new flat-screen television takes you to all then best places without leaving your living room…except Tuross, of course.

I invite you to join me on my blog at http://www.robertmacklin.com/blog/

December 16-22, 2010

Since 1993: Volume 16, Number 50

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planning

With youth on his side

LABOR front-bencher Andrew Barr understands that the electorate of Molonglo is extensive enough to ignore the traditional influence of older members of Canberra’s northern suburbs and to rely on younger voters with different attitudes.

For Barr, the electoral advantages of wooing more younger voters outweigh the electoral risks. The same is not true for the Labor Party! The application of the HareClarke system in the seven-seat Molonglo means that an individual member needs to win just over 14 per cent of the vote to get elected. Through his approach to social issues combined with his portfolio responsibilities in sport and recreation and education, Andrew Barr already has a high profile and appeal amongst young people. This is an electoral advantage that he has been building and he is now attempting to add his planning responsibilities into the mix.

Is it good for Labor? If there are other Labor members in the electorate that can appeal to different demographic groups, it might prove a winning strategy. However, the danger of such a strategy is that the other two Labor members from the electorate, Katy Gallagher and Simon Corbell, do not seem to be taking a similar approach by targeting an alternative demographic.

Is it good for the community? The danger of Barr’s approach to Canberra’s planning is that the city will wind up like every other major city in Australia – like so many cities across the world. New arrivals to Canberra might take a while to get used to our city because it is different. However, the difference from other cities, and particularly the dispersed city centre approach, is something to be celebrated and enhanced rather than undermined.

Barr highlighted his approach when he

WOOING more younger voters risks setting Andrew Barr up as a divisive figure in ACT politics, says political commentator MICHAEL MOORE

argued for a “generation X perspective” to Canberra’s planning to the year 2030. In justifying rampant urban renewal, our planning Minister cites the way gen X and gen Y communicate through social media such as Facebook and blogs. I have news for you, Andrew: Baby boomers are well into this form of communication as well. Some can even send text messages! He argues planning does have to be about affordability and sustainability – but it is about much more. He posits “here’s the kicker. Between now and 2030, the demographers tell us that single people and couples without children will make up 80 per cent of the increase in households”. He

A question of choice

WITH the chairman of the n ational c apital Authority expressing concern about the continued relevance of the n ational c apital Plan, it is time to consider how realistic our plans for the future of the city really are.

Prof Don Aitkin says the plan is outdated and inadequate for a city of 350,000, which is likely to grow. He has called for “a 50-year forward look at the likely size, needs and infrastructure of the national capital”.

certainly, if purchasing patterns are anything to go by, Australia appears to have evolved beyond its previous exclusive dream of the quarter-acre block, with house and garden for the family. g iven a choice, c anberrans have voted with their bank accounts, expressing a clear and positive interest in inner-city living, by rapidly snapping urban housing up whenever it is available.

However, opinion on density in the Ac T seems unrealistically polarised, from either assertions that “urban sprawl” (the trendy term for “suburbs”) must be stopped for environmental reasons, to that urban residential development automatically condemns us to suffer the worst problems seen in the

property

worst-designed and most crowded cities overseas. n either assertion, in my view, is logical or consistent with the facts and both seem to fly in the face of what c anberrans are already saying they want: The choice of both.

So why not supply it? Aside from choice, the major arguments in favour of infill development are largely to do with sustainability – which, while perfectly valid, should not overshadow the arguments in favour of suburban homes and greenfield development. After all, those who want the latter may do so because they like a garden and prefer the suburban setting for their children. And many new greenfields estates are environmentally sensitive developments in their own right. And these reasons ought to be just as valid in a democracy as the currently prominent environmental ones in favour of the alternative.

Catherine Carter is ACT executive director of the Property Council of Australia

extrapolates, “the pressure is to massively increase apartment and townhouse development in the inner city and particularly the inner north”. Wrong! This solution is an argument of the development lobby seeking more profits without having to wear the infrastructure costs.

The next argument is about choice. The reality is that choice is driven by affordability and access. Real choices, and more affordable ones, would be available where workplaces are near where people live.

This is how our city was designed. Woden and Belconnen provided the model with government offices forming the base. A few Federal departments went to Tuggeranong. Gungahlin missed out. This is the key to the planning failure. What percentage of the people who live in Gungahlin have the opportunity to work there? It does not suit developers. When planners allow huge office complexes to flourish in places such as Campbell and the airport, the solutions for Canberra will be akin to solutions in every other city in the world with the same traffic jams, transport costs and overcrowding.

Andrew Barr’s 2030 vision for Canberra to be (inter alia) “Australia’s most liveable and vibrant modern city” will actually require taking hold of the planning levers, standing up to developers and shifting the focus from Civic to the town centres.

Michael Moore is a former member of the ACT Legislative Assembly and an independent minister for health in the Carnell government.

