The eyes have it

A bit of fun Blog cross posting with Menios of the Wentworth Courier.

The Cloverfield Diaries
WE all know that smart people wear glasses, right? So we would be perfectly within our rights to assume that the battle for Cloverfield would involve some clever characters, who might just be four-eyed. And yes indeed, three of the contenders for lord mayor – Clover Moore, Meredith Burgmann and Shayne Mallard - wear prescription glasses. This means that, if you include the also-rans, there are 16 eyes on the prize of the lord mayoral chains. So today we’re taking a light-hearted look at the candidates by assessing their eyewear fashion credentials.

Now, given that this blogger’s eye for fashion is less than expert, I called on our resident fashionista Prue Roberts to assess the three spectacle-clad pollies. See photos here.

First up, here’s Prue’s evaluation of Shayne Mallard’s funky glasses: “They suit his face quite well. I think they make him look quite intellectual. They say ‘architect-type’ to me… smart, good style. 8/10” OK, so Shayne’s a bit of alright. I would have had some reservations about the dark lenses he sometimes wears, which I think make him look a bit iffy, but hey, what do I know?

Next up, Prue judges Clover Moore’s fluorescent frames: “Expressing her individuality - but fluoro yellow-coloured glasses are a bit much, I think. They say ‘OTT art teacher’. They draw attention, but not in a good way. 4/10” We all know Clover doesn’t look bad for a 63-year-old, but her snot-coloured frames just don’t cut it, says Prue. After the election is done and dusted, we recommend a visit to the optometrist, Clover. (Blogger’s warning: Notice gen Y acronym, OTT. It means “over the top").

And finally, Prue assesses Meredith Burgmann’s squarish specs: “These say creative, but in a convincing way. She has a quirky sense of style and although the glasses are quite bright, she wears bold colours so the glasses don’t look out of place. The squarish shape suits her face shape too. 7/10” A quirky sense of style… yes, of course. She is one of those funky inner city types, after all. Gone on you, Aunty Em.

So there you have it. Shayne Mallard is the coolest cat in the council chambers. Well done, councillor.

At this point, I should let you in on a secret. Just to prove that Wenty journalists are open to constructive criticism, I was going to don my Wayne Cooper specs and let Prue assess my eyewear fashion credentials. But the photo was so bad, I chose to cop out and spare myself a whole lot of pain. Maybe next time…

Time out on Sunday for a Movie

Sometimes it is a good idea to take a few hours out of a full time campaign to clear the head and what better way than to go off to the movies? After side stepping the latest Clover monument opening at Redfern Park (what lovely weather for that too), Jesper and I went off to the Academy Twin Oxford Street Paddington to watch 'The Bank Job' a film set in 1971 London's East End. I was expecting another 'Ocean's 11' sort of movie but was rewarded with a thrilling plot, great script and credible acting. All in all a good way to escape 2008 Elections for a few short hours.

Back to the Campaign now - Shayne

Closer to E-Day

Picture : At my son’s wedding in Hawaii last year

Another week and only two full weeks to go to the election. It has been a very busy week.

Monday was the ‘Best of Sydney’ night when the Alternative Media (City News) put on a great event to congratulate a number of businesses in Sydney, voted by their customers, for providing great service.

Tuesday was a presentation to RESNET, the leading association for strata owner committee members.

Friday will be supporting Edward in his presentation to the Glebe area and then Saturday on the hustings again.

The announcement of our City Guardian policy has been terrific. I wish we did not have to do it, firstly because I wish people wouldn’t behave badly towards each other in the first place especially in such a socially advanced society such as Australia; and secondly this should be a State issue, but the current State Government has abdicated their responsibilities and I strongly believe that the citizens and visitors of Sydney deserve to feel safe on our streets.

Still had time to take my weekly swim with my granddaughter, workout at the gym, family moves and paying the bills as a working PC (post children) family. Like most modern mums and dads, the children never go away, no matter how old they become; but I like it that way.

David Evans

Pizza and Pamphlets

Another crazy campaigning weekend. We all handed out flyers on Saturday morning and spoke to people in the electorate. One gentleman was very upset about the proposed "homophobia free zone" he said he hated as a gay man to be "courted" by politicians, I should have asked him to help me hand out our pamphlets! It was then back to campaign headquarters for pizza and to discuss the week ahead. Edward and I then went to a fundraiser and Sunday morning was breakfast at Jones Bay Wharf with an Ultimo resident who said that Sydney has become "boring". Joan said that noone is allowed to make any noise anymore and even her local pub the Lord Wolseley has had trading restrictions put on them. I received a good old fashioned ear bashing on how the current council was the "fun police". I will bring up her concerns at our next campaign meeting. Finished the weekend off with an interview for City News. Until next week....

Finance Guru on Campaign Trail

Life is busy on the campaign trail. As well as attending campaign meetings, local events and generally enjoying all that our beautiful city has to offer I was approached during the week by a major network to do a screen test for a new finance show. I would never have thought that I would combine my acting and finance careers but I am excited by this opportunity.....almost as excited as using my budgeting skills if I were elected to council, now that would be rewarding!

Weekly Swim

Picture: Enjoying Aroma Festival 2008 at The Rocks

Went swimming with my granddaughter at lunch time, today. It has been great to be able to do some small activities over the last few months, like swimming with her before she starts school next year. Of course, one would always be glad if Eliane achieves the excellence of Stephanie Rice but to achieve Stephanie’s personality will be reward enough.

As the Games come to an end, it must be said; our sports men and women have been great ambassadors for our country and have done well.

David Evans

Rosebery Residents Action Group Meeting

On Wednesday Marilyn, Giovanni Frischman and I attended the Rosebery Residents Action Group “meet the candidates” meeting The meeting was run very well and each of the four candidates were given even and equal time to talk about their own vision and answer specific questions. Shayne (Mallard) presented very well and the only one who spoke, without notes. I really wonder if Clover Moore and Bergman have the ticker, as they appeared to lose concentration in the middle of the debate.

Shayne articulated our points of difference. His connection, and what he had done as a Councillor at the old South Sydney Council, gave him many good statements, which did resonate that he was not just saying what people wanted to hear.

David Evans