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OCTOBER 27, 2011 • VOL 2, ISSUE 15
AS
MCN Giveaway A double pass to Short and - page 10 Sweet Cabaret A double pass to Short and - page 10 Sweet Theatre
Melbourne City Newspaper
10% Off Costanzo’s Microbrewing Courses - page 6
Time to start horsin’ around
inside
With the weather changing from summer sunshine to wintry greys, the seasons combine to give you the perfect opportunity to show off your glad rags at Halloween or the Spring Racing Carnival.
plus Party Pumpkins
Haunted Melbourne
Who is the real boogeyman? pages 4
pages 13
- page 8
Fashion’s dark side
Sisters in crime tell their - page 11 stories
Hollywood remakes - page 10
page 9
MCN LOCAL NEWS
APPROX: 65,000 COPIES MONTHLY Results of CAB Audit September-March 2011
Editor-in-Chief: Paul McLane Editorial: Dione Joseph Marketing & Media Manager: Heather Bloom Interns: Karl Shami, Melissa Ulrich, Cassie McKay, Steven Ho Designer: Matt Hocking Marketing: Pummi Sooden Photographer: AP Guru Production Manager: Lisa Stathakis Publisher: Paras Australia Pty Ltd Distributor: Arrow Distribution and Private Distribution
CONTACT Toll free: 1300 80 40 33 Website: www.mc-news.com.au Postal Address: PO Box 582 Collins St West, VIC 8007 Address: 416-420 Basement Collins St, Melbourne CBD 3000 Next Issue on: 3 November, 2011 (Published every Thursday) Advertising: marketing@mc-news.com.au Events Listings: events@mc-news.com.au Freelance submissions: mail@mc-news.com.au General inquiries/feedback: info@mc-news.com.au
Disclaimer MC NEWS and web MC-NEWS. com.au due care in the preparation of the publication but is not responsible or liable for any mistakes, omissions or misprints. MC NEWS prints advertisements provided to the publisher, but gives no warranty and makes no representation as to the truth or accuracy of any description and accepts no liability for any loss suffered by any person who relies on any statement contained herein. MC NEWS reserves the right to refuse, abbreviate or delete any advertisement at any time. Advertisements are responsible for advertising copy by virtue of the Trades Practices Act and advertisements are published in good faith. All logos and trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Images are for illustrative purposes only.
By Dione Joseph
T
he word utopia is often bandied in the most casual of ways but the etymology suggests two very distinct notions, that of an ideal place which is good/ true, as the Greek root of the word ‘eu’ proposes; but it is also imaginary (i.e. no place). These two fundamental ideas are the tenet of Asialink’s Utopia which recently presented it’s first public forum and exhibition themed around art in the Asia Pacific region. The exhibition, which is currently running till November 5, looks at the issues of intimacy within public space. The idea to create a forum which discusses this notion of utopia as a collective and collaborative initiative first took root in Tokyo and has now spread itself across five cities. Melbourne, Seoul, Singapore, New Delhi and Tokyo have come together to establish a cross-cultural forum between Australia and Asia and Director of Utopia@Asialink Nathalie King is very excited about the exhibition which is part of the Melbourne International Festival. “Utopia is nomadic venture and it evolves and shifts and responds to visual arts initiatives across a variety of visual art institutions,” explains
King, “From what developed mainly as a research project we are now an incubator for cross-cultural ideas.” Indonesia and China are potentially the next cultural partners to be joining the Utopia clan and plans continue to expand and grow. “Melbourne is a pivotal centre with plenty of contemporary art spaces and a diverse artistic spectrum,” says King, “And because Utopia looks at the local and also considers the global, within that context we’re engaging with local geographies and its nuanced, intimate publics.” The five cities in partnership are represented by members who are key practitioners or have come from strong visual arts based practices. “We all work in different cities, so we’re more of an international circus so we try and find other events to meet where we are in situ.” Intimate Publics is an international exhibition of video works that delve into the revelatory world of intimacy within public spaces at Fehily Contemporary Gallery from Thursday 13 October – Saturday 5 November.
Photo: Louise Blyton
Melbourne City Newspaper
Utopia’s latest venture: exploring concepts of visual art
Yum yum! A delicious concoction featured in the Smart, Alec exhibition
Sweet hat is tops By Heather Bloom
M
en’s hat store Smart, Alec is celebrating with a “From the neck up” exhibition, Smart, Alec brought together eight contemporary Melbourne artists and asked them to create a unique work using one of Smart, Alec’s top hats. Running from October 19 to November 23, “From the neck up” is a stunning display of what can happen when you give artists the opportunity to let their imaginations run wild. The eight artists involved each pulled something different out of the hat (pardon the pun) in their designs, from a Phar
Lap inspired piece to a wired cactus hat that is constantly lit up. Owner of Smart, Alec and the man who devised the event, Michael Albert says, “I deliberately pick artists for this exhibition; they think differently to milliners and try new things that someone trained in the industry wouldn’t.” Now in its second year, “From the neck up” is playing into the “Old Fitzroy” ambience, and achieving great success. “We’re very lucky to be where we are,” says Albert, “There’s definitely a market for hats in the area (Smith St) and an untapped one at that.” Of the seven magnificent
creations on show the clear winner was the top hat covered in hundreds and thousands, a delectable piece of art that looks good enough to eat. Artist Louise Blyton was proud to invoke a feeling of childlike innocence and comfort with her top hat. “When I see a great hat on someone, I have a saying: sweet hat” says Albert, Louise’s design is the epitome of that saying, it really is a sweet hat.” From The Neck Up Smart, Alec 71 Smith Street Fitzroy Oct 19 - Nov 23, 10am- 6pm
Derby with a difference By Milla Carter
W
e’ve all got that picture in our head; girls on girls, whizzing round in lycra and the retro-rockabilly paraphernalia that goes with it. But VRDL have battled hard to tone down the spectatorship of the sport; contracting players in the league to gain approval by their media officer before being interviewed by the press and through coverage by sponsors such as Inpress magazine. “The first rule of Fight Club is you don’t talk about Fight Club,” says one exVictorian Roller Derby Leaguer (VRDL). Ironically, it was a journalist himself who invented the sport.
“...sportswriter Damon Runyon noticed when skaters collided, the audience loved it. He suggested changing the way the game was played could increase audience attendance...and Derby evolved into the sport it is [today].” [VRDL website] VRDL goes on to allude to a correlation between, ‘the 80s, [when] theatrical elements [in Roller Derby] were devised similar to professional wrestling, and eventually the public interest waned.’ But as our source says, “that’s not why interest waned. Look at Big Brother, it ran for six years, then hit saturation point. A wrestler will note the similarities [between Roller Derby] and they are just as frustrated at the pub-
Look out! Moving in on the competition
lic perception that it’s not a real sport; those muscles are real!” “Theatrics are important. They can also detract, but to keep a league going you have to have bums on seats. If you are not entertaining, then people aren’t going to buy those tickets. I don’t watch VRDL matches anymore because I know who’s going to win by a mile, even if their uniforms are less provocative.” Like Fight Club itself, “feeling like you’re a rock star with the costumes and fans makes the hard work of training worth it.” The growing alternatives to VRDL, South Sea Roller Derby (SSRD) and Melbourne Northside Rollers (MNR) hope to give bouters greater freedom: “VRDL want to create a legitimate sport. That’s fine, but they still have a lot of influence through media control of and an unofficial blacklist over those other two Victorian leagues. Those leagues are generally composed of women who left VRDL because they couldn’t keep up with the required training attendance and found it unfamily friendly. MNR are filling the gap VRDL left for people who want to play the sport but not make it their whole life and SSRD allow children at practice. They both still keep their personality and their outfits.”
Photo: Ben Grech
MCN
OCTOBER 27, 2011 • VOL 2, ISSUE 15
Photo: Ben Grech
2
Thou shalt not take Derby’s name in vain
Upcoming bouts: VDRL-Saturday October 29, Melbourne Showgrounds, doors open 4.45pm, bout 5.45pm, tix $25 through moshtix. SSRD-Saturday, November 5, Springers Leisure Centre, 400 Cheltenham Rd, Keysborough, doors open 6:30pm, wheels
down at 7:30pm, All ages welcome, alcohol available for 18+, Tix: $10 adults, children $5, under-5s free. Visit www.northsiderollers. com to sign up for an expression of interest.
LOCAL NEWS MCN
OCTOBER 27, 2011 • VOL 2, ISSUE 15
3
Photo: Black Heart Brewery/Amy Lewis Design
Q&A with Black Heart Brewery By Cassie McKay
M
CN’s Cassie McKay interviews Brad Schultz and explores what has made this particular business brew some pretty good local beer. Q: Where did the idea of Black Heart Brewery come from and how has it taken shape?
Photo: Black Heart Brewery Amy Lewis Design
A: We started talking about setting up this business many years ago. Robin Brown, our head brewer, has had a long and successful history of brewing in the amateurbrewing scene. As a member of Bayside Brewers he has pro-
duced winning beers for both the Vicbrew Amateur Brewing and the Australian Amateur Brewing Competitions. One of the prizes for the Vicbrew was to produce a beer for Fed. Square’s fifth Birthday, which was the Fed 5 Weizen. Now it’s amazing to think that things have come full circle, and we are back here at Fed. Square. The beers we are producing are not available to the public direct from the brewery, but we hope will be available at the various bars and bottle shops that support the Craft Brewery industry.
