Canberra CityNews December 20

Since 1993: Volume 18, Number 48

Weather? Perfectly normal!

It should be a good summer, like we haven’t seen for decades, says

KATHRYN VUKOVLJAK

IT looks set to be a “normal” summer, according to Sean Carson, senior meteorologist at the Bureau of Meteorology.

For anyone who can’t remember what a normal summer is, Sean says there will be plenty of sunshine, some rain, a thunderstorm or two – but “nothing severe”.

“For the last two summers we have been in a ‘la niña’ weather event, which has resulted in a lot of rain with two wet summers back to back,” says Sean. “Many of the storms in and around Canberra generated flash flooding at that time, although there wasn’t so much hail or wind damage.

“We’re now getting to a neutral phase, with a fairly normal thunderstorm season. We’ll get our fair share of rain, and perhaps more wind or hail damage than we’ve been used to – nothing severe, but more so than in the last two years.

“There should be a drop in river flooding, like we saw in Queanbeyan in recent times.”

The last two summers were pretty rubbish, admits Sean, with only three days reaching over 35 degrees in the past two years combined.

“This summer we’ll be getting more hot days,” he says. “We won’t be drying out, but it should be a good summer, like we haven’t seen since the 1980s and 1990s.

“Prior to the past two wet years, we were pretty dominated by 10 years of drought and bushfires.

“This year we can expect more days down the beach and the ice cream man won’t be going out of business!”

Men urged to watch backs

EVERY day, two Australian men aged over 45 die of melanoma.

These men are at more than double the risk of dying of melanoma than women the same age and although melanoma can develop anywhere on the body, around one in three cases in men occur on the back.

In the ACT, hundreds of people over 45 go to hospital each year with melanoma – the second leading form of cancer diagnosed in Australians.

Health insurer Medibank says that in 2011, 28 of its ACT members over 45 were treated in a hospital for melanoma and most of them were men.

To address these statistics, the Cancer Council is urging men to “watch your back” in two ways: always protect against the sun and check the entire body for skin changes.

Cancer Council research from the National Sun Protection Survey shows only 24 per cent of men aged 45-69 reported wearing sunscreen and 12 per cent – almost 400,000 men – still believe a tanned person is healthier.

Cancer Council Australia CEO Prof Ian Olver said men over 45 were risking their lives.

“The earlier a skin cancer is caught, the less likely it is to have spread so getting someone to help check your whole body, including your back, is vital,” Prof Olver said.

“But older men can’t afford to forget sun protection and just get checked – it’s never too late to prevent further damage.”

Dr Phillip Artemi, of the Australasian College of Dermatologists, said skin cancers in this group tended to

be diagnosed at a later stage.

“Men don’t notice their skin the way women do and are less likely to visit their GP,” he said. “So partners need to watch their men’s backs – figuratively and literally.”

Look for a new mole, or any change in shape, colour or size of a mole or spot. Visit your doctor if you notice any changes. More information at cancer.org.au

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Editor: Ian Meikle, editor@citynews.com.au

Journalists:

Laura Edwards, laura@citynews.com.au

Libby Hill, libby@citynews.com.au

Kathryn Vukovljak, kathryn@citynews.com.au

Arts editor: Helen Musa, 0400 043764 helen@citynews.com.au

Design and photography: Silas Brown, 0412 718086

Graphic designer: Leonie Fox

Contributing photographer: Andrew Finch

Accounts manager: Bethany Freeman-Chandler accounts@citynews.com.au

Distribution and circulation: Richard Watson, circulation@citynews.com.au

new year’s eve

Party or not to party?

There’s plenty on offer for the countdown to 2013. Here are some of “CityNews”’ picks for New Year’s Eve, whatever your style.

Romantic

IF you want the best views on NYE combined with dark, moody lighting, you can’t go past Alto Restaurant at the Telstra tower. Offering three courses at $80 a head, ring in the New Year in style with 360-degree views of the city. Visit altotower.com.au/

All ages

GAREMA Place’s Bass in the Place is back again for another year, promising an eclectic lineup including Diesel, Timmy Trumpet and DJ Chris Fraser, as well as state-of-the-art lighting and of course, fireworks. It’s free for all ages, and starts at 9pm. Visit events.act.gov.au/nye.

Dapper

THE Tea Lounge at the Hyatt Hotel is offering a variety of food stations for NYE celebrations, including predinner drinks and canapés in The Garden from 7.30pm until 1am, and

a live band to keep you swinging into 2013. Cost is $180 per guest and includes a drinks package. Stay overnight and they’ll place a bottle of sparkling wine and strawberries in your room. Call 6269 8909 for bookings.

Party

TONGUE and Groove is gearing up for a big night with $80 bottles of Moet on offer, as well as tantalising bites from its a la carte menu and a set from resident DJ Jungle Jerry. Visit tandg.com.au/

ACROSS the road, Academy nightclub will be open from 9pm, with a set from DJ Timmy Trumpet. Bring your finest dancing shoes. Visit academyclub.com.au.

Beachy

YES, you heard right – we all know Canberra doesn’t have a beach, but Galaxy Nightclub has the next best thing. From 9pm it will be hosting

a “NYE beach party”, complete with pina coladas and prizes for best beach attire. $10 cover charge, visit casinocanberra.com.au/

Cool

HIPPO Bar and Lounge will be celebrating the year of Canberra’s 100th birthday with a special “100” night, selling 100 tickets for $100 each. Tickets include unlimited drinks until midnight and resident DJs will be on hand to spin smooth tunes. Get in quick to be one of the 100. Visit hippobar.com.au/.

IF you’re further up north, Dickson’s Trinity Bar and Lounge will host Lady Bones and, of course, its signature cocktails. Visit trinitybarcanberra.com.au.

Low-key

NOT into the party atmosphere? Grab a picnic basket and settle down with gorgeous views at the Carillon, Lennox Gardens or Regatta Point.

Lots of places to go, stuff to do...

Summernats Car Festival

FROM January 3 to 6, Summernats is for car enthusiasts and features a concert headlined by Hilltop Hoods and Rose Tattoo. Tickets at summernats.com.au

The Old Bus Depot Markets

THE Kingston markets reopen on Sunday, January 13 with Portobello Road. An eclectic mix of quirky and interesting treasures and retro decorative art blends with antique jewellery, china and art glass, silver, linens and restored pieces.

Canberra Glassworks

DURING the school holidays anyone over the age of eight can try their hand at creating a glass tile using “summer fun” as the theme. A glass artist will guide the process. Open Wednesday to Sunday 10.30am1pm from January 9-25

National Museum of Australia

“BIG Objects” is a display of grand-scale treasures housed in the National Museum of Australia’s Hall. Highlights include the “Saw Doctor’s” wagon, a 1905 steam

engine, a 1930s monoplane, one of Australia’s oldest surviving horse drawn coaches, and a vintage Citroën tourer that was the first car driven around Australia. Open daily, 9am-5pm

National Gallery of Australia

“ TOULOUSE -L AUTREC : Paris and the Moulin Rouge” features more than 120 works, many of which have never been exhibited publicly before. Open daily, 10am-5pm.

National Portrait Gallery

THE ambitious portrait of the Queen by Australian artist Ralph Heimans is the centrepiece of the exhibition “Glorious: A Diamond Jubilee Portrait of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II”. Open daily, 10am-5pm.

Australian War Memorial

“Remember me: the lost diggers of Vignacourt” showcases a selection of the photographs as handmade traditional darkroom prints and draws on the Memorial’s collections to tell the story of these men in their own voices. Open daily, 10am-5pm.

Risks from outdated first-aid

TWO-thirds of Australians could be putting their families at risk this summer with outdated first-aid procedures, according to a recent poll conducted by Red Cross College.

