Issue 13

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www.aroundpointcook.com Issue 13

AVENUE Q COMES TO ALTONAAvenue Q, the adults only, multiple Tony Award winning musical has hit Australian shores with the Australian amateur premier production performed by our very own Altona City Theatre.

“We were lucky to have this opportunity – it is certainly one of the biggest shows we’ve produced,” said Altona City Theatre President, James Morgan.

“There are thirty odd puppets, made from scratch. Our puppetmaster is local graphic designer, Kristen Mitchelmore, who has worked solidly for two months, on the creation of the puppets. Our sound and lighting guys are working on set construction. It’s all hand in.”

“The set, designed by Director Dean Mitchelmore and local artist Daniel Allen, is five metres high and eight metres wide with 1,600 screws holding it together!”

Kristen Mitchelmore describes creating each of the thrity puppets as a surreal experience.

“I wake up in the morning to all of these faces looking at me, it’s like being in Toy Story!” Kristen said.

“Getting the hands right has been a challenge as they needed to be fitted to each actor’s hands.”

The material used to make the puppets is antron fleece a product exclusive the US, which is used to make the Muppets.

“The result is phenomenal,” James adds.

“The puppets are professional grade and after the show we’ll be able to hire them out to other theatre groups.”

“It is odd producing a puppet show which isn’t for kids.”

Kristen Mitchelmore (on right), creator of the puppets, with ‘right hand woman’ Sylvia Lutze

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The Around Point Cook Community Newspaper is distributed in Point Cook.

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The show is playing at

Altona Theatre,115 Civic Pde, Altona(to the left of the council offices)11th February to 26th February

tickets on sale by calling0425 705 550or via ACT website, www.altonacitytheatre.com.au/shows/2011/avenue-q

The show takes a satirical look at life lessons and the loss of childhood innocence as it address issues such as sex, racism and pornography.

Winning Tony Awards for Best Musical, Book and Original Score, and with a cast rich in local talent, Avenue Q is a show not to be missed.

Petronella Boonen

The set in progress.

A QUICK NOTE FROM THE EDITOR

Just a quick note to advise our readers that the Editor has had to pass to reins to another temporarily due to unforeseen circumstances.

My Apologies.

Look forward to chatting with you next month!

P.S. Thank you Branko for your emergency assistance.

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WALKING GROUPTuesday and

Wednesday at 9amLeave from

Point Cook Town Centre Dry Cleaners

Thursday and Friday at 9am

Leaving from Jamieson Way Community Centre

Enquiries 03 9394 7905 03 9395 1953 - Bev

PUBLISHERS NOTE

Puddling With The Publisher

Welcome to our first edition for 2011!

Editor Daniel became heavily involved in the set construction for the Altona City Theatre new show taking place in February and found himself in the middle of developing and painting one of their biggest sets.

Help! Help!, he called ‘I’ve painted myself into a corner! – I need help with the pre press of the paper.

Well – fortunately his friend Will, our volunteer Sales Manager, had a friend, Branko, on the other side of the world who was a graphic artist involved in magazine pre press graphic work so Will called Branko and you can see the result as you read this months copy of Around Point Cook.

Daniel’s partner, the gorgeous Nella, jumped in to create the front page for more local content.

Now what’s so exciting about all this?

There are good things here that always manage to happen for me.

The first is there always seems to be someone who turns up able to help, sort of like a good fairy looking over my shoulder. Might be my Mum – loved me Mum.

If you read the story in this month’s issue about ‘Sir John’ you can see what I mean about people helping – it’s based on a true story

The other thing is the magic of the Internet. Will would send some info to Branko at the end of the day, and lo, when it arrived in Macedonia Branko would work on it and send it back while Will was asleep and it would arrive as Will woke up in the morning – all done – magic! If you’d like help like that you could call Will who, I’m sure, would be happy to introduce you to Branko.

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Optometrists warn sports lovers of UV damage

As the weather heats up Point Cook optometrist, Jason Chen, is urging Australians who regularly play sport outdoors to protect their eyes from harmful UV rays.

“The effects of UV damage build over time and sports people and spectators who spend a lot of time outside are particularly at risk,” said Jason.

“Children who regularly play outdoor sports in summer, such as cricket and tennis, without wearing sunglasses and a hat, are also at risk of developing eye conditions in later years.”

Jason said a common eye condition caused by UV exposure is pterygium - an overgrowth of fleshy tissue at the front of the eye.

