TWO-METRE-HIGH BIRD FOUND IN YARRA VALLEY

Posted on August 23, 2012 by Newschick

Who would have thought? A rare two-metre-high bird, found preening in the Yarra Valley… Not only epically towering above its species, but apparently indestructible.

Bronze and steel dart bird

This sleek stunner is the baby of internationally renowned Melbourne-based Master Potter Ted Secombe. It’s one of seventeen major pieces, made of bronze and steel, in what will be his first exhibition since 2004.

Not only is it eight years since his last public show, this exhibition represents a completely new direction for the artist. Ted says he’s now looking forward to showing the world what he’s been up to.This sleek stunner is the baby of internationally renowned Melbourne-based Master Potter Ted Secombe. It’s one of seventeen major pieces, made of bronze and steel, in what will be his first exhibition since 2004.

Master Potter Ted Secombe

‘I’ve gone off on a new tangent because after thirty years of working in the ceramic and clay area, even though I was very successful with it, it left me asking questions about where do I go now? So I put it away for a few years and built this really funky house out in the Yarra Valley. I spent a long time re-thinking things. Which was not a very easy process. It was like being in a wilderness for lack of a better word. It’s a strange place to be in, an uncomfortable place.’

It wasn’t until Ted came up with the concept of using clay as a means of facilitating another artistic process that he began feeling inspired again. He began using clay to make models for new sculptures in steel and bronze.

‘And because I have a real understanding of how to do this now, I can do really interesting forms. It’s so fluid, to be able to create these beautiful lines which aren’t available in other mediums,’ he says.

Ted has been a full-time artist for thirty-five years. It wasn’t a planned career. When he left school, he completed a science degree and worked as a bio-chemist in pathology.

Ted working in his studio

‘I went travelling and never went back to it. When I came home, I spent time with friends who were studying arts degrees or acting. Some were painters and potters. I thought, why not have a play with this and see what comes of it? There were quite a few lean years , but luckily I eventually became quite good at it.’

Ceramic Pot by Ted Secombe

Ted never underwent formal training an art school, but ended up becoming more successful than most of his contemporaries. In particular, he created a name for himself with awe-inspiring ceramics – bowls, urns, water stones, lanterns and fountains which have been praised by art experts throughout the world. Complex glazes and finishes are his specialty. His works are featured in major hotels around the world – the Shangra-La Hotel in china, Ethiad Airlines Towers in Abu Dhabi, the Ritz Carlton in Singapore and even at Melbourne’s Crown Towers.

Bronze bird

It seems like a huge artistic leap – from delicate, finely crafted pots, to towering steel structures. Ted explains what drew him to steel and bronze.

‘I think it was the more robust nature of it. I mean, ceramics are permanent provided they aren’t knocked about, but steel fights back.With clay, you are limited in scale and in contour and shape. This is an avenue for taking the work to other places – and maybe branching out to the public art pace area as well. I think there’s a need for that right now.’

He’s right. I can just picture these steel pieces being snapped up by the corporations for display in front of their city buildings.Ted says he also creates pieces on commission and could build birds up to about ten metres high.

It’s a long-winded process. First, Ted creates the piece in miniature. Then he travels to China to build the full-size version of the bird in clay. Why China?

‘Because it’s the only place I can find skilled fabricators to produce the work I need to produce. There’s no artisanes here. And if you could, the price is too inhibitive. What would cost about fifty thousand here only costs about twelve thousand over there. And that’s using top-grade steel. Plus everything has to be hand-beaten with hammers and anvils. It’s very time-consuming.’

Steel and bronze cow bird

The birds aren’t based on an actual species. ‘Mostly they’re a figment of my imagination,’ says Ted. ‘Some have botanical references, but mostly they’re just forms that come out of my hands when I’m modelling the clay.’

Blue glaze bird

But there are still smaller ceramics and pots in his next exhibition. ‘These are really organic forms – influenced by pods and things from nature. So I’ve done a series of those which are like still life installations.’

Gourds

Ted says his inspiration comes from nature. ‘I live in amongst lots of natural, beautiful things and I’ve always been passionate about wildlife, gardens and flowers. The natural world is such a nurturing place.’

The exhibition has been about two years in the making. All up, it includes about fifty pieces – seventeen being major sculptures in steel and bronze. The major pieces range in price from $7000 – $20,000, while the ceramics are priced up to $2000.

And the setting is idyllic – at Ted’s house in the Yarra Valley. It opens on Saturday, September 1st and will run for three consecutive weekends. (inclusive) Visitors are welcome – even if you don’t think the artwork is within your budget.

Ted’s Yarra Valley home

The Ted Secombe Studio and Gallery is at 240 Bleases Lane, Dixons Creek, Victoria.

(Melways Ref: 268 A3)

For more details, email Ted at [email protected]

BATTING FOR A CHAT – How To Get Teens Talking

Posted on August 21, 2012 by Newschick

I’m the last person to dish out advice on raising children. Generally speaking, I get squeamish around ‘preachy parents’. I’m sure I distanced myself from at least two girlfriends when our kids were born, purely because I couldn’t bear their judgemental attitudes. Breast-feeding debates, nappy ethics and the best sleeping techniques became the force-fed fodder of too many dull conversations. I mean, does it really matter if the cream I use on my baby’s bum isn’t organic??

That said, I did hear a piece of advice on radio last year that piqued my interest. It was about communicating with young teenagers – boys in particular. And because it sounded like fun, we took it on board and bought…. yes, a TABLE TENNIS TABLE!!!

Communication weapons

The theory is that boys won’t open up and chat if you sit them down for a talk. They’ll feel under siege and the best you’ll educe is monosyllabic drivel. But give them something to do that will distract them from what you’re hoping to achieve, and gradually they’ll become more and more verbose. Like table tennis! And the beauty of table tennis is that it’s not as physical as ‘proper’ tennis, so you are close enough and not out of breath to enable a conversation to get underway.

Rebel Sport Table Tennis Table – $299.99

A few years earlier, we’d renovated and built a new sunroom. This meant we were able to put a table tennis table up in what was the old lounge room. Otherwise, if you don’t have a spare room or outdoor shed, it’s possible to buy a version that sits on top of a dining table and can be stored upright against a wall when not in use. You can pick one up for around $300 from Rebel Sport or try for one second hand.

I don’t think we’ve ever had a problem communicating with our 14-year-old son Tom, (who is practically perfect apart from an inability to pick up clothes from his bedroom floor) but the regular playing of matches between the two of us has become our favourite shared pastime. There’s so much more I know about the minutia of his world because of that little yellow ball.

But don’t think it’s all fun and laughter. We are highly competitive. When we first started playing, I always won. Yep, I’m the bitch-Mum who hates to lose – even to her kids to make them feel better… Actually, I can justify this. I’m sure it’s the right thing to do. That way, when they win FOR REAL, they can taste the sweet joy of genuine victory. Plus, kids are smart. They know a patronising ‘Ooops, I hit it out the window again….’ from mum or dad’s.

Tom’s getting smart though. He knows when to pick his moments. I came home from an early dinner with a girlfriend last week and he knew I’d had a few glasses of wine. Game on, he said…. Amused by my lack of coordination, he decided I needed a handicap. Perhaps he’ll be a comedian? Of course he won.

Tom gives his knees a workout

Now Tom is taller than me and and if I accidentally bat him a slow lob, he can smash it back faster than I can see it. It’s very close. I win a match, he wins a match. We seem to alternate and I’m sure it won’t be long before he’s on top of the family ladder. I won’t mind if that happens. I’ll accept defeat with grace. Just as long as I still get that big hug at the end of every match.

HOLLYWOOD COMES TO MELBOURNE

Posted on August 13, 2012 by Newschick

Actors speak about him with reverence and his student list reads like a who’s who of the top billing names in Hollywood. Howard Fine has also been voted LA’s top acting coach by Back Stage magazine.

So I was delighted when I was given the go-ahead to conduct an interview with the man himself when he was in Melbourne recently. And Howard wasn’t here for a holiday. No, he’s working on a new project which means Australian actors will also benefit from his talents with the Howard Fine Acting Studio opening in North Melbourne.

