Australian Sports Entertainment

Australia Day 2012 At Bondi Beach, Sydney - Havaianas Thong Challenge - 26th January 2012

2012-01-27T14:09:00.001+11:00

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Bondi Beach Sydney Australia

About 120,000 Australians enjoyed much of their Australia Day at Bondi Beach today, with over 1000 purchasing giant Havaianas thongs.

The overcast conditions prevented the participants from breaking last years world record of 2068 giant inflatable Havaianas in a line but there was no shortage of enthusiam.

North Bondi foundation nipper Paul Mangioni and current nipper Duke Wieland didn't let the wet weather and muggy conditions stop them from having a go.

Bondi Beach, Bronte, and Tamarama beaches and parks were all alcohol-free zones, in a preventive measure to stop any trouble before it started - thong bearer or not.

This years Havaianas Thong Challenge was a little different - From the beach to the backyard was the pitch.

The thong challenge organisers are keen to see your photos from the beach with their thong and photos can be submitted via their Havaianas Australia Facebook.

2012 Beach activities included:

Havaianas Paddle Challenge (Paddling Race)
Havaianas Dash For Thongs (Beach Flags)
Giant Havaianas Relay (Running Race)

Most folks were happy just to enjoy a swim and have a bit of a sun bake, which the organisers were their to make a dollar and garner publicity.

Having a go is the Aussie way, so well done to everyone for spending some time at beautiful Bondi Beach today.

Websites

Havaianas Thong Challenge: Australia Day 2012

Waverley Council

Eva Rinaldi Photography Flickr

Eva Rinaldi Photography

Media Man News

Music News Australia

Bondi Beach Directory

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Bondi Beach Directory

Hulk Hogan Pro Wrestling God Tours Casinos; Sports Entertainment News Update, by Greg Tingle

2012-01-23T14:23:00.001+11:00

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Wrestling WWE WWE Hall of Fame Impact Wrestling Ric Flair Hulk Hogan Casinos

Sylvester Stallone Hulk Hogan and Vince McMahon

From Bondi Beach, Australia to Japan, Canada, the USA - most of the world knows of Hulk Hogan.

Who can forget the Hulk-A-Mania Australian tour from a few years ago where he feuded with long time rival Ric Flair, and how about the wrestling angle at the then Star City Casino (now The Star), where it appeared at first that Hogan and Flair went at it for real when Flair implied he "had" Hogan's wife "Jennifer", before Hulk did! Now, that would start a fight and boy did the blood flow. The action was so hot that Seven News decided to purchase the video camera footage from the Media Man agency for a considerable sum.

The red did turn to green, as the old wrestling kayfabe saying goes, but not anywhere near as much as the Australian promoter or Hogan would have prefered.

The arena numbers in Australia were on the downside so much that it was largely responsible for TNA Wrestling deciding not to to ahead with an Australian tour.

The only American (or actually global) pro wrestling - sports entertainment company that he since graced Australian shores is the one and only WWE, headed up by promoter genius Vince McMahon. Once in a while Hogan teases a return to the WWE, and the two do have some line of communication. Take note that McMahon has old Hogan rival Flair getting inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame again (with the other 3 Four Horseman members) the night before WrestleMania, so anything can and does still happen in the WWE. Read up on other recent Media Man WWE news for more on that matter.

This writer would like to see Hogan and Flair both become official WWE spokespersons at some point, but if its to be - they need to make the move soon. Father time is ticking away.

Pro wrestling cousin of sorts, UFC from the MMA world is about to hit Sydney, Australia for a third time, but it ain't wrestling. Note, Brock Lensnar from the UFC and pro wrestling world, has left the UFC recently suffering a loss at the hands of Alistair Overeem at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, USA.

Hardcore pro wrestling fans of the WWF and ECK ilk will likely know this bit of trivia. It was Lesnar that "injured" Hogan's back in 2002 which was the official reason that The Hulk didn't visit down under back then. The back story is that Hogan and McMahon couldn't come to business terms. What's left to say but that's the pro wrestling industry.

Wrestling icon Hulk Hogan was at Speaking Rock Casino and Entertainment Center last week.

Hogan was there for the Micro Championship Wrestling event held at the venue.

Hogan was accompanied by the Nasty Boys, Brian Knobbs and Jerry Sags, as well as Ed Leslie, better known as Brutus "The Barber" Beefcake, the former WWF Tag Team Champion (having held the title with wrestling legend Greg "The Hammer" Valentine).

Micro Championship Wrestling has a show promoted by Hogan on TruTV. The show, which screens as midget wrestling which has been up and running since August. Note we called them midgets, not dwarfs, so haters lay off ok. Some of the wrestlers also like to be called "little people". Whatever, they are full of excitement, talent and fun, and don't mind sharing it with the world.

Australia's Foxtel doesn't currently get TruTV, so we can't enjoy Hogan's midget wrestling show on the box at this stage, but we're hopeful time will change that. Foxtel is going to soon get a new Factual channel, so there's hope yet wrestling fans.

Hogan is the most recognizable figure in the history of professional wrestling from his success in the business since the 1980s. Hogan's also had many of movies and a host of other high profile shows and projects. Hogan's star power even ecliped "Stone Cold" Steve Austin, Gorgeous George (Wagner) and Bruno Sammartino (for you old school wrestling fans out there).

Hogan enjoyed high level feuds with the likes of Andre the Giant, "Rowdy" Roddy Piper, Paul "Mr Wonderful" Orndorff, King Kong Bundy, Jake "The Snake" Roberts, "The Magnificent" Don Muraco, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson and "Macho Man" Randy Savage.

On the big screen Hogan has starred in "No Holds Barred," "Suburban Commando" and "Mr. Nanny." He has also made appearances in Rocky III and Walker, Texas Ranger. One can argue that current WWE superstars, John Cena, "The Rock" and Steve Austin took off where Hogan finished as far as mixing wrestling and movies. Roddy Piper is widely regarded as the most talented actor that pro wrestling ever produced. From time to time Piper does his famous "Pipers Pit" talk show segment for the WWE as well as helping out a few other smaller wrestling promotions.

Hogan even had his own reality TV show called "Hogan Knows Best.", and it wasn't long before daughter Brooke, did her own "Brooke Knows Best" show.

Hogan became a household name while in Vince McMahon's World Wrestling Federation (WWF), now known as WWE, which enjoyed a live event in Las Cruces, New Mexico on Sunday at the Pan American Centre.

He is currently signed to the Impact Wrestling - Total Nonstop Action wrestling promotion and has a range of business projects on the go including in the TV, gaming, casino and internet b2b sectors.

Recently, Hogan has made headlines on celebrity websites for his divorce, his son Nick's car crash, daughter Brooke's music career and the pending removal of his world famous moustache (to satisfy some Hollywood movie producers).

Other

Ric Flair is almost as famous as long time rival Hulk Hogan, who along with Flair is currently under contract to Impact Wrestling. Most would argue that Flair is one of the greatest pro wrestlers in history, while Hogan has earned more income from wrestling and wrestling related activities than just about anyone else.

* The writer has a b2b agreement with the WWE (WWE Shop)

* Wrestling legend Andre The Giant gets online slot game via Richard Branson's Virgin Casino.

* Hogan recently released his Kinnect-based "Hulk Hogan's Main Event" game which got mixed reviews from the gaming industry. The game promo goes "Get pumped and bring the pain in the first full-body wrestling game on Kinect for Xbox 360! In Hulk Hogan’s Main Event Hulkamaniacs can train with wrestling icon Hulk Hogan himself. As your mentor, Hulk will help you build your own wrestling personality and school you in the art of showmanship to win over the crowd. Entertain roaring fans with brutal stunts, combos, even devastating chair hits, that will knock your opponent to the mat or out of the ring. The crazier and wilder your motions, the more high impact your wrestling performance is in your living room ring!"

* Hulk Hogan is also tipped to be soon getting his own online slot game. His Hulk-A-Mania game is being developed by Endemol Games. Endemol is the company behind the famous Big Brother franchise, so you know they know about marketing and publicity. The Media Man agency is tipped to soon come to business terms with Endemol.

Websites

Media Man News

Wrestling News Media

Hulk Hogan official website

Ric Flair official website

Micro Championship Wrestling

Speaking Rock Casino and Entertainment Center

Impact Wrestling

WWE Hall of Fame

Website Network

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Media Man

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Wrestling News Media

Australian Sports Entertainment

Kapow! EPIX Pre-empts Stan Lee Documentary Before Slamdance Debut

2012-01-23T10:15:00.001+11:00

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Hollywood Marvel Entertainment Movies Stan Lee Marvel Studios Comics New York Marvel Comics News News Entertainment News

From Bondi Beach to New York, Hollywood, to Africa and beyond, the whole world knows of Stan Lee's Marvel superheroes.

You know - The Hulk, Spider-Man, Captain America - Lee was instrumental in their creation and was co-creator of many of these awesome hero's.

Slamdance has snatched a sweet deal. EPIX is closing a preemptive deal for With Great Power: The Stan Lee Story, a documentary that makes its Slamdance debut this Tuesday.

Lee is the co-creator of hundreds of comic character superheros that include Marvel movie staples Spider-Man, X-Men, Captain America, Hulk, Fantastic Four, Daredevil and Iron Man.

We understand that the documentary will premiere on the pay channel along with EPIXHD, later this year. The doco examines Lee’s life, from growing up in the depression to finding his way to become an iconic comic creator during the Marvel heyday.

We were pleased to learn that the flick features the likes of Tobey Maguire, James Franco, Samuel L. Jackson, Kirsten Dunst and others who’ve starred in Marvel movies.

Lee shows up in all those movies in cameos and is still creating superheroes at age 88.

From comics, to movies, to games and exclusive interviews - its all in the flick.

The film’s produced by Paris Kasidokostas Latsis, Terry Dougas, Nikki Frakes, and Will Hess through 1821 Pictures. WME Global’s Deborah McIntosh is closing the deal.