Take off for Tamworth

c An BERRA- BASED Brindabella Airlines is offering direct flights to Tamworth to coincide with the Tamworth country music Festival and the 39th country music Awards of Australia between January 14 and 23.

“Flights start from $187 (one way) when booking online and will run Fridays and Sundays during the event which will feature 2500 events across 80 venues over 10 days,” says m onique m eijer, Brindabella’s marketing and business development manager.

“The Friday flights will continue until m arch 11.

“We can have festivalgoers in amongst their g olden guitar favourites including Adam Harvey, Beccy cole, Sara Storer and Troy c assar-Daley in just over an hour – making it a particularly good option for those wanting to maximise their country music fix.

“And if you book your flights online, you’re in the running to win one of two double passes to see Kenny

Rogers on January 23. “Simply book at www.brindabellaairlines.com.au, enter ‘country’ in the promotional code and you could be on your way to the ultimate country music experience. The prizes will be drawn on January 7.”

Holiday camps for adventurous kids

FA m ILIES looking for summer holiday fun will find “loads of adventurous activities” on offer at the Jindabyne Sport and Recreation Centre this January, says project officer Lidija cleverley, of Program Development Sport and Recreation communities nSW.

“As one of 11 sport and recreation centres across n SW, Jindabyne has a reputation for delivering fun, healthy and inclusive outdoor recreation camps,” she says.

Three different types of kids’ camps are on offer at Jindabyne this summer: “c ampout 4 Boys” – sleep out in tents for three nights of this five-day camp for ages 7-12; “Make a Splash” – this five-day camp for ages 7-12 combines traditional camp activities with a variety of aquatic fun such as swimming, canoeing and raft building and “AquaVenture”, for kids aged 13-17, features six days of activities such as hiking to the summit of m ount Kosciuszko and canoeing.

More information at www.dsr.nsw.gov.au/jindabyne or call 131302.

letters

Look to Sydney to save City Hill

ALL credit for Eleri Harris’ lead story (“Yes, we have no plan for Canberra”, CN, December 2) on Canberra’s lack of a satisfying plan but, surely, some controversy is good?

It is not dispute but disinterest and lovelessness that allows planning disasters to happen.

Many of us worry that disregard by the Commonwealth will not allow what [architect and activist] Jack Kershaw has termed “Civic Creep”; a despoiling of City Hill and its lake links in the parliamentary triangle.

I have been spending time in Sydney and have become aware of the huge Barangaroo project involving the foreshore of the inner harbour from Darling Harbour to the southern bridge approach.

One can’t not be aware of it because of the striking leadership role the private sector is playing and the immense interest generated. We have had Lord Rogers, Philip Cox and Paul Keating getting into the argument and a large proportion of Sydney Harbour lovers involved. They seem to be getting it right in Sydney by a process of equilibration.

City Hill and the lake is our Barangaroo. It is not too late for us to get it right if the community gets involved, as they have been in Sydney.

Darrel

Killen, Garran

Just a jealous guy?

ROBERT Macklin’s criticism of Ross Peake and Nicholas Stuart of “The Canberra Times” (CN, December 2) is totally uncalled for.

It is Macklin who is scraping the bottom of the journalistic barrel. Could the outburst have been triggered by professional jealousy, as Nicholas Stuart’s acclaimed book “Kevin Rudd: An Unauthorised Political Biography” was better reviewed than Robert Macklin’s “Kevin Rudd: The Biography”? And he included Ross Peake for good measure?

John Milne, Chapman

A Christmas confession

By Nick Jensen

Sitting on the lounge room couch, reflecting on the year I cannot help but to confess, the failures that are near.

I confess my squandered moments, those times I could have saved Times of lax and laziness, which so often do enslave.

I confess my thoughtless actions, while living life so vain Thinking only of my pleasure, ignoring people’s pain

I confess my words of malice, the damage of my tongue The gossip that departs my lips, the judgments that I’ve hung.

I confess my poor relations, and those with whom I rail I don’t forgive, I don’t forget, and family I fail.

I confess my Christmas shopping, and making Christ so cheap I’m blind by boxes and baubles, while bleating like a sheep.

I confess the money wasted, on things I do not need While my neighbour does go hungry, a misfortune of my greed.

I confess my selfish spirit, demanding all my rights When real justice lays alone, sleepless through the night.

I confess that I make Christmas, a day without a point A total lack of meaning, that’s sure to disappoint.

And while I sit and bare my soul, to someone far above I feel peace come in once more, a sure sign of God’s love.

While Christmas can be fear and stress, the story is of grace And once a year we get to pause, and look upon hope’s face.

Nick Jensen is a chaplain and the ACT Director of the Australian Christian Lobby

Christmas gift ideas

A place to touch and play

cHILDPLAY in Phillip has a wide range of christmas gifts for little ones, including toys, puzzles, games and books in a setting that’s geared towards kids.