Although two thirds of people stated they knew what to do in an emergency, the survey shows 50 per cent of people would make the wrong first-aid choices in life-threatening scenarios.

Red Cross College training services general manager, Chris Casey, says Australians need to refresh their first-aid skills in preparation for a fun and safe summer with family and friends.

“Outdoor activities, hot weather and increased time in, or near, the water all contribute to higher accident rates over the summer period,” he said.

Refreshing first-aid knowledge and having a first-aid kit to hand is vital, and Red Cross College first-aid training manager, Dan Coad, says mistakes mostly come from panic.

“Stop, breathe, take a look at the situation and then act,” he says.

Some of the most common mistakes people make are with treating burns, including sunburn, Dan says.

“Treat sunburn as you would treat any other burn with cold, running water for at least 20 minutes to help take the heat out. Don’t use ice or creams and lotions – the most important thing is to remove the heat. Once that’s done, it’s okay to then use lotion.

“My rule of thumb is, if the burnt area is bigger than the palm of the person’s hand – so if a baby is badly sunburnt and the affected area is bigger than the baby’s hand – they should be taken to hospital.”

Cabin Crew Canberra based.

Virgin Australia are seeking highly polished customer service professionals to join our regional alliance partner Skywest in a Canberra based Cabin Crew position. This is a unique opportunity to play an integral role in shaping the evolution of this iconic brand, and to become a part of a dynamic company that genuinely believes and demonstrates our people are our greatest asset.

The role of Cabin Crew is diverse and you will be required to:

• Conduct safety briefings on board

• Assist our special needs guests

• Administer first aid, conduct food and beverage services

• Provide exceptional customer service to ensure we exceed our guests’ expectations on board the aircraft.

As representatives of the Virgin Australia brand, you will have a passion for creating a memorable and quality experience for our guests and meet the above criteria, as well as:

• Extensive customer service experience in a premium environment

• Be in excellent health to work at a high altitude in a pressurised cabin

• Be dependable and flexible to work over a rotating shift roster, including weekends and public holidays.

We are looking for professionals who share our enthusiasm and passion for excellence, are calm yet confident in nature and would not mind working rotating shift hours.

Recruitment Days will be held in Canberra on January 10 and in February 2013.

To apply please visit virginaustralia.com

New airport parks a big problem

THE ugly duckling that was Canberra Airport has finally emerged a triumphant swan and, in the process, solved much of the public criticism over transport and parking issues.

“I’m really proud of the transition we’ve made from being a bit of an eyesore – and really what was a regional facility – to a first-class facility and something that represents everything that’s great about this city,” says airport managing director Stephen Byron.

One of the most important parts of the redevelopment is improvements to access and Byron says it’s all about making it quick and easy for people to get into and out of the airport.

Thanks to the redevelopment, the number of car-parking spaces has increased from 1400 to more than 3000 with two multi-level covered car parks each offering more than 1000 spaces.

The two open-air car parks each have 450 parking spaces, including free 10-minute parking bays for

Libby Hill reports

pick-up and drop-off.

Byron says all car parks are available for short and long stay users, meaning you can park within close proximity to the terminal, no matter how long you’ll be staying. A parking guidance system showing the exact number of spaces available at each car park as well as colour-coded tickets to tell you which car park you’re in, also add to making the experience quick and easy.

According to Byron, Canberrans have a habit of taking taxis and getting friends to drop them off at the airport. Canberra Airport is hoping to change that behaviour and make it attractive for travellers to take the long-stay car parking option.

“We’ve got the cheapest parking of any airport in the country and we’re going to keep it that way. A lot of people here use taxis and we’ve got that to compete with,” Byron says.

The secret life of the

AS a run is scored at Manuka Oval and the crowd cheers, a group of six men sit in the hot, stuffy scoreboard, ticking over the score.

And although they’ve got one of the best views of the game from the three-storey board, there’s no time to sit back and relax.

Laura Edwards reports

With no fancy controls or electronic gadgets, the job of updating the scoreboard is done completely manually, using a series of handles and cogs.

Manuka Oval venue manager Matthew Tokley describes the internal area as a “spare bike parts store” – “it’s pretty quaint in this day and age,” he says.

Built in 1901, the scoreboard’s original home was the Melbourne Cricket Ground, but was donated to Manuka Oval in 1983 when the MCG received an updated model.

While AFL games only require one or two men, cricket matches need six to keep up with the score.

“It’s an intensive operation, particularly when there’s lots of runs scored quickly and wickets getting out, it certainly keeps them on their toes,” says Matthew.

“Each one of the shutters on the scoreboard opens up on a hinge, on a door, they actually have those shutters down so they can watch the game. The score updates by two rollers which have the numbers printed on them, and they’ve got a head scorer in there who will keep score and yell out instructions.”

Brian Richings has been operating the scoreboard since it first arrived at Manuka Oval 29 years ago. An avid cricket fan, Brian says he loves the job, and has “never once made a mistake”.

“I like that you get to see all the action and the upand-comers... I remember seeing a young Ricky Ponting play before he got famous,” he recalls.

Manuka scoreboard

With no air conditioning, the three-level scoreboard can get “stifling,” says Brian, but there’s always plenty of water on hand.

“There’s 35-degree days and since the scoreboard is black it can be a few degrees warmer in there,” he says. He says having a manual scoreboard is “a rare thing” in Australia and hopes it won’t get updated anytime soon.

“It’s such a unique structure, I think only a few other cities have one,” he says.

“It’s a fun job to do, and we’re all friends, we give each other a bit of cheek.”

‘We specialise in providing beautiful, functional, short-term, flexible accommodation’

Laurie’s winning team gets a golden glow

AS Laurie McDonald looks to the New Year, and sets her goals for 2013, she can’t help but reflect on how far she’s come.

With her business, Canberra Furnished Accommodation approaching its 10th birthday, she’s received recognition from awards and satisfaction from creating a thriving, successful workplace.

Laurie says Canberra Furnished Accommodation has been the market leader in Canberra for almost a decade. “We specialise in providing beautiful, functional, short-term, flexible accommodation,” she says. Clients come from everywhere – people relocating to Canberra, on contract work, between homes, renovating or visiting friends and family.

She says “baby boomer” grandparents visiting family enjoy the freedom of their own space and having somewhere to “hang out with their grandchildren”.

Laurie’s enthusiasm is infectious, which probably goes some of the way to explaining why motivating others comes naturally to her.

Indeed, Canberra Furnished Accommodation was the ACT winner of the Telstra Business “Go for Business Gold” competition, a nationwide search to find outstanding motivators among the country’s two-million-plus smallto-medium businesses.

Entrants had to show excellence in motivating staff, themselves or their customers with a winner for each State and Territory.

“I thought it would be a fun, team-building exercise to create a video and enter the competition,” Laurie told “CityNews”.

As part of the prize, Canberra Furnished Accommodation won a visit from Olympic swimming champion

Duncan Armstrong, who spoke at a lunch held at Civic’s Soju Girl for Laurie’s invited guests.

Duncan won a gold medal in freestyle swimming with a world-record swim at the Seoul Olympic Games and was Australia’s 100th Olympic swimming medallist.

At the same Olympics, Duncan also won a silver medal and his overall swimming achievements saw him awarded the Young Australian of the Year award for 1988.

“The Olympics were an unforgettable experience,” Duncan said. “Inspiring people by sharing that experience at an event like the one Canberra Furnished Accommodation arranged is a pleasure.”

Laurie says it was great to hear Duncan speak about what motivates him and his emphasis on enthusiasm really struck a chord with her.

“It was a great opportunity to say thanks to our staff and biggest supporters.”

Canberra Furnished Accommodation began in 2003 when Matt and Laurie McDonald rented their investment property on a short-term furnished basis. Laurie was on maternity leave with their first child and began the business by putting a computer and furniture package on her credit card.