Superhero fans around the world collectively shout "Excelsior!".

Websites

With Great Power: The Stan Lee Story

Media Man News

POW! Entertainment

PartyCasino.com Marvel Slots

Marvel Entertainment

The Amazing Spider-Man Game

POW! Entertainment

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"Spider-Man" Broadway producers sue director Taymor - 18th January 2012

2012-01-18T18:59:00.001+11:00

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The Amazing Spider-Man Marvel Entertainment Movies Hollywood Music Marvel Studios Stan Lee New York Video Games News News Entertainment News

The producers of Broadway's version of "Spider-Man" filed a countersuit against the musical's ousted director Julie Taymor on Tuesday, accusing her of jeopardizing the production by not caring about ticket sales.

The 66-page filing submitted in federal court in New York by producers Michael Cohl and Jeremiah J. Harris, accuses Taymor of "developing a dark, disjointed and hallucinogenic musical," and it comes in response to Taylor's lawsuit against them which she filed in November.

After a disastrous start that saw injuries to actors and opening night delays, "Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark" has been packing in audiences on Broadway. It made a record-setting $2.9 million from Christmas to New Year's Day, according to figures from industry website The Broadway League.

The stunt-heavy musical based on Marvel Comics' most famous character, which cost over $70 million to bring to the stage with music by Bono and The Edge, was reworked after Taymor was fired from the production in March 2011.

Taymor, the Tony-winning director of "The Lion King," worked on the musical's original book -- the non-sung words -- before she left the show.

Her copyright infringement lawsuit filed against the "Spider-Man" producers last year argued that, after the show was revamped, the producers continued to make "unauthorized and unlawful use" of her written works.

But attorneys for the producers, in their countersuit filed on Tuesday, stated that Taymor breached her duties to co-write and collaborate on the musical.

"Taymore refused to develop a musical that followed the original, family-friendly 'Spider-Man' story, which was depicted in the Marvel comic books and the hugely successful motion picture trilogy based on them," the lawsuit stated.

"Instead, Taymor, who admits that she was not a fan of the 'Spider-Man' story prior to her involvement with the musical, insisted on developing a dark, disjointed and hallucinogenic musical involving suicide, sex and death."

An attorney for Taymor could not be reached for comment.

Her lawsuit stated she suffered over $1 million in damages.

The countersuit filed by producers on Tuesday brought to light what it described as conflicts between Taymor's creative desires and the show's need to turn a profit.

At one point, Taymor used an expletive to say that she did not care "about audience reaction" to the musical, the lawsuit stated.

"Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark" received poor reviews when it opened under Taymor's direction in preview shows in late 2010, and the production suffered cast member injuries in its first weeks.

When it officially opened in June 2011, after Taymor's ouster, critics only warmed slightly to the new show. But audiences, who were drawn in part by the show's sensational publicity, began to make the show a hit.

The musical has grossed over $81 million to date, according to The Broadway League.

Websites

PartyCasino.com Marvel Slots

Spider-Man On Broadway official website

Spider-Man (Marvel.com)

The Amazing Spider-Man Game

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Australian Sports Entertainment Website Updated

2012-01-17T00:41:00.002+11:00

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Australian Sports Entertainment

James Bond Skyfall Movie Shooting In London

2012-01-11T12:44:00.001+11:00

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Movies Hollywood James Bond Daniel Craig London World Directory

Funeral scenes from the latest James Bond movie Skyfall were being filmed in London over the weekend.

The Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich was the set for the scenes, which featured eight coffins draped in union flags.

One passer by wrote on Twitter: "Walked past eight hearses with flag draped coffins at the Chapel at the Old Royal Naval College. The funeral scene for the new James Bond."

Ralph Fiennes has confirmed that he will appearing in the new James Bond film.

The actor didn't away too much about his role in the upcoming film but it is believed that M, played by Dame Judi, will be forced to quit and train "agent" Fiennes to take over her position.

Skyfall is due for release on October 26, 2012.

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Movie Box Office News: Tom Cruise leads US box office for 2011

2012-01-04T16:06:00.001+11:00

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Mission: Impossible Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol Movies Hollywood Paramount Pictures Tom Cruise News News Entertainment News

Tom Cruise's Mission: Impossible movie held on to the top of box office charts over New Year's weekend as Hollywood said see ya to a slow-ish year at movie theatres.

As 2011 ended, US and Canadian revenue dipped from last year and attendance slumped to its lowest level since 1995.

Most industry commentators including the Media Man agency put the low numbers down to the struggling economy, with many movie fans staying at home watching commercial or pay TV, and getting the occasional DVD new release to satisfy their new release fix. Movie lovers also satisfied their entertainment desires with internet use and a range of handheld devices.

The year's final weekend saw top movies add to ticket sales from the Christmas holiday one week earlier but no change in the top three chart positions.

The Sherlock Holmes and Alvin and the Chipmunks franchise films took the second and third positions behind Cruise's Mission: Impossible.

From Friday through to Monday, Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol netted in an estimated $US38.3 million at US and Canadian theatres, distributor Paramount Pictures advised.

The movie that features the 49-year-old Cruise as special agent Ethan Hunt hanging off the world's tallest building has grossed $US366.5 million globally.

Of that, $US225.3 million has come from international markets, affirming Cruise's place as a solid performer for global audiences and cementing a strong year for Paramount Pictures.

Rocketed along by the third Transformers film, Paramount's movies grossed nearly $US5.2 billion worldwide, the studio said. The total included nearly $US2 billion at U.S theatres and a record $US3.2 billion internationally.

No new movies were released nationwide over the weekend.

In second place, detective sequel Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows grossed $US26.5 million over four days. Third place belonged to family film Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked, which pulled in $US21 million.

Rounding out the top five, Steven Spielberg's family film War Horse galloped into fourth with $US19.2 million, and thriller The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo pulled in $US19 million.

Elsewhere, The Iron Lady starring Meryl Streep in a critically praised performance as former British prime minister Margaret Thatcher, opened strong with $US280,409 from just four theatres. That's a massive per-screen average of $US70,102, nearly three times higher than the next-closest movie.

U.S ticket sales for all films rose 10 per cent from the same weekend a year ago, but the strong finish could not lift yearly revenues in line with 2010.

U.S revenue for 2011 fell 3.4 per cent to $US10.2 billion, the second-straight yearly decline, according to estimates from Hollywood.com. More troubling for studios and theatre chains is that attendance dropped 4.2 per cent to 1.3 billion, the lowest pace since 1995.

Commentators typically peg low turnout on unappealing movies, but this year studio executives and industry experts have said other factors may be dampening sales. They cite the weak economy and competition from mobile devices, social networking, video games and a range of other entertainment options.

This year also was measured against early 2010 results from Avatar, the top-grossing movie of all time with $US760 million at U.S and $US2 billion at international box offices.

"A confluence of factors contributed to the downturn," said Paul Dergarabedian of box-office tracker Hollywood.com.

The coming year, with a large slate of promising titles, "will be a very pivotal year. It will tell us, is it really just the product, or is something bigger going on," he said.

But the year ended on a positive theme. The final week of the 2011 ranked as the year's second highest with domestic sales of more than $US350 million, said Chris Aronson, senior vice-president for domestic distribution at 20th Century Fox.

"It's not all doom and gloom," he said. "We just had a sensational week of movie-going."

Executives also note global ticket sales remain healthy with several of 2011's biggest titles seeing the bulk of sales from international markets, much like Mission: Impossible.

Looking forward, Hollywood aka Tinsel Town is counting on a packed line-up of big-budget action movies and sequels to bring crowds back in 2012.

The offering will include Batman sequel The Dark Knight Rises, superhero flick The Avengers, young-adult book adaptation The Hunger Games and the first of two Hobbit movies.

Websites

Media Man News

Hollywood.com

Box Office Mojo

Paramount Pictures

Paramount Pictures (Australia)

Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol

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

2012-01-03T21:25:00.001+11:00

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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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Richard Branson Virgin Enterprises Limited

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Cruise rings in New Year at top of box office - 2nd January 2012

2012-01-03T16:15:00.001+11:00

Profiles

Mission: Impossible Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol Movies Hollywood Paramount Pictures Tom Cruise News News Entertainment News

Tom Cruise's Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol has topped the North American box office for a second straight weekend, ringing in the New Year with $US30 million in ticket sales.

The action film, the fourth in the series, thus far has taken in $US133 million, according to estimates from Exhibitor Relations.

In second place was Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows, a sequel to the 2009 film about the detective created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. It took in $US22.1 million in the third week since its release.

In third place with $US18.3 million was Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked, the third animated film about the singing critters.

Fourth place went to Steven Spielberg's War Horse, about the bond between a boy and his horse during World War I, which was expected to reap $US16.9 million.

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo - the Hollywood adaptation of the wildly popular Stieg Larsson novel, starring Daniel Craig and Rooney Mara - took in $US16.3 million for fifth place.

Family film We Bought A Zoo starring Matt Damon finished in sixth place, taking in $US14.3 million.

Another Spielberg film, The Adventures of Tintin, about an intrepid Belgian boy reporter, was seventh with $US12 million.

Star-studded holiday romance New Year's Eve earned $US6.7 million for eighth place, while thriller The Darkest Hour took ninth place with $US4.3 million.

Rounding out the top 10 was The Descendants starring George Clooney, which grossed $US3.7 million.

Final figures are due out tomorrow after the four-day New Year's holiday weekend in the US.

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Alan Jones Joins Cast Of Annie The Musical At Lyric Theatre; The Star

2011-12-30T14:28:00.002+11:00

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Australian broadcasting legend Alan Jones will demonstrate his singing skills when he makes his musical theatre debut in a new Australian production of Annie - The Musical.

Jones will star alongside Anthony Warlow, Todd McKenney and Nancye Hayes in producer John Frost's latest show.