“By creating a stimulating environment, where children are welcome to touch and play, we hope to create a welcoming space for families,” says manager Sharon Wells.

Toys include Australian and regional designs, quality wooden toys, environmentally friendly toys, and a range of gifts designed to stimulate curiosity and creativity.

Service and support are a big focus for childplay.

“With many years running the former Little Red Engine toy store, the childplay team can help you find the right toy and can source products on your behalf,” says Sharon. childplay also offers a complimentary gift wrapping service, and people in a rush are welcome to ring ahead before arriving at the store

At the RMC Graduation Ball, National Convention Centre, Civic

all about Christmas

Have yourself a very arty Christmas...

At this time of the year, art and small-scale commerce go handin-hand in Canberra’s gallery shops, says HELEN MUSA...

BEAVER galleries’ christmas collection includes glass by nicole Ayliffe, prints by Judy Horacek, mixed media boxes by David Innocente, jewellery by Felicity Peters and wraps and scarves by Liz Williamson. It’s open until 5pm on December 24 and re-opens on January 18.

PAI nTBoX Fine Art in Lonsdale Street Braddon has “Small Wonder”, unusually (for Paintbox) small works from three regular Paintbox artists, Ray Barnett, Lorraine Lewitzka and Jan Weir and new artists Tony giles and Datsun Tran daily until December 24, www. paintboxfineart.com

UnTIL December 19, m16 Art space is celebrating christmas with affordable art by contemporary artists Brett Bailey, Julie Bradley, Leah Bullen, Brenda Dabrook, m ichelle Day, nicky Dickson, Linzie Ellis, Lee grant, Katherine Griffiths, Blaide Lallemand, Payal Mahajan, Timo nest, Derek o’connor, gary Smith and Kensuke Todo.

DESIgn ER Alexandra Freeman has a background in fine arts, art history and cultural studies, fine-tuned over eight years of working in rural china and South-East Asia. She’s exhibiting resin jewellery and some clothing under her label Polka Luka at the Front c afé and gallery in Lyneham shops until December 23.

c An BERRA g lassworks is presenting “Limited Lines 2010”, glass, jewellery and limited-edition objects by leading artists from around Australia. It features works by Ruth Allen, Helen Aitken-Kuhnen, n adege Descgenetez, Annette Blair, Jo Bone and Karen cunningham. Runs until January 13.

BUngEn DoRE Woodworks has gifts handmade by Australian craftsmen from native timber, as well as “Jewellery for Blokes”– actually fine, hand-made tools for woodworkers. All until January 26.

THE c anberra Potters’ Society christmas gift Fair has always been one of the best places to buy ceramics at this time of the year – you’ll have the satisfaction of supporting local artists. Watson Arts centre, Aspinall Street, until December 24.

ALLIA ncE Française de c anberra staff were spouting revolutionary words (Le Beaujolais nouveau est arrivé!) when they announced that the latest Beaujolais would be unveiled in their Turner premises. o ne hundred and fifty Canberrans enjoyed both the wine and a concert from Pat Jaune, who came from La Reunion Island.

‘Tis the season to be creative

By Megan Haggan

cREATIVE types are making their own decorations this christmas, says Tara Dennis, interior decorator, TV presenter and face of Plush Sofas.

“christmas in Australia is synonymous with long sunny days, holidays by the beach and a sense of summer fun,” she says. “channel the very essence of summer with a beach-inspired christmas table.”

Real or ceramic coral can add some colour, while glass fish bowls can be filled with white shells, dry sand or small pebbles, plus pearly white and silver baubles, and starfish and shells, Tara says.

“Every Christmas table should flicker with the festive light of christmas candles!” she adds.

“Each family has their own traditions, and there is no right or wrong way to decorate your home – as long as it is done with the christmas spirit at heart.”

Bauble centrepiece (above). Required: acrylic baubles, wire, pliers. To assemble: Measure and cut a length of wire, about 210cm. Shape one end to create a 90cm circle, then continue coiling the wire upwards to form a point. Using the pliers, bend the wire over at the lower end to form a hook, then begin to thread on the baubles. Once the base circle is full, hook the wire to form a closed loop, then continue threading the baubles all the way to the top.

Oh, what a season! The Q shines again

By arts editor Helen Musa

AR m ED with an exceedingly modest budget and a lifetime of theatrical experience, the Queanbeyan Performing Arts centre’s Stephen Pike has produced a season for 2011 that must be the envy of larger organisations. To begin with, The Q will have a respectable proportion of actual plays, such as the Ensemble Theatre’s production of “Tuesdays with m orrie”, starring g lenn Hazeldine and Daniel m itchell, or the gripping new Australian play by Toby Schmidt “c apture the

Flag” about a bunch of Hitler youth kids huddling in the sewers as the Russian tanks roll in, or the Ray cooney farce “Funny m oney” directed by Robert DeFries.

