Melbourne Music Week – DJ Kidz Workshop (ages 7 to 10 years)

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Description

Melbourne’s younger creatives (ages 7 to 10 years) get a chance to experiment with state-of-the-art music and video technology in a family-friendly workshop lead by electronic artist Spoonbill and visual artists John Power and Briony Barr.
The workshop gives kids the opportunity to explore three art-forms linked via new technologies and cutting-edge artistic creation.
Sounds created using samplers, fingerboards, finger drum pads and microphones will be teamed with visuals generated via cameras, light boxes, iPads, flour, water, audio speakers and a VJ mixer.
The participant’s creative contributions will form a catalogue of sounds and images that will be unleashed at the DJ Kidz Party on Saturday 26 November.

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Fashion does the rest

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With the clever use of tone and texture you can create stylish, restful bedrooms.

If you struggle to get a good night’s sleep, ask yourself: is your loud quilt cover keeping you awake?

Textile designers, some who advocate bold and bright bedroom decor, are divided on whether quiet, calming-looking fabrics best suit bedrooms to promote relaxation and sound sleep.

”I don’t think bedrooms need to be like a retirement home where you cannot agitate the patient,” says Julie Paterson, director of clothfabric.

”People think they are going to get a good night’s sleep but for that you need a good bed – it has nothing to do with the dynamics of the fabric.”

Ms Paterson, who says it is unfair to make men sleep under ”stupid chintzy flowers”, does not avoid strong colours. ”And strong patterns can work well in the bedroom but you have to do it with a bit of restraint.” That means neutral walls if the bed pattern is strong. Or, if it is neutral, maybe bright rugs.

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Strong butterfly motifs and a vivid palette set spring free

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Winter is over. Like butterflies emerging from a dark, sombre cocoon, we too awake full of colour.

Black and grey are on the wane as we emerge from our state of hibernation.

The flutter of colour shown in European interior and spring/summer fashion collections has gained momentum on the way to our shores. The butterfly effect is in full force.

The colour hurricane is engulfing everything in its wake. No longer just an accent reserved for cushions, artworks or feature walls, colour has made a comeback, with saturated shades, tones and tints ideal for the Australian landscape and taste.

Mandalay Designs’ butterflies and bugs fabric is a stunning and bold example of motif, hue and nature working in harmony. The pink velvet ottoman from Nyary 604 adds a touch of opulence to the look.

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Cut and dried results

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Correct mulching is one of the keys to healthy, vibrant plants in the hotter months.

There is nothing more invigorating than a lush green garden in spring and summer. Patchy planting or incorrect mulching can lead to issues with soil health and plant nutrient uptake, which can make the garden look tired and dry.

Correcting these issues will help your garden perform at its best and it will give you far more joy through the best of Melbourne’s weather.

Many garden beds have bare patches and, in summer, these can bake in the hot sun, heating the roots of plants and causing evaporation of moisture from the soil.

Soil that loses its structure can also repel water and this means when it rains, your plants and trees are not gaining maximum benefit.

The idea of green mulch (or living mulch) is worth noting. Layers of shade created by trees and then large shrubs, medium shrubs, small shrubs and ground covers will help to protect one another.

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It’s time to step up to the Eureka Tower challenge

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MELBOURNE’S tallest race is back.

Registrations have opened for the fhEureka Climb, in which competitors will climb the 88 levels of Southbank’s Eureka Tower on Sunday, November 13.

Ambassador of the event, Olympic gold medallist Michael Klim, has set Melburnians the challenge of surpassing the $177,000 that the fundraiser hauled in last year. Money will go to charities Whitelion and Interplast Australia and New Zealand, which work with disadvantaged teens.

Last year’s winner, Scott McTaggart will return to try to beat his time of 8min 50sec up the 1642 stairs.

The fastest male and female win trips to New York. Register at eurekaclimb.com.au

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Cycle safe in October

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POLICE are urging everyone to be bike-safe for Safe Cycle Month.

The joint initiative, between VicRoads and police aims to raise awareness of bicycle safety and reduce bike-related trauma on the roads.

There will be free safety activities, which includes free bicycle identification engraving and online chat sessions.

In the CBD, bike patrol squads will speak to cyclists about safety issues, and enforcing road rules on key cycling routes.

Bicycle coordinator Sgt Arty Lavos said drivers and pedestrians need to play their part in bike safety.

“It’s essential that our roads are safe places for all road users, especially our vulnerable road users such as cyclists,” he said.

“It’s October, the weather is warming up and we are seeing even more cyclists get out on the bike.”

This year’s theme is preparation, with police urging cyclists to prepare for their journeys and drivers to prepare to be aware of cyclists on the road. 

Police will be part of Ride to Work Day on October 12 and Around the Bay in a Day on October 16, where they will be offering free bicycle identification engraving.

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DO YOU have kids in need of entertainment these school holidays?

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Here are a list of exciting options for young and old to enjoy over the two-week break.

And be sure to check out our What’s On section for more fun things to do.

Saturday, September 24

Ascot Vale: Royal Melbourne Show, featuring horse jumping, monster trucks, FMX motorbikes, kids’ shows, plus rides, an animal nursery, showbags and fireworks. September 24-October 4, 9.30am-9.30pm, Melbourne Showgrounds, Epsom Rd, Ascot Vale. $30/$20; ages 5-14 $15; family $56-$70; under-5s free.  Details: 1300 656 547, tickets 13 28 49 or royalshow.com.au.