The musical marks a return to the role of Daddy Warbucks for Warlow, who played the character in a 2000 production of Annie, about an orphan girl taken in by the multi-millionaire in Depression-era New York.

"It was a wonderful experience then. People say never work with children and animals, but in this case the children were wonderful," Warlow said.

Jones, who will perform a musical number in his role as president Roosevelt, was handpicked by Frost, who advised he had Jones in mind from the early casting days.

"I wanted to pull a rabbit out of the hat in a way," Frost said.

In a video message played at the show's launch on Monday, NSW Premier Barry O'Farrell said he couldn't believe Frost had taken Jones on, "because he never ever takes direction".

Jones talked down his part in the production, requesting news media to direct questions to "the stars" of the show.

He said he just hoped he could do the role justice.

"I have a lot of good people to help me. I hope I'm going to do alright and not let the team down," he said.

Frost, who is the man behind the smash hit Australian productions of Wicked, Chicago and Phantom of the Opera, is confident Jones will not need any acting or singing lessons, despite having no previous theatrical experience.

Frost knows Jones is a safe bet.

"He's full of confidence and he holds a tune well," he said.

"If anything I'd love to put another song in for him, but I can't."

He said the show will be a true performance of the original stage production.

"The timing now is right to bring it back. With a fresh cast, I think it's got a good chance of being a great success," Frost said.

The battle for the Australian entertainment dollar continues, and certainly Sydney's The Star is going full speed ahead and betting that world class entertainment will remain paramount in the quest to bring more punters to land based casinos and entertainment complexes.

Media blurb we secured...

The timeless tale of Little Orphan Annie is back, giving a whole new generation the chance to experience this classic musical about never giving up hope. Boasting one of Broadway's most memorable scores, including It's the Hard-Knock Life, Easy Street, N.Y.C. and the ever-optimistic Tomorrow, Annie is one of the most awarded and loved musicals of all time. Reprising one of his all-time favourite roles as the charismatic and sophisticated New York ‘zillionaire' Daddy Warbucks, is Anthony Warlow. He will be joined by the ever-popular Nancye Hayes playing everyone's favourite villain, Miss Hannigan. Todd McKenney, Chloë Dallimore and Julie Goodwin also bring their talents to this delightful musical. And in a special treat, radio star Alan Jones will join the cast in the role of Franklin D. Roosevelt.

A MESSAGE FROM PRODUCER JOHN FROST

It gives me great pleasure to bring ANNIE back to Australian audiences. When I produced this show 12 years ago I was overwhelmed by the response it received. ANNIE is such a well known, well loved production that appeals to so many different age groups. Its popularity means that it is staged once a year in many countries around the world, and I have no doubt that the Australian audiences are well and truly ready to see it again.

This time around, I am especially delighted to be able to work once more with Australia's favourite leading man, Anthony Warlow and theatrical legend Nancye Hayes.

To be taking this wonderful show and the star studded cast on tour in 2012 presents a unique and exciting opportunity to reach a new generation of Australians and it gives me enormous pleasure to think that people Australia wide will again be able to experience this special production.

Websites

The Star

Annie The Musical

Lyric Theatre

Eva Rinaldi Photography Flickr

Eva Rinaldi Photography

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Marvel Studios 2004 Films; Marvel Entertainment News; Thor II Director Announced

2011-12-29T13:14:00.001+11:00

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Marvel Entertainment Marvel Studios Thor Thor II Avengers Stan Lee Movies Hollywood

Marvel Studios changes the release date schedule for their unannounced 2014 mystery movies. Are they planning a third movie? Come let's explore the world of the Marvel Universe, with a focus on Marvel Studios. Oh, it's comics legend Stan Lee's birthday today True Believers.

Marvel Studios has had a tough time keeping to their plan of two theatrical releases per year. Delays with Thor and The Avengers had Iron Man 2 release by itself in 2010 and next year, The Avengers is without a partner since Runaways was indefinitely postponed. For 2013 and 2014 however, it’s back to two films/year or more.

News in from Disney that Marvel would be releasing The Avengers in 3D (post-converted). Marvel Studios also is claiming another release date in 2014 to release one of their films earlier.

Up until now, the official slate of upcoming films from Marvel Studios was scheduled as follows:

2012

The Avengers (May 4)
Runaways (canned)

2013

Iron Man 3 (May 3)
Thor 2 (July 26 pushed back to November 15)

2014

Unknown (May 16)
Unknown (June 27)

The 2014 schedule has changed the June 27 project will now be releasing on April 4th, nearly three months earlier. No information has been provided on the 2014 releases but know The Avengers will get a sequel eventually and that there’s talk of a follow-up for Captain America’s solo outing as well. Reports from two months ago also indicated that Marvel Studios would be working on Ant-Man, Guardians of the Galaxy and The Inhumans after Iron Man 3 and Thor 2.

So, will these 2014 movies simply be sequels to what we already know? Is Edgar Wright’s latest Ant-Man script finally going to be pushed into production? Is Marvel preparing to finally introduce some other characters in solo films? Or, as reported in recent months, is the studio going to take the risk by bringing fans deeper into the Marvel cosmic universe post-Avengers?

Two years might be pushing it for The Avengers 2 so it’s more likely that’ll be a 2015 release, depending on the success of its predecessor at the box office next summer. That would open up the 2014 dates to be used for films launching from characters and storylines introduced in The Avengers. Chris Evans went on record stating that the next time we’d see him suit up as the star-spangled Avenger would be in 2014 at the earliest. Ant-Man has been in development for a very long time and writer/director Edgar Wright told the press at Comic-Con this summer that his latest script was being submitted days later and that they already have concept art.

The Possibilities...

Marvel will add a third release date, either in the summer (maybe making use of that June 27 date) or in the fall, something they’re testing in 2013 with Thor 2. This would allow them to play with interconnected films and/or do more to setup for The Avengers 2 the following year.
Dropping a summer (U.S) date for a spring (U.S) date means one of two things. This mystery project is not a big-budget tentpole or it directly ties into whatever the second movie is in May and needs to come before it. The May date is the most important and has to stay there.

The April release is very likely Ant-Man finally getting his post-Avengers introduction in time for The Avengers 2 or it could be Runaways, the lower-budget film Peter Sollett was going to direct off of Drew Pearce’s script, a script that Marvel apparently really likes, and one that Pearce says could still be adapted after The Avengers. As for the May date, that’s going to be a major project. Expect a Captain America sequel.

Guardians of the Galaxy and The Inhumans are actively in development and are possibilities as well, but Marvel will not talk about those until we’ve very close to The Avengers (or afterwards) to avoid fans digging into how those play off and tie-in to what happens in The Avengers. Marvel knows what these films are so there’s very deliberate reasons for not announcing them – it’s because they’re launching off of The Avengers.

Other potential projects include Black Panther, Dr. Stange, Heroes for Hire and a S.H.I.E.L.D. movie.

What would you like to see Marvel Studios do in 2014? Ant-Man and Captain America or a few cosmic movies?

The Avengers stars Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo, Scarlett Johansson, Jeremy Renner, Samuel L. Jackson, Cobie Smulders, Clark Gregg, Tom Hiddleston and Stellan Skarsgard. It is of course written and directed by Joss Whedon, opening in theaters on May 4, 2012.

Game of Thrones veteran to direct Thor 2...

The search for a director for Thor 2 has reportedly ended, with Marvel selecting veteran television director Alan Taylor to helm the sequel.

Taylor's most recent efforts have been for HBO, where he has directed episodes of the period fantasy series Game of Thrones.

Taylor has also directed episodes of the cable series Boardwalk Empire, Mad Men and The Sopranos.

He steps in for Monster director Patty Jenkins, who dropped out of Thor 2 citing creative differences with Marvel, movie news website Deadline revealed.

The sequel, which is due to start filming next spring for a November 2013 release, brings back 28-year-old Australian actor Chris Hemsworth as the hammer-wielding superhero.

Australian Chris Hemsworth reprise his role as the Norse god cast out to live among humans.

In the meantime, fans will be able to see Hemsworth team up with other Marvel stars in The Avengers.

Robert Downey Jr, Scarlett Johansson, Chris Evans and Jeremy Renner also star in Avengers, which is due out next year.

Chris Hemsworth profile...

Chris Hemsworth (born 11 August 1983) is an Australian actor most notable for portraying Thor in the Marvel Studios film Thor. Hemsworth is set to reprise his role as Thor in the upcoming films The Avengers in 2012 and Thor 2 in 2013. He also starred as Kim Hyde in the Australian soap opera Home and Away. He is the older brother of Liam and the younger brother of Luke Hemsworth.

Mini Biography
Though born in Melbourne, Australia, Hemsworth saw quite a bit of the country in his youth when his family moved first to the Northern Territory before finally settling on Phillip Island top the south of Melbourne.

In 2004, he unsuccessfully auditioned for the role of Robbie Hunter in the Australian soap "Home and Away" (1988) but was recalled for the role of Kim Hyde which he played until 2007. In 2006, he entered the Australian version of "Dancing with the Stars" (2004) and his popularity in the soap enabled him to hang on until show 7 ("Dancing with the Stars: Episode #5.7" (2006) when he became the fifth contestant to be eliminated.

His first Hollywood appearance was in Star Trek (2009) but it was his titular role in Thor (2011) which propelled him to prominence worldwide.

His US representative, the management company ROAR, also manages Elsa Pataky and it was through them that the couple met, marrying in 2010. (Credit: IMDB).

Happy Birthday Stan Lee; Marvel Comics Living Legend...

Happy 89th birthday to one of Marvel’s founding fathers, “The Man” himself, Stan Lee! Without Stan, the Marvel Universe as we know it would not exist.

"There is no bigger star in all of comics," Marc Nathan of Baltimore Comic-Con — where Stan was the featured guest last summer — tells Comic Riffs.