There’s more: c anberra’s centrepiece Theatre will stage the play “Love Song”, by John Kolvenbach, directed by Jordan Best. It’s a sexy comedy starring Tim Sekuless as the mentally offbeat character Beane, who falls in love. And the company Shake & Stir will be bringing the play “Statespeare: Studying Shakespeare’s Suckeths”, in

caNBerra TheaTre ceNTre PreSeNTS a BelVOIr aNd BlacK SWaN STaTe TheaTre cOmPaNY PrOducTION

australian Idol winner CAsEY DONOvAN

which a bunch of year 12s find out that he doesn’t.

All this drama has got theatre-lovers talking as, surprise surprise, plays are what they want to see. not that there is an absence of other entertainment forms. Pike himself, supported by Queanbeyan city council as entrepreneur, will direct Willy (”Shirley Valentine”) Russell’s musical “Blood Brothers” and the classy Leigh Warren dancers from Adelaide will be in town with the show “Impulse”, two dance works choreographed by Warren to music by m ichael nyman and graham Koehne. That mammary musical “Breast Wishes”, seen in an earlier version at the c anberra Theatre, will be part of the season. Bungendore superstars Shortis and Simpson will take the stage with whizz-bang musicians Dave o’neill, Peter J. c asey, Ian Blake and Jon Jones with “Waxing Lyrical”, where lyricist gilbert is more important than musician Sullivan and David more prominent than Bacharach. You get the idea.

nights of pure music will be heard in Irish singer John m cnally’s “Love and Roses with a Touch of Shamrock” and “g et Back: The Lennon and m cc artney Songbook”, performed by m elissa Langton, Libby o’Donovan and m ark Jones. From Las Vegas – how did Pike do this? – a group of singers will perform a tribute to Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons called “o h What a night!”

The company Shake & Stir will present “Statespeare:

Suckeths”, in which a bunch of year 12s find out that he doesn’t.

That’s the title Pike has chosen for the season at the Q, but he was very quick to assure audiences at the launch that there would be matinees, too. Subscription bookings to 6285 6290 or visit www.theq.net.au

Right: The Leigh Warren dancers from Adelaide will be in town with the show “Impulse”, two dance works choreographed to music by Michael Nyman and Graham Koehne.

The surprising art of science

arts in the city

THE Embassy of Spain and cSIRo Astronomy and Space Science are joining to stage the science-art exhibition “Surprises of the cosmos” at the cSIRo Discovery centre until January 13. The show is made up of 30 large-format photographs and was introduced by visiting Spanish astrophysicist Ángel R. López Sánchez.

m ARIA n A del c astillo’s series of recycled objects cloaked in grey, vintage Australian war blankets can be seen online at the Jas Hugonnet gallery (www.hugonnet.com.au). Hugonnet says she has created tableaux that are plagued with eroticism, moral struggle, memory and nostalgia, “battered by undercurrents of c atholicism.”

WAREH o USE circus is staging “ Projected” at the Belconnen community Theatre from December 18-20. It’s billed as suitable for all ages, written and performed right here in c anberra by Canberra’s finest young circus performers. Bookings to http://warehousecircus. eventbrite.com

DESPITE the rain, chief and Arts m inister Jon Stanhope has been talking up the 24-week lunchtime festival “groovin’ in

the city”, which runs through until the end of February with exotic beats and dance. I see that each week prizes and cash are awarded to the best photo, then in February the best three photos will be awarded prizes of $2500, $1000 and $500.

THE Un /cIT Biodiversity Student Photographic competition exhibition is at the Visitors’ centre of the Australian n ational Botanic gardens until January 6. competition winners are, for documentary, David Woltschenko; for social commentary, Teri Robertson; o pen c ategory, Ben Andrews and for overall folio, Pamela m artin, who wins a two-week internship with the U n ’s East Timor m ission.

Anc A, Australian national c apital Artists, have rebranded themselves with a fancy new logo that you can see on their website at www.anca.net.au/news/. “We’re still in c anberra,” they say,” but that’s the only thing that’s the same.”

A mong the exhibitions to catch before christmas are Pamela Scott- child’s show of mixed media works work at g rande c afe, m anuka, until December 20. And until December 19, the m16 artists’ 22m installation celebrating the fence-line view from the window of their snazzy new art studios in Blaxland Crescent, Griffith.

I n our recent report on the Ac T arts awards night, we omitted the names of two c anberra critics’ circle Awards recipients. These were Ruth Waller, who was named 2010 Visual Artist and conductor-singer Tobias cole.

Jamie (Jake Gyllenhaal) and Maggie (Anne Hathaway) in a scene from “Love and Other Drugs”.

