Canberra CityNews August 2, 2012

AUGUST 2, 2012

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Erinn’s chase for London gloryWhen the politics of ‘no’ go wrong

Wedding hens hit the town

The passion for peonies

DARING FASHION WITH A PRACTICAL TWIST

Risky businessSOCIAL PHOTOS

FAMILIAR FACES153

CNC-2-August p1 1 31/07/12 3:22 PM

4 CityNews August 2-8

CityNews August 2-8 5

news

“WHAT I love most about running is the un-certainty,” Paralympic sprinter Erinn Walters says. “You’re always chasing someone, or there’s always someone chasing you.”

This month Erinn will chase gold, when she makes her Paralympic Games debut in London in the 100-metre and 200-metre T35 events.

One of nine Canberra athletes named on a 36-strong Australian athletics squad for the Games, Erinn officially found out she’d made the cut on her 17th birthday.

“That was probably the best birthday pre-sent... it’s everything I ever wanted and just a dream come true for me,” she said.

She says she is both excited and nervous about her debut, but remains focused on her goals.

“I’m just trying to run the best I possibly can, for me and my coach, and to give the best effort I can,” she said.

“My parents and my little sister are coming to London, too. They’re really excited.”

Erinn was diagnosed with cerebral palsy when she was one and a half.

She says at the time her parents were told by doctors there was a chance she may never walk.

“As parents, that understandably worried them,” she said.

“It was only really until a couple of months after I was diagnosed that I was able to walk, it took a lot of physio and stretching. I remember mum would sit there for hours with me and try to help me walk.

“Now seeing me compete at the Paralympics, they’re really proud of me and I’m so grateful to them for their help.”

Erinn says her condition affects her arms and legs, “but mostly legs.”

“I can get tired quite easily because my mus-cles are quite tight and it’s sometimes hard for me to control my muscles,” she said.

She first got into running through her physi-otherapist when she was about nine years old.

“He saw I liked to run around and couldn’t really sit still, so he suggested to try athletics as there was a group for kids with disabilities at the [Australian Institute of Sport] so I went along to that and started training twice a week,” she said.

“I then went to a few National Champion-ships with that squad and went to my first Sen-ior Championships when I was 13, in Brisbane, where I won silver in the 400 metres.”

At the 2008 National Championships, she won gold in the T35 100m, 200m and 400m, and is currently ranked in the top 10 in the world for the 100m and 200m.

She says the highlight of her racing career so far was the National Championships in Melbourne where she ran a number of personal best times to qualify for the games.

On top of training, Erinn has been juggling her Year 11 studies at Canberra College.

“Last semester was quite hard as there was a fair bit of training away from home, I was hav-ing to go away, come back and catch up, but my teachers were very understanding of that,” she said.

Off the track, Erinn hopes to attend univer-sity and pursue a degree in psychology.

Until then, watched by millions, she will take on the world’s best sprinters.

“I don’t think this will feel real until I get to the athletes’ village,” she said.

“It’s just the most amazing feeling.” The London Paralympics will run for 12 days

from August 29.

The doctors said there was a chance she may never walk, but with a lot of physio, stretching and parental love, Canberra teenager Erinn Walters is ready to run in London, writes LAURA EDWARDS

Erinn’s big chase for London glory

index Volume 18, Number 28

Arts&Entertainment 19-21Canberra Confidential 12Cinema 21Dining 21Garden 22Home 23News 5-11Politics 8 Puzzles 18Social Scene 13-16

Responsibility for election comment is taken by Ian Meikle, of Suite 1, Level 1, 143 London Circuit, Canberra.

Cover: Amelia Agosta’s design for “Fashionably Early – Designing Australian Fashion Futures”. Photo by Anthea O’Brien, hair and make-up by Carrie Bath. Story Page 6.

Paralympian Erinn Walters... “I don’t think this will feel real until I get to the athletes’ village.” Photo by Silas Brown


cover story / fashion

FORGET the saying “look, don’t touch” – Canberrans will soon have the chance to wear fashion designs on display at a new exhibi-tion that encourages its audience to “be part of the experience”.

“Fashionably Early – Designing Australian Fashion Futures” is a na-tional fashion exhibition to be held at the Gallery of Australian Design and the National Library of Aus-tralia from August 8.

The event, which runs until September 15, has a program that includes a forum on the future of Australian fashion design, discussions on sustain-able design and a fashion parade.

It will also feature creations by seven gradu-ates from design schools around the country, including the Canberra In-stitute of Technology and

the Australian National University School of Art.

Graduates were in-structed to design a “Fash-ion System for Tomorrow” that inspires new models of practice and encourages “Australian fashion that is authentic, sustainable and valued”.

Event-goers will not only get to admire creations, but also try them on and take part in a photo shoot in the “Consider What You Wear” part of the program.

CIT graduate Gemma Jameson has created a “heavily layered” look for her design in “Consider What You Wear”.

“The design has six dif-ferent fabrics because I’m looking at how material properties change – how they can go from light, to draped, to heavy and structured,” she said.

“I’m also looking at how a garment changes

the wearer’s mood, so it will be quite fun to see the public try it on. I hope it will be worn and tried on by different sexes so I can see how it works on dif-ferent body shapes. Once you hand over a garment it becomes the consumer’s

and they wear in a differ-ent way as you intended.”

Event curator and co-ordinator of CIT’s bachelor of design, Kate Shaw says the exhibition will give people a unique “sensory experience”.

“This interactive exhibi-

tion will inspire the viewer to experience the depth and breadth of the fashion solu-tion; the artefact, its image and the sensory experi-ence of wearing thoughtful design,” she said.

More information at fashionablyearly.com.au

Amy Taylor’s entry into the “Fashion System for Tomorrow” section of “Fashionably Early”. It is a collaboration with Alice Sutton. Taylor and Sutton are graduates from CIT. Taylor is now running her label Aylor from Darwin. Photo by Kent Marcus

Canberra will play host to a new fashion event that “takes risks” and will showcase

creations from seven emerging fashion designers from around the nation. LAURA EDWARDS reports.

Risky fashion with a practical twistYEAR-old Allie Matthews and her family are the inspiration for a special fundraising event on August 18 at the Canberra Irish Club.

Baby Allie was born with biliary atresia: a rare disease that destroys the bile ducts in the liver. Last month, just a day short of her first birthday she received a liver transplant and is recovering in the Westmead Children’s Hospital in Sydney.