The path to stardom was many decades in the making. Stanley “Stan Lee” Lieber broke into the business as a teenager in the late-’30s, hired by ”Captain America” co-creator Joe Simon as an office assistant. As Simon told Comic Riffs, Stanley was soon writing the filler prose that Timely Comics (Marvel’s precursor) needed to secure better mailing rates. (Simon, the first editor at Timely Comics, died earlier this month at age 98.)

By the early ‘60s, Stan seriously contemplated quitting Timely/Marvel, which had been launched by his relative Martin Goodman. But at the advice of his longtime wife, Joanie, Stan says he took a shot at writing superheroes the way he wanted to - relatable and with many human aspects.

Working with such fellow legends as Jack Kirby and Steve Ditko, of course, Lee and his “Marvel method” would launch the Fantastic Four, Spider-Man, the Hulk, Daredevil, Iron Man and X-Men. (Other talents in that famed stable included Gene Colan — who died this year at age 84 — as well as Stan’s own brother, Larry Lieber, who first scripted Thor.)

“There’s no question that Stan and the innovations he came up with saved the comic book and the superhero,” Tom Brevoort, Marvel’s senior vice president of publishing, has told Comic Riffs — noting that Lee and the artists he worked with “made me want to do this professionally.”

“By crafting characters with feet of clay and personal problems — and not writing down to an audience that was perceived to be primarily 8-year-olds — Stan opened the doorway for more sophisticated and interesting treatments of any subject matter in comics,” Brevoort says. “He made comics interesting and relevant and fun again.”

Stan Lee quotes...

“I’d just like a Cabinet position [in the current White House]. For comic books. I’d be secretary of comics — something simple.”

“Being associated with Disney is the dream of a lifetime. The things Disney did just knocked me out [when I was young] — Mickey Mouse to Bambi and Pinocchio and Snow White. And then there were the nature movies and now movies like ’Pirates of the Caribbean.’ I think they’re wonderful movie marketers — they’re the best marketers you can find anyhwere. And to combine them with Marvel — the two companies I’m in love with the most.”

"I’m very lucky to still being doing this. I seem to get a good reception [when I pitch entertainment ideas]. I hope I can sell a lot more movies. And it would be nice to win an Oscar one day."

That's a wrap True Believers (References: Marvel Entertainment, Disney, IMDB, Google News, Wikipedia, POW! Entertainment, Dark Horizons, Comic Book Movies, Box Office Mojo and Paramount Pictures).

Websites

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The Star Lyric Theatre To Open Annie The Musical In Sydney

2011-12-28T21:03:00.001+11:00

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The Star, owned and operated by Echo Entertainment, has organised a media call for this coming Tuesday 3rd January at the Lyric Theatre.

We will be attending to cover the ever-popular Broadway musical Annie prior to the official opening night of the show at 7pm on Thursday January 5, 2012.

Three musical numbers from the show will be performed, and afterwards producer John Frost and lead cast members Anthony Warlow, Nancye Hayes, Todd McKenney, Chloe Dallimore, Julie Goodwin and Alan Jones will be giving interviews and be available for photograph opportunities and more.

The musical numbers will be:

It’s the Hard Knock Life – featuring the children’s cast

Easy Street – featuring Nancye Hayes, Todd McKenney and Chloe Dallimore

A New Deal for Christmas – featuring Anthony Warlow, Julie Goodwin, Alan Jones and the ensemble cast.

Based on the popular Harold Gray comic strip “Little Orphan Annie”, the musical Annie burst into popularity in 1977 when it opened on Broadway. After running there for nearly six years, it has played in over 22 countries worldwide including the UK, Argentina, Japan, Germany, Sweden, Spain and Australia. Annie became a smash-hit movie musical in 1982 starring Aileen Quinn, Albert Finney and Carol Burnett that is adored worldwide and a fixture of popular culture references.

Annie is full of toe-tapping hits which have become staples of musical theatre repertoires worldwide and now, 34 years on, it remains one of the most loved and universally appealing musicals of all time.

Annie plays in Sydney until March 25 before a national tour.

It all marks another interesting development in the Australian casino wars, as agency, Media Man has been calling it for a few years now, and it will be interesting to see how Melbourne based competitor of The Star, Crown Casino, responds with their entertainment line up, which is also ramping up on the west coast on Australia with the newly named Crown Perth (formally Burswood Entertainment Centre).

The battle for the Australian entertainment dollar continues, and certainly Sydney's The Star is going full speed ahead and betting that world class entertainment will remain paramount in the quest to bring more punters to land based casinos and entertainment complexes.

Media blurb we secured...

The timeless tale of Little Orphan Annie is back, giving a whole new generation the chance to experience this classic musical about never giving up hope. Boasting one of Broadway's most memorable scores, including It's the Hard-Knock Life, Easy Street, N.Y.C. and the ever-optimistic Tomorrow, Annie is one of the most awarded and loved musicals of all time. Reprising one of his all-time favourite roles as the charismatic and sophisticated New York ‘zillionaire' Daddy Warbucks, is Anthony Warlow. He will be joined by the ever-popular Nancye Hayes playing everyone's favourite villain, Miss Hannigan. Todd McKenney, Chloë Dallimore and Julie Goodwin also bring their talents to this delightful musical. And in a special treat, radio star Alan Jones will join the cast in the role of Franklin D. Roosevelt.

A MESSAGE FROM PRODUCER JOHN FROST

It gives me great pleasure to bring ANNIE back to Australian audiences. When I produced this show 12 years ago I was overwhelmed by the response it received. ANNIE is such a well known, well loved production that appeals to so many different age groups. Its popularity means that it is staged once a year in many countries around the world, and I have no doubt that the Australian audiences are well and truly ready to see it again.

This time around, I am especially delighted to be able to work once more with Australia's favourite leading man, Anthony Warlow and theatrical legend Nancye Hayes.

To be taking this wonderful show and the star studded cast on tour in 2012 presents a unique and exciting opportunity to reach a new generation of Australians and it gives me enormous pleasure to think that people Australia wide will again be able to experience this special production.

Websites

The Star

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'Mission: Impossible' Energizes Holiday Box Office With Robust $46.2M

2011-12-27T23:36:00.001+11:00

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It's Mission Accomplished for "Mission: Impossible."

The Tom Cruise action movie ruled the multiplex throughout the holiday weekend -- and helped boost overall box office numbers to 8 percent above the same four-day period last year.

"M:I:4" is looking at $46.2 million for the four-day weekend.

Christmas Day was especially strong. On Sunday alone, "Mission: Impossible" grossed an estimated $13.6 million, No. 2 "Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows" grossed $9.6 million, No. 3 "Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked" grossed $4.5 million and No. 4 "The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo" grossed $5.6 million.

The strong Christmas weekend was welcome, particularly after a miserable few weeks at the box office.

Several high-budget, high-profile movies debuted in the days leading up to Christmas.

Among them: Sony's "Dragon Tattoo," a two-hour 40-minute hard-R film that opened Tuesday evening and missed expectations for the four days, and Steven Spielberg's PG-rated motion-capture animation "The Adventures of Tintin." That movie opened Wednesday and is in fifth place for the long weekend.

Most of the numbers matched expectations for Christmas Day, but there was a surprise: Steven Spielberg's PG-13 World War I epic "War Horse" opened to a particularly robust $7.5 million on Sunday. The DreamWorks picture is expected to gross another $7.5 million on Monday.

Considering that Disney, which distributes for DreamWorks, figured the movie would pull in $6 million over both days, the number is especially impressive.

Sunday's other new movie, Summit/New Regency's PG-13 sci-fi thriller "The Darkest Hour," opened to $3 million -- in line with studio projections. That movie, which the audience polling company Cinemascore gave a harsh "C-plus" grade, is expected to gross $5.5 million through Monday.

And opening in limited release, Warner Bros.' "Extremely Loud an Incredibly Close" debuted at six locations in three cities Sunday, grossing $71,861 -- a per-location average of about $12,000.

With no new major movies opening Friday, Hollywood expects this weekend's solid numbers to grow larger.

"There's a lot of good cheer going on around the industry -- at least for this weekend," Rory Bruer, Sony's distribution chief, told TheWrap Monday morning. "Certainly, leading up to it hasn't been that great, but it feels very good right now."

His studio's "The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo" -- one of the most anticipated movies of the year -- was in fourth place for the four day period, taking in $12.75 million over three days and $19.4 million over four. That's just below expectations.

The movie, directed by David Fincher and starring Daniel Craig and Rooney Mara, has grossed a total of $27.7 million and had a budget estimated at about $100 million.

Sony had figured the movie would take about $13 million over the three days and in the low-to-mid $20 million range for the four days.

Still, Bruer said the film "is off to a good start and it's just going to get better with every day through the rest of the holiday season and well into the new year."

But the weekend belonged to "M:I:4."

"Mission: Impossible -- Ghost Protocol," which cost an estimated $145 million to make, grossed $29.5 million over the three days from Friday to Sunday and $46.2 million from Friday to Monday. That gives the Paramount/Skydance movie a domestic total of $78.64 million and an international gross of more than $150 million.

The PG-13 movie is on track to beat the 2006 "Mission: Impossible III," which grossed $134 million domestically and nearly $264 million abroad. It also looks like Tom Cruise's biggest hit since 2000's "Mission: Impossible II," which took in $215.4 million domestically and nearly $331 million internationally.

"M:I:4," directed by Brad Bird, is playing at 3,448 domestic locations in its second week of release.

The No. 2 movie of the weekend was "Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows," which took $20.2 million over three days and $31.8 million over four. It played at 3,703 locations and has a total of $90.56 million.

That movie, directed by Guy Ritchie and starring Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law, cost about $125 million to make. It opened to $39.6 million on Dec. 16.

The film opened in first place on Dec. 16. Warners notes that "Sherlock" is now the highest-grossing domestic film of December.

In third place for the four days, Fox's "Alvin and the Chipmunks took $20 million -- $12.65 for the three days.

