ASIGN Observatory, Canberra''s eye on the skyMany Canberrans are familiar with our recycling measures, from our wheelie-bins at home to the various recycling centres. Few may consider the scope of what can be achieved by putting some of these items to good use.
On seeing the void left behind by the 2003 bush-fires that destroyed the observatories on Mount-Stromlo, Barry Armstead has capitalised on this idea and built his own observatory to view and photograph the stars.
"It is a shame to see such versatile and valuable materials destined for landfill, when something practical or creative can be made out of them."
Enlisting the help and generosity of family, friends, neighbors and local business, Barry had the observatory up and running in 12 months.
"It is heartwarming to say the least, to experience the generous investments of material, time and genuine interest of Canberra residents and business in such ways."
Since completion, Barry has been photographing our neighboring planets and deep space objects such as massive star-forming clouds of bright and colorful gas and even other galaxies outside our own.
"If you are good at building things and have some imagination, materials to make it happen are not as far away as you might think!"
Barry’s photographs of the heavens are available to view on his website,
Our understanding of the interconnectedness of our housing with many of society’s ills is vitally important to our future. We could well eliminate many of our health and social issues instead of spending billions of dollars on band-aiding them, simply by the way we arrange our housing.
An important issue arises when we look to a new way of thinking about housing for the future.
Medium and high density housing developments are beyond the control of one aware individual or small group. Local and State building codes, property developers and banks control the design of housing developments and our suburbs, and will continue to do so unless the general public presents alternative models and work together towards directing future development.
More controls equals more money, higher housing prices and all ‘the crap’ that goes with this. This issue touches every one of us in numerous different ways, and we can all be “one brick in the wall”.
The solution?
Educate the public-this will eventually lead to market demand
Have people interested in these issues work together to bring about the required changes from the top down.
The gastric band can help severely obese adolescents lose weight and improve health and quality of lifeworld-leading obesity experts will launch a landmark study revealing a clinically effective approach to treating severely obese adolescents.
The world-first research, conducted by Monash University and the Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne, Australia and funded by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC), compares the outcomes of gastric banding surgery with those of an intensive, medically-supervised lifestyle program in 50 teens (14 to 18 years) over two years.
The research, published in the prestigious Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) today, reveals how the gastric banding study participants shed an average of 79 per cent of their excess weight, compared to 13 per cent of those following a traditional, intensive, medically-supervised lifestyle program.
According to Professor Paul O’Brien, National Medical Director for the American Institute of Gastric Banding, Dallas and Head of the Centre for Obesity Research and Education (CORE) at Monash University, Melbourne, the study reveals that adolescents can achieve important improvements in weight, health and quality of life following placement of a gastric band and with support from parents and healthcare professionals.
“While this study confirms that some adolescents can achieve substantial weight loss and health improvements through diet and exercise, gastric banding should be considered for those severely obese adolescents who find primary weight loss methods unsuccessful”. For more information visit www.vivacommunications.com.au/teens
Australian Men''s Team - WC09The Australian HandballFederation [AHF] is pleased to announce that arrangements have been finalisedfor the initial preparation for Australia’sparticipation in the historic Tri-Nations Handball Tournament to be held in Gallipoli, Turkeyin April 2010.
Australia and New Zealandhave accepted the invitation by the Turkish Handball Federation, through itsPresident Mr. Tank Cengiz, to participate in the Tri-Nations tournament. The training camp, which will be held during 12th – 14thFebruary 2010, will focus on tactical preparation for Australia’s participation in thissignificant handball event.
The camp, the first for 2010,will feature six 2 hour sessions and will be held at Football NSW, Valentine Park, 235-257 Meurants Lane, Glenwood.
In addition to the followingsquad members, several other players have also been given an opportunity totrial at this camp:
New South Wales
Pascal Winkler (Sydney University)
Richard Ridley (Hills)
Michael Thomas (Harbourside)
Luka Krajnc (Hills)
Mitchell Hedges (Harbourside)
Robert Ridley (Hills)
Steve Plummer (Sydney University)
Ognjen Matic (UTS)
Queensland
Dan Kelly (University of Queensland)
Victoria
Nick Kodric
Australian Capital Territory
Rob Lans (CanberraHC)
Curtis Eitzen (CanberraHC)
Coach: Taip Ramadani
AssistantCoaches:Russell Garnett & Zlatan Ivankovic
TeamManager:John Calvert
The man behind the idea for theannual Tri-Nations tournament and Chief Executive Officer of gutto.biz, Mr Tarkan Batgun willalso attend the camp to speak about the significance and the objectives of thisannual tournament. Mr Batgun has also been coordinating plans with the TurkishHandball Federation for another training camp in Istanbul, leading to the GallipoliTri-Nations Tournament.
Eight European-based playerswill also be considered for selection to the 14-man squad that will betravelling to Turkeyin April.