Q: As this is your first year in the showcase, are you a bit nervous or excited or both? A: I think the term ‘nervous excitement’ sums it up beautifully. This showcase was essentially the launch for our beers, so there was a lot to be nervous about. We produced five beers for the showcase, which in hindsight was probably over the top, but at least we can say we didn’t fluke any of them! Q: How does it feel to have the public sample your showcase? A: We’d be back to discussing ‘nervous excitement’ again, but I’d have to say, there is nothing better than watching other people openly enjoy your beers. We have thought that these have been good beers for some time, which I guess is part of the reason we have started Black Heart, but to have people come up to you and say that they really enjoyed your beers is great reward.
Black Heart Brewery’s Brad Schultz
Q: What excites you about brewing? A: We have a saying in our brewery that “even the worst day in the brewery, is better than the best day at work.” The brewery can get pretty stressful at times but it’s not a patch on our day jobs. Q: Do you have any new beers or projects coming up, that you can share with readers? A: Our line-up at this stage includes eight bottled beers and we have always been driven to get our beers onto the beer lists of some of Melbourne’s quality dining spots. It’s depressing to walk into a good restaurant and find the usual suspects on the
beer list. Beer is not the poor cousin to wine! We’re also producing keg beers so that you can get some at your favourite local. Again with the keg beers we have always wanted to supply supporters of craft beers with something that they particularly want. If you want it, chances are we can supply it. Q: What inspired your name Black Heart Brewery? A: We played around with names for some time, but it was Robin’s wife Angela, who came up with the name. Both Robin and I work in the field of cardiac surgery at two of the public hospitals in Melbourne. So I guess the use of “heart” in
the name is a given. We both really loved the name when it was suggested and so that was that. It didn’t take long for me to realise that we may seem to be jumping onboard the coat tails of the Blackhearts & Sparrows guys, but we felt strongly about the name and had good reason to go with it. Q: If you could drink only one beer for the rest of your life, what would it be? A: Belgian Blonde Ale! Q: Black Heart Brewery’s top three imported beers? A: Belgian Blonde Ale, Weizen, Saison.
ADVERTORIAL
Are you ready for a change A craft brewing change that is? With over 140 microbreweries in Australia there is a positive and significant trend towards craft brewed beer By Vincent Costanzo and Costa Nikias
Beverage and Brewing Consultings, Costa Nikias
I
n fact, while figures released show an overall decrease in beer consumption in many sectors, the Craft Beer industry continues to buck this trend. An increase
in sales is partly due to the increased choice a consumer has in terms of beer flavours and aromas and partly because of consumers’ discerning attitudes. When we compare to the American scene, where a revolution is occurring in the microbrewing industry and experiencing double digit percentage growth in the sheer numbers of microbreweries each year, then we have to stand up and listen. And in Australia, Melbourne is the place to be if you consider that the second largest international brewing competition in the world is held here. Interest is also evident if we look at the thriving homebrewing scene in Victoria with seven established clubs, and the hosting of the first two homebrewing conferences in Australia. Many homebrewers dream of becoming a microbrewer. Some seek further education in the hope of understanding
the business and improving their brewing skills and experience. So have you ever wanted to start your own brewery? Well here is your last opportunity for 2011 to attend a session on how to Start Your Own Microbrewery conducted in Melbourne in November. The session will address topics such as industry outlook, seven vital ingredients to success, equipment selection, ins and outs of brewery finance and will provide a road map to success in establishing your very own microbrewery please visit www.beverageandbrewingconsulting.com for more details And if you are considering learning more of the brewing principles there will be opportunities in 2012 in Melbourne and other areas of Australia. The short courses will address such topics as how to get consistent beer every time you brew, whether your equipment is the cause of your problems,
Costanzo Brewing Consultants, Vince Costanzo
why oxygen should be avoided at all cost, hands-on brewing and much more. Feel free to check it out on www.costanzobrewing.com/home-brewing-courses If you are looking for a sea
change or should we say a brew change, then why not look at the above websites or contact Vincent on 0408104176 or Costa on 0422517210 for further information?
4
MCN FEATURE
OCTOBER 27, 2011 • VOL 2, ISSUE 15
Haunted Melbourne
Sinton hosts Haunted Australia and is a respected local historian. He commences the ghost tour from his CBD business, The Haunted Bookshop. The bookshop in itself boasts interesting material on all things paranormal, including
Photo: Creative Commons/Linking Paths
Photo: Creative Commons/Triumphsix
Who knew Melbourne was so haunted? Melbourne has an eerie history. Haunted hotels, graveyards and houses throughout Victoria host some bone-chilling true stories. Even the Queen Victoria Market is subject to plenty of spirit rumours, having originally been the site of Melbourne’s first cemetery. In fact, thousands
“Even the Queen Victoria Market is subject to plenty of spirit rumours, having originally been the site of Melbourne’s first cemetery.”
Pumpkin carving is a fun Halloween tradition for the whole family
The Melbourne Zombie Shuffle 2010
vampires, ghosts and magic. Lantern Ghost Tours is operated by certified paranormal investigators and historians and offers tours on weekends of haunted spots throughout Melbourne. Private tours are available, and a haunted pretour dinner is offered at Young & Jacksons Hotel in the city. October 24 - 31 is a Halloween “Ghost Week,” where special tours are offered of lunatic asylums, haunted hotels, morgues and homesteads.
burlesque dancers. Prizes will be offered for the best dressed party goers. “The Thriller Halloween Party” is another event being publicised, which happens Halloween night at Khokolat Bar on Hardware Lane. Entertainment will include costume give aways, music and Michael Jackson paraphernalia. The venue will be decked out in Halloween decor, and people arriving in costume will receive two complimentary drinks.
Shufflin’ with zombies
Family-friendly thrills & chills
Thanks largely to Facebook, Melbourne is about to experience its fourth annual biggest gathering of the undead. The “Zombie Shuffle” has become somewhat of a phenomenon in Melbourne, where hoards of people dressed in zombie gear and gore gather to roam the streets of the CBD. The event organisers strive to operate in cooperation with the Victoria Police, so they do not condone the defacing or terrorising of local businesses or buildings. However, do expect to hear the chiming of “BRAINS! BRAAAIIINNS!” echoing throughout the city streets. According to the event’s Facebook page, the zombie walk happens October 30, with meeting locations still to be announced.
A family-friendly option for Halloween is this year’s “Cadbury Screme Egg Halloween Spooktacular.” The Halloween fest will run October 28 - 31 at the Docklands. There will be various entertainment, trickor-treating, rides and amusements for children and adults. Attendants can participate in lantern painting and pumpkin carving and meet Casper the ghost. Older kids can walk through an attraction called Hollywood Horrors, where
Photo: Creative Commons/Bee Free
Walking with ghosts
remain buried there! For those keen on exploring the scary side of Melbourne’s history, there are ongoing haunted tours open to the public. The Haunted Melbourne Ghost Tour is Melbourne’s oldest ghost tour and has been featured on The Great Outdoors. The two-hour haunted walk is offered Wednesday and Saturday nights, hosted by renowned occultist, author and TV presenter Drew Sinton.
A little devil proving you’re never too young to get into the Halloween spirit!
people walk through 13 of the scariest movie scenes, such as Texas Chainsaw Massacre and Friday the 13th. There will be appropriate entertainment options for all ages. Tickets are available through Ticketek. Another Halloween event for children is this year’s AWA (American Women’s Auxiliary to the Royal Children’s Hospital) “Trunk or Treat.” The event runs October 30 at Elsternwick
Park Sports Cover Arena, and provides parents a safe venue to let their children trick-ortreat. Proceeds will support the Royal Children’s Hospital. The event will entail the decoration of car trunks/boots, from which children will trick-ortreat, as well as carnival games and a costume contest. More details can be found at www. awamelbourne.org Happy Haunting!
Party into the night There will be plenty of reasons to party this weekend between Halloween and the Spring Racing Carnival. Hotels and bars throughout Melbourne will be hosting various themed parties, where people can dance off all those extra calories acquired throughout the race season. And given many Halloween parties entail costumes, it’s the perfect excuse to whip out those embarrassing dance moves incognito. “Creepshow 2011” is a large Halloween party happening at the Espy (Esplanade) Hotel on October 29. The party will boast three stages and a big line up of bands, along with
Photo: Sarah Browning
W
ith each passing year, Melbourne seems to widen its embrace of the Spooky Season and this year doesn’t look like being any different. October represents more than just horses, after all! This year, Halloween falls on the Monday before Cup Day. Always celebrated on October 31, All Hallow’s Eve is a night to celebrate all things supernatural and scary. And in the lead up, Melbourne will not be lacking for opportunities to get your thrills and chills. For those seeking a little inspiration, the following haunted happenings are a great place to start. But be warned: you might be jumping at your own shadow by the month’s end!
Photo: Creative Commons/Richard Munckton
By Sarah Browning
The Haunted Bookshop, do you dare to go in?