“Allie’s Angels” is a collaborative fundraising initiative by Canberra burlesque school Miss Kitka’s House of Burlesque and The Darling Sis-ters, owners of the Gold Creek fashion boutique Darling Central.

“The purpose of Allie’s Angels is to show sup-port and raise funds for Allie’s family to help manage the costs of their daughter’s condition,” says Miss Kitka.

“Allie is the sweetest, happiest little girl,” says Miss Kitka. “We really hope that the funds raised by Allie’s Angels will help Allie’s family to manage her recovery and get their lives back into order.”

The two-hour show at the Irish Club will fea-ture performances by burlesque dancers and a fashion parade showcasing new “modern bomb-shell” styles from Darling Central.

“It will be an old-fashioned evening: not too grown-up and a lot of fun,” says Miss Kitka. “You can really frock up and have a special night out – plus it gives the public and business an oppor-tunity to make a real difference for Allie.”

Bookings to babyallie.eventbrite.com/

‘Angels’ rallyfor little Allie



politics

When the politics of ‘no’ go wrongPOLITICAL negativity has worked for Opposition Leader Tony Abbott, but it has backfired badly for his conservative colleagues.

Pressure from supporters of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) forced NSW Premier Barry O’Farrell and Victorian Premier Ted Baillieu into an embarrassing backdown as they attempted to play Abbott-style negative politics with Prime Minister Julia Gillard.

There is a simple difference. The premiers are not in opposition. Their decisions and ac-tions actually make a difference in the lives of each of the citizens in their jurisdiction. It was a victory for people with a disability, a victory for commonsense and a political victory for the Prime Minister.

The decision to join the ACT and other Labor jurisdictions in jointly funding pilot schemes for the NDIS is a great victory for people with disabilities and their carers. In addition to Fed-eral money, there will now be expenditure of an additional $40 million by the government in Victoria and around $35 million in NSW. This will provide an additional $20,779 each year for each adult involved in the trials.

More importantly, it is really the first time a government has taken such a momentous step in social responsibility since the introduction in 1975 of Medicare (then called Medibank) by the Whitlam Government.

The commencement of the NDIS is a victory for common sense. For Australians who believe in a “fair go”, it is obvious that people in our community who are living with a disability are those who largely have Buckley’s chance of get-ting a “fair go”. That’s simply un-Australian!

The 2011 report of the Productivity Commis-sion set a blueprint on what needed to be done regarding people with disabilities.

In the initial instance, it was one of the few areas that Abbott identified for a bi-partisan approach. It is a pity he did not share his politi-cal insight with his conservative colleagues in the biggest States.

Getting the major States to retreat from their initial stance was a key political victory for Gillard.

Baillieu was busy backing down and attempt-ing to regain his political composure, arguing it was “unbecoming” and “false” to doubt Vic-toria’s commitment to people with disabilities.

He argued: “I’ve never sought to elevate the rhetoric around this. I’ve sought to work with people with a disability. I’ve sought to work with the Commonwealth, as has Barry O’Farrell.”

Actions, not rhetoric, are what counts! Why am I reminded of Shakespeare’s Hamlet: “The lady doth protest too much, methinks”?

This backdown by the two major States is a much-needed victory for the Prime Minister. Only a few weeks ago on the ABC’s “Q&A” she was being undermined by Government whip, Joel Fitzgibbon. She hardly needed to have him fuel a renewal of leadership speculation by saying leaders who “remain unpopular long enough” inevitably lose the top job.

Gillard’s firm stance on this significant issue provides some foundation for re-establishing her authority. It also sows the seed for a popu-lar understanding about negativity in politics. Negativity might work in opposition, but it certainly does not work when it is time to shoulder the responsibility of government. In government, what would Abbott really stand for? Hopefully, this is a question that will be answered effectively before the election. The conservatives argue that they have a full set of policies which will be launched by then; for now they will just continue to attack the Gov-ernment.

There is a long way to go before the next Fed-eral election. The safest money has the odds supporting Abbott and a coalition government. However, more of this sort of Prime Ministerial leadership and success, combined with greater understanding in the community of what will actually happen if the conservatives come to power, will certainly narrow the margin be-tween the contenders.

Michael Moore was an independent member of the ACT Legislative Assembly (1989 to 2001) and was minister for health.

Michael Moorecomments



opinion

Answer blowingin the wind...

THE people of Collector used to suffer from an identity crisis. They weren’t really known for anything other than rolling plains and cold mornings, so they invented the Pumpkin Festival.

Before then, the town had no more connection to pumpkins than they did to broad beans or sweet potatoes.

Much as I love the Pumpkin Festival, Collector now has the chance to be known for something genuinely close to it – as the capital of the wind turbine. Brace yourself for a $400 million, 68-turbine wind farm a couple of kilometres out of Collector.

What do you make of wind farms?

They produce a fair bit of elec-tricity in this country, but at this stage they do so at a much greater cost than coal and gas. It should be pointed out, too, that to the nearest whole number the percentage of the world’s power created by wind turbines is zero.

Despite subsidy schemes in doz-ens of countries, the total energy

generated each day by wind has yet to reach half a per cent worldwide.

In Collector, the debate continues into how ugly the big towers are, and, perhaps more importantly, over the claims that wind turbines make nearby residents sick.

Farmer and Pumpkin Festival mover and shaker Gary Poile dis-misses the negatives. He told me on my radio program that the project will be “wonderful for Collector”. He’s excited by the prospect of a dozen long-term jobs in the village.

Then Daryl called suggesting that 80 per cent of Collector resi-dents were against the wind farm development.

The NSW Department of Plan-ning and Infrastructure is now considering the wind-farm applica-tion and the various public submis-sions on it.

I don’t know that a Festival of Wind has as much appeal as a Pumpkin Festival, but they do think outside of the box in Collec-tor.

Mark Parton is the breakfast an-nouncer on 2CC.

Is there a new future in the wind for Collector? MARK PARTON thinks so

Quilt fair THE Craft and Quilt Fair will be held at Exhibition Park, August 9-12. Known as the biggest craft fair in the southern hemisphere, it will have more than 200 quilts on show. Open daily from 10am to 4.30pm in the Budawang building. More information at www.craftfair.com.au

Reunion callPENNY Allan is trying to reach former students and staff for a 20-year reunion of Wanniassa High’s class of ‘92. It’s to be held at the Tuggeranong Vikings Club on Saturday, October 6. RSVP and tickets must be organised before September 22 via [email protected]

Book help“THE Invisible Thread”, an anthology that celebrates 100 years of Canberra writing, is calling for dona-tions (at pozible.com/centenary) to help meet the remainder of its costs. An official publication of the National Year of Reading 2012 and the Centenary of Canberra, it will be published in October.

briefly


MALE strippers, penis-shaped straws, groups of loud, drunk women wearing matching pink tutus and the bride-to-be in a small veil pinned to her head...

