Beachley Classic Women's World Tour Surfing: Dee Why, Sydney, Australia - 21st April 2012

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Courtney Conlogue Claims the Commonwealth Bank Beachley Classic Crown...

DEE WHY, Sydney NSW/AUS (Saturday, April 21, 2012) – Courtney Conlogue (USA), 19, has won the prestigious 2012 Commonwealth Bank Beachley Classic, over Malia Manuel (HAW), 18, at Dee Why beach today. In clean, but challenging two-to-three foot (1.5 meter) waves, the world’s best female surfers battled head-to-head for the biggest prize purse on the ASP Women’s World Championship Tour, with Conlogue taking home USD$30,000.

Stop No. 4 of 7 on the 2012 ASP Women’s World Championship Tour, the Commonwealth Bank Beachley Classic, run by seven-time ASP Women’s World Champion Layne Beachley, has caused some interesting twists and turns in the race for the coveted ASP Women’s World Title. Yesterday saw the early exit of reigning ASP Women’s World Champion Carissa Moore (HAW), 19. Then today the current ASP Women’s World No. 1 and 2 – Stephanie Gilmore (AUS), 24, and Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS), 21, both bowed out in the Quarterfinals.

Conlogue who has won multiple ASP 6-Star events, today claimed her maiden win on the elite ASP Women’s World Championship Tour, a feat that sees her jump to 4th on the ratings. Conlogue and Manuel battled through the stacked field of competitors to reach the Final. The dying swell made conditions difficult, but Conlogue found the best waves that allowed her to execute multiple powerful turns.

“I’m speechless right now!” Conlogue said. “It’s been two years on the ASP Women’s World Championship Tour where I kept losing in the Quarterfinals. Then today after winning my Quarterfinal I just tried to go and win the thing. Malia (Manuel) was surfing great in the Final, even though the waves were tricky. I’m really stoked to have won this event! I love Steph (Gilmore) and Sally (Fitzgibbons) and to have them chair me up the beach was absolutely amazing!”

Manuel’s run to the Final wasn’t easy, defeating Gilmore and Tyler Wright (AUS), 18, in the morning’s Quarterfinal and Semifinal. Manuel’s smooth style and tail drifting turns saw her earn big scores and new fans all event. Her red-hot run was only ended by Conlogue’s superior wave selection. Manuel is now equal 6th on the ASP World Championship Tour, and she is now the highest ranked 2012 rookie.

“I’m really relieved to get a good result here at Dee Why,” Manuel said. “I’m happy to move up the ratings. It’s a great confidence boost going into the next three events. I’m really stoked to make a final in my rookie year. I hope the battle for ASP Rookie Of The Year goes down to the last contest. It’s really close between me and Lakey (Peterson). I’m not going to count her out.”

Rebecca Woods (AUS), 28, and Wright were the highest placed Australian surfers, both finishing equal 3rd place. Wright has placed 3rd three times this year, but this is Woods’ best result of the 2012 season and is sure to help her requalification campaign.

“It’s a bittersweet feeling at the moment,” Woods said. “I’ve had a few last places this year, so in some regards I was just happy to put it together for a few heats. I’ve made about nine Semifinals in my life and still never made it into that elusive Final. It’s good to be pushed by the younger girls. I woke up this morning and thought Courtney (Conlogue) was going to win today, then she was on my side of the draw and I cursed myself for putting that in my head. Then she beat me and won the contest, so I was right.”

Gilmore, four-time ASP Women’s World Champion, suffered a shock early exit at the Commonwealth Bank Beachley Classic today. Gilmore has had three final appearances in the first three events of the year, and today added a respectable equal 5th place finish to her tally. In testing conditions Gilmore was bested by an in-form Manuel, who also defeated her in their non-elimination Round 3 match-up yesterday.

“It’s disappointing,” Gilmore said. “But it’s not a terrible result for me. I feel really strong. When there’s great waves on offer I feel like I’m surfing great. It’s just a matter of getting those waves and I didn’t get them today. I’m looking forward to heading over to Brazil and finding the form I had in the first few events.”

Fitzgibbons went down in the Quarterfinals to eventual event winner Conlogue. Fitzgibbons held an early lead with two mid-range scores, but Conlogue snared the best wave of the heat and tore it apart with some impressive turns, netting a 9.00 (out of a possible 10) and won the heat.

“This is the worst part about what we do,” Fitzgibbons said. “Today I just wasn’t good enough. When you’re feeling strong, you really want to progress through to that Final. I got some early scores and it was really challenging out there. That one wave popped up for Courtney (Conlogue) and she grabbed a 9.00, which is the highest score of the day. I’m really happy for her. She’s a good friend and she trains and surfs really hard and that paid off today.”

More info www.ASPWorldTour.com

COMMONWEALTH BANK BEACHLEY CLASSIC FINAL RESULTS:
1: Courtney Conlogue (USA) 13.17
2: Malia Manuel (HAW) 11.56

COMMONWEALTH BANK BEACHLEY CLASSIC SEMIFINAL RESULTS:
SF 1: Malia Manuel (HAW) 12.67 def. Tyler Wright (AUS) 10.50
SF 2: Courtney Conlogue (USA) 14.33 def. Rebecca Woods (AUS) 10.10

COMMONWEALTH BANK BEACHLEY CLASSIC QUARTERFINAL RESULTS:
QF 1: Tyler Wright (AUS) 14.43 def. Laura Enever (AUS) 12.50
QF 2: Malia Manuel (HAW) 13.00 def. Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) 11.47
QF 3: Rebecca Woods (AUS) 11.73 def. Coco Ho (HAW) 8.73
QF 4: Courtney Conlogue (USA) 14.97 def. Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) 13.34

CURRENT ASP WOMEN’S WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP TOUR TOP 6 (after the Commonwealth Bank Beachley Classic):
1: Stephanie Gilmore (AUS)
2: Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS)
3: Tyler Wright (AUS)
4: Courtney Conlogue (USA)
5: Carissa Moore (HAW)
6: Laura Enever (AUS)
6: Malia Manuel (HAW)

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Sydney Entertainment Centre may be demolished; Profit before people and history, by Greg Tingle

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Let's get one thing clear from the get go... knocking down the historic Sydney Entertainment Centre to make way for a new development is not the same as knocking down or revamping its neighbour across the water - Star City Casino (which become the much nicer 'The Star').

Can you imagine the outrage in the United States if they were to announce a proposal to demolish New York's Madison Square Garden aka MSG.

I bet that is a survey of Sydney-siders, or even say Australians across the board were taken, that close to 100 percent of they would not want the Sydney Entertainment Centre demolished, due to its historical importance to the arts and entertainment industry down under.

"Sin City" Sydney media, especially the arts and entertainment niche, are expected to get all over this topic and the Media Man agency is not going to see this iconic hub of Aussie entertainment die without a hell of a fight.

I don't know about you but the NSW Premier Barry O'Farrell might meet with a tidal wave of opposition against its proposed destruction.

Some of the blub coming out of the NSW Government, no doubt with some cleaver spin added by the proposed developer, goes like this...

The Sydney Entertainment Centre will be demolished and the convention and exhibition centres at Darling Harbour closed for up to three years as the precinct undergoes a $1 billion makeover.

NSW Premier Barry O'Farrell today announced the development of an integrated exhibition and entertainment precinct in the city's CBD.

The fully integrated convention centre will increase the size of the existing precinct by two thirds to 20 hectares and will include the largest exhibition space in Australia at 40,000 square metres.

"The project will mean a complete face lift for Darling Harbour - as well as the world-class facilities," Mr O'Farrell said today.

Up to 3500 jobs are expected to be created during the construction (but what about the job losses at the Sydney Entertainment Centre)?

The 30-year-old Sydney Entertainment Centre is to be demolished while the exhibition and convention facilities will be closed from late 2013 to late 2016.

The project is aimed at boosting the competitiveness of the major events industry in the state, particularly in terms of the Asia-Pacific.