“Pterygium can be uncomfortable, cause irritation and redness. In cases where it continues to grow and threatens to interfere with vision, surgery may be needed,” said Jason.

Other long-term effects of unprotected UV exposure include macular degeneration, a leading cause of blindness and cataracts, according to Jason.

“The key to avoiding harmful UV damage is simple – protect your eyes from the sun.”

Jason said sunglasses that comply with Australian Standards are not necessarily expensive and provide adequate protection from the sun.

“Lenses that adjust to changing light conditions - photochromic lenses - are a convenient option for people that wear prescription glasses.

It’s also wise to wear a hat and avoid the sun during the harshest hours of the day, between 10am and 3pm,” Jason advised.

“Your optometrist can give you the best advice about suitable UV protection to suit you and your lifestyle,” said Jason.

For more information on pterygium or other eye conditions, see an optometrist or visit: www.provision.com.au

For further information please contact Point Cook Eyecare on 9395 8600 located at Point Cook Town Centre (Coles section).

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I was speaking with Ken Tun of Cocochine Restaurant in the Point Cook Town Centre the other day.

I’m a fan of Ken’s mainly because he’s so devoted to his chosen profession which is that of Restaurateur.

This delightful word means he not only owns the restaurant but he woks in it to help polish the operation.

Ken hails from Vietnam and has a passion to bring the ambience and quality of our major city restaurants to the western suburbs. He obviously believes that after a great dinner and perhaps a good bottle of wine, driving home from the city is not a smart thing to do today

He has achieved this high level at Cocochine, which proved a pleasure to visit.

Ken studies hard to achieve excellence in the preparation of food. He regularly travels to Asia seeking trends and hidden local treasures, coaxing them from chefs well known in his old country.

At Cocochine he regularly wanders through the dining room and is always willing to prop and explain his latest dish and even the story of how he came by it. You’ll find he loves to chat and absolutely glows as he talks of his interest in food and in his delight of finding new dishes in Asia to bring back to his customers.

Sometimes a restaurant can repeat their standards over and over – although Ken finds, due to demand, he must keep some on the menu, he keeps testing the palate of his regulars, I’m sure to keep them being his guest on a regular basis as some of them do.

I notice it costs a little more than the eat and run food shops in Footscray, but if you like to stay a while and really enjoy the ambience of the restaurant together with the choice of food and haven’t found Cocochine yet, you still have that delight to come.

Chinese Cuisine at it’s Best

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Chocolate Recipes For Chocolate Lovers

This is just a sample of what we have in store, brought to you by:

www.MoreMarketingIdeas.com

1. Chocolate Truffles1 Cup unsalted butter

2 1/3 C confectioner’s sugar

1 C cocoa

1/4 cup heavy or whipping cream 1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla

Centers: pecan, walnuts, whole almonds or after-dinner mints

Coatings: coconut, crushed nuts,confectioners sugar

Makes about 3 dozen truffles

Cream butter in large mixer bowl. Combine 2 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar and the cocoa; add alternately with cream and vanilla to butter.

Blend well. Chill until firm. Shape small amount of mixture around desired center; roll into 1 inch balls. Drop into desired coating and turn until well covered. Chill until firm.

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2. Chocolate Covered Truffles

1/4 C butter 1 1/2 lbs. real semisweet chocolate 3/4 C non-dairy coffee creamer, any flavor 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 1/2 pounds real milk chocolate for dipping 1 cup finely chopped chocolate, milk or semisweet for decoration

Makes about 3 dozen truffles

Melt semisweet chocolate in double boiler over hot water. Heat butter, creamer and vanilla in another saucepan to 125° F on a candy thermometer. Add to semisweet chocolate all at once, beating until smooth and creamy. Chill in refrigerator until nearly set but still pliable. Beat with mixer until light and fluffy. Spread in 9 inch buttered pan until set enough to roll into small balls. Melt milk chocolate over double boiler. Dip truffles in melted chocolate, then sprinkle generously, or roll in, chopped chocolate

3. Mocha Truffles

2 packages (12 oz each) Semisweet chocolate chips

8 oz. cream cheese, softened 3 T instant coffee granules 2 tsp. water 1

lb. good dark chocolate cocoa confectionery coating white confectionery coating, optional

Makes about 5 1/2 dozen In a microwave-safe bowl or double boiler, melt chocolate chips. Add cream cheese, coffee and water; mix well. chill until firm enough to shape. shape into 1” balls and place on a waxed paper-lined cookie sheet. Chill for 1-2 hours or until firm. Melt chocolate coating in microwave-safe bowl or double boiler. Dip balls and place on waxed paper to harden. If desired, melt white coating and drizzle over truffles.