We’ve all seen it; the hens’ party – the big night out with the girls for the last hoorah.

Traditionally, it was the groomsmen that would throw the groom a big buck (or stag) party. Then, for a while, women began outdoing their male counterparts. But times are changing again.

However, when Patricia Cupit, 74, was married in 1957 things were very different.

“I had a pre-wedding party, because I was only having a small wedding,” Mrs Cupit said.

“My father-in-law was a well-known solicitor in Sydney and he wanted to introduce me to his friends and clients.”

Held in the evening at her father-in-law’s home, refreshments included drinks served with “very naughty” pastries.

“It was the year after television came to Aus-tralia,” she said. “So people were more interested in the TV than in me.”

When it was her daughter, now-54-year-old Ro-byn Rissanen’s turn to get married in 1979, it was less about the introduction to her groom’s family and more about spending time with the women in her life.

Robyn’s best friend and sister threw her a “kitchen tea” at home, where they played word

games and talked about married life.“Guests would give you what you needed for

the kitchen,” Mrs Rissanen said.“I invited people who weren’t invited to the

wedding from my church.However, 33 years later, it was Mrs Rissanen’s

daughter Natalie’s turn. And for Miss Rissanen, now Mrs Brideson, 27, it was definitely no kitchen tea.

“The bucks seem to always have a wild night, and I wanted to be a bit wild, too,” Natalie said.

“There’s a whole stigma around it, and an ex-cuse; you can get away with [being wild] without being shunned.”

For Natalie, her pre-wedding celebrations were divided into two events – a bridal shower to cater for the older women in her life and a hens’ weekend for the younger women.

And although she was showered in gifts at her bridal shower, it was her hens’ weekend that was the “perfect girls’ weekend”.

Planned by her bridesmaids, Natalie gave them one instruction and that was “mardi gras”.

About 25 women travelled to Sydney with the theme for the weekend – Victoria’s Secret angels.

“It gave me a chance to hang out with all my friends in one weekend,” she said. “Uni friends, high school friends and friends from church.

“At Mardi Gras – we didn’t get hit on, we just had fun.

“It was a big party setting, all of us were

dressed in the same thing and it was nice to be noticed.”

According to Stephanie Norton from Canber-ra-based Shampagne Wedding Planning, there’s been a shift away from the “last hoorah” of bar hopping and strippers, and a move towards weekends away with close friends.

“It has now moved towards the celebration of getting married and a chance for a getaway with your closest friends,” she said.

She said hens’ and bucks’ events are evolving

into a holiday-based weekend, where people have travelled as far as Cairns.

“Couples have swapped roles – the men go off with their friends for a weekend at a day spa and the girls have a day of golf,” she said.

Stephanie said she has found couples are also getting younger and can’t always afford a big hens’ or bucks’ night, a wedding and a honey-moon, so are using their pre-wedding events to tackle a lot of the traditional elements in one.

“I’m welcoming the changes,” she said.

news

When the wedding hens hit the townPolite drinks with the in-laws, to kitchen teas, to raucous nights on the town... pre-wedding hens’ nights have come a long way over the years. Three generations of one family share their recollections with FREYLA FERGUSON

Three generations of “hens”, from left, Robyn Rissanen, Natalie Brideson and Patricia Cupit. Photo by Silas Brown


Canberra Confidential Know something? / [email protected]

Look and wonder...HERE is the full might of our licensing laws in action at an inner-city lawn bowling club. Think “back of the bicycle shed” and you’re off to a flying start in understanding what the idiotic screen beside the green is all about.

Club members, under the grinding competitive pressure of the bowling bias and needing the relief of nicotine, are required – by law – to repair behind the screen and not be seen.

Not because the unnatural act of smoking is so confronting to faint-hearted bowlers, but because the ACT licensing laws require that anyone smoking on a club’s premises shall not be entertained. We’re not talking wide-screen footy finals here. But all sport is included and woe betide anyone caught peeping around the green screen with a fag in hand.

Simon sings?HERE’S something to curl your centenary toes... “CC’s” deep throats are croaking that, while the ink isn’t yet dry on the contract, there’s a good chance American singer Paul Simon (pictured) will be performing at the then-opened National Arboretum in March.

Grant’s new ventureLOOKS like renowned chef Grant Kells, owner of Flint and partner in Flint in the Vines, is working on a new venture. “CC” made a well-meaning call to Flint in the Vines last week to see if there are still plans to reopen the NewActon restaurant that sadly burnt down last year (the website says Flint Dining Room & Bar will reopen soon with an exciting new dining experience) only to be told we couldn’t be put in contact with Grant and that he’s now working on something else. Could that be what’s going on in the former Pelagic site in Bailey’s Arcade? “CC” certainly hopes so.

Jamila’s on lineFORMER Canberra girl Jamila Rizvi (pictured) assures “CC” she doesn’t have any regrets switching from poli-tics to media. In May Jamila was appointed to managing editor of hugely popular women’s website Mamamia, based in Sydney, after almost three years working for Early Childhood and Childcare Minister Kate Ellis.

“There is no doubt that taking up this new role is the best deci-sion I’ve ever made,” she told “CC”. “I definitely miss the wonderful Labor Government staff... but I can’t say I have sighed longingly to the late nights in Parliament too often!”

The highlight of her new career so far?

“I don’t think much could beat my first day when the Prime Minister and my former boss, Minister Kate Ellis, both dropped by to live blog with our audience about child care!” Talk about old and new worlds colliding.

Annette’s roastTHE former Member for Canberra Annette Ellis far from retired at the last election – among her many community roles, she is patron of the Australia-Thailand As-sociation (Canberra). That’s her pictured with Royal Thai Embassy first secretary Kitirat Panupong, for whom she recently hosted a home-cooked, Aussie-style roast lunch to farewell him from his Canberra posting. Guest Aurea Sethaphanich took the photo.

