There are not many people in the world who can say they have Sir Richard Branson wrapped around their little finger.
But that's exactly what six-year-old Perth boy Jarvis Brett did this morning when he met the billionaire entrepreneur.
Sitting in Sir Richard's lap as the visiting special guest of Perth charity Strike A Chord for Cancer met with some of the sick children he was there to help, Jarvis looked shy as cameras flashed in his face.
But as soon as the formalities were over, the little boy with neuro blastoma showed Sir Richard just how flexible his fingers were, and then delighted in trying to pull Sir Richard's fingers out of their sockets.
Today, Sir Richard will attend a variety of events held around the city in aid of the Perth charity.
Fans of the entrepreneur have forked out up to $3300 each to socialise with him. Those paying the premium price will enjoy a cruise on the Swan River this afternoon on board a 94-foot yacht as they eat dishes created by Knee Deep winery chef Bradley Hornby and drink Billecart champagne.
He will also attend a cocktail function at Indiana restaurant overlooking Cottesloe beach with 200 guests, and a party dubbed Branson by the Pool at Burswood later tonight with another 700. More than 1000 people will attend breakfast and lunch functions at which he will appear today.
Strike A Chord for Cancer offers emergency funds to families who have children suffering from cancer, while also providing them with musical instruments and lessons to help take their mind of their illness. Tonight, a band made up of children who benefited from the charity will play at the pool party.
Sir Richard said he came to Perth for the kids.
"They're fantastic kids, except for the one that's been trying to break my finger!" he said.
"No, he's absolutely adorable. It's a tremendous charity and great to be able to spend the day trying to raise money for it. You can see the joy in the kids' faces, how excited they are to be playing in their band tonight, having been given the equipment by the charity and taught how to use it."
Sir Richard said he travelled the world to attend charity events, and worked on his foundation that raises money for children in Africa.
"I do about 20 events a year," he said.
"I do some speaking and put 100 per cent to the charity, or towards the foundation we have in Africa.
"That's about helping African kids who have different sorts of problems." (Credit: Fairfax Media)
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Australian Casino And Poker News: Overseas Passenger Terminal And Burswood Casino Packs Em In, by Greg Tingle - 19th March 2010
It's been a huge 24 hours in the Australian casino, employment, poker, media and social and community entrepreneur sectors.
Billionaire Inc Connection...
James Packer's Burswood Casino aka Burswood Entertainment Complex, based in Perth, Western Australia, is on a roll. Poker and online poker continue to do massive numbers, and Crown Limited (Crown Casino and Burswood Casino etc al), PartyGaming's PartyPoker, Media Man and Gambling911 are in the thick of the action.
Must be magic that Packer and Perth mining magnate, Andrew "Twiggy" Forrest are weaving. "Twiggy" have brought his infectious can-do attitude, work ethic and Aussie humour in spades to Sydney. Yep, the Billionaire, understood to now be Australia's Richest Man, still has the common touch.
Packer and Forrest were in Sydney last night, at the Overseas Passenger Terminal, joined by 500 power players in the Australian business, political and entertainment arena to officially welcome in GenerationOne. For the record, Media Man had to report from the sidelines as the event was jam packed, but did have the pleasure to speaking to some execs very close to the powers that be...and they were pleased to hear of our assistance to groups such as Githabul people, Yuggera tribe, Deadly Awards, Friends of Malabar Headland and Virgin Unite, and mentioning that we owned shares in Crown Casino didn't seem to hurt the cause!
Movie stars Cate Blanchett and Russell Crowe attended last night, where movers and shakers exchanged ideas (plus gossip) and saw their palms projected onto the sails of the Opera House in a show of support. Us Aussies are likely giving the Las Vegas Strip and Atlantic City a few free ideas!
The story that Media Man and Gambling911 collaborated on and broke worldwide, has dominated Google and Google News for the past 24 hours or so, and shows no sign on slowing down for the weekend... a favorite time for punters, both in Australia and around the globe.
The GenerationOne movement has also triggered us to open up negotiations with the state and federal government to see how we here at Media Man may qualify to take on a couple of suitable indigenous peoples as contract staff to assist our business endeavors... could be for photography, video, graphic arts or internet portal development.
Australia New Zealand Poker Tour
The event is the toast of the town in Perth, ok, that may be talking it up a notch, but you get the idea.
Burswood Casino, PokerStars and the online poker community, not to mention bars,
restaurants, taxis and limousines are sure doing well out of it. All the action also means that Burswood will need to keep staff numbers high, which is good news for GenerationOne, but fortunately those infamous plastic handcuffs have yet been witnessed on site.
Insiders advise over 60 players got through day 1b at the PokerStars ANZPT Perth Main Event. Mr Yu-chang Cheng leads as the only player from the flight with over 100,000 in chips.
Many of Australia’s best poker players attended with PokerStars pros Tony Hachem, Eric Assadourian and Grant Levy all surviving with pretty average chips.
Joel "Strong Play" Dodds who continues his roll with ANZPT to sit in third chip position with 97,600 and APPT Sydney champion Aaron Benton returned strongly from a short stack to concluded with 74,900 chips. ANZPT Adelaide champ Rennie Carnevale gets to Day 2 with 47,550.
The ANZPT Perth Main Event attracted 222 players, beating the previous record for a Perth event - 142 players. The top prize is $132,750.
Here's the numbers as of time to publication
Top ten chip counts:
Nik Lackovic – 104,625
Yu-chang Cheng – 101,425
Joel Dodds – 97,600
Dominic Sinagra – 93,350
Aaron Wilson – 90,950
Kelvin Beattie – 90,125
Christopher Evans - 87,600
Tu Le – 84,425
Jimmy Wong – 77,925
Aaron Benton - 74,900
So punters, be casino, poker or community assistance being your passion or poison, as you can see its been a massive period for casino, poker and entertainment news down under.
Wait, there's more!
GenerationOne - The Numbers Build
In the next report we expect to be able to give more updates on the amount of jobs GenerationOne is generating. New South Wales premier Kristina Keneally, already has 2229 jobs earmarked for indigenous people, Packer has approx 100, "Twiggy" with multiple thousands, and Media Man has put aside 2 contract jobs for locals. It's more paperwork, but the end result is worth the effort.
Mr Packer has employed 60 indigenous workers and is looking for 50 more. Like many, he had always wanted to do more in the area and Mr Forrest had shown him how.
"It's not about rich people can do more, or poor people should get off their backsides, or government should get out there … It's about all Australians", Mr Forrest said.
"People tell me, 'This is just another campaign.' I say show me the 20,000 (promised jobs so far) in any other campaign."
Readers, have fun playing your games of preference, and be assured that we will continue to support the readership and community who support us.
Let's hear it again for the Australian - American connection... Aussie Aussie Aussie Oi Oi Oi Aussie Aussie Aussie USA USA Aussie Oi Aussie Oi USA Oi Oi Oi!
* Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911
* The writer owns shares in Crown Limited
* Media Man http://www.mediamanint.com is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company, operating in over a bakers dozen vertical markets
Website Network
Media Man International
Media Man Australia
Media Man Asia
Casino News Media
Casino News Media.net
Australian Casinos
Australian Casino News
Casino Travel Media
Poker News Media
Global Gaming Directory
Global Gaming Directory.net
Billionaire Inc Connection...
James Packer's Burswood Casino aka Burswood Entertainment Complex, based in Perth, Western Australia, is on a roll. Poker and online poker continue to do massive numbers, and Crown Limited (Crown Casino and Burswood Casino etc al), PartyGaming's PartyPoker, Media Man and Gambling911 are in the thick of the action.
Must be magic that Packer and Perth mining magnate, Andrew "Twiggy" Forrest are weaving. "Twiggy" have brought his infectious can-do attitude, work ethic and Aussie humour in spades to Sydney. Yep, the Billionaire, understood to now be Australia's Richest Man, still has the common touch.
Packer and Forrest were in Sydney last night, at the Overseas Passenger Terminal, joined by 500 power players in the Australian business, political and entertainment arena to officially welcome in GenerationOne. For the record, Media Man had to report from the sidelines as the event was jam packed, but did have the pleasure to speaking to some execs very close to the powers that be...and they were pleased to hear of our assistance to groups such as Githabul people, Yuggera tribe, Deadly Awards, Friends of Malabar Headland and Virgin Unite, and mentioning that we owned shares in Crown Casino didn't seem to hurt the cause!
Movie stars Cate Blanchett and Russell Crowe attended last night, where movers and shakers exchanged ideas (plus gossip) and saw their palms projected onto the sails of the Opera House in a show of support. Us Aussies are likely giving the Las Vegas Strip and Atlantic City a few free ideas!
The story that Media Man and Gambling911 collaborated on and broke worldwide, has dominated Google and Google News for the past 24 hours or so, and shows no sign on slowing down for the weekend... a favorite time for punters, both in Australia and around the globe.
The GenerationOne movement has also triggered us to open up negotiations with the state and federal government to see how we here at Media Man may qualify to take on a couple of suitable indigenous peoples as contract staff to assist our business endeavors... could be for photography, video, graphic arts or internet portal development.
Australia New Zealand Poker Tour
The event is the toast of the town in Perth, ok, that may be talking it up a notch, but you get the idea.
Burswood Casino, PokerStars and the online poker community, not to mention bars,
restaurants, taxis and limousines are sure doing well out of it. All the action also means that Burswood will need to keep staff numbers high, which is good news for GenerationOne, but fortunately those infamous plastic handcuffs have yet been witnessed on site.
Insiders advise over 60 players got through day 1b at the PokerStars ANZPT Perth Main Event. Mr Yu-chang Cheng leads as the only player from the flight with over 100,000 in chips.
Many of Australia’s best poker players attended with PokerStars pros Tony Hachem, Eric Assadourian and Grant Levy all surviving with pretty average chips.
Joel "Strong Play" Dodds who continues his roll with ANZPT to sit in third chip position with 97,600 and APPT Sydney champion Aaron Benton returned strongly from a short stack to concluded with 74,900 chips. ANZPT Adelaide champ Rennie Carnevale gets to Day 2 with 47,550.
The ANZPT Perth Main Event attracted 222 players, beating the previous record for a Perth event - 142 players. The top prize is $132,750.
Here's the numbers as of time to publication
Top ten chip counts:
Nik Lackovic – 104,625
Yu-chang Cheng – 101,425
Joel Dodds – 97,600
Dominic Sinagra – 93,350
Aaron Wilson – 90,950
Kelvin Beattie – 90,125
Christopher Evans - 87,600
Tu Le – 84,425
Jimmy Wong – 77,925
Aaron Benton - 74,900
So punters, be casino, poker or community assistance being your passion or poison, as you can see its been a massive period for casino, poker and entertainment news down under.
Wait, there's more!
GenerationOne - The Numbers Build
In the next report we expect to be able to give more updates on the amount of jobs GenerationOne is generating. New South Wales premier Kristina Keneally, already has 2229 jobs earmarked for indigenous people, Packer has approx 100, "Twiggy" with multiple thousands, and Media Man has put aside 2 contract jobs for locals. It's more paperwork, but the end result is worth the effort.
Mr Packer has employed 60 indigenous workers and is looking for 50 more. Like many, he had always wanted to do more in the area and Mr Forrest had shown him how.
"It's not about rich people can do more, or poor people should get off their backsides, or government should get out there … It's about all Australians", Mr Forrest said.
"People tell me, 'This is just another campaign.' I say show me the 20,000 (promised jobs so far) in any other campaign."
Readers, have fun playing your games of preference, and be assured that we will continue to support the readership and community who support us.
Let's hear it again for the Australian - American connection... Aussie Aussie Aussie Oi Oi Oi Aussie Aussie Aussie USA USA Aussie Oi Aussie Oi USA Oi Oi Oi!
* Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911
* The writer owns shares in Crown Limited
* Media Man http://www.mediamanint.com is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company, operating in over a bakers dozen vertical markets
Website Network
Media Man International
Media Man Australia
Media Man Asia
Casino News Media
Casino News Media.net
Australian Casinos
Australian Casino News
Casino Travel Media
Poker News Media
Global Gaming Directory
Global Gaming Directory.net
Friday, March 19, 2010
Big names lend hand to campaign - 19th March 2010
Hand prints of some of Australia's biggest movers and shakers will be projected onto Sydney Opera House to kick start a campaign to end indigenous inequality.
Interactive artwork will build up over two hours covering the Opera House sails from 8pm (AEDT) on Friday.
Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, mining magnate Andrew Forrest, media baron James Packer, and actors Russell Crowe and Cate Blanchett will be among the 500 participants at the GenerationOne launch.
The campaign aims to boost aboriginal employment, literacy rates, year 12 completion rates, and help curb alcohol abuse and welfare dependency in indigenous communities.
As part of the launch, artworks will also be projected onto five iconic buildings in other cities - Flinders St Station in Melbourne, the Adelaide Festival Centre, Brisbane City Hall, Canberra Australian National Gallery and the Perth Bell Tower.
Cape York Kokoberra woman Tania Major, the 2007 Young Australian of the Year, is one of faces of the campaign.
"As I get around this country, I find Australians really are unified around a desire to ensure that this is the last generation to suffer indigenous disparity," she said prior to the launch.
Joint spokesman Jack Manning Bancroft said cooperation was needed nationwide.
"GenerationOne is different from previous attempts to fix this problem because it isn't just calling on governments to act. It's calling on business, government and all Australians," he said.
GenerationOne will have a national roadshow from March 23 to May 20 to encourage people to get involved.
Interactive artwork will build up over two hours covering the Opera House sails from 8pm (AEDT) on Friday.
Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, mining magnate Andrew Forrest, media baron James Packer, and actors Russell Crowe and Cate Blanchett will be among the 500 participants at the GenerationOne launch.
The campaign aims to boost aboriginal employment, literacy rates, year 12 completion rates, and help curb alcohol abuse and welfare dependency in indigenous communities.
As part of the launch, artworks will also be projected onto five iconic buildings in other cities - Flinders St Station in Melbourne, the Adelaide Festival Centre, Brisbane City Hall, Canberra Australian National Gallery and the Perth Bell Tower.
Cape York Kokoberra woman Tania Major, the 2007 Young Australian of the Year, is one of faces of the campaign.
"As I get around this country, I find Australians really are unified around a desire to ensure that this is the last generation to suffer indigenous disparity," she said prior to the launch.
Joint spokesman Jack Manning Bancroft said cooperation was needed nationwide.
"GenerationOne is different from previous attempts to fix this problem because it isn't just calling on governments to act. It's calling on business, government and all Australians," he said.
GenerationOne will have a national roadshow from March 23 to May 20 to encourage people to get involved.
Australian Casino King, Business Tycoons And Social And Community Entrepreneurs Unite For Indigenous, by Greg Tingle - 19th March 2010
Tonight's the night!
Australian casino king, James Packer, friends, associates and even a few Hollywooders will gather at the Sydney Overseas Passenger Terminal in Sydney in aid of indigenous Australians - GenerationOne!
Mr Packer and mate, Andrew Forrest, having been working the phones and rumor has it even Russell Crowe and Cate Blanchett will be there. Billionaires and celebs a plenty.
They will all get together to project their hands via a colourful laser display on the Opera House to launch GenerationOne - an ambitious project to secure appropriate training and employment for indigenous Australians.
A positive and determine billionaires' swag - one that Packer, Forrest, Kerry Stokes, Lowy clan and Lindsay Fox make the running on a cause they have taken into their own hands.