The studio's "We Bought a Zoo," which opened on Friday, meanwhile, was in seventh place for the four days, grossing $15.6 million.

Cameron Crowe wrote and directed the movie, which stars Matt Damon and Scarlett Johansson. It is about a father who -- as the name implies -- who buys a struggling zoo in the countryside and, with his family, tries to renovate and reopen it.

Chris Aronson, Fox's head of domestic distribution, told TheWrap that 41 percent of the movie's audience was younger than 25, while 59 percent was older.

Younger audiences loved the movie, he said, giving it a Cinemascore of "A-plus." Its overall score was an A.

"Now people are available to go, and they're going to start discovering how wonderful this movie is," Aronson said. "There are a lot of satisfying movies in the marketplace, and now people have time to go see them."

Disney is expecting the same out of "War Horse."

Like "Dragon Tattoo," it is long -- nearly 2 1/2 hours -- which means fewer screenings per day than shorter films.

Despite the length and subject matter -- it's about a horse during World War I -- it did well across the country.

Disney's Hollis noted that the movie's top location was the Arclight in Sherman Oaks -- and its second-best location was the Warren 14 in Moore, OK.

"It's not often that you get to say that Moore, Oklahoma is your second-biggest grossing theater," Hollis said. "It feels like we're going to be the family choice for the week, which will again set us up for a great five, 10 more days of business."

"War Horse" is the second Spielberg movie now in release.

The first is "The Adventures of Tintin," based on the Belgian comic books.

Paramount's movie, which had a budget of $135 million has grossed more than $240 million internationally, and received a Cinemascore of "A-minus."

In its opening weekend domestically, it skewed slightly male: 55 percent of the audience was male and 45 was female. It also skewed slightly younger, with 51 percent of moviegoers younger than 25.

3D made up 74 percent of the movie's gross.

Last year's 4-day weekend also included Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. In 2010, "Little Fockers" grossed $39 million over four days and ultimately took $150 million. "True Grit" grossed $32 million over four days and grossed a total of $171 million.

Here are the top 10 movies of the four days:

"Mission: Impossible -- Ghost Protocol" ($46.2m)

"Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows" ($31.8m)

"Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked" ($20m)

"The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo" ($19.4m)

"The Adventures of Tintin" ($16.1m)

"We Bought a Zoo" ($15.6m)

"War Horse" ($15m)

"The Darkest Hour" ($5.5m)

"New Year's Eve" ($5m)

"The Muppets" ($3.35m)

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Bwin.Party Digital Entertainment Profiles; PartyCasino And PartyPoker Get New Promotions And Games

2011-12-27T12:15:00.001+11:00

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Bwin.Party Digital Entertainment PartyBingo.com PartyPoker.com PartyCasino.com World Poker Tour InterTrader.com PartyPoker.com Aussie Millions

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Australian Sports Entertainment Website Updated

2011-12-22T13:38:00.002+11:00

Website

Australian Sports Entertainment

UFC® Sydney Alves vs. Kampmann

2011-12-17T15:17:00.003+11:00

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UFC MMA Sports Australian Sports Sports Betting Events Sydney

The Ultimate Fighting Championship® organisation has announced it will return to Australia with UFC® Sydney Alves vs. Kampmann to be held at Sydney's Allphones Arena on Saturday 3 March 2012. Following two sell-out shows in this country, this highly anticipated event pits two of the UFC's most explosive welterweights against each other and also sees the debut of the flyweight division with a two-bout tournament to decide the top contenders at 125-pounds (56.7kg).

Tickets for UFC® Sydney Alves vs. Kampmann will be available to UFC Fight Club members from Monday 19 December, 10am and to UFC Newsletter subscribers from Tuesday 20 December, 10am, before going on general release through Ticketek on Wednesday 21 December 21 at 10am (times are AEDT). Tickets are priced from $75 to $425.

Marshall Zelaznik, Managing Director of UFC's International Development, said: "The UFC is thrilled to return to Sydney for its third live event in three years. We've had tremendous success with our two previous events, with last year's UFC 127 remaining the equal fastest sell-out in the organisation's history. I've got no doubt that our Aussie fans will be just as excited about our March event, especially as they'll witness UFC history with the introduction of the flyweight division. The 125-pound contenders will absolutely put everything on the line is Sydney, knowing that the winners of those two bouts will then have a shot at the inaugural flyweight title. It's going to be a great show!"

EVENT DATE:
Saturday 3 March - Allphones Arena, Sydney

Websites

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Battle of the Smashers II At Drummoyne Oval On 18th December 2011

2011-12-16T21:43:00.001+11:00

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Cricket Sport Events Australia News News Entertainment News

Join NRL stars Robbie Farah, Chris Lawrence, Chris Heighington, Paul Gallen, Nathan Hindmarsh,
NSW Origin coach Ricky Stuart, NRL boss David Gallop, league legends Paul Sironen, Brad Clyde,
Hazem El Masri and Aussie football great Mark Bosnich in the Waugh Zone.

Entry is by donation and all funds will assist The Steve Waugh Foundation to provide children
suffering from rare diseases with a fighting chance and ‘somewhere to turn’.

The champion NSW Breakers start the action-packed day by playing Queensland in cricket’s answer to State of Origin. This Twenty20 game features some of Australia’s best female cricketers, including superstar Ellyse Perry who has represented her nation in soccer and cricket.

There’s something for everyone!

• Celebrities and sporting champions
• A world class athletics event
• Autograph booths and photo opportunities with celebrities
• A free kids coaching clinic hosted by the Sydney Cricket Club
• Native animal display
• Santa, face painting, music and much, much more.

Other ways you can get involved in this great community event include:

• Corporate sponsorship
• Join the 12th Man Club and for $500 be part of a team
• Twenty20 team fundraising - put in $20 yourself and get 20 friends to join in and donate to the Foundation
• Make a personal donation to the Foundation.

Game I: 9.30am-1pm
NSW Breakers v Queensland Fire

Game II: 2-6pm
Canada Bay Exiles v Waugh’s Warriors

Steve Waugh’s Warriors XVI

Steve Waugh (c) (Australian cricket great)
Ricky Stuart (vc) (NSW Origin coach)
Paul Gallen (Cronulla Sharks)
Nathan Hindmarsh (Parramatta Eels)
Michael Crocker (South Sydney)
Brad Clyde (Canberra Raiders great)
Anthony Minichiello (Sydney Roosters)
Tim Mannah (Parramatta Eels)
Johnny Mannah (Parramatta Eels)
Steve Mortimer (Canterbury great)
Gavin Robertson (ex-Test cricketer)
Bill Harrigan (NRL referees)
Troy Waters (Hall of Fame boxer)
David Kelly (Sydney Cricket Club)
Bill Woods (Channel 10)

Canada Bay Exiles XVI

Dominic Thornely (c) (Sydney Sixers)
Robbie Farah (vc) (Wests Tigers)
Chris Lawrence (Wests Tigers)
Chris Heighington (Wests Tigers)
Todd Payten (Wests Tigers)
Aaron Woods (Wests Tigers)
Paul Sironen (Balmain legend)
Hazem El Masri (Bulldogs legend)
Daniel Mortimer (Sydney Roosters)
David Gallop (NRL Chief Executive)
Bill Young (Wallabies)
Mark Bosnich (Socceroos)
Daniel Smith (Sydney Thunder)
Daniel Lane (The Sun-Herald)
Angelo Tsirekas (Mayor of Canada Bay)
Neil Cadigan (Media)

“I’m proud the City of Canada Bay is supporting The Steve Waugh Foundation through the Battle of the Smashers II and I would encourage for everyone to come along and support a great family day out. Steve Waugh’s Foundation offers children affected by a rare disease hope and comfort.”
Angelo Tsirekas, Mayor of the City of Canada Bay

“I believe you’re only as good as the team around you. Thanks to everyone involved and who comes along to the Battle of the Smashers to support us. I’m looking forward to a fun day out with a team of good mates and sporting champions playing for kids and families affected by rare diseases. Always 100.” Australian cricket great Steve Waugh AO

“Steve Waugh was described in the media as “heroic” for the courage he displayed as a cricketer, but nothing matched what he’s achieved through his Foundation. Waugh has provided hope and compassion to families who, before his intervention, may’ve feared no-one cared about their child’s plight.” Sun-Herald sports journalist Daniel Lane, managing director of
BombsAway Productions

“As one of the teams he played against, Sydney Cricket Club is happy to support Steve Waugh and his magnificent Foundation. Come to Drummoyne on December 18th and help him make a
difference to a sick child’s life. We’re grateful for the opportunity to co-host such a wonderful event. Sydney Cricket Club’s General Manager, David Kelly

Websites

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Crown Casino And Crown Limited News Update

2011-12-15T10:31:00.001+11:00

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Australian land based casinos continue their entertainment push, with big name celebrities and more expensive casino re-vamps in the works. The massive casino image make-over may have started in 'Sin City' Sydney and spread to Melbourne, but now Perth is centre stage, but not without the usual hassles that are known to hit casinos. As they say, high risk, high rewards, and sometimes even the house doesn't win, which is good news for punters.

Crown emergency as toddler almost drowns - 12th December 2011...

A three-year-old boy who almost drowned in a pool at the Crown casino complex had been signed into the area by an adult.

Staff members found the boy floating face down in the pool just after 5pm yesterday.

Crown spokesman Gary O'Neill said a trained pool attendant responded to a call for help.

The boy was pulled unconscious from the water, he was treated at the scene and emergency services alerted, Mr O’Neill said.

It is understood family members were close by.

Mr O’Neill said, as was policy in the area, the child had been signed into the pool complex by an adult.

Intensive care paramedic Alan Eade said the boy was unconscious when he was pulled from the water.

"Staff put the boy on his side and tilted his head back, which helped open his airway [to] ensure he was breathing," Mr Eade said.

The Metropolitan Fire Brigade continued providing the boy with oxygen until paramedics arrived.
The boy was discharged from the Royal Children's Hospital.