"They will bring NSW an economic benefit of more than $1 billion over five years," Mr O'Farrell said.

"NSW has already lost $150 million in economic benefit over the four years to 2010-11 because the current facilities have not been able to accommodate 169 conventions and 12 exhibitions," Mr O'Farrell said.

The new facilities will include the biggest meeting room space in Australia at 6000sq m and the biggest Australian convention hall capacity.

There will be a red-carpet premium entertainment facility with a capacity of at least 8000 people, suitable for international entertainment events and 'mega' conferences.

"The NSW government is creating a vibrant world-class convention, exhibition and entertainment precinct at Darling Harbour that will keep Sydney centre stage as Australia's global city," Mr O'Farrell said.

Infrastructure NSW (INSW) will lead the delivery of the new facilities as part of a Public Private Partnership (PPP) tailored for the project.

During the three-year construction period, Sydney's major events industry will remain open for business, Mr O'Farrell said.

Sydney Olympic Park, Moore Park, the Australian Technology Park at Eveleigh and various Sydney hotels will play an expanded role in hosting events during the construction period.

A Media Man agency entertainment commentar was overheard "Just how much money had been dangled in front of the NSW Government to get green light to demolish one of Australia's greatest landmarks. You have the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Sydney Opera House, Crown Casino, Ayres Rock, and then you have the Entertainment Centre in Sydney. I think its likely that a good chuck of Australia's entertainment industry will be vocal in telling the NSW government to save the iconic entertainment venue. We think another proposal for development of Darling Harbour needs to be executed - one that does not include the destruction of the SEC."

Many folks in the Australian entertainment industry are already telling media that they are not "anti development" full stop - they are just against the part of the development proposal that includes the destruction of one Australia's greatest entertainment and arts landmarks.

Those opposing the development of the Sydney Entertainment Centre are encouraged to be vocal and contact media, their local MPs, Minster of the Arts, and another other Australian government department who will listen to reason.

That's it entertainment lovers. Stay tuned to Media Man and Street Corner for more entertainment news and scoops daily.

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Legendary Comic Creator, Hollywood Icon, and Chairman of POW! Entertainment, Stan Lee, to Be Honored at 2012 Catalina Film Festival

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From Bondi Beach, to Hollywood, Japan, and all over the universe - everyone loves Stan Lee's superhero creations and today Lee is to receive yet another award for his contribution towards the comics and entertainment industry...

Lee Will Accept the Festival's Prestigious Ronald Reagan "Great Communicator" Award, Host Catalina Premiere of "With Great Power - The Stan Lee Story," Participate in "The Anatomy of POW!" Panel and Introduce a Special Screening of "The Avengers(R)"

LOS ANGELES, CA - Catalina Film Festival (CFF) today announced that POW!'s Stan Lee will be honored at the second annual film festival. The Festival will be held May 4-6, 2012 on the famed Catalina Island -- a storied Hollywood stomping ground that has been featured in over 500 films, television programs and commercials since 1912. Lee will receive the "Great Communicator" Award -- an honor bestowed by the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation -- during the Opening Night ceremonies Friday, May 4. On Saturday, May 5, Lee will host the island premiere of the documentary based on his life, "With Great Power - The Stan Lee Story," at 12:30 p.m., then participate in the panel "The Anatomy of POW!," along with Gill Champion, Co-Founder and CEO of POW! Entertainment. Lee will also introduce a special screening of "The Avengers®" on its opening weekend during the film festival and host a VIP brunch with special guests and fans attending.

"I am very honored to be recognized for this prestigious accolade by the Catalina Film Festival, and to be in the company of other such past notable award recipients," said Lee. "I am keen to advance comic book storytelling on multiple platforms this year and looking forward to collaborating with some of the brightest talent in each space."

The Ronald Reagan "Great Communicator" Award was created to recognize films and filmmakers that give a voice to a philosophy of individual opportunity, optimism and pride. President Reagan will forever be linked to Catalina, the island where he began his film career in 1936 and kick-started a successful Hollywood career before ultimately reaching the White House.

Lee, who is currently creating dozens of new characters for POW! Entertainment, is known for creating compelling stories and fostering imagination through iconic comic books and memorable characters, such as Spider-Man®, The Hulk®, X-Men®, Fantastic Four®, Iron Man® and Thor®. Lee was cited by Reagan himself as an entertainer who "communicates important ideas to young people." Reagan helped launch Lee's "Entertainers for Education" initiative in 1991 and once said he began each day reading Spider-Man comics.

The Catalina Film Festival is a competitive festival with awards across multiple categories including feature, documentary, animation, student, short, screenplay and more. Lee, known to millions as the man whose superheroes propelled Marvel Comics to its preeminent position and has exerted more influence over the comic book industry than anyone in history, will present the CFF Animation Award to the winning filmmaker(s) following his "With Great Power - The Stan Lee Story" Q&A.

Catalina Island, a fixture in Hollywood's motion picture industry, celebrates its Centennial in 2012. Guests of CFF can experience the West Coast's only resort island while taking in more than 75 feature and short-length domestic and international features, documentaries, experimental and student films. The Festival also features nightly parties, special events and an exclusive awards ceremony. To secure passes now, visit www.catalinafilm.org/attend.

About Catalina Film Festival
Catalina Film Festival, an annual celebration of film on the only West Coast resort island, features more than 75 films, nightly events and entertainment. From Charlie Chaplin to Marilyn Monroe, celebrities and filmmakers have flocked to Catalina for inspiration. Clear blue water and coastal breezes provide the perfect backdrop for unparalleled premieres, yacht and mansion parties, industry networking and discovering everything that the island has to offer -- just 22 miles off the coast of Los Angeles. Films are screened at multiple venues around the island, including the iconic, art deco, 1,200-seat Avalon Theatre -- the world's first sound theatre. Catalina Film Festival is a competitive festival with awards in up to 10 categories, including the prestigious Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation "Great Communicator" Award and the ISLA Earth Award; an honor presented by the Festival's beneficiary, the Catalina Island Conservancy.

For more information, visit www.CatalinaFF.org or follow us on twitter: www.twitter.com/CatalinaFilm or Facebook: www.facebook.com/CatalinaFilm. The 2012 Catalina Film Festival runs May 4-6, 2012, with a special screening of "The Avengers®" with Stan Lee.

ABOUT POW! (PURVEYORS OF WONDER) ENTERTAINMENT, INC.
POW! Entertainment, Inc., a multi-media and entertainment company, was founded by noted comic book and entertainment figure Stan Lee, together with award-winning producer Gill Champion and intellectual property specialist Arthur Lieberman. POW!'s principals have extensive backgrounds in the entertainment industry encompassing the creation, production and licensing of original intellectual properties, including some of the most successful entertainment franchises of all time. POW! is capitalizing on this combined expertise, specializing in creating and developing both the legacy and digital media components of the entertainment industry. This includes animation and live-action feature films, plus television, DVDs, multi-media, merchandising and related ancillary markets, all of which contribute to global expansion. POW! partners with other individuals and entities of entertainment's top echelon, including studios and networks in the creation, licensing and distribution of new POW! character franchises. www.powentertainment.com.

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Google teases futuristic internet glasses - 5th April 2012

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Google has given the world a glimpse of its vision for letting people look at life through internet-tinted glasses.

A video posted at a Project Glass page at Google+ social network confirmed the rumour that the technology titan is working on eyewear that meshes the online world with the real world.

"We think technology should work for you - be there when you need it and get out of your way when you don't," members of the project team said in a Google+ post.

"A group of us from Google X (Labs) started Project Glass to build this kind of technology; one that helps you explore and share your world."

Images showed people wearing eyeglasses with stylish silver frames that featured tiny cameras and on-lens displays to discretely show information such as walking directions, weather forecasts or messages from friends.

Built-in microphones let wearers command the internet-linked glasses by speaking.

"We took a few design photos to show what this technology could look like and created a video to demonstrate what it might enable you to do," Google said, stressing that the glasses were a concept far from being brought to market.