Cut and thrust of sex and life in the pill trade

“LOVe AND OTHeR DRUGS” (MA)

JA m IE (Jake gyllenhaal) has a talent for selling. Introduced to pharmaceutical giant Pfizer, he enters the cut-and-thrust world of prescription drug sales after a six-week course that the company says will make him a medical professional.

Jamie goes on ward rounds with g P Stan (Hank Azaria) who wonders why his next patient is on such a massive medication regime at age 26. A waitress who makes pictorial collages for cultural stimulation, m aggie (Anne Hathaway) is in stage one of Parkinson’s disease,

Jamie and m aggie begin a sexually-uninhibited relationship uncomplicated by emotional baggage. Jamie’s mentor Bruce (o liver Platt) helps him to progress from selling anti-depressants to Pfizer’s new pill for treating male erectile dysfunction. Viagra’s not a medication that Jamie needs but he yearns to get rich by selling it.

The film offers illuminating vignettes of life in the pill trade. Its proselytising for Parkinson’s sufferers is gentle and sympathetic. Its sexual passages are frank, beautiful, credible, intense and totally not salacious. For m aggie equally as for Jamie, sex is a healthy human activity that works quite well without emotional complications. Inevitably, after some rocky patches, that narrow view gets expanded, a rom-com path that somewhat weakens the film’s energy.

Edward Zwick’s direction has an affectionate feel to it. Hathaway’s portrayal of m aggie is profoundly good, such as might presage an Academy Award nomination at least.

At Dendy

“MeGAMIND” (PG)

I n this animation directed by Tom m cgrath for Dreamworks, anti-hero m egamind (voiced by Will Ferrell), his minder m inion (David cross) and his

rival m etroman (Brad Pitt), shipped from other planets to Earth as infants, arrive simultaneously at m etro city.

gifted with awesome powers m etroman grows to represent all that is good, noble and virtuous. Intellectually brilliant, m egamind becomes a career villain, escaping from jail to cause mayhem and depredations needing m etroman to step in and stop.

At the dedication of the m etroman museum, m egamind captures intrepid TV reporter Roxanne (Tina Fey), overcomes m etroman’s powers and takes over the city. This venture backfires. m egamind, who got his jollies from battling his now-dead adversary, gets bored by lack of diversion. So he turns Roxanne’s inarticulate cameraman (Jonah Hill) into high-powered hero Titan who spells his new name “Tighten”. Revelling in his new-found liberation from a lifetime of social and emotional deprivation, Tighten becomes a worse villain than his creator.

Delivering solutions to the issues bedeviling m egamind’s emotional comfort in his moral mire, mature enough to stimulate adults while not ignoring the fantasy elements that delight youngsters, the screenplay by Alan Schoolcraft should satisfy a wide audience age distribution. You end up quite liking the guy.

The print I saw was in 3D. creative reasons for film-makers to use this process, increasing production costs without a commensurate improvement in dramatic merits, are hard to discern. The shock value of sending objects hurtling out into the audience is rapidly becoming old hat. It needs more justification than merely having the technology.

At all cinemas

At the peak of his powers

I n Don ESIA n - BoR n artist Dadang christanto’s association with exhibition curator c aroline Turner began in 1992 with the inclusion of his installation piece “For those who have been killed” in the first Asia Pacific Triennial at Queensland Art Gallery in 1993.

In c anberra, we think of christanto as one of ours. He has had a long relationship with the School of Art and, through Turner, the Research School of Humanities at ANU. His difficult subject matter and questing, intellectual approach sit well here.

This large semi-retrospective includes early drawings, which situate the artist amongst daily life and culture in Yogyakarta, video of performance works, a monumental cardboard wall installation work, a selection of recent batik works and some extraordinary new paintings.

It’s the inherent beauty in the artworks that

Dadang Christanto: “Wounds in Our Heart”

Drill Hall Gallery, Acton, until December 19.

Reviewed by Anni Doyle Wawrzynczak

first resonates in this exhibition, then the dawning realisation that the concerns of this body of work are social injustice and human rights abuses. Beauty and horror, a compelling combination at work throughout the exhibition, are powerfully employed in the series of paintings “The Rivers”, documenting the 1965-66 period known as the “killing times”. In these elegantly composed works, loosely defined figures float on spare, flat backgrounds; beauty draws the viewer. Up close, we see the slash of pointed, piercing stick, the flash of blood. Christanto is a master artist at the height of his powers.

Loui’s secret of sophistication

dining

Wendy Johnson

MAKE great coffee and they shall come. That’s the secret of Loui’s in the city.

For 13 years owner Loui Papp has been standing behind his schmick-looking coffee machine in the atrium area of 111 Alinga Street, making caffè latte, cappuccino, espresso and more. He’s been known to create up to 800 quality cups a day – in true Italian style and customers do come from far and wide to get their caffeine hit.