Hundreds of chocolate recipes at: www.chocolaterecipes4u.com

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If you’re just starting out in the affiliate marketing world I know that it can be very overwhelming as there is just so much to learn. In fact I think one of the main reasons why a lot of people fail in their initial efforts online is because they are bombarded by so much info and technical stuff that they simply give up before they get a chance to realise their online business dreams.

If any of this sounds familiar to you at the moment there is help at hand from the desk of Fred Gillen who has put together an a easy to follow series where you can watch over his shoulder as he demonstrates his simple yet proven system for earning income online as an affiliate marketer, even if you have no technical or marketing knowledge. You can get immediate access to the videos by going here:

www.how-to-get-started.biz

When I initially came across the website I was pleased to hear that I was not going to need any of the following to make this course work for me by including my own product, like a list, name recognition or any joint venture partners. All I needed to do was to follow the videos step by step in order to start becoming successful.

As I moved through the videos step by step I learned many techniques and methods to make money online that were missing in previous programs I had bought, including how to navigate my way through click bank, how to find a good product and how to know what kind of free site to use to make sure that I get ranked and get traffic coming to my affiliate offer.

Internet Affiliate Marketing for Newbie’s – a Review

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Are you the sort of person that is warm, friendly and motivated?

Are you a listener, someone who is enthusiastic and willing to ‘pound the pavement’ in order to achieve a very important task?

An opportunity is available for someone to help out in sales with local Community Newspapers!

The ideal person would love to chat and certainly be community minded, have an understanding of local community as well as the needs of local small business. This Community Newspaper takes a lot of effort to get on the street, print, distribute, and

would not survive without the support of our local advertisers.

SALES OPPORTUNITY FOR A PEOPLE PERSON

If interested please email: will@aroundpointcook.com

As I worked my way through the modules I also picked up invaluable info on free website creation, social bookmarking and the right way to do article marketing to get real results online. I also learned how to do video marketing for even more sales.

Ever since I started out online I have been waiting for a product to come along that could take me step by step through all the areas I needed to cover to start making money. What I like about ‘Affiliate Marketing For Newbies’ is that it covers everything you need to know to made real money without all the usual hype and exaggerated claims.

I believe it’s ideal for anyone who is just starting out or for someone who is not getting anywhere fast at the moment and would like to cover the basic building blocks of successful affiliate marketing that could change things around for them.

Visit Fred’sl site for more information and some free reports – I enjoyed reading them:

www.how-to-get-started.biz

Robert Johns

Issue 13

One of the greatest joys for me, is to witness the many friendships developed between men whilst working on projects together. I hear the laughter from my office and the vibrant conversation in the lunch room at breaks. I must say, It is a rare privelege to be a part of such a simple but effective format for mens health and wellbeing.

The Computer repair and restoration group is another busy arm of the HBMS, that not only repairs and upgrades computers for those marginalized members of our community, but also offers a 16 hour course for $55 to teach anyone the basics of computer operation, email and wordprocessing. Our next course is starting on Thursday afternoon of 27/1/11, so get in quick if you are interested and book your place.

For those of you who have an interest in car restoration, hotrods, classic cars or any other notable vehicles, come down and join our resident car resto group, who hold a monthly Car Torque

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Hi all, this is the first in a series of reports to the local community about progress at the Hobsons Bay Mens Shed.

The last few months have seen unprecedented expansion of all goings on at the Hobsons Bay Mens Shed. Most notably our programs are operating in increasing capacities and our variety of activities, interests and programs has increased.

The woodwork shop is equipped with a wide range of equipment and caters for all levels of expereience. Operating Mondays, Fridays and now Saturday from 10 –3 pm. Come along, build and complete your own projects, or participate in the construction of hand made toys for sale to Kindergartens and Pre schools. Don’t be afraid if you have no woodworking skills, we all had to begin somewhere, and you will be competently trained in the operation of any and all tools in the workshop.

What’s happening @ Mens Shed

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meeting down at the shed on the first Sunday of each month. The next is scheduled for the 6th of Feb, so get down even if you don’t own, but love cars like mustangs, single and double spinners, corvettes, 30’s Fords, Harley Davidsons and the like. No one is ever too old for a hotrod!