Howard Fine at his Melbourne Acting Studio

The man I meet in the sparsely furnished foyer gives a broad smile and warm handshake – dressed impeccably in understated jeans, sharp navy blazer and crisp white shirt. His conversation is light and easy, his manner comfortable. Not the intimidating acting guru I imagined at all. And no entourage. Not even a personal assistant in sight.

As we walk to a room for the interview, I casually remark I’m surprised by how much free advice he gives away on his website, given he’s written a book, and ask if he’s worried about losing sales as a result.

Howard smiles, unconcerned. ‘No, I don’t think that way at all. I mean, no one owns the truth anyway. I would hope it intrigues people and if they learn something, then that’s good too. But I try not to come from fear.’

Another surprise. Money is not his motivator. Does he really live in LA?

We sit in a bare room on two metal chairs at a small table, hastily put in place by the studio’s co-founder Patrick Constantinou. The décor is in keeping with the school’s philosophy — that it’s all about the acting, not spending money on fancy interiors. And it’s the work that Howard is so passionate about and has been from an early age. He performed as an actor in high school productions and was just 16 when he directed his first play.

Interviewing Howard Fine

‘I had to train as an actor in order to be able to teach it. But I liken it to the best coaches and their star players in athletics. The star player can never get past their own ego to help someone else, so you have to technically know how to play the sport, but the best coaches are generally the ones who were average, but have another skill. I recognized early on that I was better as a director and as a coach than as an actor.’

When I suggest he showed enormous maturity to know what he wanted to do at such a young age, as well as being willing to bow out of the spotlight, he credits family support for helping him to find his own path.

‘I don’t know about that,’ he says laughing. ‘It’s hard to evaluate yourself that way. My Dad was a mechanic and I inherited zero of his skill, so in my household I grew up not being able to do some of the things that were valued. And I thought, good lord, where do I fit? I think I must have been a very different kind of son for my Dad. I was the youngest of five and my older brothers were into sports and here I come along – President of the Chess Club, in the music program and drama program. I realize my Dad came to everything. To all the plays. He was always really supportive and very proud and never saying, “No, you should be doing this instead.” He was just proud of whatever I did. I realized that later in life how lucky I was to have him as a father.’

He says his initial introduction to the world of theatre came about quite by accident.

‘I walked in to a theatre class, really because there was a schedule conflict between German and French, and I opted for German. What was on the schedule was an introduction to theatre, which I thought was going to be theatre history. But I walked in and everyone was doing exercises on the stage. My high school drama director knew Uta Hagen’s work and we were so fortunate to have him because I had three years of that before I went to college.’

Perhaps a bit of a Dead Poet’s Society scenario, I ask?

‘Oh, one of my favorite movies. Yes, it was like Dead Poets Society because if I hadn’t had a few key mentors, where would I be? I was so lucky to walk into that class and suddenly discover something that I was good at. So it wasn’t for me about what is it I can be good at — I was just fortunate that I felt I could be good at anything.’

Howard downplays his ability to act, but was clearly a talented teenager as he had a scholarship through college in Boston. He describes his ability as just ‘okay’ and says he can’t do what he asks most of his students to do.

‘What I ask my students to do is profound and I was nowhere near that, but my great thrill is helping someone else fly. It’s so much fun to be a part of a career at the very beginning of that.’

Bradley Cooper

Some of the more famous names Howard has worked with include Bradley Cooper, JaredLeto, Salma Hayek and Jennifer Connelly. Howard says he worked with Cooper for nine years before the actor had a major breakthrough in the industry.

But Howard isn’t a name-dropper. He’d rather talk about who he’s had the most rewarding journey with, than chat about his famous clients.

‘There’s an actress called Carla Gugino. We’ve worked together for quite a long time. Carla was initially in The Spy Kids movies and then she did a TV series called Karin Sisco. Then she had an opportunity to audition for Broadway, for Arthur Miller’s After the Fall. And coming from Hollywood, the New Yorkers were very skeptical. But we worked on that and she got it. Then they were afraid to put her name above the title because they thought the critics would take a shot at her. Anyway, she was quite stunning in After the Fall and that got New York to sit up and take notice. And then she did Suddenly Last Summer opposite Blythe Danner at the Roundabout and then she did Desire Under the Elms and now she is a full-on celebrated New York actress. Last year she was third billing to Robert de Niro and Al Pacino in The Righteous Kill. So I watched her be a part of the whole transformation from Hollywood castable to serious actress. And I continue to work with her.’

Not all actors blossom so quickly. Howard tells the story of actor John Corbett, from Sex and the City, who suffered from severe shyness.

John Corbett

‘When he came to me, he was a hairdresser who was so self-conscious that he wouldn’t even cut hair — he would only wash. He was very shy. One day in class he said, “I have become so self-conscious, I can’t function.” I said, “You just sit and watch until you feel ready to jump in again.” And he sat in on my master class for one year. And then he said, ‘I think I can do it now.’ And he was suddenly able to get up again and do it. And he said to me recently, if I had been mean to him at that moment, he would have quit. And now he’s humming along.’

So how does he know when to be patient or when to tell someone acting isn’t for them?

‘As long as they’re making some kind of progress, we’re good. If nothing is happening for a long point of time, it might get to the point where I might say try training somewhere else.’

Surely giving John Corbett a year of sitting on the sidelines is taking patient a bit too far?

‘No, I’d already had him through the foundation course and he’d gotten through my Master Class. I knew he was talented and so sensitive. I’ve seen people who get immobilized by stage fright and they’re usually the talented ones. I get asked all the time, what do talented people have in common? And I would say insecurity. I was validated by a study by psychologists Dunning and Kruger called ‘Clueless People have No Clue.’ They found people who scored poorly on the tests thought they had done amazingly well and the people who had done well, under-rated themselves. That’s a sign of talent — you work harder, you don’t take anything for granted and you’re open to feedback. When you think you know everything, you’re not teachable. The truly talented never think they’re good enough and the ungifted think they’re terrific.’

What, even Meryl Streep after all her accolades and success? Meryl must know she’s good.

Meryl Streep

‘No. Meryl Streep calls her husband the first day of every shoot and says, ‘This is the one I can’t do. She says she was shaking having to do a British accent for the British people when she played Margaret Thatcher. On her first day she had to do one of the addresses and all the extras were British and she was petrified. That is the sign of talent. And it never goes away. If you don’t think that, you have no gift.’

Howard’s gift as an acting coach was recognized by his peers at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York when he was made head of the Acting Department at just 24 years old ‑ the youngest chair in the studio’s history. This happened after he was assigned the worst class the school had ever had; a class so badly behaved they’d driven the previous head of the acting department into an early retirement.

‘They were spoilt kids who had no particular love for acting but wanted to avoid college,’ says Howard. ‘Their parents were paying for their tuition. On the first day, I carried a briefcase and wore a jacket with patches on the elbow to try and look professorial but I was terrified. I walked into the acting classroom and heard them all give monologues and took copious notes. Then I told them, “That was a disgrace. You are a disgrace to this program.” It took a while to win over the ringleader of the class but by the end of the year, I had them all lining up on stage in black, in perfect order and presented them on stage and one at a time they did their work, and they were great. The artistic director of the school did a double take. I’d turned them around and it was quite dramatic. And that night I was made head of the acting department.’

After three years as department head, Howard and his best friend David Coury (now Voice Director at the Howard Fine Studio in LA) decided to move to Los Angeles.

‘It was something I always wanted to do. I had achieved some things very quickly and I wanted to challenge myself. My introduction to LA was Thanks Giving. We didn’t know anybody but we’d met a couple of people and they accepted an invitation to our place. So we got cookbooks and we made an entire Thanksgiving meal — the turkey, the pumpkin pie, everything — and no one showed up. At least in New York, if people are rude to you, you know. Although I’ve learned to really love LA and I have a really wonderful circle around me. But it was an introduction to hyperbole that is part of the LA world.’

Paul Stanley

The man who helped Howard with an entrée into the celebrity world was Paul Stanley from rock group Kiss. Jean Simmons had already done some acting work, so Paul decided to follow suit.

