visit www.seniors.com.au or

Escape to the Central Coast

CoastingAlso inside “Off the Beaten Track” travel feature

“Feel Good, Look Good” health & wellbeingBook Reviews, Brain Benders and more!

2

Cruise departs Sydney on 14 October 2012 and visits Port Vila, Lifou and Noumea.PRICING & INCLUSIONS

Quad Share from $1,684pp Twin Share from $2,256ppAll meals, gratuities and taxes onboard, plus Rock & Roll and line dancing lessons with performances.

9 nights on board the luxurious ‘Rhapsody of the Seas’ cruising the South Pacific Islands

Featuring a fantastic line up of 50s & 60s Rock n Roll artists

2

FOR DETAILED INFORMATION:

Prices are per adult in AUD, inclusive of all discounts/savings, port & government charges. Prices are subject to change due to fluctuations in charges, taxes & currency. Single passengers must pay a single supplement. Cancellation penalties & conditions apply. Subject to availability at time of booking.

Cruise departs Sydney on 4 November 2012 and visits the Noumea and Isle of Pines.

Pricing & InclusionsQuad Share from $1,434pp Twin Share from $1,956pp

All meals, gratuities and taxes onboard, plus a continuous line up of Country Music artists and dance lessons.

7 nights on board the luxurious ‘Rhapsody of the Seas’ cruising the South Pacific Islands

Featuring the cream of australian country music kasey chambers, shane nicholson, and many more!

®

boardddddd the luxurious ‘Rhapsody of the RR Seathe South Pacific Islands

®

Inside this issue...

ISSUE 4MARCH 2012

Hey! BoomersTel: 1300 972 141

Suite 169,3 Holtermann Street,Crows Nest NSW 2065

DisclaimerThis publication is intended as an information source only and is not in any way an endorsement of any product or service mentioned. Every effort has been made to ensure the information in this publication is up to date and correct at time of printing. The publisher does not accept responsibility for an errors, omissions or inaccuracies. No representation is made as to the quality or suitability for any purpose of any goods or services offered by any organisations in this publication.

Who’s a Boomer? .... Page 4

Feel GoodLook Good ................ Page 8

Single Living ............. Page 10

Let’s Travel .............. Page 11

BoomersFinance.................... Page 30

It’s Entertainment ... Page 31

Book Reviews .......... Page 40

Brain Benderspuzzles ..................... Page 42

Horoscopes ............. Page 43

3

There are 5.3 million baby boomers,

making up 24 per cent of the popula-

tion, with the oldest turning 66 this year.

With the end of World War 2 in 1945,

Australia’s servicemen and women

returned and family life resumed after

an interruption of almost six years of

wartime conflict. Nine months later saw

the start of a population revolution as

childbirth rates soared - more than four

million Australians were born between

1946-1965.

People born during this period became

known as Baby Boomers who changed

Australia (and the world) in the second

half of the 20th century.

A look back...

1940’s - 1943 – Australia wins its first

Oscar, with cinematographer Damien

Parer (pictured) honoured for documen-

tary Kokoda Front Line! The Pharmaceu-

tical Benefits Scheme is introduced in

1944 providing subsidised medicine to

all Australians; In 1945 the Liberal Party

of Australia is established with Robert

Menzies as its first leader; Australia be-

comes a founding member of the Unit-

ed Nations. In 1945 The Sydney-Hobart

Yacht

Race

is held

for the first

time, and in

1949 Construction

of the Snowy Mountains

Hydro-Electric Scheme begins and In

January 1947 Bernard “Doc” Neeson

frontman of Australian Music Legends –

The Angels was born in Belfast England.

In the 1950’s baby boomers repre-

sented a new market whose needs were

quickly met due to wartime advances

in technology and a new economic

optimism. In 1955 The first vinyl LP (long

playing) appeared with the release of

Bill Haley’s Rock around the Clock -thus

began a new and different music called

Rock and Roll. Australian bands like

Johnny O’Keefe and Col Joye began

playing the new music, Blue jeans and

t-shirts became the fashion, Comic

books were the literature of youth and

the Hula Hoop started twirling. 1956

Television in Australia was launched and

Hotels in New South Wales no longer

Who’s a boomer?For those of you born between 1946–1964, life’s no longer about growing old gracefully; it’s about living a passionate life in retirement and celebrating your

4

had to close at 6pm, ending the “six

o’clock swill”. In 1953 AC DC’s Malcolm

Young was born in Glasgow Scotland.

In the 1960’s Jean Shrimpton shocked us

in her mini skirt at the Melbourne Cup,

and then rapidly became the fashion;

the Peace Movement began – Wood-

stock 3 days of peace, love and music.

Since the movement in the 1960s, hippie

culture has been assimilated by main-

stream society.

Moratorium marches across Australia

opposing the Vietnam War; Beatlema-

nia hit Australian shores in 1964; Evonne

Goolagong became a world-beater

in tennis; Great Olympians during

the 1960s include Murray Rose and

Betty Cuthbert and Dawn Fraser; Prime

Minister Holt drowns and is succeeded

by John Gorton; talkback radio is intro-

duced; Ronald Ryan becomes the last

person legally executed in Australia.

On 14 February 1966 the Australian cur-

rency is changed to dollars and cents,

with the Australian Dollar replacing the

Australian pound.

In 1969 the Australian production of the

rock musical Hair premieres in Sydney;

top pop groups The Easybeats and The

Twilights break up;

In the 1970’s Johnny Farnham was

singing Rain Drops Keep Falling on my

Head, Led Zeppelin had a Whole Lotta

Love, Abbamania hit our shores in the

mid 1970’s and Daddy Cool hit the No 1.

Charts with Daddy Who? Daddy Cool.

Colour television was introduced in

1975, men wore flares, grew beards and

Baby Boomers are defined as people born between 1946 and 196

and 1991, Generation X between 1966 and 1980 and the Silent G

5

sideburns and Disco was dancing. In

1974 the introduction of FM Frequency

radio and in 1970 Adam Hill radio and

TV personality was born.

From Hula Hoops and Pogo Sticks to Yo

Yo’s and Frisbees, Disco and Line Danc-

ing to the Twist, the Stomp and Rock

n Roll – Woodstock and Flowers, Bikinis

and Mini Skirts; Baby Boomers have

generally lived through one of the best

times of the 20th Century.

Pictured clockwise from middle: Hippie VW Kombi campervan;

vintage television; 1970s disco ball

64, Generation Y between 1981

Generation 1945 or earlier.

6

A day of laughs, delicious billy tea and damper with butter and golden syrup, two-course country lunch, licensed bar and gift shop plus a range of entertaining and engaging demonstrations including Stockmen on horseback, working dog display, sheep muster, shearing and whip cracking displays.

A day at Tobruk will take you back in time with the rustic charm of the drovers camp, blacksmiths shop, station homestead and woolshed buildings. Tobruk is a place where the simple things in life are reflected in the experience - the way life was meant to be!

