CANBERRA is no longer a capital city - according to Optus, that is.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The team at Today was surprised to learn that our nation's capital had been lumped in with the likes of Dubbo and Armidale in the line-up for Flix in the Stix 2012.
The annual film fest travels to a number of outdoor venues in regional NSW, which apparently includes our city next year. While we may have lost our capital standing alongside Sydney and Melbourne, at least we will get to see some short films, each hand-picked for their ''uplifting and entertaining'' qualities.
The final selection will be announced online at www.flixinthestix.com.au before heading to the National Botanic Gardens on February 25.
Shop small on Fridays
THERE is one good reason for embracing a small-town approach. Tomorrow marks the first of three Small Business Fridays, an initiative urging Canberrans to support our smaller shops in the lead-up to Christmas.
Small to Medium Enterprise Australia chief executive Dean Logan launched the campaign this week, saying, ''Our message is very simple - buy local, buy Australian and buy at least one product from a small business.''
Top of his suggestion list? Places to buy locally brewed beer, such as the Zierholz Premium Brewery (mini keg pictured left). Now there's a man who knows our Christmas shopping list!
Hysterical
SPEAKING of local produce, the team at Today has been treated to some more laughs courtesy of the ACT Legislative Assembly.
Yesterday brought another humorous alert from staffers, following on from the Greens quoting the Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy on Tuesday.
But perhaps this time the comedy was unintentional.
The Canberra Liberals sent out an alarming alert about a ''hysterical'' minister who had been ''damned by his own words''. My, my - all this hyperbole and still 10 months till the election.
Wreaking roller havoc
BUT IF you're after some fierce competition without the wait, why not swap politics for the roller derby?
While there may be some question over which activity is more bloodthirsty, there's no doubting the skill of our local skaters.
Canberra's own Amy Kazee, Bambi Von Smash'er, King Cam and Short Stop did the Canberra Roller Derby League proud recently, playing pivotal roles in Team Australia's performance at the first Roller Derby World Cup in Canada. The local lasses finished fourth in the tournament after a loss to our nation's oldest foe, England.
According to derbynewsnetwork.com, Australia had a strong start, leading 44-15 inside the first 10 minutes, but a 99-0 scoring run for England put paid to our hopes of a win. England dominated the second half to run out 203-85 winners.
Cockier than Jagger
THOSE skating superstars aren't the only Canberrans with smooth moves this Christmas. Locals have been urged to keep an eye out for some Jagger-style strutting from cockatoos, (such as the sulphur-crested variety pictured right) as they try to attract a feathered friend over the coming weeks.
Australia's Foundation for National Parks and Wildlife said the clucky cockies would soon be screeching their way to the territory and encouraged locals to smooth their path to love by becoming a Backyard Buddy. The annual program offers participants tips on attracting and caring for the amorous birds.
Visit backyardbuddies.net.au for further details. And if one animal in need is not enough, you can add injured koalas to your list.
The team at Port Macquarie's Koala Hospital is offering a unique Christmas gift this year, with the option of ''adopting'' a cuddly critter. Of course the adoptee would be treated, tagged and microchipped on-site before being released into the wild but - much like a sponsor child - the new parent would receive a photo and updates on their new addition. Further details can be found online at koalahospital.org.au
Beware scammer sequel
OF COURSE, the internet encompasses more than just needy natives - there are plenty of scams also trying to take your money.
Our favourite has always been the classic Nigerian scam, inevitably involving a wealthy widow, a hidden fortune and the need for all your personal banking details. But as with all classics, the scam is so widely spread that it's been old news for years.
So imagine our delight when we discovered that the scammers were making a sequel!
That's right, victims of the original scam can now be reimbursed for the money they ''loosed'' - all it takes is handing over all your personal information. Hang on, this sounds a lot like the original ...