Orwellian Barr and the hope for planning sense
MICHAEL MOORE
When Christmas all goes wrong
DANIELLE NOHRA
All I want for Christmas ...is a good sleep!
KATE MEIKLE
Best not get blasted at the office party
RICHARD CALVER
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By Sophie Heizer
NOT everyone celebrates Christmas. But, for those who do, you may find yourself lying to your children during the holidays about jolly old Saint Nick.
But is there real harm in lying to your children to prop up a popular myth?
And don’t you deserve the credit for buying all the presents?
As adults we remember the disappointing day we discovered the real Santa Claus story. We asked five experts from various fields if parents should lie to their children about Santa.
Four out of five of them said “No”. Here are their detailed responses:
Psychologist Kelly-Ann Allen: YES
“PEOPLE who engage in rituals around Santa and Christmas are literally memory-making with their children. They’re marking distinct occasions in time to be remembered in the future in a way that helps aid transgenerational family traditions and shared social experiences. Christmas rituals offer an opportunity
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for social belonging, which builds our social support networks and may even make us feel less lonely.
Santa mythology for children may be important for executive functions such as attention skills, which provides good evidence for parents not to be discouraged from stimulating their children’s imagination.
Parents are required to make age-appropriate judgements about what information they share with their children all the time. Lying to your child about Santa at three is very different from lying to your child about Santa at 30. There is an onus for parents to support their children to come to their own natural conclusions about Santa within their own time.”
Kelly-Ann Allen lectures in educational and developmental psychology at the University of Melbourne.
Psychologist Ameneh Shahaeian: NO
“ADULTS should not lie to children about Santa. When a child asks the question as to whether Santa is real or not, they’re already at a developmental stage to distinguish between reality and fictional characters. When children reach this developmental stage, it’s not helpful if we lie to them about a fictional character such as Santa. Of course we don’t need to sit down and discuss this with every child and at any age, but if the discussion comes up or if the child asks the question, then the correct answer is the best.”
Ameneh Shahaeian is a research fellow in developmental and educational psychology at the Australian Catholic University.
Since 1993: Volume 24, Number 47
All I want for Christmas is sleep, says Kate Meikle. Story Page 8.
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Teacher educator Rebecca English: NO
“YOU shouldn’t lie about Santa because you are encouraging your children, usually with madeup proof, to believe a morally ambiguous lie. I’m not alone in being devastated on learning of my parents’ elaborate deceit about Santa, leaving me to wonder what other lies they had told. Santa supposedly encourages imagination but, as noted in this article, and others, you’re really asking children to suspend criticality and believe a fiction. As this piece suggests, fantasy and imagination work because we choose to believe what we know isn’t true. Far from promoting wonder, the Santa story encourages children to be consumers of others’ ideas.
Finally, it’s used as a stick to foster obedience. Why defer your authority to an omniscient North-Poler, an interloping elf and colourchanging baubles? You bought those presents; you should take the kudos!”
Rebecca English lecturers in education at the Queensland University of Technology
Philosopher Peter Ellerton: NO
“IT’S not okay to lie about Santa. We lie to our children about many things, often to cover unpleasantness: Rover has gone to doggy heaven, mummy and daddy weren’t really fighting, I’m sure someone just took your toy by accident. Other times to perpetuate cultural myths: boys don’t cry, sportspeople are good role models, anyone can succeed if they work hard. Most people treat Santa as one of these pleasing myths. But consider what must follow from the Santa story. If only good children get presents, what
does that say about poor families? What value judgments are being formed? What if children themselves are poor? How does this narrative impact their sense of self-worth? Children are far more alert to these implications than we give them credit for. Maybe it’s okay to lie about some things, but give it up for Santa.”
Peter Ellerton lectures in critical thinking, and is curriculum director at the UQ Critical Thinking Project at the University of Queensland
Teacher educator David Zyngier: NO
“Research suggests it’s bad practice to lie to children. Dr Justin Coulson, one of Australia’s leading parenting experts, states: ‘If you want to do Santa that’s fine, but let the kids know Santa was based on a historical figure who may or may not have done the things that we think he did’. On the other hand, research suggests children are able to differentiate fact from fiction from early childhood. Studies suggest children with rich fantasy lives may actually be better at identifying the boundaries between fantasy and reality.
But if parents want to, by all means they’re entitled to do so. Any benefit from believing in Santa vanishes when children stop believing in him. Dr Coulson concludes: ‘The Santa myth is a wonderful lie, but the more we tell lies, the more our kids are going to find out we are deceitful’.”
David Zyngier is a senior lecturer in the faculty of education at Monash University
This article, compiled by “The Conversation’s” commissioning education editor Sophie Heizer, was originally published on theconversation.com/au
THE season of goodwill to all is slow to arrive in the capital if the selfishness of some Action bus passengers is any indication.
Four males rudely pushed past women to get on first. With the bus full, the two threeperson bench seats at the front – which have clear signs for younger passengers to give up seats for pregnant, disabled and elderly travellers – contained three millennials on one and a man and his large parcel on the other.
A request from the female bus driver for someone to give up their seat for an elderly passenger was ignored.
PRIME Minister Scott Morrison fired the starter’s pistol on the election campaign with a ferocious Question Time spray at the member for the bellwether seat Eden-Monaro.
Morrison accused Dr Mike Kelly of cockiness: “I notice the hubris I’m hearing from the member for Eden-Monaro. He’s
over bar the shouting”. ScoMo warned the former soldier: “You’re in for a very big fight, the Australian people do not want $200 billion of higher taxes in the mortgage belt of Queanbeyan or down the south coast”.
STILL in campaign mode and bellwether seats, straight-talking NSW Nationals’ leader John Barilaro has ripped into the Federal Liberal Party over damaging infighting. The member for Monaro told local radio: “The ‘Hill’ was sucking all the oxygen out of politics” which was denying NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian and him the clear air they need to get their message out before March’s state
ANYONE who knows the ‘Poeys – ACT Brumbies vice-captain David Pocock and his wife Emma – knows the pair does things differently. Although the committed Christian couple had a commitment ceremony in 2010, they pledged not to marry until Australia’s same-sex marriage laws changed. The activist pair has now officially tied the knot, announcing the news on Twitter.
David tweeted: “Married my best mate yesterday”, with pics of the pair in the bush under a gum tree with only a celebrant and an Esky. Emma tweeted: “I endorse this tweet”.
I WON’T be reading superstar Jackie Chan’s memoir “Never Grow Up” in which he describes himself as a nasty jerk, but some Canberrans may be interested. Before superstardom, Chan spent some of his adolescence in the capital. Jackie’s parents were employed at the US embassy, with the teenage Jackie joining them for a period in the mid-70s. Jackie also learnt English at matureage student ESL classes at Dickson College.
A NEW book with strong Canberra connections is actor Samuel Johnson’s latest work. The Gold Logie-winning performer enlisted some of his famous friends and their friends to submit letters to Santa for “Dear Santa”. Johnson edited the Christmas correspondence of Missy Higgins, Molly Meldrum, Deborah Mailman, Grant Denyer and many more. The actor has helped raise more than $10 million for the charity Love Your Sister, which he established with his sister, Canberra mother-of-two Connie, who died in 2017 after a long battle with cancer. Some proceeds from the book will go to cancer research.
JOHN Howard has raised an old bugbear with some Canberrans. With the release of the 1996-97 Cabinet files, the former PM says he has no regrets choosing to live in Kirribilli House in Sydney rather than on Adelaide
Avenue. The Liberal Party elder statesman accepts many locals were offended by his choice of digs while in office.
LIVING in The Lodge does have its advantages though as the four Keating siblings will attest. With the passing of former US president George H W Bush, Katherine, Patrick , Caroline and Alexandra Keating won’t forget January 1, 1992, and the thoughtfulness of the visiting Mr Bush and First Lady Barbara who invited the Keating kids to join them on Air Force One on a flight from Sydney to Canberra.
WHEN I began writing for “CityNews” this year I had a list of topics including architecture, heritage, travel, food, visual arts, landscape design and environmental matters. That list remains largely untouched, whereas my list of planning topics never gets shorter. It regenerates constantly.
Little had I realised how much those engaged with planning have been frustrated by how the things that matter to them are not treated seriously. The number of people who have contacted me has taken me aback.
One common topic is the frustrations with most other media reporting on planning and development matters. Another is that their voices are not being heard and local politicians are too busy.
It is now common for me to be stopped in the street, walked up to in a café or even a friendly shout
“hi, great article” in the supermarket.
All this is flattering, but I wonder what is missing in our
It is shocking that those in government, on all sides, now take it as normal that they are not trusted and respected. It is not something anyone should simply live with.
democratic processes in Canberra that has led to me being a focus for people.
Shouldn’t it be the government who are supposed to be connecting with locals regularly – but obviously do not?
Once upon a time residents used to pick up a phone and talk to someone in government about the things that matter. Now that contact is those anonymous offices titled Access Canberra or Your-Say. Most local, public-sector bureaucrats with expertise in the areas of concern to residents seem to be off-line to the general public.
Residents have spoken of the frustrations of trying to contact or writing to a local member of the government. Most have given up.
This brings me to an extraordinary piece of information that was in the transcript of an ACT Assembly planning committee. An ACT minister (Rachel Stephen-Smith), the chief planner and his deputy were explain-
ing their version of events around the proposals for the Dickson Parklands (Section 72).
One of them said: “We know that the community does not particularly trust us; that is okay. That is the reality of being an engagement officer in planning in Canberra. That is okay; we can live with that.”
I found this extraordinary because having said this – no one questioned the statement. It was taken by all present, presenters and the committee members, as being normal and acceptable. I don’t. It should not be normal.
It’s true people do not trust this government and its planning bureaucrats – but they would very much like to. It is not a healthy situation. People know that planning bureaucrats and politicians have the power. Sadly, the view is that they misuse that power on a regular basis.