This camp also forms part of theTowards Sweden 2011 Program as preparation of the Men’s Team toparticipate in the next World Championship to be held in Sweden.
For further information, please contact the AHF Media &Public Relations Officer, Violi Calvert by email: [email protected] by phone:
+ 61 408 22 77 94.
Mel Gibson in ''Edge of Darkness''.Hard-hitting, intelligent thriller
By Rama Gaind
Edge of Darkness
Screening at Greater Union, Manuka
In Edge of Darkness, director Martin Campbell has delivered a thriller which combines energy that’s oddly tinged with sadness.
Playing a cop again with issues, Mel Gibson is impressive as a grieving father who is obsessed with finding his daughter’s killer.
He plays the role of veteran homicide detective Tom Craven who is happy to have his daughter Emma (Bojana Novakovic) home in Boston for the weekend. She appears tired and is somewhat aloof, but before he can find out about her problems she is gunned down. Initially everyone assumes that the hit was mean for him.
However, Tom soon investigates another reason behind her death.
Emma had worked for a private firm with shady government contracts and finds a Geiger counter and handgun among her belongings.
The screenplay adaptation by Oscar-winner William Monahan and Andrew Bovell, has political intrigue, appealing characters and corporate corruption.
Tightly condensing a 1980s BBC mini-series into a hard-hitting, winning conspiracy thriller, Campbell (Casino Royale, Green Lantern) deserves to be congratulated for making a movie about revenge with intelligence, not senseless bloodshed.
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''Glass - A Portrait Of Philip In Twelve Parts'' is on DVD from Madman.Philip Glass: inside the mind of a modern musical genius
By Rama Gaind
Glass – A Portrait Of Philip In Twelve Parts (Madman)
Australian director Scott Hicks has made two outstanding films about men who make music. Shine in 1996 was based on the life story of pianist David Helfgott, for which he received two Oscar nominations – for direction and original screenplay with Jan Sardi.
The other is a documentary – Glass: A Portrait of Philip in Twelve Parts – which was completed in 2007 to mark the celebrated composer’s 70th birthday.
While the stories and personalities of Glass and Helfgott are completely different, the two films are distinctive in that each brilliantly conveys the essential auditory process of music-making as a series of visual moving images.
In Glass, Hicks is also the cinematographer with magnificent images.
This study of legendary American composer Philip Glass – the man and his music – encapsulates the workaholic lifestyle with his wife, young children, siblings and friends.
It looks at the 1960s New York art scene. There are also the filmmakers for whom he’s written music scores including Martin Scorsese, Woody Allen, Errol Morris and Godfrey Reggio.
Hicks had extraordinary access to both the creative and personal life of Glass. For 18 months he followed Glass (The Hours, Notes on a Scandal) across three continents, creating a remarkable portrait of this gifted composer.
Hicks presents a unique glimpse into the life of one of the greatest artists of this era.
This is an exhilarating look inside the mind of a modern musical genius. While it is well made, some editing would have cut the length.
Special DVD features include an interview with director Scott Hicks, out-takes, director’s commentary, extra interviews, booklet and bonus performances: Kronos Quartet’s ‘Dracula’ rehearsal; ‘Metamorphosis’ solo performance; ‘Orion’ (performance); and ‘Einstein on the Beach’ Adelaide rehearsal (extract).
Tim Stitz is ''the beekeeper'' in this innovative productionDirect from their Melbourne season, Kelly Somes and Tim Stitz have created a unique theatrical experience for an intimate audience.
“Somes’ careful direction and preparation is thought provoking and entertaining watching… keep your eyes peeled for this rising talent” (State of the Arts)
“Stitz’s multiple performances are worth the ticket price alone” (Beat Magazine)
In The Beekeeper Lloyd cordially invites you into his granny flat to get some grub, wet your whistle and learn a thing or two about life, the land and beekeeping.
Based on a true story, Lloyd Beckmann, Beekeeper is the tale of a Queensland battler as told through his grandson’s eyes. The production was created to immerse an audience in an interactive theatre experience. They smell, touch, taste and inhabit the world of Lloyd; creating an intimate and visceral theatrical experience for approximately 30 audience members.
This one-man show has emerged from conversations between Tim Stitz and his grandfather, and traces his lifelong romance with bees through family history, inheritance and the ripening of age. Supported by Carers Victoria, HotHouse Theatre’sA Month in the Country initiative, Full Tilt at the Arts Centre Melbourne, Canberra Theatre Centre and La Mama Explorations, this new Australian production is one not to be missed!
The award-winning creative team behind Lloyd Beckmann, Beekeeper:
Kelly Somes returns to Canberra after six years in Melbourne, having most recently directed a sell-out season of Mary Rachel Brown’s All My Sleep and Waking at La Mama and playing a part in the “genius” (The Advertiser) Melbourne Fringe award-winning team behind The Human Layer.