Ingrid’s big dealLOCAL author Ingrid Jonach (pictured) has signed an international book deal for her first novel, “When the

World was Flat (and we were in love)”. The novel for young adults tells the story of 16-year-old Lillie Hart and the mysterious Tom Windsor-Smith, who arrives in her small Nebraskan town. Tom and Lillie have been in love before — in a different dimension, and there is a powerful enemy who is determined they will never be together again, in this dimension or the next.

Publisher Strange Chemistry has signed world English rights in the one-book deal.

The 29-year-old writer has previously written children’s books “A Lot of Things”, “The Frank Frankie” and its sequel “Frankie goes to France”.

It’s a big year for Jonach, who as well as working at the Department of Regional Australia, is busy planning her November wedding to fiance Craig Barnard.

“I am now looking forward to becoming a night owl with an editor in the UK, an agent in the US and little-ol’-me in Australia,” she says.

The hottest foodTHE Artisan restaurant, in Narrabundah, is the only Can-berra restaurant listed in “The Australian” newspaper’s Hottest 50 Restaurants of 2012. Not bad going for a restaurant open only less than two years.

Our dining reviewer Wendy Johnson gave the restaurant its first review in 2010. Since then, there’s been no stopping owners, chefs David Black and Sam McGeechan.

Grazing at Gundaroo also made the list.


scene Canberra’s only locally-owned Subaru dealerBROUGHT TO

YOU BY ROLFE SUBARU

At the Peruvian National Day celebration, Forrest At Siren Bar & Restaurant’s first birthday, Gungahlin

Marta Antolagu, Iselisa Escobar, Venezuelan ambassador Nelson Davila with Delfina and Victoria Bedoya

John Richardson, host Peruvian ambassador Peru Luis Quesada with deputy chief of protocol Ross Wescott

Heath McMichael, Leslie Williams and Timur Zevakhin

Oratile Khama and Sethunya Sedimo

Milleca Spencer and Victor Marillanca

Deannae and Ben Flood with Sam Taylor and Katrina Tucker

Sandra Santos with Patrick and Renee Conway

Marko Savic, Tara O’Donnell, Danny Gaul and Paul O’Donnell

Natalie Seaman, Elizabeth Beard, Andrew Barr MLA and Nick Georgalis

Frank Kendric, Bill O’Neill and Stewart James

Anthony Flaherty, Jane Spaulding and Scott Robinson

Kylie Parsons, Meegan Fitzharris and Pierre Huetter

Ambassador of Ecuador Raul Gangotena, Andrea Haese and Daniel Reategui


scene ROLFE SUBARU AT PHILLIP & BELCONNEN

At the Telstra Business Awards ACT gala dinner, Hyatt Hotel Canberra At jazz night, Alliance Française

Jasmine Keene, Tom Rowe and Monique Bremer

Rachel Evagelou, Julie Nichols and Vanessa AkisterHannah Foley, Zack Hampson and Grace Phillips

Winifred Hanson, John Grimes with Sarah and Meg Burch Di and Jerry van Meegen

Kendall Hammond, Ben Ahern, Scott Hammond with Clare and Michael Talevich

Dean Hill and Michael YoungJane, Sophie, Nicholas and Andrew Dimoff with Aaron Woods Luke Sweeting, Rachael Thoms and Niels Rosendahl

Rachel Cummings, Rafael Jerjen, Livia Brash and Kathryn Jenkinson

Brian Stewart and Tim Field Susan Tier and Jeannette Horne


sceneAt CP Partners and CIA Canberra branch opening, Civic At the farewell to the ambassador of Greece, Yarralumla

Alf Magnano, Darleen Barton and John Capuana

Thomas Watson, Tony Cole, James Milligan and Vijay Gakhar

Jake and Michael Eames and Rob Cameron Joanna and Melyn Cabana

Catherine Coles, Ron Friesen and Chris Miller

Anna Sutcliffe, Joyce Irving with Bjondina and Zaide Iseni

Michael Hazilias and Jenny Mackiewicz Rebecca Bleich, Greek ambassador Alexios Christopoulos and wife Matenia with Jason and Leslie Hyland

Nick and Dorothy Charles with David Hedgley

Dino Mikias, George Angelo Poulus and Michael Christo Devlou

Ar. Konstantinos Kostakos and William Underwood

Nikos Economidis, Stavroula Kamperea and Konstantinos Koutsopoulus

Kristen Mueller with Ross and Joan Hughes


THERE was a robust Mediterranean flavour to the official launch this week, at the home of Prof Brian and Mrs Dianne Anderson in Red Hill, of the choirs section in the Australian National Eisteddfod.

The Dante Musica Viva Italian Choir, under the baton of Francesco Sofo, entertained guests with folk songs from Calabria to Trieste, as well as the famous Chorus of the Hebrew Slaves from “Nabucco” written, as Sofo said, “by Joe Green – Giuseppe Verdi”.

They’re the newest entrants in the choirs section, marking a new prize for multicultural choirs supported by the ACT’s Office of Multicultural Affairs. As committee member Ellnor Grassby (who knew all their songs) observed, there are many brilliant communal groups in Canberra to help this section grow.

Mrs Anderson praised sponsors Access Capital Advisers, Fyshwick Fresh Food Markets, Village Building Company, Notaras Property, the Australian-Britain Society, Farm Fresh and Canberra Choral Society, as well as the many generous individual patrons. –Helen Musa

sceneAt ‘What’s HOT in Fashion this Winter’, Springbank Rise

At the launch of the 2012 Choirs Eisteddfod, Red Hill

Anthony Watkins, Jane Slattery and Jen Ralph

Kelly McGufficke and Sarah Gallagher

Benita Peters and Tayah Vargas

Prof Brian and Dianne Anderson and Vicki Dunn MLA

Max Flint and Francesco Sofo

Sophia Notaras and Barbara Magi Peter and Nicole Tucker Michelle and Oscar Sofo with Kevin Doyle

Toni Magi and Paul Barsdell

Kirsty Whybrow and Debbie Selfe

Lee White, David Holder and Margaret Browne

Cheryl Francis, Juliette Phillips and Georgina Ovin

Steph Kemp and Michaela Harding

Ashley Whild and Kirsty Freeth



Sudoku hard No.85

General knowledge crossword No. 371

Solution next week

Solution next week

Crossword No.370 Sudoku med No.85Solutions

puzzles pageJoanne Madeline Moore your week in the stars / August 6 - 12 Across

1 What was the former name of Alice Springs?8 Name a place where public records or other historical documents are kept.9 What are lengths of thread or yarn, wound in coils?10 Which alternative term is descriptive of bullfighters?11 Name the transparent anterior part of the external coat of the eye.13 To arouse feelings of extreme disgust, is to do what?16 What do we call the set of control buttons on a typewriter?19 Which joints of the arm lie between the upper arm and forearm?22 Which person is employed to attend and groom racehorses in the stables?24 Name a more familiar term for thespians.25 What do we call a tabular arrangement of the days of each month and week in a year?26 Name the theory that reality is one (as opposed to pluralism).

