Australian Sports Entertainment

Friday, August 31, 2012

Betting firm bwin signs three-year deal with Man United - 16th August 2012

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Bwin.Party Digital Entertainment PartyCasino.com PartyPoker.com Britain Soccer Betting Sports Sports Betting Affiliates


British online betting firm bwin.party digital entertainment said it had entered into a three-year deal with Manchester United, including the right to run betting kiosks and advertise at the English premier league football club’s Old Trafford home.

Bwin said the deal would also give it the chance to exploit the club’s international appeal to expand in social gaming – free-to-use web games played against other users that offer additional features paid for with online credits.

“Man Utd has 569 million followers outside of Europe, providing us with a great opportunity to offer jointly designed and innovative products in countries that do not yet allow real money online sports betting,” said bwin.party’s co-CEO Norbert Teufelberger.

Bwin, which is already the shirt sponsor of Spanish football club Real Madrid, said football remained key to its long-term future, making up about half of its sports betting revenue in 2011.

Man Utd, which debuted on the New York stock exchange last week, has a series of commercial linkups, including with insurance broker AON, whose name is currently emblazoned on its shirts, set to be replaced on the famous red jerseys by GM’s Chevrolet in 2014.

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The Beach Boys perform at AllPhones Arena: Sydney, Australia - 30th August 2012

Profiles

Music Sydney Entertainment Surfing Australia


The Beach Boys are conducting an Australian tour and tonight it was AllPhones Arena in Sydney.

They are touring the world to mark their 50th anniversary.

Long time fans are wrapt, if not amazed, to see that Brian Wilson and Mike Love have put aside past differences and are once again collaborating together.

Bruce Johnston remains in the group alongside early guitarist David Marks, and Al Jardine has returned to for the first time since the late 1990s.

Joining the original players are nine other musicians including well-known voices in Beach Boys circles, Jeff Foskett, Darian Sahanaja, Scott Totten and the superb drummer John Cowsill.

The Beach Boys are an American rock band, formed in 1961 in Hawthorne, California. The group initially comprised brothers Brian, Dennis and Carl Wilson, their cousin Mike Love, and friend Al Jardine. They were managed early on by the Wilsons' father, Murry. The band's leader, composer, arranger and producer, Brian Wilson was responsible for writing most of the band's early singles and albums.

The Sydney concert went for about 2 hours and no support group was needed. Make no mistake, these boys still have tons of energy and its little wonder they have a broad fan based - from 10 to 80 year olds the world over - the music being timeless.

Australia is very fortunate to have the Beach Boys touring do yourself a favor and check them out if you have a chance. Surfs up down under.


Promo...

Paul Dainty, Chairman of Dainty Group has announced that one of the worlds' most legendary and influential bands of all time The Beach Boys, will tour Australia this year as part of their 50th Anniversary Tour with dates confirmed in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth.

The 50th Anniversary Tour marks the first time in more than two decades that original members Brian Wilson, Mike Love, Al Jardine, Bruce Johnston, and David Marks will tour together.

The 50th Anniversary Tour, which commenced in North America in April, is receiving critical acclaim and proving to be a historical concert event not to be missed.

For five decades, America's first pop band to reach the 50 year milestone has recorded and performed the music that has become the world's favorite soundtrack to summer. Founded in Hawthorne, California in 1961, The Beach Boys were originally comprised of the three teenaged Wilson brothers: Brian, Carl and Dennis, their cousin Mike Love, and school friend Al Jardine. In 1962, neighbour David Marks joined the group for their first wave of hits with Capitol Records, leaving in late 1963, and in 1965, Bruce Johnston joined the band when Brian Wilson retired from touring to focus on writing and producing for the group.

Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1988 and recipients of The Recording Academy's Lifetime Achievement GRAMMY Award, The Beach Boys are an American institution that is iconic around the world.

TOUR DATES*:
Tuesday 28 August - Brisbane Entertainment Centre
Thursday 30 August - Allphones Arena, Sydney
Friday 31 August - Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne
Sunday 2 September - Adelaide Entertainment Centre
Thursday 6 September - Burswood Dome, Perth

Websites

The Beach Boys

Dainty Group

Music News Australia

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Tuesday, August 28, 2012

Kath & Kimderella movie premiere at Entertainment Quarter; Sydney, Australia - 28th August 2012

Profiles

Movies Hollywood Entertainment Sydney Australia


Tonight the Australian "foxy moron" (Kath & Kim lingo) film enjoyed its Australian premiere at Entertainment Quarter in the shadow of Fox Studios Australia, Moore Park.

The Kath & Kim franchise is well established and its usually a case of you either love them or hate them. Tonight there were hundreds of lovers of course.

Some passionate fans dressed up as their idols - including some grown men in K&K drag.

The girls at the premiere switched in and out of character, as they often do in news media interviews.

The Flick...

Kath, Kim and the latter's daggy offsider, Sharon (Magda Szubanski) are soon shipped off to Papilloma, a bankrupt principality in Italy, where the monarch, King Javier (Rob Sitch) mistakes Kath for a wealthy noble and plans to seduce her, while his son fixates on Kim as a princess.

Plot...

Fountain Lakes’ foxiest ladies turn more than just heads when they go on an OS trip and end up being the centre of their very own fairytale.

Starring: Jane Turner, Gina Riley, Magda Szubanski, Glenn Robbins & Peter Rowsthorn.

Director: Ted Emery

Kath & Kimderella opens nationally Thursday, September 6.

Websites

Kath & Kimderella official website

Kath & Kim official website

Roadshow Films

Eva Rinaldi Photography Flickr

Eva Rinaldi Photography

Music News Australia

Media Man News

The Expendables 2 snags No. 1 box-office spot for second-straight weekend

Profiles

Movies Hollywood Entertainment The Expendables The Expendables 2 Affiliate Programs Advertising


Sylvester Stallone's "The Expendables 2" snagged the No. 1 box-office spot for the second-straight weekend with $13.5 million. Released by Lionsgate, the film raised its domestic total to $52.3 million after two weekends.

Holdover movies easily led the weekend box office again, as "The Bourne Legacy" landed in second place with $9.3 million, followed by "ParaNorman" with $8.5 million.

Hollywood may have run out of summer hits, but an anti-Obama documentary is helping to fill the gap.

The weekend's new wide releases were overshadowed by "2016: Obama's America," which expanded from limited to nationwide release and took in $6.2 million to finish at No. 8.

The documentary is a conservative critique of what the country would look like four years from now if President Barack Obama is re-elected.

Released by Rocky Mountain Pictures, "Obama's America" nearly matched the $6.3 million debut of the No. 7 movie, Joseph Gordon-Levitt's action tale "Premium Rush," a Sony release that played in more than twice as many theaters as the Obama documentary.

The weekend's other new wide releases opened weakly. Dax Shepard and Kristen Bell's road-chase comedy "Hit & Run," released by Open Road Films, debuted at No. 10 with $4.7 million, and the Warner Bros. fright flick "The Apparition" opened at No. 12 with $3 million.

The weak openings are typical of late August, a dumping ground for movies without much audience appeal as the summer blockbuster season winds down and young viewers switch to back-to-school mode.

But with less competition from Hollywood releases, it also opens the door for surprise successes such as "Obama's America."

"Obama's America" is based on the book "The Roots of Obama's Rage," written by Dinesh D'Souza, who co-directed the movie with John Sullivan.

The documentary now has climbed to a $9.1 million domestic total, with prospects for strong business as the Republican National Convention unfolds over the next few days. (U.S report)

Websites

The Expendables 2

Lionsgate

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Australian Sports Entertainment

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Friday, August 24, 2012

Australasian Gaming Expo report from Sydney; Australia - Day 3 - 23rd August 2012

Profiles

Human Statue Bodyart Sydney Entertainment Australia Gaming Promotions Publicity


Today was the 3rd day for the most high profile and successful gaming expo in Australia - the Australasian Gaming Expo, which is being hosted by the Sydney Convention Centre at Darling Harbour. It's gaming, gambling, technology, sales...even creative arts elements and much more.

It's a key time for the gaming industry in Australia with all the regulation elements, responsible gambling initiatives and such, and most of the big boys of the industry were on hand to show off their wares, with some exhibitors demonstrating significant creative flair to help showoff their latest and greatest wares.

Our friends at Human Statue Bodyart were back again and they had a couple of body models made up in bodypaint (Anastasia as a butterfly and Victoria as a panda) - complete with wings and sparkles, for leading gaming brand Paltronics and its latest game 'Jungle Madness'.

The expo centre itself is huge - 15,000 square metres (about the size of an Aussie Rules football oval) and this provided more than ample opportunity for over 750 slot games on display.

The Australasian Gaming Expo is by far the largest event of its type in Australia and one of the world’s biggest.

We learned through the grapevine that a trip for 2 to Las Vegas will be won by a lucky visitor on each of the 3 days of the Expo, and this is compliments of the Gaming Technologies Association which owns the event. It's understood the winner of the trip will be named later this afternoon.