‘I was teaching at another acting studio in Los Angeles and an agent came to watch an actor in class. She didn’t like the actor but she liked me. She was representing Paul Stanley so she gave him the name of the top three acting coaches in Los Angeles and me. I was the ‘newbie’. So I was in my little living room in my apartment when he pulled up in his convertible Porsche and he had a film he was auditioning for. He brought the same script to each of the coaches to see how they would do, which was actually smart. He was very bright. So I worked with him and he said, ‘You’re my guy.’ The next week he had a bowling birthday party and he invited me. And there I am, bowling with Robert Downey Junior, Sarah Jessica Parker all the members of the Brat Pack and suddenly I’m in the inner circle. And Paul was my first close celebrity friend. And he helped me learn how to dress, where to go, what to do – he was my buddy.’

So did Howard miss New York?

‘I did. I still love the theatre and I did get to go back and direct on Broadway called ‘Defending the Caveman’ with one of my students, Michael Chicklis. But I think there’s more work in LA overall and I also have felt that I’m bringing a breathe of New York to Los Angeles that has a certain meaning. To establish a discipline from a New York acting school in LA has been a really good thing and I attract a certain type of disciplined, serious actor.’

There are occasionally students who enroll in Howard’s courses though, who are more interested in chasing fame than refining their craft. He says they’re easy to pick.

‘They don’t do their homework. It’s a long haul and it’s not glamorous. There’s a lot of work you have to do and you’re truly challenged. And if you’re not ready to do that, then they’re not allowed to continue.’

Howard has been saddened when the careers of some of his very talented and famous students, go off the rails. Such as Lindsay Lohan.

‘I met Lindsay when she was a very talented young lady. Yes, that saddens me. No one prepares people for what fame can be like.’

But dealing with the pressures of life in the spotlight isn’t something Howard addresses in his courses.

‘No, it’s the acting. I stay out of people’s personal lives. I don’t try to be anybody’s therapist.’

I ask whether some of his students might expect that of him, given they work on an emotional level?

‘Yes, you have to be very, very careful with it. It has to be taught for the purposes of technique. But I don’t do the actor-teacher blackmail stuff – the yelling and screaming at people, agitating them and getting them to reveal personal things about themselves in public. All of that is highly unethical.’

Howard teaching at his Melbourne studio

Given his level of success, you have to wonder how Howard stays so grounded, living in a land reeking with superficiality.

‘No one’s ever asked me that! I have to give you an honest answer. When I first got to LA and I started to succeed, it did go to my head. I had a moment. I was hanging out with a successful manager of an actress in LA and she’s the type of person who is all about “How much money do you make, who do you know?” Everything is based on that. And I was so impressed she wanted to be friends with me. We were hanging out together and I started to turn that way. My friend David sat me down and said, “You have become her and it’s not attractive.” He was right. It was like a jolt of cold water to the face. It woke me up. Because it was true. It wasn’t the real me. I had wanted to become a Rabbi before an acting coach. So I made my way to the Synagogue for Performing Arts and went on to become a member of the Board of Directors and eventually the President. I’m still on the Board of Directors. And I found it brought spirituality to my life and it gave me perspective.’

Howard describes himself as spiritual rather than religious. He says he does practice the Jewish faith but being with the Synagogue for the Performing Arts means his ways are a little different to mainstream.

Now he’s taking a new direction by opening up an acting studio in Australia. It wasn’t something he was planning and describes it coming about almost by accident.

‘A little more than a year ago Patrick Constantinou called me. He’d read my book and he wanted me to come teach a Master Class in Melbourne. I said ‘no’. And then he kept at it. I like to teach people to take risks, but taking one myself frightens me. But he kept at it until eventually I said yes.’

So persistence paid off?

‘Purely. And the fact that he was well spoken and he seemed to really care that it was a good workshop. He wasn’t concerned as much about the finances as about the quality, which I liked. Then he called me back and said, ‘We’ve got so much interest, would you do one in Sydney as well?’ I said okay.’

Howard says he was amazed to find such a high level of talent in Australia.

‘In the Melbourne class, there was a very powerful response — it was incredible. And we became bonded so quickly because the actors saw that I would give them useful tools. That I’m not cruel and I don’t humiliate people. They’d met some coaches from the States who do that. And they saw people were actually improving, with notes. That this is about giving the actors a craft, not breaking them down and building them up in my image.’

Howard teaching at his Melbourne studio

Shortly afterwards, Patrick suggested they bring out other teachers from Howard’s school in LA and form a new studio in Melbourne. Howard didn’t think it would work, explaining his staff was well grounded in LA with careers and relationships. Again, Patrick insisted he come over and talk to them.

‘So he came and we arranged a dinner at my house and he charmed everybody. I also came back from Australia speaking so highly about the program. As one of my faculty members said, “It’s not as though you come in every week with a new scheme.” I’m pretty stable that way. So when I said, “We’ve really got to consider this”, they took it pretty seriously. Then each one, coming over, has had a remarkable experience here, so the studio just ‘happened’. I can’t say any of this was part of a grand plan.’

Howard hasn’t locked in exactly how much time he’ll be spending in Australia, but will be back in November for a Master Class. The other teachers will also take part in the program, passing the baton on to cover classes. Those considering enrolling must take their craft seriously.

‘If acting were easy, everybody would be good at it. The reason everybody thinks they can do it is because great acting looks effortless but isn’t. Watching the Olympics. I don’t watch the gymnasts on the balance beam and think, “Oh I could do that.” Acting is the lifelong pursuit of deeper and greater work. One thing I say to actors is that acting is like a fine wine. You don’t get too old to do this. You have the ability to improve with age. I would say that’s the most beautiful thing about acting because life experience deepens you. It also deepens your work.’

The city of Melbourne has also scored highly in Howard’s book. Especially the theatre and restaurant culture.

‘I have to say — I have celiac disease, so I’m allergic to gluten and to wheat — Australia is way ahead of the States. I can go to Grilled and get a gluten free burger. It’s just extraordinary. The coffee shops are great. And the people on the whole are honest, humble and welcoming. It has a lot to recommend it.’

Just as well, given Howard has a vision for his new acting studio that means he’s committed for the long haul.

‘I want to develop a community here like we have in Los Angeles. Where we can establish on-going scene study classes for professionals. So that professionals have a place to come to ‘work out’. I have two Master Classes in Los Angeles, and a lot of folk who are in TV series come to class because they get to work on roles that challenge them. They’re going to get honest feedback but in a constructive way. They want to keep growing, so I want that to be established here. That it’s not just a place to go to drama school, but an on-going relationship with a professional community that becomes a resource.’

The man is committed and charismatic. Now I’m even toying with the idea of taking up classes. But is there a course for beginners?

‘Absolutely. We have a full-time program. And it’s great for younger actors to see experienced actors come to class and want to keep learning. It’s inspiring.’

One of Howard’s greatest inspirations was famed acting coach Uta Hagen. After learning her acting method at school, Howard then met her when he was working in LA and they became great friends.

Uta Hagen

‘A friend introduced us on the phone. Uta was in New York teaching. When she found out that we had sixty students at our program who were on some kind of scholarship, she said, “I like you already.” You see, Uta’s students had bought their building for them. And they charged almost nothing for class. Uta was adamant that actors not be ripped off. I said “I want you to come teach at my studio because I want my students to know who you are.” She had never been to LA. And she said yes and she came. When we met, she said, “Well, you’re the famous Howard Fine.” And I said “And you’re the even more famous Uta Hagen.” And we embraced. Then she started telling me dirty jokes and that’s how the relationship started and we became great friends.’

Howard describes Uta Hagen as one of the few people who was able to wear either an acting or teaching hat equally successfully.

‘So many who teach are failed actors and are angry or jealous. She was generous of spirit. If she walked into a room and people applauded, she would say, “Please, I’m no Stella Adler.” She’d get right down to work, as a colleague and not as a prima donna. She was an extraordinary being. And I’m happy that I feel like I’ve taken my leg of the relay race from her and am running my own.’

Now Howard’s bringing his own style of teaching to Melbourne where he says the nature of the students will be a welcome change to working in LA.

‘I find a societal difference. I think you have any expression about tall poppies – the tallest gets chopped? I find there is a cultural humility here that I don’t tend to find as much in LA. That makes the actors here more open and willing to look at themselves. All the teachers have been impressed by it, because they feel there is a hunger and a desire to learn and that means the teacher wants to give.’

That’s the overall impression I’m left with. This is a man who truly loves to ‘give’ with his talent for teaching. He’s genuine, passionate and down-to-earth about what he does and what he has achieved already. And Australian actors can now look forward to reaping the benefits of his work without having to buy a plane ticket.