Mens Health is high on the agenda down here and part of our expansion into the Hobsons Bay community, has been to forge partnerships with other agencies and primary health care providers. We now have men from Wintringham Aged Care, attending the shed, a couple of young fellas from David House in Williamstown, and we have a very exciting program being developed with a major healthcare provider in the Hobsons Bay region that I cant say too much about at this stage, but rest assured will be a major boon for the health and well-being of all age groups of men in our community.

Public internet facilities will be available in the foyer of our building at 280 Queen street within the next few weeks, auspiced under the Broadband For Seniors program and in conjunction with U3A (University of the Third Age).

Just on another note, the HBMS print shop is nearing its reintroduction to operations . I can see a little light at the end of the tunnel for a project that has been at times arduous and difficult for all concerned to get started. I do however, admire the tenacity and dedication of said parties, to the Mens Shed Movement and the contribution the Print shop can make. Having said that, should you want any bulk printing done at a very competitive rate, please contact us for a quote!

Well folks, that’s the basic run down of whats cooking here at The Hobsons Bay Mens Shed at the moment. There are of course, many other projects in the pipeline. Should you have anything you would like to see run at HBMS or are just curious, please drop in for a yarn, or give me a call at the Shed on 93982383. I am sure you will be amazed at the facilities and support we have been so generously afforded by HBCC

Until next issue, thanks for your ongoing support of this publication, and stay well.

Yours in Service,Daniel KuiperCoordinator. Hobsons Bay Mens Shed Network

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TOADVERTISE

AROUND POINT COOK

OR

AROUNDALTONA

COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS

Contact the sales team

Will Sales Manager

M: 0449 834 359 E: will@aroundpointcook.com

LouiseSales Manager

M: 0403 191 084

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“To all Point Cook residents and our neighbouring residents, my name is Jason Chen. Thank you for taking some time to get to know about me and my business. My colleague, Jenkin Yau, and I are your local, independent optometrists here to look after all your primary eye care needs. We graduated together from the University of Melbourne and started our optometry career at the Australian College of Optometry. In 2004, we decided to take on the challenge of setting up our first practice at Sanctuary Lakes Shopping Centre. We then opened our second practice, Point Cook Eyecare, at Point Cook Town Centre back in 2008. We are here to look after your eye health and eye care needs and will work in conjunction with your local family doctors and ophthalmologists to look for and achieve the best possible outcomes and resolution for your visual demands and visual problems. Please call us on 9395 8600 (Point Cook Eyecare) or 9395 7530 (Sanctuary Lakes Eyecare) and experience first hand our friendly and professional service. I look forward to be able to help you both now and into the future.”

PROMOTNG THE SERVICES AT POINT COOK TOWN CENTRE

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Some questions you should ask yourself: A preparation to self-improvement Be all you can be. I often see myself as somewhat contented with my life the way things are, but of course it’s hard to think of anything else when there are real issues to be discussed.

Still, I aspire for something deeper and more meaningful. So we’re all pelted with problems. Honestly it shouldn’t even bother or even hinder us to becoming all we ought to be. Aspirations as kids should continue to live within us, even though it would be short-lived or as long as we could hold on to the dream. They say you can’t teach an old dog new tricks… is that really so? What do I really want?The question of the ages. So many things you want to do with your life and so little time to even go about during the day. Finding something that you are good at can help realise that small step towards improvement. Diligence is the key to know that it is worth it. Should I really change?Today’s generation has taken another level of redefining ‘self’, or at least that’s what the kids are saying. Having an army of teenage nieces and nephews has taught me that there are far worse things that they could have had than acne or maybe even promiscuity. So how does that fit into your lifestyle? More next time Another from our A-nony-mouse ScribeIf history has taught us one thing, it’s the life that we have gone through. Try to see if partying Seventies style wouldn’t appeal to the younger generation, but dancing is part of partying. Watch them applaud after showing them how to really dance rather than break their bones in break-dancing. What’s the bright side in all of this?With so much happening around us there seems to be no room for even considering that light at

“What Really Makes You Tick?”