LOCAL PROFILE MCN
OCTOBER 27, 2011 • VOL 2, ISSUE 15
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Offering good vibrations By Karl Shami
“I think it’s quite interesting to use the sounds and the tools that are available healing wise, in combination with Western medicine” - Sheila Kennedy
a specific set of bells. I write pages of words and I ring the bells to those words, so the sound of the bells actually carries the instruction (if you like) into the level of the cells and removes the memories.” But working as a vibrational kinesiologist isn’t Kennedy’s only skill, she’s explored a number of different alternative therapist paths in her career of over 30 years, including Reiki and Chakra Balancing and has worked as a psychic for a
number of years until it started proving to be a factor in her health. “I’m a trans-medium, which means I close my eyes and I disappear somewhere else, and it’s too hard to come back,” says Kennedy, “Because you honestly don’t want to…it’s a very peaceful place to go and look at other things and I decided then that it was coming to the stage that I needed to stop working at that level.” Kennedy has a number of websites, with each one covering the different areas of work she does and the people she works with. One particular passion of is working with children with learning difficulties such as ADD and autism. Some of Kennedy’s own children had learning disabilities, and so she started exploring the options available to her. “So I started looking at what was available for children because there was very little,” says Kennedy. “If you can change someone’s life and especially a child, then you don’t have an adult with a problem.” She describes her own childhood as being quite eclectic, with a mixture of Welsh and Spanish-gypsy on one side, and Irish and Scottish on the other. “They got a strange child basically, who talked to what my mother referred to as dead people,” says Kennedy. “[She] was absolutely horrified by the fact she had a child who talked to people who were deceased.” Kennedy grew up being told she had an overactive imagination, but she had a psychic
grandmother who understood her. “I think everyone has some level of psychic ability [and] most children are born with it basically,” says Kennedy, “We tend to have it disregarded. If you’re constantly told you have
“You’d find that the curses are often related to something in the genetic line… and every memory that’s been embedded in the genealogical line is in fact locked into your cell” - Sheila Kennedy
an overactive imagination or it’s all fairy stories or whatever, you stop talking about it.” One of Kennedy’s most popular requests is to remove spells and voodoo curses. In her extensive experience Kennedy has been involved in house clearing where a number of clients have requesting the removal of a “ghost” from the house. “You’d find that the curses are often related to something in the genetic line…and every memory that’s been embedded in the genealogical line is in fact locked into your cell,” says Kennedy. “So spells and curses are a big part of that,
Photo: www.soundsfromsource.com
M
eet Sheila Kennedy a vibrational kinesiologist. If that rather intimidating title has confused you, don’t worry, Kennedy is happy to explain what those multisyllabic words actually mean. Using vibrations from a set of bells, and the ideas behind cellular memory, Kennedy can heal and work with clients in a number of ways. “I’ve learnt to work with many, many different instruments from around the world,” says Kennedy, “And of those is
Sheila Kennedy , Vibrational Kenesiologist
and they’ve been around for a very, very long time.” Kennedy was diagnosed with a rare and malignant cancer ten months ago, and is currently undergoing a “cancer journey from an alternative practitioners perspective.” She kept the cancer to herself until recently, but now plans to write a book, describing an alternative therapist’s point of view of going through her cancer journey. She was told that she needed chemotherapy, which she declined at first, fearing it would affect her work. After a doctor showed her the link between the treatment and vibration, she began to rethink the process. “I think it’s quite interesting
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to use the sounds and the tools that are available healing wise, in combination with Western medicine,” she says. Kennedy also teaches a variety of courses, including courses in kinesiology, courses dealing with voices in the head, advanced Reiki and a recent course held in Melbourne regarding people with curses and having spells put on them. A lot of the courses are currently being revamped to be
put on the internet as well as face-to-classes to overcome the difficulties of distance. “People call me from overseas and say, for example, come and teach in Ireland,” says Kennedy. “I’d love to, but it’s a long way to go, I have taught in Brunei, and people have asked me to go to the US.” Sheila Kennedy is currently doing well with her cancer treatment and is completing a PhD in meta-physics.
For more information about Sheila Kennedy and vibrational kinesiologisy, head to www.soundsfromsource.com and for SEVEN FREE weekly classes, head on over to www.soundsfromsourceacademy.com and sign up.
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MCN EVENTS
Events Calendar
OCTOBER 27, 2011 • VOL 2, ISSUE 15
Welcome to our new-style events calendar, packed with arts, entertainment, eco-events, social gatherings and stimulating public discourse. Our month-at-a-glance directory is your gateway to fun in the city. Event listings are free and subject to space availability. Email up to 50 words to events@mc-news.com.au, or stand out with a photo for only $80. Cutoff date for the next available issue (Nov 10th) is Thursday November 3 at 5pm.
General interest Chocoholic Delights Walk
NovStyle After Dark
Melbourne CBD Saturday Oct 29, 2:15pm For more info visit: www.chocoholic tours.com.au or call 9686-4655
Oct 20 - Nov 24, Thursdays from 5:30-9:30pm Coventry and Cecil Street, South Melbourne For more info visit: www.southmelbournemarket. com.au/
What better way to spend a lovely spring Saturday afternoon than to see for yourself why Melbourne is called the chocolate capital of Australia. With destinations at the Chocolate Box, Haigh’s and Koko Black among others, the Chocolate Delights walk fulfils every chocolate lover’s dream. Belgian-style truffles and other delectable treats await. Are your senses ready?
Warm spring nights lend magic to the open air night market NovStyle After Dark in South Melbourne. Browse through charming vendor stalls lined with crafts and cute summer frocks, sample the burgeoning spring and summer fare, and enjoy socialising under the stars with friends, family or that special someone.
Cadbury Screme Egg Halloween Spooktacular October 28-31 Shed 4, North Wharf Road, Docklands For more info visit: www. halloweenspooktacular.com.au Prepare for the fright of your life as Halloween descends upon Melbourne. You won’t believe the ghostly goings-on at this frighteningly freaky fourday event, which guarantees to be a scream! Creating a series of spine-tingling themed precincts to thrill the family no matter what scare level, the Cadbury Screme Egg Halloween Spooktacular will scare the socks off everyone with rides and attractions designed to appeal to young families along with intense attractions for an older crowd. The stage will be alight each day and night with shows and entertainment for everyone to enjoy, from fire and magic shows, to illusionists and hair-raising dare devil stunts. Dare for a little scare?
ISAF Sailing World Cup, Sail Melbourne Nov 6-12 Sandringham Yacht Club For more info visit: www.sailmelbourne.com.au Get swept up in the action at this year’s ISAF Sailing World Cup. As the world’s best Olympic sailors battle it out on the bay, there’s something for everyone at the Sailing World Cup Carnival, where an array of lifestyle, entertainment and fun activities await for the whole family.
Festivals
Costanzo Brewing Consultants Introductory Extract Brewing Course Nov 15, Holmesglen TAFE, Moorabbin Ever dream of strating your own microbrewery? Make that dream a reality with Costanzo Brewing consultants, simply mention “MCN” and recieve a 10% off your next microbrewing course! This course is designed for the home-brewer who has little or some experience with extract brews and wishes to learn more about the brewing techniques to produce a more consistent and good quality beer without having to invest in all grain brewing equipment.
Return to Earth by Lally Katz Nov 4-Dec 17 Melbourne Theatre Company 140 Southbank For more info call: 9690 9253 Check out award winning playwright Lally Katz’s World Premiere of “Return to Earth” showing at the Melbourne Theatre Company from November 4-December 17. In another whimsical Katz creation, protagonist Alice returns to her childhood home only to discover that she remembers nothing of her life before. How will she settle down with no memories?
Scream in the Dark at Luna Park Oct 28 - 31 Luna Park Lower esplanade, St. Kilda For more info visit: www.lunapark.com.au Although the nights are getting warmer, Scream in the Dark at Luna Park will send a chill down your spine with tons of
activities for the whole family. Wear a costume receive a 20% discount off of your unlimited ride ticket! Apart from the usual rides, the Ghost Train returns with the Joker Ghost haunting the Scenic Railway Coaster. Loads of Halloween prizes await for those brave enough to come check out the frightful festivities at Luna Park.
Live Performance Looking Through a Glass Onion October 28-29, 8pm The Palms at Crown 8 Whiteman Street, Southbank For more info call: 9292 5505 Instead of merely imitating John Lennon, John Waters explores the essence of the international icon behind such hits as “Imagine” with songs and narration. Part concert and part biography, “Looking Through a Glass Onion” is a must-see performance for any fan of both The Beatles and John Lennon. Stewart D’Arrietta and his extremely talented band provide the background for this truly moving performance.
“Orphans” by Dennis Kelly Oct 5-Nov 5 Red Stitch Actors Theatre Rear 2 Chapel Street For more info call: 9533 8083 Renowned writer Dennis Kelly brings his lauded play, “Orphans”, to the Red Stitch Actors Theatre with Imara Savage making her directorial debut. This powerful play questions the price of family loyalty in the midst of violence.
A Stranger in Town Oct 27 - Nov 13 45 Downstairs 45 Flinders Lane For more info call: 9662 9966 Inspired by Otto Lampel’s original musical diary, “A Stranger in Town” follows one man’s journey from Prague to Canada. Along the way, he meets a fish, a lion and a girl, forcing him to face certain truths about himself. Written by Christine Croyden and directed by Alice Bishop, this poignant show lyrically brings that ageold existential question to the forefront: can you really flee from your past?
World Vegan Day Sunday Nov 6 Abottsford Convent For more info visit: www.wvd.org.au Learn more about what it means to be a vegan at the free World Vegan Day at the Abbotsford Convent on Sunday 6 November. The President of Vegetarian Victoria, Mark Doneddu, will present an interesting discussion about the advantages of a plant-
Cup Eve Comedy Monday Oct 31, 7pm The Comic’s Lounge 26 Errol Street, North Melbourne For more info call: 9348 9488 Attention all racing fans! Comedic duo John Burgos and Doug Chappel present the history of the Melbourne Cup in a night of frivolity and celebration. Dinner starts at seven with tantalising mains of potato gnocchi, calamari and chicken parmigiana.