Howard and a new student

(To find out more about classes at Melbourne’s Howard Fine Acting Studio, go to http://howardfinestudio.com.au )

What I Miss About Reading the News

Posted on August 9, 2012 by Newschick

Life changes drastically when you leave a long-term job in the TV industry. In particular, a news-reading job. One day you’re in the spotlight, working to deadlines and feeling a sense of doing something ‘important’ – the next, your life is untethered and all the choices that open up seem overwhelming as you search for a new identity. It’s a little frightening after twenty years.

But the freedom is also invigorating. As one friend describes it, ‘You were a battery hen and now you’re a free-range chicken.’ Travel opportunities take you abroad to explore the real world instead of endlessly looking at places in news stories.

Abu Simbel, Egypt

You stop watching the news religiously and wonder why it ever seemed so important. You take up a course, write a book, invent a product, write interviews for a newspaper, spend more time with family and friends and generally fill your life with stuff that runs you through a gamut of emotions. Some exhilarating, some hurtful, some challenging and some disappointing. But all experiences that make life seem fuller, brighter and more tangible. The rewards are deeper as your brain is forced to think on new creative levels. You no longer feel that you operate merely on a robotic level. Because there is a repetitiveness about news-reading that can be a little mind-numbing.

The years roll around quickly and suddenly we’re covering the Spring Carnival again, and yep, it’s time for the annual ‘Santa training’ for Myer, Red Nose Day, or the tragically predictable Easter road toll story. Turn to camera one. Look at Mal. Ad break. Five, four, three, two one – you’re on!

Red Nose Day promo shot

But after six years of freedom, there are days when I miss it. Right now, it’s 5.40pm and if I were still reading the news at Channel Ten, I’d be looking over to Stephen Quartermain as Mal Walden ‘throws’ to sport. The Olympics are on. It’s always when there’s something amazing happening in the world that a small dose of emptiness washes over me. That I’m missing out on that front row seat in the making of history — the excitement that comes being live to air, when every second counts.

There’s an adrenalin rush that comes with reading the news — being involved in major events affecting people around the world and delivering them live to an audience.

Another reason that wistful feeling revisited today was because an email arrived from a policeman, Chris Scifo, who’d read my Blog. He reminded me that we met when I was an on-the-road journalist for Ten and was sent to cover a double fatality in Thomastown. It was his first day on the job as a police officer. No wonder he remembers. A horrific introduction to his new career. As Chris said, he didn’t know what he was doing at the time. Funnily enough he remembers me as being very tall. I’m not really, but I guess everything must have felt overwhelming for him on that day.

He ended his email with this:

‘I always thought and maintain you are the best female anchor Aussie TV has ever had.’

Wow. High praise indeed and one of the loveliest compliments I’ve ever received. That’s the other funny thing about not reading the news any more. I never expected anyone to know who I was then, so am even more surprised now when I am recognized. And even after six years, I still have people approach me in the supermarket saying they miss me reading the news. And occasionally I get emails like this, from my policeman friend from so many years ago, that take me back to the newsroom and make me feel all nostalgic. So even if I don’t achieve much more in this life, it’s nice to know I was appreciated for what I did then and that I was good at something.

Now, let’s get this Blog cracking!

WHAT WILL YOU SEE AT THE MELBOURNE WRITERS FESTIVAL?

Posted on August 8, 2012 by Newschick

‘Enquire Within’. That’s the catch-cry of this year’s Melbourne Writer’s Festival, urging us to explore and celebrate all facets of the literary world during this upcoming ten-day festival.

Enquire Within

It’s an all-encompassing schedule involving more than 300 writers from around the world. But don’t assume it’s just the usual talks given by authors about their latest books. This is a program of ‘events’. In some cases, the book becomes secondary to the walk, the music, the performance or debate. In fact, I reckon you could pick just about any topic, give it a literary edge, and presto – yep, it’s in the MWF. I like this concept because it means you’re not just sitting in a vast hall listening to one person prattle on and on. Although, with keynote speakers such as British actor and writer Simon Callow, Germaine Greer and Editorial Director Henry Finder from The New Yorker – I’d be happy to hear them ‘prattle’ for however long they liked.

No, what I’m talking about is innovative ideas like WALKS around Melbourne, exploring our Bohemia, our Hidden Dragons or the Australian Renaissance. Walking with acclaimed author Sophie Cunningham, seeing first-hand the Melbourne landmarks and laneways that feature in her book on the city. Walking while talking about the ‘literary’. Cool, huh?

Then there are events involving music and performance – the Ned Kelly awards looking at crime fiction with music from The Ungrateful Dead, or the launch of the MWF’s audio-literary journal Going Down Swinging at The Toff In The Town.

For those who like debates, there are plenty of panel discussions on topics ranging from the future of journalism and education to philosophy, democracy and philanthropy.

There’s stuff for foodies too – a celebration of family and food with Guy Grossi or the ‘Sofitel Salon’ event in the Fitzroy Ballroom – a posh afternoon tea with three marvellous authors. The BIG LUNCH I’d like to attend is The New Yorker Lunch: Big Stories, Big Impact. Melbourne University Press Publisher Louise Adler will talk with Henry Finder and David Grann (TNY staff writer) about how their most important stories broke and what impact these had – in particular, when The New Yorker broke the Abu Ghraib prison story in 2004.

The New Yorker

The MWF begins on August 23^rd and runs through till September 2^nd. I’m delighted to be a part of the festival this year, covering events as one of five ‘Emerging Bloggers’. So if you can’t get a ticket to any of the events (and yes, they are selling fast) then go on-line to check out a range of Blogs on the MWF’s website.

But those two words ‘Enquire Within’ got me thinking. After a quick Google search, I soon learnt that once-upon-a-time this simple phrase was the title of a book that offered advice to Victorian-era Londoners on all matters, from domestic to life-and-death.

First published in 1856, it set itself up as the ‘go-to’ guide on everything from laundry tips and etiquette to first aid, and if the first aid didn’t work in an emergency – ‘How To Bury A Relative’. There’s even a section on parlour games, which gives an insight into how people wasted their time before I-phones and Angry Birds came along.

I mean, seriously, did people really spend time modeling flowers in wax?? And are you keen to learn the difference between the types of relish you should serve for breakfast or supper?

Obviously the Victorians did because the book sold thousands and continued to be published right up to 1976 when it reached its 126^th edition.

Regardless of its relevance now, it could have been a major part of all our lives. Tim Berners-Lee apparently saw the encyclopedic tome as a portal to a world of information and in 1980, named his precursor of the World Wide Web – ENQUIRE, as a result. So just think, if he’d stuck with that, we’d be left with endless confusing conversations.

Can you imagine? ‘Have you ‘Enquired’ about that on your computer?’ ‘Enquire has crashed.’ ‘Yep, it’s on Enquire.’ ‘Sorry, are you asking me or checking something on your laptop?’ We wouldn’t know what people were talking about.

No, Enquire Within is far better off as the title of the fabulous up and coming Melbourne Writer’s Festival. Let’s celebrate that.

Greetings from the U.S.A (Part Two)

Posted on July 31, 2012 by Newschick

For those who read Part One, you know I’m well and truly back in Australia. But I’m hanging on to this title because I like to pretend I’m still over in the U.S. – lapping up that glorious sunshine instead of shivering Down Under in grey old Melbourne.

We left off in Part One after a whirlwind tour of the Grand Canyon. Time now for more of those travel tips.

TRAVEL TIP ONE: Stay with friends when you can

After leaving Las Vegas, we flew to Reno, Yes, many people have said – ‘Why Reno?’ Well, we have a close friend who lives there that I bet you’d all like to adopt.

Roo and Fletch

Andrew, better known as Roo, not only invited our family to stay in his house (he moved out to live with a friend) he lent us his four-wheel drive for exploring AND picked us up and dropped us back at Reno Airport.

He’d also told us about some pretty cool outdoorsy stuff you can do with kids in the area, so proved a fountain of tourist knowledge and tips. Overall, this meant huge savings on hotel and hire car bills, plus he’s damn fine company and showed us around like our own personal tour guide.

Yep, I bet you all want a friend like Roo.