Media Man is hopeful of getting up close to the action tonight, and rest assured follow up stores will follow, many of which positive outcomes are forecast.
Prime Minster Kevin Rudd has publicly said Sorry to indigenous Australians, but saying sorry is not enough... actions speak louder than words, and who better to action than influential whales and dolphins in the casino, media and entertainment industry.
Numerous Australian government agencies and charity groups have previously given money and attention towards Aboriginal Australians, but sustainable solutions - jobs and the like are what's needed. Just throwing money at problems doesn't work, and the Packer - Forrest clan has runs on the board and has experienced indigenous Australia close up... both the good and the bad.
These leaders of business have their work cut out for themselves, but they are used to beating the odds... and winning. Look at Packer's recent "comeback of the decade". Big business, backed by positive (and cashed up) folks, coupled with people power, has a good chance to win this struggle.
Corporate social responsibility has become a focus for many companies over the past years. Sustainable employment seems to have overshadowed the environmental - greeny barrow. A Media Man insider was overheard, "All this talk about the environment... well and good, but if someone is sleeping in a cardboard box and hungry, that's their environment. Millionaires, billionaires and the right mix of social and community entrepreneurs can sort out many of Australia's problems".
Billionaire Inc is willing to use some of its its money and clout garner community interest and balanced news media attention to push a unified cause. Egos will be pushed to the side, results being paramount.
Forrest is the individual who has driven this to date. He's got jobs for the right folks, so has Packer. All members of the brains trust understand that correct training, willingness to learn, adapt, hard work and positive mental attitude is key.
The initial jobs target is 50,000 indigenous placings. Packer's Crown and Forrest's mining operation can't fill all of the positions, so they are looking to other suitable Australian companies to assist. It's seen as a win - win - win.
Part of the task for Team Forrest - Packer is about convincing big business that indigenous employees, properly trained and equally valued, are economically valuable and inspirational to the other employees and can become mentors. This isn't about fulfilling a charitable quota.
For Forrest and Packer this quest is most personal.
Forrest was raised in a remote West Australian station where until the age of nine all his friends were Aborigines. He says that the Aboriginal elders mentored him and taught him many life skills, including how to track and how to fight.
"I grew up believing the more you know Aboriginal people the more you love them", he told Fairfax Media.
At the age of nine Forrest was sent to a boarding hostel where Aborigines lived.
The majority of the billionaires he has mustered have either experienced their own struggle or have learnt hardship from their parents.
The Packer and Forrest collective empires are in a strong position at present, and perhaps this has been instrumental in the timing of this bold project.
Media Man and Gambling911 applaud this champion effort. It's mate helping mate, breaking down the divide between the haves and the have nots. Media Man and Gambling911 hope your gaming experience is a positive and enjoyable one, and if you get lucky, please consider assisting a worthy cause or two. In the coming days and weeks more details will be provided on GenerationOne. Crew, let's hear it... Aussie Aussie Aussie Oi Oi Oi Aussie Aussie Aussie Oi Oi Oi.
*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911
*The writer owns shares in Crown Limited
*Media Man http://www.mediamanint.com is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company.
Website Network
Media Man International
Media Man Australia
Casino News Media
Casino News Media.net
Global Gaming Directory
Global Gaming Directory.net
Australian casino king, James Packer, friends, associates and even a few Hollywooders will gather at the Sydney Overseas Passenger Terminal in Sydney in aid of indigenous Australians - GenerationOne!
Mr Packer and mate, Andrew Forrest, having been working the phones and rumor has it even Russell Crowe and Cate Blanchett will be there. Billionaires and celebs a plenty.
They will all get together to project their hands via a colourful laser display on the Opera House to launch GenerationOne - an ambitious project to secure appropriate training and employment for indigenous Australians.
A positive and determine billionaires' swag - one that Packer, Forrest, Kerry Stokes, Lowy clan and Lindsay Fox make the running on a cause they have taken into their own hands.
Media Man is hopeful of getting up close to the action tonight, and rest assured follow up stores will follow, many of which positive outcomes are forecast.
Prime Minster Kevin Rudd has publicly said Sorry to indigenous Australians, but saying sorry is not enough... actions speak louder than words, and who better to action than influential whales and dolphins in the casino, media and entertainment industry.
Numerous Australian government agencies and charity groups have previously given money and attention towards Aboriginal Australians, but sustainable solutions - jobs and the like are what's needed. Just throwing money at problems doesn't work, and the Packer - Forrest clan has runs on the board and has experienced indigenous Australia close up... both the good and the bad.
These leaders of business have their work cut out for themselves, but they are used to beating the odds... and winning. Look at Packer's recent "comeback of the decade". Big business, backed by positive (and cashed up) folks, coupled with people power, has a good chance to win this struggle.
Corporate social responsibility has become a focus for many companies over the past years. Sustainable employment seems to have overshadowed the environmental - greeny barrow. A Media Man insider was overheard, "All this talk about the environment... well and good, but if someone is sleeping in a cardboard box and hungry, that's their environment. Millionaires, billionaires and the right mix of social and community entrepreneurs can sort out many of Australia's problems".
Billionaire Inc is willing to use some of its its money and clout garner community interest and balanced news media attention to push a unified cause. Egos will be pushed to the side, results being paramount.
Forrest is the individual who has driven this to date. He's got jobs for the right folks, so has Packer. All members of the brains trust understand that correct training, willingness to learn, adapt, hard work and positive mental attitude is key.
The initial jobs target is 50,000 indigenous placings. Packer's Crown and Forrest's mining operation can't fill all of the positions, so they are looking to other suitable Australian companies to assist. It's seen as a win - win - win.
Part of the task for Team Forrest - Packer is about convincing big business that indigenous employees, properly trained and equally valued, are economically valuable and inspirational to the other employees and can become mentors. This isn't about fulfilling a charitable quota.
For Forrest and Packer this quest is most personal.
Forrest was raised in a remote West Australian station where until the age of nine all his friends were Aborigines. He says that the Aboriginal elders mentored him and taught him many life skills, including how to track and how to fight.
"I grew up believing the more you know Aboriginal people the more you love them", he told Fairfax Media.
At the age of nine Forrest was sent to a boarding hostel where Aborigines lived.
The majority of the billionaires he has mustered have either experienced their own struggle or have learnt hardship from their parents.
The Packer and Forrest collective empires are in a strong position at present, and perhaps this has been instrumental in the timing of this bold project.
Media Man and Gambling911 applaud this champion effort. It's mate helping mate, breaking down the divide between the haves and the have nots. Media Man and Gambling911 hope your gaming experience is a positive and enjoyable one, and if you get lucky, please consider assisting a worthy cause or two. In the coming days and weeks more details will be provided on GenerationOne. Crew, let's hear it... Aussie Aussie Aussie Oi Oi Oi Aussie Aussie Aussie Oi Oi Oi.
*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911
*The writer owns shares in Crown Limited
*Media Man http://www.mediamanint.com is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company.
Website Network
Media Man International
Media Man Australia
Casino News Media
Casino News Media.net
Global Gaming Directory
Global Gaming Directory.net
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Australian Casino Attacks: Perth's Burswood Bouncer In Hospital Following Headbutt, by Greg Tingle - 14th March 2010
A man has been questioned by police after a bouncer was allegedly head-butted at Burswood Casino in the early hours of yesterday morning.
Police said a 26-year-old man from Southern Cross would be summonsed to appear
in court on an assault charge after he allegedly head-butted the male security officer (aka "Bouncer") about 3.30am.
The victim was taken to hospital with a suspected broken nose.
The alleged offender was apprehended at the scene by security officers before police arrived to take him away for questioning. Ya bloody mongrel.
Media Man and Gambling911 have been following the history of violent attacks at Australian hotels, pubs and casinos for a number of years. Mugs like the above mentioned have been tarnishing the good name of Australian casinos for too long now.
Burswood Entertainment Complex, owned by James Packer's Crown Limited group, is one of numerous Crown venues that will be implementing a plastic handcuff policy, expected to be rolled out later this year.
Negatives Into Positives...
As reported last month, Mr Packer has vouched to help find employment for masses of Indigenous Australian youth, and by the sound of it there's still room to boost the numbers of security offers at the Crown group of facilities. Insiders tip Crown to initially open up close to 100 vacancies for suitably qualified staff, but the overall plan from the Packer - Andrew Forrest - Kerry Stokes - Rupert Murdoch connection is looking to cater to 50,000! Readers, you will be hearing lots more about The Covenant and Generation One.
Burswood and Crown Casino remain iconic Australian tourism landmarks, despite detractors staying otherwise. Last year golfing great Tiger Woods brought in $10 million to Crown coffers alone, largely due in part to a large contingent of casino and golfing whales and dolphins who followed him down under. Tiger's Aussie tour brought more excitement and headlines than expected and witnesses say a certain Miss was seen in Crown Towers... you know, the one who grasped international headlines et Rachel Uchitel. What a bingle that was, of the Aussie Lara Bingle magnitude.
We're hoping things settle down for Tiger and Australian casinos, and the next wave of news will be more positive in nature. We applaud media giants News Limited and Fairfax, both of which have been filing numerous balanced and positive reports on Australian casino king, James Packer, and his substantial empire. Insiders are calling Packer's return to the uppers of the BRW Rich List "the comeback of the decade", likely the only thing he shares in common with Hollywood toughman Mickey Rourke.
No plastic handcuffs required for online casinos, online poker or sports betting, but always bet with your head, not over it.
Big Business Opportunities...
Last call... Media Man thinks Crown might do well to get a b2b deal in place for online casino games with the likes of PartyGaming. Party's PartyPoker secured a large number of online poker players for Crown's Aussie Millions Poker Championship via satellites last January. Party subsequently signed Crown winner Tyron Krost to a lucrative contact. Krost claims he learned to play online poker via PartyPoker.com Party's themed and branded slots such as The Godfather, Mission: Impossible and Top Gun (both featuring Packer's mate Tom Cruise).
Let's face it, some of the attacks at Australian land based casinos are likely going to keep some punters away, but most will have access to an internet connection, thus the online casino. History shows us via the Las Vegas experience that casinos who embrace the internet appropriately are likely to stay ahead of competitors. Packer said himself, "Internet is like electricity".
U.S casino and gaming Giant, Harrah's Entertainment, is the latest U.S casino to make a big splash in online b2b, and we think Packer's Crown should be Australia's first. We understand that Crown competitors TAB and Centrebet are currently making moves to be able to offer Australian's a wide range of online casino games and we think that the Packer People's Army would do well to beat the comp to the punch, pardon the pun, and offer some games featuring some unique Aussie culture. How about a Kerry Packer, Andrew "Twiggy" Forrest, Underbelly, The Man From Snowy River and Ned Kelly slot? Now I'd be prepared to pay for that, as one would expect from masses of passionate Aussies. Crown shares on 8.170 (share price, not blood alcohol reading). Aussie Aussie Aussie, Oi Oi, Oi.
*Greg Tingle is a special contributor to Gambling911
*The writer owns shares in Crown Limited
*Media Man http://www.mediamanint.com is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company, gaming being just one of a bakers dozen of sectors covered
Website Network
Media Man International
Media Man
Media Man Australia
Media Man Asia
Casino News Media
Casino News Media.net
Australian Casino News
Australian Casinos
Global Gaming Directory
Global Gaming Directory.net
Police said a 26-year-old man from Southern Cross would be summonsed to appear
in court on an assault charge after he allegedly head-butted the male security officer (aka "Bouncer") about 3.30am.
The victim was taken to hospital with a suspected broken nose.
The alleged offender was apprehended at the scene by security officers before police arrived to take him away for questioning. Ya bloody mongrel.
Media Man and Gambling911 have been following the history of violent attacks at Australian hotels, pubs and casinos for a number of years. Mugs like the above mentioned have been tarnishing the good name of Australian casinos for too long now.
Burswood Entertainment Complex, owned by James Packer's Crown Limited group, is one of numerous Crown venues that will be implementing a plastic handcuff policy, expected to be rolled out later this year.
Negatives Into Positives...
As reported last month, Mr Packer has vouched to help find employment for masses of Indigenous Australian youth, and by the sound of it there's still room to boost the numbers of security offers at the Crown group of facilities. Insiders tip Crown to initially open up close to 100 vacancies for suitably qualified staff, but the overall plan from the Packer - Andrew Forrest - Kerry Stokes - Rupert Murdoch connection is looking to cater to 50,000! Readers, you will be hearing lots more about The Covenant and Generation One.
Burswood and Crown Casino remain iconic Australian tourism landmarks, despite detractors staying otherwise. Last year golfing great Tiger Woods brought in $10 million to Crown coffers alone, largely due in part to a large contingent of casino and golfing whales and dolphins who followed him down under. Tiger's Aussie tour brought more excitement and headlines than expected and witnesses say a certain Miss was seen in Crown Towers... you know, the one who grasped international headlines et Rachel Uchitel. What a bingle that was, of the Aussie Lara Bingle magnitude.
We're hoping things settle down for Tiger and Australian casinos, and the next wave of news will be more positive in nature. We applaud media giants News Limited and Fairfax, both of which have been filing numerous balanced and positive reports on Australian casino king, James Packer, and his substantial empire. Insiders are calling Packer's return to the uppers of the BRW Rich List "the comeback of the decade", likely the only thing he shares in common with Hollywood toughman Mickey Rourke.
No plastic handcuffs required for online casinos, online poker or sports betting, but always bet with your head, not over it.
Big Business Opportunities...
Last call... Media Man thinks Crown might do well to get a b2b deal in place for online casino games with the likes of PartyGaming. Party's PartyPoker secured a large number of online poker players for Crown's Aussie Millions Poker Championship via satellites last January. Party subsequently signed Crown winner Tyron Krost to a lucrative contact. Krost claims he learned to play online poker via PartyPoker.com Party's themed and branded slots such as The Godfather, Mission: Impossible and Top Gun (both featuring Packer's mate Tom Cruise).
Let's face it, some of the attacks at Australian land based casinos are likely going to keep some punters away, but most will have access to an internet connection, thus the online casino. History shows us via the Las Vegas experience that casinos who embrace the internet appropriately are likely to stay ahead of competitors. Packer said himself, "Internet is like electricity".
U.S casino and gaming Giant, Harrah's Entertainment, is the latest U.S casino to make a big splash in online b2b, and we think Packer's Crown should be Australia's first. We understand that Crown competitors TAB and Centrebet are currently making moves to be able to offer Australian's a wide range of online casino games and we think that the Packer People's Army would do well to beat the comp to the punch, pardon the pun, and offer some games featuring some unique Aussie culture. How about a Kerry Packer, Andrew "Twiggy" Forrest, Underbelly, The Man From Snowy River and Ned Kelly slot? Now I'd be prepared to pay for that, as one would expect from masses of passionate Aussies. Crown shares on 8.170 (share price, not blood alcohol reading). Aussie Aussie Aussie, Oi Oi, Oi.
*Greg Tingle is a special contributor to Gambling911
*The writer owns shares in Crown Limited
*Media Man http://www.mediamanint.com is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company, gaming being just one of a bakers dozen of sectors covered
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Friday, February 26, 2010
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Aussie casino king James Packer to help ease plight of jobless, by Greg Tingle - 21st February 2010
Australian casino king and major media player, James Packer, has vowed to help ease plight of Australia's jobless.
Entitled the Australian Employment Covenant, the Rudd government-backed initiative aims to find 50,000 jobs for indigenous Australians. As the project rolls out Australia will get to know it as Generation One.