Down 2 Name the capital of Japan.3 What is another term for a foreigner?4 In which state was Errol Flynn said to have been born?5 What is a native of Edinburgh called?6 In golf, what is a score of one stroke under par on a hole?7 Which form of polecat is used for hunting rabbits in their burrows?12 Name the red variety of corundum, highly prized as a gem.14 Name the style of bowling used in softball.15 What is another term for a countertenor?17 In movies, what do they call members of mob scenes, etc?18 What were North American Indian warriors called?20 Name a staff used especially as a mark of office or authority.21 What are small, usually hard, abnormal elevations on the skin?23 What do we call schools of whales?

ARIES (Mar 21 – Apr 20)Boisterous, bossy behaviour will get you into trouble, especially early in the week. Think twice before you challenge authority figures or arouse the opposition of loved ones. Diplomacy is not your natural forte, but it’s exactly what you need at the moment. So slip on your humility hat Rams! Expect an exciting weekend when you’ll feel positive and productive.

TAURUS (Apr 21 – May 20)Have you been bustling around like a busy Bull on steroids? With Venus (your ruling planet) moving through Cancer (from August 7 until September 7), relax and enjoy the cozy comforts of home sweet home. It’s also an opportune time to calm choppy waters with a fractious family member. Friday is the perfect day for creative inspiration or a romantic rendezvous.

GEMINI (May 21 – June 21)Avoid the temptation to spread gossip early in the week. If you pass on information that was given to you in confidence, you’ll end up feeling foolish and friendless. Thank goodness Mercury moves forwards again mid-week. Expect all forms of communication and travel to improve, as you get your Gemini mojo back in spades! A creative approach at work brings benefits.

CANCER (June 22 – July 22)The more proactive (and less reactive) you are, the better the week will be. With Venus visiting your sign (from August 7 – September 7), it’s time to up the charm factor. You can be incredibly persuasive – when you’re in the mood. The Sun and Jupiter give you a confidence boost on Sunday, so polish your social skills and start networking like a pro. No side-stepping Crabs!

LEO (July 23 – Aug 22)Leos love to pontificate, but heaps of hubris usually lands you in hot water (especially as Mercury has been reversing through your sign). Thankfully it moves forwards again midweek so, from Thursday through to Sunday, strive to patch up problems you have caused over the last three weeks. Time to cool down, compromise – and eat humble pie when required.

VIRGO (Aug 23 – Sept 22)Have you been working hard behind the scenes but without much feedback? Mercury moves forwards again mid-week, so others will start to notice what a great job you’ve been doing. Saturn continues to crawl through your cash zone, but Mars is giving you the confidence to be more financially proactive. You’ll have a successful weekend if you combine logic with intuition.

LIBRA (Sept 23 – Oct 23)With Mars and Saturn moving through your sign, are you keen to initiate changes but you’re procrastinating and not sure where to start? Just bite the bullet and begin! Your quote for the week is from birthday great Andy Warhol: “They always say time changes things, but you actually have to change things yourself.”

SCORPIO (Oct 24 – Nov 21)With the Sun shining in your career zone (and Mercury moving forwards), all eyes are on you at work – so make sure you are putting on a good show! Just remember that compromise will get you a lot further than confrontation. If you’re looking for employment, cast your net far and wide.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22 – Dec 21)The focus is on money matters and the more you nurture your finances, the more they will flourish. Don’t expect instant results though! Managing cash and credit carefully now will lead to financial security in the future. You’re at your sparkling best on Sunday, as Jupiter jump starts your confidence and you cheer up loved ones with your sunny Sagittarian nature.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22 – Jan 19)A condescending attitude will lead to a fraction too much friction, especially with a patient partner or a frazzled family member. Cool compromise is what’s needed, as Venus moves into your relationship zone. Canny Capricorns are also in detective mode as you read a murder mystery, solve a puzzle or research a favourite topic.

AQUARIUS (Jan 20 – Feb 18)You’re in the mood to compromise with colleagues, as Venus visits your relationship zone (from August 7 – September 7), and you strive for professional peace. It’s time for adversarial Aquarians to be calm, kind and cooperative! It’s a wonderful weekend to catch up with friends in your local community – plus make connections with a creative new crowd.

PISCES (Feb 19 – Mar 20)If you make major purchases (or important financial decisions) this week, you may be biting off more than you can comfortably chew. In the present economic climate, slow and steady wins the money race. Friday through to Sunday is the perfect time for creative endeavours and romantic reveries – but don’t let someone take advantage of your generous (and gullible) nature.

Daily astrology updates at www.twitter.com/JoMadelineMooreCopyright Joanne Madeline Moore 2011

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P L C T H R E D B OL E A T H E R O A TA S A A N A L Y S TT R E A S O N N T EO R S C A S H I E RO I E MN U D I S T A R G E N T

R S E OC H A L I C E D S NH G L C A B I N E TA C O N I T E A A II N A D E C A G O NR E S I D U E K S E


arts & entertainment Dougal MacdonaldTurning on the magic

Divorce through the lensWHEN her 12-year marriage began to break down, Jennifer Nagy wasn’t sure how to express the wave of emotions she was going through.

It seemed the answer was what she had been doing professionally for the past 26 years – photography.

“At the time, there was this feeling of hopeless-ness, that everything was closing in on me,” she said.

“I felt like it was a topic that was kind of shunned in a way, something people didn’t want to talk about.

“In the end, one of my friends encouraged me to start expressing my grief through photography as a kind of therapy, or release.”

Jennifer, who runs her own business specialis-ing in portraiture, wedding and commercial photography, says it was “healing” to turn her skills inward to reflect on her emotions.

She began taking a camera with her on the long walks she took when she was feeling “depressed or down”, usually of an evening around Yarralumla.

“When I was in my dark period, I’d enjoy look-ing into the water at the reflection,” she said.

“As I sort-of progressed through the grieving process, I’d start looking towards the sky and at nature and beauty.”