Green Room award-winning actor Tim Stitz spent 2009 touring to Buenos Aires with In Other Words and Adelaide with Three Dog Night. A new face for Canberra’s theatre audiences – “Stitz is fantastic” (The Age) – and was a series regular on the SBS series Bogan Pride. Jodie Ahrens of Roundangle (four-time Melbourne Fringe award-winners) lends her aromatic talents to the sensory world of Lloyd’s flat, and lauded theatre veterans Jane Woollard and Max Gillies offer their dramaturgical and performative experience to the project.
Green Room Award-winning lighting designer Bronwyn Pringle will illuminate Lloyd’s granny flat and acoustic roots musician Liz Stringer makes her theatre debut – “Stringer’s music is bewitching.within a minute you find yourself spellbound by its sparse, atmospheric charms” (Sunday Herald Sun). The production is also joined by the “awe-inspiring” (Inpress) Neddwellyn Jones of the Melbourne bands Wellyn and The Night Terrors.
Free-Rain Theatre Company Presents
Lloyd Beckmann, Beekeeper
A Two Blue Cherries & Soulart Production
Devised & performed by Tim Stitz
Devised & directed by Kelly Somes
18 – 21 February 2010
Thurs and Fri @ 7:30pm, Sat @ 2pm, Sun @ 5pm
Finucane & Smith do it again with their Burlesque ShowIf you missed The Burlesque Hour last February (it sold out!) don’t despair – that outrageous Moira Finucane is back with razor-sharp new acts plus a few unforgettable favourites. But don’t miss it the second time around!
The legendary, velvet-trimmed, genre busting THE BURLESQUE HOUR is back at The Street Theatre to kick start the 2010 Season, with provocative new acts that defy expectations.
A worldwide cult sensation, The Burlesque Hour isn’t tassles and tease. It’s a completely different beast. It’s more than a show: it’s an event, a destination. Genre-busting, intriguing, provocative, totally unique – and beloved by audiences around the world, Finucane & Smith’s The Burlesque Hour has defined burlesque for the 21st century.
It’s a show where striptease and cartoon strip, showgirl and showstopper, vaudeville and variety, circus and sideshow, music-hall and mayhem are hijacked by four astonishing performance art divas: Mistress of Grand Guignol MOIRA FINUCANE, Japanese butoh dancer and shock cabaret artiste YUMI UMIUMARE, circus and burlesque siren AZARIA UNIVERSE and elegant iconoclast MAUDE DAVEY. This is performance that dares to cross art forms, to be unique, and to defy stereotypes.
Critics have raved. 45,000 audience members around the world have left wanting more. Canberra begged for a return season. Kicking off the Street’s 2010 season with a bang, She’s Back! by popular demand, with a revved up mix of gobsmacking new acts, hot new stars, and spectacular requests.
. Be dazzled by favourites like the international sensation that nearly caused a riot in a London club Queen of Hearts in a red-velvet bikini, three-inch spikes and 150 red balloons, and Dairy Queen, a seven foot Amazon with four litres of milk! .
. Be charmed by two new guest artists: Miss Toni LAMOND, the patron of Canberra performing arts, the legend of Australian Variety, a Member of the Order of Australia and the Ultimate Showgirl; . and Jess LOVE: Guinness Book of Records hula hoop star and international swinging sensation, with her hot late night trapeze! .
. Be amazed by provocative new acts inspired by the nightclubs of Tokyo and Berlin; eighteenth century bodice rippers in fabulous ball gowns; desire dressed as death . marble skin under black rain.
WHAT THE BURLESQUE HOUR.SHE’S BACK! WHERE The Street Theatre, Childers St Canberra City West WHEN OPENING NIGHT Thursday 11 February 8pm
SEASON Thursday 11 through Saturday 20 February
SHOWS Thurs 11 – Sat 13 & Tues 16 – Thurs 18 @ 8pm
Fri 19 & Sat 20 Feb @ 7pm & 9.30pm
VALENTINE’S DAY SPECIAL Sunday February 14 @ 6pm TICKETS Standard: $37 Concession $33 Group +6 $30
Catwalk Tix: Only $10 more!
Valentine’s: $43 Twilight Show w/ Cocktails all night! BOOKINGS 6247 1223 or www.thestreet.org.au
Finucane & Smith''s The Burlesque Hour for the open minded only
Ifyou missed TheBurlesque Hourlast February (it sold out!) don’t despair – that outrageous MoiraFinucane is back with razor-sharp new acts plus a few unforgettablefavourites. But don’t miss it the second time around!
Thelegendary, velvet-trimmed,genre bustingTHE BURLESQUE HOURis back at The Street Theatreto kick start the 2010 Season,with provocative new actsthat defyexpectations.