It's tipped over 20,000 people have walked through the games expo thus far, with those in the business being the majority, and no doubt a few punters, checked through the gates (but note that the games on display do not accept coins or notes).

Well done to everyone associated with the success of the expo and we'll see you there again next year.

Websites

Australasian Gaming Expo

Gaming Technologies Association

PALtronics Australasia

Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre

Human Statue Bodyart

Human Statue Bodyart Flickr

Eva Rinaldi Photography Flickr

Eva Rinaldi Photography

Media Man News

Casino News Media

Website Network

Media Man Int

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Sunday, August 19, 2012

Media Man News Update


Profiles Casinos Gaming News Media Man Int News Financial News Casino News Entertainment News Wrestling News

News

PartyCasino Wins Media Man Online Casino Award

PartyPoker And PartyCasino Owner bwin.party Digital Entertainment Plans Return to US Market

The joker in the Packer

Critic's choice: the week ahead in TV

Australia's Echo says full-year net profit at A$42.2 mln

Sacked Star casino boss paid almost $200,000

The Gathering of the Juggalos

Report: CM Punk To Be Aligned With Paul Heyman?, Another Interesting Pairing

Linda McMahon, 2012 Senate Candidate, Wins Connecticut Bid In Race To Replace Joe Lieberman

WWE Pays Tribute To 'Macho Man' Randy Savage, 'Raw 1,000' DVD And Blu-ray Scheduled

Jake 'The Snake' Roberts Discusses Working With Savage, 'Taker, Warrior Costing Him Money, More

Jake 'The Snake' Roberts Discusses His First WWF Run, Hating Snakes, Changing His Physique, More

Former WWE Superstar Speaks Out About WWE's New Top 50 Villains In History List

WWE's Top 50 List of All-Time Villains

Roddy Piper Responds To Being Ranked #1 Villain In Wrestling, Talks Piper's Pit

Actor Attends WWE NXT Event, Potential TNA Star Attending WWE Tryout, Birthdays

WWE Launches Mobile Apps For On-Demand Video And Second-Screen Viewing

The Trump brand moves beyond real estate to sunglasses, bottled water, chocolate bars

"Expendables 2" Cast Talk Muscles, Machine Guns and the "Magic" of Stallone

Hawkins 'in the round' launches spring

Business and finance calendar August 20-24

Tatts sues Vic government for compensation

10 of the world's top airport lounges

Obama: Biden dust up reveals "WWF wrestling part of politics"

World Wrestling Entertainment to co-produce new Scooby Doo film

Google crashes Monster man's party

'The Avengers 2': Vin Diesel To Play Vision In Superhero Sequel?

WWE NXT Star Getting His PHD, Kaitlyn Interviews The Day Cast, WWE On GetGlue

Dwayne Johnson hangs out with Gina Carano in set photo from Fast and the Furious 6

'The Wolverine' Movie, Official Plot Revealed

Outdoor gambling areas escape new smoking ban

Media Man News Archive

Publicist attacked by poison pen

Give him a tingle

Victims' misery a goldmine for chequebook TV

Big Bother

Putting a new spin on an old sales pitch

Whitewash whisper leaves Tingle in the ear

Strong local content

Media Man considering trade sale; open to advisors

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Global Gaming Directory

Media Man Games

Saturday, August 18, 2012

Scooby Doo meets WWE in new movie

Profiles

Movies Hollywood Wrestling WWE Sport Sports Entertainment Entertainment Movies Advertising Warner Bros.


Warner Bros have revealed that the canine crime fighter's next animated feature will see him mixing with some of wrestling's most famous stars.

It seems that Scooby Doo is about to meet up with some of the most eccentric characters ever as he and the Mystery Machine posse attempt to solve a mystery at the WWE Wrestlemania.

Warner Bros have announced that the next feature length movie featuring the canine crime fighter and his pals will also star animated version of the likes of Triple H, Kane and WWE CEO Vince McMahon.

The press release read, “Warner Bros and WWE Studios (NYSE:WWE) announced they will co-produce a Scooby-Doo animated feature that will find Scooby and the gang solving a mystery at WrestleMania®.The announcement was made today by Jeff Brown, Executive Vice President and General Manager, TV, Family & Animation, Warner Home Video and Michael Luisi, President, WWE Studios.

“WWE Superstars and Divas including Triple H®, John Cena®, Kane, The Miz®, Brodus Clay™, Santino Marella®, Sin Cara™ and AJ™ will appear in animated form and lend their voices to the project. WWE Chairman and CEO Vince McMahon® will also lend his voice and appear in animated form.”

Warner Home Video exec Jeff Brown said, “Warner Bros is thrilled to get into the ring with WWE Studios to bring fans an unprecedented animated adventure. We’re excited to leverage the WWE’s family-friendly brand and passionate fan base and integrate some of the most popular WWE Superstars and Divas within the Scooby-Doo gang.”


Press Release...

WARNER BROS. AND WWE STUDIOS FORM TAG TEAM TO SOLVE A SPINE-CRUNCHING MYSTERY!

August 15, 2012 ANIMATED MADE FOR VIDEO FILM STARRING WWE SUPERSTARS AND DIVAS TO BEGIN PRODUCTION SET FOR A 2014 HOME ENTERTAINMENT RELEASE


STAMFORD, Conn., August 15, 2012 – Warner Bros. and WWE Studios (NYSE:WWE) announced they will co-produce a Scooby-Doo animated feature that will find Scooby and the gang solving a mystery at WrestleMania®. The announcement was made today by Jeff Brown, Executive Vice President and General Manager, TV, Family & Animation, Warner Home Video and Michael Luisi, President, WWE Studios.

WWE Superstars and Divas including Triple H®, John Cena®, Kane, The Miz®, Brodus Clay™, Santino Marella®, Sin Cara™ and AJ™ will appear in animated form and lend their voices to the project. WWE Chairman and CEO Vince McMahon® will also lend his voice and appear in animated form.

“We are excited to partner with Warner Bros. on this wonderful animated film,” said WWE Studios President Michael Luisi. “Kids and adults are going to enjoy seeing their favorite WWE Superstars in animated form join forces with an icon like Scooby-Doo to solve a mystery at the biggest pop-culture event of the year – WrestleMania.”

“Warner Bros. is thrilled to get into the ring with WWE Studios to bring fans an unprecedented animated adventure,” said Jeff Brown, Executive Vice President and General Manager, TV, Warner Home Video. “We’re excited to leverage the WWE’s family-friendly brand and passionate fan base and integrate some of the most popular WWE Superstars and Divas within the Scooby-Doo gang.”

When Shaggy and Scooby win tickets to WrestleMania, the entire gang travels in the Mystery Machine to WWE City to attend the epic event. However, when a mysterious ghostly bear appears and threatens to ruin the show, Scooby, Shaggy, Velma, Daphne and Fred work with WWE Superstars to solve the case.

Warner Bros. Home Entertainment will handle worldwide distribution on Blu-ray, DVD, VOD and digital download. The film will be produced by Warner Bros. Animation. WWE will utilize its extensive global reach through its television, digital media and print assets to market the release of the film.

Bradley Buchanan, VP of Business and Legal Affairs negotiated on behalf of WWE Studios.

About Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Group
Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Group brings together Warner Bros. Entertainment's home video, digital distribution, interactive entertainment/videogames, direct-to-DVD production, technical operations and anti-piracy businesses in order to maximize current and next-generation distribution scenarios. WBHEG is responsible for the global distribution of content through DVD, electronic sell-through and VOD, and delivery of theatrical content to wireless and online channels, and is also a significant worldwide publisher for both internal and third party videogame titles.

About Warner Bros. Animation
Warner Bros. Animation (WBA) is one of the leading producers of animation in the entertainment industry, with an innovative and talent-rich roster boasting some of the most accomplished writers, producers and artists working today. The studio is on the cutting edge of animation technology and has both CG and traditionally animated projects in current production and development. For TV, WBA produces series such as Green Lantern: The Animated Series, The Looney Tunes Show, MAD, Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated and Young Justice: Invasion, as well as the forthcoming Beware The Batman and Teen Titans Go! for Cartoon Network. WBA also produces series and additional original content — including animated shorts — for Cartoon Network’s multiplatform branded DC Nation programming block. In addition to TV programming, WBA produces theatrically released CG cartoon shorts featuring iconic Looney Tunes characters, rendered in stereoscopic 3D. WBA also creates the highly successful series of DC Universe Original Animated Movies for DVD. Producing for multiple platforms including TV, digital and home entertainment both domestically and internationally, WBA is highly respected for its creative and technical excellence, as well as for maintaining the Studio’s rich cartoon heritage. It is also the home of the iconic animated characters from the DC Comics, Hanna-Barbera, MGM and Looney Tunes libraries. One of the most-honored animation studios in history, WBA has been honored with six Academy Awards®, 35 Emmy® Awards, the George Foster Peabody Award, an Environmental Media Award, a Parents’ Choice Award, the HUMANITAS Prize, two Prism Awards and 20 Annie Awards (honoring excellence in animation).

