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Noosa: a 'gem' of the Sunshine Coast

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''Ricardo'' from Gondolas of Noosa.
Noosa: a ‘gem’ of the Sunshine Coast
Story and pictures by Rama Gaind

A gem in the crown of Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, Noosa is fascinating with its warm climate, natural wonders of the Noosa National Park, Laguna Bay beach and the enticing haunts of Hastings Street.
Regarded as a summer playground, Noosa has developed from a small fishing hamlet to a world-standard holiday destination where tourism provides the foundation to the local economy which flourishes with more than 250,000 holidaymakers a year.
It’s easy to see why the population is sure to swell further from the current approximate of 40,000. Noosa Heads is certainly cosmopolitan.
Discover the olde-world charm of Hastings Street: explore boutiques (especially Hathor on Hastings in the Bay Village), galleries and a myriad of restaurants – before walking a few paces to dive into the inviting, crystal clear waters off the beautiful main beach. Walking past the apartment blocks and cafes, one can’t help but yearn to own a beachfront unit!
Try a refreshingly novel way to commute by taking in the sights from the water instead of navigating meandering through traffic on the roads. Enjoy the novel attributes of the Noosa River with daily Noosa Ferry Cruise services from the Sheraton Resort jetty which take you up and down the river between Noosa Heads, Noosaville and Tewantin.
Relax as you see people having picnics and barbecues on the river bank, walking, playing ball, even swimming, houseboats, activities from fishing to sailing and diners enjoying the ambience of one of the many dining establishments on the riverfront.
Take a step back in time onboard Gondolas of Noosa and let maestro Richard aka Ricardo steer you on a private river cruise wandering the back reaches of the river, gazing enviously at a myriad of riverfront homes. Then step into Ricky’s river bar and restaurant at the Noosa Wharf where, while enjoying great views you partake of a modern menu built around fresh, local produce.
Take pleasure in dining at Trios on the River which has been run by David Stellon and Geoff Cohen for 12 years. Bathe in the river atmosphere and delight in the menu choices featuring seafood, meat and vegetarian choices.
When it comes to comfort, let owner-managers Tony and Linda Jedynak attend to your every need at the Hotel Laguna. After 17 years at the helm, they are aware of the needs of holidaymakers. Choose from either spectacular river views or overlook colourful Hastings Street when you choose a studio room, suite or fully self-contained holiday apartment.
Get a stunning perception of the Noosa River, the wetlands and the lakes and their importance to the region by going on a Noosa Everglades Discovery river cruise.
Have a unique encounter with nature through tours of rocky headlands, long golden beaches, high forested dunes, dark waterways, broad lakes and dramatic coloured sand cliffs. These are the spectacular features which make up the Cooloola section of the Great Sandy national park, the largest sand mass in the world.
Explore, take a swim in the pristine waters, photograph the abundant birdlife or simply relax in this unique natural environment.
This is one of the truly remarkable wilderness areas of the world. Succumb to Noosa calling – and enjoy!

Contemporary issues handled with aplomb

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George Clooney in Up in the Air.
Contemporary issues handled with aplomb
By Rama Gaind

UP IN THE AIR: Ryan Bingham pulls no punches when it comes to firing people. While he doesn’t (technically speaking) have an office of his own, he’s adept at visiting people in their office – and firing them.
George Clooney takes on the lead and is the quintessential management consultant and a smooth-talker into the bargain. He’s a troubleshooter of our times.
However, he’s peeved when an inexperienced, but ambitious graduate Natalie Keener (Anna Kendrick) threatens his VIP lifestyle
He leads an isolated existence that’s challenged and he’s drawn to a likeness of himself in Alex Goran (Vera Farmiga).
As a corporate downsizer, Clooney displays a shrewd blend of confidence and charisma – and his connection with Farmiga simply sizzles.
Based on a 2001 novel by Walter Kirn, director and co-writer Jason Reitman (Thank You for Smoking, Juno) speaks to modern issues with aplomb, humour and attitude.
Competently aided by intelligent writing, acting and astute editing, the film balances sorrow with masterful production design.