"We're sharing this information now because we want to start a conversation and learn from your valuable input."

The project team invited people to express ideas for the glasses at the Google+ page.

Google co-founder Sergey Brin is deeply involved with the California company's X Labs, best known for its work on a self-driving car.

A YouTube video of legally blind Steve Mahan "driving" an autonomous Google car in his California neighborhood has been viewed more than 1.2 million times since it was uploaded on March 27. (Credit: AFP)

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Celebrities Revel for a Cause: Black Tie For Breast Cancer Gala Ball, Sydney - 31st March 2012

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Tonight in Sydney, Australia, the Black Tie for Breast Cancer (BT4BC) gala event for the Prince of Wales Hospital Foundation took place at the beautiful Westin Hotel.

A community aware group of nice folks including both A-listers, everyday mums and dads and a range of people from all walks of life, gathered together to help raise much needed funds for the development of a new Cancer Centre at the Prince of Wales Hospital.

The celebrity contingent included Jodi Gordon, Braith Anasta, the newly engaged Rachel Gilbert and Tom Williams, two time Logie nominee Anna McGahan, Melissa Hoyer, Peter Morrissey, Laura Csortan and a swag of others whipped up a storm in an effort to help raise money for a new cancer centre at the Prince of Wales Hospital Randwick campus.

The guest list included: Jodi Gordon, Rachel Gilbert, Tom Williams, Anna McGahn, Ant & Becks, Peter Morrissey, Laura Csortan, Chris Joannou, Sarah Cumming, Geoff Field, Melissa Hoyer, Bianca Dye, Braith Anasta and Roy Billing.

Finally, all power to cancer survivors, their family and friends, and those doing what they can to help fight cancer.

Celebrity for good - always good to hear, and public big congrats to all of those who helped put tonight together.

About the Prince of Wales Hospital Cancer Centre...

The Prince of Wales Hospital Foundation promotes the work of the Prince of Wales Hospital (POWH) to build healthier communities. Partnering with our community, we raise vital funds to ensure the continued development of research, education and special projects, which will provide integrated health care for the patients.

Over the next few years we will be embarking on a campaign to build a new, gold standard Cancer and Blood Disorders Centre on site and the BT4BC event is the signature event for this centre. The centre will work closely with the University of NSW’s Lowy Cancer Research Centre, to provide the latest researched treatments. When completed, it will be the only fully comprehensive, public cancer treatment centre in Sydney, which also treats many of our country patients.

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Leisel VS Bondi - 27th March 2012

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Leisel Jones has won three Olympic gold medals, broken twelve world records, won 7 World Championships and last week became the first Australian swimmer of all time to qualify for four Olympic Games.

Leisel will be at Bondi Beach on Tuesday morning to cheer on participants as they attempt to better her world record 200 metre breaststroke time...participants will however be allowed to swim freestle!

Interview and photo opportunities will be available.

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Justin Bieber Fragrance Launch With Make A Wish Foundation, Sydney, Australia

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Today in Sydney, Australia, Make-A-Wish Foundation received a $50,000 donation from Escentials Brands, thanks to their business arrangement with Justin Bieber.

Worldwide phenomenon Justin Bieber has teamed up with Give Back Brands to create a fragrance with GBB's net profits going to charity.

After record-breaking sales in the United States and the United Kingdom, SOMEDAY is launching in Australia exclusively through local distribution company, Escentials Brands, to be sold at Myer from Sunday 1 April 2012.

In keeping with the philosophy of Justin Bieber and GBB, Escentials Brands will also be donating a further $2 every 100mL bottle sold between launch and 31 December 2012 to Make A Wish Australia. A donation of $50,000 will be made to Make A Wish Australia from Escentials Brands before a single bottle is sold.

News media attended The Summit Restaurant's private dining room, Prive.

Thank you to everyone who helped make the event so successful, and good on Justin Bieber and his management for using celebrity for good.

Finally, all power to the brave Make-A-Wish kids, and keep up the good fight.

Celebrity for good - should be more of it, and public big congrats to Justin and friends in setting a fine example.

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Branson backs budding entrepreneurs - 14th March 2012

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Sir Richard Branson has vowed to help budding entrepreneurs "create lots of jobs and lots of great companies" for Britain.

The Virgin magnate was launching the Global Entrepreneurship Congress in Liverpool, which aims to be the "largest gathering of enterprise champions" in the world.

Sir Richard arrived in the city waving from the window of the driver's cab of a specially-chartered Virgin Trains service from London.

Also on board were his daughter Holly, new son-in-law Freddie Andrews and 250 aspiring captains of industry who will take part in the congress.

Sir Richard said: "We've come on the entrepreneurship express. There are lots of budding entrepreneurs who will be starting the businesses of the future and it is great to be coming to the congress today, where we'll be sharing lots of ideas and seeing how we can create lots of jobs and lots of great companies in the future."

Around 3,500 people are expected to attend the week-long congress, which is hosted by Liverpool Vision, the city's economic development company, and the Kauffman Foundation, the world's largest foundation dedicated to entrepreneurship.

"A vibrant entrepreneurial sector is the backbone of any healthy economy," Sir Richard said. "We must do all we can to help the companies of the future take off - as this will provide both jobs and export opportunities for the UK. Being an entrepreneur can sometimes be challenging but the rewards and sense of achievement are something that many young people should aim for.

"They have the drive and determination. It is the role of business and successful entrepreneurs to provide essential support and mentorship to help these young people realise their ambition and potential. They are the future job creators and should be given every opportunity to succeed."

Other business leaders at the Congress include former Tesco boss Sir Terry Leahy, Lastminute.com founder Martha Lane Fox and former deputy prime minister Lord Heseltine, founder of the Haymarket publishing group.

The event takes place at Liverpool's BT Convention Centre. (Credit: The Press Association)

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The Spot Festival A Winner For Randwick Council; Movies, Food, Dance and more - 12th March 2012

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Today thousands of Sydneysiders tuned out in droves for the The Spot Festival at Randwick in Sydney's eastern suburbs.

The major event was one giant party and a celebration of movies, food, and there was also lots of embracing of multiculturalism, both in food and dance.

There was live entertainment on three stages and two of Australia’s most iconic actors, Barry Otto and Deborah Mailman were honoured on the Australian Film Walk of Fame.

The main performance stage featured Soulganic and celebrity MC James Valentine kept the crowd entertained.

Randwick Mayor Cr Scott Nash told media earlier in the week that The Spot Festival is firmly established as a favourite on the street festival circuit.

"The Spot is a vibrant, cultural, and creative area, and has really carved a niche as a unique culinary destination. The Spot Festival really reflects the diversity and energy of our City. What a great way to enjoy the last burst of summer!

"There will be plenty to keep the kids entertained, as well as demonstrations of capoeira and Brazilian dancing. And as the sun begins to set, the stars come out! See some of Australia’s best-loved names in film be immortalised on the Australian Film Walk Of Fame outside the iconic art deco Ritz Cinema," Cr Nash said.

The festival included:

three stages of different live entertainment - the main stage with popular acts including the James Valentine Band and Soulganic; the Harmony Day stage with Capoeira and Brazillian dancing and a DJ

a variety of market stalls lining the streets of The Spot selling homewares, clothing, fresh produce and gifts

a multi-cultural feast of food - from paella and hotdogs to souvlaki, thai and mini dutch pancakes

the festival bar serving up fresh sangria and cold cider

a street party celebrating the end of summer, that you won't want to miss!

Other...

The Australian Film Walk of Fame is proudly co-presented by Randwick City Council and the Australian Film Festival, and it was great to see Randwick mayor Scott Nash support Aussie film in person.

Mayor's message - 6 March 2012...

Cr Scott Nash
Mayor of Randwick

I can't think of a better way to celebrate the end of summer than at our premier street festival - The Spot Festival - this Sunday from 1pm to 8pm.