Now Jennifer’s photography of her “healing journey” will feature in her third solo photo-graphic exhibition, “Releasing The Victim Within”.

The exhibition, sponsored by the Australian Institute of National Photography, includes more than 40 abstract photographs taken over a period of three years as Jennifer struggled to end her relationship.

The images have a predominant theme of water to express emotion, as well as abstract reflections and forms of nature.

Jennifer says capturing the transition from ending a marriage to becoming a “strong independent person” was “cathartic”.

“When a marriage disintegrates, you really do go through a period of low self worth, and you feel like a failure because we all get married thinking it’s going to be forever and it’s terrible when it doesn’t work out,” she said.

“When I was framing this work, I was surprised the dark moody photos were really quite poign-ant. I feel there is beauty in pain in some ways... that feeling of trying to find who you are again.

“I do see this exhibition as a positive thing; it’s

been a very empowering journey as it shows the pain, the despair, the guilt and the feeling of self-worthlessness, but also the feelings of where I am now, quite strong, independent and creative.”

Although her marriage ended five years ago, Jennifer says it has taken time to heal.

“I’m definitely in a better head space now, but I do still find it hard to be alone at night sometimes, so I keep busy.”

She says her ex-husband is aware of the exhibition.

“He’s okay with it. It’s not really about him, it’s more about me and my journey, so it’s not as if I’m revealing private information to the public, that wouldn’t be fair,” she said.

“I hope people will feel positive when they see this exhibition. Many people can identify with it, not just those who have experienced divorce, but anyone struggling to overcome something. It’s about releasing the victim and being able to say ‘I’m great and life is good’.”

“Releasing the Victim Within” opens at Cottage 1, Weston Park Road, Yarralumla, 3pm, on Sunday, August 5 and runs until September 1.

Photographer Jennifer Nagy... “one of my friends encouraged me to start expressing my grief through photography as a kind of therapy, or release.” Photo by Silas Brown.

Memories of Woody SHORTIS and Simpson, Music for

Everyone and Dave O’Neill plan to raise the roof of Ainslie Arts Centre, Elouera Street, Braddon when they celebrate the centenary of folk song-writer Woody Guthrie. John Shortis has researched Guthrie’s life story for “quirky anecdotes”, “surprising tidbits” and “the grand moments”. It’s playing at 8.30pm, August 10. Bookings to 6230 7190 between noon and 6pm Monday-Friday.

FRED Smith has written to say he, some of the “Spooky Men” Chorale and Liz Frencham will be at the Lobby on August 11. Fred and the Spookies have just released a YouTube clip of a song called “Say a Prayer”, commemorating the 70th anniversary of the sinking of the HMAS Canberra in August, 1942.

Bookings to www.trybooking.com and dinner bookings to 6273 1455.

THE Llewellyn Choir and The Llewellyn Sinfonia are preparing Monteverdi’s “Vespers,” of 1610, described as “grand and operatic in style,” for performance in St Christo-pher’s Cathedral, Manuka at 7.30pm on August 11. Bookings to 6278 4498, www.llewellynchoir.org.au or tickets at the door.

SALUT! Baroque’s latest luminary or “superstar” will be Alessandro Scarlatti, whose work will feature in its concert at Albert Hall, 7.30pm on August 10. Tickets at the door.

Helen Musa arts in the city

continued Page 18

Waramanga photographer Jennifer Nagy found solace during her painful divorce from taking photos. Now, five years on, it’s turned into a cathartic photo exhibition. She gives LAURA EDWARDS a preview...


arts & entertainment / reviews

arts in the city

ROB Gell, long-time Melbourne weatherman and geomorphologist, will narrate the Griffyn Ensemble’s National Science Week concert, called “Cloudy With a Chance of Rain”.

It’s a light program compared with the ensemble’s performance in late March of “Southern Sky”, by Estonian composer Urmas Sisask, in the ruins of Mt Stromlo Observatory. But with four seasons of music to get through and numbers “from every genre you can imagine”, ensemble director Michael Sollis believes they’re on the right track.

“The only problem is how to create a segue from one to another,” he tells “CityNews”, and when you hear that they’re doing Gershwin, avant-garde music from Latvia and Japan, surf music and everything in between, you can see his point.

They’ll play “Autumn Leaves”, Uruguayan composer Miguel Del Aguila’s “Herbstaag”, which mimics the sounds of falling leaves, and

the part of Elena Kats-Chernin’s “Wild Swans” ballet that heralds spring, birth and rebirth.

Alec Wilder’s “Blackberry Winter”, dealing with May in America, gives Gell reason to explain certain natural phenomena and they’ve even created a barbershop quartet as an excuse to sing “Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head”.

This will be the Griffyn Ensemble at

full-strength. Soprano Susan Ellis will be back in time from her honeymoon, while clarinetist Matthew O’Keeffe and his percussionist wife Wyana, who met and married through the ensemble, will be in town from Melbourne, where O’Keeffe’s now posted.

This program will be performed in the library at Albury and in the Science Centre in Bendigo.

“Cloudy With a Chance of Rain”, National Gallery of Australia, 2.30pm, Sunday, August 12, bookings to griffyn.iwannaticket.com.au

‘Cloudy’ but fine, that’s the Griffyn forecastCanberra’s young musical luminaries, the Griffyn Ensemble, have turned their attention to the weather, says arts editor HELEN MUSA

Rob Gell... narrating the concert.

AS soon as the amiable jazz saxophonist Niels Rosendahl sat on the edge of the stage and said “good evening” to his large audience – he called us his “com-munity” – I knew we were in for a treat.

He’s off to study at the University of Northern Texas College of Music and this was his farewell concert.

And what a classy gig it was.Rosendahl had his usual band – drummer Gary

France and Luke Sweeting on keys – and gathered a few other friends to play as special guest artists. Rachael Thoms, Rafael Jerjen, Dan McLean, Ben Marston and blues great, Fiona Boyes, along with the Rosendahl trio, all gave performances that would stand up on their own in any of the world’s greatest jazz venues.

The thoughtfully prepared program included originals, some favourites and a couple of standards. One standard, “Moon River”, Rosendahl had not played in public before, but his duo performance with Luke

Sweeting at the piano was brimming with sensitivity, presence and artistry.

Actually, this concert made me despair even more over the philistinistic gutting of the ANU School of Music. Nearly all of the artists were graduates of the School (Gary France teaches there) and, to a person, they wowed the audience with their talent, innovative approaches to the music and musicianship.