Described as the most beautiful and most authentic rural and outback experience in the Sydney region, Tobruk is set against the backdrop of the Blue Mountains, high on a plateau overlooking the Hawkesbury River Valley. It is located just 25 minutes North of Dural, and 10 minutes short of Wiseman’s Ferry. Tickets range from $25pp for morning tea and show through to $45pp which includes morning tea, lunch and all activties. Phone (02) 4566-8223 for bookings. Group rates available.

Tobruk Sheep Station has a beautiful farmstay option. The Tobruk Station Homestead is a large country homestead suitable for up to 3 families

or 12 people.

With large central dining and lounge

rooms, three double bedrooms and

bunkroom, fully provisioned kitchen,

laundry and bathroom, air conditioning

and wrap around balcony with BBQ

facilities. So get a couple of friends

or the family and grandkids together

and spend a few days at the farm. It

is rented as a homestead, not by the

room, so whether you are a couple or

a few families, you will enjoy the rustic

and rural surrounds of this magnificent

property.

Staying at Tobruk will provide an excuse

to visit the historic villages of Wisemans

Ferry and St Albans with their many

boutique shops, galleries and pubs.

Enjoy wine tasting at boutique wineries,

fruitpicking (seasonal) or devonshire tea

at Australia’s oldest church located at

Ebenezer. Book on a day where Tobruk

is running The Australian Outback Show

and receive complimentary tickets to

the show.

A wonderful day out at Tobruk Sheep Station

7

Tobruk Sheep StationTobruk Sheep Station

Hilarious & EntertainingHilarious & Entertaining– The Australian Outback Show– The Australian Outback ShowLocated 40 mins from Castle Hill, 1 hr from Sydneyy y,4

Mouth watering Aussie Damper & Billy Tea around the campfire,Licensed bar & restaurant, Gift shop, Sheep muster, Working dogs,

Shearing, Woolroom and Whip cracking displays, Two course country BBQlunch, Very little walking, Plenty of undercover areas, Wheel chair accessible

The perfect setting forBirthdays, Weddings,

Bush Dances,Special Events,

Farmstay

Enjoy the idyllic setting,unspoilt views over the

Blue Mountains, Fresh Air, Open Spaces, Loads of Fun, No Crowds

OutbackShow Special

Book a table of 8 andreceive 2 bottles of wine

and a gift pack

FarmstaySpecial

Midweek bookingsreceive 10% discount,

2 bottles of wine,free show & gift pack

Shows run 10.30am–2.30pm daily. Bookings are essential Call (02) 4566-8223Email: bookings@tobruksheepstation.com.au

www.tobruksheepstation.com.au

8

Feel good, look good

If there was ever a product which could

be hailed as the “elixir of life”, it would

be Monavie’s acai based nutritional

supplement juice, which aids in joint health

and promotes a healthy heart.

The acai (pronounce ah-sigh-ee) berry

has been proclaimed as the King of the

superfoods, and found only in the Brazilian

rainforest, the acai has been prized as a

source of health, energy and longevity.

Monavie is the only company to hold

patents on how acai is harvested, the

company’s freeze dried acai is unparalleled

in its antioxidant strength.

Monavie’s freeze-dried acai boast more

than 15 times the antioxidant capacity

of whole blueberries and more than 20

times the antioxidant capacity of whole

raspberries.

Antioxidants help neutralise free radicals,

which are the nasty cells which damage

healthy cells in your body. Free radicals

are highly reactive chemical substances

which have been implicated in the ageing

process, as well as many health related

conditions including cancer and heart

disease.

Monavie’s juice contains 19 fruits, including

the acai berry, and has been clinically

proven to give regular consumers an

increase in energy, better health, an overall

sense of wellbeing, and a decrease in minor

aches and pains associated with exercise,

over-exertion and everyday living.

There are three varieties, Original, Active

(which contains plant-derived glucosamine

for joint health) and Pulse (which has

added plant sterols and resveratrol for a

healthy heart).

Sharron (last name withheld) from Sydney

started drinking Monavie juice (which

tastes great) to help ease pain in her joints,

particularly her wrist.

“The arthritis in my damaged

wrist was no longer painful and

I had such better movement.

My energy levels soared and I

felt fantastic. Not only that

every part of my

body was thriving,

my hair, my nails,

the whites of my

eyes were so bright

and my skin

looked

fl awless.

Sharron

decided to

stop drinking

Monavie

juice, but

Monavie juices are the elixer of life

9

found her energy levels had dropped and

her wrist had started to ache again.

“I felt quite lousy to tell you the truth. I eat

well, exercise and do all the right things

yet I couldn’t get the same feeling of well

being from any vitamins or tablets I tried,”

she said.

“So I decided it just wasn’t worth it and

managed to re order the juice.

“I can honestly say I will never go off the

juice again; the results I felt were so great

if I hadn’t have experienced it as I did I

would not have believed just how fantastic

this product is. I thank you for introducing

me to Monavie and the “elixir of life” (I call

it.)“

To order Monavie juice, please call

Brooke on 0438 677 588 or order online

from www.berryhealthybody.com.au

10

Single living

Single?

9AM-6PM Weekdays 10AM-2PM SaturdaysAustralian Registered Company Number 132 421 571

Open since 1986. Call us on 9017 8462

Shortcut your search to happiness

actually

We met at Vital Partners where love matters.– make a new start today.

Sydney based agency Vital Partners was

established in 1986 and is an “offline”

dating service.

If you are looking to meet genuine singles

in NSW, you can experience the very

best personal introduction service in

Australia.

All clients at Vital Partners are seeking

a close, long lasting relationship with

the right person - none are attached or

seeking just a fling or a one night stand.

Because they meet and screen everyone,

you can be sure that the photo and

description you receive about a person is

up to date and accurate.

It’s the friendly professionalism of the

Consultants at Vital which makes the

process of finding that special someone

fun and easy, and it’s the same genuine

care and concern which is the one

common thread in the letters of thanks

from their satisfied clients.

Confidentiality means you always remain

in control of your personal information.

People love Vital because it’s a safe and

sophisticated way of meeting like minded

people with a view to a deep and lasting

relationship.

There are no blind dates or wild goose

chases; with permission, comprehensive

information is exchanged which can

include a photo, a physical description

and a list of their interests and values.

Your consultant will then speak to you

personally describing the character and

personality of your potential partner. If you

feel comfortable with the introduction,

Vital can pass on a telephone number -

both parties always have total control

over who they choose to date.

If you would like a free discovery search,

simply go to www.vitalpartners.com.au/freesearch to fill out our online

questionnaire. Alternatively, feel free to

call us on 9017 8462.

“Offline”dating adds a genuine and personal touch

11image courtesy Ultimate Cruising

choose your destination...

12

The Marquesas have entranced western

explorers, artists, travellers and dreamers

for almost four hundred years, while

the native Polynesians have made it

their home for around 2000 years. The

staggering scenery, fashioned from the

Earth’s own fiery ingredients and thrust

into the middle of the Pacific Ocean will

enthral and mesmerize you. However,

the ancient customs, energetic and

enthusiastic dancing and magnificent

arts and crafts may distract you

occasionally as you travel among these

remote islands aboard Aranui 3, the most

modern and comfortable vessel to ply the

combined passenger and freight route

here among the six inhabited islands.