Every year in March, The Spot transforms into a celebration of food, film and music, and this year's festival will be bigger than ever with three stages offering live non stop entertainment, James Valentine as the MC, and Soulganic performing live.

Of course, a major highlight of the day is seeing iconic Australian actors inducted into the Australian Film Walk of Fame, along with the international feast of food, dance performances, new beanbag chill-out area and market stalls.

Check out our Facebook page and follow me on Twitter to find out more about the fantastic competitions we are running for The Spot Festival. Make sure you are in the running to win a prize!

The vibrant community street party is held at The Spot, Perouse Road and St Pauls Street Randwick. Hope to see you there! For more information, visit The Spot Festival website or call 1300 722 542.

Music News Australia would like to say a big thank you to everyone who made today a success, and see you on the red carpet again soon.

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Marvel Entertainment: The Wolverine, Hugh Jackman and Leo DiCaprio Cafe, Coffee and Movie Connection

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Australia, Hollywood, USA, Canada... the world loves The Wolverine. Get ready for Australia's favourite son, Hugh Jackman, to get his claws into the next of the Wolverine movie franchise thanks to our friends at Marvel Entertainment, and as we learn, when Hugh's not clawing someone, his enjoys sipping coffee (and even running a coffee shop in New York City). Now Titanic and The Great Gatsby movie star Leonardo DiCaprio is also getting in on the act. Could Bondi Beach or Sydney's CBD be next to get a taste Jackman's own coffee? The Media Man agency with the story...

Hugh Jackman, now Leonardo DiCaprio get into coffee and cafe business; Cheers to that...

Are you ready for a cup of Hugh Jackman's best coffee? Well, you better be you budding wolverines out there in the suburban woods.

Aussie acting and danceman living legend Hugh Jackman recently launched a coffee and tea company that raises money for charity, as well as serving up delicious coffee and other bites.

Philanthropy is the foundation behind Jackman’s latest business endeavors... his entry into coffee world. He told press the Paul Newman and his company, Newman’s Own, which has donated millions to charity, was a bit part of the inspiration.

Jackman elaborates on key reasons for the exciting venture...

“Hey, I’m a coffee snob,” says Jackman, who could drink coffee "all day, because I just love it," but limits himself to one or two cups.

“If I’m buying it, I want a great cup of coffee,” he says. “If you can have a great cup of coffee and the profits of that company are actually going back to different charities, I think it’s a win-win for everybody.”

Jackman’s prime interest in creating a coffee company was sparked during a tour he took as an official ambassador for World Vision, an organization that works with children and families. In Ethiopia, he met a fellow named Dukale, a local coffee farmer, and was hit by how hard and long he worked to cater for his family, and by how a little assist could make a big difference in the lives of coffee farmers.

Mate, Barry Steingard, who has 25 years experience in the coffee and restaurant industry, was planning on getting back in the coffee business. “I said, ‘Well, do you need a partner?" Jackman says.

So far Laughing Man Coffee & Tea — chocolates were also recently added — is the first subsidiary under Jackman’s umbrella company, Laughing Man Worldwide. The way it works is 50 percent of the subsidiary profits go to the parent company, which then donates 100 percent of its profits. Educational initiatives are the focus of the coffee company, which has partnered with Harlem Village Academies, the well-regarded charter schools in New York, and WorldVision.

And 'Our Hugh' is not the only community minded movie star to get in on the coffee craze.

Leonardo DiCaprio is partnering with the La Colombe Torrefaction coffee company to create a special blend, LYON, with net profits earmarked for environmental projects supported by the actor’s foundation.

Meanwhile, Paul Newman’s daughter, Nell Newman, partnered with Vermont’s Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, Inc. to source, roast, package and distribute fair trade organic coffee under the Newman’s Own Organics label. Green Mountain allocates at least 5 percent of pre-tax profits to social and environmental projects in the communities where it conducts business.

Celebrity coffees are just a small but important element of the market, but a growing sector. The current trend of celebrities working with high-quality roasters to make coffee for a cause "can only be a good thing," says Miles Small, owner and editor-in-chief of CoffeeTalk magazine, based in Vashon, Wash.

“Coffee is, and has always been an instrumental tool in bringing disparate folks together for a common cause,” he says. “Buying celebrity coffee with a donation element helps toward achieving the charitable goals of the celebrity and also helps the over 25 million families worldwide whose survival is dependent on the growing of this ‘not so simple’ beverage called coffee."

The coffee-celebrity connection seems like a pretty good fit. We all know celebs like to hang out (and sometimes be spotted) at cafes, and paparazzi is also on a Wolverine like prowl at cafes, so why not raise some money for worthy causes in the process.

Jackman shares more of his thoughts on the Hollywood - AussieWood cafe connection.

“Coffee is the world over,” he said. “It’s one of the oldest products known to man and it’s one of the greatest crops ever. Traditionally, coffee is part of ritual and part of unity and community.”

In Ethiopia, the families Jackman met roasted, ground, brewed and drank coffee together. “It’s all part of community and being together,” he said. “I think it’s kind of a great product and underlines what our company is about.”

A Media Man agency commentator said "This may be one of the better Hugh Jackman... and Leonardo DiCaprio business ventures to date. It's rather like a charity not being a charity, so the giver - the customer, is not left with a bad taste in their mouth but rather enjoys the charity connection and knows they are getting real value for money. We're now tempted to start our own and put some of our celebrity clients onto this concept, but for now will will leave the action for Jackman and DiCaprio, who have the vast resources and connections to make their brands worldwide hits from New York, Bondi Beach and beyond. Settling some of these cafes up in cashed up places such as casinos... like The Star in Sydney, Crown in Melbourne and Perth and on the Las Vegas Strip in the U.S would also be bound to be a winner also. Cheers to that".

The Wolverine (2013): update...