About WWE Studios
WWE Studios continues to strategically diversify its slate of films, which includes theatrical releases and direct-to-home premieres, under the guidance of President Michael Luisi. Upcoming films for WWE Studios include: Dead Man Down, which was co-financed with IM Global and will be distributed by FilmDistrict, starring Colin Farrell and Noomi Rapace; The Hive, which was co-produced with Troika Pictures, starring Halle Berry and Abigail Breslin; No One Lives, which was co-produced with Pathé Films and was accepted to Midnight Madness at the 2012 Toronto International Film Festival, starring Luke Evans and WWE Superstar Brodus Clay™; and cult hit The Day, which will be distributed in theaters by Anchor Bay Films on August 29, starring Dominic Monaghan and Ashley Bell.

About WWE
WWE, a publicly traded company (NYSE: WWE), is an integrated media organization and recognized leader in global entertainment. The company consists of a portfolio of businesses that create and deliver original content 52 weeks a year to a global audience. WWE is committed to family friendly entertainment on its television programming, pay-per-view, digital media and publishing platforms. WWE programming is broadcast in more than 145 countries and 30 languages and reaches more than 600 million homes worldwide. The company is headquartered in Stamford, Conn., with offices in New York, Los Angeles, Miami, London, Mumbai, Shanghai, Singapore, Istanbul and Tokyo.

Additional information on WWE (NYSE: WWE) can be found at wwe.com and corporate.wwe.com. For information on our global activities, go to http://www.wwe.com/worldwide

Websites

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TMZ.com - WWE

WWE official website

Main Event website

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Celtic Woman performs at Macquarie Shopping Centre, Sydney: 'Believe' - 18th August 2012

Profiles

Music Sydney Entertainment Australia


Celtic Woman are down under in Australia to promote their current album 'Believe' and today they made a free public performance at Macquarie Shopping Centre.

'Believe' debuted at number 1 on the ARIA Classical Chart and includes some classic favourites like Bridge Over Troubled Water, Sailing, You'll Never Walk Alone and Ave Maria.

The group consists of Mairead Nesbitt, Chloe Agnew, Lisa Lambe and Susan McFadden.

Fans of Celtic Woman's genre of music continue to rejoice around Australia as the all girl group continue to garner strong reviews for that latest CD 'Believe'.

Believe Track List...

1. Awakening
2. Nocturne
3. Sailing
4. The Foxhunter
5. The Water Is Wide
6. Bridge Over Troubled Water
7. Black Is The Colour
8. Follow On
9. Ave Maria
10. Teir Abhaile Riu
11. You'll Never Walk Alone
12. A Spaceman Came Traveling
13. Songs From The Heart: Walking The Night/The World Falls Away
14. A Woman's Heart
15. The Parting Glass

Biography...

In just a few short years, the unique musical ensemble known as Celtic Woman has emerged as both a spectacular commercial success and a genuine cultural phenomenon. The beloved ensemble’s evocative, uplifting music has transcended national and cultural borders to touch the hearts of a devoted fan base that spans the globe.

DVD News...

Internationally acclaimed vocal phenomenon Celtic Woman announce their sixth new project, BELIEVE, an enchanting studio album and companion live concert DVD available in stores on January 24. Celtic Woman is the all-female singing sensation featuring vocalists Chloë Agnew, Lisa Kelly, Lisa Lambe and Celtic violinist Máiréad Nesbitt performing classic Irish songs ("The Water Is Wide," "Green Grow the Rushes," "A Woman's Heart," "The Parting Glass"), timeless pop anthems ("Bridge Over Troubled Water," "Sailing"), and inspirational songs ("You'll Never Walk Alone," "Ave Maria") with their signature Celtic Woman twist, under the distinct musical direction of Emmy-nominated music producer, David Downes. The live concert DVD was filmed for the first time in America in front of some of their most loyal fans during two sold-out nights at The Fox Theatre (Atlanta, GA) in Sept 2011.

Websites

Celtic Woman official website

Mairead Nesbitt official website

Eva Rinaldi Photography Flickr

Eva Rinaldi Photography

Music News Australia

Media Man News

Website Network

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Monday, August 13, 2012

Australian Sports Entertainment Blog: Top Picks

Australian Sports Entertainment Blog

Top Picks

Aztec Gold

Atomic Fruit

Casinos of The World: Land based and online



Sin City Cleopatra Rambo The Godfather Sinatra The Terminator Thor Saturday Night Fever Unicorn Legend Palladium Slot

Punters, here's 10 of the world's top land based casinos for you to mark down in your travel plans.

Monte Carlo, Monaco: Perched above the Mediterranean and bounded by the French
and Italian coastlines on either side, Monaco provides a spectacular and luxurious setting for the wealthy and the wannabees. Home to the Monaco Grand Prix and the legendary Casino de Monte Carlo, this isn't the place for those on a tight
budget. The magnificent Casino hosts the annual European Poker Tour and was also the scene of several James Bond Films, including the original "Casino Royale" and "Golden Eye".

Paradise Island, Bahamas: Located just off the shore of the city of Nassau, Paradise
Island is best known for its sprawling 'Vegas-by-the-sea' resort, Atlantis. The resort spans seven acres along a lagoon, where guests can soak up the Caribbean sun and choose from a variety of outdoor gaming areas. When in need of a break from
the tables, guests can enjoy the private beach or one of the resorts 20 sunlit pools.

Melbourne, Australia: As Australia's sporting and entertainment capital, Melbourne
offers the perfect option for high rollers looking for a local break. Aussies need look no further than Crown Casino on the southern bank of the Yarra River, which is one of the largest casino complexes in the southern hemisphere. The main gambling
floor stretches more than half a kilometre and the casino was the first to introduce the new game Rapid Roulette, which allows players to place bets on a personal electronic touch screen connected to a central roulette wheel.

Macau, China: Known as the 'Monte Carlo of the Orient,' and the gambling capital of Asia, Macau now rivals Monaco and Las Vegas as one of the premier gambling destinations in the world. With no less than 33 casinos, in addition to local horse and greyhound racing venues, Macau is perfect for the betting junkie. The Wynn Macau
casino is a standout, highlighted by 24-carat gold 'Tree of Prosperity' at the entrance, extravagant water displays and Moon Jellyfish Aquarium at reception.

Baden-Baden, Germany: Situated on the western foothills of the Black Forest and on
the banks of the Oos River, Baden-Baden is not your typical casino town. However, in addition to its hot springs and picturesque countryside, the town is also known for its 200-year-old 'Spielbank' casino - the oldest of its type in Germany. With French chateau-style salons rooms named after historical figures such as Madame Pompadour and Louis XV's mistress, the quirky casino provides visitors with a very unique
gaming experience.

Las Vegas, United States: With over 1700 licensed casinos in operation, Las Vegas
offers the ultimate package for travellers who fancy a flutter. A visit to the famous 'Strip' is a must for any player, whether they're looking for a spin on the roulette table or a game of blackjack - this city has it all. The iconic Caesar's Palace
hotel and casino offers 129,000 square feet of casino space plus an endless smorgasbord of entertainment, shopping and fine dining options, including Cleopatra's barge, a floating lounge perfect for a relaxing drink after a jam-packed night on the
casino floor.

Manila, The Philippines: With a favourable exchange rate, Manila provides great value
for Aussies wanting to live the high-life overseas. The city offers a range of shopping and entertainment options, along with a world-class casino at the Hyatt Hotel. Spread across three levels, the sparkling casino offers the newest in gaming
facilities for both hotel guests and visitors, and is just a short distance from Manila's tourist hub.

Sun City, South Africa: Known as 'Africa's Kingdom of Pleasure,' this luxury resort
and casino complex, just two hours from Johannesburg, boasts two large casinos, two 18-hole golf courses and a wildlife reserve. At the extravagant yet picturesque Palace of the Lost City, guests are treated to stunning valley views from the guestrooms, along with exclusive access to the Grand Pool. The nearby Sun City Casino is the entertainment Mecca of the resort, featuring a myriad of gaming options as well as an indoor jungle of native foliage and water fountains.

Atlantic City, United States: Regarded as the US's 'Las Vegas of the East', Atlantic City in New Jersey is renowned for its gambling, shopping and fine dining. Towering above the banks of the Atlantic Ocean, the Trump Taj Mahal casino is an icon of the city, with an on-site shopping district and an abundance of restaurants and bars. The
157,000 square-foot casino is also hard to miss, with 3,500 slot machines and 200 table games. Unveiled in 1990 by a number of celebrities, including the late Michael Jackson, the casino is the second-largest in Atlantic City and well worth a visit.

