NEWS
Lord Mayor Campbell Newman has announced that Brisbane residents can donate food to flood victims at their local Brisbane City Council library from Friday. The Lord Mayor said people were doing it tough at the moment after one of the city's worst natural disasters in modern history.
Cr Newman asked residents to donate any canned food they could spare to the appeal, which will run for the next month. “People need to eat and this is aimed at making life a little easier for those people struggling after having their lives turned upside down by this devastating flood,” Cr Newman said.
“Brisbane residents have already shown just how generous they can be after last weekend’s historic volunteer cleanup effort, and we’d love it if people could dig a little deeper if they can.
“If you can spare a few cans of food to help out flood victims all you have to do is drop them off at your local Council library.” Cr Newman said the initiative was being run in conjunction with grocery-charity Foodbank, who will be responsible for distributing the food.
The Lord Mayor said canned food donations could be made to Brisbane City Council libraries from Friday 21 January until Friday 18 February. He asked that people only bring canned food items, as no other items could be accepted.
For a full list of libraries and opening times, please visit www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/libraries or call (07) 3403 8888.
Monday, January 24, 2011
Stop Northern Link to pay for recovery: Labor
NEWS
Lord Mayor Campbell Newman must immediately stop the progress of the Northern Link tunnel and prioritise Brisbane’s flood recovery, says Labor Lord Mayoral Candidate Ray Smith and Council Opposition Leader Shayne Sutton.
The $1.7 billion toll tunnel is due to start construction shortly, but Mr Smith said the Lord Mayor needed to urgently reassess council’s funding priorities.
“The Lord Mayor needs to immediately call a halt to all work on Northern Link, as it leaves no headroom in the Council budget for urgent and essential flood recovery and long term flood mitigation strategies,” Mr Smith said.
“The Lord Mayor has allocated $470 million in ratepayers’ funds to the Northern Link tunnel and I believe this money should be reallocated to rebuilding our city and undertaking future flood mitigation works.
“Brisbane residents and council employees have done a incredible job so far with the flood recovery and now the Lord Mayor needs to provide them with the resources to undertake the next stage rebuilding stage.”
Lord Mayor Campbell Newman must immediately stop the progress of the Northern Link tunnel and prioritise Brisbane’s flood recovery, says Labor Lord Mayoral Candidate Ray Smith and Council Opposition Leader Shayne Sutton.
The $1.7 billion toll tunnel is due to start construction shortly, but Mr Smith said the Lord Mayor needed to urgently reassess council’s funding priorities.
“The Lord Mayor needs to immediately call a halt to all work on Northern Link, as it leaves no headroom in the Council budget for urgent and essential flood recovery and long term flood mitigation strategies,” Mr Smith said.
“The Lord Mayor has allocated $470 million in ratepayers’ funds to the Northern Link tunnel and I believe this money should be reallocated to rebuilding our city and undertaking future flood mitigation works.
“Brisbane residents and council employees have done a incredible job so far with the flood recovery and now the Lord Mayor needs to provide them with the resources to undertake the next stage rebuilding stage.”
Co-ownership concept is coasting along well
RESIDENTIAL Property
Co-ownership of luxury coastal property is the ‘next big thing’ for Queensland, according to PRDnationwide’s Adam Gray, who is selling beach homes at Mount Coolum on the Sunshine Coast to buyers who want to holiday in style, without the full price tag.
“Most people are tightening their purse strings, but don’t want to miss out on owning the dream property at the coast, so are purchasing together,” he said. Mr Gray said it was ideal for people wanting a holiday house but who did not have the time to justify the expense of a whole property; and city workers whose dreams of owning a luxury beach home were out of financial reach.
The Kula development is due for completion in early 2011, featuring 31 private residences, with $10 Million of homes already sold. “Most people only get to use a weekender every few weeks, so why not share the cost with friends and family,” said Mr Gray.
He said four owners could secure a Kula property from $140,000 each. “In fact those buyers borrowing up to 80 per cent of the purchase price only have to invest about $30,000,” he said.
Mr Gray said like joint ownership of luxury boats – sharing a weekender was the perfect way to share the costs and the profits. “The dream of owning a luxury coast getaway has moved closer with the establishment of co-ownership agreements,” he said. Mr Gray said as well as family and friends teaming up to buy a property, the concept was also getting the attention of business owners who allow staff and their families to stay.
He also revealed that ‘property swap’ websites were booming, with beach houses like those at Kula a very attractive option for those living overseas. “It is a short stroll to the beach as well as being close to four magnificent golf courses,” he said. Mr Gray said Mount Coolum was an emerging hotspot, as it was a lot more affordable than nearby Noosa. “There is renewed buyer interest in owning a holiday home,” he said.