Issue 13

the end of the tunnel. We can still see it as something positive without undergoing so much scrutiny. And if it’s a train at the end of the tunnel, take it for a ride and see what makes the world go round! Am I comfortable with what I’m doing?There’s always the easy way and the right way when it comes to deciding what goes with which shoes, shirt and whatnot. It doesn’t take a genius to see yourself as someone unique, or else we’ll all be equally the same in everything we do. Variety brings in very interesting and exciting questions to be experimented with. Have I done enough for myself?Have you, or is there something more you want to do? Discontentment in every aspect can be dangerous in large doses, but in small amounts you’ll be able to see and do stuff you could never imagine doing. Am I happy at where I am today?It’s an unfair question so let it go unanswered! You love being a good and loving mum or dad to your kids, then take it up a notch! Your kids will love you forever. The same goes with everyday life! By an a-nony-mouse writer Am I appealing to the opposite sex?So maybe I don’t have an answer to that, but that

doesn’t mean I can’t try it, though. Whether you shape-up, change the way you wear your clothes or hair, or even your attitude towards people, you should always remember it will always be for your own benefit. How much good stuff could I have?I suppose in this case there is no such thing as having too much or too little, but it’s more on how badly you really need it. I’d like to have lots of money, no denying that, but the question is that how much are you willing to work for it? What motivates me?What motivates you? It’s an answer you have to find out for yourself. There are so many things that can make everyone happy, but to choose one of them may be the hardest part. It’s not like you can’t have one serving of your favorite food in a buffet and that’s it. Just try it piece by piece. What Really Makes You Tick?So? What really makes you tick? You can be just about anything you always wanted to be, but to realise that attaining something that may seem very difficult is already giving up before you even start that journey. Always remember, that self-improvement is not just about the physical or philosophical change you have to undergo, but it’s something that you really want.

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FUN

FACTSClams have a row of eyes around

their shells.Owls are reportedly the only birds that

can see the colour blue.

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“Talent is cheaper than table salt. What separates the talented individual from the

successful one is a lot of hard work.”Stephen King

* * *

“Hard work often leads to success. No work seldom does.”

Harvey Mackay

* * *

“You can neither win nor lose if you don’t run the race.

David Bowie

RANDOM

QUOTESFUN

FACTS* * *

The left lung is smaller than the right, allowing room for your heart.

* * *

Green tea has 50% more vitamin C than black tea.

* * *

80% of all rose species in the world come from Asia.

* * *

A large cumulonimbus cloud can hold enough water for 500,000 baths.

* * *

A mysophobic person has anintense fear of infection.

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Meditation is a state of being, a state of peace, and an inner connection. Through meditation you can calm the mind and emotions and experience tranquility.

Deepak Chopra describes meditation as a mind, body medicine.

10 ways research has shown that you can benefit from meditation and relaxation

• Reduce stress, anxiety

• Learn to relax

• Help in the Healing of Chronic Illness and Pain, including high blood pressure and cardiovascular problems.

• Overcome panic attacks and phobias

• Helps you take charge of your life

• Develop a healthy sense of self esteem and self love

• Help to overcome destructive fears and emotions

• Reconnect to your spiritual self

• Find balance, feel great and perform better.

• Live longer, look younger and enjoy life

By reducing the harmful effects of stress or anxiety through meditation, you will gain an increase in energy and feel more balanced and better able to cope with what life brings your way. Meditation is a highly useful skill which helps you lead a more balanced life, enjoy better health and ultimately enjoy more out of life. Best of all it is easy to learn. The sooner you start the better you will feel.

By Rose Farrugia

What is Meditation and how it can help YOU?

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My name is William (Bill) McPherson and as I write I’m enjoying my 85th Year on this earth.

I’ve had a most amazing life and the purpose of writing is to pass on at least some of the experience in a few pages so I’ve chosen only one example of an amazing experience presenting itself, without my instigation, and what can happen if you grab it, instead of letting it go by.

The story involves my friend, Charles. Charles was an architect who worked for a firm and had a burning desire to create something of significance to launch him into private practice and give recognition of his creative ability.

Charles had a magnificent home in a significant street very close to the heart of Melbourne which contained a small suite of offices that he had leased to me for a development project in which I was involved with a small staff of three. We became firm friends as Charles watched my project develop and he became most interested.

Charles was a great big handsome man and his accent was most becoming to the ladies - we had nicknamed him ‘The Count’ His shoulders were so broad, that when we buried him some years later, the mourners had to move away while the cemetery staff dug a wider hole to accommodate his coffin!

One day Charles said to me ‘Bill, you must come with me to see Sir John’. Now I didn’t know of or know any Sir John so I asked how I could help my friend and what was it all about?