Genting Highlands, Malaysia: Nestled on the Titiwangsa mountain range, just an hour's
drive from Kuala Lumpur and 6,000 feet above sea level, the Resorts World Genting offers 360-degree views of the surrounding countryside. This spectacular resort has first-class accommodation, dining and entertainment, while avoiding the hustle and bustle of a capital city. The on-site casino, which covers 200,000 square feet, is Malaysia's sole gaming venue and is divided into separate themed areas, such as Hollywood and Monte Carlo, for the ultimate gambling experience.

Online Casinos:

PartyCasino.com : The world's leading online casino brand and part of Bwin.Party Digital Entertainment. Play for free or play for money at PartyCasino.com New players get up to $3000 sign up bonus via Media Man.

VirginCasino.com : Virgin Casino is part of Virgin Games. The parent company is Virgin Enterprises Limited, the creation of the world's most famous and celebrated entrepreneur, Sir Richard Branson. Unfortunately the casino does not accept players from many countries due to what is known in legal circles as "grey areas". Most European players can play, but no Americans, Canadians, Australians or New Zealanders.

Captain Cooks Casino : Was once a very popular online casino with Australians and New Zealanders, however we understand these days they can only accept players from a few regions such as Europe, South Africa, Canada and South America.

PKR : Once only a 2D online poker room, they are now more 3D and offer online poker and a good range of online casino games, including classics, Marvel slots and table games.

Media Man's top online casino choice: PartyCasino.com PartyCasino is a multi-time Media Man 'Online Casino Of The Month' winner and have also won awards from EGR. Earlier this year PartyGaming merged with Bwin to create the worlds leading igaming company, Bwin.Party Digital Entertainment.

News

Playtech Signs Gala Coral Contract, Acquires Mobile-Bet Company...


Playtech Ltd, the Internet gambling software maker and content developer which has a joint venture with William Hill Plc (WMH), said it signed a long-term contract with Gala Coral Group Ltd., and acquired Mobenga AB, a mobile-phone sports-betting company.

Playtech will pay as much as 15.8 million euros ($22.4 million) for Mobenga, the Isle of Man-based company said in a statement. Playtech also said second-quarter revenue rose 7 percent to 39.6 million euros over the same period a year earlier, led by online casino games.

Gala Coral, which has 2,000 betting shops in the U.K. and Italy, should become one of Playtech’s top three clients within a year after its software is transferred, in 2012, Playtech’s Chief Executive Officer Mor Weizer said in a telephone interview. Mobenga will help Playtech expand in mobile telephone gambling, which generates 30 percent of bets for some companies, he said.

“This is a very important win for us,” Weizer said. “We already have most of the established operators in the U.K., and Gala Coral we were after for a long time.”
Playtech gained 18.25 pence, or 5.4 percent, to 356.75 pence at 8:47 a.m. in London, after earlier rising as much as 6.3 percent. The shares have fallen 16 percent so far this year, giving the company a market value of 866.3 million pounds.

Stockholm-based Mobenga will give Playtech the ability to combine sports-betting, casino and poker games in one mobile- phone application, Weizer said.

Playtech generates more than 10 million pounds ($16.1 million) from its biggest client, Imperial E-Club Ltd., Weizer said.

‘Players’

Most of the company’s clients attract players through sports, though they make most of their money through games, so they’re always seeking to convert sports betters to game players, he said.

Second-quarter casino revenue gained 9 percent to 27.3 million euros, and bingo sales increased 32 percent to 3.6 million euros, the company said.

Poker sales dropped 32 percent to 5 million euros, the company said. The poker business declined even though the U.S. charged founders of online poker companies still accepting games in the country with money laundering in April.

Weizer said the companies still had cash to lure poker players. Poker numbers have been “picking up” since the end of June, when one of the companies stopped play, he said. Full Tilt Poker, then the world’s second-biggest poker site, lost its license from Alderney on June 29.


PartyCasino Gets New Games...

Aztec Gold, Atomic Fruit, Nag's To Riches and Fairies Forest. Check out the new games here.

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Thursday, August 09, 2012

WWE SummerSlam Matches Confirmed

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WWE Wrestling Brock Lesnar Triple H Television Sports PPV Olympic Games Promotions Affiliates


WWE SummerSlam Matches Confirmed...

WWE added two items to the Summerslam PPV line-up in two weeks. Most notable is Shawn Michaels in Triple H's corner for Hunter's headline match against Brock Lesnar.

WWE also announced Daniel Bryan vs. Kane in a singles match. WWE did not draw attention to Charlie Sheen, who was mentioned for a potential fight/confrontation/scrap/match against Bryan in recent weeks.

There is a good chance that Chris Jericho will also be on the card, as his rock band 'Fozzy' are not going ahead with their prior rock concert commitment.

Australia fans can order WWE SummerSlam via Foxtel - Main Event TV. The PPV will be broadcast on Main Event on Monday 10th August at 10am.

Summerslam PPV line-up

Brock Lesnar vs. Triple H with Shawn Michaels in his corner.

WWE champion C.M. Punk vs. John Cena vs. Big Show for the WWE Title.

World Hvt. champion Sheamus vs. Alberto Del Rio for the World Title.

Daniel Bryan vs. Kane.

Chris Jericho vs. Dolph Ziggler


WWE superstar and ex Olympian Mark Henry checks out Olympic talent at London 2012...

WWE superstar "The World's Strongest Man" Mark Henry has been attendance at various events at Olympic Park to catch Olympic action.

The Olympic Games is used to seeing huge performances, but there can be fewer bigger performers at London 2012 than Henry.

Six foot three, 412lb WWE superstar Mark Henry has been in attendance to take in the sights and sounds of the London 2012 Olympic Games.

Henry knows all about life as an Olympian after his time representing Team USA in weightlifting in the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona.

As a weightlifter, Henry gained recognition for his intimidating size and massive strength.

His talents were rewarded three years later when Henry won gold, silver and bronze medals at the Pan American Games.

His successes on the podium did not go unnoticed. Impressed by his sporting achievements, WWE signed Mark Henry in 1996 sparking an illustrious career that is as impressive today as his Olympic performances of old.

He continues to follow weightlifting and is apparently scouting talent for the WWE at this year’s Olympic competition.

The Media Man agency reckons WWE would do well to check out Olympic shot putter Reese Hoffa. He appears to have the "It Factor". How well he would adapt to WWE rings in yet to be known, but surly worth more investigation.

Fox Sports Dominique Dawes investigates how Olympic shot putter Reese Hoffa went from unwanted child to Olympic hopeful.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OjVjWcowN9w&feature=player_embedded

YouTube Wrestling Footage...

Greco-Roman wrestler's insane 'flying squirrel' takedown via YouTube
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oW8Mf3IL4zA

Brock Lesnar Submits! Ryan Tobin still has South Dakota Title
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uMbMvtK372c&feature=related


Rosa Mendes alleges assault by ex-WWE wrestler fiance, WWE issues statement...

The San Antonio Police Department has issued a police report on an alleged incident involving WWE Diva Rosa Mendes (real name Milena Roucka) that began Sunday in Las Vegas and carried over to San Antonio when Roucka arrived in San Antonio for Monday's Raw. The following was reported by TMZ:

- Roucka alleged that she was assaulted by her fiance, former WWE wrestler Jackson Andrews, who infamously had a very brief stint on WWE TV as Tyson Kidd's bodyguard. Roucka told police that she "was afraid (her fiance) would try to kill her." She also stated the abuse was "on-going."

- The rumor of Roucka being intoxicated at the San Antonio Airport was included in the police report. Police said Roucka was under the influence of alcohol at the time they made contact with her at the airport. However, Roucka was not arrested, as was rumored, but escorted from the airport by police.

- Mendes filed a battery report around 10:17 p.m. on Sunday night and police took 30 photos of where she appeared to have bruises and scratches on her body from the alleged assault.

- WWE issued a statement to TMZ on the serious nature of the situation, which read: "Milena Roucka contacted a WWE Talent Relations representative this morning to notify WWE that, upon her arrival in San Antonio last evening, she contacted police at the airport to report alleged domestic abuse that occurred just prior to her flight."

WWE added that the company will "provide her with professional assistance." Jackson Andrews, real name Andy Slocum, was not able to be reached for comment.


WWE RAW social media score up 54 percent - 7th August 2012

Monday's WWE Raw episode was up 54 percent in social media activity compared to last week's post-1,000 hangover show as WWE tries to find a baseline during the three-hour era. Raw scored 401,202 on Monday, up from 259,203 last week, but down from a record 907,443 two weeks ago. Raw ranked #4 on cable TV Monday night, trailing Olympics coverage on NBC Universal and "Love & Hip Hop Atlanta" on VH1.( Data: Trendrr.tv )


Olympics-Wrestling-Korean "Mowgli": Greco-Roman king - 7th August 2012...

A South Korean wrestler nicknamed 'Mowgli' won gold in the Greco-Roman wrestling at the London Games on Tuesday, overcoming a badly swollen eye that left him struggling to see properly.