Aworldwide cult sensation, The Burlesque Hour isn’t tassles andtease. It’s a completely different beast. It’s more than ashow: it’s an event, a destination. Genre-busting,intriguing, provocative, totally unique – andbeloved by audiences around the world, Finucane & Smith’s TheBurlesque Hour has defined burlesque for the 21stcentury.
It’sa show where striptease and cartoon strip, showgirl and showstopper,vaudeville and variety, circus and sideshow, music-hall and mayhemare hijacked by four astonishing performance art divas: Mistress ofGrand Guignol MOIRAFINUCANE, Japanese butoh dancer and shock cabaret artiste YUMIUMIUMARE, circus and burlesque siren AZARIA UNIVERSE and eleganticonoclast MAUDE DAVEY.This is performance that dares to cross art forms, to be unique, andto defy stereotypes.
Criticshave raved. 45,000 audience members around the world have leftwanting more.Canberrabegged for a return season. Kicking off theStreet’s 2010seasonwitha bang, She’sBack!by popular demand, with arevved up mix of gobsmacking new acts, hot new stars, and spectacularrequests.
.Bedazzledby favourites like the international sensation that nearly caused ariot in a London club Queen of Hearts in a red-velvet bikini,three-inch spikes and 150 red balloons, and Dairy Queen, a seven footAmazon with four litres of milk!.
.Becharmedby two new guest artists: Miss Toni LAMOND, the patron of Canberraperforming arts, the legend of Australian Variety, a Member of theOrder of Australia and the Ultimate Showgirl; . andJessLOVE:GuinnessBook of Records hula hoop star and international swinging sensation,withher hot late night trapeze!.
.Beamazedby provocative new acts inspired by the nightclubs of Tokyo andBerlin; eighteenth century bodice rippers in fabulous ballgowns;desire dressed as death . marble skin under black rain.
WHATTHEBURLESQUE HOUR.SHE’SBACK!
WHERETheStreet Theatre, Childers St Canberra City West
WHENOPENINGNIGHT Thursday 11 February 8pm
SEASONThursday 11 through Saturday 20 February
SHOWSThurs11 – Sat 13 & Tues 16 – Thurs 18 @ 8pm
Fri19 & Sat20Feb @ 7pm& 9.30pm
VALENTINE’SDAY SPECIAL Sunday February 14 @ 6pm
TICKETS Standard:$37Concession $33 Group +6 $30
CatwalkTix: Only $10 more!
Valentine’s: $43Twilight Show w/Cocktails all night!
Tim Stitz invites us into his world in The Beekeeper
Direct from their Melbourne season, Kelly Somes and Tim Stitz have created a unique theatrical experience for an intimate audience.
“Somes’ careful direction and preparation is thought provoking and entertaining watching… keep your eyes peeled for this rising talent” (State of the Arts)
“Stitz’s multiple performances are worth the ticket price alone”(Beat Magazine)
InThe Beekeeper Lloyd cordially invites you into his granny flatto get some grub, wet your whistle and learn a thing or two aboutlife, the land and beekeeping.
Basedon a true story, LloydBeckmann, Beekeeperisthe tale of a Queensland battler as told through his grandson’seyes. The production was created to immerse an audience in aninteractive theatre experience. They smell, touch, taste and inhabitthe world of Lloyd; creating an intimate and visceral theatricalexperience for approximately 30 audience members.
Thisone-man show has emerged from conversations between Tim Stitz and hisgrandfather, and traces his lifelong romance with bees through familyhistory, inheritance and the ripening of age. Supported by CarersVictoria,HotHouseTheatre’sAMonthin the Countryinitiative,FullTilt at the Arts Centre Melbourne, Canberra Theatre CentreandLaMama Explorations,this new Australian production is one not to be missed!
Theaward-winning creative team behind LloydBeckmann, Beekeeper:
KellySomes returns to Canberra after six years in Melbourne, having mostrecently directed a sell-out season of Mary Rachel Brown’s AllMy Sleep andWakingatLa Mama and playing a part in the “genius”(TheAdvertiser) Melbourne Fringe award-winning team behind TheHuman Layer.
GreenRoom award-winning actor TimStitz spent2009 touring to Buenos Aires withInOther WordsandAdelaide with ThreeDog Night.Anew face for Canberra’s theatre audiences – “Stitzis fantastic”(The Age) – and was a series regular on the SBS series BoganPride.JodieAhrensofRoundangle (four-time Melbourne Fringe award-winners) lends heraromatic talents to the sensory world of Lloyd’s flat, and laudedtheatre veterans JaneWoollard andMaxGillies offertheir dramaturgical and performative experience to the project.