People wish the planning bureaucrats to be honest, to be friendly (and mean it), to exercise their authority with respect and to be transparent about what they are doing and saying. They are looking for leadership both from the government and its
bureaucracy. It has been a long time since they have experienced real leadership.
It is shocking that those in government, on all sides, now take it as normal that they are not trusted and respected. It is not something anyone should simply live with. This culture must change.
The challenge for any thinking person in the planning bureaucracy and within the Labor/Greens government is to work out how to change this culture and to make everyone’s life much better in 2019.
Before I finish. Minister Gentleman, have you over-ruled that biased advice from those bossy blokes and issued that licence to the wonderful
woman in Weston who, along with many locals, wants to enjoy the company of her horses and donkeys? Why not make theirs and your Christmas a happy one.
This year I have met some wonderful, generous people; people committed to the future of Canberra and people who give an enormous amount of time to assist their fellow citizens. I congratulate all of you. Merry Christmas and enjoy some great festive food.
Paul Costigan is an independent commentator and consultant on the visual arts, photography, urban design, environmental issues and everyday matters.
By Michael Moore
WILL 2019 be the breakthrough year for sensible planning? No other city has the unique characteristics of our national capital. And yet, we continue to see its special character undermined.
Our newest suburbs hardly reflect our status as the wealthiest jurisdiction in the wealthiest nation in the world.
Building on the original designs of Walter Burley Griffin and his wife Marion, Canberra took on its most ambitious development under Prime Minister Sir Robert Menzies. The National Capital Development Commission adopted the Y-Plan under the guidance of chief planner, Peter Harrison (after whom the suburb of Harrison is named). The Y-Plan transitioned from suburban grids and identified how the growing city could respect its status as the “bush capital”.
The vision included decentralised city centres with activity fuelled by government departments. Woden and Belconnen reflect the vision. Tuggeranong struggled and the vision was largely absent for Gungahlin. Putting working places near where people lived in a series of city centres had the potential to seriously reduce the traffic gridlock of the unidirectional commute so prevalent in other cities.
Planners, like Harrison, were thinking ahead. They placed schools and shops together and designed suburbs where walking or riding to school and the local shops encouraged physical activity. Their vision was not perfect. They did not foresee the reduction in household size, that most families would have both parents working, or the extent to which private schools would be favoured by many over the local suburban schools.
The bush capital was about a city incorporating the bush. Being at one with the bush. The Chief Minister’s new vision of a city “surrounded by bush” is simply Orwellian doublespeak. Earlier planners met the challenges of a rapidly growing population at the same time as preserving lifestyle. Those who wished to could have a backyard, space for their children and room to entertain outdoors.
There were townhouses, flats, high-density apartment buildings (like the now bulldozed ABC flats in Braddon and Reid). However, there were plenty of other options that were delivered at an affordable price (even when expectations for a first home were a humble three bedrooms and a single bathroom).
The plethora of apartments in new suburbs such as Wright and
Hard-working planners are shackled by a government and a chief minister intent on making Canberra more like the Melbourne CBD (complete with trams) and an opposition that doesn’t want to stand up to big developers.
Coombs are simply overdone. How long before they provide the same challenges as the ABC flats? Pushing the boundaries on planning, squeezing more and more hot boxes on to a block of land, letting the buildings spill to within a few metres of the roads is town-planning cancer. Predictions of around 600,000 people in Canberra by half way through this century must make planners lose sleep. Half the size of Canberra again! Concentrating tall apartment buildings in the town centres makes sense. People will be close to where they work and there will be less commuting. People in our town centres will also add vibrancy.
However, as young people start their families, Australians have overwhelmingly sought to have a suburban house and garden. This is not dissimilar, for those who can afford it, in Europe and North America.
The pressure of growth, along with the negligence of the Land Development Agency (as revealed recently in Legislative Assembly hearings) undermines good planning. The drive for builders and developers to make a greater profit by taking advantage of existing infrastructure combined with poor planning controls exacerbates the problems. There are talented, committed, hard-working planners in the ACT seeking to build the best possible city. However, they are shackled by a government and a chief minister who seems intent on making Canberra more like the Melbourne CBD (complete with trams) and an opposition that doesn’t want to stand up to big developers. No wonder we have a problem! What is needed is a long-term view and some lateral solutions to ensure Canberra retains its unique, incomparable characteristics. Is this really too much to expect in 2019? Is a change in approach too much to wish for this Christmas?
Michael
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As the festive season approaches, KATE MEIKLE reminds us to be kind to mothers.
ONE of the many things I have learnt since becoming a mum almost five years ago is that Christmas as a mother of small children can, quite frankly, stink.
Just when you think that the act of keeping small children alive can be tiring enough, Christmas hits young families like a tonne of bricks. Festive celebrations, travel, late nights, kids out of routine, way too much wine, sugar, shopping, cooking and all the work involved with leading up to the day has meant that Christmas becomes a lot of extra hard work and tantrums.
In my experience, it is predominantly women in families who are the owners of Christmas traditions, the ones who put the energy into baking the mince pies according to nan’s recipe, who execute the Christmas gift lists, decorate and help bring the specialness to the season.
I thank my own darling mum, for making Christmas magical and meaningful my entire life. I’m only just realising how hard you work to give us all joy and create our family traditions.
My husband has his own funny little tradition in which he takes it upon himself to find a moment on Christmas Day to sneak out and buy
me a card. I never notice he’s slipped away but he somehow finds an open supermarket, chooses the tackiest card there and writes the most beautiful words to me. It cracks me up that he keeps challenging himself to source a card on the day, but the messages inside are worth it.
Last year we both managed to get each other a card – I bought him an overpriced, cheesy “to-my-husbandat-Christmas-time” card-shop special, and he had again pulled off the great Christmas dash for mine.
But we both forgot during the busy day to write on our cards. We laughed that night when we both confessed to not writing on them, so we exchanged blank cards. We have been using our cards as bookmarks all year. I feel there’s a certain level of symbolism in the blank cards as to our state of minds last year! I wonder if we will now create a new tradition where we simply give each other the same blank cards every year.
Another “tradition” is the annual family Santa photo. Before having kids, I would have rolled my eyes but, yes, much to my former self’s horror, this is now a big thing and I love our collection of Santa photos on the fridge door.
The year before last, we were under
pressure with finishing work for the year and could only manage to do our Santa photo on Christmas Eve. My family desperately bolted into the city to join the line of last-minute people, only to see the dreaded sign: “Santa will be feeding his reindeer and taking a break for one hour”. It wasn’t going to work, the baby would have to go home for a nap, the toddler would have gone bananas waiting and the idea of coming back for the photo was more than I could bear. It was going to be the Worst.
Christmas. Ever.
My mum, bless her, was with us to help wrangle the children through the shops and fronted up to Santa’s helpers and pleaded and cajoled with them to sneak us through before his break.
It was a Christmas Miracle!
We got the photo done with all of
us smiling with the big guy in the red suit. Hurray! But afterwards one of us had a big melt down, and it wasn’t the kids!
Yes, I was the tired, frazzled new mum who burst into tears in the middle of the food court and made a huge scene. I can laugh about it now but at the time, it all felt like too much.
Mum again came to my rescue and gave me the best gift that year. With a big hug, she told me to go home for a nap. Despite all the work she had to do, glazing the ham, wrapping gifts, the final grocery shop, she took the little ones off my hands so I could rest.
That was the second Christmas miracle that day!
And, so for anyone wondering what to give a new mum for Christmas, I can tell you the gift of sleep and support is the best present she could ever receive.
Please, be kind to mothers this Christmas.
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I HOPE that ACT environment bureaucrats and political advisers read Paul Costigan’s incisive column on ACT tree laws (“Growing mysteries of ‘significant’ trees”, CN, December 6).
His IQ probably exceeds the sum total of the sacred trees’ officials that keep inflicting their fundamentalist ignorance on the hapless public.
My neighbour’s monstrous eucalypt that I endured for years dropped volumes of litter, harboured termites and pestiferous possums that ate my plants and pooped everywhere. Its roots limited my garden’s growth, and the tree presented a major bushfire hazard, being on the western edge of the city.
The Barr government declares these trees as having public benefit, but shifts the cost to the private resident (such as termite inspections, pruning, root invasion, loss of amenity from shading, fire risk, etcetera) This is a policy of “socialise the benefits, privatise the costs”. Socialist capitalism at its worst.
Peter Sesterka, Hawker
COLUMNIST Paul Costigan has certainly made my drives down Limestone Avenue more exciting (“Growing mysteries of ‘significant’ trees”, CN, December 6). I am now constantly looking out and upward for
falling branches.
On a more serious note, I am not sure that creating a separate agency for trees will generate the expertise and motivation to overcome the administrative inconsistencies he points out.
What is needed are better guidelines, which are openly communicated with the public and hence can be seen to be followed. Indeed, since the ACT government has shown some interest in citizen participation in policy decisions, it could consider gathering input into such guidelines from the many experts available in Canberra.
Helmut Simon, Watson
VISITORS to Gungahlin would think they were in a different city. I shop there every fortnight; one week there’s a vacant paddock and two weeks later there’s two or three five-storey buildings blocking the skyline. Can someone please tell me what these buildings are made of, cardboard maybe, or how can they go up so fast? I remember it taking us nine months to build a single-storey house. It used to be quite pleasurable to go in there, even if the streets had no real directions (don’t know where the town planners were when Gungahlin was designed) but now it’s getting so claustrophobic. I think I’ll drive to Yass to shop, at least I can see the skyline there.
Yvonne Dickson, via email
DESPITE the article published in “CityNews” on November 22 (“Bad tidings we bring… card shop closes”), there have been enquiries on social media, by phone and at The Markets, Wanniassa, regarding the sale of charity Christmas cards this year in the Tuggeranong area.