Kim Hyeonwoo, 23, beat Hungary's Tamas Lorincz in the 66kg final, the third lightest category in one of the world's oldest and most physical sports.

With his mop of black hair and winning smile, he bears more than a passing resemblance to the little boy raised by wolves in the Disney adaptation of Rudyard Kipling's classic stories, "The Jungle Book".

"In my high school, I used to run around in my bare feet, so my friends gave the nickname of Mowgli," he said. "I'm very happy with that, even though my foreign friends in the (wrestling) fights keep calling me Mowgli, Mowgli."

Kim's bruising route to the final owed more to the Rocky films than Disney, however. He suffered a nasty blow to the right eye in the first qualifying round and it had closed by the time he reached the final.

"I couldn't open the eye, I couldn't see," he said. "The swelling got bigger and bigger as I went on."

After winning the final, Kim knelt on the wrestling mat and kissed his country's flag as a packed arena cheered.

IRAN'S HAT-TRICK

There was more success for Iran in the second final of the night when Ghasem Rezaei won the Greco-Roman heavyweight class, taking his country's wrestling gold tally to three.

The Iranian, who only managed 16th place in Beijing four years ago, beat Russia's Rustam Totrov in the final of the 96kg weight class.

Jubilant Iranian supporters roared and waved their nation's flags as Rezaei kissed and hugged his coach in celebration.

Rezaei had beaten the Armenian favourite Artur Aleksanyan in the quarter-final. Totrov won bronze at the world championships in 2011 and was among the favourites for gold in London.

"To see all the Iranians inside the stadium and back home, to bring smiles to their faces is the happiest moment of my life," said Rezaei.

It was the final day of the Greco-Roman, a discipline where holds must be above the waist and athletes are restricted from using their legs to bring down an opponent.

The freestyle - where athletes can use their legs to defend and attack - runs from Wednesday to Sunday. (Reuters)


Olympics wrestling: Ghasem Rezaei wins another gold for Iran...

Ghasem Rezaei added another Olympic wrestling gold to Iran's haul in London, beating Rustam Totrov in the -96kg Greco-Roman final.

Rezaei, 26, beat his Russian opponent 2-0 1-0 at ExCeL.

It was the third wrestling gold medal of the Games for Iran, following previous victories in both the men's -55kg Greco-Roman and men's -60kg Greco-Roman categories.

Armenia's Artur Aleksanyan and Jimmy Lidberg of Sweden took bronze medals.

They defeated Yunior Estrada Falcon of Cuba and Belarusian Tsimafei Dzeinichenka respectively.

Rezaei, who finished 16th in Beijing four years ago, lifted his opponent off the mat to win the first period before successfully defending a par terre in the second.

Iran had not won any golds in the Greco-Roman discipline before London.

Final Results

Rank Athlete Country Result
1 Rezaei IRI 3
2 Totrov RUS 0
3 Aleksanyan ARM 3
3 Lidberg SWE 3


Tarash gets lonely at training - 28th July 2012...

Australian wrestler Farzad Tarash struck an unexpected training snag on just his second day at the Olympics.

No one to train with.

Tarash arrived at the Redbridge training facility just outside London early Friday morning (local time) only to find himself all alone.

Typically before a big meet, rival wrestlers pair up for training sessions and for a two or three minute bout.

But Tarash, 25, couldn't find anyone in his 60kg division to match up with, although some Cuban wrestlers arrived just as he was leaving.

It seems the Melbourne engineer is a tad more driven than some of his wrestling mates.

"Yeah, Cuba came but it was a little bit too late," he told AAP.

"I think it's very quiet because people are taking it easy because it's going to be a long night with the opening ceremony."

Tarash is unlikely to make the podium in London, but is hoping to feed off the experience.

"I know most of the wrestlers in my weight division and it's good to have them as training partners.

"Some have very broken English, but we seem to understand each other somehow.

"Wrestling is not a sport where you need too many words." (AAP)


Cuba's Lopez wins wrestling gold - 7th August 2012...

Mijain Lopez of Cuba won gold Monday in the men's 120-kilogram category of the Greco-Roman wrestling at the London Olympics.

Lopez defeated Heiki Nabi of Estonia 2-0, 1-0 to win his second straight Olympic gold medal.

Lopez is the third wrestler to win multiple golds at 120 kilograms, joining Russian legend Alexander Karelin and Alexander Koltschinkski of the former Soviet Union.

Lopez, the four-time world champion, also beat Turkey's Riza Kayaalp in the semis after losing to the Turk in Istanbul during last year's world championships.

beating Estonia's Heiki Nabi

in the final.

Turkey's Riza Kayaalp and Johan Euren of Sweden took bronze medals. (AP)


Iran's Noroozi wins Olympic wrestling gold...

Omid Noroozi of Iran won the gold medal Monday in men's 60-kilogram Greco-Roman wrestling at the London Olympics.

Noroozi, the defending world champion, beat Georgia's Revaz Lashkhi 1-0, 1-0 to give Iran its second Greco-Roman medal in as many days.

Hamid Soryan won the country's first Greco-Roman gold on Sunday.

Noroozi beat Kazakhstan's Almat Kebispayev in a rematch of the 2011 world championship final, then took out Lashkhi for his first gold medal.

Russia's Zaur Kuramagomedov and Japan's Ryutaro Matsumoto won bronze medals. (AP)


First Second unveils André the Giant comic...

First Second has confirmed its André the Giant biography.

Cartoonist Box Brown is working on the book charting the life of the professional wrestler and actor, reports ICv2.

André Roussimoff was a star and one-time champion of the World Wrestling Federation (now WWE).

He is also known for his role in cult classic movie The Princess Bride.

Roussimoff has the condition acromegaly, which saw him grow to 7'4" in height. He died of heart failure in 1993 at the age of 46.

Box is the author of Xeric grant-funded graphic novel Love Is a Peculiar Type of Thing.

The untitled André the Giant biography is scheduled for release in 2014.

Fans of Andre will be delighted to hear that an Andre The Giant online slot game is available on Virgin Casino - Virgin Games, which can be accessed via the Media Man network.


McMahon finds herself on familiar Connecticut turf: attacked, ahead - 28th July 2012...

Pro wrestling mogul Linda McMahon finds herself in a familiar position this summer -- attacked as a candidate depending more on her personal wealth than her political skills to win a U.S. Senate seat in Connecticut -- but once again the likely Republican primary winner.

The only real difference for the millionaire, former professional wrestling executive is the primary attacks this year have been exceptionally harsh, even compared to those against McMahon in her debut 2010 run.

One ad two years ago shows a wrestler pretending to smash a folding chair over the head of his opponent, then McMahon, a former World Wrestling Entertainment chief executive officer, standing in the ring hand-in-hand with husband and company founder Vince McMahon.

This year’s primary opponent, former GOP Rep. Christopher Shays, recently called McMahon “clueless” and said she is the political opponent for whom he has the least respect, after having served 32 years in elected office.

“I have never run against an opponent that I have respected less,” Shays told the New Haven Register after a July 18 debate, then characterized McMahon’s performance as “embarrassingly clueless.”

McMahon’s camp and political analysts have said the recent comments from the well-respect Shays suggest his frustration and realization that his political career might be coming to a close as McMahon holds a significant lead just weeks before the August primary.

“It has become increasingly clear that Shays has become unglued,” McMahon campaign manager Tim Murtaugh said. “It’s sad to see his career end this way.”

A recent Quinnipiac poll shows McMahon leading Shays by 29 points.

Shays, a moderate with support from such Washington Republicans as Karl Rove, appeared to suggest after the debate that he faces long odds in extending his political career, considering the campaign could not afford TV ads – crucial when trailing late and because he has under-whelming name recognition despite 21 years in the House.

His campaign said this week it had received an infusion of money for media buys and remains optimistic about winning.

Communications Director Amanda Bergen didn’t question the validity of the Quinnipiac poll, but said it might not reflect true voter sentiment because voters disconnect during the summer.

“People won’t start paying attention until early August,” she said.

Bergen said the campaign is also focusing on Republican primary voters and spending its advertising money in their specific markets.

“This election is too important to waste,” she said. “Chris votes on principle (and) he has the experience to hit the ground running.”

The Shays campaign also has repeatedly characterized McMahon as scripted and unprepared for Congress, much like she was criticized in the 2010 primary against former Rep. Rob Simmons and in the general election with Democratic Sen. Richard Blumenthal, who defeated her.

Regardless of who wins, either candidate will have a difficult time defeating the Democrat challenger in the race for the open seat of Sen. Joe Lieberman, an independent, considering the blue state has a no Republicans in either the House or Senate.

Meanwhile, McMahon continues to poor millions of her own money into the race, as she did in 2010. And her campaign continues to stick to its message and look ahead to a match up with likely Democratic nominee Rep. Chris Murphy.

“Linda McMahon will be the Republican winner on the night of August 14,” Murtaugh told FoxNews.com.