In an extremely rare interview, Linda Silmalis of News Limited's The Sunday Telegraph was able to secure a telephone interview with Mr Packer.
The casino comeback king wouldn't be pushed on politics (recently enjoying a spot of golf with Sen. Stephen Conroy might do that to a man), but he opened right up when it came to social and community matters, with a focus on getting Indigenous Australians sustainable employment.
The Packer empire includes Australia's Crown Casino, Burswood Entertainment Centre, City Of Dreams, Macau and Altira Macau. Mr Packer also has a share in pay TV operator, Foxtel.
Crown Casino is strongly indicating it will employ a significant number of indigenous Australians and Team Packer is also communicating with corporate Australia on how they can be part of this historic project.
Packer is collaborating with Aussie mining king Andrew "Twiggy" Forrest. A bush tucker bag of other great Aussie's are also assisting including but not limited to News Limited chairman Rupert Murdoch, Seven Network boss Kerry Stokes, and of course wife, Erica Baxter. Murdoch did some historic campaigning for Indigenous Australia whilst editor of Adelaide's The News circa 1959, later being showcased in modern classic, 'Black and White'.
There's considerable resources at hand, and by Packer speak, this is a hand up, not a hand out. However, to kick-start things Kerry Stokes and Packer are both putting in $2 million for a start.
In the telephone interview with Linda Silmalis of The Sunday Telegraph, "Kerry and I are each putting in $2 million to the project and we're doing it because we believe in Andrew's vision,.
"It is not another welfare program. Both the Covenant and Generation One are about getting actual outcomes. We have actually got some bona fides in this area - Crown is already up to 75 jobs. We want to get it up into the hundreds.
"The goal is to work with people in businesses to try to get training and job placements.
"When someone gets training within a specific business, it makes it far more likely they will get a home in that business."
"I think with anyone, when they have a child, it opens up a new dimension to your life".
"I got to spend a year in the Northern Territory as a jackeroo and that gave me exposure to the way some Aboriginal communities are that others never get.
"I got to see good things and some not so good things. I always had a desire to do something, but I needed the right opportunity, and Andrew's vision and infectious enthusiasm made it easy for me to become involved.
"Andrew and I went to see Kerry Stokes, and we said, 'We'd love you to do this with us', and he agreed.
"At the casino, we are training people in hospitality, in security, areas where it will lead to jobs. I think corporate Australia wants to do more and it will become easier as more people become involved.
"It is a good concept and I think it will become easier as time goes on."
Media Man applauds the Packer - Forrest and friends collaboration that clearly demonstrates a far reaching way of demonstrating one's real wealth. We are also hopeful that both the Labor and Liberal party pick up on some of Mr Packer's wisdom when it comes to matters such as the internet and censorship. Mr Packer famously said "Internet is like electricity", something Media Man and Gambling911 management and readers are well aware of, as is Senator Conroy. As of this writing Sen Conroy has remained silent on mentions of himself in comparisons with award winning documentary, 'Casino Jack and the United States of Money'.
On a lighter note Sen. Conroy has turned out to be quite the sportsman, not only a keen golfer, but a passionate snowboarder, even getting a trip away to enjoy the Winter Olympics in Vancouver. Let's just hope that Conroy's recent collaborations with Team Packer and friends help produce some gold for many parties, starting with both indigenous Australia and internet gaming fans and entrepreneurs. Aussie Aussie Aussie, Oi Oi Oi!
*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911
*The writer owns shares in Crown Limited
*Media Man is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company.
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Entitled the Australian Employment Covenant, the Rudd government-backed initiative aims to find 50,000 jobs for indigenous Australians. As the project rolls out Australia will get to know it as Generation One.
In an extremely rare interview, Linda Silmalis of News Limited's The Sunday Telegraph was able to secure a telephone interview with Mr Packer.
The casino comeback king wouldn't be pushed on politics (recently enjoying a spot of golf with Sen. Stephen Conroy might do that to a man), but he opened right up when it came to social and community matters, with a focus on getting Indigenous Australians sustainable employment.
The Packer empire includes Australia's Crown Casino, Burswood Entertainment Centre, City Of Dreams, Macau and Altira Macau. Mr Packer also has a share in pay TV operator, Foxtel.
Crown Casino is strongly indicating it will employ a significant number of indigenous Australians and Team Packer is also communicating with corporate Australia on how they can be part of this historic project.
Packer is collaborating with Aussie mining king Andrew "Twiggy" Forrest. A bush tucker bag of other great Aussie's are also assisting including but not limited to News Limited chairman Rupert Murdoch, Seven Network boss Kerry Stokes, and of course wife, Erica Baxter. Murdoch did some historic campaigning for Indigenous Australia whilst editor of Adelaide's The News circa 1959, later being showcased in modern classic, 'Black and White'.
There's considerable resources at hand, and by Packer speak, this is a hand up, not a hand out. However, to kick-start things Kerry Stokes and Packer are both putting in $2 million for a start.
In the telephone interview with Linda Silmalis of The Sunday Telegraph, "Kerry and I are each putting in $2 million to the project and we're doing it because we believe in Andrew's vision,.
"It is not another welfare program. Both the Covenant and Generation One are about getting actual outcomes. We have actually got some bona fides in this area - Crown is already up to 75 jobs. We want to get it up into the hundreds.
"The goal is to work with people in businesses to try to get training and job placements.
"When someone gets training within a specific business, it makes it far more likely they will get a home in that business."
"I think with anyone, when they have a child, it opens up a new dimension to your life".
"I got to spend a year in the Northern Territory as a jackeroo and that gave me exposure to the way some Aboriginal communities are that others never get.
"I got to see good things and some not so good things. I always had a desire to do something, but I needed the right opportunity, and Andrew's vision and infectious enthusiasm made it easy for me to become involved.
"Andrew and I went to see Kerry Stokes, and we said, 'We'd love you to do this with us', and he agreed.
"At the casino, we are training people in hospitality, in security, areas where it will lead to jobs. I think corporate Australia wants to do more and it will become easier as more people become involved.
"It is a good concept and I think it will become easier as time goes on."
Media Man applauds the Packer - Forrest and friends collaboration that clearly demonstrates a far reaching way of demonstrating one's real wealth. We are also hopeful that both the Labor and Liberal party pick up on some of Mr Packer's wisdom when it comes to matters such as the internet and censorship. Mr Packer famously said "Internet is like electricity", something Media Man and Gambling911 management and readers are well aware of, as is Senator Conroy. As of this writing Sen Conroy has remained silent on mentions of himself in comparisons with award winning documentary, 'Casino Jack and the United States of Money'.
On a lighter note Sen. Conroy has turned out to be quite the sportsman, not only a keen golfer, but a passionate snowboarder, even getting a trip away to enjoy the Winter Olympics in Vancouver. Let's just hope that Conroy's recent collaborations with Team Packer and friends help produce some gold for many parties, starting with both indigenous Australia and internet gaming fans and entrepreneurs. Aussie Aussie Aussie, Oi Oi Oi!
*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911
*The writer owns shares in Crown Limited
*Media Man is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company.
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Monday, February 15, 2010
Man sets hugs record in Vegas - 14th February 2010
LAS VEGAS — A 51-year-old Ohio man has embraced the Valentine's Day spirit faster than anyone before, giving 7,777 hugs in 24 hours for a new world record.
Jeff Ondash, who sought the squeezes under the costumed alter ego Teddy McHuggin, broke the record Saturday night outside the Paris Las Vegas hotel-casino on the Las Vegas Strip.
"When you hug somebody, they all walk away from each other smiling," Ondash said.
"They say an apple a day keeps the doctor away; a hug a day — it's just fun."
Ondash said he wanted to become the world's hugging champion to raise money for the American Heart Association during American Heart month.
The cause is important to him because his brother and father both died relatively young because of heart problems, he said.
His daughter Carlie, who tallied her father's hugs with a manual counter at the start of his attempt on Friday, came up with his pseudonym to make his spectacle a bit more fun. As Teddy McHuggin, Ondash sports a red NASCAR-style driver's suit with hugging logos and a wrestling-style championship belt.
"Jeff Ondash breaking a record really doesn't mean a lot," he said. "Teddy McHuggin on the other hand, he's the reigning world speed hugging champion, now going after the world marathon hugging champion.
"No one on earth has ever attempted something like that before," he said.
Ondash, of Canfield, Ohio, already held the record for most hugs in one hour with 1,205, according to Guinness World Records.
The previous record of 5,000 hugs in one day was set last year by Siobhan O'Connor in Dublin, Ireland, Guinness spokesman Philip Robertson said.
To break O'Connor's mark, Ondash needed more than 208 hugs per hour — or about 3 1/2 hugs per minute. Ondash logged just over 700 hugs during his first hour of embraces on Friday night.
He said he embraced all kinds of people throughout Friday night and Saturday and was tired from being on his feet and not eating. But Ondash said he wasn't planning to go to sleep right away.
"I'm going to go and enjoy the town tonight," he said Saturday.
Ondash said he did not expect Guinness World Records to certify his record for several weeks. The organization did not have a judge present at his attempt. Instead, independent judges who tracked Ondash in shifts were to submit affidavits to the organization.
Ondash says he, as McHuggin, is now eyeing both the world's longest single hug — currently 24 hours and 1 second — and breaking his current two records consecutively, which he said was "unheard of."
"I don't even know if I can do that but I'm going to attempt it," Ondash said. "It's like climbing Mount Everest twice — same thing."
Jeff Ondash, who sought the squeezes under the costumed alter ego Teddy McHuggin, broke the record Saturday night outside the Paris Las Vegas hotel-casino on the Las Vegas Strip.
"When you hug somebody, they all walk away from each other smiling," Ondash said.
"They say an apple a day keeps the doctor away; a hug a day — it's just fun."
Ondash said he wanted to become the world's hugging champion to raise money for the American Heart Association during American Heart month.
The cause is important to him because his brother and father both died relatively young because of heart problems, he said.
His daughter Carlie, who tallied her father's hugs with a manual counter at the start of his attempt on Friday, came up with his pseudonym to make his spectacle a bit more fun. As Teddy McHuggin, Ondash sports a red NASCAR-style driver's suit with hugging logos and a wrestling-style championship belt.
"Jeff Ondash breaking a record really doesn't mean a lot," he said. "Teddy McHuggin on the other hand, he's the reigning world speed hugging champion, now going after the world marathon hugging champion.
"No one on earth has ever attempted something like that before," he said.
Ondash, of Canfield, Ohio, already held the record for most hugs in one hour with 1,205, according to Guinness World Records.
The previous record of 5,000 hugs in one day was set last year by Siobhan O'Connor in Dublin, Ireland, Guinness spokesman Philip Robertson said.
To break O'Connor's mark, Ondash needed more than 208 hugs per hour — or about 3 1/2 hugs per minute. Ondash logged just over 700 hugs during his first hour of embraces on Friday night.
He said he embraced all kinds of people throughout Friday night and Saturday and was tired from being on his feet and not eating. But Ondash said he wasn't planning to go to sleep right away.
"I'm going to go and enjoy the town tonight," he said Saturday.
Ondash said he did not expect Guinness World Records to certify his record for several weeks. The organization did not have a judge present at his attempt. Instead, independent judges who tracked Ondash in shifts were to submit affidavits to the organization.
Ondash says he, as McHuggin, is now eyeing both the world's longest single hug — currently 24 hours and 1 second — and breaking his current two records consecutively, which he said was "unheard of."
"I don't even know if I can do that but I'm going to attempt it," Ondash said. "It's like climbing Mount Everest twice — same thing."
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Branson by the pool - 13th February 2010 - Fairfax Media
Sir Richard Branson will be in Perth for a day of fundraising for Strike A Chord in a poolside party at the Burswood Entertainment Complex.
Strike A Chord is a foundation supporting those with cancer.
The poolside area at Burswood will be transformed, taking on a Carribean feel with Samba music, exotic dancing, flame throwers, percussionists and other entertainers.
Hosted by Mr Branson and the team from Mix 94.5 are planning a huge night to remember.
Tickets are $195 from ticketek.
Send us your events to features@watoday.com.au
Strike A Chord is a foundation supporting those with cancer.
The poolside area at Burswood will be transformed, taking on a Carribean feel with Samba music, exotic dancing, flame throwers, percussionists and other entertainers.
Hosted by Mr Branson and the team from Mix 94.5 are planning a huge night to remember.
Tickets are $195 from ticketek.
Send us your events to features@watoday.com.au
Monday, February 08, 2010
Book Review: Universal Shift, by Grant Hilton
Grant Hilton has authored Univeral Shift.
Book review coming soon.
Website
Grant Hilton official website
Book review coming soon.
Website
Grant Hilton official website
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Hope For Haiti Now: A Global Benefit for Earthquake Relief
Hope For Haiti Now: A Global Benefit for Earthquake Relief
Websites
MTV: Hope For Haiti Now
Hope For Haiti Now
Wikipedia: Hope For Haiti Now
Hope for Haiti Now: A Global Benefit for Earthquake Relief is a charity telethon that was held on 22 January 2010 from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, 23 January 2010 from 1 a.m. to 3 a.m. UTC. The telethon is set to be the most widely distributed telethon in history. The event was broadcast from Studio 36 at the CBS Television City, Los Angeles, from the Kaufman Astoria Studios in Queens, New York and from the private club The Hospital in London.[citation needed] There were also live reports from Haiti.
Creation of the telethon was announced by MTV Networks in the United States on January 15, 2010, three days after the 2010 Haiti earthquake struck on January 12 and claimed the lives of at least 70,000 people. The event is one of a number of humanitarian responses to the earthquake. The telethon is patterned after the form begun with the 2001 America: A Tribute to Heroes program and continued with the 2005 Shelter from the Storm: A Concert for the Gulf Coast.
The telethon and its album and video, currently available for pre-order on iTunes, will raise funds for Haiti relief, to be given the following organizations with humanitarian operations in Haiti: the World Food Programme, UNICEF, the Red Cross, Oxfam, the Yéle Haiti Foundation, Partners In Health and the Clinton Bush Haiti Fund.
Participants
Wyclef Jean hosted the concert in New York City, with George Clooney in Los Angeles and Anderson Cooper in Haiti.
Rihanna revealed on 21 January, during the Norwegian-Swedish talkshow Skavlan, that she would perform a new song titled "Stranded (Haiti Mon Amour)", together with Jay-Z and U2's The Edge and Bono for the telethon in London.
In San Francisco, Clint Eastwood and Matt Damon appealed for donations. (Credit: Wikipedia).
Websites
MTV: Hope For Haiti Now
Hope For Haiti Now
Wikipedia: Hope For Haiti Now
Hope for Haiti Now: A Global Benefit for Earthquake Relief is a charity telethon that was held on 22 January 2010 from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, 23 January 2010 from 1 a.m. to 3 a.m. UTC. The telethon is set to be the most widely distributed telethon in history. The event was broadcast from Studio 36 at the CBS Television City, Los Angeles, from the Kaufman Astoria Studios in Queens, New York and from the private club The Hospital in London.[citation needed] There were also live reports from Haiti.
Creation of the telethon was announced by MTV Networks in the United States on January 15, 2010, three days after the 2010 Haiti earthquake struck on January 12 and claimed the lives of at least 70,000 people. The event is one of a number of humanitarian responses to the earthquake. The telethon is patterned after the form begun with the 2001 America: A Tribute to Heroes program and continued with the 2005 Shelter from the Storm: A Concert for the Gulf Coast.
