Tassie On My Mind, January 2010
- The future's so bright

First of all, a very Happy New Year to you. I hope 2010 brings you every success and happiness.

Why do I think the future's so bright? At the start of the new year and the new decade, I am pleased to say it's certainly looking that way.

Do you remember the lyrics of that 80s song:
Things are going great, and they're only getting better
The future's so bright, I gotta wear shades

Well there is certainly a lot to be excited about as we end the old year and kick off the new one. A delicious controversy here, a thrilling discovery there, and lots more to be enthusiastic about...

This issue:

• Two True come through
• Ever closer to beating DFTD
• The circus hits town
• Discover remarkable Bonnet Island
• Attention sport lovers

Two True come through

Did you keep in touch with the 2009 race highlights? That might have been a challenge, especially for those of us caught up in the end of year festivities.

Two True is the overall champ while line honours went to Alfa Romeo.

When I mentioned controversy earlier, I was referring to a protest that almost destroyed Two True's chances. Two True was involved in a collision at the starting line, resulting in the withdrawal of She's The Culprit from the race. As you might have guessed, She's The Culprit lodged the protest.

All's well that ends well for the winners. The protest was dismissed by the international jury of five. Two True came through in the end!

Ever closer to beating DFTD

2010 started on a really high note for me when I got the wonderful news...

Scientists have been able to narrow down the origin of DFTD to the Schwann cells which protect peripheral nerve fibres in the mouth of the Devil.

Why is this discovery critical? This is a major step forward as other previously held ideas can now be safely eliminated.

It had been thought that inbreeding led to the disease. There was also the idea that cells in another part of the body might be the cause. These theories can now be ruled out.

According to Associate Professor Greg Woods from the University of Tasmania's Menzies Research Institute, this discovery truly helps scientists gain a better understanding of DFTD.

See what I mean by thrilling discovery?

The circus hits town

What circus and where?

I'm talking about the Great Moscow Circus which is coming to Hobart in January. Step right up folks, you can see the circus at the Domain Regatta grounds in Hobart from 1st to 24th January.

What can you expect to see? How about daredevil motorbike stunts in the Globe of Death! Other acts include The Russian Swing, The Cosmic Orbitor and a team from Brazil who specialise in spectacular performances high up in the air.

There will be magicians, contortionists and acrobats - lots of thrills on offer. And of course, there will be clowns. What is a circus without clowns? Well not really a circus to me...

What about animals? I'm not that keen on seeing animals in circuses these days. They don't get a chance to say yay or nay. So it's good to know there is just one animal act featuring apparently very adorable miniature ponies.

And guess what? After Hobart, the circus goes on to perform in other Tasmanian cities - Launceston, Devonport and Burnie. Isn't that terrific? Yes, you've got me sussed - I'm just a big kid...

Discover remarkable Bonnet Island

A new tourist experience is being planned - a twilight cruise allowing passengers to discover the history of Bonnet Island. Doesn't that sound fascinating?

Where is Bonnet Island? It is situated at the mouth of Macquarie Harbour on Tasmania's west coast. You can see a photo of it on my page about cruising the Gordon River.

It is a picturesque island featuring a lighthouse. Lighthouses always get me thinking of the lonely yet noble job of the lighthouse keeper. Alone and far away, yet performing an important duty - helping ships find safe passage through perilous waters.

The island has another great feature. It is a breeding location for the fabulous Little Penguin. I saw these amazing creatures at Bicheno. And I certainly welcome seeing them at Bonnet Island too.

Attention sport lovers

Cricket at the Bellerive Oval in Hobart:

• 3-Mobile Test Series - Australia vs Pakistan
• Ford Ranger Cup - Tasmania Tigers vs Victoria
• Sheffield Shield - Tasmania Tigers vs Victoria

Tennis:
Moorilla Hobart International at the Domain Tennis Centre in Hobart

Car racing:
Targa Wrest Point in southern Tasmania - this is a sister event to the international motoring classic which is Targa Tasmania.

The festive season may be over but that's no reason to stop enjoying yourself. Treat yourself to the outstanding sporting entertainment on offer this month!

Well that's it for this issue.

The future looks bright for another reason. I'll be in Tassie this month on the Australia Day weekend. I plan to visit the Hobart area. If I get time, I will definitely be traveling further afield too. We shall see... Wherever I go in Tasmania, I always have a blast.

And yes, I will be filling you in on my travel adventures for sure.

Hope January kicks off your New Year and new decade with the promise of all kinds of good things coming your way...