Whether as a destination to vacation or as an investment property to rent out – second home purchases are set to take off again. PRDnationwide research director Aaron Maskrey said Aussies are tipped to return to the holiday market, following the exodus during the financial crisis.
“The idea of having a beach shack to get away to on weekends is enormously attractive,” he said. “Due to the uncertainty and a loss of confidence in the market during 2009, many investors were forced to put their holiday homes on the market. 2011 looks to be a buyers market, a lot of people are feeling the lure of purchasing a possible bargain holiday home again.”
Developer of Kula, Ben Jobber from Turrisi Properties, said their vision was to create true beach homes in a relaxed beachside environment. “Created by four leading Queensland architects to deliver variety and an interesting streetscape, there are no other developments on the Sunshine Coast like Kula,” he said. The two and three storey modern beach homes range from $517,000 - $699,000.
• For more information visit www.kula.com.au.
Electrical safety must come first
RESIDENTIAL Property
With flood-affected homes widespread across Queensland, Master Builders is advising home owners with flood damage that electrical safety should be their first priority when returning home.
Any home owner unfortunate enough to experience flood damage will want access to their home and power restored so they can have the damage assessed and fixed quickly.
In flood situations, electrical safety is particularly relevant and home owners (as well as business owners) whose electrical distribution board has been submerged should contact their local power provider to determine the steps to be taken before power will be returned to their home or business.
Checking some plumbing fixtures may also be on the priority list, with Master Builders recommending home owners use a licensed plumber to ensure any on-site sewerage facilities and hot water units are working satisfactorily. Once the electrical and plumbing items are addressed and in working order, other repairs can commence.
Unfortunately, there are some operators within the community who will try to take advantage of those whose homes have been affected by the floods. Be on the lookout for “blow-in” contractors who are out to make a quick buck.
To minimise your chances of getting caught up with these types of contractors, ask a builder or trade contractor if they are licensed in Queensland to perform the type of work they are quoting on. Ask them to produce their Building Services Authority (BSA) licence.
Take note of their name, licence number, expiry date and class of licence. Details of their licence are available online at www.bsa.qld.gov.au, where you can also perform a licence search.
With flood-affected homes widespread across Queensland, Master Builders is advising home owners with flood damage that electrical safety should be their first priority when returning home.
Any home owner unfortunate enough to experience flood damage will want access to their home and power restored so they can have the damage assessed and fixed quickly.
In flood situations, electrical safety is particularly relevant and home owners (as well as business owners) whose electrical distribution board has been submerged should contact their local power provider to determine the steps to be taken before power will be returned to their home or business.
Checking some plumbing fixtures may also be on the priority list, with Master Builders recommending home owners use a licensed plumber to ensure any on-site sewerage facilities and hot water units are working satisfactorily. Once the electrical and plumbing items are addressed and in working order, other repairs can commence.
Unfortunately, there are some operators within the community who will try to take advantage of those whose homes have been affected by the floods. Be on the lookout for “blow-in” contractors who are out to make a quick buck.
To minimise your chances of getting caught up with these types of contractors, ask a builder or trade contractor if they are licensed in Queensland to perform the type of work they are quoting on. Ask them to produce their Building Services Authority (BSA) licence.
Take note of their name, licence number, expiry date and class of licence. Details of their licence are available online at www.bsa.qld.gov.au, where you can also perform a licence search.
Flood victims warned over scammers
RESIDENTIAL Property
The State Government is warning residents to be on the lookout for dodgy traders following the floods. Fair Trading Minister Peter Lawlor says unscrupulous itinerant traders tended to hit areas devastated by the floods, preying on the vulnerability of victims.
“The Office of Fair Trading often receives information about itinerant traders, particularly after events such as natural disasters, who go from town to town peddling their services,” Mr Lawlor said.
“These traders offer everything from roof repairs and electrical work to resurfacing damaged driveways, but they’re not always the blessing they appear to be.
“Many are unlicensed and their work can be quite shoddy and conduct questionable. Even if the trader does offer a guarantee, it probably means nothing as they often move on quickly.
“The last thing you need at such a stressful time is to have to pay someone else to fix the job.”
Mr Lawlor said traders were usually bound by door-to-door trading rules that provided consumers with a 10-day cooling-off period, but different provisions applied to emergency repair contracts.
“Normally if a job is worth more than $75 the trader cannot begin work or accept payment in the first 10 days. This is to give people time to back out of large purchases if they change their mind after the salesman has left,” Mr Lawlor said.
“However, in the event of a natural disaster, where emergency repairs are often necessary, those rules don’t apply. While this allows homeowners to have emergency repairs completed, it also removes some protections meaning consumers must be even more vigilant.