The telethon and its album and video, currently available for pre-order on iTunes, will raise funds for Haiti relief, to be given the following organizations with humanitarian operations in Haiti: the World Food Programme, UNICEF, the Red Cross, Oxfam, the Yéle Haiti Foundation, Partners In Health and the Clinton Bush Haiti Fund.
Participants
Wyclef Jean hosted the concert in New York City, with George Clooney in Los Angeles and Anderson Cooper in Haiti.
Rihanna revealed on 21 January, during the Norwegian-Swedish talkshow Skavlan, that she would perform a new song titled "Stranded (Haiti Mon Amour)", together with Jay-Z and U2's The Edge and Bono for the telethon in London.
In San Francisco, Clint Eastwood and Matt Damon appealed for donations. (Credit: Wikipedia).
Friday, January 22, 2010
FOXTEL SCREENS HOPE FOR HAITI NOW
Media Release: 22nd January 2010
FOXTEL subscribers will be able to tune into George Clooney's telethon for Haiti this weekend as the two hour commercial-free telecast is simulcast around the world.
MTV, VH1 and CNN will air the benefit live tomorrow, Saturday, January 23, from 12noon AEDT.
National Geographic will screen the star-studded event at 8.30pm tomorrow, with E! broadcasting from 9.00pm and The Style Network from 10.00pm AEDT.
Hope for Haiti Now: A Global Benefit For Earthquake Relief will help raise funds for the hundreds of thousands affected by Haiti’s 7.0-magnitude earthquake on January 12 and is expected to reach 640 million viewers globally – the most widely distributed telethon in history.
The global fundraiser will feature a huge line-up of must-see musical performances including Wyclef Jean, Bruce Springsteen, Jennifer Hudson, Mary J. Blige, Madonna, Shakira, and Sting in New York City; Alicia Keys, Christina Aguilera, Dave Matthews, John Legend, Justin Timberlake, Stevie Wonder, Taylor Swift and a group performance by Australian Keith Urban, Kid Rock, and Sheryl Crow in Los Angeles; and Coldplay, Beyonce and Jay-Z, Bono, and The Edge in collaboration from London.
In addition to the musical performances, Wyclef Jean will host in New York City with George Clooney in Los Angeles and CNN’s Anderson Cooper from Port-au-Prince, Haiti.
Australian Nicole Kidman, Brad Pitt, Tom Hanks, Robert Pattinson, Denzel Washington, Leonardo DiCaprio, Ellen DeGeneres, Julia Roberts, Meryl Streep, Halle Berry, and former President Bill Clinton will be amongst more than one hundred of the biggest names in film, television, and music supporting the cause with testimonials and by answering phones during the telethon.
Proceeds from Hope for Haiti Now will be split evenly among relief organisations on the ground in Haiti – The Clinton Bush Haiti Fund, United Nations World Food Programme, Oxfam America, Partners in Health, the Red Cross, UNICEF, and Yele Haiti Foundation.
The special will also be streamed live online globally across sites including YouTube, Hulu, MySpace, Fancast, AOL, MSN.com, Yahoo, Bing.com, BET.com, MTV.com, and Rhapsody. Facebook and Twitter have signed on as official social media partners to help drive donations and tune-in to the telethon.
Australians can contribute to the telethon via:
• Online: www.hopeforhaitinow.org (via Paypal or credit card)
• Phone: 0011 1 773 360 0205 (standard international rates apply)
• Mail: Hope For Haiti Now Fund, Entertainment Industry Foundation
About FOXTEL
FOXTEL is Australia's leading subscription television provider and is connected to 1.63 million homes on cable and satellite through retail and wholesale distribution. FOXTEL strives to ensure subscribers find TV they want to watch every time they switch on through delivery of more than 150 channels covering news, sport, general entertainment, movies, documentaries, music and children’s programming. FOXTEL is owned by Telstra Corporation Ltd (50%), The News Corporation Ltd (25%), and Consolidated Media Holdings Ltd (25%).
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FOXTEL subscribers will be able to tune into George Clooney's telethon for Haiti this weekend as the two hour commercial-free telecast is simulcast around the world.
MTV, VH1 and CNN will air the benefit live tomorrow, Saturday, January 23, from 12noon AEDT.
National Geographic will screen the star-studded event at 8.30pm tomorrow, with E! broadcasting from 9.00pm and The Style Network from 10.00pm AEDT.
Hope for Haiti Now: A Global Benefit For Earthquake Relief will help raise funds for the hundreds of thousands affected by Haiti’s 7.0-magnitude earthquake on January 12 and is expected to reach 640 million viewers globally – the most widely distributed telethon in history.
The global fundraiser will feature a huge line-up of must-see musical performances including Wyclef Jean, Bruce Springsteen, Jennifer Hudson, Mary J. Blige, Madonna, Shakira, and Sting in New York City; Alicia Keys, Christina Aguilera, Dave Matthews, John Legend, Justin Timberlake, Stevie Wonder, Taylor Swift and a group performance by Australian Keith Urban, Kid Rock, and Sheryl Crow in Los Angeles; and Coldplay, Beyonce and Jay-Z, Bono, and The Edge in collaboration from London.
In addition to the musical performances, Wyclef Jean will host in New York City with George Clooney in Los Angeles and CNN’s Anderson Cooper from Port-au-Prince, Haiti.
Australian Nicole Kidman, Brad Pitt, Tom Hanks, Robert Pattinson, Denzel Washington, Leonardo DiCaprio, Ellen DeGeneres, Julia Roberts, Meryl Streep, Halle Berry, and former President Bill Clinton will be amongst more than one hundred of the biggest names in film, television, and music supporting the cause with testimonials and by answering phones during the telethon.
Proceeds from Hope for Haiti Now will be split evenly among relief organisations on the ground in Haiti – The Clinton Bush Haiti Fund, United Nations World Food Programme, Oxfam America, Partners in Health, the Red Cross, UNICEF, and Yele Haiti Foundation.
The special will also be streamed live online globally across sites including YouTube, Hulu, MySpace, Fancast, AOL, MSN.com, Yahoo, Bing.com, BET.com, MTV.com, and Rhapsody. Facebook and Twitter have signed on as official social media partners to help drive donations and tune-in to the telethon.
Australians can contribute to the telethon via:
• Online: www.hopeforhaitinow.org (via Paypal or credit card)
• Phone: 0011 1 773 360 0205 (standard international rates apply)
• Mail: Hope For Haiti Now Fund, Entertainment Industry Foundation
About FOXTEL
FOXTEL is Australia's leading subscription television provider and is connected to 1.63 million homes on cable and satellite through retail and wholesale distribution. FOXTEL strives to ensure subscribers find TV they want to watch every time they switch on through delivery of more than 150 channels covering news, sport, general entertainment, movies, documentaries, music and children’s programming. FOXTEL is owned by Telstra Corporation Ltd (50%), The News Corporation Ltd (25%), and Consolidated Media Holdings Ltd (25%).
Media Man International Profiles
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Australian Television
Television
News Corporation
Telstra
Broadcasting
Charity
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News
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Community News
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Crown Casino Aussie Millions Poker Championship kicks off, by Greg Tingle - 16th January 2010
Melbourne, if not the whole of Australia, has poker fever, thanks to casino king James Packer's brainchild, "Aussie Millions".
Media Man long time friend, associate and eyes and ears of the industry, Keith "Bendigo" Sloan, tipped us off that it would be huge and he was right on the money.
Let's start with some big picture stuff.... poker has been widely acknowledged in a court of law as primarily a game of skill. Sure, there's some luck involved, but over time on measured tests, the skill factor comes through. This is a key point in some of the arguments put forward by the Poker Players Alliance. Folks, professional poker is big business and is also a form of sports tourism, something that's been picked up on by the Victorian government, but something Australia's Labor government is still trying to grasp. Maybe it will be covered in the Aussie version of "Casino Jack"!
Let it be said from the get-go that Crown's Aussie Millions gives some much needed balance into the news media coverage of Australia's casino sector, which has been copping a bit of a battering of late. Crown's connection with tourism, sports tourism and high rollers is undisputed, and the powers that be at Crown do give back to society in a number of capacities, some of which is reported and other elements that are done on the quite. It was impossible to miss Warnie and Joe Hachem on Network Ten's 7PM project last month.
It's a given that when so many whales, high rollers and the like are in town, there's vast financial resources not far from felt.
The Salvation Army and Unicef are just a couple of worthy causes that Crown and the powers that be have assisted over the years.
This year sees a reported 1,143 entrants have a punt at Aussie Millions...a record for major poker tournaments in Australia.
A $1,143,000 prize pool will be split amongst the top 108 players, with first place set to collect the first Aussie Millions Gold Championship Ring over $200,000 in cash.
Numerous big names were in attendance for day one including Tony G, Clonie Gowen, Sorel Mizzi, David Saab, Jason Gray, Paul Khoury, Kenneth Damm and 2005 WSOP Champ Joe Hachem. Players who returned to the felt for a second chance included Tony Dunst , Emad Tahtouh, Billy Argyros, Lee Nelson, Josh Field, Ben Delaney, Andrew Jeffreys, Leo Boxell, Amanda De Cesare, Tino Lechich, James Akenhead and 2009 Aussie Millions Champion (and PartyPoker sponsored) Stewart Scott.
Nick Haidaris has emerged with the chip lead of 165,300. Eighty-three players remained from Day 1's starting field. Those back for Day 2 include David Saab, JP Kelly, Antonis Kambouroglou, Brendan Edmonds, Con Tsapkounis, and Jim Sachinidis.
Players not back for day 2 include Tony Dunst, 2009 Aussie Millions Main Event Champ Stewart Scott, Emad Tahtouh, Barny Boatman, Matthew Pearson, Rayan Nathan, Joe Hachem, Tony G, Lee Nelson, Billy Argyros, Jonathan Karamalikis, Michael Guzzardi, James Akenhead, Ben Delaney, and Sorel Mizzi.
Day 2 at Crown Casino kicks off at 12:30 p.m where approximately 200 players will be giving it all they have in their quest for the championship.
Media Man encourages players (and management) on a winning streak to continue to give back to society, and of course the world is aware of those less fortunate including in Haiti which was recently rocked by an earthquake. Casinos and big gaming companies have much bigger resources than most, so let's see if they can even come close to helping to the extent that they did when the Aussie Victorian bushfires hit last March.
*The writer holds shares in Crown Limited
*The writer is the founder and director of Media Man
*The writer is a special contributor for Gambling911
Media Man long time friend, associate and eyes and ears of the industry, Keith "Bendigo" Sloan, tipped us off that it would be huge and he was right on the money.
Let's start with some big picture stuff.... poker has been widely acknowledged in a court of law as primarily a game of skill. Sure, there's some luck involved, but over time on measured tests, the skill factor comes through. This is a key point in some of the arguments put forward by the Poker Players Alliance. Folks, professional poker is big business and is also a form of sports tourism, something that's been picked up on by the Victorian government, but something Australia's Labor government is still trying to grasp. Maybe it will be covered in the Aussie version of "Casino Jack"!
Let it be said from the get-go that Crown's Aussie Millions gives some much needed balance into the news media coverage of Australia's casino sector, which has been copping a bit of a battering of late. Crown's connection with tourism, sports tourism and high rollers is undisputed, and the powers that be at Crown do give back to society in a number of capacities, some of which is reported and other elements that are done on the quite. It was impossible to miss Warnie and Joe Hachem on Network Ten's 7PM project last month.
It's a given that when so many whales, high rollers and the like are in town, there's vast financial resources not far from felt.
The Salvation Army and Unicef are just a couple of worthy causes that Crown and the powers that be have assisted over the years.
This year sees a reported 1,143 entrants have a punt at Aussie Millions...a record for major poker tournaments in Australia.
A $1,143,000 prize pool will be split amongst the top 108 players, with first place set to collect the first Aussie Millions Gold Championship Ring over $200,000 in cash.
Numerous big names were in attendance for day one including Tony G, Clonie Gowen, Sorel Mizzi, David Saab, Jason Gray, Paul Khoury, Kenneth Damm and 2005 WSOP Champ Joe Hachem. Players who returned to the felt for a second chance included Tony Dunst , Emad Tahtouh, Billy Argyros, Lee Nelson, Josh Field, Ben Delaney, Andrew Jeffreys, Leo Boxell, Amanda De Cesare, Tino Lechich, James Akenhead and 2009 Aussie Millions Champion (and PartyPoker sponsored) Stewart Scott.
Nick Haidaris has emerged with the chip lead of 165,300. Eighty-three players remained from Day 1's starting field. Those back for Day 2 include David Saab, JP Kelly, Antonis Kambouroglou, Brendan Edmonds, Con Tsapkounis, and Jim Sachinidis.
Players not back for day 2 include Tony Dunst, 2009 Aussie Millions Main Event Champ Stewart Scott, Emad Tahtouh, Barny Boatman, Matthew Pearson, Rayan Nathan, Joe Hachem, Tony G, Lee Nelson, Billy Argyros, Jonathan Karamalikis, Michael Guzzardi, James Akenhead, Ben Delaney, and Sorel Mizzi.
Day 2 at Crown Casino kicks off at 12:30 p.m where approximately 200 players will be giving it all they have in their quest for the championship.
Media Man encourages players (and management) on a winning streak to continue to give back to society, and of course the world is aware of those less fortunate including in Haiti which was recently rocked by an earthquake. Casinos and big gaming companies have much bigger resources than most, so let's see if they can even come close to helping to the extent that they did when the Aussie Victorian bushfires hit last March.
*The writer holds shares in Crown Limited
*The writer is the founder and director of Media Man
*The writer is a special contributor for Gambling911
Online Poker Sites Rally for Haiti Earthquake Victims, by Dan Cypra - 14th January 2010
The 7.0 magnitude earthquake that rocked the tiny nation of Haiti left the country in shambles and perhaps as many as 50,000 people may have perished. In response, the online poker world has come together to raise money for the natural disaster’s victims.
Full Tilt Poker has launched “Aid for Haiti” tournaments in which the site will match the rake paid and then donate it to several charities on the ground in the island nation. For Full Tilt Poker members who don’t want to hit the virtual felts in order to donate, the world’s second largest online poker site has set up “Aid for Haiti No Play” tournaments. Ten of these events are scheduled for Sunday, January 17th and Full Tilt is matching the buy-ins. No poker will actually be had in “No-Play” tournaments.
The site has also created a special user account dubbed “Aid for Haiti.” In a similar fashion as transferring funds from one player to another, those who wish to help can send money directly to the account in $5 increments or larger. Full Tilt will then match the funds raised.
PokerStars has taken a streamlined approach to fundraising. The site has selected the Red Cross as its beneficiary and, like Full Tilt Poker and others involved, is matching donations dollar for dollar. The opportunity to donate will be open through January 31st and all players need to do is open up the PokerStars client, go to “Tourney” and “Special,” and enter one of the Haiti Earthquake Relief events. None of these tournaments will actually play out. Instead, the $1 to $1,000 buy-in allows players to donate directly to the Red Cross. PokerStars members can also ship money to “Haiti Fund,” a player account set up specifically to accept donations. Go to “Requests” and “Transfer Funds” in the top menu to take advantage of this method.
Meanwhile, the Calvin Ayre Foundation, named for the founder of Bodog, has pledged £10,000 to the U.K.-based foundation Oxfam to support the cause. The internet mogul added, “I also want to challenge the rest of this industry to also contribute to Oxfam to help out in Haiti and my private foundation will match any proven payment to Oxfam by an online gaming person up to $1,000,000.” Bodog, PokerStars, and Full Tilt Poker all accept players and donations from the United States. The latter two are the largest and second largest sites in the world, respectively.