Chet Baker: Like Someone In Love
Oct 24 - 29, 8pm The Comic’s Lounge 26 Errol Street For more info call: 9348 9488
Oct 27-30, 8pm The Butterfly Club 204 Bank Street, South Melbourne For more info call: 9690 2000 or visit: www.thebutterflyclub.com
Renowned Australian comedians Trevor Marmalade and Russell Gilbert have rustled up a hilarious new live show, “The A to Z of Comedy”. With dinner and show priced at a mere forty dollars, you will be filled with all the goodness that is comedy.
International jazz extraordinaire David Goldthorpe brings a haunting, dark cabaret performance celebrating the compositions of Chet Baker, “the James Dean of jazz”. This unique show employs gritty narrative that splices the soft jazz trio.
The A to Z of Comedy
based diet and notable artist Jenny McCracken will discuss how compassionate living has inspired her art. Delicious vegan fare will be available at a myriad of food stalls, including gluten-free, raw and organic options. With lively music as a backdrop, browse through vegan cosmetics, ecotoys and learn more about animal sanctuary volunteer and adoption opportunities. This event also provides the unique chance to make a love match with vegan speed dating.
BANFF Mountain Film Festival Nov 9-10 RMIT Capitol Theatre For more info visit: www.banffaustralia.com.au The BANFF Mountain Film Festival returns to Melbourne with an epic series of six short films. Witness one woman’s bouldering escapade near the looming curve of the Tuzgle volcano in Argentina, watch daredevil skiers navigate untouched terrain in Alaska and be thrilled as Steve Fisher kayaks the treacherous Zambezi River in Africa. Other shorts showcase downhill longboarding, mountain biking and the newest combination in extreme sports, free solo climbing and base jumping.
RED CARPET MCN
OCTOBER 27, 2011 • VOL 2, ISSUE 15
Dhini
Emma Bruer
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Heather Nett King and Jane Hall
On the red carpet this week... Kikki K celebrates it’s 10th Birthday at it’s QV store, and the International Sailing Foundation (ISAF) launches the sailing world cup.
Janine Ellis, Kristina Karlsson and Jeff Ellis
Brian Hammersfield and Natalie Bloom
Nick Bracks, Karen Nguyen, Laura Peric and Adam Rabone
Minister Hugh Delahunty and Sail Melbourne Chairman Bruce Griffiths
Photo: Jeff Crow
Sophie Van Den Akker
Photo: Jeff Crow
Natalie Perkov and Prescilla Paillol
Bruce Griffiths, Malcolm Page, models wearing Pineda Covalin fashions Pippa D’Aloia-Ridley and Yenny Huber, Minister Hugh Delahunty, Jessica Crisp, Keahi de Aboitiz
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MCN FOOD & WINE
OCTOBER 27, 2011 • VOL 2, ISSUE 15
Let’s get this party pumpkin! By Melissa Ulrich
Did you know?
Photo: InterContinental Hong Kong
Don’t let that hard shell fool you! Since the pumpkin grows on a vine and contains its seeds within, the pumpkin is techinically a fruit! In fact, the pumpkin is a berry. The pumpkin belongs to the same family as cucumbers, melons, squash and gourds. [Courtesy of The Pumpkin Farm] www.thepumpkinfarm.com/ faq.html
tion is pumpkin and fish and if you want to make it a gourmet Asian twist why not try some roasted eggplant? Traditional favourites include pumpkin pie (don’t forPhoto: Creative Commons/Sean
markets currently sell Kent, Japanese and Butternut pumpkin varieties. Coles and Woolworths also offer great bargains on pumpkins as well. One large pumpkin can be used to create many dishes as every part of a pumpkin can be used including the shell and the seeds. Some popular and delicious pumpkin foods include pumpkin and rosemary soup, pumpkin and lentil curry, spiced apple and pumpkin muffins with toasted cinnamon, decadent pumpkin chocolate cheesecake, pumpkin walnut loaf and roasted and salted pumpkin seeds. Once you start researching pumpkin recipes, you’ll discover a whole world of pumpkin exists beyond the realm of pie. Here are some of our suggestions: Be brave and try roasting, grilling and even barbequing this humble orange specimen. Roasting pumpkin in particular works very well as it releases its natural oils and when cooked with garlic pods (leave them in their skins) the aroma is irresistible. Another daring op-
“Be brave and try roasting, grilling and even barbequing this humble orange specimen.”
Smashin’ Pumpkins
get the nutmeg) and pumpkin mash. For those gourmet foodies, salmon and pumpkin make delicious burger patties that even the pescetarians among us will love. And of course if it’s a main meal that you plan on serving, risotto, ravioli and lentils are the perfect complement.
How did the pumpkin come to be synonymous with Halloween? The Irish and Scottish first celebrated the All Hallows Eve with the first Jack O’Lanterns. Carved from turnips and lit with coal or candles, these lanterns represented the souls of lost loved ones. Often placed in windows and near front doors, the lanterns also warded off evil spirits released on All Hallow’s Eve. When the Irish and Scottish immigrated to North America, the larger and more plentiful pumpkin became the new lantern, a tradition which follows to this day.
Alcoholic pumpkin drinks Nutty Pumpkin Martini: 3 tsp. of Vodka 6 tsp. of Hiram Walker Pumpkin Spice 3 tsp. of Frangelico Liqueur 6 tsp. of Half & Half 1. Combine ingredients in a shaker with ice. 2. Shake vigorously. 3. Strain into martini glass. 4. Garnish and serve. Pumpkin Eater: 4.5 tsp. of Vodka 4.5 tsp. of Hiram Walker Pumpkin Spice 3 tsp. of Hiram Walker Amaretto 4.5 tsp. of Irish Cream Liqueur Fill glass with ice. Pour ingredients as listed. Stir and serve. Trick or Treat: 3 tsp. of Vanilla flavored Vodka 4.5 tsp. of Malibu Coconut Rum 4.5 tsp. of Hiram Walker Pumpkin Spice 1. Combine ingredients in a shaker with ice. 2. Shake vigorously. 3. Strain into a rocks glass and serve.
Orange you going to feel better with this drink?
Non-alcoholic pumpkin drink Pumpkin Smoothie: 1/2 cup mashed pumpkin 3/4 cup milk or vanilla yogurt 1/4 tsp. cinnamon 1/8 tsp. nutmeg 2 tsp. brown sugar 4 ice cubes 1. Combine ingredients in blender and puree until smooth. 2. Pour the smoothies into small glasses. 3. Garnish
Pumpkin is also a great addition to cocktails
Photo: Creative Commons/Jessica Tam
Photo: Creative Commons/Waferboard
Smoked fish with Miso eggplant and pumpkin
If pumpkins aren’t quite your favourite (maybe you just had a few too many as a child) then there are still other options to impress your guests. For an elegant yet sumptuous table, elect for a spread of large, warm flatbreads sliced in generous pizza-style wedges. Get creative with combinations. Infinite varieties abound and with the fresh spring produce flooding the supermarkets, this option offers more taste than the typical nuts, chips and dips that so often plague a party platter. Toppings could include hummus, black olives, and herbs or lettuce, feta cheese, finely sliced roma tomatoes, and oil and vinegar. For sweeter treats, top one with garlic, melted cheese and carmelized onions or butter, cinnamon and sugar. A variety of jams and chocolate spreads, such as nutella, can be used to transform flatbreads into delectable desserts. These are very filling, quite lovely and are very easy to eat off of a paper plate or even a napkin. No party is complete without an array of thirst quenchers and the season offers an opportunity to embrace the vibrancy and colours to create the perfect drink to accompany your party fare.
Photo: Creative Commons/Robert Judge
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f you’re not going to the races then the chances are the spooky season has got you excited. Finding the perfect party food on a budget often takes ingenuity. Since the success of a party often rests on whether guests are well fed and watered, here are several suggestions for a fare that is sure to impress. Throwing a ‘Bring Your Own Pumpkin’ potluck party and inviting guests to bring a pumpkin-based dish to share is the perfect way to celebrate in style. A myriad of farmers
Easy to make, easy to eat, a pumpkin tart sure is a treat
FASHION MCN
OCTOBER 27, 2011 • VOL 2, ISSUE 15
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Explore fashion’s dark side this Halloween T
he darkly seductive items of gothic couture are coming out of the seedy underworld of fetish stores and onto the world’s most fashionable runways. Fashion icon and pop star extraordinaire Lady Gaga is just one fashionista leading the way Gothic style, and her Halloween image is imitated by both fans and fashion houses creating designer looks for international labels. The late (Mc)Queen of Scream, Alexander McQueen, was an early pioneer of weird and wonderful designs which made him a household name. His Tim Burton inspired collections won him admiration and acclaim and have made the dark and strange all the more glamorous and desirable. Since taking the helm at Alexander McQueen, Sarah Burton has been continuing the designer’s vision, creating unique
pieces that would be perfectly at home on a horror movie set. Basing the collection around the concept of desire, Burton has made the excessive collection a reflection of a shadowy swim into murky waters. “I was thinking about a woman as an object of desire. We go to such lengths to adorn ourselves that we almost become our clothes or are taken over by them. This is a collection about excess - an exploration of ideals of beauty at their most extreme,” says Burton. McQueen’s shows often find the balance between severity and beauty, delicate fragility and raw hard-edged energy. The collections are modern but are inspired by classic British tailoring and Italian and French influences. Givenchy’s spring/summer 2011 collection wholly embraced the black fashion movement as their skeletal models
walked the catwalk with jet black hair, blood red lips in a Hallows eve inspired event. The all black couture pieces complete with bones for zips were broken up with leopard print designs and flashes of white making the concept of Goth gorgeously glamorous. John Galliano and Lanvin have also cottoned on to the gothic trend, developing their designs around the mysterious and edgy. Alber Elbaz, chief designer at Lanvin said he had “an angel in hell” in mind when designing the 2012 spring collection. Moving away from the traditional florals and pastels associated with the flowering season, Lanvin introduced dark, streamlined and sleek pieces that simply oozed sophistication and gave his models the “bad girl” image that screamed tough sexuality. Spikes, zips, stripper heels and black leather all feature
Photo: Tess Ebinger
By Heather Bloom
Local milliner, Tess Ebinger
heavily this season and for the truly eager, boned corsets are back in vogue. The waist cinching device, so adored in the Victorian era, is back with a vengeance, which is great for the feminine hourglass silhouette and not so great for anyone who values oxygen. Traditionally made with whale bone, modern day corsets are created using steel.