I apologise to anyone who wanted to buy cards, but the decision was made at a general meeting in March 2017 that, after 14 years, the Tuggeranong Charity Christmas Cards would close at the end of that year. We tried to communicate this to customers both during and since that time but, not everyone interested found out.
The reasons for closing were: reduced sales due to competition from the internet to high postage rates; fewer participating charities; and the closure of the Combined Charities card shop in Civic reduced potential card sales for the charities.
For anyone still wanting to buy cards, I suggest that individual charities be contacted as they may be selling cards from their own sites.
In conclusion, I’d like to thank all those who have supported the Tuggeranong Charity Christmas Cards shop – the people who bought cards, the volunteers who took turns in selling cards, the owners of the venues where we sold cards, those who transported the cabinets, kept the records, made notelets, did gift-wrapping and, not least, the participating charities, without which there would have been no cards to sell!
Barbara Parsons, via email
LISA Cheeseman’s letter (“Farmers should be warned”, CN, November 27) disingenuously aims to frighten Australia’s farmers without any basis in science or fact. Fortunately, regulators of agricultural chemicals use robust scientific evidence when determining whether products should be approved for use.
Ms Cheeseman correctly noted that the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified glyphosate as “probably carcinogenic in humans” in 2015. IARC has also classified hot beverages, being a hairdresser, red meat and shift work, to name a few, as probably carcinogenic.
What Ms Cheeseman fails to recognise is that IARC is not a scientific regulatory agency. It conducts hazard assessments, not risk assessments. We live with countless hazards in our lives, but well-managed hazards do not become risks, electricity and motor vehicles to just name two.
It’s the role of regulators to conduct a risk assessment when a hazard is identified. Australia’s regulator, the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority, reassessed glyphosate following the publication of IARC’s hazard classification. They found no grounds for its approved uses to be reconsidered.
Many independent expert toxicologists overseas and in Australia are on the public record stating that glyphosate products used in accordance with label directions do not pose a risk of cancer. These include Adjunct Prof Andrew Bartholomaeus, a world-renowned toxicologist with the University of Queensland and University of Canberra, and Dr Ian Musgrave, molecular pharmacologist and toxicologist with the University of Adelaide.
Creating and promoting false fear only serves to distract from real causes of cancer, on which research and funding should be focused.
Matthew Cossey, CEO CropLife Australia, Barton
you’ll ever do
For some adults and young people, the holidays can be extremely isolating, says Menslink CEO Martin Fisk. DANIELLE NOHRA reports…
FOR many, Christmas is a time to get together with loved ones, eat lots of food and give and receive presents, but for some adults and young people, the holidays can be extremely isolating, says Menslink CEO Martin Fisk.
In particular it can be hard for men, says Martin, who believes guys can be more socially isolated because they’re less willing to really invest in relationships.
“Christmas can become the time when that’s really apparent,” he says.
“We know that the holiday period can exacerbate feelings of hopelessness and loneliness.
“Take somebody who is an absolute workaholic and they might be putting in massive amounts of work hours and potentially jeopardising a relationship.
“When Christmas comes around there’s no work to be done.
“Some men use their work as a coping mechanism for relationship breakdowns.”
But Christmas isn’t only a hard time for adults, and Martin says about one in four teenagers are from a separated household, which means they might be running from one household to another.
“It might involve being with one parent and not the other,” he says.
In 2012 the Australian Bureau of Statistics released information saying there were 780,000 single-mother families, which made up 81 per cent of one-parent families.
“We see a bunch of young men who, for whatever reason, might be separated from people they love [such as] parents, step parents and even sometimes brothers and sisters,” Martin says.
“We see some kids who fear a Christmas that’s filled with alcohol and violence, which is such a shame.
“We know Christmas can, unfortunately, be a time of increased family violence, which is why at Menslink we always recommend to give the gift of kindness.
“While advertisers want us to go and buy the latest products to give as gifts, actually the best gift is to give the gift of kindness.”
And, Martin also recommends reaching out to people who might be isolated.
“I think as parents, uncles, aunties and neighbours, if you see an isolated kid or a mum or dad, reach out and offer help,” he says.
“You might see somebody just not looking happy, not talking much and their eyes are downcast, or there might be a lot of anger and shouting.
“Schools will often notice an increase in problematic be haviour in the last few weeks of term.
“It’s almost always an indication that a young person is struggling in their home life.”
If people do see someone struggling, no matter what their age or gender, he recom mends engaging with them in a conversation and asking them: “Are you okay?”
“You might know somebody who maybe had a death in the family this year,” he says.
“Give them a call, it won’t cost you anything.”
And for people looking for ways to overcome feelings of loneliness, Martin says a really good thing to do is volunteer ing and helping people.
“One of the reasons there’s an upsurge of people volunteering on Christmas is because people who volunteer are generally less isolated, more connected and lead happier lives,” he says.
For 24-hour support call Beyond Blue on 1300 224636 or Lifeline on 131114.
And two can be as bad as one
“What’s interesting about those [judgemental] people, is they often don’t like themselves,” she
“They try and elevate themselves above everybody else to make them feel better.”
And this advice transfers over into present giving, especially in situations where people might not be able to give, financially, as much as others.
Kerry suggests being open to people who might be upset by saying something like: “This is fantastic and I wish I could return something similar but my circumstances are different.”
“It’s not necessary to spend large amounts of
“Ultimately the gift of giving is about the giving, not the receiving. The gift is the
“Those gifts that are more about the personal connection show much more time and effort and
“It’s quite a different gift process than going
“A big part of it is because our lives are busy and stressful but a more expensive present is not
Puzzle solutions from page 31.
tend to disconnect themselves so it makes the situation worse.
“We often sit there and go: ‘What’s everybody doing for Christmas?’
“We sit on the back foot and want to be invited instead of being on the front foot and asking what we want.”
Most of the time Kerry says people won’t tell their family or friends what they want, so she encourages these people to be open, honest and communicate.
“We assume they’re not giving it to us because they don’t want to,” she says.
“We base it on an assumption that this person doesn’t want to connect but we actually don’t ask.
Psychologist Kerry Howard… “A lot of people become depressed because they feel like they don’t have good connections with people.”
“It’s problematic and it’s the same with all relationships.”
Another big expectation which Kerry says causes a build-up of stress around the holidays is having the perfect “white-picket-fence” Christmas.
People are often saying: “Well if I’m doing Christmas, I have to make it perfect”, which again she says causes stress because of the expectations.
“There’s this expectation we feel we need to match,” she says.
“Feelings of needing to be perfect is what we do to avoid being judged.
“If we do the best we can and it comes from a heartfelt place and somebody doesn’t appreciate it, then really the problem is with them.”
When people take this judgement on board,
“Sometimes the best gifts are ones that indicate that somebody has really thought about what you enjoy.”
Kerry says another tip to keep stress away over the Christmas period is to be organised.
“As we get older and meet partners and have to split our time between families, it’s a matter of trying to work out what’s ultimately important to you as an individual,” she says.
“And, having good boundaries around what you’re prepared to do and are not prepared to do.”
Instead of resenting “obligations” and allowing others to impose “obligations” Kerry says it’s okay to say: “Sorry, I already have too many other things to do.”
“It’s a matter of being clear about what you want for yourself and having those hard conversations ahead of time,” she says.
Wine columnist-cum-lawyer
RICHARD CALVER offers a little free legal advice to surviving Christmas parties...
AT this time of the year I receive a large number of admonitory communications, mostly from law firms.
They often amount to advice that sets out the ways in which employers can be held liable for the actions of their staff and guests at Christmas parties, particularly where the employer supplies an unlimited quantity of beer and wine.
They all have a similar theme: these parties are intended to be an investment to reward clients or staff and to provide a positive experience yet can sometimes turn out to be costly and counter-productive.
The advice in these “tips” if taken in their entirety would be hard for some employers to implement; for example, employers are urged to ensure that they provide transport home for those who are unable to drive due to alcohol consumption. Many would have difficulty meeting the cost of that requirement and that seems to be taking the “nanny state” notion too far.
Another criterion from the list that might be difficult to meet is the idea that employers should inspect the venue for hazards and make potential risk areas out of bounds.
As a lawyer, I commend the advice. Yet part of me wants to howl at this particular moon. I think that personal responsibility for actions that are taken is a worthy message to be reinforced at Christmas: do unto others as you would have them do
unto you.
From a mindset where personal responsibility predominates, the badge that we should all wear to these parties reads: “Do as you like but take the consequences, and don’t even think about kissing me”.
Because sometimes an employer wears the costs of the harassment that is wreaked but can’t
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dismiss the employee despite behaviour that is beyond the pale, mostly where the employer fails to properly monitor the supply of alcohol or fails to provide food and transport and a “cut-off” point. For those who want a case that exemplifies this awkward outcome, read: Keenan v Leighton Boral Amey NSW Pty Ltd [2015] FWC 3156.
The admonition contained in one of yet another 10 tips for Christmas parties “as a manager, this is not the time to undertake a performance appraisal and give feedback to staff, especially if you’re drunk”. Duh!
The message that seems to come out loud and clear from all of these tips is that most company party horror stories begin at the open, nay never closed, bar. So, the idea of not drinking too much reverberates through all of this advice. Just don’t get blasted, two to three glasses of wine are enough – focus on the quality. Take responsibility. Treat it like you are still working but with a little less inhibition.
As was pointed out by one law
firm, the duty of care to ensure the safety and wellbeing of staff does not end with the crack of a twist top. The employer remains liable for the activities of their staff at these functions, so my one tip with a bullet is to remind people of the rubric of personal responsibility.