Just 200 passengers travel aboard Aranui

3. You’ll enjoy fresh local produce,

fish and seafood as part of your daily

dining experience onboard, along with

a complimentary bottle of wine for

you to share. After your meal, there’s

entertainment in the bar when the crew

get together with ukuleles and guitars

for an evening of impromptu singing and

dancing. If you’re looking for a quieter

time, there’s the library, video room and

saloon where you can relax with a good

book or just chat with any of your new-

found friends.

Your adventure cruise in the beautiful

Marquesas Islands can be as energetic

or as relaxed as you want to make it.

The ship’s gym is equipped with walking

machines, step machines and bikes as

well as basic weights to help you work off

our delicious desserts. Polynesian dance

classes are always popular and a fun

way to learn some of the fine Marquesan

moves you may have seen ashore. In the

evening it’s party time in the bar with the

ship’s talented crew striking up song after

song on guitars and ukuleles – you may

even find yourself dancing and singing

along.

The Marquesas Islands have always

attracted inquisitive and fertile minds;

thinkers and dreamers, artists and

academics, explorers, romantics and

adventurers. Which one are you? Not

matter what, you’ll find our lecturers and

guides overflowing with information and

history on this fascinating destination.

There are lectures and seminars

scheduled almost every day with experts

in their respective fields to help you

fully enjoy this immersive and thorough

Polynesian experience.

For more information or a copy of the 16

page Aranui 3 brochure and DVD,

Call the Ultimate Cruising team on 1300

662 943 or www.ultimatecruising.com.au

Catch a freighter to the Marquesas Archipelago for the cruise holiday of a lifetime!

Let’s travel to a place in the sun...

13

Telephone 1300 662 943

Your Special Aranui 3 Cruise Packages:

Bonus: Overnight at Sydney orBrisbane airport

hotel pre-departure*

Catch a freighter to the Marquesas Archipelagofor the cruise holiday of a lifetime!

2012/13 Departures: 5 Apr, 26 Apr, 17 May, 28 Jun, 19 Jul, 9 Aug, 30 Aug, 11 Oct, 1 Nov, 22 Nov, 13 Dec 10 Jan, 31 Jan, 21 Feb & 14 Mar

17 nights from $7,999pp Twin Share ex SYD or BNE

Includes: 13 night Aranui 3 cruise in a Standard A Cabin with all meals,shore excursions, and wine is served with lunch and dinner aboard.

Plus: return airfares ex Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane to Papeetewith Air Tahiti Nui, Tahiti transfers, 4 nights pre/post cruiseaccommodation at Manava Suite Resort, and all pre-payable taxes.

* Conditions apply. Based upon “Q” class airfare. Subject to availability. See website for details.Ultimate Travel Group Pty Ltd. ABN 24 003 926 369 Lic 2TA003131

www.ultimatecruising.com.au

14

Short Breaks & Getaways: the Central Coast

The Central Coast consists of two

shires, Gosford and Wyong and are

located perfectly between Sydney and

Newcastle. The Central Coast is a popular

destination for holiday makers, with many

people choosing to come back again

and again.

For the tourists there are many attractions

to come and see. The Central Coast is so

popular because you have many options

available from seaside, rural, hinterland

and city lifestyles. The region has many

historical places to visit and tourists have

been coming since the 1800’s.

Accommodation is plentiful with many

alternatives available from resorts,

motels, apartments, hotels, bed and

breakfasts, caravan parks and cabins.

Quality restaurants and food venues are

everywhere and for the wine lovers the

Hunter Valley Wine Country is only about

45 minutes away.

If you are seeking that place where you can get away from it all and just relax and enjoy a mix of rural and beachside lifestyle, then the NSW Central Coast is for you.

15

Come and visit the Central Coast, we

know you will not be disappointed.

Thecentralcoast.org provides you

informative directories, featuring

local activities and attractions,

accommodation, tourism and hospitality

sectors, entertainment guides, as wells

as an extensive a - z listing businesses

directory.

The Entrance

As a tourist destination, The Entrance is

a huge success, gauged by the tens of

thousands of people who flock there

annually to take holidays or a weekend

stopover. There are many who choose to

spend regular weekends at this serene

coastal resort and many others who

arrive just for a day trip or an impromptu

escape. Once you have succumbed to

the splendor of the town and accepted

the magnificence of the surrounding

waterways, you certainly won’t want

to leave. Major attractions include the

magnificent Tuggerah Lakes, pelican

feeding daily at 3.30pm, pristine surf

beaches, boat hire, fishing, markets,

entertainment, bike paths, shopping and

so much more. Accommodation venues

are plentiful and varied in style. Great

place for families. Website: theentrance.org

16

Temping Terrigal

Famous for it’s amazing boutique

shopping, upmarket restaurants and

cafes and first class entertainment,

Terrigal is a legendary Australian seaside

village. Sunny street cafes offer relaxed

outdoor eating during the day, and

every evening a huge array of stylish

restaurants serving an amazing range

of international menus open their doors

to cater for the locals and tourists who

flock to Terrigal to cool off in the sea

breezes. Terrigal town is positioned

right on the surf beach, with a perfect

north easterly aspect to capture the

sun all day. Quality homes, apartments

and villas nestle into the hillsides of

a surrounding ring of protective tree

covered slopes. Meandering tree lined

streets find their way down to the town

centre and beach from the scenic

higher points allowing residents to stroll

easily into the village. Terrigal is the

geographical heart of the Central Coast

with spectacular coastal lookouts,

national parks and a beautiful rural

hinterland, all within a short drive. Multi

screen cinemas, expansive shopping

centres, golf courses and clubs are all

available within a 5 km radius. Website:

terrigal.org

All information courtesy www.centralcoasttravel.org

Pamper yourself at Crowne Plaza Terrigal

Overlooking Terrigal Beach on the NSW

Central Coast, Crowne Plaza Terrigal is one of the state’s most popular

weekday or weekend destinations.

Open for both breakfast and dinner,

the hotel’s onsite Seasalt Restaurant is a local favourite, offering uninterrupted

views across the beach. Diners can

choose between the decadent

degustation menu, showcasing a range

of the executive chef’s signature dishes

or the la carte dinner menu, a selection

that combines the freshest produce with

succulent seafood and premium meat

cuts.

For a more casual option, Crowne Plaza

Terrigal’s Florida Beach Bar offers visitors

a relaxed open-air dining space and

a regular entertainment program of

Short Breaks & Getaways: the Central Coast

17

live music, comedy and trivia. With the

choice of two menus, a traditional bar

menu and a Mediterranean inspired

menu, Florida Beach Bar is a great

place to meet with friends and watch

the sunset over the ocean.

For those wanting to indulge,

Crowne Plaza Terrigal’s

Tea Tree Spa offers a menu

including facials, spa rituals

and beauty and men’s

treatments. Professional

therapists are on-hand to

provide advice on the

spa’s fully stocked take-home skincare

range, ensuring every guest has the

option to continue the pampering

well-after leaving the spa. Crowne

Plaza Terrigal is located in Pine Tree

Lane, Terrigal. For bookings

or further information, call:

02 438 49111 or visit www.crowneplazaterrigal.com.au.