Also accepting U.S. action and promoting relief to the residents of Haiti is Cake Poker. The room has set up three special “holding tanks” totaling $5, $25, and $100. Players can register for each of them and the site, which features Lee Jones as its Card Room Manager, will match all funds raised. No cards will be dealt in these tournaments; instead, they are purely for donation purposes. The trio of “holding tanks” will be available until Midnight ET on January 31st.
Facebook poker application Zynga is donating $1 to Fonkoze, “an organization that supports families in Haiti,” for every chip package sold. Other added benefits, including a “Hearts for Haiti” gift, will be thrown into the mix.
On PocketFives.com, top-ranked online poker player David “Doc Sands” Sands announced that he was donating 10% of his Sunday profits up to $10,000 to a “disaster relief fund.” Sands called on other all-star players to do the same, with Ryan “gutshtallin” Welch, who sits at #39 in the world, agreeing to similar terms. Sunday features some of the largest online poker tournaments in the industry, including the Sunday Million on PokerStars and $750,000 Guaranteed on Full Tilt Poker.
The United States pledged $100 million in aid for Haiti. Hopefully, the online poker community can band together for this worthwhile cause.
Maria del Mar Gomez contributed to this article. (Credit: Poker News Daily)
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Full Tilt Poker has launched “Aid for Haiti” tournaments in which the site will match the rake paid and then donate it to several charities on the ground in the island nation. For Full Tilt Poker members who don’t want to hit the virtual felts in order to donate, the world’s second largest online poker site has set up “Aid for Haiti No Play” tournaments. Ten of these events are scheduled for Sunday, January 17th and Full Tilt is matching the buy-ins. No poker will actually be had in “No-Play” tournaments.
The site has also created a special user account dubbed “Aid for Haiti.” In a similar fashion as transferring funds from one player to another, those who wish to help can send money directly to the account in $5 increments or larger. Full Tilt will then match the funds raised.
PokerStars has taken a streamlined approach to fundraising. The site has selected the Red Cross as its beneficiary and, like Full Tilt Poker and others involved, is matching donations dollar for dollar. The opportunity to donate will be open through January 31st and all players need to do is open up the PokerStars client, go to “Tourney” and “Special,” and enter one of the Haiti Earthquake Relief events. None of these tournaments will actually play out. Instead, the $1 to $1,000 buy-in allows players to donate directly to the Red Cross. PokerStars members can also ship money to “Haiti Fund,” a player account set up specifically to accept donations. Go to “Requests” and “Transfer Funds” in the top menu to take advantage of this method.
Meanwhile, the Calvin Ayre Foundation, named for the founder of Bodog, has pledged £10,000 to the U.K.-based foundation Oxfam to support the cause. The internet mogul added, “I also want to challenge the rest of this industry to also contribute to Oxfam to help out in Haiti and my private foundation will match any proven payment to Oxfam by an online gaming person up to $1,000,000.” Bodog, PokerStars, and Full Tilt Poker all accept players and donations from the United States. The latter two are the largest and second largest sites in the world, respectively.
Also accepting U.S. action and promoting relief to the residents of Haiti is Cake Poker. The room has set up three special “holding tanks” totaling $5, $25, and $100. Players can register for each of them and the site, which features Lee Jones as its Card Room Manager, will match all funds raised. No cards will be dealt in these tournaments; instead, they are purely for donation purposes. The trio of “holding tanks” will be available until Midnight ET on January 31st.
Facebook poker application Zynga is donating $1 to Fonkoze, “an organization that supports families in Haiti,” for every chip package sold. Other added benefits, including a “Hearts for Haiti” gift, will be thrown into the mix.
On PocketFives.com, top-ranked online poker player David “Doc Sands” Sands announced that he was donating 10% of his Sunday profits up to $10,000 to a “disaster relief fund.” Sands called on other all-star players to do the same, with Ryan “gutshtallin” Welch, who sits at #39 in the world, agreeing to similar terms. Sunday features some of the largest online poker tournaments in the industry, including the Sunday Million on PokerStars and $750,000 Guaranteed on Full Tilt Poker.
The United States pledged $100 million in aid for Haiti. Hopefully, the online poker community can band together for this worthwhile cause.
Maria del Mar Gomez contributed to this article. (Credit: Poker News Daily)
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Tuesday, January 05, 2010
Packer's wife finds him a giving gift - Fairfax - AAP - 18th December 2009
James Packer's wife Erica has found the perfect gift for a man who has everything.
Ms Packer, who is a Unicef Goodwill Ambassador, has bought her media mogul husband a water pump for an impoverished community, which is part of the organisation's Gifts That Give range.
"I am a strong supporter of Unicef and at Christmas it just makes sense to seek to support their work to help vulnerable children around the world," Ms Packer said in a statement from Unicef. (Credit: Fairfax - AAP)
*read the full story here
Ms Packer, who is a Unicef Goodwill Ambassador, has bought her media mogul husband a water pump for an impoverished community, which is part of the organisation's Gifts That Give range.
"I am a strong supporter of Unicef and at Christmas it just makes sense to seek to support their work to help vulnerable children around the world," Ms Packer said in a statement from Unicef. (Credit: Fairfax - AAP)
*read the full story here
Friday, January 01, 2010
Star City Casino strike New Year's Day - 31st December 2009
Staff at Sydney's Star City casino will walk off the job for one hour on New Year's Day as part of a continuing row over pay.
The Liquor, Hospitality and Miscellaneous Union (LHMU) says workers will strike from 8pm until 9pm (AEDT) in a bid to secure a higher pay offer, but a Star City spokesman says the casino will operate as usual.
"Staff have been negotiating with Star City for a new enterprise agreement for more than eight months," LHMU NSW branch secretary Mark Boyd said in a statement on Thursday.
"Star City staff have decided to take one-hour strike action from New Year's Day because they are frustrated by the casino's unfair wage offer and management's refusal to listen to them."
But Star City spokesman Peter Grimshaw says only a small group of employees is expected to carry out the industrial action and the casino would operate as usual.
"Only 17 per cent of employees voted to strike so it will be business as usual at Star City," he said in a statement.
A LHMU spokeswoman told AAP on Thursday that further strikes could follow through January.
Star City staff have twice voted against previous pay offers made in September and December, the LHMU union said.
The union has previously said members have been offered a two per cent pay rise.
But Mr Grimshaw said the casino had "put a very fair offer on the table including a nine per cent increase in wages over three years and increased allowances".
"However, the union is trying to retain outdated work practices including loadings on sick leave," he said.
Mr Boyd said $575 million was being spent to renovate the venue, its top executives were paid $2.6 million and the casino's last quarter revenue was up 11.6 per cent. (Credit: Wires, Fairfax Media, Google News, LHMU, Media Man)
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The Liquor, Hospitality and Miscellaneous Union (LHMU) says workers will strike from 8pm until 9pm (AEDT) in a bid to secure a higher pay offer, but a Star City spokesman says the casino will operate as usual.
"Staff have been negotiating with Star City for a new enterprise agreement for more than eight months," LHMU NSW branch secretary Mark Boyd said in a statement on Thursday.
"Star City staff have decided to take one-hour strike action from New Year's Day because they are frustrated by the casino's unfair wage offer and management's refusal to listen to them."
But Star City spokesman Peter Grimshaw says only a small group of employees is expected to carry out the industrial action and the casino would operate as usual.
"Only 17 per cent of employees voted to strike so it will be business as usual at Star City," he said in a statement.
A LHMU spokeswoman told AAP on Thursday that further strikes could follow through January.
Star City staff have twice voted against previous pay offers made in September and December, the LHMU union said.
The union has previously said members have been offered a two per cent pay rise.
But Mr Grimshaw said the casino had "put a very fair offer on the table including a nine per cent increase in wages over three years and increased allowances".
"However, the union is trying to retain outdated work practices including loadings on sick leave," he said.
Mr Boyd said $575 million was being spent to renovate the venue, its top executives were paid $2.6 million and the casino's last quarter revenue was up 11.6 per cent. (Credit: Wires, Fairfax Media, Google News, LHMU, Media Man)
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Monday, December 28, 2009
TASER Foundation for Fallen Officers Raises More Than $550,000 From the 2009 "Hold'em for Heroes" Celebrity Weekend - 21st December 2009
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Dec. 21, 2009 - The TASER Foundation for Fallen Officers generated more than $550,000 in gross donations during its fifth annual "Hold'em for Heroes" celebrity tournament weekend held November 19-21, 2009.
The weekend's events featured three days of poker tournaments at the Fort McDowell Casino, including a "high roller" event filled with more than 35 celebrities from: the World Series of Poker(R) (WSOP), professional sports teams, television, movies, and artists from the country and hip hop genres. Many of these same players also participated in the charity's first celebrity golf tournament played at the beautiful WeKoPa Golf Club in Fountain Hills, Arizona.
The returning hosts for the events were the 11-time WSOP Champion, Phil Hellmuth and Country Music Recording Artist, Mark Wills.
During the weekend's activities, local players had the opportunity to golf with celebrities like Richard Karn of "Home Improvement" and play their best poker hands against champions like Phil Hellmuth, Antonio Esfandiari, Layne Flack, and local poker hero Tom Schneider for the chance to win a $10,000 seat in the 2010 World Series of Poker tournament held in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Mark Rubin, a local player, won the event, with Jeff Madsen, one of the WSOP celebrity players, taking second.
Kathy Hanrahan, the CEO for the TASER Foundation, commented, "The results achieved for the 2009 'Hold'em for Heroes' event was a great way to end the year. We were encouraged by the level of support achieved in such a tough economy."
"We would like to thank the local community for their continued support of this very worthwhile cause, and our premium corporate sponsors: Fort McDowell Casino, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Arizona, Hillard Heintze, TASER International, the Poker Players' Alliance, and Hogue Printing Solutions for underwriting the key expenses and making the event possible," added Hanrahan. "A special thank you is also necessary for the men and women of law enforcement who attended the event, and to the very special family members of our fallen Arizona officers. This weekend was to honor these heroes, and to remind them that the TASER Foundation will be here to help law enforcement and its families in their time of need."
For more information on the event, or to see or purchase photographs from the tournament weekend, please email SupportingtheFamily@TASERFoundation.org.
To learn more about how you can assist the TASER Foundation in its mission to help these families during their time of need, please visit www.TASERFoundation.org, or call 1-800-978-2737, extension 2012. Every dollar raised makes a difference in their lives, and lets the families know how grateful we are for their sacrifice.
About the TASER Foundation
The TASER Foundation distributes financial memorial grants to the families of fallen officers in the United States and Canada through donations and an initial endowment of $1,000,000. More than half of the initial endowment came in direct contribution from TASER International employees with the balance contributed by the company. Onetime grants are available only upon request by chiefs of police and sheriffs as well as federal law enforcement executives in the name of sworn officers killed in the line of duty since August 1, 2004. The TASER Foundation's mission is to honor the service and sacrifice of local and federal law enforcement officers in the United States and Canada lost in the line of duty by providing financial support to their families. TASER International bears all of the administrative costs of the TASER Foundation in order to ensure 100 percent of all donations are distributed to the families of fallen officers. For further information contact Kathy Hanrahan, President and CEO of the TASER Foundation, at Kathy@TASER.com or call 800-978-2737, extension 2012. Visit the TASER Foundation website at www.TASERFoundation.org for facts and video.
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The weekend's events featured three days of poker tournaments at the Fort McDowell Casino, including a "high roller" event filled with more than 35 celebrities from: the World Series of Poker(R) (WSOP), professional sports teams, television, movies, and artists from the country and hip hop genres. Many of these same players also participated in the charity's first celebrity golf tournament played at the beautiful WeKoPa Golf Club in Fountain Hills, Arizona.
The returning hosts for the events were the 11-time WSOP Champion, Phil Hellmuth and Country Music Recording Artist, Mark Wills.
During the weekend's activities, local players had the opportunity to golf with celebrities like Richard Karn of "Home Improvement" and play their best poker hands against champions like Phil Hellmuth, Antonio Esfandiari, Layne Flack, and local poker hero Tom Schneider for the chance to win a $10,000 seat in the 2010 World Series of Poker tournament held in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Mark Rubin, a local player, won the event, with Jeff Madsen, one of the WSOP celebrity players, taking second.
Kathy Hanrahan, the CEO for the TASER Foundation, commented, "The results achieved for the 2009 'Hold'em for Heroes' event was a great way to end the year. We were encouraged by the level of support achieved in such a tough economy."
"We would like to thank the local community for their continued support of this very worthwhile cause, and our premium corporate sponsors: Fort McDowell Casino, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Arizona, Hillard Heintze, TASER International, the Poker Players' Alliance, and Hogue Printing Solutions for underwriting the key expenses and making the event possible," added Hanrahan. "A special thank you is also necessary for the men and women of law enforcement who attended the event, and to the very special family members of our fallen Arizona officers. This weekend was to honor these heroes, and to remind them that the TASER Foundation will be here to help law enforcement and its families in their time of need."
For more information on the event, or to see or purchase photographs from the tournament weekend, please email SupportingtheFamily@TASERFoundation.org.
To learn more about how you can assist the TASER Foundation in its mission to help these families during their time of need, please visit www.TASERFoundation.org, or call 1-800-978-2737, extension 2012. Every dollar raised makes a difference in their lives, and lets the families know how grateful we are for their sacrifice.
About the TASER Foundation
The TASER Foundation distributes financial memorial grants to the families of fallen officers in the United States and Canada through donations and an initial endowment of $1,000,000. More than half of the initial endowment came in direct contribution from TASER International employees with the balance contributed by the company. Onetime grants are available only upon request by chiefs of police and sheriffs as well as federal law enforcement executives in the name of sworn officers killed in the line of duty since August 1, 2004. The TASER Foundation's mission is to honor the service and sacrifice of local and federal law enforcement officers in the United States and Canada lost in the line of duty by providing financial support to their families. TASER International bears all of the administrative costs of the TASER Foundation in order to ensure 100 percent of all donations are distributed to the families of fallen officers. For further information contact Kathy Hanrahan, President and CEO of the TASER Foundation, at Kathy@TASER.com or call 800-978-2737, extension 2012. Visit the TASER Foundation website at www.TASERFoundation.org for facts and video.
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Thursday, December 24, 2009
Poker priest misses out on a million - 23rd December 2009
Poker playing Florida priest, Fr Andrew Trapp, didn't win the $1 million prize on the PokerStars.net Million Dollar Challenge but says he is "happy with the way things turned out."
Fr Trapp said the finale has been called "one of the most amazing, exciting hours of game show TV ever filmed, and that's why I'm looking forward to watching it with my parish family," the Sun News reports.
Word first leaked to the New York Post that Mike Kosowski, a 21 year NYPD veteran, won the $1 million prize by defeating Trapp and poker star Daniel Negreanu, Trapp confirmed Monday afternoon.
"He ended up beating me and the other two finalists for the shot to play for the million," Trapp said. "I'm disappointed. It's been really tough the past few weeks with everybody asking how I did. I'm happy with the way things turned out. I just think it was meant for Mike to win this."
The church will hold a viewing party Sunday. The episode is worth watching because of Kosowski's inspiring story, Trapp said. It will also include a feature on St Michael's fundraising efforts and show why the church needs a new building.