Burlesque performer and fashion muse Dita Von Teese owns hundreds of the sexy pieces of lingerie and says they create the ultimate image of female sexuality. Talking about her fetish for the corset Von Teese says, “A lot of people put a lot of emphasis on me wearing corsets and the pain and suffering but I think it’s a little bit like wearing a high heeled shoe. It’s not
as pleasant as going barefoot, of course, but there’s something about it that we love. That’s what I love about things like corsets and high heeled shoes.” So if you’re looking for costume inspiration this Halloween, simply take heed from fashion’s elite and go darkly into the night in your sexiest and scariest outfit. Mother monster would be proud.
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MCN STAGE & SCREEN
OCTOBER 27, 2011 • VOL 2, ISSUE 15
If it ain’t broke... let’s remake it? W
ith Halloween just around the corner, film studios are cashing in on the so-called spirit of the season with a smattering of horror movies. But of the four mainstream horror films released in October, three are remakes or sequels. Paranormal Activity 3 is the second sequel to the critically acclaimed minimalist movie released in 2007, while Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark is a remake of the 1973 television movie. The Thing has the
dubious honour of being both a prequel to and quasi-remake of the classic John Carpenter film of the same name (itself a very loose remake of the 1951 The Thing from Another World). The recent trend of Hollywood remaking classic horror movies was arguably started by The Texas Chainsaw Massacre in 2003, and has continued with remakes of classics such as Halloween, Friday the 13th and A Nightmare on Elm Street in the last five years.
Classic American horror movies aren’t the only films
“While the Japanese films use tension and lean more towards being psychological thriller, the American remakes tend to resort to cliché jump scares and gratuitous gore.”
Photo: Impawards
seeing new adaptations, several Japanese horror movies have been adapted by Hollywood studios in the last decade. This trend began with the success, both critically and commercially, of The Ring in 2002, but fizzled out rather quickly after
a few box-office bombs, such as Pulse and the sequels to The Grudge, failed to make an impact on audiences. A common criticism of the American remakes is the way they cheapen the scares of the original films. While the Japanese films use tension and lean more towards being psychological thrillers, the American remakes tend to resort to clichéd jump scares and gratuitous gore. Even the remakes of American movies suffer from a lack of nuanced charcaterisation and plot development. Margaret Pomeranz criticises The Thing on her ABC TV show At the Movies as lacking subtlety compared with Carpenter’s original. “I thought there was not very much subtlety at all,” she says. “He [John Carpenter] doesn’t go for the obvious and this guy
John Carpenter’s classic, Halloween
Photo: Impawards
By Karl Shami
John Carpenter’s 1982 classic, The Thing
[Matthijs van Heijningen] just goes for the obvious and I also had this feeling that the design overtook just about everything else, including script and character and dialogue.” Which brings to mind the whole concept of a remake. Why bother remaking a film when a subtitled re-release in an English-speaking market can suffice? This is even more baffling when taking in mind the remakes of A Nightmare on Elm Street and Friday the 13th. While the Halloween remake attempted a reimagining of the series by examining the childhood of the antagonist, both Friday the 13th and Elm Street simply carry on the tradition of a group of hapless teens being slaughtered by the respective boogeyman. Elm Street in particular simply replicates the plot almost entirely
and recreates entire scenes with (arguably) better special effects. What makes this so strange is that each of the original films spawned up to ten sequels each, which feature the antagonist making increasingly outlandish returns from the grave to murder generic teen cast members. The plots for these two franchises in particular became inconsequential, taking a back seat as a vehicle for the death scenes. Roger Ebert in his review of Elm Street for the Chicago SunTimes sums up his feelings for the remake with a weary tone, a sentiment that really does apply to most of the recent films. “The movie consists of a series of teenagers who are introduced, haunted by nightmares and then slashed to death by Freddy”, he says, “[But] so what? Are we supposed to be scared?”
Mary Elizabeth Winstead lights up the screen in Matthijs van Heijningen Jr.’s remake of The Thing
Sweet but not short on talent By Heather Bloom experience is always a plus as long as you remain positive and don’t become cynical.” Being open to new ideas and collaborations is one of the many positive aspects of Short and Sweet, and director of sister production, Short and Sweet Cabaret, Emma Clair Ford, has found working with the variety of artists involved is an inspiring experience in itself. “This year we have a huge amount of variety, everything from cabaret to dance and burlesque is on show, so you can really have whatever you fancy,” says Ford, “We are literally bursting at the seams with creativity.” Short and Sweet Cabaret is fairly new to the circuit having been the brainchild of cabaret
mastermind David Reed in 2008, and Melbourne audiences are loving every minute of these teasers of talent. One of the most enjoyable facets of Short and Sweet is not only the fact that if you don’t like it, don’t worry it will be over soon, but also the emphasis on audience participation. Directors, performers and staff at Chapel off Chapel (where the event has consistently been held) are all on hand to meet and mingle with audience members post show. On trying to pick a favourite act in her time as director, Ford struggles to choose from her many talented performers. “I have soft spots for all the acts, but I was thrilled with who won the competition last year. Hannah Williams who
won our audience’s-choice award showed great honesty in her performance and Anna Boulic created such an innovative piece of theatre. I’m very happy to have seen both acts go on and develop into full length shows.” So with ten minutes to spare, how could you resist the shocking, the stunning and the sensational Short and Sweet Festival? For your chance to WIN a double pass to Short and Sweet’s Theatre or Cabaret shows, simply email win@mc-news.com. au with your full name and contact details and ‘Short and Sweet’in the subject line.
Photo: Short and Sweet
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n what’s shaping up to be a “fun hot mess” the 2011 seasons of Short and Sweet Cabaret and Theatre are certain to thrill, entertain, amaze and mystify, with over 80 tenminute shows in a variety of mediums. Veteran of Australian theatre, Anthony Crowley, performer, composer, directer, has been involved with nearly every form of artistic endeavor this country has produced. This year he has been given the high honor of directing Short and Sweet Theatre 2011 premiering on November 2. The daunting project encompasses over 90 actors in 40 ten-minute plays over two weeks. Crowley says of his experience in the industry, “It has been an absolute advantage,
BOOKS & MUSIC MCN
OCTOBER 27, 2011 • VOL 2, ISSUE 15
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Sisters in crime tell their stories By Stephanie Campisi
Tara Moss shows that there’s no one better at time management than a mum
Hand that rocks the cradle: mixing motherhood and murder
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s bestselling author Tara Moss chaired a session on mixing motherhood and crime writing, her seven-month-old daughter Sapphira slept in her father’s arms at the back of the room. The notion of balancing these two important elements of her life became salient the moment her pregnancy began to show, she says. “I had some very odd conversations. One woman said to me ‘you won’t be writing books any more, honey.” The bitter comments have inspired Moss to new heights, and the author has a number of books in the pipeline and continues to appear regularly on television. “It’s motivating when people underestimate you.” Kylie Fox says that having children was a catalyst for pursuing her writing career. “I needed something that was mine, not theirs. I also wanted to show them the importance of following their dreams.” Angela Savage adheres to a strict schedule in order to ensure that her writing remains a priority. “We plan our meals ahead of time, organise date nights and writing nights, and
have a ‘sparent’ who helps out.” Despite common misconceptions, motherhood hasn’t blunted these talented authors’ love of a good murder. Leigh Redhead says that becoming a mother has honed her eye for teasing out potential plot ideas, “I see risks and danger everywhere.” Moss agrees. “My feelings about issues such as justice have intensified, which can only be good for a writer.” Perhaps, in part because of this, none of the authors is concerned about their children
leading to some frantic rewriting before the book went to press. Singaporean author Shamini Flint, on the other hand, has evoked rumbles of complaint after mentioning Asia’s sewerage systems in her work. “It doesn’t matter that it’s accurate. ‘What would the foreigners think?’ they ask.” But Flint, author of the Detective Singh series, is determined to keep her sewers, pointing out that it’s essential to play up the unique aspects of a city and to remove any bland universals. “There are no Starbucks in my books.” Readers, after all, want to take away a sense of the place they’re reading about. Orford likens this desire to a sort of literary tourism. Symon agrees, saying, “It’s more complex than a tourist brochure. The setting varies with the mood of the book and the perceptions of the main character.” Flint also points to authorial intrusion, “Inspector Singh is always happy to stop mid-investigation to go and eat a curry.” Although able to evoke a sense of place in its own way, Flint notes that it’s also a reflection of her own current mindset, “Inspector Singh eats when I do!”