It turned out that Charles had developed a design for a factory produced transportable home, a concept that to date had not really been successful in the housing market and due to other circumstances Charles had become friendly with ‘Sir John’ It turns out Charles lived in a fashionable street in Toorak on the edge of the CBD and would walk to work each day.

Regularly Sir John would drive past and offer him a lift so they had 15 minutes each time to chat about whatever and Charles had told him of the project so Sir John invited him to show him the designs to see if he could help hence the request for me to go and help present the concept as Charles recognized his language difficulty and felt I could present the details more clearly.

So I studied the drawings and thought they had merit. The concept used a truss wall as was used to span openings like river crossings and would be rigid enough for transportation from factory to site so I thought it was a good idea.

I still had no inkling of who Sir John was and agreed to be present to support my friend.

We duly arrived at the meeting to discover Sir John was a Director of several of our larger companies and was most highly respected in the commercial field.

He listened carefully to my presentation and congratulated Charles on the work he had done. He then picked up the phone and called an associate in Sydney and I heard him say ‘Alan, I think I have something here you would like to see’.

Suddenly Charles and I found we had plane tickets presented to us for the next day and flew up to Sydney to meet ‘Alan’, the MD of a large aluminum fabrication plant who listened to our story, obviously impressed by the introduction and implied support of ‘Sir John’

‘Alan’ then showed us the reason for the interest shown by them both.

In the yard they had a large container from their American associates loaded with aluminum insulated panels. They had no idea what to do with them and quickly saw them as “Sir John had, to be suitable for the cladding of homes using Charles designs.

SIR JOHNA SHORT STORY

(continued on page 24)

Issue 13

That afternoon Alan put together a team of draftsmen under Charles direction to develop a series of plans to present to an acquaintance in Canberra and suggested I leave Charles with them and come back in a week prepared to take the presentation to Canberra.

When I returned the package was ready and an appointment had been made. Alan took us to a building he had just bought on the ‘Rocks’ and indicated an office suite that would be for Charles and his project – all this happening at lightning speed.

Do remember this was in the 60’s when Canberra was exploding.

Alan’s contact turned out to be the Chief of the Housing Department who loved the concept and who obviously had great respect for Sir John and Alan. He took me aside and told me all of the builders in Canberra had got so far behind the number of arrivals in Canberra that he needed help with homes, now!

He then suggested he could give me an order today for $1,000,000 if that could start us off. He had also arranged for his counterpart in Melbourne to be present to meet with us.

We had arranged lunch for the group at the hotel on the lake and in a joyous mood took partaking of some of the beverages as a sign of our success.

Over lunch our contact told us he had just one small act to cover – previously a wall panel construction had emitted toxic smoke during a fire and he had agreed the fire chief could have approval of any such project so he had made a appointment to take us to the fire Chief after our lunch, when he would give us the order to take back to Sydney.

On arrival, we who had enjoyed lunch were all bright and breezy, still elated by our success, while the Chief was not in he same mood.

We had with us a small section of the panel for demonstration end the Chief stood it against a wall and produced from a cabinet the biggest blow lamp I had ever seen – I swear it had at least a 2” nozzle!

So he fired it up while we all watched and stood it close to the panel.

In seconds the panel front disintegrated and toxic white smoke filled the room.

‘Sorry’ said the Chief – if you can bring me one that doesn’t do that I’m happy to give you approval.

Of course we were defeated and came home to lick our wounds.

Our lesson was that given the right contacts at the right time mountains can be climbed. Our passion and enthusiasm, our belief that people wee willing to help, had carried us to the brink.

Charles and I remained firm friends. After about 5 years of development my project didn’t develop legs and without further funding it had to be disbanded after a non affordable loss.

Charles bought me a loss making restaurant which I turned into a total of three and left the industry after 10 good years. It was in that period that we lost Charles – I guess that’s another story.

What’s the moral of this one – people are waiting to help you if the idea is good enough – do not be afraid – they respect ideas, enthusiasm – action – and don’t forget to smile!

Bill McPherson

http://www.AroundAltona.com.au

Page 24

Success usually comes to those who are too busy to be looking for it.