GreenRoom Award-winning lighting designer BronwynPringlewillilluminate Lloyd’s granny flat and acoustic roots musician LizStringer makesher theatre debut – “Stringer’smusic is bewitching.within a minute you find yourself spellbound byits sparse, atmosphericcharms”(SundayHerald Sun). The production is also joined by the “awe-inspiring”(Inpress)NeddwellynJones ofthe Melbourne bands WellynandTheNight Terrors.
In the Loop out on DVD in June from Madman.By Rama Gaind
Nominations for the 82nd Academy Awards have been announced and along with it some prestigious nods for four Madman-released products in Australia.
The Secret of Kells, an animated fable about 12-year-old Brendan and his dangerous quest through a vividly animated world, has been nominated in the ‘Best Animated Film’ category. The film follows Brendan as he must face his greatest fears on a journey of creativity – to complete the ancient Book of Kells. It will be released on DVD on March 10.
Nominated for ‘Best Documentary’, The Cove exposes the devastating plight of the dolphin population of Taiji, Japan – where an annual harvest, shrouded in secrecy, kills thousands of dolphins each year within the confines of an ominous hidden cove in this ordinarily beautiful, historic fishing port. In August 2009, The Cove generated much critical acclaim throughout its limited release run. It is now available on DVD.
In cinemas now, the razor-tongued political satire on Anglo-U.S. relations, In The Loop received a nomination in the ‘Writing – Adapted Screenplay’ category. Starring Peter Capaldi and James Gandolfini, it is planned for release on DVD and Blu-Ray in June.
Recently acquired by Madman and coming to cinemas in 2010, The Messenger has been nominated in the ‘Best Actor in a Supporting Role’ and ‘Writing – Original Screenplay’ categories.
It stars Ben Foster and Woody Harrelson in the role that earned him this year’s nomination for best supporting actor. It follows the challenges of two U.S. Army officers, recently returned from Iraq, as they are tasked with delivering bad news to the families of fallen soldiers.
The Academy Awards ceremony will be held in Los Angeles, on Sunday, March 7, 2010.
Kingfisher Bay Resort on Fraser Island offers an idyllic relaxed lifestyle, safe beaches and protected waters coupled with modern facilities.By Rama Gaind Walk along a portion of the safe beaches of Fraser Island – the world’s largest sand island – and you get a wondrous taste of a tranquil lifestyle that’s too hard to resist. The island’s untamed wilderness and rugged, natural charm entices from first view. This World Heritage-listed island is full of contradictions, contrasts and an abundance of beauty. This is where you will have a unique encounter with nature, offering a refreshing change from the hustle of mainland Australia and the resort islands of Queensland’s north. Sitting on a huge reservoir of fresh water, the island at the start of the Great Barrier Reef, stretches 123km in length and covers an area of 166,038ha. The blue, freshwater lakes are perched in the dunes. Wander along crystal-clear streams as they meander through the leafy greenness of the forest. Unwind at the eco-friendly Kingfisher Bay Resort and Village: an oasis in an ever-changing, living museum. Nestling among the tree-covered dunes on the edge of the calm blue waters of the Great Sandy Strait, the stunning Kingfisher is picture perfect, offering all the amenities of a modern resort while blending harmoniously with Fraser Island’s sensitive ecological system. It is a paradise for boating, fishing, swimming, beachcombing, bushwalking, four-wheel driving and just enjoying the magnificent natural beauty of this island. Accommodation has been designed to minimise any effects on the natural environment, conserve energy and minimise waste. An on-site worm farm turns waste into compost for the resort’s gardens and recycling is a must. Adding a touch of comfort to a wilderness holiday, there are 152 hotel rooms, over 100 self-contained villas, a 100-bed Wilderness Lodge for groups, four magnificent swimming pools, restaurants, bars, a shopping village and a beauty and massage salon. No wonder the resort’s won numerous awards by setting benchmarks in environmental tourism! It was voted the Best Beach Resort in Australia by ‘Discovery’s Travel Channel’ and has won six Australian Tourism and nine Queensland Tourism Awards. Having won the inaugural Steve Irwin award for eco-tourism, you too can live and breathe this philosophy enjoying the resort’s award-winning architecture, landscaping and serene surrounds. Interpretive rangers are passionate about Fraser Island. One of them is Bec Whyte who was a mine of information and happily shared her knowledge. Take advantage of the resort’s action-packed activity schedule and relish the variety of restaurants. You must partake of the Bush Tucker Talk and Taste where chef Cort Assenheim, assisted by a resort ranger, presents a variety of bush tucker in their natural state. You become enthusiastic, wanting to steer clear of an unhealthy diet and learn the benefits of nature’s abundant gifts such as lemon myrtle leaf, river peppermint, wild lime, mountain pepper and bush tomato. You also taste kangaroo meat, emu (which is low in fat) and learn of various ways to eat crocodile. Indulge in Palatable Pairings (wine and