It’s a savage world out there - author Angela Savage
Photo: Brooke Fasani
to kill each other, but in a very specific way,” she laughs. “Don’t try to intervene.” It’s not just the crimes that are a challenge. New Zealand author Vanda Symon recalls receiving criticism for sullying Melbourne’s Botanic Gardens after using it as the setting for a fictional murder. Getting the key facts right is also essential. Symon described a situation where a bridge described in one of her books was actually destroyed in real life,
Photo: Stephanie Campisi
Speaking at the opening plenary session of SheKilda, South African author Margie Orford points out that there’s a distinct grammar to how crime plays out in her country. There are patterns that make sense, and it’s obvious when someone doesn’t understand them, she says, referring to two recent incidents involving tourists who, after arriving in South Africa, tried to bump off their other halves. “We [South Africans] do try
A killer presenter: South African author Margie Orford
reading their work as they grow up. “My daughter has been exposed to a variety of different cultures and places, and I want her to enjoy and celebrate things rather than fear things,” says Savage. Redhead points out that she wouldn’t mind her son reading about the darker scenes and situations in her books because her characters are real people and not stereotypes. “Besides, it can’t be as bad as my grandparents reading the sex scenes.”
The Body by the Pool whodunnit
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t the final session of SheKilda, the audience entered the room to find a “body” on the floor. Whodunnit, and how do the experts figure it out? The homicide squad and local detectives would be notified, says former assistant commissioner Sandra Nicholson. They would begin documenting the scene in preparation for a forensic pathologist such as Linda Isles, who would make an initial assessment to give a
possible cause of death. Determining the time of death is best done by an entomologist such as Mel Archer, who would use specimen and temperature samples to do so. While the autopsy and entomology reports are being prepared - a process that takes several months - the police force would continue to research the victim and possible suspects, using evidence, motivation and opportunity to guide their approach.
Photo: Stephanie Campisi
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o celebrate women’s crime writing on the page and screen, and bring a collective critical eye to the field the 20th anniversary of Sisters in Crime Australia Inc. the SheKilda Crime Writers Convention was a 500-strong gathering that brought together women writers, crime practitioners and those who enjoy women’s crime writing. Incorporating setting into crime fiction can be as tough to pull off as the perfect murder.
Photo: Bookedout.com.au
A world of crime: using real places in crime fiction
“Manny Quin”, the subject of the Whodunnit
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MCN ENVIRONMENT
OCTOBER 27, 2011 • VOL 2, ISSUE 15
Making way for a green race By Dominic Teahan
This includes the use of solar panels, the redistribution of food providing hundreds of meals to various charities, use of recycled materials used during the event and harvesting rainwater from the Flemington site, which has resulted in substantial water savings. But outside the government structures what can you do to ensure that your day at the races doesn’t leave behind a trail of environmental devastation?
Before the day When getting ready for a day at the races hours, if not days are spent in choosing the ‘perfect’ and often very expensive outfit, hiring suits and not to mention accessorizing to max. If you want to be environmentally conscious and be kind to your bank account let your creative juices flow and come up with an inspiring outfit made by yourself or through some creative collaborations. You’ll be amazed at what the Salvos and op-shops have and you will not only save yourself a bundle but will in the process of recycling and re-using have earned yourself some extra green points.
Getting from A to B Start simply. For those who want to make themselves feel
Thundering hooves
good, trains and trams are your friends. If you decide to catch public transport and become one with the colourful commuting masses, be safe in the knowledge that by not taking your unfriendly, carbon stamping, nasty emitting car you are doing everyone a favour. The added advantages include not having to worry about being over the limit, well at least until you start cheering for a horse with no name. Feel better thinking that you are making a positive difference unlike those celebrities jet setting into Melbourne. Life is a journey. If the Melbourne Cup is your destination make it a good one – not just for yourself but to keep the grass greener on our side.
AGL will be providing 100% green power for all the race days of the Melbourne Cup Carnival using Methane flaring offsets, which are considered to be one of the most effective offsets as Methane is significantly more damaging to the environment than Carbon-dioxide. So soak up the festive atmosphere and enjoy some of the best horse racing Australia has to offer and leave behind funfilled memories and lightly laden footprints.
Don’t leave your mark on the track
Consuming with care Consume wisely. Eating and drinking is part of the festival fun on cup day and is also important to ensure you stay hydrated and refreshed during the course of the day. SecondBite, a charity dedicated to collecting surplus food that would normally go to waste will be working in conjunction with the carnival to ensure that unwanted food at the races does find an appreciative belly. So before you decide to gormandize, make sure your eyes are only as big as your tummy so you actually eat what’s on your plate. Similarly, if you do have paper cups make sure you reuse them if possible and of course the ground is suppose dto be green so don’t leave your rubbish behind you.
A quick pit-stop
Bring it with you, but take it home
Did you know?
So you may have to go to the bathroom at some stage and, depending on your plumbing, the queue may be longer than you expect. But, and this is especially for the gentlemen, before you turn to watering the plants, take heed. Make use of the amenities provided but do so conservatively. Go easy on the water and cleaning resources made available.
Photo: John William Lindt State Library of Victoria
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he horse racing calendar would be incomplete without The Melbourne Cup. Attracting visitors from all over Australia as well as overseas, this internationally recognized event is one of the most economically beneficial bringing in millions of dollars to the local economy every year. But the question is while the party gets started is there any attention being paid to the environment? The silent witness at these grand events, the environment, bears the ecological brunt of over a 100,000 race-goers. Like any organised party of epic proportions the event takes months of preparation. But after you’ve spent hours agonizing over the perfect colour blocking and popping trends, found shoes that you’re willing to torture you’re feet with and the hat or fascinator that will let you stand out in the crowd (though it may give you no shade from the sun) then, if you can, spare a thought for the environment. Here’s a check-list to make sure you do have a blast but you also ensure your conscience is in a environmentally healthy frame of mind. Victoria Racing Association takes the issue of environment impact very seriously. Since 2008 they have initiated the Green Fields program and sustainability is something that is big on the Cup’s future agenda.
Horses arrive for the Melbourne Cup in 1888
A brief history of horse racing in Australia By Karl Shami
H
orse Racing has existed in various forms throughout the years, and several countries hold the sport in high regard. From flat racing and hurdles, to chariots and harness racing, horse racing has seen many forms, many of which resonate with Australians. With a rich history dating to our colonial past, Australians have always had passion for the atmosphere and the social environment that the sport brings. While the first horses came over with the first fleet, it wasn’t until around 1810 that the first organised horse races began to take place in Sydney. Australia has continued to grow as a horse racing nation and has a strong racing culture, particularly in flat racing. According to the Australian Racing Fact Book, we has more racecourses than any other na-
tion and Australia also has the third largest number of races in the world after the USA and Japan, while offering the largest amount of prize money in the world. But flat racing isn’t the only popular horse in Australia, despite the mainstream affection for the Spring Carnival and the Melbourne Cup. Jumping fences and hurdles is a popular form of the sport, and has a strong support base amongst its fans. As Ben Hur showed us, chariot races were exceptionally dangerous to both the rider and the horse. Despite this, they were extremely popular in Ancient Greece and Rome, and drew in large spectators as well as contestants. Following in this tradition, harness racing, while rife with controversy in recent years, also has a large support base Compared to the
other forms of racing, harness racing in particular is a popular spectator sport and contributes greatly to the economy through gambling as well as the revenue from the races. Organised harness races also started in 1810 in NSW, while the first Victorian harness event being held in Flemington in 1860. Historians will also know that the first Melbourne Cup took place one year later at the same race course, and has continued uninterrupted for the last 150 years. So whether you enjoy a race flat out to the finish line, or want to get in touch with your inner Roman and enjoy some harness racing, Australia is home to some of the finest and most competitive forms of horse racing around the world. Just make sure to bring a healthy appetite for a nailbiting race.