“Before you engage anyone to perform emergency repairs around your house you should contact your insurer for information and advice,” he said.
“If you are approached by a company you don’t know, go online to check their website, call their head office, or check with someone else in town if they’ve used the trader’s services.
“Ask the trader for ID and, if the job requires building work, a Building Services Authority licence which demonstrates they are licensed to perform that work.
“You should also ask the trader for a contract and proper receipt with their name and address on it.
“If you’re not confident, do not feel pressured to take up the offer on the spot. Give yourself time to think it through, do more research, and get more quotes.
“If you do proceed with the work, make sure you check the quote carefully to avoid being overcharged.”
To report suspicious business activity to the Office of Fair Trading, visit www.fairtrading.qld.gov.au or call 13 QGOV (13 74 68). To check if a tradesman is licensed to perform the type of work you need, visit www.bsa.qld.gov.au
The State Government is warning residents to be on the lookout for dodgy traders following the floods. Fair Trading Minister Peter Lawlor says unscrupulous itinerant traders tended to hit areas devastated by the floods, preying on the vulnerability of victims.
“The Office of Fair Trading often receives information about itinerant traders, particularly after events such as natural disasters, who go from town to town peddling their services,” Mr Lawlor said.
“These traders offer everything from roof repairs and electrical work to resurfacing damaged driveways, but they’re not always the blessing they appear to be.
“Many are unlicensed and their work can be quite shoddy and conduct questionable. Even if the trader does offer a guarantee, it probably means nothing as they often move on quickly.
“The last thing you need at such a stressful time is to have to pay someone else to fix the job.”
Mr Lawlor said traders were usually bound by door-to-door trading rules that provided consumers with a 10-day cooling-off period, but different provisions applied to emergency repair contracts.
“Normally if a job is worth more than $75 the trader cannot begin work or accept payment in the first 10 days. This is to give people time to back out of large purchases if they change their mind after the salesman has left,” Mr Lawlor said.
“However, in the event of a natural disaster, where emergency repairs are often necessary, those rules don’t apply. While this allows homeowners to have emergency repairs completed, it also removes some protections meaning consumers must be even more vigilant.
“Before you engage anyone to perform emergency repairs around your house you should contact your insurer for information and advice,” he said.
“If you are approached by a company you don’t know, go online to check their website, call their head office, or check with someone else in town if they’ve used the trader’s services.
“Ask the trader for ID and, if the job requires building work, a Building Services Authority licence which demonstrates they are licensed to perform that work.
“You should also ask the trader for a contract and proper receipt with their name and address on it.
“If you’re not confident, do not feel pressured to take up the offer on the spot. Give yourself time to think it through, do more research, and get more quotes.
“If you do proceed with the work, make sure you check the quote carefully to avoid being overcharged.”
To report suspicious business activity to the Office of Fair Trading, visit www.fairtrading.qld.gov.au or call 13 QGOV (13 74 68). To check if a tradesman is licensed to perform the type of work you need, visit www.bsa.qld.gov.au
Railing against a pointless selloff
FROM MY CORNER .. with Ann Brunswick
Anyone who has moved around our city or other parts of our flood-hit state would know that as taxpayers we face huge repair costs for our road system alone following the summer floods.
Which means the state government will be looking for any source of moolah it can lay its hands on to foot the bill. Which now must surely make those who were opposed to the sale of QR National say: “I told you so.”
This column has previously questioned why a government would dispose of a public asset returning several hundred million dollars a year just to obtain a one-off bucket of cash. Even allowing for almost $2.5 billion in borrowings, QR National was still turning a quid each year.
Certainly, in either public or private hands, the organisation would sustain revenue losses caused by flood-related disruptions to mining activity and the damage to its own lines and other facilities. But in the long term, it would still be kicking big bucks into the public purse and helping to pay of the now inevitable borrowings the government will have to incur to foot the state’s repair bill. By the way, paying down borrowings and interest costs was one of the main reasons the government gave for flogging off QR National in the first place.
***
Speaking of the now sold-off QR National, you would think it might have been possible for the government to earmark some of the sale proceeds to build a covering for the 30 metre walkway to Central Station from the Ann and Edward streets intersection?
It’s one of the most-used entries to Central Station but has never had any cover to protect rail commuters and others since the entrance was built in the 1970s. Of course now with a flood bill to meet, such a triviality will probably fall further down the priority list.
***
It is now routine for governments including the Queensland Government, to appoint a non-government identity to head recovery efforts following natural disasters.
Readers would recall the appointment of General Peter Cosgrove following Cyclone Larry in 2006 and building industry figure John Gaskin led the special recovery taskforce following floods in the Mackay region in early 2008. A few weeks ago Premier Anna Bligh announced Major General Mick Slater would head the latest floods recovery task force after damaging inundations in regional Queensland.