Henry David Thoreau

RANDOM

QUOTE

(from page 23)

Issue 13

A SPANISH Teacher was explaining to her class that in Spanish, unlike English, nouns are designated as either masculine or feminine. ‘House’ for instance, is feminine: ‘la casa.’ ‘Pencil,’ however, is masculine: ‘el lapiz.’ A student asked, ‘What gender is ‘computer’?’ Instead of giving the answer, the teacher split the class into two groups, male and female, and asked them to decide for themselves whether computer’ should be a masculine or a feminine noun. Each group was asked to give four reasons for its recommendation. The men’s group decided that ‘computer’ should definitely be of the feminine gender (‘la computadora’), because: 1. No one but their creator understands their internal logic; 2 The native language they use to communicate with other computers is incomprehensible to everyone else; 3. Even the smallest mistakes are stored in long term memory for possible later retrieval; and 4. As soon as you make a commitment to one, you find yourself spending half your paycheck on accessories for it.

(THIS GETS BETTER!) The women’s group, however, concluded that computers should be Masculine (‘el computador’), because: 1. In order to do anything with them, you have to turn them on; 2. They have a lot of data but still can’t think for themselves; 3. They are supposed to help you solve problems, but half the time they ARE the problem; and 4. As soon as you commit to one, you realize that if you had waited a little longer, you could have gotten a better model. The women won. Send this to all the smart women you know...

and all the men that have a sense of humor.

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Gender of computers

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BIG WORDS* * * * *

I find it perversely pleasing,In the reading of my poetry,That to get a good understanding,Folk may dive for a dictionary.

But I don’t use “big words” lightly,Only for precision or for effect:If I have gone about this rightly,The results will be word perfect.

Of course, some will think it absurd,Or self-indulgent braggadocio,To choose a sesquipedalian word,When a monosyllable would do.

I am not by nature thrasonical,And I don’t claim to be erudite,But I can be a wee bit methodicalIn ensuring things come out right.

As for self-appointed critics,They know what I think of them:They’ll disapprove of my verbal antics,And are always quick to condemn.

A poet uses various effects,Such as rhyme, rhythm and alliteration:When he finds the word that connects,This can produce a pleasant sensation.

I know I’m inviting criticism,But I’ll tell you my favourite word:It’s “antidisestablishmentarianism”.In a poem, would it be absurd?

Jack Nystrom, 7.1.2011

Issue 13

A Day with Ruby Clements

Ruby, 9.00 a.m.: Oh good, you’re out of bed, now you can feed me.Me: Can I at least wake up first?

Ruby, 9.03 a.m.: I guess I’ll have to sharpen my claws on the carpet...Me: I’m on my way to the pantry.

Ruby, 10.00 a.m.: Okay, now that you’re up and around, can we discuss the quality of the meals around here?

Me: I’m doing my best.

Ruby, 10.30 a.m.: Don’t you realise it’s morning tea time? Me: Not now, I’m on the phone!!

Ruby, 10.31 a.m.: The carpet looks inviting...Me: I guess the caller can hang on....

Ruby, 11.40 a.m.: (Stretch, yawn, a little claw of the carpet..) Oh, I’ve had a nice snooze. Early lunch?

Me: Look at your fur Ruby...it’s everywhere!

Ruby, 11.41 a.m.: Is that an important document you’re typing? Me: Get off the keys, damn it!

Ruby, 11.43 a.m.: Hmmm, maybe I need another approach. Maybe a swish of the tail in your face might do the trick?

Me: Uuugggh. You’re disgusting.

Ruby, 11.44 a.m.: Yeah but you love me, purr purr.Me: For the last time, will you get off the bloody keys? Oww! Your claws are sharp!

Ruby, 11.45 a.m.: Maybe a fight with my sister Mooka might get your attention?Me: Ruby, get off the bench!

Ruby, 11.46 a.m.: Okay this is animal cruelty. I’m calling the RSPCA.Me: Yeah, right. (As I bend down to retrieve the phone she’s knocked off the bench.)

Mooka, 11.47 a.m.: MEEEEEAAAAAOOOOOOWWWW!!!!!!!!! (HELPPPPPP!!!!)Me: RUBY!! LET HER GO!! SHE’S ONLY GOT A LITTLE NECK!!

Ruby, 11.47 a.m.: Well???Me: Just wait a minute while I hang out the washing.

Ruby, 11.48 a.m.: Are they new drapes?Me: I guess the washing can wait....

Ruby, 2.35 p.m.: Oh dear, I’ve overslept. Afternoon tea was at 2.15.Me: No it wasn’t.