18

Short Breaks & Getaways: the South CoastCome and experience Wollongong’s

spectacular coastal drive - Grand Pacific Drive, between Sydney to

Wollongong and beyond.

Grand Pacific Drive is a 140km award

winning coastal drive beginning just 45

minutes south of Sydney at the Royal National Park - the second oldest

National Park in the world. Enjoy driving

through coastal rainforests and villages

and traverse along the magnificent Sea

Cliff Bridge.

From here, Grand Pacific Drive makes its

way into the bustling city of Wollongong,

offering countless adventure activities,

great beaches and shopping, fantastic

local restaurants and cafes, golf

courses, art galleries and more.

The drive then takes you through to the

beautiful coastal towns of Shellharbour

and Kiama and ends in the spectacular

Shoalhaven region.

From here, experience Grand Pacific

Drive’s ‘beyond’, to the Southern

Highlands, Batemans Bay and greater

South Coast and then on to Canberra.

19

20

In 2013, Taronga Zoo will be travelling to Antarctica with Sydney-based Active Travel, Australian representative agent for One Ocean Expeditions, a leading Polar cruise operator. For those interested in polar conservation and Australia’s involvement in this critical study, this is a wonderful opportunity: come and join us on board!

The first expedition (Wed 6 February) is an 18-night cruise to the Falkland Islands, South Georgia and the Antarctic Peninsula. It is the most comprehensive journey to Antarctica with spectacular scenery, abundant marine mammals and a great variety of bird life. Majestic swooping albatross, densely populated King Penguin rookeries and enormous, groaning icebergs are just some of the highlights of this memorable trip. The journey starts and ends in Ushuaia, on the southern tip of Argentina.

The second expedition (Sat 16 March) is a shorter, ten night cruise, with a particular focus on the marine mammals of Antarctica. By this time penguin chicks are almost fully grown and it is

a time of great activity both above and below the water. We expect to encounter several species of whale, as well as Crabeater, Weddell and Leopard seals. Again, the expedition starts and ends in Ushuaia.

A Taronga zookeeper will accompany both cruises, delivering a special presentation on the work at Taronga, with an overview of the important field research undertaken in Antarctica by the Australian Marine Mammal Research Centre (AMMRC). In addition to Taronga’s zookeeper there is a highly qualified expedition crew, including such luminaries as David McGonigal, co-author of Antarctica– The Complete Story, widely translated and considered a seminal work on the white continent. Ray McMahon, a British Polar Medal recipient, is another Australian regular crew member, offering a uniquely antipodean perspective.

For bookings and further information visit www.activetravel.com.au or call1300 783 188

Taronga Zoo goes to Antarica!Join Active Travel as they head south for the journey of a lifetime.

21

The Antarctic ExpertsMake 2012 the year you visit Antarctica. New itineraries. New experiences. Travel aboard our celebrated expedition ships: Akademik Ioffe & Akademik Sergey Vavilov

Call for our new Antarctica brochure

2012-2013 expeditions now on our website!Tel: 1300 783 188

www.activetravel.com.au

1300 783 188

22

Cape Lux Travels provide High End

travelers a specified “keeper of the

candle” Comte des Cierge

Quality, first class touring with the

attentive service and specialist

knowledge of experienced local guides

along the way.

Cape Lux’s Vietnam/Laos/Cambodia/

Myanmar group sizes generally are

minimum of 8 – maximum 14 so you will

get the opportunity to get to know your

travelling companions.

Cape Lux’s Escorted Tour Concierge

services provide an exclusive and

personal service for the high-end

traveler – believing those little touches

and attention to detail and extra effort,

turns a luxury trip into a truly great

escape.

Join Jean Wethmar and journey

through Vietnam/Laos and Cambodia

exploring world heritage sites in opulent

style, discover Vietnamese cuisine,

experience 5* luxury accommodation &

villas – a total reawakening of all senses.

For further information visit the website:

www.thecapeclub.com or email jean@thecapeclub.com for a copy of the

itinerary/Tour Brochures.

Discover Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia & MyanmarFully escorted, small group tours ideal for Baby Boomers, School reunions, Book clubbers, Lone travelers, Best Buds...

23

Discover Vietnam Cape Lux Travels Comte des Cierge - Great attention to detail ensures you’ll have a luxury trip of a lifetime.

Web www.thecapeclub.com Jean Wethmar Contact 0423 306 481 07 3814 5448

Daily Blog http://vietnam–hiddenrichesofacolonialpast.blogspot.com.au/

“He who does not travel does not know the value of men.”

Moorish proverb

Discover Vietnam TOURS — Fully Escorted High Luxe French Colonial - Saigon to Hanoi

Meet the local photographers 13-28 July ‘12 Girls only Splurge with Stylist 5-17 October 12 Write your Life Story Vietnam 2-14 November’12 Tin Cup Golf Challenge—9 days of golf anytime !

24

F

Quimper

Nantes

A

Brest

B o r d e a u x

Rennes

F r a n c

Slow Tours Pty Ltd PO Box 1265, Blackwood, SA 5051 (08) 8370 3125 info@slowtour

Ever dreamt of an authentic Frencholiday where you could truly immyourself in the sights, tastes and cof a quaint local village?

Slow Tours France provides intimate getaways for up to 14 peFrance’s most charming, out-of-the-way towns. If you’re after aexperience, without the rush of the tourist crowds, let Slow Toshow you the real France.

For more information call[08] 8370 3125or to receive Slow Toursnewsletters, visit our websiteat www.slowtours.com

25

F r a n c e

Mo n a c oA i x - e n - P r o v e n c e

x

Paris

c e

Prehistoric caves, spectacular limestone cliffs, medieval villages and castles, narrow gorges and tumbling waterfalls, the delightful Dordogne valley will enchant you.

18 – 25 June (7 nights)A$3,690 shared • A$3,950 single

Dordogne

th th

Not far from Bordeaux in the heart of a region known for its wines and good food, this region will delight the gourmet palate.

25th June – 2nd July (7 nights)A$3,690 shared • A$3,950 single

Bordeaux

5 nights in the stunning lakes district of northern Italy and 4 on the beautiful Mediterranean coast.

27h May – 5th June (9 nights)A$4,680 shared • A$4,950 single

Italian Lakes and Riviera

Enjoy a picnic in the rolling green hills of the Luberon, visit the Count of Monte Cristo’s residence and taste the region’s signature bouillabaisse.

5th – 12th June (7 nights)A$3,690 shared • A$3,950 single

Provence

rs.com www.slowtours.com

h merse ulture

eople with tours ofa genuine vacationours France

26

THE O28 Jul –Sydney10 dayfrom NDiamanweatheof the Dto dunelead toexperieoutcropregion.

THE CONVICT TRAIL

12 - 15 Mar 2012

4 day adventure follows the Historic Convict Trail

exploring sections of the Great North Road, built by

convict labour between 1826 and 1836 connecting

Sydney with the Hunter Valley. Our journey takes us

through picturesque towns & villages, exploring the

brilliant engineering works created by hundreds of

convicts & learning of the history of the settlement of

the region....................$1488pp/ts...................$240ss

Australian family owned and operated for over 20 years • Genuine small groups of 16 or less • Quality comfortable4WD and 2WD mini coaches • Experts in great Australian Experiences • All accommodated with ensuitebathrooms • Tours include most meals, morning and afternoon teas• Well thought out itineraries highlight the best Australia has to offer with both “must see”and “off the beaten track” sights • Fully escorted with reliable,friendly professional driver/guide.