To my mind it has always seemed odd that governments need to recruit outsiders for such a job. In Queensland’s case, we as taxpayers foot the bill for the fat salaries of dozens of senior emergency services and other bureaucrats. Yet when a crisis hits, an outsider must do the job.
Why do we pay the bureaucrats if they are not up to the job?
***
Many Queenslanders would have felt for Premier Anna Bligh as she choked back tears and spoke with a wavering voice at one of her many regular flood briefings for the media.
And most Queenslanders also would know that had he still been premier, Peter Beattie would have displayed similar emotion. The only difference would be that if Beattie had still had the state’s top job he would have ended his tearful remarks by saying: “If any of the cameras missed that, I can do it again.”
***
One final comment on the Premier. I heard her at one media conference at the flood’s peak lamenting the loss of the floating RiverWalk in front of New Farm. “Much loved” is how I think she described it.
Considering the ongoing hassles and maintenance costs its design caused over recent years – and the enormous amount of money that will be needed from government coffers to do all sorts of infrastructure repair work – I think we can safely say that Brisbanites will be missing their “much loved” walkway for a long, long time to come.
Anyone who has moved around our city or other parts of our flood-hit state would know that as taxpayers we face huge repair costs for our road system alone following the summer floods.
Which means the state government will be looking for any source of moolah it can lay its hands on to foot the bill. Which now must surely make those who were opposed to the sale of QR National say: “I told you so.”
This column has previously questioned why a government would dispose of a public asset returning several hundred million dollars a year just to obtain a one-off bucket of cash. Even allowing for almost $2.5 billion in borrowings, QR National was still turning a quid each year.
Certainly, in either public or private hands, the organisation would sustain revenue losses caused by flood-related disruptions to mining activity and the damage to its own lines and other facilities. But in the long term, it would still be kicking big bucks into the public purse and helping to pay of the now inevitable borrowings the government will have to incur to foot the state’s repair bill. By the way, paying down borrowings and interest costs was one of the main reasons the government gave for flogging off QR National in the first place.
***
Speaking of the now sold-off QR National, you would think it might have been possible for the government to earmark some of the sale proceeds to build a covering for the 30 metre walkway to Central Station from the Ann and Edward streets intersection?
It’s one of the most-used entries to Central Station but has never had any cover to protect rail commuters and others since the entrance was built in the 1970s. Of course now with a flood bill to meet, such a triviality will probably fall further down the priority list.
***
It is now routine for governments including the Queensland Government, to appoint a non-government identity to head recovery efforts following natural disasters.
Readers would recall the appointment of General Peter Cosgrove following Cyclone Larry in 2006 and building industry figure John Gaskin led the special recovery taskforce following floods in the Mackay region in early 2008. A few weeks ago Premier Anna Bligh announced Major General Mick Slater would head the latest floods recovery task force after damaging inundations in regional Queensland.
To my mind it has always seemed odd that governments need to recruit outsiders for such a job. In Queensland’s case, we as taxpayers foot the bill for the fat salaries of dozens of senior emergency services and other bureaucrats. Yet when a crisis hits, an outsider must do the job.
Why do we pay the bureaucrats if they are not up to the job?
***
Many Queenslanders would have felt for Premier Anna Bligh as she choked back tears and spoke with a wavering voice at one of her many regular flood briefings for the media.
And most Queenslanders also would know that had he still been premier, Peter Beattie would have displayed similar emotion. The only difference would be that if Beattie had still had the state’s top job he would have ended his tearful remarks by saying: “If any of the cameras missed that, I can do it again.”
***
One final comment on the Premier. I heard her at one media conference at the flood’s peak lamenting the loss of the floating RiverWalk in front of New Farm. “Much loved” is how I think she described it.
Considering the ongoing hassles and maintenance costs its design caused over recent years – and the enormous amount of money that will be needed from government coffers to do all sorts of infrastructure repair work – I think we can safely say that Brisbanites will be missing their “much loved” walkway for a long, long time to come.
Charity big winner from cocky races
MY SHOUT .... with Ivor Thurston
The children’s charity Variety will again be the biggest winner on the day when the famous Story Bridge Hotel runs its 30th annual Australia Day cockroach races next Wednesday January 26.
As has been their long-term practice my good close personal friends the Deery family are donating the entrance fees for the big day – just a single coin of the golden persuasion – to a worthy charity, often involving kids. Variety has been that charity of choice of recent years and last year’s event raised $14,000 towards its excellent work.