She gradually grew the business and didn’t return to her job with the Federal Government. Today they offer more than 50 properties available in Canberra for people needing furnished and equipped accommodation on a flexible or short-term basis.

Laurie says she’s proud of many of her achievements, including being a finalist in the Telstra business awards, and that after 10 years she feels her systems are streamlined.

“It’s really exciting to be at a point in the business where everything works and flows well,” she says. “I’m a

real nerd and business systems excite me.

“But one of the things I’m most proud of is that over the past 10 years, I have rarely had to compromise on being a mum to my two little boys, and that’s what starting the business was all about in the first place.”

When Laurie started the business, it was just her for a number of years and she now has five full-time equivalent staff.

“I first started designing a furniture and equipment

package for one property. Now I design furniture and equipment packages for five properties at a time,” she says.

Group managing director of Telstra Business, Will Irving, said: “Go for Business Gold was one of many ways Telstra celebrated the successes of small business.”

“Every one of our finalists showed the passion, creativity and motivation that typifies the best in Australian business.”

At the ‘CityNews’ end-of-year drinks, National Press Club, Barton

At the Telstra Go For Gold Award Lunch, Soju Girl, Civic

summer arts

Lautrec work looks deeply within

NOW showing at the NGA is the first major Australian retrospective of Toulouse-Lautrec.

Comprising paintings, posters, drawings – on loan from various key collections – it is a monumental achievement, especially considering the high-profile nature and careful guarding of Lautrec’s works.

Curated by Jane Kinsman (responsible, too, for the NGA’s 2008 Degas blockbuster), the exhibit follows chronologically Lautrec’s brief, prolific artistic career.

And what an interesting character he was. Deformed at birth, born into the aristocracy, he studied the techniques of seminal artists such as Paul Gauguin.

As a youth he displayed prowess as a draftsman and painter and began to apply these skills in wonderful works such as “The Jockey”, which presents a patchy silhouette-like depiction of two riders juxtaposed against a gusty, metallic sky. However, as the exhibition and its beautifully presented catalogue suggest, Lautrec’s greatest achievements are rooted in the manner in which his work differs from norms of the day.

Unlike many of his impressionist contemporaries who focused on fleeting experiences in observing nature, Lautrec was concerned with the inner character of his subjects, many of whom were not the French intelligentsia, but rather the underbelly

visual arts

“Toulouse-Lautrec: Paris & the Moulin Rouge” At the National Gallery of Australia, until April 2. Reviewed by Johnny Milner

of Parisian society: prostitutes, circus performers, degenerates.

These qualities are expressed in the painterly and contoured “La Goulue”, which contains a less-thanflattering depiction of a cabaret performer with twisted eyes and a heavily made-up face, entering the famous Moulin Rouge.

Lautrec’s advertisement posters – capturing the vitality of his subjects – are early examples of the blurring of high and low art. In “La Troupe de Mlle Eglantine” we encounter four dancers against a bright yellow backdrop. The flatness of the image, the simple lines, bold forms and the prevalence of the woman form can be linked to the Japanese wood-block prints that were influential in late 19th-century France.

Lautrec’s oeuvre constitutes some of the most exciting artwork of his time – and it had a profound influence on the art of the 20th century, including German expressionism. This exhibition, heralding the start of the centenary of Canberra celebrations, offers vivid insights into the European artistic world at the time Australia was being forged as a nation and decisions were being made about the location of a national capital.

Centenary sounds of the summer

By Helen Musa

WHERE’S the best spot to enjoy this lovely city’s summer nights? My vote would go to the Australian National Botanic Gardens, where executive director, Dr Judy West, surely has something to crow about.

They’ll be pretty well the first cab off the rank in marking our Centenary year with the monthlong “Summer Sounds” concert series.

In the old days, it used to be just jazz, but as West says: “We’ve got … everything from jazz, swing, big band, Latin American, country, rockabilly, popular and even hip hop”.

These include Key Grip, Canberra Swing Katz, As Famous as the Moon, Dorothy-Jane Gosper Band, Kulture Break, Los Chavos, The Cashews, Plump, The Fuelers and favourites Annie and the Armadillos with Wiradjuri Echoes. They’re extending the concert times so people can enjoy the music, dancing and gardens. The concerts will run 5.30pm-7.30pm every Saturday and Sunday throughout January.

Then in February, it’s time for the “Flix in the Stix” program on February 2, featuring a line-up of short films under the stars curated

by Nash Edgerton, accompanied by a performance by The Whitlams and some spoken word from raconteur Murray Hartin.

And that’s not all.

“We love the outdoor cinema concept so much,” Dr West says, “we’re hosting a special Centenary Sunset Cinema.”

That’s to be a six-week outdoor film program of latest releases, classic and art-house films, including the new “Les Miserables” and “Life of Pi”, beginning on Thursday, February 7 and running each Thursday, Friday and Saturday evening until March 16.

As well there will be the usual Bush Magic Storytime, the “Snakes Alive!” reptile exhibition and a photographic exhibition celebrating botanic gardens from capital cities such as London, Washington DC, Wellington, Buenos Aires and Brasília from January 4 to March 5.

All the while there’s the popular “afterDARK” series, described by staff as “a sensual feast of summer night Gardens tours, live string music and gourmet tasting of local food and wine.”

Is this not the National Capital of Hedonism?

“Delicious! afterDARK”, 7.30pm, January 4 and February 4, online bookings essential at anbg.gov.au/ gardens

“Flix in the Stix” February 2, Gates open 6.30 pm, bookings to 132 849. For all program details at anbg. gov.au/gardens/whatson/events/

Here comes Giggle and Hoot

JIMMY Giggle, Hoot the Owl and their best owl pal Hootabelle are coming to town with their first live stage show “Giggle and Hoot and Friends”, directed by Garry Ginivan in a 50-minute spectacular. They’ll be joined on stage by favourite ABC characters, Bananas in Pyjamas and LazyTown with songs, lots of dancing and colourful costumes. At Canberra Theatre Centre, January 23-24, bookings to 6275 2700 or www. canberratheatrecentre.com.au

THE very generous Australian Decorative & Fine Arts Society of Canberra has awarded two prizes of $1000 each in the ADFAS/ANU School of Arts Emerging Artists program to glass artist Emilie Patteson and sculptor Haeli Van Veen.

CANBERRA Glassworks’ “100 Days of Glass” for the Centenary of Canberra has kicked off with “Glassimations”, an exhibition curated by

Helen Musa arts in the city

Lienors Torre and featuring the work of Torre and Alastair Boell, Tom Moore, Mark Elliott and Jack McGrath, Deirdre Feeney and Lee Whitmore, all working with glass to create animations. Kids will love it and there’s also a holiday class called “Kids Animation Special: Glass in Motion”. Visit canberraglassworks.com/

ON February 12, Dr Jolanta Gallagher tells us, the eyes of the artistic world will be on the National Arts Summit Arts Quest, “Height and Hopes,” to be held in Canberra. Confirmed speakers include Robyn Archer, music educator Richard Gill, poet Les Murray and Viennese voice

expert Prof Claudia Visca. Great news for us and the arts, but now it’s time for you to have your say on what’s important by answering a short, confidential survey at surveymonkey.com/s/ National_Arts_Survey

THE fabulous ANCA Gallery at Rosevear Place, Dickson, is available for hire between January 9-20 while the gallery program is in recess – a good space to document work, rehearse and record performances and develop installation-based works, but public events are not permitted. Hire fee is $50 a day plus bond. Email Janice Falsone at gallery@anca.net.au

ANOTHER quiet mover and shaker in Canberra, Helen Swan’s Resonants choir, raised $1000 at its family charity concert in December and has handed it over to PatCH at The Canberra Hospital to help support sick children.

summer arts Movie blockbusters and

From December 26

“The Hobbit” (M)

I WISH “The Hobbit” well for the sake of NZ’s national economy, to say nothing of director Peter Jackson’s. Committed Tolkien fans already know what to expect from it. Recent reports tell of audience members becoming nauseous at parts of it shot at 48 frames a second to enhance a visual effect. With a great cast, mostly from other islands including ours, it ticks boxes for fantasy, action and visual power.