I won’t lie to you, I have been talking to writers… I’m a big fan of the Japanese saga in the comic book. Hugh Jackman. In September 2009, Gavin Hood speculated that there will be a sequel to X-Men Origins: Wolverine, which will be set in Japan. During one of the post credits scenes Logan is seen drinking at a bar in Japan. Such a location was the subject of Claremont and Miller's series, which was not in the first film as Jackman felt "what we need to do is establish who [Logan] is and find out how he became Wolverine". Jackman stated the Claremont-Miller series is his favorite Wolverine story. Of the Japanese arc, Jackman also stated that:“..there are so many areas of that Japanese story, I love the idea of this kind of anarchic character, the outsider, being in this world – I can see it aesthetically, too – full of honor and tradition and customs and someone who’s really anti-all of that, and trying to negotiate his way. The idea of the samurai, too – and the tradition there. It’s really great. In the comic book he gets his ass kicked by a couple of samurai – not even mutants. He’s shocked by that at first.” Jackman added that another Wolverine film would be a follow-up rather than continuing on from X-Men: The Last Stand. The inclusion of Deadpool and Gambit also leads to the possibilities of their own spin-offs. Before Wolverine's release, Lauren Shuler Donner approached Simon Beaufoy to write the script, but he did not feel confident enough to commit. On May 5, 2009, just four days after its initial weekend run, the sequel was officially confirmed. A Deadpool spin-off has also been confirmed with Ryan Reynolds attached to reprise the role of Wade Wilson, but producer Shuler Donner stated that she wants to "ignore the version of Deadpool that we saw in Wolverine and just start over again. Reboot it." Christopher McQuarrie, who went uncredited for his work on X-Men, was hired to write the screenplay for the Wolverine sequel in August 2009. According to Lauren Shuler-Donner, the sequel will focus on the relationship between Wolverine and Mariko, the daughter of a Japanese crime lord, and what happens to him in Japan. Wolverine will have a different fighting style due to Mariko's father having "this stick-like weapon. There'll be samurai, ninja, katana blades, different forms of martial arts – mano-a-mano, extreme fighting." She continued: "We want to make it authentic so I think it's very likely we'll be shooting in Japan. I think it's likely the characters will speak English rather than Japanese with subtitles." In January 2010, at the People's Choice Awards, Jackman stated that the film will start shooting sometime in 2011, and in March 2010 McQuarrie declared that the screenplay was finished for production to start in January the following year. In October 2010, it was confirmed that Darren Aronofsky would direct the film. Jackman commented that with Darren Aronofsky directing that Wolverine 2 will not be "usual" stating, "This is, hopefully for me, going to be out of the box. It’s going to be the best one, I hope... Well, I would say that, but I really do feel that, and I feel this is going to be very different. This is Wolverine. This is not Popeye. He’s kind of dark... But, you know, this is a change of pace. Chris McQuarrie, who wrote The Usual Suspects, has written the script, so that’ll give you a good clue. [Aronofsky’s] going to make it fantastic. There’s going to be some meat on the bones. There will be something to think about as you leave the theater, for sure”. Bryan Singer was invited by Shuler Donner to direct, but declined. In November 2010, Aronofsky stated that the title of the film will be The Wolverine and described the film as a "one-off" rather than a sequel. Also in November, Fox Filmed Entertainment sent out a press release stating that they have signed Darren Aronofsky and his production company Protozoa Pictures to a new two-year, overall deal. Under the deal, Protozoa will develop and produce films for both 20th Century Fox and Fox Searchlight Pictures. Aronofsky’s debut picture under the pact will be The Wolverine. It had been reported that the film would begin principal photography in March 2011 in New York City before the production moves to Japan for the bulk of shooting. In March 2011, Darren Aronofsky bowed out of directing the film, saying the project would keep him out of the country for too long. In a joint statement with Fox, Aronofsky stated, "As I talked more about the film with my collaborators at Fox, it became clear that the production of The Wolverine would keep me out of the country for almost a year... I was not comfortable being away from my family for that length of time. I am sad that I won't be able to see the project through, as it is a terrific script and I was very much looking forward to working with my friend, Hugh Jackman, again". Fox also decided to be "in no rush" to start the production due to the damage incurred in Japan by the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami. In June 16, 2011 James Mangold was chosen to direct the film, having previously been on a shortlist which included directors José Padilha, Doug Liman, Antoine Fuqua, Mark Romanek, Justin Lin, and Gavin O'Connor. On June 27, Jackman said in an interview that filming for The Wolverine would start in October. Silver Samurai will be the film's villain. In September 2011, filming was postponed to Spring 2012 so Jackman can work on Les Misérables. Location include both Vancouver and Tokyo, with Mark Bomback working on a rewrite of McQuarrie's script. A July 26, 2013 release date has been set.

If it sounds like 2012 is going to be a pretty good year for superhero movies, both on an entertainment front (for fans) and business angle (for studios etc), that's because it is. Enjoy brigadiers, and as Marvel living legend Stan Lee would say - Excelsior!

Websites

Media Man News

Laughing Man Worldwide

Leonardo DiCaprio official website

Box Office Mojo

Hollywood.com

Marvel Entertainment

Marvel Entertainment YouTube

Music News Australia

Australian Sports Entertainment

Website Network

Media Man Int

Media Man

Media Man News

Media Man Entertainment

Australian Sports Entertainment

Marvel Entertainment: The Wolverine, Hugh Jackman and Leo DiCaprio Cafe, Coffee and Movie Connection

Profiles

Marvel Entertainment Marvel Comics Marvel Studios Avengers Amazing Spider-Man Captain America The Incredible Hulk Thor Iron-Man Movies Hollywood Leonardo DiCaprio Comics Cafes Social and Community Entrepreneurs

Australia, Hollywood, USA, Canada... the world loves The Wolverine. Get ready for Australia's favourite son, Hugh Jackman, to get his claws into the next of the Wolverine movie franchise thanks to our friends at Marvel Entertainment, and as we learn, when Hugh's not clawing someone, his enjoys sipping coffee (and even running a coffee shop in New York City). Now Titanic and The Great Gatsby movie star Leonardo DiCaprio is also getting in on the act. Could Bondi Beach or Sydney's CBD be next to get a taste Jackman's own coffee? The Media Man agency with the story...

Hugh Jackman, now Leonardo DiCaprio get into coffee and cafe business; Cheers to that...

Are you ready for a cup of Hugh Jackman's best coffee? Well, you better be you budding wolverines out there in the suburban woods.

Aussie acting and danceman living legend Hugh Jackman recently launched a coffee and tea company that raises money for charity, as well as serving up delicious coffee and other bites.

Philanthropy is the foundation behind Jackman’s latest business endeavors... his entry into coffee world. He told press the Paul Newman and his company, Newman’s Own, which has donated millions to charity, was a bit part of the inspiration.

Jackman elaborates on key reasons for the exciting venture...

“Hey, I’m a coffee snob,” says Jackman, who could drink coffee "all day, because I just love it," but limits himself to one or two cups.

“If I’m buying it, I want a great cup of coffee,” he says. “If you can have a great cup of coffee and the profits of that company are actually going back to different charities, I think it’s a win-win for everybody.”

Jackman’s prime interest in creating a coffee company was sparked during a tour he took as an official ambassador for World Vision, an organization that works with children and families. In Ethiopia, he met a fellow named Dukale, a local coffee farmer, and was hit by how hard and long he worked to cater for his family, and by how a little assist could make a big difference in the lives of coffee farmers.

Mate, Barry Steingard, who has 25 years experience in the coffee and restaurant industry, was planning on getting back in the coffee business. “I said, ‘Well, do you need a partner?" Jackman says.

So far Laughing Man Coffee & Tea — chocolates were also recently added — is the first subsidiary under Jackman’s umbrella company, Laughing Man Worldwide. The way it works is 50 percent of the subsidiary profits go to the parent company, which then donates 100 percent of its profits. Educational initiatives are the focus of the coffee company, which has partnered with Harlem Village Academies, the well-regarded charter schools in New York, and WorldVision.

And 'Our Hugh' is not the only community minded movie star to get in on the coffee craze.

Leonardo DiCaprio is partnering with the La Colombe Torrefaction coffee company to create a special blend, LYON, with net profits earmarked for environmental projects supported by the actor’s foundation.

Meanwhile, Paul Newman’s daughter, Nell Newman, partnered with Vermont’s Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, Inc. to source, roast, package and distribute fair trade organic coffee under the Newman’s Own Organics label. Green Mountain allocates at least 5 percent of pre-tax profits to social and environmental projects in the communities where it conducts business.

Celebrity coffees are just a small but important element of the market, but a growing sector. The current trend of celebrities working with high-quality roasters to make coffee for a cause "can only be a good thing," says Miles Small, owner and editor-in-chief of CoffeeTalk magazine, based in Vashon, Wash.

“Coffee is, and has always been an instrumental tool in bringing disparate folks together for a common cause,” he says. “Buying celebrity coffee with a donation element helps toward achieving the charitable goals of the celebrity and also helps the over 25 million families worldwide whose survival is dependent on the growing of this ‘not so simple’ beverage called coffee."

The coffee-celebrity connection seems like a pretty good fit. We all know celebs like to hang out (and sometimes be spotted) at cafes, and paparazzi is also on a Wolverine like prowl at cafes, so why not raise some money for worthy causes in the process.

Jackman shares more of his thoughts on the Hollywood - AussieWood cafe connection.

“Coffee is the world over,” he said. “It’s one of the oldest products known to man and it’s one of the greatest crops ever. Traditionally, coffee is part of ritual and part of unity and community.”

In Ethiopia, the families Jackman met roasted, ground, brewed and drank coffee together. “It’s all part of community and being together,” he said. “I think it’s kind of a great product and underlines what our company is about.”

A Media Man agency commentator said "This may be one of the better Hugh Jackman... and Leonardo DiCaprio business ventures to date. It's rather like a charity not being a charity, so the giver - the customer, is not left with a bad taste in their mouth but rather enjoys the charity connection and knows they are getting real value for money. We're now tempted to start our own and put some of our celebrity clients onto this concept, but for now will will leave the action for Jackman and DiCaprio, who have the vast resources and connections to make their brands worldwide hits from New York, Bondi Beach and beyond. Settling some of these cafes up in cashed up places such as casinos... like The Star in Sydney, Crown in Melbourne and Perth and on the Las Vegas Strip in the U.S would also be bound to be a winner also. Cheers to that".