Kosowski was one of the first responders to arrive at the World Trade Centre during the September 11, 2001, attacks. His story is chronicled in the book "Never Forget: The Oral History of September 11."
"It's a really compelling show," Trapp said. "It's going to be a very emotional show because even after people see Mike knock me out, they are going to start rooting for Mike. He's a September 11 hero. I think we all are going to be cheering him on, everybody across the country."
Though Trapp didn't win the ultimate prize, he did win $100,000, which has already been donated to the St Michael church building fund. The church received the full amount because it is a nonprofit.
"I hate to disappoint all the good people here at St Michael, but I think they'll still be proud of me and it will be a really exciting show to watch."
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Fr Trapp said the finale has been called "one of the most amazing, exciting hours of game show TV ever filmed, and that's why I'm looking forward to watching it with my parish family," the Sun News reports.
Word first leaked to the New York Post that Mike Kosowski, a 21 year NYPD veteran, won the $1 million prize by defeating Trapp and poker star Daniel Negreanu, Trapp confirmed Monday afternoon.
"He ended up beating me and the other two finalists for the shot to play for the million," Trapp said. "I'm disappointed. It's been really tough the past few weeks with everybody asking how I did. I'm happy with the way things turned out. I just think it was meant for Mike to win this."
The church will hold a viewing party Sunday. The episode is worth watching because of Kosowski's inspiring story, Trapp said. It will also include a feature on St Michael's fundraising efforts and show why the church needs a new building.
Kosowski was one of the first responders to arrive at the World Trade Centre during the September 11, 2001, attacks. His story is chronicled in the book "Never Forget: The Oral History of September 11."
"It's a really compelling show," Trapp said. "It's going to be a very emotional show because even after people see Mike knock me out, they are going to start rooting for Mike. He's a September 11 hero. I think we all are going to be cheering him on, everybody across the country."
Though Trapp didn't win the ultimate prize, he did win $100,000, which has already been donated to the St Michael church building fund. The church received the full amount because it is a nonprofit.
"I hate to disappoint all the good people here at St Michael, but I think they'll still be proud of me and it will be a really exciting show to watch."
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Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Sydney Star City Casino workers vote to strike - 22nd December 2009
Staff at Sydney's Star City casino have voted to take industrial action over pay, frustrated over a two per cent rise offered by management.
The LHMU hospitality union says staff in the next few days are likely to decide exactly what action to take and when.
"Star City staff have decided on strike action because they are frustrated by the casino's unfair wage offer and management's refusal to listen to them," LHMU NSW branch secretary Mark Boyd said in a statement on Tuesday night.
"The casino put its offer to a vote of all staff in September and earlier this month. Star City staff voted overwhelmingly `no' twice to the casino's unfair pay offer.
"Star City is refusing to listen to its staff who just want a decent pay rise and don't want to lose any of their conditions.
"The decision to consider action is not taken lightly but staff feel it is their last resort."
Mr Boyd said $575 million was being spent renovating the venue, its top executives were paid $2.6 million and the casino's last quarter revenue was up 11.6 per cent.
No one was available for comment at Star City on Tuesday night. (Credit: Wires, Google News, AP)
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The LHMU hospitality union says staff in the next few days are likely to decide exactly what action to take and when.
"Star City staff have decided on strike action because they are frustrated by the casino's unfair wage offer and management's refusal to listen to them," LHMU NSW branch secretary Mark Boyd said in a statement on Tuesday night.
"The casino put its offer to a vote of all staff in September and earlier this month. Star City staff voted overwhelmingly `no' twice to the casino's unfair pay offer.
"Star City is refusing to listen to its staff who just want a decent pay rise and don't want to lose any of their conditions.
"The decision to consider action is not taken lightly but staff feel it is their last resort."
Mr Boyd said $575 million was being spent renovating the venue, its top executives were paid $2.6 million and the casino's last quarter revenue was up 11.6 per cent.
No one was available for comment at Star City on Tuesday night. (Credit: Wires, Google News, AP)
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Friday, December 18, 2009
Sir Richard Branson and Virgin Unite Named 25 Best Givers' list
Richard Branson and his Virgin Unite have been named in 'The 25 Best Givers' list published by Barron's and consulting firm Global Philanthropy Group.
The list recognises top philanthropists who insist on 'more bang for the buck' in tight economic times.
Richard and Virgin Unite were recognised alongside the likes of the Skoll Foundation, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the William J. Clinton Foundation, among others.
Richard received special mention for his environmental efforts such as the Carbon War Room, the Clinton Global Initiative pledge to invest all profits from Virgin's transportation businesses over the next 10 years in renewable energy, and the $25 million Earth Prize for a plan to remove carbon from the atmosphere.
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The list recognises top philanthropists who insist on 'more bang for the buck' in tight economic times.
Richard and Virgin Unite were recognised alongside the likes of the Skoll Foundation, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the William J. Clinton Foundation, among others.
Richard received special mention for his environmental efforts such as the Carbon War Room, the Clinton Global Initiative pledge to invest all profits from Virgin's transportation businesses over the next 10 years in renewable energy, and the $25 million Earth Prize for a plan to remove carbon from the atmosphere.
Click here for the full article published at Barrons
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Thursday, December 10, 2009
Pink pigeon race date set - Fairfax - 9th December 2009
The Great Betfair Pink Pigeon Race Day is to be held again next year on January 5 to coincide with Jane McGrath Day.
Starting at Dundas Oval in Narromine it will finish 30 kilometres away, as the crow flies, in Trangie.
Following the success it enjoyed in January of this year the force behind the race, Trangie publican Shane Dolton, is in talks with Channel Nine about the possibility of the race becoming an annual event for the region.
Channel Nine first approached Mr Dolton last year with the idea of a fundraising pigeon race to raise money for breast cancer.
He then put the inaugural event together within two weeks and saw a figure of more than $10,000 raised for the McGrath Foundation.
Mr Dolton was flown to Sydney prior to the first Pink Pigeon Race Day to promote the event on The Cricket Show...
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Starting at Dundas Oval in Narromine it will finish 30 kilometres away, as the crow flies, in Trangie.
Following the success it enjoyed in January of this year the force behind the race, Trangie publican Shane Dolton, is in talks with Channel Nine about the possibility of the race becoming an annual event for the region.
Channel Nine first approached Mr Dolton last year with the idea of a fundraising pigeon race to raise money for breast cancer.
He then put the inaugural event together within two weeks and saw a figure of more than $10,000 raised for the McGrath Foundation.
Mr Dolton was flown to Sydney prior to the first Pink Pigeon Race Day to promote the event on The Cricket Show...
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Hulk Hogan Make-A-Wish Foundation - News Limited - 23rd November 2009
Wrestling sensation Hulk Hogan brought smiles to the faces of sick children at Burswood today ahead of his Perth show.
Hogan also presented the Make-A-Wish Foundation with a $5000 donation on behalf of Burswood.
Wrestling fanatics Jamie McDermott, 9, and Jesse Harp, 6, were overcome with emotion when the 200cm-tall wrestling icon fulfilled their wishes.
Jamie has a rare neurological disorder and Jesse is battling cancer. Both will attend “Hulkamania” at Burswood Dome tomorrow night as special guests.
Leslie Yungabun, another Make-A-Wish member and “Hulkamaniac”, flew in from Fitzroy Crossing in the state’s north just for the event.
Hogan described the Make-A-Wish children as “awesome”.
“Sometimes I will be tired from the road or tired from all the travelling, but whenever I get around those kids they give me the energy,” he said.
“These kids want to see me get in the ring. It doesn’t matter if I’m 100-years-old, the kids want to come and see me tear the shirt and wrestle around and have a good time.
“It’s just amazing to see these kids and realise this is the priority.”
Hogan will go head-to-head with old nemesis Ric Flair in tomorrow’s showdown, which will also feature wrestling favourites The Nasty Boys and Brutus “The Barber” Beefcake.
Hogan’s Australian tour started in extraordinary fashion last week when he was caught up in a brawl with Flair at a Sydney media conference, which left the 56-year-old dazed and bloodied.
Hogan said tomorrow night’s clash with Flair in Perth would be payback.
“I need Ric to realise you can’t go around cheap-shotting people like that,” he said.
“I’d love to get him in a compromising position.”
Hogan and Flair have verbally agreed to throw the rule book out the window for the event.
“Ric Flair’s always about the lowest common denominator and always taking the cheap shots,” Hogan said.
“I told him on radio today, as far as Perth goes, let’s go by your rules.
“I know we’re going to be fighting in the building, but we (might) role out into the street and crash through your living room at home.”
It is first time Hogan has brought his show to Australia.
Burswood’s water fountain in the InterContinental lobby is named the “Make-A-Wish Fountain” and has collected over $85,000 in loose change since 1998. (Credit: News Limited / Perth Now)
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Hogan also presented the Make-A-Wish Foundation with a $5000 donation on behalf of Burswood.
Wrestling fanatics Jamie McDermott, 9, and Jesse Harp, 6, were overcome with emotion when the 200cm-tall wrestling icon fulfilled their wishes.
Jamie has a rare neurological disorder and Jesse is battling cancer. Both will attend “Hulkamania” at Burswood Dome tomorrow night as special guests.
Leslie Yungabun, another Make-A-Wish member and “Hulkamaniac”, flew in from Fitzroy Crossing in the state’s north just for the event.
Hogan described the Make-A-Wish children as “awesome”.
“Sometimes I will be tired from the road or tired from all the travelling, but whenever I get around those kids they give me the energy,” he said.
“These kids want to see me get in the ring. It doesn’t matter if I’m 100-years-old, the kids want to come and see me tear the shirt and wrestle around and have a good time.
“It’s just amazing to see these kids and realise this is the priority.”
Hogan will go head-to-head with old nemesis Ric Flair in tomorrow’s showdown, which will also feature wrestling favourites The Nasty Boys and Brutus “The Barber” Beefcake.
Hogan’s Australian tour started in extraordinary fashion last week when he was caught up in a brawl with Flair at a Sydney media conference, which left the 56-year-old dazed and bloodied.
Hogan said tomorrow night’s clash with Flair in Perth would be payback.
“I need Ric to realise you can’t go around cheap-shotting people like that,” he said.
“I’d love to get him in a compromising position.”
Hogan and Flair have verbally agreed to throw the rule book out the window for the event.
“Ric Flair’s always about the lowest common denominator and always taking the cheap shots,” Hogan said.
“I told him on radio today, as far as Perth goes, let’s go by your rules.
“I know we’re going to be fighting in the building, but we (might) role out into the street and crash through your living room at home.”
It is first time Hogan has brought his show to Australia.
Burswood’s water fountain in the InterContinental lobby is named the “Make-A-Wish Fountain” and has collected over $85,000 in loose change since 1998. (Credit: News Limited / Perth Now)
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Mission Australia to buy ABC centres - The Sydney Morning Herald - 9th December 2009
UPDATE The bank-appointed receivers of ABC Learning have confirmed that the not-for-profit syndicate led by Mission Australia has been selected as the preferred buyer for most of the 705 childcare centres remaining under ABC’s control. (Credit: The Sydney Morning Herald)
Read the full article here
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Read the full article here
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Sunday, November 22, 2009
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Survivor Series Food Drive & Autograph Signing THIS Sunday - 20th November 2009
Donate To The WWE Survivor Series Food Drive
World Wrestling Entertainment, Verizon Center and the Capitol Food Bank are providing the opportunity for you, your family and friends to donate non-perishable food items for distribution to those less fortunate in the Washington, D.C. area during the Thanksgiving holiday
Bring your non-perishable food item(s) to Survivor Series on Sunday, November 22nd, drop them off at the Verizon Center lobby as you enter and get a free WWE bookmark while supplies last.
For those who come early, WWE Superstar Kofi Kingston and WWE Diva Eve will be at the Verizon Center between 12 noon and 2PM to sign autographs for those fans who make food donations.*
Go to wwe.com for more information.
*Limited to the first 300 attendees in line who donate a non-perishable food item.
One autograph per person. Talent subject to change. (Credit: WWE)
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World Wrestling Entertainment, Verizon Center and the Capitol Food Bank are providing the opportunity for you, your family and friends to donate non-perishable food items for distribution to those less fortunate in the Washington, D.C. area during the Thanksgiving holiday
Bring your non-perishable food item(s) to Survivor Series on Sunday, November 22nd, drop them off at the Verizon Center lobby as you enter and get a free WWE bookmark while supplies last.
For those who come early, WWE Superstar Kofi Kingston and WWE Diva Eve will be at the Verizon Center between 12 noon and 2PM to sign autographs for those fans who make food donations.*
Go to wwe.com for more information.
*Limited to the first 300 attendees in line who donate a non-perishable food item.
One autograph per person. Talent subject to change. (Credit: WWE)
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Sunday, November 15, 2009
Bondi kicks off Skin Cancer Action Week - 15th November 2009
A mock crime scene was set up at Sydney's Bondi Beach on Sunday to warn of the dangers of tanning.
Sunbathers at the iconic beach were greeted by 1,700 beach towels arranged on the sand, each emblazoned with a chalk outline.
The Cancer Council says every towel represents one of the 1,700 Australians who die of skin cancer every year.
A survey from the council suggests that 43 per cent of teenagers believe a tan looks healthy while one in four get burnt on a typical weekend in summer.
Seventy-one per cent of survey respondents said their friends thought "a suntan was a good thing".
More than a third of young people don't wear sunscreen in the hottest part of the day, the survey found.
A television advertising campaign will begin this week, aimed at changing the attitudes of young people.
Cancer Council CEO Ian Olver said radical measures were needed to warn of the risks of melanoma.
"More needs to be done to educate younger Australians about the dangers of getting sunburnt," Professor Olver said.
"We hope this campaign will help get the message to sink in that a tan just isn't worth the risk."
Melanoma is the second most common cancer in 15-19 year olds, and the most common cancer in people aged 20-29, the council's figures show.
Two in three Australians will be diagnosed with skin cancer before the age of 70.
Skin Cancer Action Week runs from November 15 to 21. (Credit: Fairfax, Wires, Google News, AAP)
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Sunbathers at the iconic beach were greeted by 1,700 beach towels arranged on the sand, each emblazoned with a chalk outline.
The Cancer Council says every towel represents one of the 1,700 Australians who die of skin cancer every year.
A survey from the council suggests that 43 per cent of teenagers believe a tan looks healthy while one in four get burnt on a typical weekend in summer.
Seventy-one per cent of survey respondents said their friends thought "a suntan was a good thing".
More than a third of young people don't wear sunscreen in the hottest part of the day, the survey found.
A television advertising campaign will begin this week, aimed at changing the attitudes of young people.
Cancer Council CEO Ian Olver said radical measures were needed to warn of the risks of melanoma.
"More needs to be done to educate younger Australians about the dangers of getting sunburnt," Professor Olver said.
"We hope this campaign will help get the message to sink in that a tan just isn't worth the risk."
Melanoma is the second most common cancer in 15-19 year olds, and the most common cancer in people aged 20-29, the council's figures show.
Two in three Australians will be diagnosed with skin cancer before the age of 70.
Skin Cancer Action Week runs from November 15 to 21. (Credit: Fairfax, Wires, Google News, AAP)
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Thursday, November 12, 2009
ACTA welcomes allocation of digital spectrum for Community TV
4th November 2009
The Australian Community Television Alliance (ACTA) today welcomed the Federal Government's decision to allocate digital spectrum for Community Television.