“Les Miserables” (M)

VICTOR Hugo’s novel that became record-breaking musical theatre is now enhanced by cinema’s ability to carry an audience to places and perspectives that words on a page or live theatre cannot reach. Tom Hooper comes with a solid provenance as a director for big and little screens, winning peer awards for “The King’s Speech” and for “John Adams”. Hooper’s, the 15th cinema feature presenting Victor Hugo’s story manifesting the dramatic scale and power of love, devotion to duty, courage, fear and revolutionary obsession, has a significant Australian component – Russell Crowe as government agent Javert pursuing Hugh Jackman as parole breaker Valjean. Come on, Aussie; come on.

Apart from the summer blockbusters, “The Hobbit” and “Les Miserables”, film reviewer DOUGAL MACDONALD takes a look at the movies heading to the big screen these holidays

“Quartet” (M)

THIS title has been bestowed on three films. The first was a delightful 1948 compendium dramatising stories by W. Somerset Maugham. “Quartet”, Dustin Hoffman’s first film as credited director, is the second of that name in which Maggie Smith plays a leading role, the other being a 1981 Merchant/Ivory film written by Ruth Prawer-Jhabvala. Trailers suggest that Hoffman’s film, adapted from Ronald Harwood’s stage play, may bear a generic similarity to “The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel”. Smith plays a diva who checks into a retirement home for opera singers, where her ex-husband (Tom Courtenay) also lives. Verdi’s birthday commemoration concert is in preparation but she adamantly refuses to sing in what many regard as opera’s most famous quartet, from “Rigoletto”. Billy Connolly and Michael Gambon are also in a top-drawer British cast with musical reinforcement from a collection of retired opera singers. I’d choose “Quartet” over a blockbuster any day.

“Parental Guidance” (PG)

MUCH American mainstream comedy is little more than encouragement for intellectual bulimia. But I’m prepared to reserve judgment about this one, in which Artie (Billy Crystal) and Diane (Bette Midler) babysit their grandchildren. Here’s its official plot summary: “21st century problems collide with

Artie and Diane’s old school methods of tough rules, lots of love and old-fashioned games, it’s learning to bend – and not holding your ground – that binds a family together.” This is a playground running around which any film might fall flat. Who can foresee? This one may be different enough to be worth the effort.

“Wreck-It Ralph” (PG)

THIS Disney animation arising from a TV series is the only newie crafted to offer low-cost baby-sitting. Ralph works as a video-game villain. But in his heart he yearns to be a good guy. He lives with other game characters in an arcade where heroes get better love than bad guys. In his quest for a sea change, he accidentally gives rise to a really, really bad person who threatens to destroy every game in the arcade. Kids will get a buzz.

From January 1

“Life of Pi” (PG)

ANG Lee’s dramatisation of Yann Martel’s novel looks at Pi (Suraj Sharma), a young Indian adrift in a lifeboat with only a tiger for company. Tigers are surely the most beautiful and dramatically exciting carnivores on the planet, surpassing even snow leopards and polar bears, but I should not care to meet one face to face in a lifeboat. Which portends a film of high tensions transcending even the perils of the sea. There are no reports of any humans having been killed during its production.

The way with clay

LOOKING for something for the kids to do? What about getting creative with clay? Clay’s threedimensional nature encourages exploration of structure, shapes and forms.

Experienced teachers at the Canberra Potters’ Society’s week-long holiday courses, at its teaching studio at the Watson Arts Centre, help students explore their creativity through hand-building and wheel-throwing projects. All classes are equally suitable for beginners and children with some pottery experience.

Courses are offered over three weeks in January (14-18, 21-25 and 29-February 1). Three-hour and 1½-hour classes are available, with the shorter classes more suitable for younger children. Teenagers are catered for in the 2.30pm class in week 3.

Course fees include all tuition, clay and firing. Details of class times and fees are at canberrapotters. com.au or call 6241 7800, email classes@canberrapotters.com.au.

From January 3

“Jack Reacher” (M)

READING novels by Lee Child needs little mental agility, with linear plots in which the main man evokes cartoon-strip superheroes.

Reacher is a retired US Military Police major of no fixed abode with a fearsome ability in the penultimate chapter to damage bad guys with his bare hands or whatever firearm or any other weapon at hand. Women who fall for him tend to experience ho-hum sex and short life expectancies.

Casting height-disadvantaged Tom Cruise as Reacher strikes me as wide of the mark. Childs describes Reacher as six feet two inches tall. Christopher McQuarrie is a relative tyro at writing and directing movies. So “Jack Reacher” comes as rather unknown as to both quantity and quality.

From January 10

“Hitchcock” (M)

IN Sacha Gervasi’s biopic scripted by John (“Black Swan”) McLaughlin’s adaptation of “Alfred Hitchcock and the Making of Psycho” by Hitchcock tragic Stephen Rebello, Anthony Hopkins and Helen Mirren play Hitch and his wife Alma. Scarlett Johanssen plays Janet Leigh, the blonde beauty playing sticky-fingered Marion, whose stabbing murder while showering many consider the scariest passage in the oeuvre of that master of scare. Should be a goodie.

Comfortable ride of credibility

cinema

“Liberal Arts” (PG)

Reviewed by Dougal Macdonald

“LIBERAL Arts”, Josh Radnor’s second feature as writer/director/lead actor, establishes him as an intelligent player in the cinema game in a way that better-known names might spend their careers trying to match.

His perceptive screenplay grasps our attention firmly without wallowing in clichés and takes us for a comfortable ride along paths of satisfying credibility.

Jesse, 35 years old and acrimoniously divorced, a BA from an Ohio university now mired in a stultifying job in the Admissions Office at one in New York, returning for the retirement valediction of his friend Prof Hoberg (Richard Jenkins), meets 19-year-old sophomore Zibby (Elizabeth Olsen).

The film does more than examine how a warm friendship develops, intellectually satisfying despite her enthusiasm for modern young-adult vampire fiction!

The excellent supporting cast includes Zac Efron as Nat, a campus eccentric whose take on reality sustains Jesse through difficult moments. John Magaro is Dean, an undergraduate with mental health issues.

Playing a lecturer whose influence on undergraduate Josh had been profound, Allison Janney gives a brief but powerful portrayal of a woman whose devotion to teaching has compressed her private life into an emotionally uncomfortable space from which her lovers must quickly put their pants back on and leave. Janney ranks highly on my personal list of actresses who have not let age cramp their power. I commend her to every reader.

Meanwhile, “Liberal Arts”, having arrived unheralded, serves as a worthy opener to the summer cinema season.

At Dendy

summer dining

The good and bad news for holiday eating out

Dining reviewer WENDY JOHNSON

phoned 45 restaurants to see who’s staying open to welcome in the Centenary. The result is underwhelming

I DON’T know whether to laugh or cry. Canberra is about to celebrate its Centenary, with a full-on national advertising campaign underway to attract people to visit our darling nation’s capital.

And the National Gallery has just opened the amazing “Toulouse Lautrec – Paris and the Moulin Rouge” blockbuster.

So you would think dining establishments in the busiest eating areas of Canberra would be open for business, even though it’s holiday time. Well, our research tells a different story.

I phoned 45 restaurants and cafes to find out which were open – in part because a reader wrote saying she is expecting visitors from overseas and interstate and wanted to know which “nice places” would be open in January. It wasn’t a scientific experiment … I selected primarily from reviews I have done over the years or eateries I know are popular.