But it’s not just the coffee that customers adore. It’s the food, too – quality through and through, consistent and served with a smile.

It’s breakfast and we’re sipping on our coffees looking at the menu. n ot pages and pages of options, but a small, carefully designed list of lovingly created and wellpresented dishes, both sweet and savoury.

The wild mushrooms and spinach threeegg omelet comes with bocconcini ($19.50) or without ($17). my friend opted for the “with”. It was a stunner. A combination of delicate flavours and prepared “just so” (many omelets are cooked to death).

my brain wouldn’t let me past the eggs cooked in a roasted tomato sauce with toasted Italian bread ($15). It’s a wholesome, comforting dish – one cooked for centuries by nonnas expert at taking humble ingredients and transforming them into something memorable. And Loui says it’s a great way to take advantage of extra pasta sauce if you have any on hand.

The sauce was full and rich and vibrant looking. It tasted so fantastic that my

The late Heath Ledger... notoriously taciturn.

friend, who is not a tomato lover by any stretch, couldn’t resist dipping her Italian bread into it (and several times, I might add!). But, hey, sharing is what food is all about in my books.

Also on the breakfast menu during our visit were eggs benedict, which are served in many places but not necessarily with precision like it always is at Loui’s ($16 or $18 with smoked salmon), a Loui muffin with egg, bacon, tomato and bocconcini (only $10) and a breakfast roll with egg, bacon, spinach, chilli and hollandaise

($14.50). o n the sweet side was an attractive, thick-cut cinnamon toast drizzled with pure maple syrup ($7).

What I love about Loui’s is the understated sophistication. At first glance it all looks simple, but everything is well planned and well executed. And Loui and his wife Trish, also an owner, operate their entire operation with this in mind.

Loui’s, 111 Alinga Street. Seats about 130 inside and about 40 outside. Open weekdays for breakfast and lunch (fully licensed).

Young to record creativity

By Helen Musa

“A cREATIVE community is a more empowered community,” Federal Arts m inister Simon crean said as he unveiled the n ational Film and Sound Archive’s newest venture, The Heath Ledger Young Artist o ral History Project.

Flanked by the father of the late film star Kim Ledger, and three young subjects for the project – opera singer Karen Fitzgibbon, actor Eamon Farren and TV performer Samara Weaving – the minister praised Australia’s young talent and the work ethic that often made them stars overseas.

Acting cEo of the archive, Ann Landrigan,

explained the planned project, which the lives and views of young artists would be tracked by interviewers over many years. Partnered by such tertiary training institutions as The Australian Ballet School and the Australia Film, TV and Radio School, but with n IDA notably absent from the list, the archive intends to provide inspiration for young Australians as well as a social record of creativity.

o ne small oddity. As m r Ledger said when considering the likely reaction of his notoriously taciturn late son to all of this: “First you’d have to get him to say something.”

Dancing outside the zone

STUDEnT choreographers and dancers, mostly former Quantum Leapers, from universities around Australia, gathered in c anberra over the last two weeks to prepare and present a program of 12 short dance works as part of “o n Course”, QL2’s final initiative for the year.

Their creations were presented in two performances. Unsurprisingly, the quality was variable; however, the choreographers had been encouraged to take advantage of the opportunity to move outside their comfort zones. The results provided a tantalising glimpse of trends in contemporary dance choreography and even the possibility of spotting the emergence of an important new choreographer.

The outstanding work for me was the duet “As I do, not as I say”, choreographed by c aitlin m acKenzie and brilliantly danced by g emma Dawkins and Abby Johnson, exploring notions

of conversation. Also impressive was the confidence evident in Gemma Dawkins “Voice (over)”, employing three dancers performing to a recorded narration to illustrate different aspects of the one personality; the sheer fun of Lauren grow’s clever “Tendency” whose six dancers delightfully scratched, fiddled, whistled and clicked; the lovely understated movement quality of Joel Fenton’s “nothing Too Fancy”; the theatricality of Jacob Williams “Your o wn nemesis” and the originality of Paul Jackson’s puzzling “A Leaky Bag of Water”.

Stepping into summer

By Megan Haggan

SUmm ER footwear is more exciting than ever, says g ail Lubbock from Escala – particularly since there are now so many options which look great, but don’t hurt the feet.

“There’s a lot of divine sandals around right now: gorgeous, elegant sandals in black, gold or turquoise, like our Emma Viani shoes,” gail says.

contemporary sandals offer elegance with wider straps that don’t have the “tourniquet” effect on feet in hot weather: “Straps that are reasonably broad and flat ensure that you’re going to have a comfortable foot on those very hot days.

“Thin straps that cut into the foot as it swells are just not an elegant look!”