Crown casino car fire sets off sprinklers - 13th December 2011...

A car on fire in the underground Crown casino carpark has sent plumes of smoke through one of its levels.

MFB fire crews were called to the scene about 4pm after the engine caught alight, setting off the basement's sprinklers.

Five fire crews were unable to drive trucks into the carpark and were forced to hook up to hydrants set up inside the basement.

The cause of the fire, which destroyed the car, is unknown.

An MFB spokesman said smoke extraction fans were being used to clear the smoke, which was billowing out the basement doors.

Burswood Entertainment Complex To Become Crown Perth...

James Packer has confirmed the Burswood Entertainment Complex will be renamed Crown Perth and "new and exciting" projects were coming up for the entertainment and gaming hotspot.

The new branding would place Burswood in a better position to compete with world-class integrated resorts popping up throughout Asia, and reinforced his belief in the complex and its future, Mr Packer said.

Speaking at the Burswood Convention Centre, the Crown Ltd boss said Australia was falling behind Asian nations such as Singapore, Macau and the Philippines in the increasingly lucrative but also competitive international tourism market.

One hundred million Chinese were expected to travel overseas by 2020, spending $800 billion per year.

Asian governments were playing a more active role in boosting their tourism sectors, funding multi-million dollar tourism infrastructure projects and heavily promoting their new integrated resorts in state tourism campaigns, Mr Packer said.

Macau, for example, had overtaken Las Vegas as the number one destination for gaming tourists. Singapore was projected to do so next year, while the Philippines had stated its aim to become number two in the market.

In return for the public investment, Singapore reaped its largest ever growth in global domestic product, 14.5 per cent.

Mr Packer said Australia was missing out and governments had to be more proactive in improving the country's international tourism appeal or the potential would slip away.

In particular, he called on the federal government to relax its policy on direct flights to Asia, improve the ease of access to Australian visas and make airports more efficient.

"We must listen to the customer and increase investment in tourism infrastructure and related services and activities," he said.

Crown Perth To Power Ahead

Burswood is half-way through a $750 million refurbishment instigated after Crown purchased the 26-year-old site in 2004.

It is due to be completed by the end of 2012, at which time it will become Crown Perth.
"I'm determined that this property will be at least as good as Crown Melbourne or Crown Macau," Mr Packer said.

"[The rebranding also would help] create two of the best integrated tourism resorts in our region and assist Australia to become a more attractive tourism destination for the critical Chinese tourism market.

"We don't think we're there yet in terms of this facility (Burswood). Putting the Crown brand on it is a statement that we are going to get there."

Mr Packer admitted his company would benefit financially from the state government's planned sports stadium at the site but said he had not been approached to pitch in for costs and nor would he have if he was asked.

"If asked, our response would have been we're not in the stadium business, they're not a good business," he said.

"Now that the Premier has decided to put it there, we're very grateful.

"It's going to fundamentally change the Burswood Peninsula."

Mr Packer all but confirmed the present golf course would have to go to make room for the stadium but said he would like to see it rebuilt at a later date.

"It's highly likely that we will, in time, develop new and exciting projects that aren't included in the $750 million capital expenditure," he said.

"Things like golf are part of trying to build a tourism destination that is truly world class.
"We want to do much more here. We believe in this city, we believe in this state, we think as a company we are lucky to be here."

The Perth waterfront redevelopment

Mr Packer said the state government's massive waterfront redevelopment would do wonders for the city's tourism appeal.

"This city has an almost unique opportunity to take some of the waterfront that is still available and to fantastic things," he said.

"One of the things that always excites me is to see that there's so much land available and so many great things that could be done with it."

Mr Packer said many of his customers would eventually engage more with Perth if their experience was good.

They would potentially send their children to education here or for medical services.

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*The writer owns shares in Crown Limited

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Frank Sinatra's Rat Pack Birthday Extravaganza

2011-12-13T04:14:00.001+11:00

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A three part birthday extravaganza kicked off Sunday, celebrating Frank Sinatra's Birthday and to benefit the Alzheimer's Association's California Southland Chapter.

Old Blue Eyes would have turned 96 on Monday. The three-part gala, starting at Sinatra's old Twin Palms estate, will celebrate the life, artistry and birthday of the Hoboken, N.J.-born crooner who came into the world in 1915.

Named for Sinatra's 10th studio album, "A Swingin' Affair," the fundraiser will start with a cocktail party at Sinatra's Twin Palms estate. Canadian jazz artist Matt Dusk will play at Twin Palms, an estate designed by architect E. Stewart Williams where Sinatra and his first wife, Nancy, then Ava Gardner, lived.

Afterward, the fun will move to the Riviera Palm Springs, where actress Pamela Anderson will be holding court in the Starlite Lounge, helping deep-pocket supporters find their checkbooks.

At the Riviera, where the late singer held many of his famous parties, son Frank Sinatra Jr. and his Big Band Orchestra will handle the entertainment, along with Broadway star Lainie Kazan.

Of course, there's also an after-party, beginning at 11:30 p.m. at the Starlite Lounge in the Riviera.

Pamela Anderson, Frank Sinatra Jr., The X Factor's Phillip Lomax, & America's Got Talent's Daniel Joseph Baker Perform at A Swingin' Affair! Gala

Superstar performances set for Frank Sinatra's Birthday Bash in Palm Springs, Tickets Nearly Sold-Out for Alzheimer's Association Benefit

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PALM SPRINGS, Calif., Dec. 6, 2011 - A Swingin' Affair!, the Frank Sinatra birthday gala to benefit the Alzheimer's Association on Dec. 11 in Palm Springs, is becoming as star-studded as the late Sinatra's life.

Recently added to the lineup of spectacular talent are Phillip Lomax, whose crooner ways led him to the Top 17 on this season of The X Factor, and actor/singer Luca Ellis, who just earned three Ovation nominations for his musical on Frank Sinatra, Hoboken to Hollywood. They join the previously announced Pamela Anderson, Frank Sinatra Jr., America's Got Talent's Daniel Joseph Baker, Matt Dusk, and Lainie Kazan.

The three-stop event kicks off with an exclusive VIP cocktail hour at Sinatra's former Twin Palms estate, which was designed by famed architect E. Stewart Williams and lived in by Sinatra and first wife Nancy and then Ava Gardner. Canadian jazz artist Matt Dusk, who has three No. 1 international hits under his belt, will perform and cocktails and canapes will be served poolside from 2-5 p.m.

Stop two of the night is the Grand Gala at the posh Riviera Palm Springs Resort & Spa where Sinatra held most of his lavish parties. Architect and visionary Irwin Schuman designed the historic location and the event will be fashioned in the grand Hollywood Regency style. Pamela Anderson serves as hostess of the night, with performances by Frank Sinatra Jr. and his Big Band Orchestra, singer/pianist Daniel Joseph Baker from season 6 of America's Got Talent, Phillip Lomax from The X Factor, Matt Dusk, and actress/Broadway star Lainie Kazan. A sumptuous three-course dinner will be served and cocktails will be flowing.

The night closes with an after-party, starting at 11:30 p.m., at the swanky Starlite Lounge in the Riviera. Daniel Joseph Baker will once again perform, as well as the aforementioned Phillip Lomax and Luca Ellis. Cocktails will be flowing into the wee small hours of the morning. A special toast and a cake will be cut in honor of Sinatra's birthday. (He would've been 96 years old this year.)

A limited number of tickets are still available for all three parts of the gala and can be purchased by calling 760-561-5561 or on the website, http://www.aswingingaffair.com

About the Alzheimer's Association

The Alzheimer's Association works on a global, national and local level to enhance care and support for all those affected by Alzheimer's and related dementias. Alzheimer's disease is an irreversible degeneration of the brain that causes disruptions in memory, cognition, personality, and other functions that eventually leads to death from complete brain failure. Over 5.4 million Americans age 65 and older are thought to have Alzheimer's disease. Learn more at: www.alz.org

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Marvel Studios Considering ‘Game of Thrones’ Vets Alan Taylor and Daniel Minahan to Direct ‘Thor 2′; Will Also Hire a New Writer

2011-12-12T11:11:00.001+11:00

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Marvel’s search for a Thor 2 director isn’t going as originally planned. Patty Jenkins was on tap to direct the sequel to the summer blockbuster, but left the project citing the generic “creative differences” bit as the reason why she is departing from directing Thor 2. The latest events have left Marvel scrambling to find someone to direct the movie before its November 15, 2013 release date.

According to THR, Marvel head to familiar ground but is coming back with some very unfamiliar names. The trade reports that Game of Thrones’ helmers Alan Taylor and Daniel Minahan are in the running to direct Thor 2. Marvel’s first choice for director was Brian Kirk, who also has Game of Thrones experience.

Some of Taylor’s credits include 1996’s Palookaville, but he has become a huge cable TV helmer, directing episodes of HBO’s Game of Thrones, Boardwalk Empire and The Sopranos (Credit: IMDB)

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As Marvel living legend Stan Lee would say, Excelsior!

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Casino Executive Based In Las Vegas Not A Fan Of Online Gambling; Competitor Is Pro Online Casino - Poker, by Greg Tingle - 8th December 2011

2011-12-08T13:54:00.002+11:00

World's Richest Casino Exec Not So Keen On Online Casinos, Poker...

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You may not of heard of this cashed up gambling and property tycoon, but he's happy to share his thoughts on online gambling, especially when it comes to his U.S turf. No, it's not Donald Trump, Steve Wynn or even Richard Branson. Meet Sheldon Adelson.

Adelson is by all accounts the world's wealthiest casino executive and top dog of the industry's largest publicly traded company, says he is against online gambling because he doesn't believe available technology is good enough at the moment to prevent young people from making wagers on the Internet, a spokesman said Wednesday.

