Hobbit New Year

26 December 2012 #422

Cover Story: Hobbit New Year

Is all the Hobbity hype worth it? For our special summer edition, reviewer Alice Tynan gives her verdict on one of this summer’s most anticipated film releases. Peter Jackson’s The Hobbit will be showing in an air-conditioned oasis near you from Boxing Day and Alice has given it 4.5 stars: “an enthralling adventure indeed”.

Our arts editors give their Top Picks of 2012; Patrick Witton reflects on the year that was; resident astrologist Ricky French advises on the year ahead; our new cruciverbalist (look it up!), Rachel Kelly, delivers a fabulous bumper crossword; and, in ‘Roving Eye’, we present beach and water scenes from celebrated English photographer Martin Parr with words from Alan Attwood.

This edition’s ‘Vendor Profile’ is Arthur (and his faithful hound, Keeley) from Logan in Queensland. And we have ‘Streetsheet’ contributions from Clarissa, Marcus and Jeff in Melbourne, Athol and Lyndon in Sydney. A reader has also sent in a great photo of vendor Sarah in Perth.