Jelly thongs and sandals are also big this year, g ail says, though some women still don’t like the single piece between their big and second toe that thongs offer, finding it uncomfortable. However, those who do are loving the wider range of pretty thongs that have emerged over the last couple of years, she says.

gail also recommends espadrilles for summer: “They’re a perfect

The coast with the most

It’s that time of year when the thoughts of Canberrans turn to the surf and sand of the south coast... but what if that holiday was permanent? “CityNews” takes a look at the trend to owning a home beside the sea

More making the move

moRE and more c anberrans are choosing to make the move to the south coast, says Lesley grimson, from Bayside Real Estate Batemans Bay – and they’re loving the physical beauty of the area, all the amenities of Batemans Bay and the seachange lifestyle.

“We’re getting a lot of enquiries at the moment,” Lesley says. “We’re very enthusiastic about the market because more and more people are making the move to the coast. There are some really good buying opportunities, and many which are wellpriced. There’s certainly the opportunity for an excellent lifestyle here!”

compared to c anberra’s housing market, the coast offers some attractively priced options, she says. “It’s really something a lot of people can consider.”

The trend is for c anberrans considering a seachange to make their enquiries online, then hit the coast to investigate opportunities, Lesley says.

“People really do their homework. In times past, maybe five years ago, people would come to the coast, make a bit of a holiday of it or a long weekend, and look around at a variety of properties. n ow, people choose properties to view before they come down here.”

This means the process of buying a new home, investment property or a second home on the coast has been streamlined, Lesley says.

“And Batemans Bay is a lovely place to live. It’s not just central to c anberra and Sydney, the lifestyle is very nice: there are so many beautiful little secluded beaches that you can just get away from it all in 10 minutes and find a nice place to relax and unwind.

“It’s not just a coastal town, but very cosmopolitan but at the same time, with a lovely, relaxed atmosphere.”

More information at www.realbayside. com.au or call (02) 4472 7255.

To be beside the seaside

THE new community of Barlings Beach has seen its first families move in, and is getting ready to welcome many more, says Blake Walker from Walker constructions, creator of Barlings Beach near Batemans Bay.

“Our first three families have just moved in there - they’re all young families and very happy to be the first of the new locals,” Blake told “citynews”.

“Barlings Beach is just adjacent to Tomakin, where there are existing services, a club and shops; and the council has also spent a bit of money on the road network, so it’s now about a 12-minute drive straight into Batemans Bay, up a road which used to be just gravel but has now been sealed

and upgraded. So access is great – it’s a direct route to the major shopping centres and cinemas and so on.

“We’re now on the second stage of Barlings Beach, and we’ve got blocks from $195,000 all the way up to the beachfront blocks; we’ve got rain forest blocks which are much larger at up to 1500 square metres, and which back on to a natural rain forest which is just beautiful.

“There are house and land packages available starting at $460,000 and there’s also a number of builders who are happy to help with potential purchases.”

More information at www. reflectionsbarlingsbeach.com.au or call 1800 092798

your week in the stars

With

Joanne Madeline Moore December 20-26

ARIES (Mar  – Apr 0)

Rushing Rams – have you been so busy that you’ve left most of your shopping to the last minute? If you get organised ASAP, you’ll find the food and gifts you need without too many dramas. Saturday’s m oon is in your celebration zone, so your mantra for christmas Day is from birthday great, Henry m iller: “Do anything, but let it produce joy.”

TAURUS

(Apr  – May 0)

With the m oon in your domestic zone, chances are you’ll be entertaining the hordes at home this christmas. Don’t rush. Bulls operate best at a steady speed so make sure you delegate tasks and keep things simple. You don’t have to go over the top in order to have a wonderful week. By the time Sunday arrives, you’ll be ready for a well-earned rest.

GEMINI (May  – June )

With the Lunar Eclipse in g emini (and m ercury still retrograde) Twins are at your temperamental best – and worst. Your gusto for garrulous gossip could get you into double trouble so avoid passing on scuttlebutt. And your excitability factor is set on high so pace yourself, otherwise you’ll end up with festive fatigue well before christmas Day!

CANCER (June  – July )

Eclipse energy prompts you to behave in ways that are a mystery even to you. Issues from years gone by could also arise, as you reminisce about an old relationship or christmases past. o n christmas Day, be clear and concise in all modes of communication and stay away from gossip or you’ll end up in hot water – not a good place for a crab!

LEO (July  – Aug )

The m oon’s in your sign on christmas Day, so it will be easy for you to switch into celebration mode – but you’ll also feel more impatient. Try to keep your Yuletide cool! The secret to a successful festive season for lively Lions is not rushing. Plus don’t overdo things – whether it’s eating, drinking, partying or spending. m oderation is the key.

VIRGO (Aug  – Sept )

Expect a hectic Christmas Day with plenty of family fiascos, as m ercury (your ruling planet) reverses through your domestic zone. It certainly won’t be boring! Plan ahead; share the jobs around; and don’t feel you have to organise (and micro-manage) everything yourself. g ood deeds done now will lead to good fortune for versatile Virgos in 2011.