But talk of twist tops reminds me of a lame Christmas party joke – although the wine may not be corked, is it a fair substitute to ask if it’s screwed? It seems that I do have one final piece of Christmas advice: please, please read out the bad Christmas cracker jokes. Why was Santa’s little helper feeling depressed? Not because he was reading all the law-firm advice, he just had low elf-esteem.
“The question isn’t who is going to let me; it’s who is going to stop me.”
– Ayn Rand
AT most Christmas parties, you’re likely to find beer, wine, cider and cocktails... and, of course, it’s okay to unwind after a long year with a nice frosty beverage.
But as we all know, alcoholic drinks come with a high caloric price tag and it can be easy for your energy intake to creep up with a few glasses of Christmas cheer. We are also more likely to snack and nibble on other Christmas treats once good old alcohol has lowered our inhibitions.
So, be mindful when drinking alcohol:
• Map out a Christmas calendar and pick the events you want to drink at and the ones you don’t.
• Develop and practice some dialogue for when you are offered alcohol and you didn’t plan on drinking.
• Offer to drive to an event.
• If you are choosing to drink, alternate with mineral water or another beverage.
Sugar-sweetened beverages such as soft drinks aren’t healthy options. They are high in energy and very low in nutrients. But, for many people, soft drinks are synonymous with parties and celebrations.
Rather than stocking the fridge with all the possible flavours “just in case”, pick one flavour and only buy enough to drink on the day or at the one occasion.
After the day or occasion, store the bottles out of the fridge and somewhere out of the way. Or, even better, tip the excess down the sink.
A simple way to watch calories for anyone trying to manage weight over the festive season is to swap to a diet soft drink. But, that’s the only favour it’s doing for you. Diet or “sugar-free” beverages aren’t harmful if you’re drinking them on special occasions, but they don’t have any health benefit either.
Dietitian CLARE WOLSKI says a lot of the nutritional focus at Christmas goes to what we are eating but, what about what we drink? Can we keep a lid on the Christmas calories just by focusing on what’s in our cup? Yes, indeed.
Staying well hydrated is so important over the warmer months and can help you feel better during the Christmas period.
Research in athletes has shown that being dehydrated increases the perceived effort of an activity and can inhibit performance. The same applies for the everyday person. When we aren’t well hydrated, everything seems harder.
Drinking water throughout the holiday period can help with energy levels and recovery from festive parties.
The bonus of alternating water with other beverages is that you reduce the number of calories you drink over a time. Instead of getting through a six-pack at one gathering, you’ll probably end up having three or four. Even if you do have all six, you have given your body a bit of a buffer to process that alcohol.
More mindful drinking with water includes marking a bottle or jug with goals for consumption throughout the day. Spacing it out reduces the chances of “busting” for the loo. And make a “mocktail” for guests by flavouring water with fruits and small amounts of juice.
Clare Wolski is a practising dietitian at The Healthy Eating Hub, call 6174 4663.
THE gift of a subscription to The Q – Queanbeyan Performing Arts Centre is the gift of continuous giving, says program manager Stephen Pike.
With a subscription or even a gift voucher to The Q, Stephen says people can enjoy a year’s worth of genuine experiences which will last a lifetime.
“It also gives them the chance to choose something they are really interested in,” he says.
And, he says, there are many exciting things coming up in the New Year in the form of stories, comedy and musicals that will engage, inform and entertain anyone at affordable prices.
“[They can look forward to] some unforgettable experiences in one of the most intimate and comfortable venues in our
Stephen says The Q often gets comments around the intimacy of the theatre and the fact there is not a bad seat in the house.
“We also try very hard to keep it friendly,” he says.
But before the New Year comes around The Q still has shows such as Peter Combe’s Christmas Album Tour on December 18 and 19.
The Q, Queanbeyan Performing Arts Centre, at the rear of 253 Crawford Street, Queanbeyan. Call 6285 6290 or visit theq.net.au
It has present ideas such as discounted fragrances, a range of skincare packs, candles, essential oils, nail polish and a range of cosmetics, including make-up brushes.
“We have a whole range of inexpensive gifts for men and women,” she says.
“Our range of presents is for that personal gift. They’re very personal but it’s not an expensive place to shop so you get value for your money.
“It’s also a great place to pick up a present for someone if you don’t know what to get them.
“We have an expert team who can help customers choose a special present or help with any other needs.”
Rhonda says Chemist Outlet in Dickson also has the cheapest gifts on the northside with up to 60 per cent off pharmacy needs and scripts.
Chemist Outlet Dickson, 1/42 Dickson Place, Dickson. Call 6247 7944.
There is still time to buy the perfect present for Christmas, so why not consider a contribution to someone’s holiday - it’s so much more than handing over a thoughtless piece of plastic, think of:
1) The anticipation as they liaise with our experienced travel advisors to build the perfect itinerary
2) The excitement (and mild envy amongst friends, family and work colleagues) as they depart on their trip
3) The long-lasting memories that they create and stories they can share when they return
783 188 | askus@activetravel.com.au
G16/27 Lonsdale, Braddon Find out how you can LayBy your holiday for 2,3,4,5,6 or 10 months!
ACTIVE Travel loves making it possible for people to go travelling, which is why it offers gift cards, lay-by options and even payment plans, says owner Nick Carter.
“We want to help people travel, even if it’s just to Sydney for the weekend,” he says.
“If Christmas is more about getting the right gift for that special someone then you may be interested in our new range of gift vouchers.
“There is no expiry date on them so they can truly be used to save up for that once-in-alifetime vacation.
“And the gift of travel really is the gift that keeps on giving, from planning it all out with our experienced travel advisers, to the anticipation you feel as the weeks and months count down, to going on the trip itself and then the years of memories and stories gained from experiencing that magical holiday.”
This Christmas, Nick and his wife are giving each other a holiday down the coast and say planning a holiday with a loved one is a gift they can both share.
Active Travel’s lay-by options mean customers can pay off a holiday over two, three, four, five, six or 10 months.
“You can come in and book your holidays well in advance, which means you have access to early bird discounts and can take advantage of special offers without needing to have all the money up front,” Nick says.
Active Travel, Palko, G16/27 Lonsdale Street, Braddon. Visit activetravel.com.au or call 6249 6122.
13-23 Dec Watson Arts Centre
Aspinall St Watson
Open Daily 10am to 4pm
Canberra Potters invites you to visit our annual Christmas Fair. Choose from a vast selection of ceramic art and pottery and give a gift of unique and original art purchased direct from the local maker. A range of functional ware, decorative ceramics and jewellery is available from our gallery and shop too. www.canberrapotters.com.au
FOR Canberrans asking where they can find a truly unique Christmas gift, Watson Arts Centre and Canberra Potters’ director Richard Thomas says he has the answer.
Every year, he says, its Christmas Fair sees local potters and ceramicists sell a wonderful selection of ceramic art and pottery.
“So make 2018 the year you give a gift of unique and original work purchased from its local maker,” he says.
“Between the fair and the Potters Place shop, you’re sure to find the perfect gift at the perfect price.
“This year’s fair is stocked by a number of makers participating for the first time alongside fair regulars.
“Between them, our makers have provided a
ceramics and jewellery.”
Richard says the Christmas Fair has a dedicated following of people who know that they’ll be able to complete their Christmas gift shopping in one place.
“If you haven’t yet discovered Watson Arts Centre and Canberra Potters, grab your present list and head on over to Watson; unlike the busy shopping centres, there’s plenty of free parking,” he says.
The fair is open daily 10am-4pm until December 23. Watson Arts Centre and Canberra Potters, 1 Aspinall Street, Watson. Call 6241 1670, email admin@ canberrapotters.com.au or visit canberrapotters.com.au
GIVE A GIFT WITH LASTING MEMORIES IN 2019 THE Q BRINGS YOU A PACKAGE OF THEATRICAL DELIGHTS — COMEDY, DRAMA, MUSICALS, DANCE, SHOWS FOR CHILDREN AND A MORNING MELODIES PROGRAM! SEE IT LIVE. SEE IT NOW. MY BRILLIANT DIVORCE | 4 - 7 SEP
IF YOU LOVED SHIRLEY VALENTINE YOU WILL ADORE THIS SPENCER | 19 - 21 SEP THERE’S NO SUCH THING AS FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY…
WAITING IN THE WINGS | 20 - 23 NOV A STORY ABOUT FRIENDSHIPS, FEUDS AND AFFECTION CHRISTMAS WITH MISS BETTE | 18 - 21 DEC MISS BETTE IS BACK AND SHE’S READY TO SLEIGH
KEITH POTGER FROM THE SEEKERS — LIVE! TUESDAY 19 FEB
GIFT VOUCHERS AND SEASON SUBSCRIPTIONS MAKE THE PERFECT CHRISTMAS GIFT!
STEPHEN FISHER-KING SINGS SONGS OF THE 70’S TUESDAY 14 AUG
FULL SEASON LINE UP, MORE SHOW DETAILS AND ONLINE BOOKINGS
CHEEK TO CHEEK FRED ASTAIRE AND GINGER ROGERS TUESDAY 15 OCT THE GRUFFALO’S CHILD & THE DEEP DARK WOOD 26 - 27 JAN THE GRUFFALO AND A CLEVER LITTLE MOUSE 27 - 30 MAR
FOR anyone looking for an out of the ordinary gift, Jet Flight Simulator Canberra is a one-of-a-kind experience, says owner Trevor Vickers.
“We provide the every day person with the opportunity to experience what it’s like to captain the world’s most popular commercial aircraft, using our replica 737 flight simulator,” he says. Based on the Boeing 737-800NG, no experience is necessary to fly in the simulator, which Trevor says is assisted by an experienced simulator instructor to ensure people get the most out of the session.
“People love the experience,” he says.
“Some say: ‘It’s reignited my passion’. Lots of people dream of flying a plane as a kid and put those dreams aside.”
This Christmas, Trevor says the gift of a Jet Flight Simulator experience can make those dreams come true.
