Guest interview: Allan Scott

Book out: Marlborough Man - A quintessentially Kiwi story of an accidental wine-industry trailblazer

http://www.harpercollins.co.nz/9781775540571/marlborough-man-a-quintessentially-kiwi-story-of-an-accidental-wine-industry-trailblazer

Darren Bevan: Movies

A new Marvel film - Doctor Strange starring Benedict Cumberbatch and Tilda Swinton.
Darren's verdict: Wait for the DVD

http://bit.ly/doctor-strange-review

Also out, a brilliant surprise for the end of the year Hell Or High Water

Darren's verdict: Rush to see it!

http://bit.ly/hellorhighwater-review

and out on DVD for Halloween Ghostbusters starring Melissa McCarthy and Kristen Wiig

Darren’s verdict: Good for a quiet night

For all Darren's reviews and info go to Darren's blog  http://www.darrens-world-of-entertainment.blogspot.co.nz/

NICI WICKES: Food

It’s time to get prepared for Christmas and an aged fruit mince is going to serve you well when it comes time to make Christmas minces. The recipe for Nici's Christmas Mince is on our website and for more inspiration visit  http://www.niciwickes.com/  or her Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/#!/niciwickes

LYNDA HALLINAN: Gardening

We all know that gardening is good for you - it reduces stress, relieves symptoms of anxiety, increases your property value and allows you to eat fresh, pesticide-free food you've grown yourself. But did you know it's also bad for you?

1. Sunburn. I've already got the gardener's version of a back tattoo: that strip of sunburn that gets you between the bottom of your t-shirt and the top of your pants. Although we don't think of the spring sun as having the intensity of summer, that first exposure to a brilliant sunny day can catch you unawares. Slap on your sunscreen before heading out to slog it outdoors, and wear a wide-brimmed hat (not the most fashionable, but the most practical). Follow the shade around your garden when you're deciding on your to-do list for the day as well.

2. Cuts, scratches and scrapes: If you're working around plants such as roses or spiky berberis, wear thick gloves and keep your forearms protected. Rose thorns can lead to serious infections, so if you do end up with a scrape that turns red and angry, get it checked out. 

3. Legionnaire's disease is a real risk if you are using bagged compost and potting mixes, especially if they are very dry/dusty when you open the bag or you are prone to respiratory illnesses. It feels ridiculous to don a mask, but it's worth considering.

Don't fret about getting your fingers dirty digging in your standard garden soil or applying homemade compost - the spores don't thrive in those environments. 

4. Stretch before you start, and try not to do the same job all day (weeding, planting etc) as you can end up with tennis elbow and repetitive strain injuries. It's worth investing in ergonomic tools, especially hand tools, if you're a fanatical gardener, and some bath salts to ease all those aches at the end of the day. 

BOB CAMPBELL: Wine

Wine of the week:

I’ve picked a low alcohol, low calorie Sauvignon Blanc which is surprisingly delicious. It’s Forrest Estate’s The Doctor’s 2016 Sauvignon Blanc $22 – smooth textured wine with appealing passion fruit flavours and a pleasantly drying finish. Only 9.5% alcohol (most are around 13%).

Visit Bob's website with over  22,000 wine reviews!  http://bobcampbell.nz/

MIKE YARDLEY: Travel

Sights and Bites in Athens.For more tips on staking out the best of Athens, check out Mike's articles on our website. www.newstalkzb.co.nz/lifestyle

CATHERINE RAYNES: Books

Working Class Boy by Jimmy Barnes, Harper Collins $50

Lilac Girls by Martha Hall, Penguin Randomhouse $37

ANDREW DICKENS: Music

Lady Gaga 'Joanne' - Andrew's verdict: 6/10.

Less a reinvention and more a watering down of the full Gaga effect.  She has the chops, but her old fans will be a little disappointed and the new sound, part country part California soft rock, is not strong enough to attract a new audience.  It reaffirms that she is still an entertainer who takes risk and a must see live.