So with all this hot weather and our streets full of post-flood rubbish and mud, it surely must be ideal breeding grounds for a big winner on the day? Is such a champion scurrying around your kitchen at the very moment, one who with the right training could bring fame, little fortune and the coveted Gold Cup home on Australia’s national day?
Training is one thing; thinking up a name that pleases the punters is another spray of Mortein entirely. Past winners on race day at the Bridge have included Drainlover, Crawline Hanson, Cocky Balboa, Ita Buttroach, Osama Bin Liner and Sir Roach-a-Lot. All went on to even greater glory, to a very satisfying career at stud or under someone’s foot, whatever came first. Gates open at 11am with a massive race program. There’s DJs, a Miss Cockie competition worth $200 to the winner, and the best stable costume competition where a group that takes a little bit of effort and imagination with their attire will win a $2000 party at the pub.
Check the website – wwwcockroachraces.com.au – for more details and to register for the various competitions that are judged by the chief steward on the day, hopefully well before the combination of a hot sun and strong drink make such deliberations too difficult.
Gigs benefit flood victims
Flood victims in regional Queensland will benefit from two special gigs at the Step Inn in the Valley over coming days.
Step Inn already had plans in place to raise funds for our northern neighhbours before the Brisbane floods hit, and Rock Mission Rockhampton from 8pm on Tuesday January 25 on the eve of the Australia Day holiday brings together the classic underground rock of Giants of Science with the future sounds of Skinny Jean & Running Guns plus rising rock indies Fushia and super solo singer extraordinaire Emma Louise (Cairns). Emma Louise’s backing band features members of The Boat People, Skinny Jean and Charlie Mayfair, and all of these acts are donating their services gratis for flood relief.
hen on Saturday January 29 Club Mission: Toowoomba kicks off from 8pm in the venue’s airc0nditioned upstairs nightclub when the heavyweights of the Brisbane Bass Culture join together for a massive night of Flood-Relieving Dubstep and a dash of drum n bass: The Dank Morass Djs, Subliminal Dubsterz/Arctic & Profesa from Dub Thugs/Praxis, Vertical Transport (Deepspace), Kim Delahaye from Jungelettes, Kosha D from Junkard Sessions & the Basscreepz Djs will all lend their weight to a solid night out for flood victims.
Entry to each event is $12, with $10 of that to be donated to the Premiers Flood Relief Appeal. Extra donations will also be accepted and recorded on the door sheet at each event.
• Tickets for both gigs at the door or from www.oztix.com.au
Temporary home of jazz
The music can never be allowed to die! So while the Brisbane Jazz Club cleans up its flood-ravaged home at Kangaroo Point, it has temporarily relocated to the Australian Legion Memorial Club at 28 Church Street, Fortitude Valley.
The upcoming program includes: this Friday 14 January – The Jenni Cocking Quintet; Saturday 15 January – Jeff Usher and the Love Supreme Super-Band. Sunday 16 January – Brass Roots Live with Craig Martin. Doors open 630pm, with show starting at 7.30pm. No bookings or EFTPOS available. For more infomation visit: www.brisbanejazzclub.com.au
ROCKING THE BLUES AT IRISH CLUB
Brisbane roots rockers Halfway and country rebel James Blundell are big-hearted performers, on and off centre stage. Both have earnt fans, and worldwide status, with celebrated live music and recordings. Both the band and Blundell have a raw, honest approach to life and loves. And music. Now the boys will appear, for the very first time on the one bill _ an afternoon of Condamine Rock ‘N Roots at Brisbane’s Irish Club this February.
Joined by emerging singer-songwriter Paul Donoughue (aka Big Strong Brute) all the lads are playing for beyondblue:the national depression initiative. Halfway’s eight-man ensemble has drawn praise from critics around the world, likened to The Jayhawks and Whiskeytown with a hint of early Stones swagger. Blundell continues to be hailed as one of the richest and most original of Australian songwriters. Condamine Rock ‘N Roots, featuring Halfway and James Blundell and introducing Big Strong Brute, plays the Irish Club, 175 Elizabeth Street, Brisbane from 1pm on Sunday, February 6, 2011.
The $25 tickets are available from www.oztix.com.au or Oztik retail outlets. A donation will be made to beyondblue: the national depression initiative following this event. The show is also a tribute to music-lover Brett McMahon who died in July 2010 and all those caring folk of the Condamine district.
Portman proves best on the globe
FILMS ... with Tim Milfull
Black Swan (MA15+)
Director: Daniel Aronofsky
Stars: Natalie Portman, Winona Ryder, Thomas Cassell
Rating: 5/5
108-minutes, now screening
Much of the gossip around the Golden Globes and Academy Awards this year has centred on Natalie Portman’s astonishing performance in Daniel Aronofsky’s film Black Swan.