Yarra Valley: All aboard for the Railway Heritage Festival. Featuring rail-motor rides, a blacksmith, wood carving, classic cars and wagon rides. September 24 and 25, 10am-4pm. Healesville Railway Station. $5, under-12s free. Details: yarravalleyrailway.org.au

Oakleigh: Fairy workshop. Come along and join in the fairies in-store for face painting, balloon animals and wand making workshops Details: http://www.facebook.com/easypeasyparties

Sunday, September 25

Northcote: The Northcote Kids Festival features more than 60 shows and workshops covering drama, music, magic, puppetry, comedy and film, for children aged up to 12 and their families. September 25-October 9, several shows daily, varied times. Northcote Town Hall, 189 High St, Northcote, and Northcote Uniting Church, 251 High St, Northcote (first week only). Shows $15/$12, workshops approximately $8-$10 a person. Details: 9481 9500 or northcotekidsfestival.com.au

Elsternwick: GlazeIt Studio Decorate a ready-to-paint ceramic piece using special colours and techniques, have it glazed and collect a week later. No classes but assistance is offered, suits kids and adults. Pottery pieces from $9, daily studio art fee $7 a painter. Bookings essential during holidays, September 25-October 8, Mon-Fri,10am-5pm; Sat-Sun, 11am-5pm. 328A Glen Eira Rd, Elsternwick. Details: 9532 9933 or glazeit.com.au

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Volkswagen Nils concept

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Nils concept car offers alternative to the scooter.

Think of it as an electric scooter with four wheels, a boot, and an enclosed body shell.

Volkswagen’s Nils concept is a single-seater electric car that the brand says "offers a glimpse at a new form of minimalist mobility". It offers minimalist dimensions, too, measuring up at just 1.39m wide, 1.20m tall and 3.04m in length – a full 50cm less than Volkswagen’s recently unveiled Up! city car.

The concept boasts an innovative body design that VW claims is based on a formula one car, with outboard 17-inch wheels, a single-seat cockpit-style interior and a rear-mounted motor. It also has wing doors with polycarbonate windows, an iPad-like portable info device and a "small but practical" boot space that appears to be big enough for a backpack and a "case of drinks".

Propulsion comes from a 25kW/130Nm electric motor that sends its power to the back wheels via a single-speed transmission. The Nils offers a commuter-friendly range of 65km, with a top speed of 130km/h.

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SMART SHOPPER: Get on the trail of a bargain at garage sales

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THERE is a lot to love about a garage sale.

The weekend ritual of hunting through treasure troves of second-hand bits and bobs is a great way to score a bargain while reducing landfill.

Hosts are given the chance to make a bit of money decluttering their home and get a chance to meet the people living in their neighbourhood.

It was with this in mind that Sydneysider Darryl Nichols and a close-knit team started the Garage Sale Trail.

The Australia-wide event aimed at encouraging sustainability, community and fun was held for the first time in Melbourne this year.

“I’ve always loved the idea of rummaging through other people’s stuff – it is that sense of discovery and trying to unveil some sort of treasure,” Mr Nichols said.

His tips for a successful sale include large signs advertising the event, balloons to show where you are, mirrors so punters can “try before they buy” and “lots of change”.

“Put free things and kids’ toys up front, they are very effective lures,” Mr Nichols said.

“Wash everything before selling. No one likes manky-looking clothes, toys or crockery so be sure to give everything a quick spruce before putting it out .”

Mr Nichols said it was important to spread the word to mates, family and neighbours and even create a Facebook page to bring everyone together.

“The Garage Sale Trail is about trying to help offset waste to landfill, bring people together, help stimulate local economies and have a bit of fun.”

If you can’t wait until next year’s trail visit Australian-wide garage sale online directories streetgaragesales.com and egaragesales.com.au to find out where sales are happening near you.

Consumer advocacy group Choice suggests buyers avoid second-hand car jacks, life jackets, bicycle helmets, exercise bicycles, cots and mattresses.

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Taste of Melbourne

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Taste of Melbourne returns to the iconic Royal Exhibition Building, bringing together the city’s finest restaurants and an exceptional line up of premium food and drink producers for an unforgettable gourmet experience all under the one roof.

Create your dream degustation from a mouth-watering menu of dishes prepared by Melbourne’s most exciting chefs. Enhance your appreciation of coffee, cheese, fine wine and cocktails with expert-led tastings and tutorials. Sip, sample and savour the gastronomic delights of the Taste Producers Market.

Taste of Melbourne is the perfect recipe for gourmet glamour, entertaining and inspiration.

Royal Exhibition Building

Royal Exhibition Building 9 Nicholson Street Carlton VIC 3053

Date & times

15/09/2011 to 18/09/2011

Thursday: 5:30pm – 9:30pm

Friday: noon – 9:30pm

Saturday: noon – 9:30pm

Sunday: noon – 5pm

Friday and Saturday are broken into two sessions — 12 to 4pm and 5:30 to 9:30pm.

How to get there

Trams and buses: Metlink

Price

General Entry: Bought in advance $25 or $30 on the day.

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