food matching session) and learn about the best wines, how to savour them and the best accompaniments to tuna, duck, kangaroo and grain fed beef with resort analyst Saul Gordon. An entertaining way to become educated! The resort is surrounded by a wealth of plant and animal species. Rare acid frogs, bats and sugar gliders can be seen at night. There are 354 species of native birds on the island including migratory waders, sea eagles, large colourful parrots, honeyeaters and kingfishers. As well, wildlife can easily be spotted from the hotel room, verandas, the walkways and outdoor pools. The bountiful plant life provides bush tucker (bush food) and natural medicines. A freshwater creek spills into the ocean close to the resort and is edged by five mangrove species. The island can be accessed by ferry from Hervey Bay or Inskip Point north of Rainbow Beach or a chartered flight via Maroochydore Airport. Discovery Group hosted our Fraser Day Tour providing adventure and excitement. A four-wheel drive on the white sandy beaches terminated at the popular tourist area of Lake McKenzie after a leisurely lunch and refreshing freshwater swim. This was where we saw a wild dingo. Located inland from the small town of Eurong, it is a ‘perched’ lake sitting on top of compact sand and vegetable matter 100 metres above sea level. Lake McKenzie has an area of 150 hectares and is just over five metres in depth. Whether you seek a family-fun holiday, a romantic indulgence, a conference retreat or a wilderness adventure, a visit to Kingfisher Bay Resort and Fraser Island will provide a seamless package that’s not only relaxing, but lifestyle-changing as well. Details Box Kingfisher Bay Resort – Fraser Island Toll-free in Australia: 1800 072 555 Email: reservations@kingfisherbay.com kingfisherbay.com
Professor (Dr) A K Susheela is available forInterviews for Radio, News Paper and Television.
Contact detailsbelow.
PS. Intending andExpectant Mothers urgently require to read or hear Professor A K Susheela speakon what may well save their Infants life or quality of life.
Quote"Sadly, 1 in every 4 pregnancies ends in a loss frommiscarriage and stillbirth"
According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, therewere more than 2,900 perinatal deaths in Australia. In addition, each year manymore parents experience the loss of a baby early in the pregnancy. Sadly, one in every four pregnancies ends in a lossfrom miscarriage and stillbirth. http://www.sandsvic.org.au
Professor (Dr) A.K. Susheela who is visiting Australiasays long-term studies show fluoride is a serious threat to public health. Ithas not only has been linked to increased rates of stillbirth and miscarriagesamong Indian populations exposed to fluoride in water, but poses a serious riskof birth abnormalities including mental retardation.
Professor (Dr) A.K. Susheela of India, who hasresearched fluoride for more than 20 years, has listed a range of health issueslinked to fluoride ingestion, shehasmore than 80 scientific publications in leadingWestern and Indian Journals.
Dr Susheela says the studies have shownfluoride destroysmuscle structure and muscle function, depletes muscle energy; destroys the boneand teeth, red blood cells, blood vessels and the lining of the stomach andintestine.
“We nowhave ample scientific evidence to substantiate the fact that ingestion offluoride prevents biosynthesis of hemoglobin leading to anemia in human beings.We have studied this problem in pregnant mothers. The danger of anemia inpregnancy is that it would lead to abnormalities in the development of theembryo/foetus,” says Dr Susheela.
“Studies also indicate it harms fetuses carried bypregnant women and may cause abortions and stillbirths.”
Dr Susheela says results of reducing fluoride in waterinclude reduced abortions and stillbirths as fluoride is known to inducecalcification of blood vessels of the fetus.
“It has been shown that when fluoride-contaminated water (>1.0 mg/L)and dental products are consumed or used by pregnant mothers, it destroys thethyroid gland of the embryo/foetus,” says Dr Susheela.
“When children with dental fluorosis wereinvestigated, there were severe derangements in the thyroid hormone levels T3(Triiodothyronine) and T4 (Tetraiodothyronine) along with Thyroid StimulatingHormone (TSH). Such children suffer from sub-clinical hypothyroidism, T3toxicosis, low T3 syndrome, primary hypothyroidism and disturbed hormoneconversion.
“Thyroidhormone defects results in mental retardation (low IQ) in children, deafmutism, knock-knee, bow-leg and cretinism.”
DrSusheela says the results of the studies on women ingesting fluoride werereported at the 27th Conference of the International Society forFluoride Research, Beijing, China, Oct. 2007. The study is: Fluoride Ingestionand Health Hazards with Focus on Anaemia in Pregnancy and low birth weightbabies: Guidelines for rectification: Susheela A.K, Mondal NK,Rashmi G, Ganesh Kamala, Bhasin Shammi, Gupta Gunjan.
“The evidences we have provided on the harmful effects of fluoride onhuman health, unequivocally prove the point that fluoride is disease-causingand not disease preventing. Our scientific publications would not only standthe test of time but also before any judiciary in any part of the world, as itis based on biomedical research of highest standards,” says Dr Susheela.