So her win at the Golden Globes at the weekend came as no surprise, as she seems to go above and beyond in her portrayal of an obsessive ballerina. She plays Nina Sayers, a relative veteran of the New York Ballet Company.
For the last four years, Nina has played a supporting role in the shadow of principal ballerina Beth Macintyre (Winona Ryder), but the company’s director Thomas (Vincent Cassell) has recently decided to shake things up and retire Beth, plunging Nina into the spotlight as one of the contenders for the principal position. Her chief rival is Lily (Mila Kunis), a rebellious tearaway, whose unconventional stylings are attractive to Thomas.
In his eyes, Nina’s perfect dancing is ideal for the White Swan, but the principal ballerina must also be able to take on the role of the Black Swan, which is much more complicated – perfect technique simply isn’t enough to maintain both roles; there has to be some wildness as well.
As Nina struggles to find the wildness in her own dancing, forces in and beyond her control conspire to terrorise her. At home, Nina’s oppressive mother, Erica (Barbara Hershey) is desperate to influence every aspect of her daughter’s life; at work, Thomas uses dubious techniques to unlock Nina’s passion; and in the few precious moments outside work and home, Lily has her own designs on Nina.
Black Swan is an extraordinary film, with complex choreography and camera work, a wondrous, discordant soundtrack fashioned around Tchaikovsky’s original ballet, striking visual effects, and outstanding performances – a masterpiece.
THE BINGE
Eclectic mix from Hopscotch
Four Lions (M) now available through Hopscotch
The Kids are All Right (MA15+) now available through Hopscotch
The Thick of It (Season 3) (R) now available through Roadshow
GoMA: A New Tomorrow: Visions of the Future in Cinema Screening until 27th February
Two very different films have been released recently on DVD by Hopscotch. Four Lions (pictured above), which had an impressive run in Brisbane theatres in 2010, is about four young London-based Muslims who decide to embark on their own version of jihad by blowing themselves up while running the London Marathon.
While the theme of this film sounds overwhelmingly sober, Four Lions is surprisingly funny, heartwarming, and ultimately tragic. The Kids are All Right features Julianne Moore and Annette Bening as lesbians Jules and Nic who are raising two teenage children. Joni (Mia Wasikowska) and Laser (Josh Hutcherson) decide to bring their birth father Paul (Mark Ruffalo) into the family, and what was already been a tumultuous household is plunged further into chaos.
Lovers of political satire such as Yes, Minister and The Hollow Men will be pleased to know that season three of the BBC comedy The Thick of It is now available. All of the regulars are present again in this foul-mouthed and very funny vision of British politics: Chris Addison’s youthful senior advisor, Ollie; the elderly mandarin, Glenn (James Smith); the incompetent publicist, Terri (Joanna Scanlon); and the Labour spin guru, Malcolm (Peter Capaldi), who can only speak in the most disgusting expletives.
Finally, lovers of science fiction should head along to the Australian Cinematheque’s latest program, A New Tomorrow: Visions of the Future in Cinema which presents a fantastic range of science fiction between now and February, from Fritz Lang’s restored print of Metropolis and Daniel Aronofsky’s The Fountain, to a number of Stanley Kubrick’s classics including A Clockwork Orange and 2001: A Space Odyssey, and other audience favourites.
Capped off with a live performance by Zan Lyons that remixes and reworks the genius of Bladerunner, this is the first of three innovative cinema programmes on offer between now and April.
For more information about a wide range of live performance, programmes and other exhibits at GoMA’s 21st Century: Art in the First Decade, visit www.qag.qld.gov.au/21stcentury
Win FREE tickets to Another Year
Courtesy of Icon film distributors , we have 10 double passes to give away to Mike Leigh’s critically acclaimed English character study Another Year. Starring Jim Broadbent, Lesley Manville and Ruth Sheen, Another Year screens from next Wednesday January 26. To be in the running for a double pass, email us with the words “Another Year” in the message field to editor@theindependent.com.au by 5pm next Wednesday January 26. Include a mailing address.
Winners will be selected randomly and only they will be notified before the double passes are mailed out. But be warned: this is a slow-moving, closeup look at British suburban life. If you’re into car chases, gun battles or soppy Yank rom-coms, ignore this one.
But it should delight those who cherish wry observations on the seemingly every-day lives of some London folk over four constantly changing seasons.
Neglected grapes grab some limelight
WINE ... with David Bray
Australian winemakers, long-established and relatively newly arrived, are producing interesting wines from grapes that over the years have tended to be rather neglected.
Blends or single variety, there are some good stories here. Among them: Luna Rosa, from Cumulus Estate who apparently asked consultants for help to “launch an innovative rosé wine into Australia... to create a name, a brand story and identity that is a stand-alone contemporary brand leveraging classic Portuguese visual and stylistic cues’’.