Ph: 02 9971 2402 w

Explore the wildlife of the Lake Eyre & Cooper Basins

The Corner Country is the region of wide-open spaces, red sand dunes and big blue skies stretching north and west beyond Broken Hill, teeming with so much to see.

In addition to the beauty of the unique landscape, a number of attractions reflect the aboriginal and European history, culture or diversity of our region. From the wild dog fence to historic mining towns, from places where explorers camped to remarkable unique plants and wildlife...the Lake Eyre and Cooper Creek basins have

so much to see. The Australian Eco Adventures 16 day journey will follow the paths of our ancestors and learn of their lives in this remarkably beautiful part of our country. You will see stunning landscapes, visit historic towns and marvel at the beauty that is Lake Eyre and visit the magnificent Flinders Ranges National Park.

Australian Eco Adventures has a 15 night tour departing Monday 18th June for $5795 p/p twin share (single supplement also available).

Off the Beaten Track

27

OUTBACK EXPLORER– 05 Aug 2012 (9 Nights)y to Alice Springs

y adventure is a true Outback Experience...SW, to QLD to Alice Springs; Special focus -ntina National Park sweeps across highlyered sandstone ranges down to the floodplainsDiamantina River, across Mitchell grass plainsefields. On or off the beaten track, all roadso unexpected adventures & unforgettableences as we explore the stunning rockyps & unique wetlands of this .......................$4285pp/ts....................$567ss

THE WILDLIFE OF THE LAKE EYRE &COOPER BASINS18 Jun - 3 Jul 2012 (15 Nights)The Corner Country is the region of wide-open spaces,red sand dunes, big blue skies stretching north & westbeyond Broken Hill, teeming with so much to see. Inaddition to the beauty of the unique landscape, a numberof attractions reflect the Aboriginal and European history,culture or diversity of our region. From the wild dogfence to historic mining towns, from places whereexplorers camped to remarkable unique plants andwildlife...the Lake Eyre and Cooper Creek basins have somuch to see. Our 16 day journey will follow the paths ofour ancestors & learn of their lives in this remarkablybeautiful part of our country. We will see stunninglandscapes, visit historic towns, marvel at the beautythat is Lake Eyre & visit the magnificent Flinders RangesNational Park................$5795pp/ts....................$769 sswww.ozeco.com.au

28

Off the Beaten Track

The New South Wales outback provides a quintessential Australian experience that brings you into contact with ancient and spectacular landscapes. Journey here to discover rugged natural beauty, vivid red earth, dissected by massive waterways and lake systems, bright blue skies and prolific native wildlife.

There is no better place to make lasting holiday memories than this awe-inspiring part of the world. All that is needed to explore what’s considered to be the State’s best kept secret is an appetite

for adventure and a taste for the fantastic.

World renowned artists and photographers – attracted by the diversity of landscape, light and colours – thrive in the outback.

Broken Hill, the jewel of outback New South Wales, is a large inland mining town, known as the ‘Silver City”. Broken Hill’s 20,000 strong population live atop what was the world’s largest silver, lead and zinc mine. The city is the centre of a unique range of attractions including mine tours, art galleries, museums,

NSW Outback is a quintessential Australian experience

29

national parks and is a Mecca world wide for artists and the home of the late great “Pro Hart”. Nearby Mutawintji is one of Australia’s best national parks.

While in Outback NSW be sure to make time to visit one of our many National Parks which offer prolific flora and fauna. The borders of New South Wales, Queensland and South Australia meet at Cameron Corner in Sturt National Park. At Mutawintji and Gundabooka National Parks, you can discover some of the State’s best collections of Aboriginal art. The starkly beautiful Mungo National Park is famous for its “Walls of China” dune scape, while Kinchega National Park is an area of pastoral historical interest, where the harsh dry desert scrublands touch

the clear waters and wetlands of the Menindee Lakes.

Discover Outback NSW with the two most experienced tour companies in Outback NSW. Either Silver City Tours or Corner Country Adventures can offer you and your group the experience of a lifetime, in safety and comfort.

30

Each week it seems as if countries like

Greece and Portugal are set to finally

default on their massive debts.

Meanwhile, the gold and

silver markets continue to

appreciate as many seek

a haven from stocks and

property.

Imagine being able to

collect gold and silver

assets, while also earning

an income – just by

sharing the products with

friends and family?

Numis Network is a unique, one-of-a-

kind company which has just arrived

in Australia and is based on a simple

premise: Create Wealth, Collect Wealth

and Preserve Wealth.

Numis Network’s Silver Coin of the Month

Club offers members to collect silver

coins from a number of mints around

the world, including the US, Canada,

the UK, Mexico, and our own Perth Mint.

Not all coins are created equal. Like

diamonds, coins are graded on a

number of factors which add to their

value and collectability.

All of Numis

Network’s Silver

Coin of the Month

Club coins are

certified and

graded

at the

highest level which is Mint

State 70 (MS70), which

is classified as a perfect,

museum quality collectible

grade.

It’s a fabulous way of

building a legacy of assets

to pass onto children and

grandchildren. Coins are also

a great way of making history fun for

children, as there is a story behind every

coin.

For boomers looking to earn some extra

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sharing the Silver Coin of the Month

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For more information about the Silver

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interested in starting your own home-

based business, call Brooke on 0438 677

588 or go to www.numisnetwork.com/brookestoddart

Boomers Finance: be part of the modern gold rushGold and silver are hot commodities as the global financial crisis continues to bite at many of the world’s economies

31

ENTERTAINMENTNTERTAINMENTENTERTAINMENTNTERTAINMENTit’sOpera on

Sydney Harbour2012

32

Opera on Sydney Harbour 2012Opera Australia announces stellar lineup for its most ambitious project yet

Fireworks, a harbour stage and a giant

chandelier will transform opera in Sydney

like never before when Opera Australia

presents La Traviata on Sydney Harbour

for an exclusive three week season

starting 24 March 2012.

It will be the fi rst opera in Australia to be

held on a tailor-made stage built over the

water off the Royal Botanic Gardens and

will be directed and designed especially

for this unique outdoor staging. It is the

Company’s most ambitious project to

date, working in conjunction with Events

NSW on behalf of the NSW Government to

attract audiences from across the globe

to be a part of this uniquely spectacular

opera event.

Francesca Zambello will stage direct

the production which will also feature

sopranos Emma Matthews and Rachelle

Durkin, and tenors Ji-Min Park and

Gianluca Terranova as well as Jonathan

Summers and Warwick Fyfe. Ticket prices

range from $85 - $350 with full dining +

show packages available.

A new sponsorship has been secured from

The International Foundation for Arts and

Culture under the auspices of Dr Haruhisa

Handa, who is renowned for his passion

and support of cultural endeavours

across the globe. Together with funding

from Events NSW on behalf of the NSW

Government, the IFAC sponsorship will

enable Opera Australia to roll out three

annual seasons of what will now be known

as Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour.