Ruby, 2.36 p.m.: (Nonchalantly washing herself, with her back to me): Hmmmppph.Me: Your tail is going to drop off if you swish it any quicker.

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Issue 13

Ruby, 2.38 p.m.: The food in the bowl is stale. What are you going to do about it?Me: Just eat it. Money doesn’t grow on trees, you know.

Ruby, 2.39 p.m.: Oh look, my food bowl bounces!!Me: Can’t I even go to the toilet in peace?

Ruby, 2.40 p.m.: You don’t have to clean it up right now! Me: So I suppose you’re going to do it?

Ruby, 2.40 p.m.: That pesky little Jack Russell can do it.Me: RUBY LET GO OF MOOKA!!! (Ruby releases her grip around Mooka’s neck

as I tip fresh food into the bowl I’ve picked up off the floor.)

Ruby, 5.15 p.m.: Don’t worry about that spouse of yours, where’s my dinner?Me: Finish what’s in the bowl.

Ruby, 5.15 p.m. I can’t. Mooka dribbled all over it. And herself. She is truly a gutter snipe. Surely you can find her another home? rtfrtfrtfrtfrtfrtfrtfrtfrtfrtfrtfrtfrtfrtfrtfrtfrtfrtfrtf (As she walks across the keys)..

Me: (Shutting the sliding door behind her.) Go outside and play for a while.

Ruby, 5.16 p.m.: (As she peers through the door at me.) Hhhhmmmmmmppppph!!!Me: Ruby get out of my pot plant!!!!

Ruby, 5.20 p.m.: Now if I just climb up here, she’ll see me from the kitchen window....Me: Ruby get off the roof!!! You’re driving the dogs nuts!!

Ruby, 5.22 p.m.: Just a snack?Me: I wormed you recently. You can’t be this hungry all the time? (Tinkle, tinkle as

the food pours into the bowl).

Ruby, 5.22 p.m.: Well, pick me up. You know I’m getting too old to jump.Me: Then how did you get up onto the roof?

Ruby, 5.23 p.m.: It wasn’t me.Me: (As I lift her up to the food bowl.)

Don’t bug me again until supper time!

Ruby, 8.40 p.m.: It’s supper time. (As she jumps off my lap).

Me: Wait until this show is over.

Ruby, 8.42 p.m.: Mmmm, this water is delicious!Me: Ruby! Stop drinking my glass of

water!!

Ruby, 8.50 p.m.: Okay, I waited until your damn show was over. Now give me something different for supper.

Me: (As I close the door firmly behind me). Just eat what’s there.

Ruby, 8.50 p.m.: (Through the door as I make a hurried retreat): What’s for breakfast?

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Issue 13

Around Point Cookis ONLINE!

With the demands for easy access of information online, Around Point Cook Community Newspaper partnered with Black Book Creatives to develop and maintain a website that aims to be a one-stop shop for all information in and around Point Cook. The website features latest news, upcoming events and local business directory for Point Cook and its surrounding suburbs. A community page for the residents of Point Cook is also available where they can share their stories on local Point Cook lifestyle.

www.aroundpointcook.com

Check out Around Point Cook’s new & exciting website!

Sales:Will@aroundpointcook.com

Editorial:editorpointcook@gmail.com

Page 30

INTERESTED IN WRITING AND WANT TO GET SOME

EXPOSURE?This is your opportunity. Around Point

Cook need some people to write a story or 2 each month about the local area.

You just need to turn up to a few things locally and write down your experiences.

If interested email me at:

editorpointcook@gmail.com

Issue 13 Page 31

Point Cook Kids Point Cook Kids Point Cook Kids Point Cook Kids

Calling on Point Cook Schools and Parents to share photos, art, stories, writing for this page.Email your contributions to editorpointcook@gmail.com or post to the PO Box 1145 Altona Meadows 3028

www.aroundpointcook.com Please email contributions to editorpointcook@gmail.com

ABN: 43 604 804 338 Advertising enquiries:PO Box 1145 Altona Meadows 3028 Will: 0449 834 359Publisher - Bill: (03) 8307 8872 Louise: 0403 191 084

RATHER THAN THROW THIS PAPER OUT WHY NOT RECYCLE TO A FRIEND FOR READING

Competitive Marine Life Word Search Puzzle

Spot the Difference

There are 9 differences between these pictures - can you find them all?

Once you have found the differences colour in the pictures!

Please redistribute rather than discard.Page 32 Issue 13