ACTA was formed primarily to coordinate the sector's representations to Government and in particular to secure digital spectrum and funding support during the digital/analogue simulcast period that concludes at the end of 2013. Since the introduction of digital broadcasting to Australia in 2001 Community Television channels have been the only ones not available via digital set-top boxes.
The lack of digital spectrum has severely hampered audience growth for Community Television and in recent times has seen audience numbers in most cities begin to fall significantly. "As Community TV relies on sponsorship revenue to fund station operations, and sponsors want to know that people are watching, urgent action was required," ACTA Secretary Laurie Patton said.
"Today's announcement from Senator Conroy proves that ACTA's campaign has worked," Mr Patton added. "The Government clearly understood that without a digital pathway Community Television was destined for broadcasting oblivion".
ACTA is pleased that the Government has accepted its arguments in favour of Community Television and its potential to play an important role in a developing digital multichannel world.
"Community TV stations provide a unique platform for the expression of the views and interests of a wide range of community groups and individuals that would otherwise go unheard. In addition to providing an outlet for local viewpoints and diverse opinions Community Television acts as a training ground for new entrants to the broadcast industry," Mr Patton concluded.
For information about the Community TV station in your capital city go to:
Adelaide www.c31.com.au
Brisbane www.qctv.com.au
Melbourne www.c31.org.au
Perth www.ctvperth.com.au
Sydney www.tvs.tv
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The Australian Community Television Alliance (ACTA) today welcomed the Federal Government's decision to allocate digital spectrum for Community Television.
ACTA was formed primarily to coordinate the sector's representations to Government and in particular to secure digital spectrum and funding support during the digital/analogue simulcast period that concludes at the end of 2013. Since the introduction of digital broadcasting to Australia in 2001 Community Television channels have been the only ones not available via digital set-top boxes.
The lack of digital spectrum has severely hampered audience growth for Community Television and in recent times has seen audience numbers in most cities begin to fall significantly. "As Community TV relies on sponsorship revenue to fund station operations, and sponsors want to know that people are watching, urgent action was required," ACTA Secretary Laurie Patton said.
"Today's announcement from Senator Conroy proves that ACTA's campaign has worked," Mr Patton added. "The Government clearly understood that without a digital pathway Community Television was destined for broadcasting oblivion".
ACTA is pleased that the Government has accepted its arguments in favour of Community Television and its potential to play an important role in a developing digital multichannel world.
"Community TV stations provide a unique platform for the expression of the views and interests of a wide range of community groups and individuals that would otherwise go unheard. In addition to providing an outlet for local viewpoints and diverse opinions Community Television acts as a training ground for new entrants to the broadcast industry," Mr Patton concluded.
For information about the Community TV station in your capital city go to:
Adelaide www.c31.com.au
Brisbane www.qctv.com.au
Melbourne www.c31.org.au
Perth www.ctvperth.com.au
Sydney www.tvs.tv
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Sunday, November 08, 2009
Hulk Hogan a 'Mo' Mentor - 7th November 2009
Hulk Hogan, one of the biggest names in professional wrestling, has been appointed an official "Mo" Mentor for this year's Movember.
The moustache-growing charity event is held each November to raise funds for and awareness of men's health.
"To all my Hulkamaniacs, say your prayers, take your vitamins and grow a moustache for Movember this year," Hogan said.
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The moustache-growing charity event is held each November to raise funds for and awareness of men's health.
"To all my Hulkamaniacs, say your prayers, take your vitamins and grow a moustache for Movember this year," Hogan said.
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Saturday, November 07, 2009
Virgin's Branson may bid for Camelot lottery - 7th November 2009
Sir Richard Branson hopes as deadline nears for Camelot lottery sale
The owners of Camelot, the National Lottery operator, have given potential bidders for the business about two weeks to table their opening offers.
The auction could result in Sir Richard Branson, who lost out in his bid to operate the National Lottery several times, taking over the company. Other potential bidders include private equity houses and overseas lottery operators.
In April, four of Camelot’s five shareholders — Thales, Fujitsu, Cadbury and De La Rue — appointed Greenhill and NM Rothschild, the investment banks, to sell their stakes in the business.
A fifth shareholder, Royal Mail, is not part of the sale process, at present, but it could decide at the end of the auction to sell its stake to a winning bidder.
All five shareholders own equal 20 per cent stakes in Camelot.
It is believed that Sir Richard, head of the Virgin Group, has sounded out leading charities since the summer to discuss whether they would team up with him to make a bid.
Camelot makes an annual profit of about £30 million. The sale of 80 per cent of the business could fetch as much as £250 million.
It is thought that the valuation reflects the long-term value of the profits available, with insiders having dismissed as unrealistic talk that the lottery franchise could be worth as much as £350 million.
Apart from Sir Richard, other bidders linked with the auction include Sugal & Damani, the Indian lottery giant that bid for the UK lottery licence two years ago.
Cadbury, the confectionery group, and Thales, the French defence and electronics company, are thought to be most aggressively seeking a sale. Cadbury is the subject of a £10.2 billion takeover bid by Kraft, the American food group.
Camelot has long stuck to the once-controversial principle that it is a profit-seeking operator. It has fought off two challenges in the past from non-profit bids fronted by Sir Richard’s People’s Lottery.
Tensions around whether the operator makes money have eased in recent years, with Sir Richard refusing to participate in the third licence round.
Eighty per cent of Camelot’s income over ten years is believed to be worth about £280 million. Buyers are likely to offer less than that amount to ensure that they leave a profit for themselves.
The possibility of operators receiving extra cash derives from any value placed on the possibility that the lottery franchise could be extended for another five years.
As part of their bid for the licence, the shareholders agreed with the National Lottery Commission to cut costs from 5 per cent of turnover to 4 per cent and reduce profits from 0.5 per cent to between 0.3 and 0.4 per cent. This agreement was introduced the last time that the operator’s licence was renewed in August 2007.
Lottery ticket and scratchcard sales have risen, despite the recession. Any buyer would have to be approved by the commission.
The Government is thought to be monitoring the situation particularly closely because of Camelot’s promise that it will provide £2.2 billion for the 2012 Olympic Games in London.
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The owners of Camelot, the National Lottery operator, have given potential bidders for the business about two weeks to table their opening offers.
The auction could result in Sir Richard Branson, who lost out in his bid to operate the National Lottery several times, taking over the company. Other potential bidders include private equity houses and overseas lottery operators.
In April, four of Camelot’s five shareholders — Thales, Fujitsu, Cadbury and De La Rue — appointed Greenhill and NM Rothschild, the investment banks, to sell their stakes in the business.
A fifth shareholder, Royal Mail, is not part of the sale process, at present, but it could decide at the end of the auction to sell its stake to a winning bidder.
All five shareholders own equal 20 per cent stakes in Camelot.
It is believed that Sir Richard, head of the Virgin Group, has sounded out leading charities since the summer to discuss whether they would team up with him to make a bid.
Camelot makes an annual profit of about £30 million. The sale of 80 per cent of the business could fetch as much as £250 million.
It is thought that the valuation reflects the long-term value of the profits available, with insiders having dismissed as unrealistic talk that the lottery franchise could be worth as much as £350 million.
Apart from Sir Richard, other bidders linked with the auction include Sugal & Damani, the Indian lottery giant that bid for the UK lottery licence two years ago.
Cadbury, the confectionery group, and Thales, the French defence and electronics company, are thought to be most aggressively seeking a sale. Cadbury is the subject of a £10.2 billion takeover bid by Kraft, the American food group.
Camelot has long stuck to the once-controversial principle that it is a profit-seeking operator. It has fought off two challenges in the past from non-profit bids fronted by Sir Richard’s People’s Lottery.
Tensions around whether the operator makes money have eased in recent years, with Sir Richard refusing to participate in the third licence round.
Eighty per cent of Camelot’s income over ten years is believed to be worth about £280 million. Buyers are likely to offer less than that amount to ensure that they leave a profit for themselves.
The possibility of operators receiving extra cash derives from any value placed on the possibility that the lottery franchise could be extended for another five years.
As part of their bid for the licence, the shareholders agreed with the National Lottery Commission to cut costs from 5 per cent of turnover to 4 per cent and reduce profits from 0.5 per cent to between 0.3 and 0.4 per cent. This agreement was introduced the last time that the operator’s licence was renewed in August 2007.
Lottery ticket and scratchcard sales have risen, despite the recession. Any buyer would have to be approved by the commission.
The Government is thought to be monitoring the situation particularly closely because of Camelot’s promise that it will provide £2.2 billion for the 2012 Olympic Games in London.
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Friday, November 06, 2009
Countdown To Mike Sexton Hall Of Fame Induction - Celebration Freeroll Is Already A Sell Out
Gibraltar – November 5th 2009 – The countdown is on to PartyPoker.com ambassador Mike Sexton’s induction into Poker’s Hall of Fame on Saturday evening during the dinner break at the 2009 WSOP Main Event Final table. PartyPoker.com is holding a special celebratory $10,000 freeroll to mark the occasion at 21.00 CET (15.00 EST) that day and 8000 have reserved seats for the special tournament which was at capacity one hour after appearing in the lobby!
A PartyPoker.com spokesman said: “Everybody loves a freeroll and we received so many questions about when the one for Mike would take place and all spaces were filled within an hour! It was a case of first come, first served for this celebration.”
Mike will be introduced at a dinner held in his honour on Saturday night by his brother Tom Sexton.
Sexton needs little introduction and is unarguably one of the most respected figures in the game. As the face and voice of the World Poker Tour and holder of a WSOP bracelet, Mike is truly one of the games pioneers. Sexton is in the top ten for the most cashes at the World Series of Poker and is instantly recognizable to all poker enthusiasts. Regarded as ‘The Ambassador of Poker,’ for years Mike advocated corporate involvement with poker to take the game he loves into the mainstream. Notably, Sexton also won the first $10k buy-in NL hold'em championship event at Foxwoods World Poker Finals in 1992 and in 2000 was the first American to win the championship event at the Euro Finals of Poker in Paris, which at the time was the biggest event in Europe. Through his role with the World Poker Tour Mike brought the game to millions around the world. In 2006 Sexton won the Tournament of Champions at the World Series of Poker, a concept he had originally created. He donated $500,000 of his winnings to charity and has since become a co-founder of PokerGives.org, which encourages players to make charitable donations.
The Poker Hall of Fame was established in 1979. Its membership includes poker's most influential players and other important contributors to the game. There are 16 living members, and to date 37 members have been bestowed the honour of entry. The WSOP Hall of Fame traditionally elects one or two new members annually. The enshrinement ceremony is now held during the final table of the Main Event of the WSOP. The criteria for selection was as follows:
A player must have played poker against acknowledged top competition
Played for high stakes
Played consistently well, gaining the respect of peers
Stood the test of time
Or, for non-players, contributed to the overall growth and success of the game of poker, with indelible positive and lasting results
World Series of Poker”® and “WSOP”®, WSOPE”® are registered trade marks of Harrah’s License Company LLC. No license, affiliation, sponsorship, or endorsement is claimed, or should be inferred from the use of these trademarks here. PartyGaming is not licensed by or otherwise affiliated with Harrah’s License Company LLC or the World Series of Poker®, in any way.
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A PartyPoker.com spokesman said: “Everybody loves a freeroll and we received so many questions about when the one for Mike would take place and all spaces were filled within an hour! It was a case of first come, first served for this celebration.”
Mike will be introduced at a dinner held in his honour on Saturday night by his brother Tom Sexton.
Sexton needs little introduction and is unarguably one of the most respected figures in the game. As the face and voice of the World Poker Tour and holder of a WSOP bracelet, Mike is truly one of the games pioneers. Sexton is in the top ten for the most cashes at the World Series of Poker and is instantly recognizable to all poker enthusiasts. Regarded as ‘The Ambassador of Poker,’ for years Mike advocated corporate involvement with poker to take the game he loves into the mainstream. Notably, Sexton also won the first $10k buy-in NL hold'em championship event at Foxwoods World Poker Finals in 1992 and in 2000 was the first American to win the championship event at the Euro Finals of Poker in Paris, which at the time was the biggest event in Europe. Through his role with the World Poker Tour Mike brought the game to millions around the world. In 2006 Sexton won the Tournament of Champions at the World Series of Poker, a concept he had originally created. He donated $500,000 of his winnings to charity and has since become a co-founder of PokerGives.org, which encourages players to make charitable donations.
The Poker Hall of Fame was established in 1979. Its membership includes poker's most influential players and other important contributors to the game. There are 16 living members, and to date 37 members have been bestowed the honour of entry. The WSOP Hall of Fame traditionally elects one or two new members annually. The enshrinement ceremony is now held during the final table of the Main Event of the WSOP. The criteria for selection was as follows:
A player must have played poker against acknowledged top competition
Played for high stakes
Played consistently well, gaining the respect of peers
Stood the test of time
Or, for non-players, contributed to the overall growth and success of the game of poker, with indelible positive and lasting results
World Series of Poker”® and “WSOP”®, WSOPE”® are registered trade marks of Harrah’s License Company LLC. No license, affiliation, sponsorship, or endorsement is claimed, or should be inferred from the use of these trademarks here. PartyGaming is not licensed by or otherwise affiliated with Harrah’s License Company LLC or the World Series of Poker®, in any way.
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Thursday, November 05, 2009
Dave Rastovich and crew, Surfers for Cetaceans, Sea Shepherd, eco warriors and community unite - 5th November 2009
David Rastovich and crew, Surfers for Cetaceans, Sea Shepherd, eco warriors and community unite - 5th November 2009
Media Man was on hand this morning to witness the exciting and historic arrival of team Transparent Sea Voyage: Dave Rastovich and Surfers for Cetaceans, who have paddled down the NSW coast on a 700km journey.
Rastovich, world class surfer and famed environmentalist, was joined on the epic adventure by JJ (photographer), Hilton Doar and Chris Del Moro (surfer and artist).
A swag of fans, supporters and media was present to welcome the team, despite the overcast weather.
Doar encouraged concerned citizens to write to local members of Parliament, Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and environmental minister, Peter Carrett.
Doar said "It was amazing to share the journey with like minded people. We're all inter connected. Australian people love the whales and dolphins. The Australian Government needs to send ships and help. Sea Shepherd is keeping the pressure one as whaling and fishing vessels are frequently Australian waters illegally. People need to help".
Further news reports on Channel Nine, Network Ten and others tonight.
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700 km paddle by Dave Rastovich
Rastovich touched in at Bondi Beach shore 11.15am
36 day journey
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*Media Man Australia is a supporter of Sea Shepherd and numerous environmental causes
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Media Man was on hand this morning to witness the exciting and historic arrival of team Transparent Sea Voyage: Dave Rastovich and Surfers for Cetaceans, who have paddled down the NSW coast on a 700km journey.
Rastovich, world class surfer and famed environmentalist, was joined on the epic adventure by JJ (photographer), Hilton Doar and Chris Del Moro (surfer and artist).
A swag of fans, supporters and media was present to welcome the team, despite the overcast weather.
Doar encouraged concerned citizens to write to local members of Parliament, Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and environmental minister, Peter Carrett.
Doar said "It was amazing to share the journey with like minded people. We're all inter connected. Australian people love the whales and dolphins. The Australian Government needs to send ships and help. Sea Shepherd is keeping the pressure one as whaling and fishing vessels are frequently Australian waters illegally. People need to help".
Further news reports on Channel Nine, Network Ten and others tonight.