TRAVEL TIP TWO: Go kayaking on Lake Tahoe

On Roo’s advice, we drove his roomy four-wheel drive down to Lake Tahoe after booking a kayaking session with Pat from Great Basin Sports. The booking was made through Travel Zoo at www.travelzoo.com and cost $25 (US) per person. I’d been told Lake Tahoe was one of the most beautiful spots on the planet, and it didn’t disappoint. Crystal clear aquamarine waters lapping at pine-tree edged sandy shores on a sunny day equals picture-postcard perfect.

Lake Tahoe - ©PHOTO: Alan Fletcher

Kayaking can, however, be hazardous with hormonal teenage children. There we were, happily rowing over still waters and remarking on how lucky we were with the weather, when they decided a kayaking race was in order. Hard to draw a finish line on a rippling lake, so before I could say ‘Yogi Bear’, the fighting began. Pat, our kayaking instructor had just been saying, ‘What a lovely family you have,’ when the thrashing and bashing of oars began. Aimed at each other’s heads.

Lethal weapons...

Ah, those moments when you’re proud to be a parent… Somehow we managed to stay afloat and no one was killed. Phew.

Maybe it was being out ‘in-the-wild’ that brought out their feral streak, but whatever the reason, we decided drastic action was required to bring them closer together. An experience where they might really feel their lives were in danger and value each other. Hence Travel Tip Number Three.

TRAVEL TIP THREE: Take a Hot Air Balloon ride over the Prosser Dam (or the Valley of the Kings in Egypt)

Fletch and I had already taken a hot air balloon trip in Egypt two years earlier. The basket, carrying about twenty tourists was sturdy, wide and high. I felt completely safe and the experience, sailing over the Valley of the Kings at dawn, along with about a dozen other balloons – was nothing short of magnificent.

Valley of the Kings - Egypt

Which is really why we booked a second try at hot air ballooning – as well as wanting the kids to enjoy the adrenalin rush and incredible views.

Prosser Dam - ©PHOTO: Alan Fletcher

So I guess I was expecting a similar experience with Wild Sierra Adventures just out of Reno. We arrived at dawn (after waking at 4am) and the setting was indeed picturesque, with fog gently rising from the Prosser Dam surface.

But instead of a dozen balloons and an army of officials as there were in Egypt, we found only a small collection of people working on firing up a single balloon. I looked at the tiny basket lying on its side on the ground and shot a look of concern at Fletch.

‘We’re not going up in that tiny thing, are we?’

Yes, we were.

All aboard...

I was alarmed to say the least. I tried to hide my reservations in front of the kids, masking concern with heightened, fake enthusiasm. Fletch seemed unperturbed. When five of us crammed into the basket, there was barely room to turn around and the top of the basket was only just above waist-height, meaning the likelihood of falling out felt like a very real possibility.

Flying high

But once we were up in the air, floating in a noiseless clear sky, I managed to relax and take in the scenery. A couple of other balloons also popped up out of nowhere, which for whatever reason, reassured me that all was okay.

It’s not cheap – $299 per person – but we figured this was our ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ trip with the kids, and was an experience that would be remembered forever.

I hope that’s how they feel about it too.

The only other point of difference to our Egypt experience – once you land, you’re expected to help the team pack up the balloon. We had another important date in San Francisco so wished this had been explained to us earlier. Although in terms of learning about ballooning, it did help to make the experience all the more authentic.

On safe ground

TRAVL TIP FOUR: Do go to a baseball game in San Francisco

This wasn’t really my idea of fun, but the boys were adamant it was an experience not to be missed. It meant taking a three-hour drive from Reno to San Francisco after the balloon ride, staying one night and then heading home the next afternoon. Still, it also meant seeing the beautiful city of San Francisco, which we hadn’t visited for more than fifteen years, so I agreed.

The Golden Gate Bridge - ©PHOTO: Alan Fletcher

The Bay Bridge - ©PHOTO: Alan Fletcher

The AT & T Stadium, or as others call it ‘Pac Bell Park’ or ‘The Phone Booth’ is a sight indeed. Set in the South Beach neighbourhood of San Francisco, it boasts stunning views.

AT & T Stadium, San Francisco - ©PHOTO: Alan Fletcher

We were there for a baseball game between the San Francisco Giants and the Cincinatti Reds. I have to say it – the Americans know how to put on a show.

A colourful crowd

Games on the sidelines

There was more entertainment from shenanigans between the crowd and sports presenters on the big screen, than there was between players on the field. The AFL should take note – more music, more free giveaways, more entertainment. Half the time I had no idea what was going on, but the vibe was exciting and there was plenty of action. I still don’t know who won. More importantly, Tom (who I’m betting is a future sports presenter) quietly loved the entire experience. And spending time with his new buddy, Roo’s son, Luke.

Luke, Tom and Roo

TRAVEL TIP FIVE: Wear a neck brace when flying economy

When I become a multi-squillionaire, I will always fly first-class. Or at least business. But for now, I’m a cattle girl and on long-haul flights, that’s a test of physical endurance. A few times I’ve been lucky enough to score an upgrade and that is complete heaven. In fact, flight attendants have had to forcibly eject me from my seat on landing because I could happily stay forever. Movies, French champagne, no interruptions from phones or emails, no kids…. (huge sigh)

Travelling with the family meant OF COURSE we were flying economy. Weeks beforehand, I had somehow developed a neck problem – probably from falling asleep on the couch after too many wines with my head bent up my armpit. A diet of anti-inflammatories and pain killers kept me afloat, but my doctor also suggested a neck brace for the many plane trips ahead.

Brace yourself...

Yup, it ain’t a pretty look. I really should have invested in some sequins and craft glue, but hey – next time. But the truth of the matter – this ugly device is MUCH better than the regular neck cushions sold in airport travel shops. It only costs around $12 and is sold at most chemists. To be honest, my neck was pretty much recovered about a week into our trip. But I hung on to the neck brace because I learnt on the way over how brilliant it was to ensure a comfortable few hours sleep. You can drop your chin forward and be completely supported. Fantastic! An added bonus is the extra care and attention from sympathetic flight attendants. (Thank you Virgin Australia – you were amazing)

TRAVEL TIP SIX: Do Visit the Bahamas – but not the Atlantis water park

Sounnds awfully posh, doesn’t it?
‘Yes, dahhhling, we thought we might jet off to the Bahamas.’

You can just picture the lady in that Imperial soap ad, soaking in a bubble bath and buzzing her husband on the phone ‘George, the Bahamas look nice.’ (I know – it was really Tahiti, but you get it)

The Bahamas

That’s not the reason we chose the Bahamas. In fact, our first option was Hawaii as a ‘rest’ point in the holiday on the way home. But the price of tickets was so steep it was ridiculous, so we asked our travel agent, the super efficient Tina Millington, for an alternative. And guess what? The Bahamas are CHEAPER to visit (once in the U.S.) than Hawaii.

At this stage in booking our trip, we’d already spent what we considered a small fortune, so more budget-friendly accommodation was a necessity. I had hoped to stay at the Atlantis resort, and I think we may even have had a minor marital dispute when Fletch insisted this was too expensive. He settled on a place called Sunrise Villas in Nassau and from what I had seen on the website, I was less than enthusiastic about what lay in store for us. (I was wrong)

Sunrise villas

Sunrise Villas was fabulous! I’d have to describe the rooms, with an art deco feel, as comfortable rather than glamorous, but the spaciousness is a huge bonus – plus the fact you even get a tiny laundry. I also loved the fact that you only have to walk up one flight of stairs to be in your apartment instead of queuing in a major hotel for ten minutes each time you need to get up to Floor 35. Much better. Plus the staff were extremely friendly and helpful.

Sunrise Villas also back on to a stunning beach. Again, waters so crystal clear you’d think I’d photo-shopped this picture. (I didn’t!!)

True blue waters - ©PHOTO: Alan Fletcher

There’s also a great little bar and restaurant – Viola’s – which attracts many of the locals, and provides entertainment on most nights of the week – whether it be karaoke or a live band.

Atlantis Resort, The Bahamas - ©PHOTO: Alan Fletcher

The compromise for NOT staying at the imperious looking Atlantis Resort, was to at least buy a day pass so the kids could enjoy the water park and slides.

No fun in the sun...