“With a high degree of scientific accuracy andcertainty, I conclude that artificial fluoridation of drinking water is anineffective means of improving dental health, and is in fact quite dangerous tothose forced to consume it.”
In regard to claims by Australian health authoritiesthat water fluoridation strengthens teeth surfaces and prevents dental caries(cavities), Dr Susheela’s research indicates the opposite.
“The findings emerging from the studies on both toothand bone have made significant contributions to negate the belief that fluorideis good for teeth. Instead, fluoride does more damage to teeth than any goodand prolonged use of fluoride leads to a decrease in the organic matrix ofrabbit tooth but dermatan sulphate content is increased,” says Dr Susheela.
Dr Susheela says India launched a Technology Missionon "Safe Drinking Water" in 1986 (now re-designated after the latePrime Minister Sh. Rajiv Gandhi, as Rajiv Gandhi National Drinking WaterMission) in which every drinking water source in the rural sector is checkedfor water quality, especially for fluoride.
“People are keen to defluoridate the water due togastrointestinal problems and are adopting indigenous technology for obtainingpotable (defluoridated) water,” she said.
“Substantial scientific evidence has emerged in recentyears from studies conducted on human subjects and hospital patients and thoseresiding in areas/regions/villages where fluoride content ranges in drinkingwater from 0.5 ppm to 38.5 ppm,” said Dr Susheela.
She said the findings came after 20 years of follow-upstudies that have now been concluded. The findings also included:
·Gastro-intestinal complaints arethe earliest manifestations of fluoride toxicity and fluorosis. The most commoncomplaints include (1) headache; (2) nausea (loss of appetite); (3) pain in thestomach; (4) gas formation in the stomach (bloated feeling); (5) constipation;(6) intermittent fermentation diarrhea.
·As a result of the above, gastrointestinal complaints in endemic areas are considered as early warning signs ofthe fluoride toxicity and are used as a diagnostic parameter under field basedconditions. See report: Fluoride Ingestion and its Correlation withGastrointestinal Discomfort.
·Fluoride in circulation has anaffinity to get deposited in tissues rich in calcium although some amount isexcreted. In children, the fluoride ingested has adverse effects on kidneyfunction. See Fluoride: Too Much Can Cripple You.
·Significant findings emerged fromstudies on human patients with skeletal fluorosis. Degenerative changes werewell defined at the ultrastructural level in the fluoresced muscle obtainedfrom patients with skeletal fluorosis.
·Fluoride inhibits antibodyformation in rabbits and may occur in human subjects as well.
·Fluoride inhibits protein and DNAsynthesis in cultured lymphocytes.
“I am absolutely certain that largenumbers of persons all around the world are suffering from fluoride toxicity,to one degree or other,” said Dr Susheela.
Dr Susheela isexecutive director, of the Fluorosis Research and Rural Development Foundationin India, Professor of Anatomy (Histocytochemistry)and Chief of the Fluoride and Fluorosis Research Laboratories, at the All IndiaInstitute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi.
Her post-doctoral training was under Lord Walton(Neurologist) of U.K. and Dr. Ade Milhorut of the Muscle Institute, New York,USA, (no longer exists).
ProfessorSusheela has written six doctoratepapers in more than 20 years of scientific researchin the field of fluoride toxicity and fluorosis.
Otheracademic positions:
·Visiting Professor at the AllanHancock Fn. at the University of Southern California during 1974-76.
· Fellow of the Indian Academyof Sciences and the National Academy of Medical Sciences. She has held Faculty positions at the sameInstitute since 1969
·Winner of the prestigious Ran BaxyResearch Foundation Award for outstanding research in medical sciences.
· Teacher of medical studentsof all levels and carrying out research and guiding research in the field ofmuscle diseases and Fluorosis for more than 20 years.
·An Ashoka Fellow recognised by the Ministry of Science and Technology,Government of India.
·Dr Susheela is aVisiting Professor at the Allan Hancock Fn. at the University of SouthernCalifornia during 1974-76.
· She is a Fellow of the Indian Academy ofSciences and the National Academy of Medical Sciences.
· She has won the prestigious Ran BaxyResearch Foundation Award (Cash Prize) for outstanding research in medicalsciences.
· She has been involved in teaching medicalstudents of all levels and carrying out research and guiding research in thefield of muscle diseases and Fluorosis for more than 20 years.
· She is currently the executive director ofFluorosis Research and Rural Development Foundation Saransh.
· She is also anAshoka Fellow recognised by the Ministry of Science and Technology, Governmentof India & Registered under ForeignContribution (Regulation) Act 1976 under Section 6 (1) Permanent EligibilityNo. 2 3 1 6 6 0 0 1
· Numerous funding organizations have beencalling upon her during that time for evaluating projects for funding in thefield of Biomedical Research.