“Gift vouchers are available online and participants can bring up to four passengers for free,” he says.
And as a Christmas present from Trevor, “CityNews” readers will get up to 60 per cent off!
Jet Flight Simulator Canberra, Unit 5, 4 Ipswich Street, Fyshwick. Visit jetflightsimulatorcanberra.com.au or call 0438 834026.
NOT only does Little Sprout have beautiful gifts, but its owner Brooke Kearns says they will last a lifetime, making them a great Christmas gift.
“Wooden toys are the perfect choice for a special gift this year,” she says.
“Timeless and durable, classic wooden toys encourage imaginative play and inspire creativity.
“The tactile nature and natural texture of wooden toys invite children to touch, feel and explore.
“Stacking, sorting, building and creating with wooden toys encourages the development of fine motor skills and early mathematical concepts.”
Little Sprout stocks a wide range of wooden toys by Grimms (from Germany) and Grapat (from Spain).
“These toys have been exceptionally popular this year, with parents prefer ring to select quality, eco-friendly toys over single-use, plastic toys,” she says.
“These products of fer more educational benefits, are longer lasting and rather than adding to the ‘clutter’ would make a beautiful addition to any playroom.”
Brooke says people who can’t make it into the store can browse and buy on their website.
Little Sprout, 47 Colbee Court, Phillip. Call 6282 3684 or visit littlesprout.com.au
IT’S Christmas tree time! says the Christmas Emporium owner, Mike.
“It’s a lot more Christmassy this year, we are seeing many people coming to us who are really getting into the spirit and looking forward to decorating their homes,” he says.
The Christmas Emporium is unlike any other Christmas shop, says Mike.
“We are a pleasant and lovely place to browse, shop and feel the spirit of Christmas.
“We stock a lot of quality, different decorations. We recently received a shipment of beautiful baubles by UK brand, Gisela Graham,” he says.
In addition to a full range of well-priced Christmas lights, Mike says their options for artificial Christmas trees range from 600 centimetres to 2.2
metres and now is the time for people to organise and set up their tree at home.
Mike says that the fibre optic trees are a great alternative for people who want to unpack their tree and simply plug it in for an instant Christmas lights look.
The Christmas Emporium offers table setting decorations such as garlands to run along the centre of a table. The team also create and decorate unique miniature trees in-house, perfect for a table setting. Orders for these popular decorations are encouraged, says Mike.
Hang Ups Framing and Christmas Emporium, corner Kembla and Gladstone streets, Fyshwick. Call 6280 0312 or email info@hangups.com.au
For Trees, Ornaments and all things Christmas Open 7 days till Christmas
WHY not give the gift of getting outdoors, says Cookies Cycles owner David Cook, who has a huge range of bikes, scooters, skateboards and accessories.
David, who started the family-run business about three years ago, says he has Canberra’s largest range of street and park scooters.
“The beauty of a bike or a scooter is you get your kids outdoors in the fresh air,” he says.
“We have more than 80 different scooters on the floor.
“Scooters are popular among kids at the moment and they’re an affordable Christmas
COMMITTED to social justice and the ministry of healing, All Saints Anglican Church, Ainslie welcomes people into its church at any time of year, including Christmas, says reverend Lynda McMinn.
“Christmas is a wonderful time of year when we have the opportunity to gather with family and friends, and to share gifts, food and hospitality,” she says.
“However it is also the time when we mark God’s coming into the world in the gift of his son Jesus, who is God with us, not only 2000 years ago, but here today among us in our joys and in our sorrows.
WITH more than 15,000 items, the owner of Monaro Models and Hobbies, Terry Griffiths says there’s a present for everybody this Christmas.
stocking fillers,” Terry says.
“We do anything for the hobbyist who actually wants to do something with their hands and not sit at a computer.
Sunday 16th 6pm • Nine Lessons & Carols
Christmas Eve • Monday 24th 5pm • Children’s Pageant 11pm • Midnight Mass
Canberra’s last pure hobby shop, Monaro Models and Hobbies supplies a face-to-face expert service on model aircrafts, radiocontrolled cars, boats, planes, helicopters and drones.
“We run the whole gamut of radiocontrolled hobbies and have a supply of plastic construction kits, which are great for
“All the staff are highly experienced modellists and can help the beginner to the expert.”
Monaro Models and Hobbies, 1/57 Kembla Street, Fyshwick. Call 6239 3623, email sales@monaromodels.com.au or visit coltaylormodels.com.au
“It is a day worth celebrating, and we will do that at the unrehearsed children’s pageant at 5pm and midnight mass at 11pm on Christmas Eve, and by celebrating high mass on Christmas Day at 9am.”
All Saints Anglican Church, Ainslie. 9/15 Cowper Street. Call 6248 7420 or visit allsaintsainslie.org.au
WHILE Christmas is a holiday filled with wonder and possibility, when it comes to the story of Jesus’ birth, archdeacon Wayne Brighton, of the Holy Covenant Anglican Church in Cook, says it’s a celebration of grace.
“Grace is a gift that can’t be bought but which is given to us by God,” he says.
“Grace is something filled with wonder and possibility.
“When the birth of this baby is remembered, we light a beacon of hope that has burned bright for centuries.
“By looking back through time, we see how God’s peace is greater than worldly ambition, pride and exclusion. By gazing into the manger, we experience joy as we remember how God’s presence has enriched our lives.
“Just as shepherds came to a lonely stable in the dead of night, we discover that we are loved passionately by God with all our imperfections.”
Wayne says Christmas is a time to remember the story of Jesus’ birth and to celebrate how grace changes everything.
“So let us celebrate the birth of Jesus and discover the wonder and possibility of hope, peace, joy and love this season,” he says.
Holy Covenant Anglican Church, 89 Dexter Street, Cook. Call 6251 6100, email office@holycovenant.org.au or visit holycovenant.org.au
Christmas Day 9am • High Mass
By Helen Musa
OVER recent years as the name of that gigantic cultural hero James Cook has dominated Australia’s culture wars, a larger-than-life character in the story has sometimes been overlooked.
Now, through a breathtaking, 180-degree digital display (essentially a film done in a multimedia way) the National Library of Australia has taken on the story of the celebrated English botanist-superstar, Joseph Banks, who sailed on the “Endeavour” with Cook on his first Pacific voyage from 1768 to 1771.
The 18-minute “journey” with Banks and his team is now screening three times on the hour from 10am to 5pm and should convert even the most hardened schoolboy to Aussie history and even science.
This writer was simply gobsmacked by the experience. Treasures curator at the library Nat Williams, too.
“I’ve taken my 91-year-old dad, he loved it; my 17-year-old daughter loved it, too,” Williams tells “CityNews”.
“It’s so sensual in its use of sound and light to bring the story of Banks to life.
“You can go to the exhibition [‘Cook and the Pacific’] but that’s more in two dimensions – hundreds and thousands of words have been written about Cook and Banks and their expedition to observe the Transit of Venus, but this does it in 18 minutes.”
“Beauty Rich and Rare” is the enticing title, taken from our national anthem, for an immersive sound-and-light encounter where one can step into the shoes of Banks and his fellow scientists, for scientists they were, exploring the upside down world of the Pacific.
Visitors can surround themselves with imagery of plants, flowers, star maps and navigational charts created by Anthony Bastic, of production company ABG Events, with voice-overs from broadcaster Angela Catterns.
Bastic, who also wrote the script, is a technological polymath best-known as light curator for the “Vivid” festival in Sydney. He had been wanting to stretch in a different direction, to work with real material and to engage with the NLA’s collection.
“We were lucky, we got government
funding to help mark the 250th anniversary of Cook’s landing in Australia,” Williams says.
Traversing an enormous range of subject matter, from the exquisite beauty of Australia’s native flora and fauna to the scientific equipment needed to observe the transit of Venus, the show, which Williams describes as “a bit like a film, but using new technologies”, travels through ancient observations of the heavens, 18th century navigation by the stars, towards NASA, which named its space shuttle “Endeavour”.
“Cook and Banks were the ultimate improbable dynamic duo; the 40-year-old, hard-working son of a Scottish labourer and this young, six-foot-tall, handsome 25-yearold fellow with the world at his fingertips,” Williams says.
“The duo worked in difficult circumstances. Cook was unused to sharing his quarters with someone else, but unlike Cook, he was born into privilege and he threw £10,000 into the Cook expedition for scientific equipment.
Banks collected everything, often storing scientific samples in the bread bins. He also brought his greyhounds, a complete library and a staff of eight, including naturalists
Daniel Solander and HD Spöring and artists Alexander Buchan and Sydney Parkinson.
So who was Banks? A “gentleman commoner” of good family from Lincolnshire, he’d been to Harrow and Eton, where he had been entranced by the beauty of the wildflowers. Like Shakespeare, he was possessed of small Latin and less Greek, and as a botanist was self-taught, having bailed out of Oxford when he found they weren’t teaching botany.
But Banks was to achieve great eminence in his own lifetime. Already a seasoned naturalist when he joined the “Endeavour” expedition, he’d studied and collected rocks, plants and animals in Newfoundland and Labrador during 1766, when he was also admitted to the Royal Society, of which he later became president for more than 41 years.
“He wanted to inform other people, he wanted to push the message about the world’s complexity and fragility, a bit like David Attenborough,” Williams says.
His great ambition was to publish a great “florilegium” (book of illustrations of plants) but he ran out of steam and money, preferring to write thousands of letters
on everything, including merino sheep. His correspondents included all the NSW governors from Phillip to Macquarie. When Banks died in 1820 the florilegium was still unpublished. The 743 copper plates of life-size illustrations by Parkinson were bequeathed to the British Museum and it was 200 years before it was printed. The NLA acquired a full set, with some parts on display in “Cook and the Pacific.”