The good news is a handful of lovely places are being hospitable by staying open. The bad news is that many can’t be bothered, with one even closed until January 20. One was still deciding. And one that is itself closing expressed frustration at not being able to find a place to have their holiday party in January (admittedly, this restaurant is off the beaten track and I wouldn’t expect it to remain open).

Now, I know everyone deserves a break. And I know people in hospitality work damn hard. But seriously...

Enough groaning. Let’s get down to business. Here’s a recap of some of the places that are open various times through the holidays and January, although most are sensibly closed on the obvious statutory holidays. Different places have made different plans so check in advance.

Pretty views and surrounds

• Waters Edge, with its glorious location on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin, is an exquisite dining experience and is a point of pride for Canberra. The delectable delicate dishes created by internationally experienced Chef Clement Chauvin are a feast for the eyes and taste amazing.

• Alto, perched on top of Black Mountain, is another elegant dining experience and is Canberra’s only revolving restaurant (one revolution takes around 85 minutes). It offers modern Australian cuisine and has an exceptional wine list.

• At our esteemed National Library, Bookplate (pictured left) cafe is open for casual lunches. You’ll be surrounded by famous Leonard French stained glass windows if you dine inside. Outside on

• The National Museum of

opened its new waterfront

with some of the

lake available. The café seats 200 – indoors or out on the deck.

• Moving away from the lake, but into a lovely garden area at Gorman House, is Sage Restaurant and the Mint Garden Bar (pictured above), a great place for summer drinks. A new chef is settling in nicely we hear.

New buzz, buzz, buzz

• The new Ox Eatery, housed in the wellappointed East Hotel and located between the vibrant hubs of Kingston and Manuka, is a unique dining experience. It features a massive rotisserie oven which slowly turns big hunks of meat (including goat some days). The bar snacks are yummy and you can enjoy excellent wines on an outdoor patio.

• Just down the road in Kingston is the newly opened Me and Mrs Jones (pictured right), with its pretty pot plants poised on the exterior of the windows. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, Me and Mrs Jones has a fabulous fitout and has kept many of the building’s original architectural elements. A private dining area for up to 30 (with your own waiting staff) is available.

• Also new is

Those you can always count on

• Saffron Restaurant in Manuka – and now with its sister restaurant in Kingston – is always there for us Canberrans. Both locations celebrate fine Eastern Mediterranean flavours, with classic and innovative modern dishes. You can count on attentive and knowledgeable service from Max and Marven Azize, the brothers who own and run the restaurants.

• Also in Manuka is Urban Pantry, on The Lawns. Lovely fit out, lovely food and lovely coffee. Outside dining is available next to grand leafy trees. It’s open for breakfast, lunch and dinner (wi fi available).

• Smack in the city is Cream (same owners as Urban Pantry), which is always busy and well located near the Canberra Centre. Just across the road is Tongue and Groove (pictured right) with its seriously cool fitout created by Sydney’s Paul Kelly Design. Check out the 3000-piece paper chandelier. I recently had a delicious spicy pulled lamb burger with red cabbage and goat’s curd, created by Chef Ayhan Erkoc. And T&G, as it’s affectionately known locally, really pumps at night.

• In Dickson, Suburban is a fashion statement in its own right. Housed in a large art-deco inspired corner building it draws in the

its

and

Canberra Confidential

Well, well, Hotel Hotel

“WE prefer punk to posh” is the promise of Canberra’s newest hotel, opening in Nishi building, NewActon, in March. Curiously called Hotel Hotel – “a place for People People”, it’s what its website describes as a “three-year collaboration of designers, artists, artisans and fantasists.”

Owned and operated by the Nishi developers, the Molonglo Group, its 99 rooms – “some cosy, some roomy, some meandering” – will feature “textures and patinas that remind us of the bush, big trees, well-worn T-shirts and weathered old men”. Weathered old men?

Anyway, they say they love hotels, “not for the swank but for reminding us of our transience and our need for romance. Hotels, like great cafes and bars, connect us to people and the places they occupy. They help us find meaning in simple interactions with one another.”

The hottest party

CEO Greg Jones and the “CityNews” crew win the title of Hottest Party in Town.

As the fabulous girl-group The Stilettos were taking their curtain call at the paper’s end-of-year knees up for clients, columnists and contributors at the swanky, refurbished National Press Club, insistent fire alarms overwhelmed the adulation.

“To the street,” came the killjoy command,

but not before fleeing partygoers were given the life-or-death choice at the exit door of sculling any drinks because, strangely in mid-emergency, the glassware had to be surrendered to the friendly and efficient staff, who presumably were poised to bravely douse any flames with discarded wine. Mercifully, the firies arrived in a heated rush, to the conspicuous delight of a gaggle of swooning tweeters, sniffed around, declared the emergency over and killed the party stone dead!

Pub with no cheer

THE popular, loveable, legendary, sevenday-a-week Civic pub King O’Malley’s is performing an unnatural act and closing its beer taps for a fortnight over the festive season.

Publican Peter Barclay describes the decision to thumb a nose at the New Year and close the pub – for the first time in 10 years – as a loin-girding break for its 30 staff before the Centenary year onslaught, when O’Malley’s plans to be a social focal point with the promise of extended kitchen hours (til midnight) to allow performers, patrons and the public ready access to food and drink.

The pub reopens on January 7.

Guffaws at the gallery

A SENIOR NGA marketer has been having a chuckle at “CityNews” arts editor Helen Musa’s wonderful cover story on the gallery’s Lautrec blockbuster that quotes the curator as saying the artist is often exhibited for the popular showpieces only, “but not in a

penetrating manner… many people know nothing of his early work”.

Given that tertiary syphilis – clearly a result of his penetrating manner – contributed to poor Henri’s demise in 1901, the double entendre seems to be drawing some knowing smiles.

Tunnel vision

SO, what’s in the report on Civic redevelopment that Arts Minister Joy Burch is sitting on? Cultural Facilities Corporation chairman John Hindmarsh says his board has seen it and, paraphrasing, were bug-eyed with excitement.

When CC trickily congratulated CFC CEO Harriet Elvin on her new theatre, it was met

with a witheringly thin smile and a patient response: “Oh, that’s not going to happen for a long, long time”. Well, she didn’t deny it and while there’s no kiss-and-telling there, CC heard at a cocktail party (as you do) the vision thing is that Northbourne Avenue is to be realigned into a tunnel under Vernon Circle and the area between the iconic Sydney and Melbourne Buildings will house new theatres – three of them. If we’re right, you read it here first; if not, we’re going to shoot the whisperer.

Unintended oops!

WHEN local law firms Bradley Allen Lawyers (BAL) recently merged with Williams Love & Nicol (WLN) they created Bradley Allen Love

Summertime blues

IT’S a cruel, cruel summer with news the Civic pool’s top diving board is closed and won’t be coming back. A source at the pool told CC they permanently closed it at the end of last summer because of “too many spinal injuries”. For those wanting to make a splash this summer, you’ll be pleased to know the other diving boards are still good to go.

Snapper Silas Brown, camera cocked, turned up to take a picture of the banned diving board and was politely told to bunk off. “I wouldn’t have let me in, either,” he mused philosophically.

Nevertheless he did spot the 1965 photo of the pool, left, untroubled by shade nor nearby buildings. No one was using the top diving board that day, either.

Lawyers. CC bumped into a competing legal eagle around town who brightly pointed out the new entity’s unwitting acronym. “Add an S,” he chortled, disappearing down the stairwell.