Statistics
700 km paddle by Dave Rastovich
Rastovich touched in at Bondi Beach shore 11.15am
36 day journey
Website
Transparent Sea Voyage
*Media Man Australia is a supporter of Sea Shepherd and numerous environmental causes
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Sunday, October 25, 2009
Herald staff win UN awards - 24th October 2009
Journalists on the Herald have dominated all major print categories for the United Nations Association of Australia Media Peace Awards. Nick O'Malley, Heath Gilmore, Erik Jensen and Josephine Tovey's ''Foreign students exploited as slaves'' was judged the best news print report.
Glenda Kwek's feature ''Grim life of outcast children'' won its category, while Kate Geraghty's series of work, ''Sexual warfare in the Democratic Republic of Congo'', was judged the best photojournalism. (Credit: Fairfax)
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Glenda Kwek's feature ''Grim life of outcast children'' won its category, while Kate Geraghty's series of work, ''Sexual warfare in the Democratic Republic of Congo'', was judged the best photojournalism. (Credit: Fairfax)
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Friday, October 16, 2009
Virgin Money expands into online charity fundraising
15th October 2009
Virgin Money has launched its not-for-profit online charity fund-raising service as part of a drive to significantly increase the money going directly to good causes.
Its new service virginmoneygiving.com, which is already backed by hundreds of major charities, has officially opened to all fundraisers for all charity events across the country.
Jayne-Anne Gadhia, Chief Executive of Virgin Money said: "At a time when trust in financial services is at an all time low it is time to embed social responsibility at the heart of what we do. I believe a well run business is one that treats its staff, customers, partners and suppliers well and uses some of its profits to make a valuable contribution to society. The launch of Virgin Money Giving is part of that developing picture at Virgin Money."
"Virgin Money is using its infrastructure and expertise as a financial services business to ensure that the new service is efficient, secure and offers a high quality service to all fundraisers, charities and donors. With over £¼ billion forecast to be raised for charity by London Marathon runners in the 5 years that Virgin sponsors the race this is clearly critically important."
Gadhia added: "As a not-for-profit business, charities and donors can be confident Virgin Money Giving has the right balance between charging the lowest fees possible while investing in the high-tech systems that will ensure the service's security and stability when processing donations".
Virgin Money has invested over £3million in the launch and used its experience as a financial services business to ensure the hi-tech system is fully compliant with the Payment Card Industry Data Security (PCI-DS) standards - ensuring card payments are processed as securely as possible is fully compliant with the Payment Services Regulations that will be introduced by the Financial Services Authority on 1 November offers charities a state-of-the-art reporting tool to help charities maximise the efficiency of their online fundraising efforts.
Research by Virgin Money among charities and fundraisers shows online giving is potentially more efficient than traditional sponsorship forms and collection tins and can increase the use of Gift Aid. However charities, who already receive around £100 million through online giving a year, wanted to see increased reliability and functionality from online giving services - and crucially, lower costs.
virginmoneygiving.com, which is free for fundraisers, charges a flat £100 + VAT registration fee for charities and a 2% fee on all donations before Gift Aid which means for every £10 donation charities will receive £12.46.
Commenting on the launch, Scott Jacobson, Director of Marketing & Fundraising at St John Ambulance said: "Online giving websites have revolutionised the way people fundraise. They make it much easier for fundraisers, like marathon runners, to collect donations from friends, family and colleagues. Virgin Money Giving has gone the extra mile by being not-for-profit, meaning that charities take home more of the funds raised, helping us move closer to our charitable aims."
Toni Fry, National Running and Challenge Events Manager at CLIC Sargent said: "The new Virgin Money Giving site is a fast, easy and clever way to raise money. CLIC Sargent depends almost entirely on voluntary donations from the public and with the help of virginmoneygiving.com more money will be going directly to help the children and families who need us."
Virgin Money Giving charges charities the minimum fees needed to cover the running costs of the site. Any money left over after covering operating costs will go towards reducing fees further or improving services for fundraisers and charities.
Charities have been able to register on the site since August 25th.
Fundraisers can personalise their pages, send out email alerts and manage the different events they might be taking part in. Users will be able to include their own content, photos and links to their page and will be able to customise messages for their supporters. Fundraisers will also be able to link their page to social networking sites.
virginmoneygiving.com is the official sponsorship website of the Virgin London Marathon, Royal Parks Half Marathon and Sony ‘Run to the Beat'.
Media Man Australia Profiles
Virgin Money
Virgin Unite
Richard Branson
Charity
Social and Community Entrepreneurs
*Media Man Australia founder and director, Greg Tingle, is a member of Virgin Unite
*Media Man Australia does not represent Sir Richard Branson
*Media Man Australia does conduct some b2b business with a number of arms of Virgin Enterprises Limited, the details of which are commercially sensitive in nature
Virgin Money has launched its not-for-profit online charity fund-raising service as part of a drive to significantly increase the money going directly to good causes.
Its new service virginmoneygiving.com, which is already backed by hundreds of major charities, has officially opened to all fundraisers for all charity events across the country.
Jayne-Anne Gadhia, Chief Executive of Virgin Money said: "At a time when trust in financial services is at an all time low it is time to embed social responsibility at the heart of what we do. I believe a well run business is one that treats its staff, customers, partners and suppliers well and uses some of its profits to make a valuable contribution to society. The launch of Virgin Money Giving is part of that developing picture at Virgin Money."
"Virgin Money is using its infrastructure and expertise as a financial services business to ensure that the new service is efficient, secure and offers a high quality service to all fundraisers, charities and donors. With over £¼ billion forecast to be raised for charity by London Marathon runners in the 5 years that Virgin sponsors the race this is clearly critically important."
Gadhia added: "As a not-for-profit business, charities and donors can be confident Virgin Money Giving has the right balance between charging the lowest fees possible while investing in the high-tech systems that will ensure the service's security and stability when processing donations".
Virgin Money has invested over £3million in the launch and used its experience as a financial services business to ensure the hi-tech system is fully compliant with the Payment Card Industry Data Security (PCI-DS) standards - ensuring card payments are processed as securely as possible is fully compliant with the Payment Services Regulations that will be introduced by the Financial Services Authority on 1 November offers charities a state-of-the-art reporting tool to help charities maximise the efficiency of their online fundraising efforts.
Research by Virgin Money among charities and fundraisers shows online giving is potentially more efficient than traditional sponsorship forms and collection tins and can increase the use of Gift Aid. However charities, who already receive around £100 million through online giving a year, wanted to see increased reliability and functionality from online giving services - and crucially, lower costs.
virginmoneygiving.com, which is free for fundraisers, charges a flat £100 + VAT registration fee for charities and a 2% fee on all donations before Gift Aid which means for every £10 donation charities will receive £12.46.
Commenting on the launch, Scott Jacobson, Director of Marketing & Fundraising at St John Ambulance said: "Online giving websites have revolutionised the way people fundraise. They make it much easier for fundraisers, like marathon runners, to collect donations from friends, family and colleagues. Virgin Money Giving has gone the extra mile by being not-for-profit, meaning that charities take home more of the funds raised, helping us move closer to our charitable aims."
Toni Fry, National Running and Challenge Events Manager at CLIC Sargent said: "The new Virgin Money Giving site is a fast, easy and clever way to raise money. CLIC Sargent depends almost entirely on voluntary donations from the public and with the help of virginmoneygiving.com more money will be going directly to help the children and families who need us."
Virgin Money Giving charges charities the minimum fees needed to cover the running costs of the site. Any money left over after covering operating costs will go towards reducing fees further or improving services for fundraisers and charities.
Charities have been able to register on the site since August 25th.
Fundraisers can personalise their pages, send out email alerts and manage the different events they might be taking part in. Users will be able to include their own content, photos and links to their page and will be able to customise messages for their supporters. Fundraisers will also be able to link their page to social networking sites.
virginmoneygiving.com is the official sponsorship website of the Virgin London Marathon, Royal Parks Half Marathon and Sony ‘Run to the Beat'.
Media Man Australia Profiles
Virgin Money
Virgin Unite
Richard Branson
Charity
Social and Community Entrepreneurs
*Media Man Australia founder and director, Greg Tingle, is a member of Virgin Unite
*Media Man Australia does not represent Sir Richard Branson
*Media Man Australia does conduct some b2b business with a number of arms of Virgin Enterprises Limited, the details of which are commercially sensitive in nature
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Variety - The Childrens Charity Garden Party Event
Join us in the garden for the 2009 Brisbane BMW and Westside BMW
Variety Garden party
Join us in the beautiful garden at Old Government House for an afternoon of fine wines, extraordinary food and cool entertainment to raise funds for Variety – the children’s charity.
Date: Saturday 14th November 2009
Time: 2pm – 6pm
Entertainment: MC Bill McDonald - Channel 10 & Music by the new pop-princess Sally Singleton and dance band Savvy, and Food from renowned restaurants Jellyfish and Cha Cha Char, accompanied by great wines, sparkling and designer beer
Venue: Old Government House Gardens Point Campus QUT (river end of George St)
Dress: Garden Party Fashion
Tickets: $130 (GST Inclusive)
RSVP: Phone 3367 6999 or email events@varietyqld.org.au
Auction, raffle tickets for sale - fabulous prizes on offer!
Media Man Australia Profiles
Variety
Sally Singleton
Charity
Social and Community Entrepreneurs
Variety Garden party
Join us in the beautiful garden at Old Government House for an afternoon of fine wines, extraordinary food and cool entertainment to raise funds for Variety – the children’s charity.
Date: Saturday 14th November 2009
Time: 2pm – 6pm
Entertainment: MC Bill McDonald - Channel 10 & Music by the new pop-princess Sally Singleton and dance band Savvy, and Food from renowned restaurants Jellyfish and Cha Cha Char, accompanied by great wines, sparkling and designer beer
Venue: Old Government House Gardens Point Campus QUT (river end of George St)
Dress: Garden Party Fashion
Tickets: $130 (GST Inclusive)
RSVP: Phone 3367 6999 or email events@varietyqld.org.au
Auction, raffle tickets for sale - fabulous prizes on offer!
Media Man Australia Profiles
Variety
Sally Singleton
Charity
Social and Community Entrepreneurs
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Bright-On Target-Virgin Games Set to Raise 10k for Charity
LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM, Sep 07 - On Saturday 18th September, the team at Virgin Games will be putting on their best red cycling shorts and embarking on a charity bike ride from London to Brighton. Setting off from the company's HQ in Hammersmith, the team of 40 employees will be braving the 84 kilometres with the aim of raising a target of Pounds Sterling 10,000 for their chosen Virgin Unite charity, Kids Company. Founded by Camilla Batmanghelidjh in 1996 in order to provide practical, emotional and educational support to vulnerable inner-city children and young people, Kids Company are supported by Virgin Unite who pledged to raise 2.5 million by April 2010. As part of the Virgin Group, the London to Brighton charity bike ride is part of Virgin Games contribution to this goal.
Regularly offering their time and support to Kids Company, previous activities have included the Virgin Games team pulling together to redecorate an East London School and most recently arranging a sports day for children in Hackney. This year, the team of mixed cycling abilities will set off together at 8am and hope to reach their final destination of Brighton beach by 4 pm having raised Pounds Sterling 10,000 with all
stragglers accounted for! Keen cyclist Warren Eloff, Product Manager, who regularly cycles into work is tipped to lead the pack and CEO, Simon Burridge who is sitting on the saddle for the first time in 20 years, is set to surprise his team with his 'dusted down' cycling skills!
Simon Burridge, CEO at Virgin Games and Virgin Unite trustee comments: "At Virgin Games we are passionate about Virgin Unite and the work that Kids Company carry out in the communities they work with. We believe Kids Company are a great charity and realise our support is all the more important now, with the current economic climate making it harder for them to achieve the funding they need to keep up the great work they are doing with young people all over the capital. I can't think of more deserving charity to be brushing the cobwebs off my cycling shorts for!"
Visit http://www.virginunite.com/fundraiser/Virgin-Games-go-to-Brighton to make a donation and support the Virgin Games team.
About Virgin Games
Virgin Games was launched in June 2004 and has quickly established itself as one of the leading gaming websites in the UK. Virgin Games comprises three distinct offerings:
- Virgin Casino, part of the Wagerworks network, brings consumers casino games like blackjack and roulette, as well as great feature slots like Monopoly, Cluedo, Dungeons and Dragons Fortress of Fortunes(TM) and the highly popular Mega Jackpots progressive games, with a seeding value of Pounds Sterling 1,500,000
- Virgin Poker, part of the Boss Media network, offers a huge array of games and content for beginners through to experienced pros - as well as the most generous loyalty scheme in the industry
- Virgin Bingo, part of the Virtue Fusion network, offers cash prizes worth thousands of pounds in the progressive jackpots, as well as Virgin prize bingo games and a range of unique Virgin Games bingo games.
(Credit: Wires, Virgin Unite, Google News, Virgin Games)
Global Gaming Directory Profiles
Virgin Games
Virgin Casino
Virgin Poker
Virgin Bingo
Virgin Unite
Richard Branson
Virgin Enterprises Limited
WagerWorks
Virtue Fusion
News
Virgin Casino News
Casino News
Online Casino News
Global Gaming News
Regularly offering their time and support to Kids Company, previous activities have included the Virgin Games team pulling together to redecorate an East London School and most recently arranging a sports day for children in Hackney. This year, the team of mixed cycling abilities will set off together at 8am and hope to reach their final destination of Brighton beach by 4 pm having raised Pounds Sterling 10,000 with all
stragglers accounted for! Keen cyclist Warren Eloff, Product Manager, who regularly cycles into work is tipped to lead the pack and CEO, Simon Burridge who is sitting on the saddle for the first time in 20 years, is set to surprise his team with his 'dusted down' cycling skills!
Simon Burridge, CEO at Virgin Games and Virgin Unite trustee comments: "At Virgin Games we are passionate about Virgin Unite and the work that Kids Company carry out in the communities they work with. We believe Kids Company are a great charity and realise our support is all the more important now, with the current economic climate making it harder for them to achieve the funding they need to keep up the great work they are doing with young people all over the capital. I can't think of more deserving charity to be brushing the cobwebs off my cycling shorts for!"
Visit http://www.virginunite.com/fundraiser/Virgin-Games-go-to-Brighton to make a donation and support the Virgin Games team.
About Virgin Games
Virgin Games was launched in June 2004 and has quickly established itself as one of the leading gaming websites in the UK. Virgin Games comprises three distinct offerings:
- Virgin Casino, part of the Wagerworks network, brings consumers casino games like blackjack and roulette, as well as great feature slots like Monopoly, Cluedo, Dungeons and Dragons Fortress of Fortunes(TM) and the highly popular Mega Jackpots progressive games, with a seeding value of Pounds Sterling 1,500,000
- Virgin Poker, part of the Boss Media network, offers a huge array of games and content for beginners through to experienced pros - as well as the most generous loyalty scheme in the industry
- Virgin Bingo, part of the Virtue Fusion network, offers cash prizes worth thousands of pounds in the progressive jackpots, as well as Virgin prize bingo games and a range of unique Virgin Games bingo games.
(Credit: Wires, Virgin Unite, Google News, Virgin Games)
Global Gaming Directory Profiles
Virgin Games
Virgin Casino
Virgin Poker
Virgin Bingo
Virgin Unite
Richard Branson
Virgin Enterprises Limited
WagerWorks
Virtue Fusion
News
Virgin Casino News
Casino News
Online Casino News
Global Gaming News
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