Despite charges that he was a dabbler, Banks advised King George III on the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, brought 30,000 plant specimens home with him, advocated British settlement in NSW and advised the British government on all Australian matters. He is credited with introducing the eucalyptus, acacia and the genus named after him, banksia, to the Western world.
He was a formidable figure, but one not above a little gentle satire, Williams says. James Boswell described him as “an elephant, quite placid and gentle, allowing you to get upon his back or play with his proboscis.”
“Beauty Rich and Rare”, National Library of Australia, until February 10. Free.
By Helen Musa
THE Q, Queanbeyan Performing Arts Centre announced its 2019 season in two showbiz-style shows.
Mayor Tim Overall praised the “fantastic season of entertainment” for combining shows with a mix of local flavour and shows that had been hits all around the world, while program manager Stephen Pike asked for patience over the next 12 months while an upgrade to the adjacent Bicentennial Hall took place.
As well as coming up with a dazzling set of musical shows, beginning with “The Sapphires” in February, followed by “Gypsy,” starring Geraldine Turner in April and May, and Stephen Fisher-King’s “The 70s Unplugged” in August, Pike’s season will wind up with his own production of Noel Coward’s 50th play, “Waiting In The Wings” in November and Catherine Alcorn’s show-stopping tribute to the Divine Miss M, “Christmas with Bette” in December.
In a co-operative move, the Coward play will later travel across the border to be performed as part of Canberra Rep’s 2019 season.
Movement and dance are always to the fore in Pike’s programming, so in May the Bicentennial Hall will have “Jump First, Ask Later”, a portrait in movement on the streets of western Sydney, while in June, Expressions Dance Company from Brisbane will return with Natalie Weir’s satirical piece
who’ve bought the local pub.
here during August in a comic reminiscence that won the Keir Choreographic Award and the Deadly Funny Award at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival.
Jordan Best’s production of the first play for The Q’s new Echo Theatre, “Belfast Girls”, will look at Irish girls brought to Australia as cheap labour in the 19th century.
Brisbane comes “Spencer”, by Katy Warner, a racy take on a dysfunctional Australian family.
“My Urrwai”, staged by Rachael Maza for Ilbijerri Theatre Co, will see Ghenoa Gela
During September HIT productions will bring actor Mandy Lodge back to town to play Angela, in Geraldine Aron’s “My Brilliant Divorce”, while in September from
The popular “Morning Melodies” program kicks off in February with an acoustic guitar program by Keith Potger, formerly of The Seekers and now resident in Braidwood. When it comes to children’s shows, you can’t get enough of Gruffalos, it seems, so we will see “The Gruffalo’s Child” in late January and “The Gruffalo”, pure and simple, in March.
That’s just the tip of the iceberg. Outside the theatre’s own curated season will be the book-in shows, not least Free Rain Theatre’s production of “Kinky Boots”, “The Tap Pack”, Darren Coggan in “Rhinestone Cowboy”, Supa Productions’ “The Full Monty”, Queanbeyan Players “Hello Dolly” and “Oliver!” and the musical treat, “The Diamonds”.
The Q, Queanbeyan Performing Arts Centre 2019 season. Bookings to theq.net.au or 6285 6290.
3 course buffet style lunch
Ph 4848 0182 or
If you are looking for the ideal venue for your Christmas Day lunch, the answer may simply be a scenic 30 minute drive from Canberra.
Lake George Winery are opening the doors of their stunning dining room on Christmas Day, providing guests with a delectable, festive feast of food and wine as they enjoy the beautiful views of the estate.
Among other things, the menu on the day will consist of fresh seafood, a carving station with succulent ham and turkey, a gorgeous array of salads and a dessert grazing table to finish off the day in style.
Buses will be available from Canberra city to the vineyard and return for people who wish to enjoy the range of cool climate wines with their lunch.
“Hostiles” (MA)
DIRECTOR Scott Cooper based his screenplay for this film on a manuscript by Donald E Stewart (who adapted several of Tom Clancy’s novels featuring Jack Ryan).
It’s 1892. Army captain Joe Blocker is assigned to escort the Cheyenne chief Yellow Hawk (Wes Studi) and his family from their prison in Fort Berringer, New Mexico, to their ancestral lands in Montana. Yellow Hawk is dying of cancer. The order has come from the US President.
About to retire, Blocker hates all native Americans and Yellow Hawk in particular, whom he has seen commit terrible crimes against settlers. It’s made clear to Blocker that if he refuses the order, his pension may be withheld.
In a short, very violent prelude, white settler Quaid and his children die in a Comanche raid. Blocker’s party comes by the burned out homestead and finds Rosalee Quaid unharmed in body, wracked with grief and anger in her soul, carrying her dead infant. Those events form the foundation of a film canvassing a range of both military and emotional themes for soldiers and prisoners alike. Their progress is punctuated by attacks from settlers and Comanches, slowly whittling the army detachment down to half its original number. They traverse country that I suspect has seldom if ever formed the location for a feature film, by turns spectacular, beautiful, welcoming and confronting.
As Blocker, Christian Bale provides the film with a firm foundation. But what for me was the real surprise was the casting
of English rose Rosamund Pike as Rosalee Quaid. Ms Pike, by any measure a true beauty in the classical sense, seems unfazed by the physical demands of the role.
Hollywood used to make excellent westerns. Their replacement with the fantasies and improbabilities of outer space is regrettable (I described the original “Star Wars” as nothing more than an outer-space western). Examining issues that more than a century later still resonate, “Hostiles” is not your ordinary Western.
At Capitol 6
“Can You Ever Forgive Me?” (M)
IT has for some time puzzled me that on the same day cinemas from different chains have started screening different films that each in their own way deal with the same theme.
The foundation of “Can You Ever Forgive Me?” is the 1980s memoir by Lee Israel who got gazumped when her unauthorised biography of Estee Lauder failed in the marketplace against Ms Lauder’s authorised version. Feeling a tad miffed, because she was indeed a skilled writer, Lee discovered a small goldmine that ended up bringing her before the court on fraud charges.
She began a career forging letters from known writers and selling them as authentic to collectors of such prizes. On her path into and through that short-lived career, she found herself emotionally and economically entangled with a gay Englishman who knew a woman needing comfort and encouragement when he saw one. Unfortunately for Lee, Jack Hock had no moral qualities beyond satisfying his
own needs.
When Lee completed her sentence, she wrote down her life in a memoir that Nicole Holofcener adapted into a screenplay for Marielle Heller to direct.
Playing Lee, Melissa McCarthy is a chubby woman whose career thus far has largely depended on comedies that let her give full rein to her quick wit and readiness to take physical abuse for the sake of getting a laugh, even when the material of the film itself had little merit. Lanky Brit actor Richard E Grant with 124 credits in his filmography plays Jack. On screen, it’s a low-level tour-de-force for the pair, delivering finelyjudged comedy, pathos, wit and mischief in a package that entertains by erecting a dramatic framework that refuses to hurry about proving that crime doesn’t pay.
At Dendy, Palace Electric
“Second Act” (M)
“Can You Ever Forgive Me?” is about real fraud. “Second Act” looks through fantasycoloured glasses at a Hollywood view of fraud’s rewards.
Writers Justin SZackham and Elaine Goldsmith-Thomas have given director Peter Segal a plot that exemplifies wishful thinking mixed with predictability, paints a choice collection of improbabilities with blue-
skies optimism and appeals to our better judgement by presenting fake realities in a package that, I have to admit, is entertaining and charming despite those defects.
Maya (Jennifer Lopez) is assistant manager in a department store. After 15 years, she’s good at management without any academic qualification. When she gets passed over for promotion, she leaves in high dudgeon. She applies for an executive job at a big family-owned conglomerate. Without her knowledge, the son of a friend in the store has confected a fake CV for her. It’s an absolute cracker, waiting to be tested in the recruitment marketplace. The CEO’s daughter dislikes the possibility that Maya may get the job.
From that point, it’s away we go through the ups and downs that precede career glory for Maya before resolution of all the niggly little issues that have confronted her since the film began.
It’s a good, if mindless, escape from summer’s heat in an air-conditioned cinema, demonstrating once again that happy endings are de rigueur in Hollywood and that crime can pay if it’s not life-threatening and you ‘fess up to it in time.
At all cinemas
Catch busts the myth that you can’t get good fish in Canberra. The menu includes ethically sourced fish as fresh as possible to the capital, and it’s good.
WHEN I was little, my dad would sometimes treat us kids by packing us up in the car (already in our pjs) and driving us to the local fish ‘n’ chip shop to pick up take-away dinner on a Friday night.
I remember sitting patiently on the way home with the precious dinner package on my lap, with the food first wrapped in plain paper and then twice in used newspaper to keep it piping hot. I simply couldn’t wait to taste the first bite.
All these years later, here I am in Australia (not Canada) and still loving good old fish ‘n’ chips. That love took me to Catch where the white T-shirts the staff wear sport “Reel Good Fish” in blue lettering on the back.
Catch busts the myth that you can’t get good fish in Canberra. The menu includes ethically sourced fish as fresh as possible to the capital, and it’s good. The place looks like it’s at the coast – with a predominantly blue, white and yellow colour scheme and big picnic tables outside. Water is served in blue and white tin cups and cutlery stacked in tin containers. It’s a fun vibe.
All fish are served with chips or salad, a solid slice of juicy lemon and tangy tartare. Prices vary from $6 for hake to $23 for salmon. Depending on the fish, you can choose crumbed, battered or grilled.
It was flathead for me, but I fussed over whether to have battered or grilled, wondering
It all came in a dish lined with paper featuring a blue pattern against a white background, reminding me of waves.
My friend’s poke bowl ($15) looked delightful. We’ve had a couple of uninspiring ones at different eateries of late, but this one came to the party with chunks of mouth-watering tuna (you can also have salmon) and loads of other goodies, all topped on rice. The chilli was super duper hot, even for my friend who chows down on chilli regularly.