They reckon the result is “a magical combination of Portuguese-style and cool-climate Australian fruit. The grapes involved are cabernet 40 per cent, grenache and mourverdre 20 per cent each with “a touch of Orange chardonnay”.
Cumulus tells us that winemakers Australian Debbie Lauritz and Portugal’s Francisco Artune have produced a fragrant wine from a blend of traditional Mediterranean varieties: “With grapes picked by the light of the moon (to retain their freshness), Luna Rosa is a finely drawn rosé wine with crisp, silken fruit and an alluring touch of sweetness.
“The inspiration for Luna Rosa (below)reaches to the heart of our company, which is part-owned by and has binding influences with the Berardo family of Portugal.” It’s an interesting wine, great as an aperitif or with a selection of light tapas style or Asian cuisines.
Light in alcohol at 10.5 per cent. Around $12.
Cirillo 1850 rose (above) comes from Australia’s oldest vines. It has been written this wine is made from some of the higher-yielding old grenache vines (1850 plantings) in a fabulous Barossa vineyard, a national treasure said to be one of the oldest grenache vineyards in the world. Proprietor/winemaker Marco Cirillo puts enormous effort and care into pruning and nurturing the 150-year-old vines.
These wondrous veterans were first planted in the Cirillo family vineyard at Light Pass in 1850 and produce a subtle and beguiling grenache that's been commended as "one of the finest this country has ever produced".
Some of the juice goes to Torbreck, of whom serious and seriously well-off wine lovers will be well aware, and some apparently is bled off for the rose, which is a delicious version of this style and one that, perhaps not typically, will cellar profitably, should you have the patience. Around $23.
Pfeiffer 2010 gamay is the Rutherglen winery’s and maker Jen Pfeiffer’s version of Beaujolais. She worked the 2005 Vintage with the Saint-Charles family, owners of Chateau du Bluizard, at Saint Etienne la Varenne.
The Saint Charles family has a long winemaking history, dating back to the early 1600s. Pfeiffer Wines has been one of the benchmark Australian makers of gamay since 1985. Here is Jen’s story: “I have become more and more passionate about gamay since working in Beaujolais, and see the wine style as the perfect drop for the beautiful, natural setting we have at our winery.
“I’m absolutely thrilled with the 2010 gamay – the colour, the nose, the palate; it’s all where I want it. Everything just worked in 2010. “We have two parcels of gamay: the old vines (about 40 years) and the young vines (about 20 years), both planted on the sandy soils of our Sunday Creek Vineyard. The Old Vine Gamay crops at around one tonne / acre and thus produces grapes full of flavour and with good weight – we get dark cherry, earthy and even plum-like flavours from the gnarly old vines. The Young Vine gamay crops a bit higher, around three tonne / acre, and delivers a lighter, more fragrant and more acidic wine, with strawberry and raspberry flavours.
“We make both parcels in the same way, hand-picking into sealable half tonne bins, keeping all stalks in. I add CO2 and a small quantity of yeast, then seal up the bins, ensuring no air can get in.
“I leave the grapes fermenting in this very carbonic environment for about 10 days, during which time the ferment will be about 1/3 to 1/2 complete.
“Then the fun starts. With a ring around of a few mates (and the promise of some cold beers), all the cellar staff and my friends jump in the bins and begin foot treading, or “pigeage” as they called it in Beaujolais. At this stage, acid and more yeast is added. “I leave the grapes with full stalks and let the fermentation finish in the bins, foot treading three times a day. “Once the cap starts to drop, I then press the wine into stainless steel.
“The Pfeiffer gamay receives no oak. Instead I choose to make a fresh, fruit-driven style, with enough complexity to make it interesting. I stabilise the wine and generally try to have it bottled by the end of April, beginning of May. I think this locks in the freshness of the fruit flavour, while also giving the tannin in the wine (and there is some...) to settle down in time for its release the weekend before the Melbourne Cup.
“The gamay is fun to make. It’s great to drink.’’
Quite so. $18.
Star signs .... with Horace Cope
CAPRICORN (Dec 23 to Jan 20)
You have this sneaky feeling that before too much longer, the names of some of our property insurers around town are going to be, er, well ... mud!
AQUARIUS (Jan 21 to Feb 19)
You start a website offering odds on when Brisbane’s much-loved floating riverwalk will be rebuilt, and you are quite relaxed about offering 100 to 1 for any year this decade.
PISCES (Feb 20 to Mar 20)
Your reputation as a lucky person is enhanced following your decision two weeks ago to buy a sizable share portfolio in the Acme Broom, Mop and Shovel Company of Australasia Pty Ltd.
