Reporter’s diary

Press, 6 September 1989, Page 2

Reporter’s diary

Reagan’s daughter RONALD Reagan (yes, that Ronald Reagan) was distinctly unimpressed by his daughter’s first novel. The theme centres on the life of a daughter of a befuddled former governor of California who goes on to become President — ooh, yes, ouch. Patti Davis will probably upset Reagan again when her second novel, “Deadfall,” is published in October. If the first was close to the bone, this must be the marrow. The story is of a Right-wing American Administration that searches for a pretext to invade Nicaragua. Among the book’s characters are a fanatical C.I.A. director, a colonel who stops at nothing, and a President who becomes a willing pawn of the villains. Daddy really won’t be pleased. Taking the Mickey? TV3 has unwittingly supplied us with the most boggle-eyed smiley of the lot. On its side, the logo advertising the advent of the third channel looks remarkably like a wellknown Walt Disney character. The reader who pointed this out seems to think the character is

sleeping, and wonders if this is significant. Don’t look at us. Shock therapy THERE just might be a cure for teenagers who have glued their ears to the parental telephone. Send them to Queensland, Australia, where research shows that more than half the 80 Australians struck by lightning each year come from Queensland, and most of those get a bolt while speaking on the telephone.

Spade work WAKEY-WAKEY, gardeners. Spring — and visiting garden experts — are here to inspire you. Heritage Roses, New Zealand Inc., will provide enthusiasts with the chance to hear and meet two well-known British gardeners: Beth Chatto, nurserywoman, author of “The Damp Garden” and “The Dry Garden” will speak at St Margaret’s College on Sunday, September 24 at 7.30 p.m. With her will be Christopher Lloyd of the famous English garden, Great Dixter. Mr Lloyd is also a well-known author of gardening books. Hi-tech 100 MORE light can be shed on that fascinating hybrid of gimmickry and practicality: The Japanese 100. This time it is a first-hand account from a colleague, John Cosgrove, in Japan recently for a photographic essay called “Discover Kurashiki,” which is similar to an exhibition he produced called “One Day in Christchurch.” One 100 that John met in a private house had to be approached sideways, it was so narrowly confined;

but once there, it was worth the effort. Pressure on the seat (woollen and warmed) triggered an arm which was raised up beside the user. Buttons on the arm offered a choice: Hot or cold wash; hot or cold blow-dry; stereo sound control for the radio. Everything, in fact, for your convenience. Confused SEEING Bob Tizard’s son Joseph during a television interview recently, reminded Varian Wilson of the time when Mr Tizard was known as “Uncle” to the daughter of his soon-to-be second wife. The little girl, at playcentre in Auckland, was puzzled by the name of baby Jesus in the Christmas crib. “But the baby is Joseph,” she said. “No, Joseph is the father.” “I thought that was Uncle Bob,” she replied. Every effort was made to explain the relationships to the little girl, but she was determined to make sure her stepfather-to-be didn’t feel left out. “Perhaps Uncle Bob can be the donkey,” was her solution.

—Jenny Setchell.