You order inside at the counter at Catch. Salads
calamari, large chips, salad).
Capital Brewing Co. “Coast Ale” and Batlow Apple Cider are both on tap ($8) and wine is reasonably priced ($7 to $9 by the glass).
Catch, corner of Lonsdale and Elouera streets, Braddon. Open seven days, 11am until late.
By Helen Musa
“AQUAMAN”, the action-packed underwater adventure movie directed and co-written by former Lake Tuggeranong College student James Wan, will be seen in all major Canberra cinemas from December 26. It stars Jason Momoa in the title American superhero role and features luminaries such as Willem Dafoe and Nicole Kidman in supporting roles. Going on to fame and fortune in the US, Wan’s other features include the horror film “Saw”, “Dead Silence”, “Insidious” and “The Conjuring”.
WODEN Valley Youth Choir will donate proceeds from the 74th “Canberra Carols by Candlelight” to the Domestic Violence Crisis Service. The event always attracts crowds of up to 12,000 people to sing Christmas carols. At Stage 88, Commonwealth Park, 7pm-9.30pm, December 19, free event. Candles and carol sheets will be on sale.
THE all-male, Christmas drag spectacular, “Prada’s Priscillas”, plans to take audiences on a musical journey with feathered Les Girls-style dancers and songs from “Priscilla Queen of the Desert” such as “I Love the Nightlife” and “Shake Your Groove Thing”. Led by drag queen,
Prada Clutch, the cast will also perform “Jingle Bell Rock”, “All I Want for Christmas is You” and “Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town”. At Canberra Theatre, 8pm, December 21. Book at 6275 2700.
THE National Film and Sound Archive says it’s had more than 15,000 visitors to its celebration of Heath Ledger’s career since opening in August. It’ll be open throughout the holidays.
THE Wiggles will be at Canberra Theatre soon with their “Wiggle Pop! Big Show”. Captain Feathersword, Dorothy the Dinosaur, Wags the Dog and Henry the Octopus, Emma, Lachy, Simon and Anthony will be on stage. Dressing up is advised. At Canberra Theatre, December 19-20. Book at 6275 2700.
THE NSW Government’s Country Arts Support has supported five projects in the nearby Southern Tablelands arts region – a short-film festival in Goulburn, the Jugiong Writers Festival, “Art Journey through Tranquillity” in Wee Jasper, a new composition for Southern Highlands Symphony Orchestra and “An Italian Country Afternoon (or Evening)” by Dianna Nixon’s Wild Voices Music Theatre.
EVEN though school’s out for the year, it doesn’t mean learning stops. Canberra has some great offerings over the long, summer, which will entertain and educate children and adults these holidays. Here’s a look at some of the best in summer school temptations…
THE National Library of Australia is inviting Canberrans to explore its exhibitions and holiday activities this summer.
“Cook and the Pacific” at the National Library of Australia until February 10.
Summer camps where the accent is on fun and French
LOCATED in Turner, Alliance Francaise Canberra has all-immersive workshops and holiday camps for all ages this summer, says deputy director Anais Garrigues.
For children aged three to 11, Anais says Alliance Francaise’s holiday camps are a combination of learning and fun through French-based activities such as craft, cooking, singing and games.
“The idea is to make them enjoy learning French and learn without knowing they are learning,” she says.
“They will be surrounded by French staff all day and will have to practice every day.
“We will also be running a class of a new type, ‘Mystères à l’Alliance’.
“The National Library of Australia’s major exhibition ‘Cook and the Pacific’ revisits the extraordinary Pacific voyages of Capt James Cook, between 1768 and 1780,” says exhibition curator Dr Susannah Helman.
“It brings together objects from international and Australian collections: rarely seen handwritten voyage journals, spectacular objects, exquisite portraits and much more.”
Keeping to the theme of Cook, the library’s school-holiday activity “Summer WordPlay” involves a range of fun activities and games that explore the library and “Cook and the Pacific”.
From December 22 to February 3 the library invites families to drop in to read stories from the Dreaming, explore the science of Cook’s voyages and create their own story of adventure at the “WordPlay” room for children aged four and over.
At 11.30am, January 24, the library is charging $2 a child (EFTPOS payment only) for its
“Summer Storytime”, where children can share their love of reading and stories with some exciting and heart-warming tales from the ACT Storytellers Guild.
Then, at 1pm on the same day, the library will show a free screening of “The Adventures ofTintin: The Secret of the Unicorn” in the theatre.
National Library of Australia, Parkes Place, Canberra. Call 6262 1111, email bookings@nla.gov.au or visit nla.gov.au
“We want to give them a glimpse of the experience a kid can have during a holiday camp in France.”
For teenagers at a beginner or intermediate level, or children who are advanced or bilingual, Anais says Alliance Francaise runs intensive courses.
“They will be doing activities to strengthen their writing skills, comprehension and fluency,” she says.
“For our children’s intensive program, they will create their own newspaper and the second week they will be writing their own fairytales.
FROM 7 JAN TO 24 JAN 2019
“It is not a traditional French class, but a big-scale roleplay where our students (adults and teens) will get to play detectives and solve a mystery. For adults, we offer three hours of class per day for four days for three weeks.
“We also offer conversation classes and one-week-long workshops with various themes such as gastronomy, current affairs and fashion.”
Alliance Francaise Canberra, 66 McCaughey Street, Turner. Call 6257 6696, email enquiries@afcanberra.com.au or visit afcanberra.com.au
to
Gallery has lots for families to enjoy
NOT only is the National Portrait Gallery a great place to stay cool over the summer while enjoying its stunning views, its manager of learning programs, Krysia Kitch says there’s a range of activities for families.
“Some have a cost attached but three of the programs are free,” she says.
“We’ll have a family space called ‘Face Lab’. The idea is there will be lots of opportunities to investigate your own face or other people’s faces in quirky ways.
“It includes a little library corner and there’s lots of drawing and activities.”
Reflecting on the gallery’s ideas of portraiture and identity Krysia says people can expect a lot of unusual mirrors and a lot of fun.
“We also have ‘Drawn In’ on December 26 as an alternative to going shopping for
sales,” she says.
“Come and chill out and listen to ‘Humbug’, which is a band. There will also be drawing materials available.”
The third free family activity offered by the National Portrait Gallery over the holidays is “Head Hunt”.
“Families are given an iPad and set off into the gallery to explore the portraits in the collection through a series of prompts and instructions,” she says.
And, while story time, on January 3 and 30 isn’t free, it only costs $7 and Krysia says it’s an opportunity to come and listen to a story and then do a lot of creative making.
National Portrait Gallery, King Edward Terrace, Parkes. Call 6102 7000, email info@npg.gov.au or visit portrait.gov.au
Art workshops will keep the kids busy
FROM animal bones to jugglers, Lavender Art Studios has a range of exciting workshops to entertain children aged five to 13 these holidays.
“At Lavender Art Studios, we will, once again, unearth our very large collection of especially collected animal bones,” says art studio manager Elita Mackay.
Starting January 21, Elita says students will explore native American tribes and their connection with nature and the environment through drawing, painting and sculpting tribal life such as sacred animals, symbols, totem poles, shields and canoes.
Then, in week two, Elita says Lavender Art Studios will present a fantastical human circus art experience.
“The young artists will have the opportunity to create pictures, sculpt and make prints of clowns, hoopers, jugglers, trapeze acts and musicians to name just a few,” she says.
“The colourful excitement of a circus in action will help flair the creative pieces this summer at Lavender Art Studios.
“We also offer a very dynamic visual arts program during school terms for eight to 19-year-olds.
Lavender Art Studios, first floor, 42 Townshend Street, Phillip. Call 6292 6339, email elita.mackay@lavenderartstudios.com.au or visit lavenderartstudios.com.au
THE colour of Christmas is red, from the Father Christmas costume to plants decorating the Christmas table and poinsettia is also synonymous with its bright-red bracts.
Poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima) is sold around the world at this time, especially in the US where, on December 12, National Poinsettia Day commemorates the 1851 death of botanist, physician and the first US ambassador to Mexico, Dr Joel R. Poinsett, who introduced the plant into America in 1828. Native to southern Mexico, it was previously dismissed by botanists as a weed.
In Mexico it is known as flor de nochebuena (flower of the holy night) or Christmas Eve flower.
Once the red leaves or bracts fall, they can live in pots for many years. Like all pot plants, if using a saucer under the pot, fill the saucer with pebbles and sit the pot on top of them. This keeps the roots out of the water. Feed regularly using organic seaweed plant nutrient. Contrary to popular belief poinsettia is not poisonous.
In All Saints Anglican Church, Ainslie, a half-metre-tall poinsettia is many years old and almost thrives on neglect.
HOWEVER, if we want to be truly Australian, maybe we should consider using native flowers and what better flower than wonderful bottle brushes, with the rich red of Callistemon “Endeavour” being the perfect choice. They make a perfect cut flower, lasting a long time and providing a wonderful display on the Christmas table.
THEN there’s the Christmas tree, traditionally
Poinsettia… its bright-red bracts are synonymous with Christmas.
Norway spruce (Picea Abies). This tradition was started in the 1830s when Prince Albert, husband of Queen Victoria, introduced it from his native Germany.
The alternative quintessentially Australian tree is our Wollemi pine. This is an ideal pot specimen without lots of falling needles. Every few years it may be necessary to repot into a larger size.
WHEN it comes to presents, buying plants for family or friends comes to mind. However, I prefer to give a gift voucher. Giving plants when recipients might be heading off on summer
holidays means they may return home to find the new plant has completely dried out! And, of course, gift vouchers can be used for other items for the keen gardener – maybe a good pair of garden gloves or perhaps secateurs?