Events NSW on behalf of the NSW

Government, will work with Opera

Australia to reach out to potential markets

across Australia, New Zealand, Asia,

Europe and the USA to stimulate tourism to

coincide with this major opera event.

NSW Premier Barry O’Farrell said Handa

Opera on Sydney Harbour is set to confi rm

our place as one of the world’s most

breathtaking cities.

“Opera on the Sydney Harbour will be a

spectacular event and will focus national

and international attention on Sydney.

Sydney Harbour will once again become

the stage, attracting people from all over

the world. Supporting events like this which

have such a bold vision is a key priority

for our Government. The countdown is

offi cially on, bring on 24 March 2012,” Mr

O’Farrell said.

Adrian Collette, Chief Executive of

Opera Australia said “a vision of this

scale is only possible when it’s a vision

shared and we’re very fortunate to have

such partners in the The International

Foundation for Arts and Culture, and

Events NSW on behalf of the NSW

Government.”

33

“Unique, high-calibre shows of this

level represent a creative and cultural

landscape of which Sydney can be.

Showcasing local talent on a world

stage, Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour

is something for us all to look forward to”

said Lord Mayor Clover Moore MP.

Internationally-acclaimed director

Francesca Zambello has been appointed

to steer the fi rst production, bringing

particular expertise in staging outdoor

opera gleaned from Bregenz Festival in

Austria, where she directed West Side

Story on a fl oating barge in 2004.

She is currently the Artistic and General

Manager of Glimmerglass Summer Festival and Artistic Advisor to the San

Francisco Opera. She lives in London and

New York.

“When Lyndon fi rst mentioned the

prospect of doing something in such

a unique and spectacular setting, it

appealed to me immediately. The

chance to work with Opera Australia

and its wonderful performers to bring

La Traviata to the stage is something

that I would always consider an exciting

undertaking. But staged on the water,

under the stars and with that iconic

Sydney skyline as a backdrop, this is truly a

special opportunity” said Ms Zambello.

Joining her on the creative team is award-

winning set designer Brian Thomson

whose recent work with Opera Australia

has included La Bohème (2011) and

Bliss (2010). Brian’s set design has been

devised in close collaboration with the

stage director and includes a giant

chandelier so enormous it requires its own

barge! The set design is complemented

by a sophisticated lighting design by John

Rayment which will create atmosphere

through colour, projections, dazzling light

displays and fi reworks. Costume designer

Tess Schofi eld will transform Opera

Australia’s singers, dancers and actors into

a spectacular throng of romantics and

party-revellers, maintaining its glamour

through to the heart-breaking fi nale. The

Orchestra will be conducted by Opera

Australia favourite, Brian Castles-Onion

and the choreographer will be Stephen

Baynes.

Lyndon Terracini, Artistic Director of

Opera Australia said, “Opera is the most

spectacular art form, and Sydney Harbour

is the most spectacular cityscape. What

could be better than combining these to

create the ultimate event? Handa Opera

on Sydney Harbour will become one of

those ‘once in a lifetime’ events that you

won’t want to miss..

Book at Ticketmaster.com.au or call

1300 723 038.

34

The National Folk Festival has won the

Australian Capital Tourism Awards in the

Best Festival and Event Category for the

third year (previous awards in 2008 and

2009). The award is welcome recognition

of the growing reputation of this much-

loved festival, which also won the

National Qantas Award for Best Festival

Event in 2009.

To be held over Easter from 5-9 April at

Exhibition Park in Canberra, the 2012

National Folk Festival is shaping up to be

one of the best yet with a stellar line-up

of some of the world’s leading musicians

and performers.

They include ARIA award-winners Katie

Noonan (pictured right), with her group

‘Elixir’, Russian singer Zulya Kamalova

with ‘The Children of the Underground’,

Canadian doyen of Blues-Indian fusion

Harry Manx, leading Scottish groups

Shooglenifty and the Battlefi eld Band,

English acoustic guitar maestro Stefan

Grossman and renowned Canberra

“disturbed folk” guitarist Jeff Lang.

The legendary Irish singer-songwriter Paul

Brady, whose songs have been recorded

by Tina Turner, Phil Collins and Bonnie Raitt

amongst many others, is also making a

welcome return to the Festival.

The weekend tickets provide access to

nearly 300 performances across the four

days of the Festival. Diehard festivals fans

can watch over 200 artists performing for

more than 700 hours across the Easter

weekend. Lovers of dance can enjoy

a range of styles from Tango to Salsa,

Morris, Irish and Greek, through to colonial,

bush, Flamenco and Appalachian step

clogging.

If you want to learn new skills, you can

participate in more than 130 workshops in

musical instrumental playing, singing and

a diverse range of traditional handcrafts

and visual arts.

If Fringe is your bag, you can kick back in

the Majestic Fringe Festival Circus Tent for

the full weekend and catch a myriad of

colourful acts embracing everything from

vaudeville spoken word to circus skills,

comedy and gypsy music.

The National Folk Festival is a great

opportunity for up-and-coming young

artists. The many Blackboard performance

opportunities provide a space for young

people to gain valuable performance

experience.

And the festival is a place to rub

shoulders with established international

artists. Headliners are encouraged to

join local musicians in the popular Session

Bar and late night venues – providing

unmatched opportunities for young

artists to look, listen and learn from world-

renowned performers.

National Folk Festival April 5-9

35

At the 2011 Festival, renowned Australian

artists such as Shane Howard and William

Barton were spotted in some of the best

sessions at the event jamming along with

young up-and-coming musicians.

It’s also the best festival experience

anywhere with its all-weather permanent

venues (warm, dry and great acoustics!),

sealed roads, excellent camping facilities

at Exhibition Park, reliably hot showers and

clean amenities.

The major concert venues have ample

seating and there’s a spread of more

intimate venues with delectable cuisine

from around the world and a colourful array

of high quality craft stalls showcasing the

work of artisans from across the country.

The National is a unique cultural experience

that provides ‘time out of time’ with

something inspiring for all age groups in a

friendly family atmosphere. At the Children’s

Festival kids can explore music making,

36

fun and games –– with a dedicated

children’s stage, music performances and

workshops for all ages.

The Festival village is a magical treat.

2012 will feature the Poetree – an artistic

installation providing a venue for poets

and writers to engage in impromptu verse

and creative writing. The Enchanted

Forest with its Labyrinth will explore the

mystery of one of life’s shortest personal

pilgrimages.

Harry Manx [pictured right] is the latest

addition to a stellar National Folk Festival

line-up. In true National style, the program

includes long-standing folk legends and

lesser-known but nonetheless luminary

fi gures of the folk world, together with

award-winning world music artists.

The line-up so far also includes legendary

Irish singer Paul Brady, Jeff Lang, Zulya

and the Children of the Underground,

Shooglenifty, Flamenco Fire, The Battlefi eld

Band, The London Klezmer Quartet, Stefan

Grossman, Riogh, The Allan Kelly Gang,

Uncle Bill, April Verch, Stringmansassy and

rising ABC singing star Sarah Calderwood.