ARIES (Mar 21 to Apr 20)
After listening to how the structure was universally described by the media during the coverage of the floods and the threat debris posed to it, you suspect the easiest way out might be for good old Sir Leo Hielscher to change his name by deed poll to Sir Gateway Bridge.
TAURUS (Apr 21 to May 20)
With three of the four TV channels devoting all their air time to the ongoing Brisbane flood emergency, you wonder if this is what is meant by the industry term “saturation coverage”.
GEMINI (May 21 to June 21)
Adopting methods used to measure water storage capacity in Queensland dams, you try to explain to your boss that a 44 per cent office attendance rate over recent weeks does in fact represent 100 per cent in real terms, and if in fact you had come in more than that, your attendance would have been at 145 per cent at the very least and he would have had to pay you much, much more.
CANCER (June 22 to July 23)
While some might condemn their stance, thank God for Channel 10’s decision to at least give us a choice between watching the unfolding tragedy and normal silly-season lifestyle and reality TV programs.
LEO (July 24 to Aug 23)
You only heard this second hand, mind, but Premier Anna Bligh was apparently heard in church last Sunday praying aloud that the La Nina effect would last until at least the next state election.
VIRGO (Aug 24 to Sept 23)
Across the pews Opposition Leader John-Paul Langbroek was doing much the same thing, except his exaltations were to the almighty god El Nino.
LIBRA (Sept 24 to Oct 23) You never realised the extent of panic buying at the height of the floods until you went past a new-car showroom last Thursday and saw dozens of people looking over the new Ford Falcon.
SCORPIO (Oct 24 to Nov 22)
You are still highly emotional after witnessing the dozens of selfless volunteers who poured into your house last weekend and worked feverishly to put all your household belongings on a pile out on the street – especially as you live in high-and-dry Carina Heights.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov 23 to Dec 22)
You gave all the pollies tops marks for listening politely and silently as George Negus interviewed himself for the Channel 10 news at the height of the floods and he explained at length and with enormous gravitas what he, in his humble opinion, believed they needed to do.
CAPRICORN (Dec 23 to Jan 20)
You have this sneaky feeling that before too much longer, the names of some of our property insurers around town are going to be, er, well ... mud!
AQUARIUS (Jan 21 to Feb 19)
You start a website offering odds on when Brisbane’s much-loved floating riverwalk will be rebuilt, and you are quite relaxed about offering 100 to 1 for any year this decade.
PISCES (Feb 20 to Mar 20)
Your reputation as a lucky person is enhanced following your decision two weeks ago to buy a sizable share portfolio in the Acme Broom, Mop and Shovel Company of Australasia Pty Ltd.
ARIES (Mar 21 to Apr 20)
After listening to how the structure was universally described by the media during the coverage of the floods and the threat debris posed to it, you suspect the easiest way out might be for good old Sir Leo Hielscher to change his name by deed poll to Sir Gateway Bridge.
TAURUS (Apr 21 to May 20)
With three of the four TV channels devoting all their air time to the ongoing Brisbane flood emergency, you wonder if this is what is meant by the industry term “saturation coverage”.
GEMINI (May 21 to June 21)
Adopting methods used to measure water storage capacity in Queensland dams, you try to explain to your boss that a 44 per cent office attendance rate over recent weeks does in fact represent 100 per cent in real terms, and if in fact you had come in more than that, your attendance would have been at 145 per cent at the very least and he would have had to pay you much, much more.
CANCER (June 22 to July 23)
While some might condemn their stance, thank God for Channel 10’s decision to at least give us a choice between watching the unfolding tragedy and normal silly-season lifestyle and reality TV programs.
LEO (July 24 to Aug 23)
You only heard this second hand, mind, but Premier Anna Bligh was apparently heard in church last Sunday praying aloud that the La Nina effect would last until at least the next state election.
VIRGO (Aug 24 to Sept 23)
Across the pews Opposition Leader John-Paul Langbroek was doing much the same thing, except his exaltations were to the almighty god El Nino.
LIBRA (Sept 24 to Oct 23) You never realised the extent of panic buying at the height of the floods until you went past a new-car showroom last Thursday and saw dozens of people looking over the new Ford Falcon.
SCORPIO (Oct 24 to Nov 22)
You are still highly emotional after witnessing the dozens of selfless volunteers who poured into your house last weekend and worked feverishly to put all your household belongings on a pile out on the street – especially as you live in high-and-dry Carina Heights.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov 23 to Dec 22)
You gave all the pollies tops marks for listening politely and silently as George Negus interviewed himself for the Channel 10 news at the height of the floods and he explained at length and with enormous gravitas what he, in his humble opinion, believed they needed to do.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