LIBRA (Sept  – Oct )

Saturn’s in your sign so you want everything to be 110 per cent this christmas, as your perfectionist streak goes into hyperdrive. Lower your standards (and your stress levels) Libra! Your motto for the week is from Quentin crisp (born on Dec 25, 1908): “Treat all disasters as if they were trivialities, but never treat a triviality as if it were a disaster.”

SCORPIO (Oct  – Nov )

Scorpio is a sign of extremes and, with indulgent Venus visiting your sign, chances are you’ll overdo the christmas cheer and Yuletide shenanigans. Pace yourself, especially when it comes to alcohol and parties. And don’t leave gift shopping and meal preparation to the last minute or you’ll just end up feeling tired, emotional – and overwhelmed.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov  – Dec )

As you hurtle into an emotionally-charged christmas period, think carefully before you say or do anything controversial – especially with loved ones. Jupiter gives you a confidence boost on Thursday, as you look to the future with optimism and enthusiasm. You have big plans and noble intentions for 2011, but don’t promise more than you can deliver.

CAPRICORN (Dec  – Jan )

With the Sun, m ars and Pluto all in c apricorn, you’re in bossy boots mode as you make unilateral decisions and ride roughshod over others. If you order loved ones around too much, everyone will end up with a bad case of indigestion on christmas Day. Your motto for the week? “The highest form of control is knowing when to let go.”

AQUARIUS (Jan 0 – Feb )

The Lunar Eclipse activates your drama zone, so others can expect some entertaining (and unpredictable) antics from Aquarians this week. You tend to overdo the christmas celebrations and can end up a sad and sorry soul by Boxing Day. With three planets in your solitude zone, you’ll need time to recover from an overdose of merry mayhem.

PISCES

(Feb  – Mar 0)

You love to party and participate in Yuletide revelry. Just make sure you’re pulling your weight when it comes to preparations and cleaning up, or you’ll be very unpopular – and lonely – by the end of the week. Keep focused, do your share of the work, and don’t rest on your Piscean posterior! Start writing down your goals and dreams for 2011.

Copyright Joanne Madeline Moore 2010.

Across

4 Name the renowned English orchestral conductor, Sir Thomas ...

8 Name a rich, yellow cake, containing no fruit.

9 Which term describes learned persons?

10 The decorations of office are known as what?

11 Name a Wyoming town often featured in Western movies.

12 Name a county in western Northern Ireland.

14 What is another term for an adjustable spanner?

18 Which kind of vehicle was a velocipede?

21 Name an alternative term for a pharmacist.

22 Vienna is the capital of which country?

23 Name the flat-bottomed unpowered barge used for transporting goods short distances?

24 What are one's female siblings? Solution next week Down

1 What is a mark made by pressure?

2 What is a proverb also known as?

3 Which portion of beef is in front of the rump?

4 Name the dark, dense, igneous rock of a lava flow.

5 What is a young eel called?

6 Which term describes a particular public executioner?

7 Name the billiards stroke where the cue is held perpendicular to the table.

13 Those who practise xenophobia could be termed as what?

15 Name the favourite of Queen Elizabeth I, Sir Walter ...

16 Which branch of knowledge deals with past events?

17 What are the processes of transferring designs from prepared paper to wood, china, glass, etc?

18 Name the alloy consisting essentially of copper and zinc.

19 Who, with her husband, discovered radium, Marie . 20 What is another term for authoritative decrees?

Gungahlin 0408 626 096 3BR I U

Naas

Proserpine Cct L.J. Hooker Gungahlin 0417 483 627 4BR H

Hooker Gungahlin 0417 483 627 4BR H ARANDA

Call Agent 38 Arabana St Peter Blackshaw Gungahlin 0408 219 148 3BR H U

Call Agent 44 Arabana St Peter Blackshaw Belconnen 0418 628 043 3BR E

Gidabal St Peter Blackshaw Manuka 0412 997 894 4BR E

Mirning

Elders Belconnen 0428 486 692 4BR G BANKS

Sat 11:00-11:45 10/35 Brockway Cct Ray White Canberra 0418 294 192 4BR I

Cct

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Blackshaw Tuggeranong 0412 726 025 5BR I

BELCONNEN

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BUNGENDORE

North

Go Gecko Woden 0408 415 054 2BR K

L.J. Hooker Kippax 0410 632 527 5BR I

Saywell Pl L.J. Hooker Kaleen 0416 087 834 3BR J

632 527 3BR I

10:45-11:30 13 Salmond St Independent Woden 0413 909 158 3BR H

CONDER

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CONDER RIDGE

FRANKLIN

HARRISON

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HIGGINS

LATHAM

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PEARCE

SPRINGBANK RISE

WARAMANGA

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