Setting the record straight on the role of in-pharmacy nurse practitioners

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Revive Clinic offers access to primary healthcare without an appointment
Revive Clinic wishes to address the misinformation being released by the Australian Medical Association (AMA), some Divisions of General Practice and certain doctors regarding its alleged petitioning of the Federal Government, during its Primary Healthcare Consultation last year, to grant Nurse Practitioners (NPs) access to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).

According to Revive Clinic Director, Louise Stewart, this is incorrect. “To the contrary, the Government has introduced an amendment to the legislation stating that collaborative arrangements need to be in place with GPs for NPs to be able to offer patients a Medicare rebate and access to the PBS. The Government has not stipulated exactly what it means by ‘collaborative’.

“Through our documentation, the Revive Clinic must already demonstrate that we have collaborative arrangements in place with GPs. This in no way, shape or form currently means that NPs must get GP approval, as they are already protected by state legislation which allows them to work autonomously,” said Ms Stewart.

“In fact, NPs have been entitled and enabled by state legislation in all states to work autonomously for more than five years. NPs have been treating patients in hospital emergency departments for some time. They would be prohibited from performing this role if their health care service offering is both unsafe and dangerous. Clinical research clearly demonstrates that NPs offer the highest level of patient care and safety.”

There is no longer a debate about whether NPs are appropriately qualified to treat patients, as they have been performing this role for years. “Rather, it is purely about whether all members of the community should have access to this service by making it available on Medicare and the PBS,” said Ms Stewart.

“It appears that medical groups and certain doctors are doing their best to ensure that this valuable health service remains unaffordable for the community to access.

“Considering the GP shortage, this is an unreasonable position for the public to accept,” Ms Stewart said.

About nurse practitioners
Nurse practitioners (NPs) are registered nurses with advanced education and training in primary healthcare. NPs must have at least five years post-University nursing experience before completing another two years (part-time) Masters degree to qualify as an NP.

As professional, accountable, independent health care providers, NPs are authorised to diagnose and prescribe medications for common health conditions and order diagnostic tests. They focus on disease prevention and treat everyday ailments including strep throat and ear, eye, sinus, bladder and bronchial infections, minor wounds, abrasions and joint sprains.

NPs are legally and professionally accountable for their own practice. They work to complement existing services, and refer clients who fall outside of their regular scope of practice, directly to the GP collaborative. Evidence shows that collaborative practice between NPs and GPs provides better patient outcomes in a cost-effective manner.

There are approximately 300 nurse practitioners practising in Australia, each of whom undergoes extensive Master level training and an approval process by state health departments to work as an NP. In recognition of their valuable role in primary healthcare, the Australian Government has recently invested $2.1 million in scholarships to help boost NP numbers nation-wide.

International clinical studies demonstrate that the quality of care delivered by NP retail clinics is equal to or higher than those provided by emergency rooms and GPs, and the cost of services is substantially lower than those offered by other health care providers.

About Revive Clinic
Revive Clinic is a new initiative offering the community efficient, simple and convenient healthcare for minor illnesses and general wellbeing. The company currently operates six in-pharmacy clinics nation-wide and a stand-alone clinic in a Perth shopping centre, with plans to open more in-pharmacy clinics, particularly in regional and remote communities requiring improved access to primary health care services, around Australia.

The Revive Clinic’s steering committee, comprising GPs, Pathologists, Clinical Pharmacists and NPs, is responsible for creating and endorsing the model’s clinical protocols and scope of practice in order to secure operational approval by the state health departments. Collaboration with patients’ GPs, pharmacists and other local health providers is central to the Revive Clinic health care delivery model.

Each state health department has regulated and approved the Revive Clinic NPs to diagnose, treat and write prescriptions for common illnesses, minor ailments and chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease. NPs can also prescribe contraceptives and seasonal influenza and travel vaccinations. Revive Clinic is required to report annually on the medications it prescribes to each state health department.

The Revive Clinic’s NP services have been well received by those patients who can afford to access them. The convenience of the walk-in Revive Clinic, requiring no appointments or waiting time, has proven a highly successful formula to date.

This new community health service offers people a choice in how they access quality health care while helping to minimise GP waiting times, emergency hospital admissions and rising health care costs.

Currently there is no allowance for NPs to register as a medical practitioner offering services that attract a Medicare rebate. This is limited to practice nurses, some allied health providers and dentists. The 2009-10 Federal Health Budget outlines plans to allow NPs access to Medicare and the PBS.