EDUCATION MCN
OCTOBER 27, 2011 • VOL 2, ISSUE 15
Photo: Creative Commons/Leonid Mamchenkov
Bringing the boogeyman back... By Dean Watson
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do things they otherwise may not. “Many parents use them,” Lauder says, “but the term scare tactics implies you’re trying to scare the living daylights out of your kids and generally I don’t think any parent is trying to do that. I think what most parents are trying to do is get important messages through in a way that will stick.” Examples of scare tactics include the boogeyman, the naughty corner and reward versus punishment. “I suppose saying, ‘the boogeyman will get you if you don’t keep your room tidy’ might work on a three or four-year-old,” suggests Lauder, “but again, the point of it is not to scare the child, the point of it is to get them to tidy their room. Most parents are trying to educate their kids.” In response to the question,
“What are some of the tactics you have used to ‘scare’ your kids into doing something for you?” parents on The Bub Hub forum suggested a whole range of approaches, with varying degrees of success. The most common approach amongst the 46 responses was counting. “I generally use the 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 method,” said one parent. “I ask my four-year-old to do something and if she still hasn’t done it after a few requests, I count to five. If I get to five and she hasn’t started doing what she is supposed to be doing, I take away a toy and put it out of reach, she then has to earn it back with good behavior.” A number of parents also professed to using the naughty corner. “Jasper is nearly three and we have a naughty corner beside the couch, but labeled
Photo: Creative Commons/D Sharon Pruitt
etting children to do what you want them to do is one of the great challenges of parenting. There is no singular answer and wading through dozens of parenting may provide a wide range of options but no singular conclusive answer. Smacking is also no longer a solution because a better informed generation of parents are aware of more effective ways of teaching children the link between actions and consequences. “Every journey is different,” says Brad Lauder, father of three and owner of Australia’s largest online parenting resource, The Bub Hub. “Lots of parents use lots of different things in their efforts to educate their children.” Using scare tactics is one such way to get children to
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Rewarding good behaviour is a great way to teach kids right from wrong
as the naughty corner and nine times out of ten, the suggestion of ‘do you want to sit in the naughty corner’ is enough to make him stop doing whatever it is he’s doing.” Another mother said, “I tell my daughter the fairies are watching. She cares more what they think than me!” Whatever tactic employed, parents always have the best interests of their kids at heart. “I think most of the parents are about rewarding good behaviour,” explains Lauder. “If you reward good behaviour, I personally feel you get a better outcome, so that’s what we try to do.” Several responses dismissed fear as a healthy parenting tool. “It means that the child will only be likely to do the right thing if he/she fears a consequence, usually one that does not correlate with the behaviours,” said one parent. “Instead it’s important to promote intrinsic motivation - doing the
right thing because they know it is the right thing.” With greater expectations on modern families to work longer hours to sustain themselves, it is also probable that
“The point of it is not to scare the child, the point of it is to get them to tidy their room. Most parents are trying to educate their kids.” - Brad Lauder there are greater expectations on children to help out around the house. “Parents expect their kids to be more than they
should be, sometimes just because of the pressure they’re under,” Lauder says. “When I was growing up, not a lot of mums worked. Now, a really high percentage of mums work and it really helps if the kids are helping out and doing basic things like keeping their rooms tidy, because then mums don’t have to do it on top of the time they’re working each week.” But what sort of effect does this have on children later in life? One mother suggested that people who grow up to fear outside consequences, only do the right thing because they fear getting caught by the law and therefore, may have the mentality, “I can get away with this.” Even as adults, getting people to do what you want them to do is not easy. At some point, everyone has used fear to get something they wanted. For parents, it’s about finding what works for you and your child. Nothing to be scared of.
This is not a Kodak moment
Who is the real boogeyman?
H
ow do you get your kids to go to bed? “Go to bed or the boogeyman will come and eat you!” We’ve all heard the story, whether it was told to us by our own parents or second-hand off the street from other children, the boogeyman is a frightening being that has been scaring the living daylights out of children for centuries. Whenever a child misbehaves or refuses to go to bed, they are warned that the boogeyman may come and visit. What happens next depends on the imagination of the parent, with kidnappings, cannibalism and bodily harm regular staples of the legend. Perhaps this sounds like a rather dark bed-time story to be telling a child but the truth of the matter is that the boogeyman has been around for a while. Not simply an English
language creation the boogeyman is an almost universal creature, known in countries around the world, although by other names. Hispanic children fear the Cuco, a ghost-like being that will kidnap and completely devour children who misbehave while in some Eastern-European countries, the witch Baba Yaga (who also appears in some fairy tales translated to English) resides in the woods and kidnaps and eats children as well. New boogeymen are still being created everyday by modern story tellers. Guillermo del Toro’s 2006 film Pan’s Labyrinth, features a terrifying creature known only as the ‘Pale Man’ who eats children who steal from his forbidden banquet. While the eating of children may seem rather morbid, this is actually a recurring theme among many monster stories told to children to scare them
into doing the right thing. That being said, what does the boogeyman actually look like? While some of the other cultures have clearly defined characteristics to their childeating monsters, there is no true description of the boogeyman that Anglo-American children have grown up with. Unlike the Slavic Baba Yaga, which is always portrayed as a witch-like old women that lives in a hut with chicken legs, most of the fear comes from what the monster does, rather than a specific description of what he or she looks like. In the end, the boogeyman ends up being whatever the child thinks of in their head, and really, isn’t that the most terrifying part of the legend? That we simply tell our children about this amorphous being and they come up with their own horrible monster.
Photo: Public domain still from the film Häxan/Witchcraft through the ages
By Karl Shami
Do a deal with the devil: Parenting through fear
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MCN SPORTS
OCTOBER 27, 2011 • VOL 2, ISSUE 15
Racing season enusures that your cup floweth over By Stuart Harrison
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oday, the Melbourne Cup’s place at the centre of Australian life seems almost unquestionable. But with the release of The Cup in the lead-up to this year’s race many are asking the age old question of whether film adaptations can compare to real life. In 1895, Mark Twain said of the race, “Nowhere in the world have I encountered a festival of people that has such a magnificent appeal to the whole nation. The Cup astonishes me.” A huge schedule of over 22,000 races are run around the country annually, broadcast on two separate 24-hour cable channels. Betting companies pay out over $2 billion in tax revenue to the government from wagers placed on horse racing. But, for much of the year, racing is mostly seen as an old man’s pursuit. For one month a year this changes with the Spring Racing Carnival giving racing a mainstream audience. Millions of people around
Australia stop what they’re doing to watch the Melbourne Cup. Even school children aren’t immune, often given a rare taste of “legalised” betting in classroom sweeps. Both men and women play dress up, celebrate in style and often miss the race in the bevy of side attractions the Cup provides. Not that it matters, this has become just as much of the appeal as the race itself. It plays at a sense of celebrity not unlike the royal origins of horse racing in England and across the Arabic peninsula where jockeys raced for Kings, Queens and Sheikhs alike. The spring racing calendar has cemented itself in the Australian psyche as a series of regional major events that provide the masses with the entertainment and distraction they need between the end of the footy season and before the start of the cricket. But it wasn’t until the 1990s that the Melbourne Cup decided to go international, seeking champion horses and international sponsors and viewers. It was a period that was as trying for the local industry as it was for the international
horses forced to endure marathon trips in order to reach Australia, with mixed results. This allowed a new generation of gallopers, particularly those from Ireland and New Zealand to show their worth. This has seen the rise of great international trainers like Dermot Weld who bring back their best horses each year. In 2002, the combination of Irishman Weld and Australian jockey Damian Oliver in Media Puzzle’s Cup win cemented both as household names. The tragic death of Oliver’s jockey brother in a track fall leading up to the Cup only added to the adversity of the day’s events. This story is now being captured in film and book form. But it is perhaps telling that racing films are few and far between in our history. Such is the small racing film world that The Cup’s director Simon Wincer was also credited with the much acclaimed Phar Lap (1983). However if the old saying still holds, nothing compares to being there and next Tuesday many are sure to be at Flemington Racecourse will be alive with the magic of the Cup.
Coach backs Aussie netball ace to fire
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iamonds coach Lisa Alexander is confident goal shooter Catherine Cox will bounce back to form in the next two netball Tests against New Zealand despite the star veteran’s rare downer on Sunday. Cox, who has established herself as one of Australia’s most reliable players during a glittering 15-year international career, nailed just 14 of 23 goal attempts before being subbed off at half-time in Sunday’s heartbreaking 49-48 loss to the Silver Ferns in Perth. The Diamonds trailed by 11 goals midway through the third quarter before Cox’s replacement Caitlin Bassett turned the match on its head, sinking 19 goals at 90 per cent accuracy to spark Australia’s brave fightback. Bassett’s scintillating performance could earn her the starting nod in Wednesday’s re-match in Adelaide, where Australia will be aiming to level
the Constellation Cup series at 2-2. But even if Cox gets squeezed out of her favoured goal shooter position, Alexander said the 35-year-old veteran may still retain a starting role, albeit in goal attack. “The great thing about Coxy is she brings so much leadership to the group. I think with that game under her belt, she’ll be stronger in the next run,” Alexander said. “I’ve got enormous faith in her. I know what she can do. She can finish off a game. “She’s a terrific player and terrific competitor, and I’ll see her lifting in the next Test. “Possibly (Bassett will be given a starting role) ... But we could start with two smalls as well. “We could start with Erin (Bell) and Nat (Medhurst) and give the Kiwis something to think about. “The great thing is we have got lots of flexibility. But
New Zealand wins Rugby World Cup on home turf By Dominic Teahan
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Diamonds coach Lisa Alexander
certainly on (Sunday’s) performance Caitlin earned her spot.” Alexander praised Cox’s leadership, and conceded it was a tough decision to sub off the stand-in captain. “But she understands that if she’s not performing as well as she should be, then we’ve got players that can go on and do the job,” Alexander said. “She’s more than willing to do that self sacrifice for the team, and then she’ll sit on the bench and she’ll be yelling as loud as anybody else. “She’s an amazing leader.” Diamonds goal defence Julie Corletto is in doubt for
Wednesday’s clash after copping a knock to the same leg she injured in the recent series against England. Silver Ferns shooting star Irene Van Dyk again looms as the key player to stop after nailing 27 goals from 29 attempts on Sunday. Diamonds goal keeper Laura Geitz, who spent three quarters on Van Dyk, said she was keen for another crack on the 190cm powerhouse. “It’s incredible coming up against her and you have to be on your best game to even be a chance against her,” Geitz said. “I think she’s at the top of her game.”
fter a 6 weeks of gruelling rugby and 24 years of waiting the All Blacks have been crowned World Champions. But it took an entire 80 minutes of nerve-racking rugby before it was clear that the onepoint lead ahead of France was indeed the winning point. The All Blacks dominated play in the first half scoring a try from a well-worked lineout move from prop Tony Woodcock but New Zealand squandered opportunities with Piri Weepu missing two penalties and conversion leaving the score at a tight 5 0 to the hosts. The All Blacks lost Aaron Cruden to injury after hyper extending his knee in a tackle bringing an unlikely hero Stephen Donald onto the field who scored an early penalty after the break making it an 8 point lead. But the French weren’t ready to
quit just yet. Bringing out a different team in the second half and thanks to a mistake from Weepu the All Blacks were sent scrambling in defence allowing French Captain Thierry Dusautoir to cross the line to make the score 8-7. The next play by Weepu saw the ball out on the full which meant his early exit and giving the French a chance to launch another attack. The final half hour of the game saw a determined French team on the attack with the New Zealanders having to dig deep and make countless tackles making for a nail biting finish to the World Cup. The All Blacks held out to the relief of the 60,000 spectators who waited with baited breath as the Web Ellis Cup was once again raised up high by the proud Kiwis.