Harry Manx has been called an “essential

link” between the music of East and West,

creating musical short stories that wed

the pathos of Mississippi Delta Blues with

the depth and reverence of the Indian

classical music tradition.

Originally from the Isle of Man and

more recently Vancouver, Harry Manx

has made many journeys across both

the musical and geographical worlds.

Following extended stays in Rajasthan,

India, Harry discovered the unique guitar-

veena hybrid instrument, the Mohan

Veena, developed by renowned Indian

musician, Vishwa Mohan Bhatt.

Harry has since used the Mohan Veena,

the Guitar, Banjo and humble Mouth

Organ to develop a unique style of his

own that marries the Blues and Indian

traditions with his own soul-searching

songs and melodies. Harry’s captivating

voice and mesmerising instrumental

skills are complemented by Percussion,

Keyboards and Bass, forging a sound that

is deliciously addictive to listen to and

hard to forget.

More info: www.folkfestival.org.au

37

FEATURING: ELIXIR FEAT. KATIE NOONAN - HARRY MANX - JEFF LANG - PAUL BRADY - APRIL VERCH - BATTLEFIELD BAND - ZULYA AND THE CHILDREN OF THE UNDERGROUND - RIOGH - CIRCLE OF RHYTHM - DANIEL HO - FLAMENCO FIRE - FRANK YAMMA - FRENCHAM SMITH - GLENY RAE & HER TAMWORTH PLAYBOYS - JOHNNY MOYNIHAN - KRISTINA OLSEN - LONDON KLEZMER QUARTET...PLUS MANY MORE!

DISCOUNTED EARLY BIRD TICKETS ON SALE UNTIL

31 JANUARY!

38

Gray’s SceneBy Darren Gray

Agatha Christie fans will be thrilled to learn that

The Mousetrap is to tour Australia for the very

fi rst time in order to help celebrate the shows

Diamond Anniversary.

The action takes place in the once grand

Monkswell Manor, the owners have hit on hard

times and have been forced to turn their abode

into a ghastly guest house. Murder is on the

cards of course and it is suspected that one of

the residents is the culprit.

The Mousetrap began life as a radio play called

Three Blind Mice but was adapted for the stage

and opened on the West End in 1952, to date

more than 24,000 performances have taken

place, more than 382 actors have been given

gainful employment and the play is now the

longest running show of any kind in the world.

David Raven was entered into the Guinness

Book of Records for playing Major Metcalf in

a record breaking 4575 performances and the

late Nancy Seabrooke was employed as an

understudy for 15 years! Sadly no fi lm has ever

been made because Agatha Christie didn’t

think that the stage version would run for long

so she stipulated that no movie was to be

produced until six months after the West End

production closed.

You’ll be guaranteed a spiffi ng night out if

you book tickets for The Mousetrap which runs

at the Sydney Theatre in Walsh Bay (www.

sydneytheatre.org.au) from 30 June until 29 July

prior to seasons in Perth and Melbourne. To learn

more about Agatha Christie who created iconic

characters such as Miss Marple and Poirot head

to www.agathachristie.

com

Another show hitting

the Sydney Theatre is

a spin-off from the hit

BBC comedy Yes, Prime

Minister which will run

from 4-22 April and which

stars Olivier Award winning actor and one time

Play School presenter Philip Quast as well as A

Country Practice star Mark Owen-Taylor. The plot

follows a British Prime Minister and his cabinet as

they face a hung parliament, global warming,

a major fi nancial crisis and illegal immigrants

running amok with hilarious consequences.

Joe Hasham became a household name playing

homosexual lawyer Don Finlayson in Number 96

and wide boy Ken Hansen in The Young Doctors

but since 1984 he has been living in Malaysia.

These days Joe is the Artistic Director of The

Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre and of The

Actors Studio which trains people of all ages in

performing arts skills.

PHOTO TOP: Joe Hasham as Ken Hanson in The Young Doctors pictured with Nurse Jill Gordon (Joanne Samuel). When Ken raped Jill in the show fans in Queensland bashed poor Joe during a shopping centre appearance. Photo copyright Fremantle Media. PHOTO BELOW: Philip Quast as Sir Humphrey Appleby in the stage version of Yes, Prime Minister.

39

Formed from the West End cast of the Broadway musical ‘Beatlemania’; The Bootleg Beatles are the world’s premier Beatles tribute band. In an illustrious career, they have played the main stage

at Glastonbury, supported Oasis, performed on the Graham Norton show and performed for the Queen in the palace. Now, they are bringing their amazing multi-media production to Australia.

Fri 20th April Penrith Panthers | Buy TicketsSat 21st April Norths Leagues | Buy TicketsSun 22nd April Club Forster | Buy TicketsWed 2nd May Shoalhaven Ent. Centre | Buy TicketsThu 3rd May Illawarra Performing Arts Centre | Buy TicketsSat 5th May Twin Towns | Buy TicketsSun 6th May Laycock Street Theatre Gosford | Buy Tickets

Sat 12 May Castle hill RSL | Buy TicketsSun 13th May Souths Juniors | Buy TicketsThu 17th May Ettalong Bowling Club (02) 4341 0087Fri 18th May Bankstown Sports Club | Buy TicketsSat 19th May The Cube | Buy TicketsSun 20th May Wests Newcastle | Buy Tickets

THEBEATLES

National Tour Dates & Info visit: www.abstractentertainment.net.au

NSW Tour Dates

40

Suddenly A Knock On The Door by Etgar Keret$19.95 RRP (ISBN: 9781742752778)

From the critically acclaimed master short-story teller Etgar Keret, his long-awaited and biggest selling collection - the fi rst in nearly ten years.

Etgar Keret is an ingenious and original master of the short story. Hilarious, witty and always unusual, Keret brings all of his prodigious talent to bear in this, his sixth bestselling collection. Keret’s tales overfl ow with absurdity, humour, longing and compassion, and though their circumstances are often strange and surreal, his characters are defi ned by a familiar and fi erce humanity. A man barges into a writer’s house and, holding a gun to his head, demands that he tell him a story, something to take him away from the real world. A pathological liar discovers one day that all the lies he tells come true. A young woman fi nds a zip in her boyfriend’s mouth, and when she opens it he unfolds to reveal a completely different man inside. Suddenly A Knock On The Door is at once Keret’s most mature and most playful work yet, and establishes him as one of the great global writers of our time. Etgar Keret is the author of the short story collections: Kneller’s Happy Campers, MISSING KISSINGER and THE NIMROD FLIP-OUT.

WIN! Hey! Boomers has one copy of Etgar Keret’s novel to give away. For your chance to win, simply email your entry to editorial@heyboomers.com.au

Boomer Book Reviews

Free-Fallingby Nicola Moriarty$32.95 RRP (ISBN 9781742752594)

Free-Falling is a beguiling tragic-romantic comedy - of heartbreak and heroism, grief and ghostly dreams...