Awards bust

THE email titled: “Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs Awards Ceremony” caught CC’s jaded eye. They’re rewarding drug users? This will get regular “CityNews” letter writer Collis Parrett fizzing, we mused. But it was not to be. The press-release was about MLA Chris Bourke back-slapping individuals for outstanding contributions to improve the lot of people affected by alcohol, tobacco and other drugs.

summer fashion

Match your shape to the right style

SHOPPING for swimwear can be a daunting task and one many women would rather avoid, says fashion editor LIBBY HILL.

But with this season’s flattering styles in enticing prints and colours, there are more options than ever before. Make your choice easier by working out the shape that suits your figure first, then try different prints and patterns in this style.

The key to a flattering swimsuit is finding one to enhance the bits you love about your body and minimise the bits you’re less fond of.

Small on top – fringes, ruffles or frills as embellishments help to create volume.

Bit of a belly – try a belted one piece as cinching the waist will help create an hourglass curve.

Big busted – try a V-neck to show just the right amount of cleavage and elongate the figure.

Pear shaped – try a strapless swimsuit to draw the attention above the waist.

Women

say ‘yes’ to surgery

A SURVEY of more than 7000 Australian women shows 63 per cent would consider cosmetic surgery to fight the signs of ageing.

The Olay big beauty poll of women aged 18 and over quizzed participants about beauty spending habits, attitudes to cosmetic surgery, and whether beauty products live up to their big claims.

Most Australian women (84 per cent) are motivated to look good for themselves but Gen Y were shown to be most likely to be motivated to look good for the benefit of, or to impress, other people such as their partner, colleagues or girlfriends.

When it comes to make-up, 69 per cent of Australian women wear it at least once a week but only 36 per cent wear it every day and a further 9 per cent do not wear make-up at all.

More than one million Australian women have had a cosmetic procedure such as facelift, Botox, Collagen, chemical peel, micro-dermabrasion or laser skin re-surfacing. This represents 17 per cent of all women, more than double the figure of 7 per cent observed in the last poll in 2006.

Nearly half of women (48 per cent) rarely or never believe the claims made about skin care products.

‘The past 30 years have gone by amazingly quickly. We didn’t expect

Three decades of mechanical passion

none.

TO thrive for 30 years in the motorcycle industry requires passion above everything else, says Anders Mykkeltvedt, owner of Eurotune Motorcycles in Queanbeyan.

“The staff are all here as much for the passion as for the job,” he says. “It’s not just work for any of us. They get the same sort of bug for it as I have.”

The business started in 1982 with Aksel Martinsen and Anders. Receptionist Helen Whigham started full time in 1985 and mechanic Robert Douglas joined in 2006 as an apprentice.

“After such a long time together we all get on each others’ nerves sometimes, it just goes with the territory. We’re all old enough now that we can cope with it!”

A team with such broad-ranging experience, dedication and skill has been invaluable, says Anders, with Aksel’s passion for European bikes, road racing and performance tuning second to none.

“Robert, too, has become a very competent mechanic, and it’s great to have some young and enthusiastic blood around here,” says Anders. “And Helen is the first port of call for anyone who comes in. She handles the spare parts, the clothing and all the administration. She should be divided in two really!”

Anders came to Canberra to study art at the ANU School of Art, but says finances got in the way and he began working at a motorbike shop to make ends meet.

“At the time, no one was really doing European motorcycles so Aksel and myself decided to go into business,” says Anders.

The business started out as Eurotune Motorcycle Engineering in Crawford Street, Queanbeyan. “We had a toolbox and a welding torch and a few customers,” he says.

“We tried Fyshwick for a few years, which was where we picked up the Triumph dealership, but we moved back to Queanbeyan because of the lower rents, and we’ve been here on Uriarra Road for 26 years now.”

Eurotune is the oldest Triumph dealership in Australia, and also sells Ural sidecar outfits

it to last this long when we started’

and Royal Enfield Bikes, but will service most makes and models, says Anders.

Anders says he has never stopped painting, and his artworks line the walls of the showroom. But his main passion will always be bikes.

“I can’t say I’ve got a favourite bike at the moment, though,” says Anders. “What they are almost doesn’t matter anymore. I have a lot of fun on any of them and I still clock up about 50,000km per year.”

One of the secrets to success for Eurotune has been the amazing community of riders that has built up over the years, says Anders.

“They are like our extended family, and people are forever coming in and helping

themselves to coffee. The only complaint might be the quality of the coffee! We are also very welcoming to new riders who want to become involved.

“The past 30 years have gone by amazingly quickly,” he says. “We didn’t expect it to last this long when we started.

“My life is here, my friends are here. It’s like an inner sanctum.

“I don’t look at retirement – I’m having too much fun.”

Eurotune Motorcycles, 144 Uriarra Road, Queanbeyan, Monday to Friday 8.30am5.30pm; Saturday 9am-1pm. Contact 6297 8636 or more in formation at eurotunemotorcycles. com.

summer garden

Sharing the fun gardens can give busy children

IT’S holiday time and I have some suggestions for children to have fun with nature.

If you’re heading for the coast, why not take a day away from the beach and let the kids burn up energy at the Eurobodalla Regional Botanic Gardens, seven kilometres from Batemans Bay on the Princes Highway, just before Mogo.

It offers some of the best children’s playgrounds I have seen, with equipment unavailable anywhere else in Australia.

There are hectares of lawns to run and run, watching out for the kangaroos or giant goannas.

The walking paths feature colourful, interpretive signs that include realistic models of all creatures great and small.

For the oldies, enjoy the display of summer native flowers indigenous to the area from Malacoota to Wollongong.

CLOSER to home, our own Botanic Gardens is also one big adventure playground for children. I always suggest they look for dinosaurs as they wander along the boardwalk through the pre-historic rainforest with its giant tree ferns. Watch out for the water dragons relaxing in the sun by the rock garden waterfall.

Do collect the booklet “Have you ever wondered who lives here?” from the Visitors’ Centre.

It demonstrates, along the paths, that vegetation holds the key to animal biodiversity, presented in a fun way with colourful explanatory signs.

If you have visiting friends or relatives, take them to our unique gardens, especially if they are from overseas; they will see the largest living collection of Australian flora in the world.

THE musical, picnic evenings at the gardens, every Saturday and Sunday in January, feature jazz to Latin American, swing to big bands. Entry is by a $5 donation.

The Sunset Cinema will be playing in the

gardens during February and March with more than 18 movies, including the latest James Bond film. More information at anbg.gov.au/gardens

JANUARY heralds our exciting Centenary year. The magnitude of events is overwhelming and the many garden clubs and societies have a plethora of events planned, especially the Horticultural Society of Canberra.

IF you have worked hard in the garden during spring, now is the time to sit back for a few weeks and enjoy the fruits of your labours.

Don’t worry about a few weeds or the shrubs that may need a prune. No plant feeding is necessary (except perhaps for the veggies) until autumn. The only task is the relaxing task of watering.

I wish all my readers a safe and happy Christmas. Thank you for the kind comments, emails and questions of which, hopefully, I was able to answer during the year.

summer home

Summertime – the entertaining is easy

KATHRYN VUKOVLJAK showcases some of the latest in stylish summer homewares.

Written in stone

The Emile Henry grilling stone is a ribbed ceramic plate that sits on top of the barbecue plate or grill, and has slots to hold eight kebab skewers. The grilling stone ensures completely even heat distribution. It can also be used as a general grilling plate for meat, fish, vegetables and fruits, and then taken direct to the table for serving. Too easy!

The Emile Henry Grilling Stones, available in black and red, are 42cm x 25cm and cost $94.95 from leading department stores and kitchenware retailers.

Squeeze & freeze

Slushies are just the thing for the hot summer days ahead. Create cool, icy treats from favourite flavours or use the attached juicing cone to make healthy citrus slushies.

Breville Squeezy Freezy slushie maker, $89, from kitchenware outlets.