The Wolverine (2013): update...

I won’t lie to you, I have been talking to writers… I’m a big fan of the Japanese saga in the comic book. Hugh Jackman. In September 2009, Gavin Hood speculated that there will be a sequel to X-Men Origins: Wolverine, which will be set in Japan. During one of the post credits scenes Logan is seen drinking at a bar in Japan. Such a location was the subject of Claremont and Miller's series, which was not in the first film as Jackman felt "what we need to do is establish who [Logan] is and find out how he became Wolverine". Jackman stated the Claremont-Miller series is his favorite Wolverine story. Of the Japanese arc, Jackman also stated that:“..there are so many areas of that Japanese story, I love the idea of this kind of anarchic character, the outsider, being in this world – I can see it aesthetically, too – full of honor and tradition and customs and someone who’s really anti-all of that, and trying to negotiate his way. The idea of the samurai, too – and the tradition there. It’s really great. In the comic book he gets his ass kicked by a couple of samurai – not even mutants. He’s shocked by that at first.” Jackman added that another Wolverine film would be a follow-up rather than continuing on from X-Men: The Last Stand. The inclusion of Deadpool and Gambit also leads to the possibilities of their own spin-offs. Before Wolverine's release, Lauren Shuler Donner approached Simon Beaufoy to write the script, but he did not feel confident enough to commit. On May 5, 2009, just four days after its initial weekend run, the sequel was officially confirmed. A Deadpool spin-off has also been confirmed with Ryan Reynolds attached to reprise the role of Wade Wilson, but producer Shuler Donner stated that she wants to "ignore the version of Deadpool that we saw in Wolverine and just start over again. Reboot it." Christopher McQuarrie, who went uncredited for his work on X-Men, was hired to write the screenplay for the Wolverine sequel in August 2009. According to Lauren Shuler-Donner, the sequel will focus on the relationship between Wolverine and Mariko, the daughter of a Japanese crime lord, and what happens to him in Japan. Wolverine will have a different fighting style due to Mariko's father having "this stick-like weapon. There'll be samurai, ninja, katana blades, different forms of martial arts – mano-a-mano, extreme fighting." She continued: "We want to make it authentic so I think it's very likely we'll be shooting in Japan. I think it's likely the characters will speak English rather than Japanese with subtitles." In January 2010, at the People's Choice Awards, Jackman stated that the film will start shooting sometime in 2011, and in March 2010 McQuarrie declared that the screenplay was finished for production to start in January the following year. In October 2010, it was confirmed that Darren Aronofsky would direct the film. Jackman commented that with Darren Aronofsky directing that Wolverine 2 will not be "usual" stating, "This is, hopefully for me, going to be out of the box. It’s going to be the best one, I hope... Well, I would say that, but I really do feel that, and I feel this is going to be very different. This is Wolverine. This is not Popeye. He’s kind of dark... But, you know, this is a change of pace. Chris McQuarrie, who wrote The Usual Suspects, has written the script, so that’ll give you a good clue. [Aronofsky’s] going to make it fantastic. There’s going to be some meat on the bones. There will be something to think about as you leave the theater, for sure”. Bryan Singer was invited by Shuler Donner to direct, but declined. In November 2010, Aronofsky stated that the title of the film will be The Wolverine and described the film as a "one-off" rather than a sequel. Also in November, Fox Filmed Entertainment sent out a press release stating that they have signed Darren Aronofsky and his production company Protozoa Pictures to a new two-year, overall deal. Under the deal, Protozoa will develop and produce films for both 20th Century Fox and Fox Searchlight Pictures. Aronofsky’s debut picture under the pact will be The Wolverine. It had been reported that the film would begin principal photography in March 2011 in New York City before the production moves to Japan for the bulk of shooting. In March 2011, Darren Aronofsky bowed out of directing the film, saying the project would keep him out of the country for too long. In a joint statement with Fox, Aronofsky stated, "As I talked more about the film with my collaborators at Fox, it became clear that the production of The Wolverine would keep me out of the country for almost a year... I was not comfortable being away from my family for that length of time. I am sad that I won't be able to see the project through, as it is a terrific script and I was very much looking forward to working with my friend, Hugh Jackman, again". Fox also decided to be "in no rush" to start the production due to the damage incurred in Japan by the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami. In June 16, 2011 James Mangold was chosen to direct the film, having previously been on a shortlist which included directors José Padilha, Doug Liman, Antoine Fuqua, Mark Romanek, Justin Lin, and Gavin O'Connor. On June 27, Jackman said in an interview that filming for The Wolverine would start in October. Silver Samurai will be the film's villain. In September 2011, filming was postponed to Spring 2012 so Jackman can work on Les Misérables. Location include both Vancouver and Tokyo, with Mark Bomback working on a rewrite of McQuarrie's script. A July 26, 2013 release date has been set.

If it sounds like 2012 is going to be a pretty good year for superhero movies, both on an entertainment front (for fans) and business angle (for studios etc), that's because it is. Enjoy brigadiers, and as Marvel living legend Stan Lee would say - Excelsior!

Websites

Media Man News

Laughing Man Worldwide

Leonardo DiCaprio official website

Box Office Mojo

Hollywood.com

Marvel Entertainment

Marvel Entertainment YouTube

Music News Australia

Australian Sports Entertainment

Website Network

Media Man Int

Media Man

Media Man News

Media Man Entertainment

Australian Sports Entertainment

Movie Walk Of Fame At Randwick Ritz; The Spot Festival - film, foodies and more - 11th March 2012

Profiles

Sydney Australia Movies Hollywood Randwick Ritz Randwick

Today thousands of Sydneysiders tuned out in droves for the The Spot Festival at Randwick in Sydney's eastern suburbs.

The major event was one giant party and a celebration of movies, food, and there was also plenty of embracing of multi multiculturalism, both in food and dance.

There was live entertainment on three stages and two of Australia’s most iconic actors, Barry Otto and Deborah Mailman were honoured on the Australian Film Walk of Fame.

The main performance stage featured Soulganic and celebrity MC James Valentine kept the crowd entertained.

The Festival Bar was very popular and the bean bag chill out zone worked a charm. Celebrity chef Tony Bilson had his own stall and he offered up cooking demonstrations.

Randwick Mayor Cr Scott Nash told media earlier in the week that The Spot Festival is firmly established as a favourite on the street festival circuit.

"The Spot is a vibrant, cultural, and creative area, and has really carved a niche as a unique culinary destination. The Spot Festival really reflects the diversity and energy of our City. What a great way to enjoy the last burst of summer!

"There will be plenty to keep the kids entertained, as well as demonstrations of capoeira and Brazilian dancing. And as the sun begins to set, the stars come out! See some of Australia’s best-loved names in film be immortalised on the Australian Film Walk Of Fame outside the iconic art deco Ritz Cinema," Cr Nash said.

The Australian Film Walk of Fame is proudly co-presented by Randwick City Council and the Australian Film Festival, and it was great to see Randwick mayor Scott Nash support Aussie film in person.

Thank you to everyone who made today a success, and see you on the red carpet again soon.

Websites

Randwick City Council

Australian Film Festival

Ritz Cinema

Eva Rinaldi Photography Flickr

Eva Rinaldi Photography

Music News Australia

Cardinal Spin

Media Man News

Website Network

Media Man Int

Media Man

Media Man News

Media Man Entertainment

Surfaid Ball In Sydney, Australia - 10th March 2012

Profiles

Sydney Australia Surfing

Tonight at Sydney's Dolton House, Pyrmont, in Sydney, much of Australia's surf industry partied hard to help raise much needed funds for Surfaid initiatives.