CROSSWORD MCN
OCTOBER 27, 2011 • VOL 2, ISSUE 15
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ACROSS: 1. Losing blood, 5. Strong drink, 9. Begin, 10. On the plane, 12. Neurotically preoccupied, 13. Peruvian pack animal, 14. Strung up, 16. Compassionate, 19. Live together, 21. Fishing-rod winder, 24. Gutsy, 25. Kind of peach, 27. Ancient (3-3), 28. Fracture, 29. Cease, 30. Risen DOWN: 1. Motion towards, 2. Entangle, 3. Slimming regimes, 4. Notching, 6. Lack of equilibrium, 7. Off guard, 8. Reworks (script), 11. Touch, 15. Brollies,17. Sword holder, 18. Fleece clippers, 20. Heavy weights, 21. Notes as evidence, 22. Sorcerer, 23. Rely, 26. Come to THE PUZZLE THAT MAKES YOU SMARTER !
EASY + ÷ x 12x 1
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ACROSS: 1. Island state formerly Van Diemen’s Land (8), 5. Warm North Atlantic current, the Gulf ... (6), 9. Major Serbian city in which the US accidentally bombed the Chinese Embassy during the Kosovo crisis (8), 10. Plough star group, Big ... (6), 12. Arctic island that's the largest in the world (after Australia, which is a continent) (9), 13. Sports jacket cloth from Scotland (5), 14. Fiji's capital (4), 16. Former Russian president, Boris ... (7), 19. Acrylic glass substitute (7), 21. New Year's song, Auld Lang ... (4), 24. Timbuktu’s river (5), 25. The first man on the moon was astronaut Neil ... (9), 27. Dickens’ Oliver Twist character, the ... Dodger (6), 28. German shepherd, dog breed (8), 29. Fruit-filled treat, ... pastry (6), 30. Tolstoy’s tragic heroine who ended up at the railway station, Anna ... (8) DOWN 1. Caribbean nation,Trinidad & ... (6), 2. Treasure Island pirate, Long John ... (6), 3. Composer of Fanfare For The Common Man, ... Copland (or Moses’ brother) (5), 4. Harrison Ford action adventure, ... Jones And The Kingdom Of The Crystal Skull (7), 6. Race with swimming, cycling & running legs (9), 7. Italian coffee style (8), 8. Argentine football star, Diego ... (8), 11. June 6, 1944 when WWII’s Operation Overlord was launched (1-3), 15. Rising punches to the opponent’s chin (9), 17. Person from Madrid or Barcelona (8), 18. Graham Greene’s novel, ... Rock (8), 20. Roentgen beam used to take images of bones (1-3), 21. Mogadishu is the capital of this East African country (7), 22. The D of AD (6), 23. Idi Amin’s land (6), 26. Equatorial breeze, ... wind (5)
MCN MCN QUIZ QUIZ 020 006 1. 2.
Which bird sent out by Noah successfully found dry land? What parts of the body are missing from the Venus de Milo statue? 3. Which product was advertised by Louie The Fly? 4. Who is building a $300m new engine plant in Melbourne that will save 3,300 existing jobs? 5. What is ‘farfalle pasta’ commonly known as? (something it closely resembles) 6. Which Aussie band is headlining the festivities at the 2010 AFL Grand Final at the MCG? 7. Who wrote the children's book, Where The Wild Things Are? 8. Musician Eithne Patricia Ni Bhraonain is fortunately best known by which name? 9. Finland, Vietnam and Zimbabwe all have capital cities that begin with which letter? 10. What was Wednesday Addams' middle name?
SODOKU
Fill the grid so that every column, every row, every 3x3 box & the two shaded diagonal lines contain the digits 1 to 9. Rating:
Rating: Fill the grid so that every column, every row and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1 to 9.
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For solutions visit our website at: www.mc-news.com.au
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October 27 November 2, 2011
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Aries March 21 - April 20
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Taurus April 21 - May 21
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Gemini May 22 - June 21
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Cancer June 22 - July 23
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Leo July 24 - August 23
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Virgo August 24 - September 23
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Libra September 24 - October 23
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Scorpio October 24 - November 22
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Sagittarius November 23-December 21
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Capricorn December 22 - January 20
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Aquarius January 21 - February 19
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Pisces February 20 - March 20
Dear Aries, please recite after me... “All good things come to those who wait, but not to those who hesitate!” If you haven’t been exactly sure til now Aries, it IS a great time to make a major move. It seems the way is clear to decide your next heading and start going in that direction. Money should also be far better now and you should find that your bank account is either replenished or refilling, so long as you are keeping your head on that is.
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Those Taureans in loving relationships may seek to take their connection further and into deeper commitment now, this relationship should be making you feel alive, abundant, and to whatever extent, that all is well in your world. You may also find now is an extremely positive time to form a business commitment in partnership with another. This is likely to prosper beyond what you may have at first envisaged. It is an excellent time for any negotiations or contract signings that may be going on.
Can you keep a secret Gemini? If you can, then contracts, deals and negotiations should be rolling in gold for you right now, the first two days of this forecast in particular should offer the biggest wins you have seen in a while. If you have a fresh approach and the right energy levels you should be able to bring home a major or minor miracle. It may also be time to restart any lapsed fitness routines or get a health or wellbeing check up or tune up.
For Cancerians in a couple this could be a time you commit, and for married or committed Cancerians now is a special time where you will find you may work well together on a business or work idea that brings you both financial benefits and success, and you may also talk about travelling together at this time. Something of great importance to you, a wish of sorts now looks within reach.
Remember from last week, the 28th is your golden day at work or in money, use it well! While on the subject of money, while generosity is one thing, it shouldn’t cost you the earth. I know, ‘too busy,’ but it’s a good idea to start any seasonal shopping now rather than leave it til later Leo...Avoid confusion and unseemly cost blow outs that good old Mercury Retrograde brings any ordinarily well planned and organised person from 24th November through to the second week in December.
You may have to work hard on a study project or something that requires your analytical or technical skills. You may have to delve deeply to get to the facts of the matter but Virgo is best at details. There could be interesting news about siblings, and Virgos in selling careers could be in for a big win at this time, your best leads will come from a little bit of a distance from you, but may be worth far more than you imagine.
Money, Money, Money! If you wish it, it may come true, not just by wishes, but what you have done, and you still do. This may be an excellent time to refinance, or you may also find yourself receiving a juicy tax refund, settling real estate, or accepting a one-time payment. In any case, many Libras may find exceptional financial benefits. It may also be a good time for travel, and there may also be good news around children. If not, check your rising sign for more clues.
You should be better able to put yourself ahead this week at work, make your move with good forethought and planning and lady luck will be on your side. This weekend is especially ideal for those Scorpios getting engaged or married and for those in business, this period is by far the best time to sign deals of all sorts, it is bound for success. Venus in your sun sign til the end of this forecast sees you being very charismatic and popular. Use it well.
If opportunity knocked, would you answer? And if you did, would you be dressed and ready with all your tools of trade? Are your prepared and ready? Or are you letting golden moment slip you by? Stay awake Sagittarius, It’s an excellent time for study, an interview, contract, or a launch of some kind. Use this time and make the most of it. Those Sagittarians who have been off colour should also find this period lights up their wellbeing adding a few more lives to their game.
Square dancing and pointed patent leather shoes may be so 50s, but this weekend should be quite alive, up to date and exciting for your socially and romantically Cappi...with your love, friend and entertainment life going off. There should be loads of love, life and events you may find on offer and for singles, plenty of opportunity to mingle with some new friends and potential new partners. Those in the creative fields should find their new ideas have dynamite potential for future money and status around this period.
The first two days of this forecast are a perfect time for any major deals or discussions, you should be able to capitalise on this full moon. For singles, your idea of the perfect partner may have been going through some renovation, and you are far more accepting of what you need than a long shopping list. For the home renovator or reorganiser, you may find yourself in luck with an unexpected and much loved special score on the perfect piece.
Money woes should be turning around and there should be a little luck coming your way with a new opportunity or new work in the offering. A friend or a group involvement may also be extremely helpful and even help bring profit your way at this time. Use the energy of the new moon to harness the success available to you at this time. Anything to do with media, publishing, communications, or the internet should go well at this time. Note: There are 9 other major and numerous other minor planetary bodies in your chart besides your ‘sun’ and ascendant on which this forecast was made. For the most accurate results have your individual chart prepared. Jacquelene Close Moore, M: 0439 488 558 www.psychicstar.com.au
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