The Revive Clinic is not a joint venture with the Pharmacy Alliance Group, which runs the Healthetc chain of pharmacies. Pharmacies are required to purchase a license agreement from the Revive Clinic to operate a NP clinic from their premises. The pharmacy then retains any revenue generated from the NP consultations.

Singin' in the Rain at Q Theatre

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Tim Sekuless, Hannah Ley and Adrian Flor kick up a storm in Singin'' in the Rain in February
Singin’ in the Rain The Q Theatre Queanbeyan Directed by Anne Somes Singin’ in the Rain began as a 1952 comedy musical film starring Gene Kelly, Donald O’Connor and Debbie Reynolds. It topped the American Film Institute’s 100 Years of Musicals and ranked 5th in its list of greatest American films in 2007. Its title dance scene has become legendary. Brought to the stage as a West End production in the 1980s, the theatrical version has as much, if not more, vibrance as the original film. Set in Hollywood in the waning days of the silent screen era, it focuses on romantic lead Don Lockwood (Adrian Flor), his sidekick Cosmo Brown (Tim Sekuless) aspiring actress Kathy Selden (Hannah Ley) and Lockwood’s leading lady Lina Lamont (Lexi Sekuless) whose less- than-dulcet vocal tones make her an unlikely candidate for stardom in talking pictures. Free Rain Theatre Company is bringing this much loved musical to the Courtyard Studio at the Canberra Theatre Centre in February. Directed by Anne Somes, the highlight of the show is the recreation of the film’s title sequence, complete with an on-stage rain shower. WHAT: Singin’ in the Rain WHERE: The Q Performing Arts Centre, Queanbeyan WHEN: 12-27 February (Matinees and evening shows) TICKED: $38 & $32 conc BOOKINGS: 02 6298 0290

Golden Globe winner

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James Cameron and Sam Worthington on the sets of Avatar.
Golden Globe winner
By Rama Gaind

Avatar: 2010 Golden Globe-winning director James Cameron has delivered a futuristic epic which transports you to a magical planet where you get caught in a complex, magical scenario involving ‘aliens’ and humans.
This one is an international springboard for Australian actor Sam Worthington.
Cameron excels in his first feature since Titanic in 1997.

It’s Complicated: There’s nothing complicated about Meryl Streep and Alec Baldwin who play an engaging, cheeky pair in this romantic comedy.
Divorced for 10 years, Jane and Jake Adler have three grown-up children. They are drawn to each other when they attend their son’s graduation.
Theirs is an emotionally dangerous liaison since Jake has married again to a younger woman whose biological clock is running fast and desperately tries to have another baby.
As well, Jane’s developing a soft spot for Adam (Steve Martin), the easy-going architect who is renovating the kitchen of her stylish home.
Writer/director Nancy Meyers has produced another winner! This gentle romp has been sensitively portrayed.
Streep is natural-looking and funny, Baldwin is a casual rake who draws our sympathies and Martin is nicely understated.
A warmly entertaining film with light humorous moments, where the actors are perfectly at ease with their wrinkles and flab and uninhibited about chocolate croissants!

Kids eye health on back-to-school checklist

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Kids eye health on back-to-school checklist

Parents urged to book an eye test for their kids and avoid undiagnosed vision problems

An Australian school principal warns that undiagnosed vision problems amongst young children can
lead to poor school results and learning difficulties.

According to Melbourne’s Gilson College principal Mark Vodell, who has over 25 years teaching
experience, many school children can struggle at school due to undetected vision problems.

To combat this Specsavers are urging parents to include an eye test for their children as part of the
back-to-school preparations this month.

Short sightedness or Myopia, which is increasingly common amongst children, is one of the key
reasons why many kids find it hard to read the blackboard at school.
The tell tale signs of Myopia are screwing up the eyes to see distant objects, difficulty reading the blackboard at school and sitting very close to the television.

“Undiagnosed vision problems can be a real set-back to children starting school and can impact their
learning and socialisation,” Mark said.
“As parents start organising their children’s uniforms, textbooks and stationary for school, they must
not forget about their children’s eye health. A quick and simple eye test can ensure their child’s eyes
are fit and ready for the new school year.”