What a waste of money! The day ended up costing close to $500 and by lunchtime, Tom was bored.

Atlantis resort

The queues for the rides were lengthy, not to mention adults fighting over deckchairs. We found it to be a crass commercial venture which charged guests for every amenity at any point they could, in return for little joy. I was so relieved we hadn’t ended up staying there. (Yeah, yeah, Fletch was right.)

Powerboat Adventures

A far better option for a family outing was to take a trip with Powerboat Adventures, roaring 38 nautical miles over the sea to Ship Canal Cay. As you approach the island, two boats do a dare-devil criss-cross manoeuvre at high-speed to music blaring out the James Bond theme. Cute.

Strolling around the island with the kids in the shallows by the white sand, just soaking up the sun, was my simple idea of paradise.

An island paradise

Others preferred a more adventurous meeting with a bunch of reef sharks…

Meeting the reef sharks

Ready, set, snorkel

And then there was the scuba diving. Various groups were taken out on different sessions. Ronnie and I did it once each – the boys, probably three or four.

Marine life

The tour company also sell underwater cameras so you can capture the marine life for yourself.

TRAVEL TIP SEVEN: Pack lots of chargers and converter plugs

It’s a guilty parental admission, but true. I-phones and electronic games help pass the time and prevent sibling rows when in long queues at airports or trips in the car. If you’re going to rely on them, make sure you pack plenty of charging devices and converter plugs. This will prevent many arguments over who has charging priority and ensure a much more peaceful journey.

Travel Essentials

TRAVEL TIP EIGHT: Only spend ONE day at a theme park

After the Bahamas, we headed to Orlando. A major reason – to visit a theme park with the kids. Originally we’d thought we would take them to Disneyland when they were ten and twelve, but time slipped by and it never happened. That’s the funny thing about kids – they grow so damn quickly. So now, being 14 and 17, priorities had changed.

Veronica is a devoted Harry Potter fan and was especially keen to visit ‘The Wizarding World of Harry Potter’ at Universal Studios, so the choice about which theme park was easy. We even splashed out to buy ‘V.I.P tickets’ which means by-passing most of the long queues. A great decision and well-worth the money.

Wanting to make the most out of our ‘one day’, we arrived at about 7.45am. First stop – Harry Potter World.

Ronnie at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

A Butter Beer mo-ment

Ronnie was in seventh heaven – did all the rides, met a Hogwarts train conductor and couldn’t wait to sample a pint of Butter Beer. (non-alcoholic of course)

Incredible Hulk roller coaster

I was a brave Mumma and went on all the scary rides, including the Incredible Hulk Roller Coaster AND the Fear Fall drop!!!

Fear Fall

The most disappointing ride was the ET experience. It was so lame, it left Tom in fits of laughter. I was mortified my director hero, Steven Spielberg, had videoed a personal welcome to the ride. Maybe that was a decade ago? He needs to take another look at how much this has dated and what a waste of time it is. Such a special film deserves a better tribute. I really felt for the families who were queueing for forty minutes.

At the day’s end, we’d covered a vast amount of ground, walking from one ‘land’ to another. We’d done every ride on our list and overall, had a fantastic fun and laughter-packed day. By this stage it was nearly 7pm. We’d been there for ELEVEN HOURS. I was beat. Delerious, more like it. At the end of our marathon stint, I practically needed to be carried home. So I promise you, you will only want to do ONE DAY at a theme park.

Carry me home

TRAVEL TIP NINE: Do not stay at the Enclave Hotel in Orlando

We only had one truly bad experience when it came to hotels on our trip. And this was it. The Enclave Hotel looks okay on the website, but once inside your room, the cracks are pretty obvious.

Not what it was cracked up to be...

We knew it was a budget hotel, but thought, as we’d be spending most of our time in the theme park, that it wouldn’t really matter. But it did. I felt like I was staying in a toilet.

Entrance to hotel room

It wasn’t only the look of the place that was revolting. Every time the guest next door flushed their toilet, it felt like an earthquake was ripping through the plumbing. That, combined with the noise from a train-engine-clanking air conditioning system, meant sleep was out of the question without chemical assistance.

Oh, and the ‘complimentary’ breakfast that came with the deal? Completely inedible.

Two words. NEVER AGAIN.

TRAVEL TIP TEN: Play Paddle Tennis at Venice Beach

From Orlando to Hollywood, we had four nights in Los Angeles to wrap up our U.S.A trip. A visit to Venice beach is an entertaining must. There’s ‘Muscle Beach’ where Arnold Schwarzanegger was discovered, and many a decent set of biceps is on display, belonging to someone hoping to likewise be ‘discovered.’

Muscle Beach at Venice Beach

Muscle beach

The passing parade of eccentrics, musicians, skate-boarders and touts makes for a fascinating spectacle. But the thing that caught our sport-loving son’s eye was not the Medical Marijuana Doctor passing out his business card, (relieved sigh) but the games of ‘Paddle Tennis’ being played on mini-courts. We didn’t have the right footwear, but opted to give it a shot anyway – barefoot.

Paddle Tennis at Venice Beach

Tom beat all three of us, but by the time he was done, even he – with his addiction to ball sports – had had enough.

Game over - victory!

TRAVEL TIP ELEVEN: Do take your photo in front of the Hollywood sign

Hollywood calling...

I know, it’s corny, but ya gotta do it. And look, it even made Ronnie smile!

Our Hollywood star

Yep, we’d all got along pretty well for three weeks, but right at the end, the siblings started to rile each other just a tad. On our second last day, Tom decided to film Ronnie for a 24-hour period to show her exactly how grumpy she was. And there’s nothing guaranteed to make anyone MORE grumpy than they already are, than having a camera shoved up their nose 24-7.

But despite those clashes, I’d have to say overall, it was a brilliant, once-in-a-lifetime trip. In hindsight, I don’t think I’d even change our hectic schedule. But I probably would agree with this sign we spotted as we passed out the gates at Universal Studios.

THE END

SHOULD NATALIE COOK CARRY THE FLAG?

Posted on July 24, 2012 by Newschick

I’m all for a woman carrying the Aussie flag at the Olympics opening ceremony. After four blokes being granted the honour in a row, it’s definitely time. So I don’t mind that beach volleyball champ Natalie Cook has kicked up a stink about the whole palaver. Some now say her comments were in jest, but that hasn’t stopped plenty of commentators giving her a serve for daring to raise the issue.

While I agree that the privilege should be given to the most deserving athlete regardless of sex, I still believe that puts Natalie in the running. And I think it’s important the role has become a matter of public debate. Because women in sport have been given the short end of the stick for too long. Not just at the Olympics, but in terms of publicity, media coverage, sponsorship and accolades in general for decades.

Just look at what happened to Australia’s women basketballers, flying to London?They were shoved in economy while their male counterparts were lying back, lapping up the luxury of business class. Who made that decision and why? It surely couldn’t be based on a matter of size. Star player Elizabeth Cambage is 203cm tall so that’s clearly not an issue.

When I worked in television news, there were frequently arguments about the lack of female sporting competition in the nightly sports bulletin. Often viewers would ring and complain that a major netball match had been won by the Aussie team, but not a mention was made on the news. Producers would say that the public wasn’t interested – that not enough people attended the matches – and if they weren’t popular, we couldn’t justify airing results or highlights from these games.

As far as I could see, it was a classic chicken and egg situation. How are you going to get people interested in the first place if you don’t show them what they’re missing out on? And if we don’t make a bit of a fuss about our best female athletes, then how are we going to encourage young women to achieve in sport?

While overseas, I was particularly impressed with a TV ad campaign that’s currently screening in the U.S. encouraging young women to stick with their sporting interests at school and beyond. At age 14, girls drop out of sports at TWICE the rate boys do. ‘Keep Her In The Game’ spells out the over-whelming impact our magazine and image-obsessed culture has on young women – driving them to care more about make-up and high heels than enjoying the freedom of kicking a ball in a field with friends. The ad shows the girls turning their backs on a sports field and being transformed as they walk, from fresh-faced fun-lovers to over-painted, posturing pseudo-models.

The ad is produced by the Women’s Sports Foundation – originally founded by Billie Jean King. And it’s got people talking. I’m not saying teenagers shouldn’t like make-up and heels. It’s just that we need a balance. And if women played sport for longer, they’d likely improve not only their long-term fitness, more importantly, their self-esteem.