It’s no picnic

Including plates, cups, knives, spoons, salt and pepper shakers, bread knife, napkin, cutlery and a bottle opener for your chilled Pinot Grigio, this lovely picnic set also has a cooler compartment to keep your drinks or salads chilled.

Four-person picnic set & cooler bag, $119.98, Kathmandu

Scream for ice cream

Everyone needs a colourful ice-cream scoop – these make perfect, ballsized portions and come in four summery colours.

Zeal ice cream scoop, $3.95, from kitchenware outlets.

Let’s twist again

The Twist woven ware range will brighten up any outdoor table. Hand woven in Vietnam, the tray, bowl and food cover are perfect for lazy summer entertaining. Available in blue, pink and multi-coloured.

Annabel Trends Twist bowls and food covers,$49.95 each, www. annabeltrends.com

Kitsch style

Pink flamingo lawn ornaments are cool again! These lovely ladies will add retro colour to your backyard, or prop them up in your indoor space.

Pink flamingo pair, $49.95, from www.larkstore.com.au.

horoscope

2013 – your year in the stars

By Tanya Obreza Aries

March 21-April 20

The Ram’s hot-headed, fiery personality lends itself to passionate encounters. You are: energetic, ambitious, courageous.

Downside: excitable, loud, impatient.

2013 overview

If 2012 left you disheartened, remember that few situations are set in stone. When one way is blocked, find another. Everything shifts and changes, as the year ahead sets to prove. The cosmos brings joy into your relationships, as well as the go-ahead to expand professional options, with new partnerships becoming a strong possibility. Better still, Jupiter steps in to clear debts.

Love and sex

2013 demands open discussion. If emotional barriers have grown higher than intended, carefully dismantle them. Dishonesty or deceit will work against you. Be honest with those you love – trust is a major ingredient in all relationships. Late summer brings a romantic reprieve, so grab this chance to indulge any hedonistic cravings. Mixing business with pleasure becomes a hot possibility – as does lasting love.

Work and career

In 2012, you worked harder than usual, but you were just warming up as your winning streak continues. Now that you’ve found your own special style, stick with it. Socially, you’re fabulous, with your confidence advancing ambitions. As career goals unfold, many talents are revealed. Some manage a clever juggling act, with more than one job, possibly reaching out as far as overseas.

Taurus

April 21-May 20

The Bull is like a lipstick stain on a shirt collar –stubborn and persistent. You are: reliable, practical, strong, loving. Downside: possessive, obstinate, self-indulgent.

2013 overview

If you were hoping for a gentler 2013, you may be disappointed. Relationships become more serious, while professional responsibilities increase. If you’re occasionally overwhelmed by the enormity of your workload, don’t be. Once you’ve stepped into the breach, fate has little choice but to move forward with you. Don’t think of yourself as a victim here. You’re needed and, despite your quiet protests, this is just the way you like it.

Love and sex

Some partnerships may start to feel the claustrophobia that comes with commitment. Perhaps it’s time for a reality check. March is “make or break” time; if you’re not feeling it, you’re tired of faking it. So fix what is broken or allow whatever has outlived its purpose to end. Singles seem in no hurry to settle down. Why would you, when you’re so spoilt for choice?

Work and career

Here’s a year that encourages co-operation. Although Saturn may throw the occasional spanner in the works, Uranus maintains the balance by offering invaluable support. Fortunately, money’s not too much of a problem, so you can afford to play as hard as you work. Settle debts, see to unfinished projects and send out clear signals that you’re back in control. This year you emerge stronger and wiser.

Gemini

May 21-June 21

Like lightness and dark, the Twins’ dual sides form a complementary whole.

You are: versatile, inquisitive, communicative, rational.

Downside: unreliable, restless, inconsistent.

2013 overview

We all need a helping hand every so often. And this year introduces a wise mentor who can bring new wisdom and wonder into your life. As a bonus, helpful Jupiter continues to focus on finances. Nothing less than worthy recompense will cut it now. And don’t worry if less scrupulous colleagues try to steal your glory. With you one step ahead, they’ll be left straggling two steps behind. Prepare for business trips, too.

Love and sex

Dare to be different. This year there’s little to lose and much to gain. Singles enjoy an unrestrained love life. No longer timid of taboo territory, your potential for erotically charged encounters runs hot – but don’t be surprised if someone tries to rope you into exclusivity. For couples, this is one of those rare times of merged souls and mutual sympathies. Past hurts fade as sparks reignite.

Work and career

Occasionally, we’re all given the chance for professional triumph and this year it’s your turn. Now that you’re better focused, you’ll increasingly resent anyone meddling with your self-directed fate. Others are about to learn just how single-minded and demanding you can be. You pursue goals with an intensity that defies opposition. What happens around your birthday only strengthens your determination.

Cancer

June 22-July 22

The Crab is like a soft-centred chocolate – delicate and gentle beneath a strong protective exterior. You are: sentimental, protective, kind, sensitive.

Downside: worrisome, over-emotional, self-pitying.

2013 overview

2013 finds you busier and more energetic than you’ve been for some time. While not every calculated risk or activity reaps immediate rewards, even the longshots stand a better chance of paying off. The people you meet, the directions you take and the circumstances you find yourself in all nudge

you towards a richer, more satisfying life as the year progresses. And finally, you learn to put yourself first.

Love and sex

Sometimes everything seems to fall into place. With the cosmos throwing a whole lot of love around family affairs, singles feel the urge to settle into a cosy nest. Undecided relationships are faced with a choice, while couples find themselves discussing parenthood or becoming involved in a family business. Stash away your backpack, Cancer – and prepare to settle for a while. This year, home is where your heart is.

Work and career

As the year unfolds, you prove your individuality and worth. But, as ambitions expand, loved ones could feel neglected, so smooth ruffled feathers by including them in your plans. Financial matters come to the fore as early as February. Just don’t place too much faith in colleagues and friends, no matter what they promise. Be confident that if it comes to the crunch, you can make it alone.

Leo

July 23-August 22

To the regal and extravagant Lion, style and beauty are paramount. You are: ambitious, romantic, dramatic. Downside: unrestrained, arrogant, self-centred.

2013 overview

2013 starts on a fabulous note. All lines of communication open and you can look forward to a busy and lucrative year ahead. Win the others’ attention by highlighting your best assets. Confidently place yourself into their line of vision. The only real frustration may arise from wanting to achieve too much too soon. Complete one project before moving on to the next. Patience becomes your best asset.

Love and sex

This next year promises an energetic social life. For singles, new love may come from a different culture or background. But don’t stop there – the workplace and family contacts can also foster new romance. For current relationships, now’s a fine time for wedding plans. Established couples move towards deeper commitment and thoughts turn to maternity leave.

Work and career

Be ready when 2013 offers unusual opportunities, as well as possible travel. Through exploring unchartered territory, you rediscover your true potential. New technology may not seem as intimidating. There’s also a lobby group of planets picketing for greater co-operation. If there’s cash to spare, consider property investment. You may also find fruition in a project or idea instigated a few years ago. This time, keep faith with the spirit that drives you.

Virgo

August 23September 22

As precise as a well-tuned watch, the Virgin strives for control and order.

You are: studious, conscientious, methodical.

Downside: insecure, shy, anxious, ultraperfectionist.

2013 overview

When you fall into a rut and refuse to instigate change, the cosmos will do it for you. 2013 continues to encourage physical, mental and spiritual renewal – but this time with you as an active contributor. Many outworn attitudes are traded for ideals more relevant to the present. Though work may demand more commitment, you’re rewarded with unprecedented success. Well deserved, too.

Love and sex

All relationships promise a new intensity. Your empathy is appreciated by loved ones, as you’re able to restore their sense of purpose and make sense of their confused situations. For singles, new romance blossoms. If already involved, you become more open to compromise. Deepening commitment can also lead to talk of marriage and children. Mixing business with pleasure also helps to spur on ambitions.