· She has been a member of several NationalCommittees since early 1970s, where issues related to Fluoride are debated anddiscussed.
· She has convened an InternationalConference on Fluoride and Fluorosis research in India in 1983. I edited a bookon Fluoride Toxicity during 1985.
· She has been invited to speak on myexperience in the field of Fluoride Research at various scientific meetingsheld in: (1) Japan; (2) Denmark; (3) Switzerland; (4) Kenya; (5) U.S.A.(several times); and (6) Hungary.
·She has guided 6PhD theses in the subject of Fluoride and Health Hazards. A 7th Project isongoing.
·Professor (Dr) A K Susheelahasmorethan 80 scientific publications in leading Western and Indian Journals.
Professor (Dr) A K Susheela Departs Australia February 9TH2010
Contact Phones
Professor (Dr) A K Susheela Adelaide 8 7001 2259
Dr Andrew HarmsAdelaide Bus. 8 8239 1711 – Prvt. 88268 7977
Anthony Halpin – Welcome Australia – 7 55775 971 mob 0414259562
Professor (Dr) A K Susheela is availablefor Interviews for Radio, News Paper and Television untill February 8th2010.
PS. Intending and ExpectantMothers urgently require to read or hear Professor A K Susheela speak on whatmay well save their Infants life or quality of life.
This Media Release submitted by :-
From: Diana Buckland, Kallangur, Queensland, Australia
07 32853573 dbucklan@bigpond.net.au
Only when sufficient people choose knowledge over ignorancecan we beneficially govern ourselves.
Carol Furtado is Ayesha Merchant in ''The Merchants of Bollywood'' at the Canberra Theatre from March 2-6.‘The Merchants of Bollywood’ is coming to Canberra
By Rama Gaind
All the glitz, glamour and gloss associated with Indian cinema will be on show at the Canberra Theatre when ‘The Merchants of Bollywood’ take to the stage from March 2-6, 2010.
This international smash hit extravaganza captures the essence of India with its rich, colourful, diverse culture and its people in a world of technicolour brilliance.
A fictional story, yet based on real life, ‘The Merchants of Bollywood’ will reveal to the western audience the vital part cinema plays in the heart and soul of Indian society through an extraordinary evening of music and dance.
At the heart lies a genuine story of a young girl, her grandfather who was a tough taskmaster, settling for nothing less than perfection and their love of dance.
The energetic celebration features a youthful cast of 40, dancing and singing their way through choreography by Vaibhavi Merchant, granddaughter of Harilal Merchant, one of the founding fathers of classic Bollywood cinema.
On stage, Carol Furtado takes on the lead role as Ayesha Merchant who looks back on the traditional start to her career and the break with her mentor grandfather when she goes to Bollywood and makes her name as Indian filmdom’s Princess of Romance.
Her grandfather, Shantilal (Arif Zakaria), rejects the style and approach of Bollywood and they become estranged – until she returns to her birthplace and meets former boyfriend, Uday (Deepak Rawat).
As the musical charts Ayesha’s journey, her adventures allow the audience to explore all facets of the Indian film industry and in some instances, provide a tongue-in-cheek look as well as a genuine homage, to all types of Indian cinema.
In a telephone interview from Mumbai, Carol Furtado spoke about her excitement at dancing the lead role in Australia.
She conceded that Bollywood had become a brand in itself and people everywhere knew what the films were all about. She believed that it was this enduring family appeal which would draw the crowd to her character’s story.
“The play centres around the conflict between the older and new generations of entertainers,” Carol said. “Both characters (Shantilal and Ayesha) are choreographers in their own right and have very different ideas about what dancing is all about.”
“The audience can expect a lot of drama, a lot of high-octane energy, but overall it’s just great entertainment.”
According to Carol, one of the show’s highlights is that it parodies some of the clichéd material used in traditional Bollywood films to illustrate that the process has evolved and that the films can now be very complex.
The parody is slapstick and funny because “we love to laugh at ourselves. This is also only a small part. The show overall is a huge spectacle and celebration of Bollywood in all its glory”.
This sets a framework for dance that reflects some of the most popular of the 800 films made every year in Mumbai. Lip-synching their way through the songs, the dancers perform dance that is linked mostly to recent movies, but also to a clutch of classics naming legendary actors from 1955 to 1974. From disco and hip-hop to classical, they look like they’re having a fabulous time and their vivacity carries the audience on a collective surge of harmonious clapping and toe-tapping.
The show was a brainchild of writer-director Toby Gough and the music – written and arranged by Salim and Sulaiman – has an irresistible beat. Copious changes of shimming costumes, sensational lighting and frenetic flow of on-stage activity add to the razzle dazzle that results in electrifying energy on the podium.
You have to be there!