The Fiancee Belinda’s life is in free-fall after the sudden death of her fi ancé Andy. But then ghostly signs begin to appear which suggest he might not really be gone. And Belinda begins to tumble even further. Will his fi nal parting gift be enough to save her? The Mother Evelyn McGavin, Andy’s mum, is also struggling. She copes with her sorrow by shoplifting (once), hating Belinda (constantly) and jumping out of a plane. In her skydiving instructor, Baz, she fi nds an unexpected friend. But why is he so agitated when he hears how Andy died? Two women, united in their loss, separated by their grief. And yet still linked in a most unexpected way ...

hey!

41

The Book of Lost Fragrancesby M J Rose$32.95 RRP (ISBN: 9781742751337)

The Soldier’s Wifeby Joanna Trollope$32.95 RRP (ISBN: 9780385618045)

Does marrying a soldier mean marrying the army? The topical new novel from this number one bestselling author.Dan Riley is a major in the British Army. After a six month tour of duty in Afghanistan, he is coming home to the wife and young daughters he adores. The outside world sees those reunions as a taste of heaven after months of hell. But are they? Can a man trained to fi ght adjust again to family and domestic life? And how will the family cope, if he can’t? How much, indeed, can Alexa, Dan’s wife, sacrifi ce her own needs and fulfi lment to serve his commitment to a way of life that demands everything not just of him, but of her and the children as well? This novel takes a keen look at the home lives of the modern Army. What happens, these days, when love and a vocation collide, head on?

A scintillating thriller of murder and secrets, lovers separated by time, and a mystical perfume that unlocks past lives ...Jac L’Etoile has always been haunted by the past, her memories infused with the exotic scents she grew up around as the heir to a storied French perfume company. Fleeing the pain of those remembrances - and the suicide of her mother - she’s left the company in the hands of her brother Robbie. But when Robbie hints at an earth-shattering discovery in the family archives in Paris, and then suddenly goes missing - leaving a dead body in his wake - Jac is plunged into a world she thought she’d left behind. For the House of L’Etoile has been hiding a powerful secret since 1799: a scent that unlocks the mysteries of reincarnation. In the wrong hands, it’s a perfume with a deadly power.However identifying the formula may be Jac’s only chance to save her brother...The Book Of Lost Fragrances fuses history, passion and suspense in an intoxicating weave that moves from Cleopatra’s Egypt and the terrors of revolutionary France to Tibet’s battle with China and the glamour of modern-day Paris.

42

Boomers Brain Benders

Quick quiz

Boomers Boggle

existent ial ism

1. What car company logo consists of 3 red diamonds?

2. Name the legendary mare whose first offspring, nicknamed Rockstar, was bought

for $1.5 million by Melbourne trainer Danny O’Brien.

3. Which animal is the national emblem of Canada?

4. Who wrote and illustrated the children’s classic, The Magic Pudding?

5. What is the name for film studio MGM’s famous lion mascot?

6. How many stomachs does a cow have?

7. According to the proverb, the eyes are the window to what?

8. What does the first A of NASA stand for?

9. Who was the first Australian to win a ‘Best Actress’ Oscar?

10. An adult butterfly has how many legs?

How many words, greater than three letters, can you compile using the letters in this month’s word? Simply email your list of words to editorial@heyboomers.com.au. Don’t forget to add your name and contact details to the email for your chance to win a mystery prize!

For your chance to win a mystery prize, send your answers to this month’s quick quizz to editorial@heyboomers.com.au. Don’t forget to add your name and contact details to the email.

43

PISCES FEB 20–MAR 20 : Mercury, Venus and Uranus are lining up to give assistance and send some wonderful opportunities your way. This is a month of great activity. Learning to keep the balance will be the key this month, as you work through relationship problems. You can be too generous, allowing yourself to care too deeply - then become overly cautious-limiting your involvement.

ARIES MAR 21–APR 20 : Mar’s and Pluto form an intense combination, forcing you to become ruler of your own domain – do try to be diplomatic, train your impetuous nature and curb your rash temperament is the key to the battle you face this month. Making a mistake may not be the worst thing, but the chances are lessened by avoiding hasty decisions that may prove self-deceptive or overemotional.

TAURUS APR 21–MAY 21 : Taurean’s are steady as the rock of Gibraltar- this, however can prove to be self- defeating at the present moment. Rather than stubbornly persist in sticking to old ways and refusing to budge try to reorganize your short and long term goals. The alternative to repeating the futile habit of hitting your head against a brick wall (so to speak ) is to revert to deep soul searching that will provide the answers you need.

GEMINI MAY 21–JUN 20 : You will be given the opportunity to catch up with family and clear many of the things that have had to be put on hold for some time. Your personal and ruling planet, Mercury’s strong infl uence, this month will hopefully help you overcome your Quixote complex. Helping you use your knowledge and rational mind rather than looking for hidden agendas.

CANCER JUN 21–JUL 22 : Pluto, the planet of turmoil and destruction is opposing your sign, breaking down and rebuilding your personality and patterns. It will infl uence social change, watch your step as friends and associates may prove unpredictable or deceptive. You may feel the need to change your regular routines and develop new techniques. The time is right to end old family dramas, set new boundaries and clear limits that must be honored.

LEO JUL 23–AUG 23 : This is a time when the theme is on personal ambitions, you are on a mission! The next two months will be a dynamic exciting time providing opportunities to complete your restructuring process around fi nances. The rewards from previous hard work will bring lucky breaks and opportunities.

VIRGO AUG 24–SEP 23 : This is an ideal time to plan strategies because not everything in your world is perfect at the moment. You are never happy when facing chaos around you – the best option is to avoid confrontation and allow things to run their course. Change will come through transformation of values, and fi nding a new way to project yourself.

LIBRA SEP 24–OCT 23 : Try projecting a different image around others, anything that lets you keep moving mentally and intellectually. Maintain a positive attitude in your daily routine and don’t allow past mistakes to alter your present course of action. Channel your energy into enjoyable outlets. Working in a positive way will bring about a regenerating force that will bring pleasure and satisfaction.

SCORPIO OCT 24–NOV 22 : Uranus is transiting your sign over the coming years, clearing away many limitations and giving you a more philosophical view of life. You will be motivated to achieve, much can be gained but there is a need to guard against biting off more than you can chew. Adopt a more stable and cautious attitude.

SAGITTARIUS NOV 23–DEC 21 : This is a month where you support and harmony from those around you is necessary. You have the strength to step up and face the challenges and commitments ahead. It may not be reasonable to expect peace and harmony, but be open to compromise, rather than force yourself to take sole responsibility. Physical and emotional fatigue is to be avoided!

CAPRICORN DEC 22–JAN 20 : Showing strength of character will help you accomplish more and break through any limitations and advance in any direction you wish. Take time to explore your 6th sense and look for repetitive patterns-above all do not put your faith in extravagant promises. There is a need to look honestly at past disappointments, this will clarify where a clean break is needed and where there are possibilities for future growth.

AQUARIUS JAN 21–FEB 19 : This month is not a complete crises although you may feel you are going through an identity turning point. of sorts. Mercury and Pluto’s clash will require a partial retreat in order not to make the situation worse – don’t get too caught up in the daily drama. You are questioning direction and long term goals. Use the current Cosmic challenge to review home, family, domestic options.

March Horiscopes By MINERVA email: minervapost@hotmail.com

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