Specsavers have put together some hints and tips on how parents can spot if their child may
need glasses;
Squinting – If your child’s teacher says they frequently squint at the blackboard, they may be trying to
compensate for their poor vision short term.

Sitting too close to the television – Short-sighted children generally have clear vision at a close
range and poor vision at a distance.

Rubbing eyes and headaches – If your child rubs their eyes excessively or complains of headaches
regularly, it may mean their eye muscles are fatigued from straining.

Reading problems – Children who frequently skip lines or lose their place while reading books have
vision associated problems.
Specsavers optometrists have plenty of experience testing children and the stores offer a wide range
of fun and colourful frames to suit every child.

Recent research from Specsavers shows that more than four in five (83%) of Australian parents have had to make sacrifices or reduce their essential spending to pay for their children’s glasses*.

The children’s frame range at Specsavers starts from $179 for two pairs at one low price, including standard single vision PENTAX lenses, offering parents value for money as well as the reassurance
that their child has a spare glasses in case of any accidents or mishaps in the playground.

Stylish Hairstyles

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Straightening and curling irons are used for more than a century, but modern, straightening and curling is very different to use as a century ago. Early tools iron bars and red cards in a fire, but the quality of modern instruments, ceramics, titanium, tourmaline and is teflon.

There are less expensive straightening tools on the market but have cheap sheets of iron and more damaged hair. It is better, a little more for quality products from trusted companies like to go smoother than damage your hair with cheap.
Products straightening hair and a style known companies such as GHD, which means Good Hair Day, is an asset for any woman who wants to be beautiful. Even the standard is a woman who looks for the beauty with hair straighteners GHD, hair care and hairdressing tool GHD.

GHD is a well known brand of long-term expensivebut work perfectly.

Women want everything nice and appreciated for their beauty and their beauty. They use many creams, lotions and fashionable clothes, care for the face and skin and hair. However, many women tend to have normal hair, or not enough attention to the hairstyles. Elegant hairstyles can even ordinary looking women like Helen of Troy, the face that launched thousands of ships. Even if a woman has short curly hair can be treated with hair straightener, reduce costs and extend the beauty of face and style.
Women in the medium and long hair, straight or curly, do not despair, there are many sites on the Internet, with thousands of hairstyles that can use a woman. Regardless of how a woman chooses, with pink ghd gear is as important as the choice of style. Turn yourself into a beauty, it is important that women using style tools on the right.

Some women like to use a strange hairstyle, to attract attention, while others are more aware and when they want to look good, do not want unwanted attention. Long and medium length hairstyles are now the rage, and many Hollywood stars have long, straight hair with a few twists and loops.
A woman does not need to receive a visit from a hairdresser for a hair fashion. Simple hairstyles can also be done at home with tools and styling hair straighteners. For more complex and difficult hair, it is best to visit the shows and let it work. After all, if you have a mistake in cutting, dressage, and style your hair at home, living with him for a few days or weeks at least.
Always check the tools that use the style, and insist that the show with the best tools used by renowned companies such as GHD, in the less damage your hair and you a beauty with a gorgeous GHD hair.

Jackets placed in these categories should first of all, in all honesty, courtesy, you are gifted with a beautiful big nose. Other women complain that they hate looking in the mirror to see a flat nose, not struck at all in his face!

But for you, different levels of the face are clearly defined. The style and short layered hair again, which can be incredibly flattering for ghd salon straighteners. Even if your hair length Bob, with many layers that you can meet the ever-popular straight and elegant look often worn by Kate Hudson, and to create the textured look of volume and definition.

Use a smoothing shampoo and conditioner for a good start. These products are underway to promote smooth and silky hair directly to him. Section your hair if you only work with small amounts of hair every time. Leave a major part of two inches and the pin-up remains in the head, although it remains out of the path.

With a hair dryer with a nozzle attachment, dry your hair with a brush to smooth hair with volume paddle around. To ensure the smooth lines like Kate Hudson Hairstyle angle to promote nozzle section of your hair your hair is drying. This keeps the skin smooth hair. While each section is completely dry before the next one.