Adelson's sharing his personal viewpoint is just that - personal - rather than a formal stance taken by his firm that owns and operates casino-resorts in Las Vegas, Macau, Singapore and Bethlehem, Pa., Las Vegas Sands spokesman Ron Reese said.

Reese advised Adelson hasn't spoken with the company's board about his position, nor has the board decided an online gambling plan.

"It's a personal observation of concerns about technology," Reese said.

The opposition comes at a time when numerous other operators, including Caesars Entertainment Corp and MGM Resorts International, have backed an industry push to legalize online poker and let established land based casinos offer the service in the U.S. MGM Resorts International even went as far as to ink a deal with world's leading igaming firm Bwin.Party Digital Entertainment.

Poker, which involves a combination of skill and luck (as ruled in legal cases), now huge on the internet (see World Poker Tour and World Series of Poker), has been illegal online for real money since a 2006 law was brought in and ruled against igaming operators from providing games by preventing financial institutions from processing funds for the majority of online gaming.

The land based casino sector has swayed over the years from anti online gambling to largely pro online gambling, of course, with them getting some of the financial rewards. The bricks and mortar casinos have seen some of their punters go online to bet, with the traditional casinos missing out of the action. It's unclear how much revenue traditional casinos are down, thanks to online casinos, but a Media Man spokesperson said "Online casinos have cost land based casinos in the U.S and elsewhere, many millions, if not billions of dollars. Vegas and Atlantic City land based casinos are down. People still like to bet and the internet serves them well, be it for poker, casino, sports betting or slots".

The American Gaming Association, the leading U.S gaming lobby group, has switched from a neutral stance to pro actively pursuing federal legislation that would allow for legalization and regulation of online poker. Online poker could be a lead in to online casino games.

Frank Fahrenkopf, CEO of the American Gaming Association, said he met with Adelson on Monday and Adelson advised him he'll oppose legislation to legalize online poker on U.S soil.

"Sheldon has long had concerns about this issue, and it is perfectly within his right to make this decision," Fahrenkopf said in a statement. "However, the AGA, at the direction of our board of directors, will continue to support federal legislation to allow states to license and regulate online poker."

The online gambling industry is not seeking to legalize other games like blackjack, craps and slots online. Those games are a different kind of animal because players wager against the house. In poker, players wager against each other and operators take a fee from each pot in exchange for hosting the game. Of course if online poker becomes totally legal in the U.S, this may lead to online casino games also becoming totally legal in the states.

The matter of online poker has heated up among players and casino executives in the past 12 months. U.S. Senate Majority Leader last year pitched a blueprint to legalize poker that fell short without legislation being introduced. Last April, three of the largest online gaming operators who offered online poker in defiance of the law had their websites seized and executives indicted by the U.S. Justice Department, accused of financial crimes including fraud and money laundering for disguising payments for gambling funds as transactions for things like flowers and golf balls. The day it all went down, including sites going down et al, is known in igaming circles as 'Black Friday'.

After the indictments, the estimated $6 billion U.S. online poker market dived overnight, leaving many players unable to access funds in online poker bankrolls.

Then, with the "big three" poker websites closed out of the U.S, the American Casino Association became more active in urging lawmakers to close loopholes and draw up better regulations.

One thing is for certain. Online poker and online casino players are not going to want to stop playing the games they love. Players are mainly sticking to brands they know and trust with some of the leading contenders being PartyPoker.com PartyCasino.com PKR.com World Poker Tour and the World Series of Poker.

Australian casino mogul James Packer's Crown Casino has the 'Aussie Millions Poker Championship' coming up in Melbourne this January and providers such as PartyPoker.com are even offering qualifying poker matches, where players get to 'Win a seat to Aussie Millions'. Bwin.Party's World Poker Tour is also broadcast of American and Australian pay television, which online helps fuel the popularity of online gambling.

Fahrenkopf advised his casino association wants federal legislation that allows U.S states to decide whether to offer poker to its residents, keeps youngsters from gambling online and lets law enforcement shut down illegal operators.

If you enjoy a punt, please bet with your head, not over it, and have fun.

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Donald Trump says US should legalize Internet betting...

Donald Trump has witnessed lots of money side slipping him, and he's hoping that situation changes soon.

The real estate, gaming and entertainment tsar, and founder of an Atlantic City casino company says the US should legalize internet gambling. The company that bears his name, Trump Entertainment Resorts, is moving forward with plans to establish an online betting venture... just as soon as it is legal to do so.

The company says it wants to get in on the ground floor of the internet gambling industry, and is close to selecting a joint venture partner to run an online gambling operation. The idea is to be well-placed and ready to go as soon as such activity is legalized in the United States.

"It should be approved here," Trump told news media. "An awful lot of money is leaving the U.S. that should and could stay in this country."

Trump Entertainment, which includes Donald Trump and daughter, Ivanka, and the Avenue Capital hedge fund, would own 10% of the new business venture.

Donald Trump advised the key to success in the online gambling market is having the best brand.

"We think we have the hottest brand there is, the Trump brand, my personal brand," he said. "We think it's going to do phenomenally well."

In a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Trump Entertainment said it has "determined that such a joint venture represents the most advantageous way for the company to participate in opportunities in online gaming at minimal cost to the company."

No cost estimates were given, and Robert Griffin, the company's CEO, declined to comment Thursday. But in March, after Gov. Chris Christie vetoed a bill passed by New Jersey lawmakers that would have allowed Internet betting solely within New Jersey's borders, Griffin said the money lost to offshore operators should benefit New Jersey.

The new law would seen New Jersey become the first state in the nation to allow Internet betting.

"Currently, millions of Americans engage in online gaming with illegal offshore operators, and do so with no oversight, no regulation or no consumer protections," Griffin said at the time. "It makes sense for the state of New Jersey to regulate this activity, enforce strict standards to ensure games are fair and safe, and in turn be able to collect tax revenue instead of having those dollars and the jobs they support leaving New Jersey and going illegally overseas."

Christie advised he vetoed the law fearing it was unconstitutional and could lead to an explosion of betting parlors throughout the state. By law, gambling in New Jersey is restricted to gaming hotspot Atlantic City.

But a New Jersey lawmaker is asserting that individual states in fact have the legal right to offer in-state Internet gambling within their own borders.

State Sen. Raymond Lesniak, D-Union, wrote in July to U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder asserting that New Jersey and all other states can legally offer online betting within their borders.

Lesniak said he will introduce legislation in November to address the prime concerns expressed by Christie.

The filing said the company, Donald and Ivanka Trump, and Avenue Capital have signed an agreement authorizing the joint venture once it becomes legal, and that prohibits any of them from seeking other online gambling ventures through May 2012.

Atlantic City is in the midst of a nearly 5-year revenue slump brought on by increasing competition from casinos in neighboring states, and worsened by the continuing unsteady economy. It's also speculated that many AC businesses have not adapted well to the internet medium.

Just a few online gaming companies that are understood to be interested in coming to business terms with Trump include Bwin.Party Digital Entertainment, Richard Branson's Virgin Games and PKR. Most experts see Bwin.Party as the best bet, as they don't have any outstanding issues with the US Department of Justice, and have been playing by the rules (law) for many years, while other gambling companies continue to go after U.S players.

Internet gambling is legal in many countries, with the U.S being a glaring exception.

Media Man is following up.

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Martin Scorsese Confirms Next Project Is "Silence", by Greg Tingle - 7th December 2011

2011-12-07T16:16:00.001+11:00

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Motion picture producer - director genius Martin Scorsese has demanded attention over the past number of years not only with the movies delivers at the cinema, but with the films that he has in development.

Thus far he ties to a a remake of The Gambler with Leonardo DiCaprio (isn't Leo super busy these days), a reunion with Robert DeNiro in The Irishman, and the crime flick, The Snowman. Now we learn via Bleeding Cool that during an interview on Simon Mayo and Mark Kermode’s Radio Five show on BBC Radio, Scorsese appeared confident that his next film will be an adaptation of Shusako Endo's 1966 novel, Silence.

Silence is focused on two Jesuit missionaries in 17th century Japan and how one of them renounced Christianity after being tortured during the anti-Christian movements in the 1600's. How different is that to the gangster movies that Scorsese built his career upon. He's one of the world's most diverse producer - directors having pumped out such greats as Taxi Driver, Hugo, and The Aviator.

An issue that has arisen is that Scorsese's original choice for one of the missionaries was Daniel Day-Lewis, who is currently busy filming Lincoln with Steven Spielberg. It's not known whether Scorsese will wait for Lewis to become available again, or if he will recast the role.

In any event, Silence is looking good so far, and we really like the sound of Scorsese's 17th century Japan.

Quotes By Martin Scorsese...

And as I've gotten older, I've had more of a tendency to look for people who live by kindness, tolerance, compassion, a gentler way of looking at things.

Cinema is a matter of what's in the frame and what's out.

Eradicating a religion of kindness is, I think, a terrible thing for the Chinese to attempt.

Every year or so, I try to do something; it keeps me refreshed as to what's going on in front of the lens, and I understand what the actor is going through.

Howard Hughes was this visionary who was obsessed with speed and flying like a god... I loved his idea of what filmmaking was.

I also saw the Dalai Lama a few times.

I always say that I've been in a bad mood for maybe 35 years now. I try to lighten it up, but that's what comes out when you get me on camera.

I can't really envision a time when I'm not shooting something.

I certainly wasn't able to get it when I was a kid growing up on the Lower East Side; it was very hard at that time for me to balance what I really believed was the right way to live with the violence I saw all around me - I saw too much of it among the people I knew.

I do know that some Buddhists are able to attain peace of mind.

I don't agree with everything he did in his life, but we're dealing with this Howard Hughes, at this point. And also ultimately the flaw in Howard Hughes, the curse so to speak.

I grew up within Italian-American neighborhoods, everybody was coming into the house all the time, kids running around, that sort of stuff, so when I finally got into my own area, so to speak, to make films, I still carried on.

I just wanted to be an ordinary parish priest.