Although one gift that I still love to get is a good gardening book. Possibly the best range of gardening books is at the Australian National Botanic Gardens bookshop.
ARIES (Mar 21 – Apr 20)
Monday’s powerful Mars-Pluto connection boosts your bravado and encourages having an extra proactive and passionate approach to current projects (especially at work). With Uranus moving through your sign, it’s also time to celebrate your feisty independence and completely unique talents. So, your mantra for the moment is from birthday great, actress and activist Jane Fonda: “I have a confidence about my life that comes from standing tall on my own two feet.”
TAURUS (Apr 21 – May 21)
Patching up relationship problems will be easier now than at other times, as Venus visits your partnership zone. Of course, most people will be busy rushing around, stirred up by the Full Moon, the pre-Christmas shopping and the festive celebrations. Not dependable Bulls though! Nothing will deter you from your pre-set Taurean timetable. Don’t worry if loved ones or work colleagues become impatient with your perceived lack of speed… just keep going at your own steady pace.
GEMINI (May 22 – June 21)
Are you running around being busy but you’re actually achieving very little? Slow down and work your way through your Yuletide to-do list one logical step at a time. You’re certainly in chatterbox mode, as the Mercury-Jupiter link exaggerates your need for hot gossip and garrulous good times. Friday and Saturday are the best days (and nights) for parties and festive frolics but resist the urge to overshare personal details or spread unsubstantiated rumours about others.
CANCER (June 22 – July 23)
The Full Moon stimulates your sign so expect an intense and emotional week. Your capacity to adapt will be put to the test, both professionally and in personal relationships. If you are overly defensive in your opinions and bossy in your behaviour, then loved ones and colleagues will just stop listening to what you have to say. So, your motto for the moment is from British statesman (and birthday great) Benjamin Disraeli: “Change is inevitable. Change is constant.”
LEO (July 24 – Aug 23)
Expect an exciting and whirlwind week as you spend the first few days celebrating the festive season with lively Leo sparkle and shine. Artistic pursuits and travel are also highlighted, as Uranus stirs the restless and creative Cat within. But then you’ll feel like retreating into your Lion’s den on the weekend, when the Full Moon stimulates your solitude zone. Meditation and contemplation are favoured as you ponder your future and dream big dreams for the coming year.
VIRGO (Aug 24 – Sept 23)
This week Mercury joins up with Jupiter, which stimulates your versatile creativity and voracious Virgo curiosity. But stop stressing and micro-managing everything! A flexible and philosophical approach brings rewards at work and puts you in the mood for a fun festive season at home. The more you give family members room to express their individuality, the happier everyone will be. Saturday night’s Full Moon is the perfect time to formulate your goals for 2019.
LIBRA (Sept 24 – Oct 23)
Monday is the best day to roll up your sleeves and tackle overdue tasks at home or work. On Friday, Neptune blesses creative projects, a romance blossoms or your intuition helps you find a welcome solution to an annoying problem. It’s also a good time to meditate, listen to music, get lost in a fantasy novel or watch a romantic movie. When it comes to buying last-minute Christmas gifts for friends and family members, look for sentimental treasures with a home-made feel.
SCORPIO (Oct 24 – Nov 22)
Confidence and chutzpah are the secrets to having a fabulous festive season –personally, romantically and financially. Venus is visiting your sign so it’s a week when love, listening, charm and cooperation will take you far. When it comes to gift buying and Christmas expenses, think outside the square. An informed and innovative approach to money matters now will lead to more abundance in 2019. Saturday night’s Full Moon stirs your restless wanderlust.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov 23 – Dec 21)
It’s a wonderful week to learn something new or escape somewhere off the beaten track. For some lucky Sagittarians, love and lust are on the menu on the weekend, when the Full Moon steams up your sensuality zone. For others, an issue involving joint financial matters (or shared possessions) comes to a head and demands to be addressed in a direct way. Strive to be less dreamily self-indulgent and more decisively proactive. An ounce of action is worth a pound of pondering.
CAPRICORN (Dec 22 – Jan 20)
Conscientious Capricorns love Christmas preparations to run efficiently and smoothly. But there’s unpredictable Full Moon energy about, so why not drop the perfectly planned schedule and take things as they come? Uranus encourages you to be more adventurous. If you are overly-cautious, then a fabulous opportunity could pass you by. So, your motto is from fellow Capricorn, Muhammad Ali: “If you’re not courageous enough to take risks, then you’ll accomplish nothing in life.”
AQUARIUS (Jan 21 – Feb 19)
It’s all about friendships and social networking this week, as you catch up with local mates; enjoy corresponding with international connections; or share a special dream with a like-minded bohemian soul. Make it a priority to surround yourself with progressive people who admire your quirky Aquarian side. But don’t be too hasty in your evaluation of a person or situation. Just remember there is much more going on than meets the eye, so take the time to look a lot deeper.
PISCES (Feb 20 – Mar 20)
This week’s pre-Christmas stars are all about loving, learning, helping and healing. It’s a rewarding time to be of service to others as you lend a hand to someone in need or help to heal a rift between friends. Friday night’s Venus-Neptune link is fabulous for magical daydreams or a romantic rendezvous. Whereas Saturday night’s Full Moon fires up your entertainment zone. So, prepare for some festive fun and social shenanigans as you mix and mingle, and party to the max!
Copyright Joanne Madeline Moore 2018
THANK heavens for
Downward Dog – I could do it.
Up, up I stretched with my thighs screaming in protest. My arms were quivering but I managed to hold the position for an interminable time; and then the teacher said: “Now we will go into Plank.”
She described this manoeuvre in the calming, encouraging voice of all yoga teachers but it was no good. “Oooomigooph!” I had collapsed on my stomach, my chi was unharnessed and I was now in a pose which could only be called Beached Whale.
and strange language and everyone breathes through their left nostril or shoots their toes up in unison.
This was my second yoga session for the week and in the previous 10 days I had been to Curves (gym for women) and had tried trendy Pilates for the first time. We were at Tuross (Canberra-on-Sea) the small south-coast village where many forms of group exercise are on offer at the Community Hall for the mostly retired people who, like myself, were anxious to keep being well and alive.
Across
1 What are finely divided leaves, as applied to ferns? (6)
8 Which term describes an illicit lover? (8)
9 What do we call one who acts injuriously to another? (6)
10 Which term implies a relationship to an empire? (8)
11 Name another expression for a customer. (6)
12 Which Latin adverb means "therefore"? (4)
13 What are trousers called? (5)
16 What is a grassy surface of land known as? (5)
19 Which term describes something that is secondhand? (4)
21 What are dome-shaped Eskimo huts, built from blocks of hard snow? (6)
22 What do we call the last work of someone, prior to retirement? (4,4)
23 Name an area of a city in which a minority group lives in poverty and overcrowding. (6)
24 What is another term for a homonym? (8)
25 Which place is frequented by holiday makers? (6)
Down
2 What is also known as German measles? (7)
3 Which term describes that which is beginning to exist or develop? (7)
4 What is an elf, fairy, or goblin? (6)
5 What is another name for summerhouses? (7)
6 La Paz is the administrative capital of which South American republic? (7)
7 Which republic is known poetically as the Emerald Isle? (7)
13 What is another name for a gift? (7)
14 Which aluminium soaps are used in flame throwers, etcetera? (7)
15 To continue in existence, is to do what? (7)
17 Name an Australian renowned Test batsman, Doug ... (7)
18 What is the male of the domestic fowl? (7)
20 Which term is descriptive of an Australian returned soldier? (6)
Fortunately, I just missed knocking into the woman doing a perfect pose next to me and thereby avoided the toppling of the 10 other Plankers in my line.
Everything is deadly serious in a yoga session and anyway, you are completely focused on trying to get your left leg over your right ankle while looking over your left shoulder at your left arm which is reaching out as far as it will go while your right arm is, god knows where, flailing around trying to land somewhere. You aren’t interested in what others in the group are doing and anyway, you reach a certain age when you don’t get embarrassed anymore (except when you forget your daughter-in-law’s name).
There are various sorts of yoga and this morning I was doing Hatha which seemed as torturous as Dru, but I wasn’t sure of the difference; at least they all seem to have the 10 minutes of relaxation (savasana, meaning corpse like) before and after and that’s the best part.
You are supposed to clear your mind of everything but I can’t do that and am perfectly relaxed having a good think about important things such as will there be any pork fillet left at the butcher when this is over?
The whale music is soft and this teacher fortunately doesn’t talk all the time in Sanskrit with translation which is very annoying but they all talk a lot; it’s the ultimate religious power game really as the guru expertly leads her flock with notic tones
A German, Joseph Pilates, developed his system of healthy exercise – Contrology – while interned on the Isle of Man during World War I. My class had 20 people including a few males and went for an hour with only a brief relaxation at the end.
As always, I was amazed at the limb contortions that can be achieved by the human body. The exercises for strength and flexibility seemed similar to yoga but easier. The teacher constantly moved round the group straightening and correcting and very gently assisted me get my right leg out of my left ear.
There was a similar emphasis on breathing properly but as usual, I was always exhaling when I should have been inhaling. At the end – as with the yoga sessions – I felt absolutely terrific. Rather like you feel after childbirth or when you finally get out of church on a sunny day.
Back in Canberra I returned to my three times a week sessions at Curves and decided that this form of group fitness suited me best. For one thing, you work at your own pace with nobody telling you what to do and the machines and running pads in between give you a very thorough workout. Best of all, it’s only 30 minutes from start to finish. Bliss. But doing some yoga and pilates was useful because I learnt that while both are very worthwhile, you should pick one discipline, stick with it and get proficient. And it doesn’t hurt to attend classes with teachers from time to time to get your body working in different ways and your chi up and running.
After my 10 days of comparison, I felt virtuous, sore in the groin and immensely proud that not once had I farted in public!
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