Everyone celebrated the work of humanitarian styled organisation SurfAid. It was a great night and just by attending one was able to help prevent more needless childhood death and suffering in the islands.

Besides the stellar lineup of world champion and legend surfers, big wave rider Mark Mathews (co-star of Fighting Fear) talked about what motivates him. There were also auctions of rare surfing and music memorabilia.

Surfaid got the message out: In the coming year we need to supply 30,000 mosquito nets to cover our target villages in the Mentawai. It costs $10 to purchase one net and $3,000 to deliver our Malaria Free Mentawai program to an entire village. The new nets will create a protective “insecticide halo” around each village that assists to disrupt the parasite cycle of infection and re-infection.

Bands:

The Beautiful Girls

Timm Finn, and DJ Goodwill and DJ Eddy

Websites

Surfaid International

Surfaid International - Surfaid Ball

Eva Rinaldi Photography Flickr

Eva Rinaldi Photography

Music News Australia

Media Man News

Website Network

Media Man Int

Media Man

Media Man News

Media Man Entertainment

Poverty group says Christchurch taking better attitude to pokies than Auckland

Profiles

New Zealand The Salvation Army

Press Release

Child Poverty Action Group

While the Auckland Council is considering allowing Sky City to increase the number of their electronic gaming machines (pokies) from around 1600 to over 2100, the Christchurch City Council has demonstrated some great leadership in recognising gambling as a social hazard.

The Christchurch City Council has voted to maintain their sinking lid policy. Christchurch’s earthquake-affected venues will not be able to transfer their machines to new neighbourhoods, and the machines will be gone for good.

As well as creating poverty for many families, the harm caused by pokies includes neglected children, relationship break-up, depression, domestic violence, and other gambling-related crimes. For the year to December 2011, losses on class 4 non-casino gaming machines totalled $867 million. In all, New Zealanders spent just over $2 billion dollars on gambling in the last financial year.

However, research by the Salvation Army published in The Growing Divide, 2012, reports that there has been an 18% decrease in spending on the pokies over the last 5 years. The Report links that reduced spend with a 13% reduction in the number of these machines in New Zealand’s neighbourhoods since 2006. This is what the sinking lid policy can achieve.

Child Poverty Action Group congratulates the Christchurch City Council for seizing this opportunity to create a better city. This is truly a victory for the people of Christchurch, and for the people of New Zealand.

This Media Release is issued by Child Poverty Action Group Inc Aotearoa www.cpag.org.nz

ENDS

The Salvation Army’s State of the Nation Report, The Growing Divide, is available at: http://www.salvationarmy.org.nz/research-media/social-policy-and-parliamentary-unit/state-of-nation-reports/the-growing-divide

Australian Blues Music Festival Comes To Goulburn, NSW

Profiles

Music Australia

The Australian Blues Music Festival, now in its 16th year, is one of Australia's greatest music festivals down under bar none.

The festival wasn't always as big as production as it is today.

When the fest was in its infancy it was a privately controlled one-venue event. Today it is a multi-event festival outsourced via a private management company.

The festival actually happens at a wide array of venues and consists of mainly free performances, with a couple of ticketed shows.

Over the four day duration of the fest fans, media and everyone else has a chance to enjoy some of the favourite blues performers close up.

Websites

Australian Blues Music Festival

Goulburn & Surrounds

Eva Rinaldi Photography Flickr

Eva Rinaldi Photography

Media Man News

Music News Australia

Website Network

Media Man Int

Media Man

Media Man News

Media Man Entertainment

2012 Flickerfest Winners Accounced Plus...Flickerfest Hits The Road

Profiles

Movies TV Bondi Beach

FLICKERFEST NEWS: WINNERS ANNOUNCED; HITS THE ROAD, BYRON BAY ALL SHORTS

WINNERS OF THE 21st ANNUAL FLICKERFEST

After a highly successful 10 day festival in Sydney with capacity crowds and fabulous parties in the Pavilion bar, Flickerfest Australia’s leading short film festival, announced its International and Australian awards at a star-studded ceremony at the Bondi Pavilion, Bondi Beach.

Across the 10 days Flickerfest audiences were treated to a selection of award winning short films from Australia & across the world, selected from 2200 entries with audiences experiencing various cultures and a range of Australian stories all united by their creativity, innovation & excellence in the short film form.

Attended by celebrated guests from the Australian and the International film industry, the Closing Night ceremony honoured those entrants with award-winning films within the Academy®Accredited competition.

And the winners are:

Movie Network Channels Award for Best Australian Short Film ‘The Palace’ wr/dir Anthony Maras, prods Kate Croser, Anthony Maras, Andros Achilleos

Icebergs Dining Room & Bar Award for Best Direction in an Australian Short Film ‘Bear’ dir Nash Edgerton, prod Lauren Edwards & John Polson

The SMH Award for Best Australian Screenplay ‘Cockatoo’ wr/dir Matthew Jenkin, prods Matthew Jenkin & Oliver Leimbach

Yoram Gross Award for Best Animation ‘It’s Such A Beautiful Day’ wr/dir Don Hertzfeldt(USA)* Academy ®Accredited

ING DIRECT Award for Best Short Film ‘Ebony Society’ wr/dir Tammy Davis, prods Ainsley Gardiner & Chelsea Winstanley(New Zealand) *Academy® Accredited

...

Flickerfest International Short Film Festival kicked off it's 37 venue national tour in Byron this past weekend.

Celebrated it's 21st birthday in style, & it's 14th year in the Byron region being hosted by the IQ Arts & Eco Centre; with over 1100 people attending over 4 sessions.

A highlight of the shorts packed weekend was the 4th Annual Byron All Shorts - Northern Rivers Short Film Competition, of which 14 finalists films were screened from over 50 local entrants;

The audience as well as the jury, consisting of Emma Moroney, former Supervising Producer from
Movie Network Channel. Bronwyn Kidd, documentary maker and Flickerfest Director, Kathleen
Drumm who helms Screen Australia’s diverse marketing activities across theatrical and innovative distribution. Nerida Moore Screen NSW’s Senior Development and Production Executive and Lisa
Shaunessy independent producer, formerly the Creative Executive at Hugh Jackman’s Seed Productions awarded the following:

The iQ-Flickerfest Jury Award for Best Short Film went to SAE students for 'The Cottage', a moving story about the homeless in Byron Bay, Dir Lorraine Bell / Prod: Rani Willis.

A Special Mention of the Jury went to 'Face Value' by Ellie Alford from SCU- an innovative story about the dangers of internet predators.

The Essential Energy Audience Award went to 'Shall We Dance' the Tommy Franklin story (Byron's own dancing man) by Kurt Mayes & travis Hanley.

A new prize this year, the SAE Emerging Talent Award went to 'Zombie Taco'
a very creative music video clip by the Kamikazi Katz clan, Max Quinn, Callan Brunsdon & Scott Sowter.

...

The National Tour Continues...

Don’t miss bite Size chunks of great cinema coming to a town near you!
Next stop on the 37 venue tour is Adelaide and Avoca on Feb 3 & 4.
Showcasing the Best in Australian, International and Avoca will also showcase the best in Comedy shorts.

AVOCA- 3/4 Feb
Friday 3rd @ 7pm- Best Of Australian Shorts
Saturday 4th @ 7pm- Best Of International Shorts
Saturday 4th @ 9pm- Best of Comedy

ADELAIDE- 3/4 Feb
Friday 3rd @ 7pm- Best Of International
Saturday 4th @ 7pm- Best Of Australian

The tour continues until May so make sure you check out the touring tab at www.flickerfest.com.au for details in your state!

SBS SCREENED FLiCKERFEST SPECIAL

Highlighted films will include:

Franswa Sharl
Directed by Hannah Hillard / Winner, Audience Choice (Most Popular) Short Film, Flickerfest 2010.

Via Gori
Directed by Lazaro Hernandez / Winner, Best Direction in an Australian Short Film, Flickerfest 2011.

The Cat Piano
Directed by Ari Gibson and Eddie White / Winner, Best Animation Short Film, Flickerfest 2010.