From the first note to the last, this concert held the audience under the most delicious spell.

It was a privilege to attend. And, in Texas, Niels Rosendahl will do Canberra proud in every respect.

Under a delicious spell of jazzjazz“The Farewell Concert”Niels RosendahlThe John Lingard Hall, Canberra Grammar SchoolReviewed by Clinton White

AT the Bungendore Wood Works, 8pm, on August 10, Da-vid Pereira will appear with US cellist Michael Haber to perform duets by Gabrielli, Barriere, J.S. Bach, Boismortier, Giardini and Boccherini. As well, The Cello Tragics cello choir will play Elena Kats-Chernin’s “Phoenix Story” and Scott Joplin rags.

AND you have only until August 8 to catch the exhibition at the Wood Works featuring artworks by Jim Birkett, Glenda Borchard, Helen Fitzgerald, Simon Hooper and Ian Lakey.

HERE’S an unusual fundraiser and a fabulous idea. Local artist Kathleen Rhee will devote a percentage of exhibition sales and all ticket sales from her first solo exhibition of meditative framed artworks to Working Wonders, a local charity that provides clothing, shoes and accessories to women in need for job interviews. At Canberra Grammar School Gallery, 2pm, on August 11. Tickets at the door.

“WHY would anyone in their right mind be an artist?” is the title of a “Next Gen Artist Forum,” at the Belconnen Arts Centre, 3pm, on August 5. Musi-cian Reuben Ingall, dance artist Jamie Winbank, trombonist and theatre practitioner Michael Bailey, and visual artist George Rose may answer that question.

From Page 17

Fred Smith and the Spookies... at the Lobby on August 11. Photo by Gerard Hudson


arts & entertainment

When Mike turns on the ‘magic’

“Magic Mike” (MA)

STEVEN Soderbergh’s film, derived loosely from the background of co-producer and main man Channing Tatum, has generated argument on the International Movie Database about its sexism.

Tatum plays Mike, a stripper at the Xquisite Club where the audience is almost totally female, which explains the club’s corps de ballet of buffed, bronzed and uninhibited young men whose earnings are the dollar bills that women tuck into the strings of the film’s prophylaxis against the dreaded XXX rating, their genital pouches.

There’s nothing visibly magic about Mike, a good guy comfortable in his after-dark profes-sion and happy with its fringe benefits of liquor and willing one-night-stand partners, preferably in multiples. By day he works as a roof tiler, where he meets Adam (Alex Pettyfer) whom he

An urge for IndianI CAN’T keep my nose out of “Shantaram”, the enthralling novel by Gregory David Roberts who was sentenced to 19 years in an Australian prison for armed robberies, then escaped and spent 10 of his fugitive years in Bombay.

Perhaps reading about India made me hungry for the extraordinary food this country offers the rest of the world. And perhaps that’s why I ended up with some friends at the newest Indian restaurant in Manuka.

Punjabi Hut is upstairs in the Style Arcade. Also in Queanbeyan and Erindale, the restaurant owners specialise in Punjabi and North Indian cuisine and have been feeding Canberrans since 2003. Punjabi food is rich in colour and taste, regularly prepared with melted ghee (clarified butter) and served in delicious gravies – perfect for soaking fresh Naan bread into. Many tradi-tional dishes are cooked in a clay oven creating a special aroma.

In studying the menu, we zeroed in on the Punjabi Hut recommendations (marked with an asterisk). Our favourite was from the deep sea, Goanese Fish ($17.50). The boneless fillets were prepared with the coconut this style of cooking is so well known for – they say every part of the coconut is used in Goan dishes.

Next up was the Murg Shan-e-Punjab, boneless chicken cooked with chillies, to add zing, and served mild, medium or as hot as you

like ($15.50). More gravy. More dipping of the Naan bread.

Our least favourite by far was the Dal Makhani ($14.50), black lentils and kidney beans cooked slowly in Punjabi spices. The menu promised an exotic experience, but we agreed it fell short of this.

Also on the menu are a dozen entrees, including a rum kebab, lamb marinated with spices and rum and cooked in a clay oven ($17.90) and a Punjabi Hut special chaat (savoury snacks) for $10.50. Banquets are available for $32.50 per person (four or more).

Punjabi Hut’s décor is not nearly as rich, warm and tasty as some of the dishes. Indeed, it’s sparse. While the large windows facing busy Franklin Street are inviting, sitting near them this time of year is a chilling experience – I dined with my coat on.

The restaurant is spacious and easily accom-modates large gatherings although we were baffled by the attire of the staff, especially the Rip Curl cap one of our waiters wore on his head. It all seems odd for a formal restaurant in this part of town. Perhaps it’s time for staff uniforms.

Punjabi Hut, shop 19, Style Arcade, Manuka. Open for dinner, Tuesday-Sunday from 5.30pm and for lunch Monday-Friday from noon.Call 6295 7122. BYO bottled wine and beer only (not yet fully licensed).

Wendy Johnsondining

recruits into the club’s dancers.Adam’s sister Brooke (Cody

Horn) is protective of him and barely tolerates the lifestyle into which Mike has invited him, from which Adam develops behav-ioural issues. He discovers Ecstacy and starts peddling it. Soon he’s in debt to his supplier and at risk of a thrashing.

As you might expect from Steven Soderbergh, “Magic Mike” offers plusses. While essentially non-erotic, it provokes discussion about women’s sexuality, which has to be a good thing. The dance numbers are vigorous, very butch, very in-your-face or groin, uninhibited about the participa-tion of young women happy to take part in dry copulation with beautiful undressed young men whom the law permits them to touch anywhere except on the crotch. The choreography would never make Covent Garden.

Matthew McConaughey rather dominates the film as club-owner Dallas. As Mike, Tatum’s perfor-mance exceeds expectations. And the ending offers agreeably enigmatic options for watchers to tick their preferred box.

Will straight men find the thought of “Magic Mike” inviting enough to accompany their wives to it? This male (wife otherwise occupied) found it agreeable, although low-key cinematogra-phy made interpreting what was happening something of a chore. In my judgement, yes, it is sexist, but in a reverse way from other films of similar ilk showing bare nipples with breasts attached. Anyway, likeability is a matter for individual judgement.

At all cinemas

Dougal Macdonaldcinema

THE THICK OF IT

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garden

PEONIES are aptly described as: “Whilst the flowers of the tree peony are extravagant and sumptuous, the herbaceous kinds are smaller, but have a quality and refinement which immediately claims the attention”.