Work and career

The tail end of last year left some clues as to what’s in store for the upcoming year. Even if most goes according to plan, early 2013 still tests your patience. You may find yourself engaging in power plays. No matter how fierce the provocation, stay in control. Of course, that’s easier said than done – but here’s when your new spirit will shine through. As the year draws to a close, success is yours for the taking.

Libra

September 23October 22

Ruled by Venus, goddess of love, flirtatious Libra craves adoration and romance.

You are: romantic, artistic, tasteful, friendly.

Downside: extravagant, indecisive, too trusting.

2013 overview

For many tired Librans, 2012 seemed an endless obstacle course. But, despite problems, you stayed in the race – gaining patience, wisdom and spirit. You’ll carry these assets into 2013, when you move on to firmer ground professionally, financially and emotionally. A unique year, when what you’ve hoped and worked for finally becomes a reality, bringing satisfaction that promises to last.

Love and sex

2013 is a time of rewards and recognition. Love, too. So make sure you save plenty of time for socialising. Venus lambadas into your romance sector as early as February, bringing with it an invitation to dance to a wilder beat. Don’t worry if you’re feeling lost for moves, just let someone else take your hand and show you how. Couples become more risqué, possibly with a romantic getaway in mind.

Work and career

Jupiter brings a full-on energy that’s difficult to tame, especially after it turns direct on February 1. You’re more willing to take risks

and the outcome should prove surprisingly lucrative. This is no time for modesty, Libra. Claim your position on centre stage and flaunt your talents. There’s promise of new roles, travel or perhaps promotion. There’s also the chance of mixing business with pleasure. Delightfully so.

Scorpio

October 23-

November 21

Scorpions are glamorous and dramatic, but with a sting as sharp as a stiletto. You are: passionate, insightful, seductive.

Downside: jealous, manipulative, secretive.

2013 overview

Scorpios step into a vital, prosperous year. Uranus spins an empowering cycle of financial security and professional prestige. You show an obvious creativity that’s certain to have your ideas noticed and appreciated. Discard self-doubts, reaffirm strengths and meet your ambitions. Make the most of contacts and grab any opportunity to travel. Basically, you get to go where the mood takes you – and that’s towards success.

Love and sex

Jupiter’s role in your intimate relationships won’t go unnoticed. It intensifies emotions, unearths buried feelings and encourages you to identify what’s important for long-term happiness. Singles may decide to wed, while secure partnerships feel more settled. Stressed relationships could come to an end, but for those seeking new love – Neptune hints at romance that could be found very close to home.

Work and career

Thanks to constant cosmic positive input and tireless effort on your part, status soars and money problems finally start to ease. Downside: this may affect your personal life. For some, this isn’t a problem; while others feel an incredible surge of power because you no longer feel reliant on another’s resources or emotional whims. Either way, it’s a year for professional breakthrough.

Sagittarius

November 22-

December 21

Sprinting from one adventure to the next, you’re a spirited go-getter.

You are: intrepid, honest, daring. Downside: restless, spendthrift, unreliable.

2013 overview

With Jupiter encouraging flamboyance, this should be a delightful year. This planet’s influence brings a carefree pace to your life, as well as a penchant for luxuries. But the year isn’t totally lacking in progress. There’s plenty of work for those who want it. Ditto for family responsibilities. A long-distance affair could also turn out easier than you have imagined. Stay prepared for impulsive visits, or travel.

Love and sex

For a sign that prefers to just enjoy life,

you’ve been truly unnerved by troubled emotions. You’ve had to struggle with the freedom-versuscommitment issue and, as a result, with some loneliness. A difficult patch, indeed. The cosmos now gives you the chance to love again. More importantly, you won’t settle for anyone less than the very best. Apparently, the fun starts as soon as March.

Work and career

Try to look after your own interests for a while. Acknowledge that you’re only human and a hard-working one at that. You’ve plenty to be proud of and slipping into “me-first” mode doesn’t mean wimping out. At some stage, give yourself a break and take stock. There’s plenty to achieve, but you need to enjoy what you do. This year, work will also have to be fun.

Capricorn

December 22January 19

Cautious and ambitious, there’s usually little time for play in your quest for success. You are: loyal, honest, reliable, hardworking. Downside: worrisome, critical, overly prudent.

2013 overview

Unwelcome planetary transits have squared up to your own sign for many years now, creating difficulties and hardships. At times, though, it takes adversity to force the Capricorn hand. This year encourages physical, emotional and spiritual renewal. Though work may demand longer and harder hours, there should also be plenty of opportunity for fun. At work or play, you’re determined to make each new day count.

Love and sex

2012 was an unsettling time. Some of you have suffered serious solitude as well. But here’s a year which all but dares you to again take a chance on love. This time, be honest – and occasionally put your own needs first. You have to love yourself before others can love you. Happiness also rides with the ability to trust. Summer and romance are directly linked. Winter revives your social life. Welcome back, Capricorn – you’ve been missed.

Work and career

The heavy responsibilities you’ve shouldered are almost at an end. And as pressures subside, the relentless call for sacrifice starts to ease. Beware of swinging too far in the opposite direction - you’re not being given permission to abandon everything. It’s just that, this year, you have a tad more freedom. Saturn helps you throw out outdated working patterns and take on a more cutting-edge approach.

Aquarius

January 20February 18

An original, innovative thinker – you’re more concerned with ideas than emotions. You are: individual, intellectual, independent.

Downside: erratic, stubborn, rebellious.

2013 overview

Get out of your rut while you can, my claustrophobic friend. If the walls feel too close, you need to either reinvent or revive lost dreams. Explore new highway and byways. Sure, there may be the occasional roadblock – but your innate GPS should instinctively steer you towards unmapped, yet amazing, detours. And once off the beaten track, you may never want to rejoin those very busy expressways again.

Love and sex

Aquarians are often more comfortable living and working within a partnership than going it alone. However, this year there’s a change of attitude. Stress in your love sector raises conflict between obligation and pleasure, with relationships caught in the crossfire. You’re tired of living for other people. From here on, partners must accept you for who you are, not who they want you to be.

Work and career

Finally, a year when there’s little to lose. Uranus inspires you to forge ahead, while Jupiter expands your sense of possibilities. Nonetheless, you can’t maintain a frantic pace all year round. Changes do need making, but allow a sensible time span between each. What you need

is a substantial foundation to build on, as there’s no better time to restructure your career. Be original, be authentic ... be you.

Pisces

February 19-

March 20

Pisces is the most mystical sign, but almost impossible to bring down to earth. You are: compassionate, sensitive, intuitive. Downside: indecisive, impractical, worrisome.

2013 overview

Change is coming, so gather your strength and prepare. All year, the cosmos ensures a busy schedule, along with a strong possibility of travel. Single or attached, expect to turn a few heads. It’s a prime time to find new love, while couples strengthen rapport and expand social contacts. Professionally, you may have to abandon age-worn practices. A tough ask, but by August, you emerge newly equipped to deal with demanding challenges. You will also have earned significant karmic brownie points – both in work and play.

Love and sex

This year’s message is simple: stay true to you. If you’ve placed someone in the centre of your picture, you might find – to your surprise – that person no longer matches the cosy frame. They say that love is blind, but it doesn’t have to be. It’s time to question whether you’re making the right choices. If not, here’s your chance to start again. Sometimes you just have to feel your way in the dark in order to stumble on brighter moments.

Work and career

Just when you thought it was you against the world, along comes an ally or two in the form of Saturn and Mars, who propel you towards amazing professional achievement. Most Pisceans should find the invitation exciting, but there are some conditions. First and foremost, give the past a decent burial. Secondly, throw your hard-earned cash into a locked vault until early June.

Distributed by Auspac Media www.tanyaobreza.com