Straightening is no longer just for the ladies. Men are also more interest in this area. Anxious for GHD straightening irons or curling hair. Now it is necessary to develop a hair straightener for short hair only. Short hair style hair can be used for both men and women. And the magic is. Straighteners GHD IV Mini Styler Ceramic Iron is the magic word. It was built by ghd straighteners, given the growing popularity of hair straightening system among people. It has some clever features that make it a unique tool and the ultimate hairstyle for short hair for men and women. The GHD Mini Styler is ideal for creating curls, movement, volume and straight hair. Everyone is possible by advanced technology and smart features. These mini-styler provides all kinds of styles. It’s up to you if you MBT hair curling or straightening hair like that. This versatile hair straightener gives you everything, and stay together throughout the day. Not only will you align your hair, but there is a softness and shine to your hair Ness valuable.

Leadership Forum-Filling the Gaps with Leadership-march 12, 13 and 14

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the Parliament Canberra
Looks at the challenges faced by leaders in private and public organisations, how to develop leadership and language skills and leadership in key areas such as science and technology.

Venue: Conference and meeting facilities of Unions ACT Canberra.
Contact: Stephen Kendal on (02) 6291 0764

happy to discuss further-great interest already expressed-meet your fellow managers, staffers, political workers, diplomatic colleagues and community friends and leaders

many well qualified speakers-Senator Kate Lundy to give the key event presentation

contact me now-discounts apply to early birds-lets make a deal

Steve Kendal Kingston 62910764

Kids – take a magic carpet ride with Aladdin!

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Brendand Hawkes and Nicola Greer in Aladdin
Kids and their parents will love the Free Rain production of the classic fairytale Aladdin. With magicians, genies, pickpockets and princesses, Aladdin will take you on a magic carpet ride – a fun holiday show for children aged 8 and over.

You will enter the wonderful world of an evil magician who’s scared of the dark, a Sultan who likes lattes, a strict mother, a mischievous friend, a princess who wants to make up her own mind for once and two genies who can’t stand each other. Meet a pickpocket street urchin who just wants to get by… and perhaps make a little money doing it.

Join Aladdin and his friends on their magic carpet as they stumble into all kinds of exciting adventures, from the streets of Istanbul to the Sultan’s palace to mysterious magical caves, as they find true love, money, friendship, magic, freedom, a whole lot of trouble and the real reason why the Genie of the Ring and the Genie of the Lamp fight all the time.

WHAT: Aladdin
WHERE: The Courtyard Studio – Canberra Theatre
WHEN: Thur 14th and Fri 15th Jan 10.30am and 2.30pm
Sat 16th and Sun 17th Jan 15th Jan 2.30pm
Wed 20th, Thur 21st Fri 22nd Jan 10.30am and 2.30pm
Sat 23rd Jan at 2,30pm
TICKETS: $19 (Family group of 4 $70)
BOOKINGS: 02 62752700

Musical of all Musicals back by popular demand at Canberra Theatre

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Louiza Blomfield, Hanna Ley and Adrian Flor
How often have you been told about a great show on in Canberra only to discover that its season is finished and you’ve missed out?

Not this time! In December of 2009, accomplished local theatre company Everyman Theatre produced its wildly successful sell-out season of hilarious satire of the modern musical in The Musical of Musicals (The Musical)!

Critics and audiences were unanimous in their praise and demand for more. And so, the show returns to the Canberra Theatre’s Playhouse for one night only on February 5 at 8pm.

Musical of Musicals (The Musical)! is a fabulous five-part cabaret-style musical that honours and spoofs five writers and writing teams that have shaped the modern musical: Rodgers & Hammerstein, Stephen Sondheim, Jerry Herman, Andrew Lloyd Webber and Kander & Ebb.

In this romp that features the acting and singing talents of Louiza Blomfield, Adrian Flor, Hannah Ley and Jarrad West, one story becomes five delightful musicals, each written in the distinctive style of a different master of the form.

June, an ingénue who can’t pay the rent, is threatened by her evil landlord. Will the handsome leading man come to her rescue? Will the older and wiser Abbey provide some much needed advice or lead June to wrack and ruin?

It’s a great night out.
Music by Eric Rockwell
Lyrics by Joanne Bogart
Directors – Duncan Ley and Duncan Driver
Musical Director – Lucy Bermingham

Seriously, do not miss the Rock Show!