Netherland Dwarf
Directed by David Michôd / Best Australian Short Film, Flickerfest 2009.

*contact SBS TV for screening times or additional information

Websites

Flickerfest

SBS

Media Man News

Music News Australia

Bondi Beach Directory

Website Network

Media Man Int

Media Man

Media Man Entertainment

Richard Branson on Measuring the Success of 2011, by Richard Branson

Profiles

Richard Branson Virgin Enterprises Limited

News

Financial News Virgin News News

As I look out across the ocean, savoring another sunset on Necker Island, I find myself reflecting on a busy and exciting year for myself and the Virgin Group. There were a couple of setbacks: In January, I ruptured a cruciate ligament in a ski accident, which meant that I had to travel to France and South Africa on crutches; in August, a fire here destroyed the great house. But we have ended 2011 in a much happier way, with my daughter Holly’s wedding to Fred Andrews, a shipbroker. This seems a good time to jot down a few of the year’s highlights.

I have written previously that success cannot be measured in wealth, fame or power, but by whether you have made a positive difference for others. The accomplishments of the past year of which I am most proud involve my efforts to raise awareness of and financing for Virgin Unite, along with the new philanthropic ventures we launched.

Because it is our responsibility as entrepreneurs and business leaders to tackle the issues our society faces, from climate change to poverty. To find solutions, we at Virgin have had to consciously cast aside traditional thinking, form unusual partnerships and consider unorthodox answers. Here are some of our most effective actions:

1. Taking the initiative.

The Carbon War Room is a business-focused, global NGO we set up three years ago to find profitable solutions to tackling climate change: Our society does not have to make a choice between economic growth and saving the environment. CWR is a nonprofit fixated by profit.

We made great progress over the past 12 months. Rather than waiting for governments to work out policy solutions, the CWR team launched two game-changing websites: one to promote efficiency in shipping; another to rank and chart the latest in sustainable aviation biofuels.

Earlier this year CWR launched a program to help finance energy-efficient retrofits of buildings, which was kicked off with a
$650 million investment scheme in Florida and California.

2. Reducing, reusng, recycling and planning for the future.

We must also ensure that we conserve our planet’s resources and maintain diversity. This year Virgin Unite struck up a great partnership with WildAid to campaign for the banning of shark-finning, the barbaric and wasteful act of cutting a fin off a living shark.

WildAid estimates that 73 million sharks per year are killed for this dish.

This project is in its early days but we are making great progress, thanks in part to the support of Governor Jerry Brown of California, who signed a bill banning the sale and possession of shark fins.

Already, many top restaurants and hotels no longer serve shark-fin soup.

3. Championing unconventional solutions.

Over the past 50 years, drug usage has gone up and jails have filled.

Though millions of taxpayer dollars have been spent trying to stamp out this illicit trade, the prohibitions have merely fueled organized crime. It is time that we try an alternative approach. This year I was fortunate to be part of the U.N. Global Commission on Drug Policy, which found that the costly war on drugs has backfired, producing little to no results.

A decade ago, Portugal became the first European country to officially abolish all criminal penalties for personal possession of drugs – a brave and successful policy. Jail time was replaced with offers of treatment for addiction: many critics feared this would attract “drug tourists” and exacerbate Portugal’s drug problem.

The results of a report commissioned by the Cato Institute in April this year suggest otherwise. It found that in the five years after personal possession was decriminalized, illegal drug use among teens in Portugal declined and rates of new HIV infection caused by sharing of dirty needles dropped, while the number of people seeking treatment for drug addiction more than doubled.

Portugal’s brave stand amounts to a decision to “Screw Business As Usual” – the title of my latest book and a mantra that should be adopted by people holding positions in company boardrooms and government cabinets the world over.

4. Building for the future.

Virgin businesses have always emphasized the need to challenge the market and do things differently – values we are keen to share with a new generation of entrepreneurs in the developing world. In 2011 we continued to expand our efforts, launching the new Branson Centre of Entrepreneurship in Jamaica and moving our center in Johannesburg to new premises, under a new CEO. Both centers are focused on helping young entrepreneurs to expand their businesses by offering practical advice and mentoring.

I brought groups of business people to South Africa and Jamaica to meet our entrepreneurs; as always, the visitors were bowled over by the young entrepreneurs’ enthusiasm and passion for their work. We hope to expand our efforts further and to find financing and maybe obtain government help in scaling up these centers.

Our society’s social, environmental and financial problems remain challenging and it looks like next year will be a tough one on many fronts. We will need to look for bold solutions, because change means opportunity. Whether you can effect small changes at the local level or try to push for sweeping cultural shifts in your industry or sector, 2012 – now – is the time to make a difference.

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Rolling Stone Magazine Australia Announces 3rd Annual Awards

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To say we’re excited about the 3rd Annual Rolling Stone Awards is a massive understatement. Last year’s event was a huge, sweltering party (highlights – Paul Kelly turning up, Michael "Freaking" Chugg’s sweary tirade, Lupe Fiasco’s bodyguard, Art Vs Science’s DJ set, and a surprise display of beatboxing from Plan B’s cohort Faith SFX). There’s an expectation that this year’s event will be bigger and better, and Rolling Stone Australia and everyone else involved doesn't aim to disappoint.

Due to the success of last year’s event, RS be keeping the 3rd outing of the Rolling Stone Awards just as exclusive and star-studded, albeit at a new more central (and air conditioned) venue. Drawing from a long list of entertainment and pop culture luminaries, the judging panel is as illustrious as it was tuned-in and the resulting winners will be a nicely varied bunch. But that’s what you get when you ask comedians, actors, politicians, writers, tour promoters, artists and professional skateboarders to try and agree on a shortlist.

Judges this year included the likes of Tim Ross, Jon Coghill, Michael Chugg, Brendan Cowell and Morgan Campbell, just to name a few.

The categories include:

The Rolling Stone Award: Our top honour of the year, awarded for an outstanding contribution to popular culture. The winner of this award can come from any area – music, film, TV, literature, art, politics, activism, etc. This award is open to Australian/NZ candidates only.

Best Female: Awarded to a local lady for outstanding contribution to popular culture, whether that is music, film, TV, literature, art, politics or activism. This award is open to Australian/NZ candidates only.

Best Male: Awarded to a local bloke for outstanding contribution to popular culture, whether that is music, film, TV, literature, art, politics or activism. This award is open to Australian/NZ candidates only.

The International Award: Awarded to an international male, female or group who have had a profound positive impact on popular culture in Australia/NZ. The winner of this award can come from any area – music, film, TV, literature, art, politics, activism, etc.

Mover & Shaker: Awarded to someone who has changed the game in their particular field this year – a maverick, trailblazer or revolutionary. The winner of this award can come from any area – music, film, TV, literature, art, politics, activism, etc. This award is open to Australian/NZ candidates only.

The Immortal: A lifetime achievement award for outstanding contribution to popular culture. This award is open to Australian/NZ candidates only.

Album of the Year: The best full-length album released in 2010. Simple as that. This award is open to Australian/NZ candidates only.

Best Live Act: Just as the name says, honouring the best live performance or tour by a band – Australian or international – in Australia/NZ in 2010.

Artist to Watch: This is an acknowledgement of an outstanding emerging artist – regardless of how long they’ve been around – who is set to blow up big. This award is open to Australian/NZ candidates only.

Artist of the Year: Music only, the best all round artist of the year. This award is open to Australian/NZ candidates only.

We also roped in celebrity writers close to the winners to pay tribute to their mates (or in one case, uncle), making this far livelier and more fascinating than some stale old list of winners. But let’s stop patting ourselves on the back, it’s really time to congratulate our winners who will be announced at on Wednesday 25th January. All winners will also be listed in the March issue of Rolling Stone Magazine (out on 1 February 2012).

Be sure to check out the BlackBerry Lounge while you’re there and of course, the fantastic cocktails!

We'll see you there fellow rock n rollers.

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