The media often vilifies magazines for causing eating disorders – using models that are too skinny and too much air-brushing – perpetuating unattainable images. Instead of talking about what we SHOULDN”T be doing, how about focusing on something else completely – successful women in sport – to give girls something else to think about and aspire to?

Maybe Minister for Sport Kate Lundy could start up a similar ad campaign to ‘Keep Her In The Game’? Come on Kate, jump on board! Even if we don’t have a woman carrying the Aussie flag at the Olympics this year, let’s do something for women in sport for the long-haul. But I’m still hoping Natalie does win the honour and I’ll be cheering like crazy if she leads out our team in front of the rest of the world.

Greetings from the U.S.A. (Part One)

Posted on July 17, 2012 by Newschick

The title to this piece is an outright lie. I am definitely no longer in the U.S.A. I am back home in Melbourne, adjusting to the cooler climate and trying to beat a rotten cold. (If there were a tissue-throwing event in the Olympics, I’d score gold.) But I thought I’d leave the title in place, because I originally typed it three weeks ago with the very best of intentions.

There’s a massive problem that comes with being a Blogger. You only have to answer to yourself and I’m not a very strict boss. I had a wildly ambitious notion that I’d blog madly while we were away, but trips aboard aren’t an everyday occurrence for us, and I was quite ignorant of how time-consuming playing tourist (with two teenage children) can be.

So I decided to give myself a break and enjoy the trip we’d saved so long and hard for and deal with the blogging dilemma on my return.

After a day’s consideration, here’s what I’ve decided to do. First up, let me assure you this will not be an on-going travel blog and opinion pieces about topical issues will follow. However, I am going to relate a couple of travel experiences – but only the quirky or major stuff that may be of interest to you. (in case you’re also planning to venture to the U.S. in the near future.) It’s also a chance to show-off some pretty amazing shots taken by Fletch, who never tires in his quest for extraordinary photographic achievement.

Instead of a TRAVEL BLOG, which will turn you away in droves, let’s call this a TRAVEL TIPS piece. (still with me?)

TRAVEL TIP ONE – DO visit Las Vegas

The famous 'Welcome to Las Vegas' sign at the city's entrance

First stop for us was Las Vegas. I’d been twice before and should have learnt my lesson. Each visit was the same. Vegas sucks up time like it inhales the dollar bills out of your purse. It’s a city where strange and unpredictable adventures happen; where you lose all sense of the hours ticking by so that a plan to be in bed by eleven pm means you won’t get there till at least three. (Another reason I didn’t post a Blog there…)

Las Vegas is also a city that seems to divide people more strongly than any other. You either love it or hate it. Fletch is not a huge fan. He describes it as, ‘A testament to over-indulgence and consumerism.’ Me – I’m a lover, not a hater. I’m naturally drawn to this beguiling seductress with all her bright lights, glittering jewels and tawdry trimmings. The first time I went, I berated others for not telling me earlier of the fun to be had.

It’s not the gambling that lures me. That’s one vice I don’t have. But I do love the energy in

The Bellagio Fountains - ©PHOTO: Alan Fletcher

Vegas. Most people are there to have a good time. The charge in the air is electric. There’s an exuberance generated in the streets from shrieking party groups passing Elvis impersonators and leggy show-girls to the raucous chanting from tipsy wedding clusters and gasps of awe from tourists watching the magnificent swish and swirl of the Bellagio fountains for the first time.

It’s a circus of colour and motion: gilt-mirrored hotels shimmer under the dry heat, neon signs shout out famous buildings, an up-tempo beat beckons from tequila bars and dueling pianos while advertising blares from giant video screens that cover towering high-rises.

And it’s all about size. There’s tacky mini-versions of every famous world attraction from the Eiffel Tower and the Empire State Building to the Sphinx, while small commercial icons, such as the Coke bottle, guitars and motor-bikes become celebrated, giant-sized versions of their original selves.

Hard Rock Cafe giant guitar

Our arrival, however, was no cause for celebration. Our flight had left us drained and sleep-deprived. Veronica had been horribly ill throughout most of the flight. We knew she occasionally suffered from travel sickness, but the on going vomiting that continued, soon made it evident the cause was likely something stronger. We flew Virgin Australia and I have nothing but praise for the wonderful staff who helped us through this ordeal without ever flinching. Sympathy, warm cloths and water were always on hand with a gentle touch.

But you can imagine that after a three hour flight from Melbourne to Brisbane, a fifteen hour flight to Los Angeles and then a one -hour flight to Vegas, plus all the vomiting and no sleep, all we wanted was to get to our hotel room and collapse. Especially Veronica.

We arrived at the Platinum Hotel (a smaller off-strip hotel) just after midday, only to find our suite wasn’t going to be ready for us until 4pm. WHAT??

TRAVEL TIP TWO: Check your hotel check-in time before arrival.

Most hotels in Vegas have a 4pm check in time. This is because most people get to bed REALLY late and want a late check out. We had assumed it would be a 1 – 2pm check-in like most hotels have in Australia. Wrong.

Devastating news. All we could do was unpack a few items (bathers and shorts) unceremoniously on the floor of the hotel bar, change clothes in the foyer restrooms and then make our way poolside to fall comatose into cane chairs until we were allowed in to our rooms.

No room at the inn…

The pic of Fletch and Ronnie says it all. And we hadn’t even started. Welcome to Vegas.

TRAVEL TIP THREE: Visit an Oxygen Bar in Las Vegas to boost energy

After a night out with some girlfriends who, by good fortune, just happened to be in Vegas at the same time as me, the next day’s sightseeing was taking its toll. Tom and I were wandering through the Grand Canal shops of the Venetian and my energy was flagging – despite the impressive view.

Then I spied an Oxygen Bar. I’d heard about them but have never come across them in Australia. I know there are mixed reports about the benefits of inhaling oxygen, but I decided to give it a go so I could decide for myself. Anything for an energy boost… After checking it was safe for younger people, Tom – who was much more cynical about the whole concept – also decided to attach the tubes.

Tom tries out the Oxygen Bar

I felt great initially afterwards, but the feeling of improved energy didn’t last for too long. Tom ridiculed the whole notion and said he felt absolutely no different. But I managed to stay awake longer that evening and felt it really did seem to help jet lag issues. Although you could put that extra zing in my step down to the liquid energy shot in a mini-bottle the attendants serve up. And that’s something I didn’t allow Tom to have… Yep, I guess this is an experience you’ll just have to try for yourself.

The tubes are more comfortable than they look

A more impressive aspect of the Oxygen Bar was the mini-massage machine which they attach with small pads on wires to your back or neck while sitting there inhaling the oxygen.

Tom and I both thought this was fantastic. As I was suffering from neck issues, I bought a machine and it helped enormously throughout our trip. It’s very compact and at full-charge, can give up to 125 hours of massage in all varying rhythms and intensity.

Massage machine

It costs about $100 – depending on which Oxygen bar you buy it from. But it makes a great travel companion when flying as it’s practically noiseless and will soothe away the aches and pains every traveller suffers from – whether they be from walking long distances or having to travel economy. (like us)

Las Vegas Airport Oxygen Bar

The Oxygen Bar concept is obviously popular, as we also came across one at the Las Vegas airport. So if you get to your gate lounge early enough, you can pep yourself up with a quick fifteen minute oxygen session before boarding your flight.

TRAVEL TIP FOUR: Do see Celine Dion in concert

I can hear most of you thinking, ‘Ewww… seriously??’ A friend who’d seen Celine in Vegas (and he’s a regular Aussie ‘bloke’) said that it was the best concert he’d ever experienced. That made me think twice. Plus Veronica is studying singing and performs two songs that Celine sings, so we thought it would be worthwhile checking out. And it was.

Making our way into the Celine Dion concert in Vegas

I’d agree it was definitely one of the best concerts I’ve ever seen. The staging at the Colosseum theatre at Caesar’s is phenomenal and Celine’s voice, so pure, she puts angels to shame. Backed by a full orchestra and with her musical director of twenty years, Celine packs the show full of hits plus some offbeat numbers. In one song she performs alongside a holographic image of Stevie Wonder that looks so real, it’s hard to believe the man himself is not actually up on stage.