He also said the campaign is sticking to its grass-roots campaign effort to contacts thousands of voters and tell people that McMahon is not a career Washington politician, but in fact a jobs creator whose wrestling business started as a kitchen table operation that once went bankrupt.

“She understands the plight of the small business person because she has lived through it,” Murtaugh said. (Fox News)


Brock Lesnar - Ryback backstage fight? - Internet rumour lights up...

Rumors of former UFC Heavyweight Champion Brock Lesnar attacking WWE rising superstar Ryback have been sending the internet news sites crazy.

The rumor has been covered on several pro-wrestling news sites, including Mexican wrestling website SuperLuchas, WrestlingInc.com and Pro Wrestling Observer.

SuperLuchas—as well as multiple sources throughout the Internet—claims that the news was first broken by the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, despite the lack of evidence of the reputable newsletter ever publishing such news.

According to the websites which cite the alleged Wrestling Observer Newsletter report:

Lesnar left the building after getting into a physical altercation with fellow WWE superstar, Ryan Reeves, known in ring as Ryback.

Not much information is being let out, but the source says Lesnar was in the arena early to rehearse a major angle with SummerSlam opponent Triple H. Before things even began, Reeves, who was also in the building, got into a heated argument with Lesnar. It is uncertain what the argument was about.

Reeves put his hands on Lesnar, though the source tells us that people who witnessed it said Reeves was going to apologize. Lesnar shoved Reeves back and a shoving match ensued. Lesnar threw Reeves to the floor and hit him in the face three times before being pulled off.

Reeves suffered a laceration above his left eyebrow which is required stitches. 'Ryback' will not be competing tonight as he was originally planned. Lesnar left the building immediately, and all efforts to reach him have failed.


Ex Olympian Kurt Angle in movie...

You can donate as little as $2 to help get Angle's first starring role in a feature film, Singlet: The Dana Kelly Story, made. Angle plays Dana Kelly in the film, which takes a look at the world of Olympic Weightlifting. You can get more details here
http://www.moviehatch.com/index.php/component/option,com_moviehatch/competition,-1:/movie,640/task,detail/

Media Man Wrap-Up...

We told you we had a ripper news update for today. Fans, as always, keep checking the Media Man blogs for more news on these developing news stories.

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The Sapphires movie premiere at State Theatre, Sydney, Australia - 8th August 2012

Profiles

Movies Hollywood Sydney Entertainment Australia


Plot...

It's 1968, and four young, talented Australian Aboriginal girls learn about love, friendship and war when their all girl group The Sapphires entertain the US troops in Vietnam.

Premiere...

Tonight Sydney's State Theatre was once again the place for hot new movie premiere.

Last night State Theatre was the place for the Sydney premiere of 'The Bourne Legacy', and tonight it was a very different genre with 'The Sapphires'.

'The Sapphires' took over the famous theatre, as the red carpet was rolled out for this interesting new film.

It was wonderful to see the strong turn out of people including many notable Indigenous Australians, there to support the film and actors.

Review...

When a little-known stage show dubbed 'The Sapphires' shimmied into Perth two years ago, four Aboriginal songbirds burnt up the stage in a dazzling display with all the promise of a big screen blockbuster musical.

Inspired by the true story of playwright Tony Briggs’ mother and three aunts during the racial upheaval of the ’60s and delivering a spirited score, sparkling costumes and charismatic performances, the showstopper still ranks among the best plays or musicals seen on any stage in Perth, Broadway or the West End.

Originating as an acclaimed production in 2004, that 2010 reprisal introduced a new cast including seasoned songstress Christine Anu and Australian Idol season two winner Casey Donovan, marking the oft-maligned powerhouse vocalist’s return to the spotlight.

Off the back of rave reviews, it secured a stint in London with Donovan the sole lead to secure a spot on tour, only to unsuccessfully audition for the film version.

Deborah Mailman (from the original 2004 production) and Australian Idol season four runner-up Jessica Mauboy are joined here by two young newcomers in Miranda Tapsell and Shari Sebbens as talented sisters Gail, Julie and Cynthia and cousin Kay, whose beautiful harmonies are discovered by soul-loving music manager Dave (Chris O’Dowd).

Directed by feature film debutant Wayne Blair, the cinematic adaptation comes with lots of pressure and expectation and delivers.

The Sapphires is likely to become an Aussie classic and is full of soul.

If music themed flicks are your thing you really need to see this film.

The Sapphires (M)
Starring: Deborah Mailman, Chris O'Dowd, Jessica Mauboy
Director: Wayne Blair
Writers: Tony Briggs, Keith Thompson

Production Co: Goalpost Pictures

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Wednesday, August 08, 2012

Olympics: Wrestling at The Olympic Games, WWE, Pro Wrestling, Mark Henry, Brock Lesnar fight, SummerSlam 2012

Olympics News, Entertainment news, WWE, SummerSlam 2012, Australia, gaming and more...

Profiles

Movies Hollywood Wrestling WWE Olympic Games Sport Sports Entertainment Entertainment Affiliate Programs Advertising


Sports and sports entertainment fans. Have we got a booming edition for you today. Australia has won 2 gold at the London Olympics. The gold medal drought is officially over. Then we have WWE superstar and former Olympian, Mark Henry, checking out talent at the games. We've got wrestling news from the games, and of course good old pro wrestling aka sports entertainment. The Media Man agency delivers yet another bodyslamming news update from around the world.

Australians Pearson and Meares double Aussie gold...

Steely Sally Pearson and iron-willed Anna Meares turned mettle into precious gold on Australia's most successful day of the London Olympics on Tuesday.

Pearson dramatically won the 100m hurdles gold medal while Meares triumphed in her golden grudge match against Brit Victoria Pendleton in cycling's sprint final.

The determined duo doubled Australia's gold medal tally at the London Games, the nation now with four gold, 12 silver and nine bronze to sit 11th on the overall table.

Cyclist Annette Edmondson added another bronze in the women's omnium, the only other Australian medal on Tuesday.

Pearson had rehearsed her race daily in her mind for years, but come the victory moment didn't know how to react.

After displaying her customary cold countenance pre-race, Pearson was forced to wait agonising seconds to find out if she won.

The Queenslander beat American Dawn Harper by just two-hundredths of a second and defied drizzly rain to clock a new Olympic record, 12.35 seconds.

When the result flashed onto the scoreboard Pearson screamed in delight, sank to her knees, crying - then onto her back, then crouched on the track before turning to the crowd.

"When I saw my name on the screen at No.1, it was a dream come true," Pearson said.

"I had a bit of a panic, but I knew in my heart I'd won it and it was just a matter of confirming it on the screen.

"The feeling is just relief. I'm so happy."

Pearson's success came within hours of Meares' pluck being rewarded with gold at the cycling track.

Meares was beaten by Pendleton in the sprint final in Beijing, just seven months after breaking her neck.

She sensationally turned the tables in London by outclassing her British rival twice in a row in the best of three final, the first race result - when Pendleton narrowly beat Meares - being overturned by the race judges after the Brit rode out of the sprinter's lane.

"This is the sweetest and most incredible victory of my career," said an emotional Meares.

In other Tuesday action, Australia's world No.1 men's hockey team trounced Pakistan 7-0 to remain unbeaten and progress into Thursday's semi-final.

But coach Ric Charlesworth has been involved in too many Olympic let-downs to read anything into their undefeated streak.

"I don't think that means anything ... now this is a separate tournament," Charlesworth said.

Australia's women's basketball team also advanced into a semi-final by downing China 75-60 on Tuesday.

The Opals, inspired by Liz Cambage's 17 points and seven rebounds, booked a Thursday semi-final against gold medal favourites the United States.

But Australia's women's water polo team were heartbroken after losing their semi-final to the USA in extra time.

The Americans, who sunk the Stingers in a semi-final at the Beijing Games, prevailed 11-9 in London.

Australia's Big Benn Harradine finished ninth in the discus final, and diver Ethan Warren came seventh in the men's 3m springboard final.

Artistic gymnast Lauren Mitchell lamented minor blemishes in the floor final, the former world champ finishing fifth - two-thirds of a point shy of the medals.

Australian Courtney Atkinson was the nation's best finisher in the men's triathlon, placing 18th as Brit Alistair Brownlee won gold and his younger brother Jonathon collected the bronze.

And Australia's K4 sprint canoeists upset world champions Germany en route to making Thursday's medal race at Eton.

The crew of Murray Stewart, Tate Smith, David Smith and Jake Clear will battle Slovakia and Hungary in the final.


WWE Sports Entertainment News Update: Shawn Michaels, Brock Lesnar, Paul Heyman, CM Punk, John Cena...

In recent years, the debate on whether WWE superstars should be classified as "pro wrestlers" or "sports entertainers" has continued on television, social media and talk.