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The Q starts with a bang in 2010
If you are going to go to only ONE show this year, make sure it’s The Rock Show produced by Jon English with Stuart Smith and Isaac Hayward.

The Rock Show sold out at the ANU Arts Centre last year.

I went along almost out of a sense of loyalty to the Australian Rock icon who pumped out such 70s classics as Hollywood Seven, Turn the Page and Six Ribbons. He has donated a lot of creativity and energy to the Australian scene as a rock musician, actor and composer-and he’s an all-round nice guy.

But I was gobsmacked-this show is AMAZING!!!

English has this knack of changing tack to keep his career in full swing (from musician to musical theatre actor to composer to producer), but this is his best turn yet.

English has hand-picked some of Australia’s finest young musicians and performers to share the stage with him. These multi-talented young artists swap and adeptly play instruments with such ease and confidence that it’s difficult not to jump and shout ‘Woohoo!’.

Old Gravel Throat wisely lets the young guns carry the bulk of the show with outstanding renditions of classics from the Beatles, Rolling Stones, The Who, ACDC, Led Zeppelin, Jimi Hendrix, Pink Floyd, Queen and many more. Highlights for me were the lead breaks in Stairway to Heaven and Bohemian Rhapsodv played meticulously.

English pops on and off the stage at key moments, and plays some of his much loved originals.

With the bravado and skill of youth blended with English’s captivating stage presence, this show is an absolute treat for people of ALL ages.

WHAT: The Rock Show
WHERE: The Q Performing Arts Centre
253 Crawford Street, Queanbeyan.
WHEN: 14 & 15 january 2010 at 8.00pm
TICKETS: $35-$45
BOOKINGS: ‘The Q’ Box Office on 02 62980290

2010 – Year of TRUTH and INTEGRITY – January Predictions

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High Achiever
2010 – Year of TRUTH and INTEGRITY

Predictions for January

CAREER – People become more and more aware of their life choices. Chances of change appear daily. No more ‘blame game’- no more of staying put or even stuck in the same position. You are now strong enough to take action and move forward. This January, many will take a step out of their comfort zone to discover who they really are thriving more interest, joy and ambition in their current or new job.

LOVE – Interestingly this month you regain lust and desire that you were missing in 2009 by decreasing your alcohol intake. Clear communication and expressing genuine feelings will encourage physical and chemical attraction.

FAMILY – Keep away from your television addiction. You have lost too much of your quality time in 2009 spending it watching uninteresting programs or bad News. Take time out to visit elderly friends, bring a cake along and enjoy a really nice cup of tea and a chat.

WEALTH – Looking at what people spent for Christmas presents leaves you speechless. way too much over the top for you. Your resolution in regards to money for 2010 is definitely oriented towards quality rather than quantity.

YOU – Ask yourself ‘what is holding me back’ – ‘what are my fears’. Once acknowledged and accepted, they can now fade away.

HELP – When feeling pushed into an uncomfortable situation, breathe and physically move one step back. Observe and go into your emotion. Breathe it out and move on. If anyone criticizes you, it is the reflection of what they dislike in themselves; simply send them a deep thought of compassion.

CHILDREN – Monitor and limit computer time to 20 minutes at one time. Interrupt TV and computer games with physical exercises and quality time with you. Children are smarter than you think. It is now time to review your parenting role and be their example for a wonderful year ahead.

OPENNESS – Loads of new ideas to put into place. Don’t delay and act now. Budget your projects carefully. good news, in January you can find many solutions to make all these creations come to life. This month is very ‘fertile’ for those who were challenged with pregnancies in the past.

SELF CONFIDENCE – Wow, what is happening to you? Flow of ideas like never before. You might feel a little bit overwhelmed at first but by the end of January you will be surprised how much you have put into place.

Disclaimer : These predictions are for FYI = for your own improvement only. Take responsibility for your actions.