Many gardeners consider peonies as difficult to grow, whereas nothing is further from the truth.

It is also said that peonies take years before they flower. The flowering time can vary and this depends, as with most perennials, on the right position and how well the soil is prepared. The magnificent herbaceous peony shown here in our garden, namely P. “Sarah Bernhardt”, flowered in its first year.

Herbaceous peonies are the subject of today’s article.

Paeonia lactiflora, known as the “Queen of Flowers”, grows in many parts of the world from Asia and southern Europe to the western US. The name originates in Greek mythology. Named after Paean, a student of Asclepius, the Greek God of medicine and healing.

Asclepius became jealous of his up-and-

coming student Paean, with Zeus coming to the rescue, saving Paean from Asclepius’ wrath and turning him into a flower. The roots have been used for traditional medicines in the East for centuries and the longest used flower in Eastern culture. Interestingly, they are the State flower of the American State, Indiana.

HERE are a few hints on growing peonies, firstly noting they are very drought hardy and so ideal for our climate. Their growth habit and growing conditions are similar to Dahlias, also originating in a hot climate, namely Mexico.

Similarly, they will grow in any well-drained soil – well-drained is the key; they won’t tolerate water-logged soil or the tubers will quickly rot. They prefer growing in full sun. The best time to dig and divide is autumn when the leaves have died down.

PROPAGATION is, once again, similar to Dahlias with division of the tubers [roots]. When planting

keep the highest crown bud only 5cm below the surface. If planted too deeply they will take longer to flower and they do not like being moved once established.

The soil can be improved with applications of compost or well-rotted manure. Keep chemical fertilisers and fresh manures well away from the tubers. While it is tempting to cut the flowers, commercial growers suggest that one should not cut flowers for the first three years of its life. For the first few years let the tubers get well established.

After planting, water in with Maxicrop Sea-weed Plant Nutrient and in spring and autumn apply Neutrog “Seamungus”, a combination of seaweed and chook poo in pelletised form. Mulch with Canberra Sand and Gravel’s “Canberra Organic Mulch”.

VARIETIES I have seen offered for sale at Heritage Nursery include:

Peony “Marie Lemoine” has double, pure-white flowers with red edges on some of the petals. P. “Kansas” with rich double red non-fading flowers.

P. “Heaven Scent”, as the name suggests, has a wonderful fragrance with rose-pink flowers that are heavily ruffled in the centre. P. “Early Delight” is an early flowering variety with single, pale-pink flowers and cream-centre ruffles.

CONTINUING from last week on alternate fruits to think about growing, consider Feijoa sellowiana known as pineapple guava for its distinctive, pineapple-tasting fruit.

The fruit, the size of an egg, stays green even when ripe. It has a multiplicity of uses, from eating fresh on ice-cream, adding to fruit salads to making jams and jellies.

It also makes a great hedge. Feijoa are extremely drought hardy originating in South America – from Brazil to Argentina and Uruguay.

Cedric Bryantgardening

The passion for peoniesDelicious pineapple guava fruit and, inset, its brilliant flowers.

P. “Sarah Bernhardt”... a magnificent herbaceous peony that flowered in Cedric’s garden in its first year.

This week...• Plant a Bay tree, the leaves essential in

casseroles and stews.• Sow seeds of Delphiniums, Lupins,

Larkspur and Virginian Stock.• Plant Canna and Calla lilies for a bold

summer display.• Still not too late to plant sweet peas.• Cut back hard ornamental grasses.


home

“My inspiration always starts from a general colour idea or a hue,” she says. “I think we should be brave in the bedroom and embrace colour.”

Tracie’s company Aura, which she founded in 2000, creates original, contemporary bedlinen and home accessories with a focus on “exquisite colours, unique fabrics and beautiful, handcrafted finishes”.

“I love everything about designing for the home,” she says. “I love travel-ling, most recently through India and Rajasthan, and experiencing different cultures.

“I find that my inspiration can come from anywhere. For example, one of my recent cushions was in-spired by the ceiling of the cathedral in Seville, Spain.

“Sometimes it’s exotic sounds, the food and, of course, the different landscapes. Like most designers, I’m always thinking of new ideas – inspi-ration can come from all around.”

Tracie says that this year she has moved into designing lounge cushions, table linen, aprons, tea towels and rugs, as well as bedlinen.

“I’m really lucky to have found a profession that I love so much that work doesn’t really feel like work,” she says.

“I’m always working, blogging, researching or designing, and it can be on my laptop on the sofa, or on my iPad at the dining table or kitchen bench.”

Tracie says her dream bedroom would contain a bed dressed full of natural fibres.

“These will enable your body to relax and breathe while sleeping, thus helping you achieve a better night’s sleep and waking refreshed,” she says.

“A room with a view is always nice, too, as is waking up beside the love of your life.

“My dog Max is a frequent early morning visitor to our bedroom and he always makes me laugh.”

Bedrooms should be calming spaces, she says. “Too much furniture

should be avoided, as it makes the room too busy, and rooms that are too warm are not good for sleeping.

“Also, don’t live with an old lumpy pillow or lack of a decent reading light.”

Tracie’s bold, colourful bedroom style

Bedlinen designer Tracie Ellis... “I think we should be brave in the bedroom and embrace colour.”

Kathryn Vukovljakreports

INSPIRED by travel, and passionate about combining contemporary design and age-old hand-crafting techniques, Melbourne-based bedlinen and home accessories designer Tracie Ellis says she is “all about colour”.

STRESS, uncomfortable mattresses and farting partners are turning us into insomniacs, according to new research.

The survey of more than 2400 Australians discovered that more than half (55 per cent) claim work worries keep them awake at night, 70 per cent complain about uncomfortable mattresses and 30 per cent of re-spondents blame flatulent bedfellows for insufficient shut-eye.

Almost three quarters (73 per

cent) of survey participants claimed to be sleep-deprived and a further 1 in 10 (8 per cent) stated they feel like “death warmed up” when waking each morning.

The research for Ikea also reveals that 90 per cent of people who share their bed with a partner are quick to point the finger of blame at their loved one as the reason for a restless night. Snoring is the main complaint for 60 per cent of bed-sharers followed by getting up in the night (34 per cent), partners who fart loudly (30 per cent) and sleep talking (20 per cent).

When sleep is hard to find

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Canberra CityNews August 2, 2012