At times, it's been used as part of storylines, with performers like CM Punk and Chris Jericho mocking the use of the words "sports entertainment." But on the most recent edition on WWE Raw, fans saw the back curtain and kayfabe lift the lid even more.

Look at the careers of Shawn Michaels, who was being recognized in his hometown of San Antonio, Texas, and Brock Lesnar and there's a huge difference. One is Mr. "WrestleMania," and the other is a former UFC champion and self proclaimed "ass kicker" (and not "entertainer").

Yet they stood across the ring from each other on Raw, with Paul Heyman speaking on Lesnar's behalf. Heyman event went as far as to call Michaels the greatest "entertainer" in WWE history.

But even that, he said, couldn't compare to Lesnar's abilities as a fighter and a warrior. Michaels responded by saying he has faith in his longtime friend - and frequent enemy - Triple H to take care of business.

And Michaels will have a front-row seat for the action, as he plans to be in Triple H's corner.

The segment ended without much drama, as Triple H emerged and Lesnar left, with Heyman cryptically indicating that they'll be seeing Michaels before SummerSlam.

WWE has done a top job with the slow build to the Triple H-Lesnar match, and Heyman deserves a lot of the credit, as he's carried the program on the Lesnar side to this point.

The Rock-John Cena fued leading up to this year's WrestleMania was the first attempt at a long-term build with limited appearances by one of the competitors, and it was apparently a success, as WWE seems to be adopting that strategy with Lesnar, as well as The Rock's Royal Rumble challenge.

After losing the Cena at Extreme Rules, Lesnar needs to be the alpha male and dominating in order for his WWE return to be considered successful. Wrestling insiders are hoping Lesnar bests Triple H at SummerSlam.

Ed note: The jury is still out whether Lesnar got into a real fight with Ryback, as reported on as Super Luchas and Wrestling Observer. Stay tuned, but we think not to expect an official comment from WWE, as they will be obviously looking to protect their rising monster and touted future champion Ryback.


WWE SummerSlam Matches Confirmed...

WWE added two items to the Summerslam PPV line-up in two weeks. Most notable is Shawn Michaels in Triple H's corner for Hunter's headline match against Brock Lesnar.

WWE also announced Daniel Bryan vs. Kane in a singles match. WWE did not draw attention to Charlie Sheen, who was mentioned for a potential fight/confrontation/scrap/match against Bryan in recent weeks.

There is a good chance that Chris Jericho will also be on the card, as his rock band 'Fozzy' are not going ahead with their prior rock concert commitment.

Australia fans can order WWE SummerSlam via Foxtel - Main Event TV. The PPV will be broadcast on Main Event on Monday 10th August at 10am.

Summerslam PPV line-up

Brock Lesnar vs. Triple H with Shawn Michaels in his corner.

WWE champion C.M. Punk vs. John Cena vs. Big Show for the WWE Title.

World Hvt. champion Sheamus vs. Alberto Del Rio for the World Title.

Daniel Bryan vs. Kane.

Chris Jericho vs. Dolph Ziggler


WWE superstar and ex Olympian Mark Henry checks out Olympic talent at London 2012...

WWE superstar "The World's Strongest Man" Mark Henry has been attendance at various events at Olympic Park to catch Olympic action.

The Olympic Games is used to seeing huge performances, but there can be fewer bigger performers at London 2012 than Henry.

Six foot three, 412lb WWE superstar Mark Henry has been in attendance to take in the sights and sounds of the London 2012 Olympic Games.

Henry knows all about life as an Olympian after his time representing Team USA in weightlifting in the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona.

As a weightlifter, Henry gained recognition for his intimidating size and massive strength.

His talents were rewarded three years later when Henry won gold, silver and bronze medals at the Pan American Games.

His successes on the podium did not go unnoticed. Impressed by his sporting achievements, WWE signed Mark Henry in 1996 sparking an illustrious career that is as impressive today as his Olympic performances of old.

He continues to follow weightlifting and is apparently scouting talent for the WWE at this year’s Olympic competition.

The Media Man agency reckons WWE would do well to check out Olympic shot putter Reese Hoffa. He appears to have the "It Factor". How well he would adapt to WWE rings in yet to be known, but surly worth more investigation.

Fox Sports Dominique Dawes investigates how Olympic shot putter Reese Hoffa went from unwanted child to Olympic hopeful.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OjVjWcowN9w&feature=player_embedded

YouTube Wrestling Footage...

Greco-Roman wrestler's insane 'flying squirrel' takedown via YouTube
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oW8Mf3IL4zA

Brock Lesnar Submits! Ryan Tobin still has South Dakota Title
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uMbMvtK372c&feature=related


Rosa Mendes alleges assault by ex-WWE wrestler fiance, WWE issues statement...

The San Antonio Police Department has issued a police report on an alleged incident involving WWE Diva Rosa Mendes (real name Milena Roucka) that began Sunday in Las Vegas and carried over to San Antonio when Roucka arrived in San Antonio for Monday's Raw. The following was reported by TMZ:

- Roucka alleged that she was assaulted by her fiance, former WWE wrestler Jackson Andrews, who infamously had a very brief stint on WWE TV as Tyson Kidd's bodyguard. Roucka told police that she "was afraid (her fiance) would try to kill her." She also stated the abuse was "on-going."

- The rumor of Roucka being intoxicated at the San Antonio Airport was included in the police report. Police said Roucka was under the influence of alcohol at the time they made contact with her at the airport. However, Roucka was not arrested, as was rumored, but escorted from the airport by police.

- Mendes filed a battery report around 10:17 p.m. on Sunday night and police took 30 photos of where she appeared to have bruises and scratches on her body from the alleged assault.

- WWE issued a statement to TMZ on the serious nature of the situation, which read: "Milena Roucka contacted a WWE Talent Relations representative this morning to notify WWE that, upon her arrival in San Antonio last evening, she contacted police at the airport to report alleged domestic abuse that occurred just prior to her flight."

WWE added that the company will "provide her with professional assistance." Jackson Andrews, real name Andy Slocum, was not able to be reached for comment.


WWE RAW social media score up 54 percent - 7th August 2012

Monday's WWE Raw episode was up 54 percent in social media activity compared to last week's post-1,000 hangover show as WWE tries to find a baseline during the three-hour era. Raw scored 401,202 on Monday, up from 259,203 last week, but down from a record 907,443 two weeks ago. Raw ranked #4 on cable TV Monday night, trailing Olympics coverage on NBC Universal and "Love & Hip Hop Atlanta" on VH1.( Data: Trendrr.tv )


Olympics-Wrestling-Korean "Mowgli": Greco-Roman king - 7th August 2012...

A South Korean wrestler nicknamed 'Mowgli' won gold in the Greco-Roman wrestling at the London Games on Tuesday, overcoming a badly swollen eye that left him struggling to see properly.

Kim Hyeonwoo, 23, beat Hungary's Tamas Lorincz in the 66kg final, the third lightest category in one of the world's oldest and most physical sports.

With his mop of black hair and winning smile, he bears more than a passing resemblance to the little boy raised by wolves in the Disney adaptation of Rudyard Kipling's classic stories, "The Jungle Book".

"In my high school, I used to run around in my bare feet, so my friends gave the nickname of Mowgli," he said. "I'm very happy with that, even though my foreign friends in the (wrestling) fights keep calling me Mowgli, Mowgli."

Kim's bruising route to the final owed more to the Rocky films than Disney, however. He suffered a nasty blow to the right eye in the first qualifying round and it had closed by the time he reached the final.

"I couldn't open the eye, I couldn't see," he said. "The swelling got bigger and bigger as I went on."

After winning the final, Kim knelt on the wrestling mat and kissed his country's flag as a packed arena cheered.

IRAN'S HAT-TRICK

There was more success for Iran in the second final of the night when Ghasem Rezaei won the Greco-Roman heavyweight class, taking his country's wrestling gold tally to three.

The Iranian, who only managed 16th place in Beijing four years ago, beat Russia's Rustam Totrov in the final of the 96kg weight class.

Jubilant Iranian supporters roared and waved their nation's flags as Rezaei kissed and hugged his coach in celebration.

Rezaei had beaten the Armenian favourite Artur Aleksanyan in the quarter-final. Totrov won bronze at the world championships in 2011 and was among the favourites for gold in London.

"To see all the Iranians inside the stadium and back home, to bring smiles to their faces is the happiest moment of my life," said Rezaei.

It was the final day of the Greco-Roman, a discipline where holds must be above the waist and athletes are restricted from using their legs to bring down an opponent.

The freestyle - where athletes can use their legs to defend and attack - runs from Wednesday to Sunday. (Reuters)


Olympics wrestling: Ghasem Rezaei wins another gold for Iran...

Ghasem Rezaei added another Olympic wrestling gold to Iran's haul in London, beating Rustam Totrov in the -96kg Greco-Roman final.

Rezaei, 26, beat his Russian opponent 2-0 1-0 at ExCeL.