Roseline Deleu, international Feng Shui Master, Author, Inspirational Speaker and Vibrational Reader

Book your personal reading, Feng Shui make-over or become Feng Shui Consultant in Canberra with Roseline Deleu – call 0412 717 454

Email [email protected]
Download your FREE ‘Feng Shui Life Quiz’ on www.fengshuisteps.com

Balibo: powerful political thriller

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Balibo is out on DVD from Madman Entertainment.
Balibo: powerful political thriller
By Rama Gaind

Film: Balibo (Madman)
Cast: Anthony LaPaglia, Oscar Isaac, Damon Gameau, Gyton Grantley, Mark Leonard Winter
Director/co-screenwriter: Robert Connolly

Balibo is a powerful political thriller which tells the true story of crimes that were said to have been covered up for over 30 years.
Connolly has delivered a political movie with tough impact, but sensitively and with little sentimentality.
It tells the fateful story of six Australian journalists who were killed while filming in East Timor during the Indonesian invasion.
Told in flashbacks, we follow Roger East (Anthony LaPaglia) who is charmed by a charismatic José Ramos-Horta to run the press agency in East Timor. East follows the trail of five missing Australian journalists.
As East’s determination to uncover the truth grows, the threat of invasion intensifies and an unlikely friendship develops between the last foreign correspondent in East Timor and the man who will become president.
The mood is set with grainy flashbacks with the knowledge of their impending doom.
The film does not lose sight of its poignant impression, as Connolly take advantage of grainy footage, hand-held cameras and rumbling sounds to transport the viewer into their world.
There are many confronting scenes, including their deaths, but the acting is exceptional, especially from LaPaglia. Input is also noticed from Damon Gameau (as Greg Shackleton), Gyton Grantley (Gary Cunningham), Mark Winter (Tony Stewart), and Nathan Phillips (Malcolm Rennie)
Connolly (The Bank) and David Williamson’s screenplay develops the characters well from the book ‘Cover-Up’ by Jill Jolliffe.
It’s not easy to enjoy Balibo, knowing the long inactivity that surrounded the now confirmed deaths of six innocent journalists.
You will also feel enraged over government apathy and Indonesian ruthlessness.
Winner of four AFI awards, Balibo made major headlines at home and abroad and was recently controversially banned in Indonesia.

DVD special features
This DVD has great highlights including Greg Shackleton’s original report from East Timor, October 1975, an audio commentary with director Robert Connolly, Bahasa Indonesia subtitles, deleted scenes and a host of additional extras.
The six contextual documentaries: Creating the Balibo Five; Roger East and José Ramos Horta; Polyester Perms and Short-Shorts; Death of the Balibo Five; Doco vs Drama; History of East Timor and Balibo.

Samson & Delilah is an all-round winner

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Samson & Delilah is out on DVD from Madman Entertainment.
Samson & Delilah is an all-round winner
By Rama Gaind

Film: Samson & Delilah (Madman)
Cast: Rowan McNamara, Marissa Gibson, Mitjili Gibson
Director: Warwick Thornton

Samson & Delilah, the low-budget feature film debut from Australian director-writer-cinematographer, Warwick Thornton, shines as it continues to pick up more awards.
It won seven awards at the AFI Awards this month and was named the Best Feature Film at the third annual Asia Pacific Screen Awards in Queensland last month.
Earlier in the year, it stunned the film world by taking out the Camera d’Or (Golden Camera) at the Cannes International Film Festival.
Since its Australian theatrical release on May 7, Samson & Delilah has become a genuine word-of-mouth sensation.
Far from the biblical story, this one is about two young teenagers in a central desert community. Samson (Rowan McNamara) is a petrol sniffing layabout who wants to play music, if only his brother would let him.
He likes Delilah (Marissa Gibson), a self-reliant woman, who looks after her grandmother and helps her with her artworks. Her real-life grandmother Mitjili Gibson takes on this role.
Following her death, Delilah and Samson escape to live on the fringe of Alice Springs, seeking to get their life together.
This is a tough film about love where dialogue is used sparingly to tell a poignant story. That’s why images deliver an emotional impact.
With a good soundtrack, the film is tastefully made where you can see a noticeable show of restraint.
It’s a sturdy little film, with winning performances by all the cast, especially the two young lead performers.
There are some special features on this DVD worth mentioning including interviews with director Warwick Thornton, theatrical trailer the making of Samson & Delilah by Beck Cole and Thornton’s short films: Nana,Green Bush, Mimi and Payback

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