TRAVEL TIP FIVE: Sing karaoke at the legendary Ellis Island Bar in Las Vegas

From the sublime to the ridiculous – from Celine at Caesar’s, to watching Vinnie the Elvis

Ellis Island bar

impersonator perform at the cheapest beer joint in town. But if you want a full Vegas experience, you have to check out Ellis Island. It’s a down-to-earth basic bar that offers karaoke seven nights a week and attracts all types. It’s also a refreshing change from the glitz of main strip Vegas and gives you a chance to meet some of the locals. Fletch and I both took to the microphone which was daunting but fun. Easier for Fletch being a singer who had the crowd in the palm of his hand, despite me making him sing the most obvious of numbers, ‘Viva Las Vegas.’

But the uplifting moment of the night came when local regular at the hotel – Vinnie, the Elvis

Vinnie, Elvis impersonator

impersonator – got up to sing. At 70-years-old, it’s pretty clear why he doesn’t perform at many weddings any more, but the enthusiastic response from locals was heart-warming. Vinnie has become an institution at Ellis Island and it’s great that he still wins support from a loyal following. We were told Vinnie suffered a stroke a while back but still sings at the bar almost every night.

Ellis Island is at 4178 Koval Lane, on Flamingo Road.

TRAVEL TIP SIX: Visit the Neon Boneyard

Who would have thought that scrap metal and broken light bulbs would qualify as art? But art it is, and the Neon Boneyard in Vegas is one of the city’s most popular attractions. Neon lights are, after all, the essence of this town. Huge money and design skills are invested in these pieces, which, over time, become hailed as iconic art forms.

The Neon Bonyard

The Boneyard is located on Las Vegas Boulevard and Bonanza – about half an hour away from the main strip. If you take part in a group tour, it costs $20 per person, but it’s advisable to book because it’s so popular – especially during the holiday season.

Jerry’s Nugget and Horseshoe sign

There’s about 150 pieces from the 1930s to the early 90s – mostly from celebrated hotels, casinos and restaurants, such as Treasure Island, the Moulin Rouge, Stardust and Flamingo hotels. Our tour guide was hilarious and did a great job keeping everyone entertained with stories about criminal activity, murders and infidelity associated with the hotels and gambling – all a part of Vegas’ colourful past.

There’s the iconic Aladdin’s Lamp – originally installed at the Aladdin Hotel in 1966, then came to rest in the Boneyard in 1997.

Aladdin’s Lamp

And outside the Neon Boneyard, the famous Silver Slipper twinkles in pride of place on the median strip.

The Slipper from the Silver Slipper Casino

The slipper used to rotate above the Silver Slipper Casino which opened in 1950. Folklore has it that tycoon Howard Hughes was staying in a hotel opposite and was under the paranoid delusion that a camera was planted in the slipper and every time it spun in his direction, he was being spied upon by the government. So he bought the hotel for a cool $5.4 million and promptly had the evil slipper dismantled.

I’m also rather fond of the metal Mullet Man who used to flag the entrance to a pool hall.

Mullet man

Not to mention the China Garden Café girl who actually comes from Utah. Could this be a match made in Boneyard heaven?

China Garden Cafe girl

The oldest of the them all is the ‘Cocktails, Steak and Chicken’ sign from the Green Shack Café, built in 1930. It marked the longest-running restaurant in Vegas that didn’t shut its doors till 1999. Now a Denny’s restaurant stands in its place…

Cocktails, Steak and Chicken

And while this might be the final resting place for neon art forms that some call junk, it also means over time, they’ll be restored and brought to life again, so that all who visit can learn about Vegas’ rich history.

TRAVEL TIP SEVEN: DO take a helicopter ride over the Grand Canyon.

The Grand Canyon

It’s pricey, but if you’re going to travel all the way to the U.S. try to save up the extra cash for this indulgence. It’s mind-blowing and is one experience you’ll remember forever. A definite bucket-lister. We flew with a company called Maverick and they run a slick operation.

Maverick Aviation Group

A light-plane ride of about half an hour took us to the Grand Canyon where we boarded a chopper that took us on a sweeping journey over about a quarter of the vast rocky expanse.

I’m not going to bore you with all the stats about the place, but you’ll get an impressive rundown from your pilot. Fletch was pretty happy with such an incredible birds-eye view for taking photos.

After the chopper ride, a bus takes you to the South Rim where you’re handed a picnic box. You can then wander about, soaking up the majestic views and checking out local craft and tourism shops.

But beware while eating lunch… Dangerous pests lurk in the bushes ready to pounce. Seriously though, we were warned these squirrels have a sharp bite and it’s best not to feed them – especially placing fingers within striking range.

While exploring, I took a shine to Buckley O’Neill’s cabin – the oldest surviving structure in the Canyon – which still takes guests. It was built in the 1890s, when O’Neill found tourism earnt him more than mining. I was keen to set up camp for the night, but sadly, it didn’t fit into our schedule.

Buckley O’Neill’s Cabin

After about an hour of walking and talking photos, we hopped on the plane to head home. Definitely a place to return to and see more of. One day…

(PART TWO OF ‘GREETINGS FROM THE U.S.A.’ COMING SHORTLY)

A Changing World

Posted on June 19, 2012 by Newschick

It is with great sadness and a sense of irony that I’m launching my Blog in the week Australian journalism is dealt one of the biggest blows this century. Fairfax has announced a radical overhaul of its operations that will see the loss of 1900 jobs. It’s a harsh reminder of the rapidly changing world in which we live and how the repercussions of the Internet continue to take their toll on traditional communication methods – mostly newspapers.

Fairfax announces job cuts

It’s still not clear exactly which workers will lose their jobs and the majority may well be those employed at the printing plants at Tullamarine and Sydney, which are to be closed. Which means, of course writers will also be thrown onto the sacrificial heap, as the world turns its back on the printed word.

While I feel enormously for those who will lose their jobs, I’m also saddened by the wider ramifications. What about the younger generation of aspiring journalists? Imagine hearing this news if you were a Year Twelve student, gearing up for exams and eagerly studying till your eyes are red, spurred on by the ambition that you’ll one day see your by-line in the pages of a newspaper or magazine? Imagine trying to stay motivated, knowing jobs in the industry are being halved by the minute? That your chances of success are about as likely as winning Tattslotto?

It also raises questions about the nurturing of our future writers. When you win a junior position at a media organization (or a cadetship, as it was known when I started out in the biz) you had role models you aspired to emulate and people who encouraged you, despite your clumsy first efforts. There was a structure of training that instilled basic skills and an understanding of the true responsibilities of being a journalist.

The changes at Fairfax also raise concerns about media ownership and the power of those on the board. As Gina Reinhart’s stake in Fairfax increases, so too does the sounds of warning bells. Mrs Reinhart has stated she would not agree with protocol that directors NOT interfere with editorial direction. Quite frankly, I find this startling. Why would she say this, knowing her words would be quoted publicly, and that if she did increase her share percentage, this knowledge would be severely detrimental to the reputation of the business? Surely she must be surrounded by a plethora of advisors who have a well-thought out plan? So what could be her motivation for making such a controversial declaration?

While we are well aware many newspapers around the world are politically ‘guided’, for most, there is at least some pretence of editorial independence. If Mrs Rinehart wins the power to sack editors on a whim, why would she not agree to the protocol and then just keep changing the editorial line-up until she finds an editor whose views match her own? An abhorrent concept, but at least publicly, there’d be a declaration of independence. I’m all for seeing women in positions of power and taking control of major organizations, but ultimately it’s the ethics, not the sex of an individual, that count.

I’m praying for a miracle. That Mrs Rinehart will reveal there’s been a huge mistake and she’s been severely misrepresented through a misunderstanding of her words. That she plans to throw a few billion into the newspaper industry, revitalizing it with such a rush of new life that the upcoming generation will embrace the newspaper tradition and ensure its longevity. One can but dream…

On a trivial note, I will be ordering my home-delivered newspapers for as long as possible. I’m an avid reader of Blogs and cyberspace information, but there’s no way I’m going to start paying for on-line newspaper content. There’s too much other free stuff out there. It’s about as appealing as the concept of paying for water. And let’s face it. Nothing beats the smell of newspaper ink as you turn the pages while sipping your first cup of tea at breakfast.

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Category Archives: Opinion