It was the third wrestling gold medal of the Games for Iran, following previous victories in both the men's -55kg Greco-Roman and men's -60kg Greco-Roman categories.

Armenia's Artur Aleksanyan and Jimmy Lidberg of Sweden took bronze medals.

They defeated Yunior Estrada Falcon of Cuba and Belarusian Tsimafei Dzeinichenka respectively.

Rezaei, who finished 16th in Beijing four years ago, lifted his opponent off the mat to win the first period before successfully defending a par terre in the second.

Iran had not won any golds in the Greco-Roman discipline before London.

Final Results

Rank Athlete Country Result
1 Rezaei IRI 3
2 Totrov RUS 0
3 Aleksanyan ARM 3
3 Lidberg SWE 3


Tarash gets lonely at training - 28th July 2012...

Australian wrestler Farzad Tarash struck an unexpected training snag on just his second day at the Olympics.

No one to train with.

Tarash arrived at the Redbridge training facility just outside London early Friday morning (local time) only to find himself all alone.

Typically before a big meet, rival wrestlers pair up for training sessions and for a two or three minute bout.

But Tarash, 25, couldn't find anyone in his 60kg division to match up with, although some Cuban wrestlers arrived just as he was leaving.

It seems the Melbourne engineer is a tad more driven than some of his wrestling mates.

"Yeah, Cuba came but it was a little bit too late," he told AAP.

"I think it's very quiet because people are taking it easy because it's going to be a long night with the opening ceremony."

Tarash is unlikely to make the podium in London, but is hoping to feed off the experience.

"I know most of the wrestlers in my weight division and it's good to have them as training partners.

"Some have very broken English, but we seem to understand each other somehow.

"Wrestling is not a sport where you need too many words." (AAP)


Cuba's Lopez wins wrestling gold - 7th August 2012...

Mijain Lopez of Cuba won gold Monday in the men's 120-kilogram category of the Greco-Roman wrestling at the London Olympics.

Lopez defeated Heiki Nabi of Estonia 2-0, 1-0 to win his second straight Olympic gold medal.

Lopez is the third wrestler to win multiple golds at 120 kilograms, joining Russian legend Alexander Karelin and Alexander Koltschinkski of the former Soviet Union.

Lopez, the four-time world champion, also beat Turkey's Riza Kayaalp in the semis after losing to the Turk in Istanbul during last year's world championships.

beating Estonia's Heiki Nabi

in the final.

Turkey's Riza Kayaalp and Johan Euren of Sweden took bronze medals. (AP)


Iran's Noroozi wins Olympic wrestling gold...

Omid Noroozi of Iran won the gold medal Monday in men's 60-kilogram Greco-Roman wrestling at the London Olympics.

Noroozi, the defending world champion, beat Georgia's Revaz Lashkhi 1-0, 1-0 to give Iran its second Greco-Roman medal in as many days.

Hamid Soryan won the country's first Greco-Roman gold on Sunday.

Noroozi beat Kazakhstan's Almat Kebispayev in a rematch of the 2011 world championship final, then took out Lashkhi for his first gold medal.

Russia's Zaur Kuramagomedov and Japan's Ryutaro Matsumoto won bronze medals. (AP)


First Second unveils André the Giant comic...

First Second has confirmed its André the Giant biography.

Cartoonist Box Brown is working on the book charting the life of the professional wrestler and actor, reports ICv2.

André Roussimoff was a star and one-time champion of the World Wrestling Federation (now WWE).

He is also known for his role in cult classic movie The Princess Bride.

Roussimoff has the condition acromegaly, which saw him grow to 7'4" in height. He died of heart failure in 1993 at the age of 46.

Box is the author of Xeric grant-funded graphic novel Love Is a Peculiar Type of Thing.

The untitled André the Giant biography is scheduled for release in 2014.

Fans of Andre will be delighted to hear that an Andre The Giant online slot game is available on Virgin Casino - Virgin Games, which can be accessed via the Media Man network.


McMahon finds herself on familiar Connecticut turf: attacked, ahead - 28th July 2012...

Pro wrestling mogul Linda McMahon finds herself in a familiar position this summer -- attacked as a candidate depending more on her personal wealth than her political skills to win a U.S. Senate seat in Connecticut -- but once again the likely Republican primary winner.

The only real difference for the millionaire, former professional wrestling executive is the primary attacks this year have been exceptionally harsh, even compared to those against McMahon in her debut 2010 run.

One ad two years ago shows a wrestler pretending to smash a folding chair over the head of his opponent, then McMahon, a former World Wrestling Entertainment chief executive officer, standing in the ring hand-in-hand with husband and company founder Vince McMahon.

This year’s primary opponent, former GOP Rep. Christopher Shays, recently called McMahon “clueless” and said she is the political opponent for whom he has the least respect, after having served 32 years in elected office.

“I have never run against an opponent that I have respected less,” Shays told the New Haven Register after a July 18 debate, then characterized McMahon’s performance as “embarrassingly clueless.”

McMahon’s camp and political analysts have said the recent comments from the well-respect Shays suggest his frustration and realization that his political career might be coming to a close as McMahon holds a significant lead just weeks before the August primary.

“It has become increasingly clear that Shays has become unglued,” McMahon campaign manager Tim Murtaugh said. “It’s sad to see his career end this way.”

A recent Quinnipiac poll shows McMahon leading Shays by 29 points.

Shays, a moderate with support from such Washington Republicans as Karl Rove, appeared to suggest after the debate that he faces long odds in extending his political career, considering the campaign could not afford TV ads – crucial when trailing late and because he has under-whelming name recognition despite 21 years in the House.

His campaign said this week it had received an infusion of money for media buys and remains optimistic about winning.

Communications Director Amanda Bergen didn’t question the validity of the Quinnipiac poll, but said it might not reflect true voter sentiment because voters disconnect during the summer.

“People won’t start paying attention until early August,” she said.

Bergen said the campaign is also focusing on Republican primary voters and spending its advertising money in their specific markets.

“This election is too important to waste,” she said. “Chris votes on principle (and) he has the experience to hit the ground running.”

The Shays campaign also has repeatedly characterized McMahon as scripted and unprepared for Congress, much like she was criticized in the 2010 primary against former Rep. Rob Simmons and in the general election with Democratic Sen. Richard Blumenthal, who defeated her.

Regardless of who wins, either candidate will have a difficult time defeating the Democrat challenger in the race for the open seat of Sen. Joe Lieberman, an independent, considering the blue state has a no Republicans in either the House or Senate.

Meanwhile, McMahon continues to poor millions of her own money into the race, as she did in 2010. And her campaign continues to stick to its message and look ahead to a match up with likely Democratic nominee Rep. Chris Murphy.

“Linda McMahon will be the Republican winner on the night of August 14,” Murtaugh told FoxNews.com.

He also said the campaign is sticking to its grass-roots campaign effort to contacts thousands of voters and tell people that McMahon is not a career Washington politician, but in fact a jobs creator whose wrestling business started as a kitchen table operation that once went bankrupt.

“She understands the plight of the small business person because she has lived through it,” Murtaugh said. (Fox News)


Brock Lesnar - Ryback backstage fight? - Internet rumour lights up...

Rumors of former UFC Heavyweight Champion Brock Lesnar attacking WWE rising superstar Ryback have been sending the internet news sites crazy.

The rumor has been covered on several pro-wrestling news sites, including Mexican wrestling website SuperLuchas, WrestlingInc.com and Pro Wrestling Observer.

SuperLuchas—as well as multiple sources throughout the Internet—claims that the news was first broken by the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, despite the lack of evidence of the reputable newsletter ever publishing such news.

According to the websites which cite the alleged Wrestling Observer Newsletter report:

Lesnar left the building after getting into a physical altercation with fellow WWE superstar, Ryan Reeves, known in ring as Ryback.

Not much information is being let out, but the source says Lesnar was in the arena early to rehearse a major angle with SummerSlam opponent Triple H. Before things even began, Reeves, who was also in the building, got into a heated argument with Lesnar. It is uncertain what the argument was about.

Reeves put his hands on Lesnar, though the source tells us that people who witnessed it said Reeves was going to apologize. Lesnar shoved Reeves back and a shoving match ensued. Lesnar threw Reeves to the floor and hit him in the face three times before being pulled off.

Reeves suffered a laceration above his left eyebrow which is required stitches. 'Ryback' will not be competing tonight as he was originally planned. Lesnar left the building immediately, and all efforts to reach him have failed.


Ex Olympian Kurt Angle in movie...

You can donate as little as $2 to help get Angle's first starring role in a feature film, Singlet: The Dana Kelly Story, made. Angle plays Dana Kelly in the film, which takes a look at the world of Olympic Weightlifting. You can get more details here
http://www.moviehatch.com/index.php/component/option,com_moviehatch/competition,-1:/movie,640/task,detail/

Media Man Wrap-Up...

We told you we had a ripper news update for today. Fans, as always, keep checking the Media Man blogs for more news on these developing news stories.

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