I know there were many good policemen who died doing their duty. Some of the cops were even friends of ours. But a cop can go both ways.

I love studying Ancient History and seeing how empires rise and fall, sowing the seeds of their own destruction.

I love the look of planes and the idea of how a plane flies. The more I learn about it the better I feel; while I still may not like it, I have a sense of what is really happening.

I think there's only one or two films where I've had all the financial support I needed. All the rest, I wish I'd had the money to shoot another ten days.

I think what happened there was just the budget would be too big to build these sets because nothing really exists here in New York of that period; you have to build it all.

I was born in 1942, so I was mainly aware of Howard Hughes' name on RKO Radio Pictures.

I'm going to be 60, and I'm almost used to myself.

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Poker News Media: Andrey Pateychuk Wins WPT Prague - 6th December 2011

2011-12-07T13:52:00.001+11:00

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Andrey Pateychuk probably felt extremely lucky to even be at the World Poker Tour (WPT) Prague final table. This year’s European Poker Tour (EPT) San Remo Main Event champ found himself all-in with A-K late on Day 3, only to see his opponent flop a set of 9’s. The poker gods were with him, though, as he hit a runner-runner Broadway straight to double-up and eventually head to the final table in the third spot with over 2 million chips. He was still 4 million chips behind the chip leader, Stanislaw Kretz, and 2.5 million behind Benjamin Pollak, but no matter. Pateychuk ran through the final table Monday to win his second major tournament in less than two months, raking $630,263 in the process.

When the final table began, here was what the landscape looked like:

Stanislaw Kretz – 6,300,000
Benjamin Pollak – 4,865,000
Andrey Pateychuk – 2,310,000
Sigurd Eskelund – 1,575,000
Adria Balaguer – 1,315,000
Russell Carson – 725,000

As might have been expected, Russell Carson was the first to go. Having already lost some chips, he moved all-in pre-flop with 5-5 and Kretz made the call with Q-9. Kretz took the lead on the 9-6-3 flop, though the 8 on the turn gave Carson a shot at a gut-shot straight. It wasn’t to be, though, as the river blanked and Carson was eliminated in 6th place.

About a half hour later, Sigurd Eskelund raised pre-flop to 125,000, Pateychuk took it up to 285,000, and then Eskelund shoved for 1.46 million. Pateychuk quickly called, revealing pocket Jacks. Eskelund had K-Q and the race was on. The flop came down Q-8-6 and Eskelund was in control. Turn: 8. And then…the magical two-outer on the river for Pateychuk. With a rivered Jack, Pateychuk made a full house, shocking Eskelund and sending him home in 5th place.

Play didn’t necessarily slow after that, but it wasn’t for almost three hours that another player was eliminated. Adria Balaguer and Benjamin Pollak both got all their chips into the middle pre-flop, Balaguer with A-T and Pollak with J-9. The flop of J-7-4 put Pollak in the lead with top pair. And then, just like what happened to Pateychuk the previous day, Balaguer made runner-runner Broadway to snatch the pot away from Pollak, as well as many thousands of dollars.

The biggest hand for Pateychuk before heads-up came just before the dinner break. He raised to 200,000 pre-flop, only to see Kretz three-bet him to 560,000. Pateychuk did him one better, four-betting to 980,000, and rather than folding or just going all-in, Kretz called, creating one heck of a pot. Both players checked after the K-9-2 flop, but not after an Ace fell on the turn (which also created a flush possibility) – Kretz bet 1 million chips and Pateychuk made the call. Despite all that action, both players checked the 3 on the river. Pateychuk turned over pocket Kings for a flopped set and Kretz simply mucked. Pateychuk took the chip lead at that point with just over 6 million.

Not long after dinner, Kretz’s downfall was completed. He got it all-in after a Pateychuk raise and was called by the chip leader. Kretz held pocket 9’s, putting him ahead of the A-6 of Pateychuk. And now, since it’s Pateychuk, let’s skip to the river: an Ace. Kretz was knocked out in 3rd place, sending Pateychuk into heads-up play against Balaguer with a small lead, 8.004 million to 7.8 million.

Less than half an hour into heads-up, it looked like a Balaguer victory was imminent. Both men went all-in pre-flop and this time, Pateychuk couldn’t get lucky with A-5 versus Balaguer’s 8-8. When the smoke cleared, Balaguer had a huge lead, 15.63 million to just 1.5 million.

But on the very next hand, Pateychuck doubled-up to 3 million when his K-J held up against Balaguer’s T-9. Then, on the next hand, Pateychuk did it again, this time with A-K versus A-Q. He was still down, but with 6.3 million compared to Balaguer’s 10.8 million, things were looking up.

Within a few hands, another lucky river and some aggressive play gave Pateychuk back the lead, but soon thereafter, Balaguer brought it back to even. Appropriately, though, Pateychuk regained the lead for good when he outflopped Balaguer with A-6 against A-J. Really, at this point, Balaguer had to know that he had no chance. Pateychuk was playing good, aggressive poker, but with lady luck on his side, there was no stopping him.

On the final hand, Pateychuk raised pre-flop, Balaguer moved all-in with Q-Q, and Pateychuk called with A-5. Since this is the final hand, you can guess what happened. The flop was an all-spade 9-7-4 and, of course, Pateychuk held a spade. But that didn’t matter. The turn was a 3 and the river was a 2, giving him the wheel at the WPT Prague title. (Credit: Poker News Daily)

World Poker Tour Prague – Final Table Results

1. Andrey Pateychuk – $630,263
2. Adria Balaguer - $320,381
3. Stanislaw Kretz – $212,690
4. Benjamin Pollak – $139,999
5. Sigurd Eskeland – $107,691
6. Russell Carson - $84,807

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George Clooney Hollywood Star To Speak In Sydney Australia Next Week - 5th December 2011

2011-12-06T19:47:00.001+11:00

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He's one of the hottest actors in the world, right up there with Leonardo DiCaprio, Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, Tom Cruise, Samuel L. Jackson and Australia's own Russell Crowe and Hugh Jackman. Some will argue he is the hottest.

Whatever the case and how you rank Mr Clooney, he is very successful and we've also learned he's quite the humanitarian and astute businessman.

For his outstanding work as an actor, he has received two Golden Globe Awards and an Academy Award. Clooney is also noted for his social activism and has served as one of the United Nations Messengers of Peace since January 31, 2008.

Clooney, adding to his ultra impressive accolades, is tipped to win the Best Actor Oscar for his latest film, The Descendants.

The majority of media think 2001 was a stand out year for Clooney, at least for commercial success in film. His fame skyrocked that year with the release of his biggest commercial success, Ocean's Eleven, the first of a profitable film trilogy, a remake of the movie from 1960 with the members of The Rat Pack with Frank Sinatra as Danny Ocean. Stealing from a casino is pretty cool, and Clooney pulls it off beautifully.

Down under (and most of the world) just loves George, so its little wonder there's a considerable ticket price attached to enjoying his 'An Exclusive Audience with George Clooney'. Some tickets are apparently selling for up to $1100 AUD (no misprint).

So, just how much moolah for tickets for the man who needs no introduction? That depends upon who you speak to - think $1000, at least at this stage of the game.

We've obtained some media blurb from International Events - a speakers event arm of Max Markson's Markson Sparks!, and it reads like this:

An Exclusive Audience with George Clooney

George Clooney is a two time Golden Globe Award and Academy Award winning actor, presenter, director, producer and screenwriter who‘s made over fortyt films. In 2007, George cofounded the Darfus aid organisation Not On Our Watch and began serving as a United Nations Messenger of Peace, receiving a UN Summit Peace Award with fellow actor Don Cheadle.

For the last five years, George Clooney has been focused on leveraging his celebrity to get people to care for something mor important that celebrity - in particular the issues of Southern Sudan. His last project is the Satellite Sentinel Project (SSP) which provides and early warning system to deter mass atrocities by focusing world attention and generation rapid responses on human rights and human security concerns.

In a rare public appearance, George will discuss how collaboration, negotiation and compromise have been critical to his success in business and his humanitarian work. Clooney will discuss how we all use our circle of influence and personal power to make a difference to the issues that matter in our professional and personal lives. This is not to be missed - a true bucket list opportunity!

The lunch time event will be held on December 12th 2011 at the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre, Darling Harbour.12 noon lunch will be followed by a photograph with Mr. Clooney and the event will culminate with a talk from 1.30pm - 2.30pm ‘The Power of Collaboration‘, including a question and answer session moderated by Ellen Fanning.

Ticket Information:
Tickets are priced at $1100 in GST or $11,000 for a table of ten, including a two course lunch a photo with George Clooney.

Only 100 guests on 10 tables of 10 will be able to attend so book now to guarantee your seat!

Dates and Times:
December 12th, 2011
Location: Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre, Darling Harbour

The Late News...

We understand that at this stage no media is invited to the event. Will Mr Markson and the powers that be change their mind in the coming days, should they see enough benefit in working with and / or collaborating with a range of Australian media companies (to raise awareness and to help sell more tickets?) Or, will Max and friends go it alone, believing that they will get the numbers they require make money on Clooney's exclusive speaking engagement in 'Sin City' Sydney? Time will no doubt tell. Yes, we're interested to attend of course, and talk about a positive news story.

Mr Clooney kindly shared some of his thoughts with news media recently regarding the working lives of his fellow actors, and this is gold...

"I cut tobacco for a living in Kentucky. That was hard work. I sold insurance door-to-door. That's hard work. Acting is not hard work.

"I've known a tremendous number of talented actors who didn't get opportunities. It's long hours, but nobody wants to hear you complain."

"I remember I was selling women's shoes at a department store, which is a lousy job."

In the interview with Hollywood Reporter magazine, he added: "I don't find (acting) difficult. I find it challenging, and sometimes I'm very bad at it, but I don't find it hard."

Will George's Main Squeeze Come Down Under Too?

That's the million dollar question. If you didn't already know, George has been hanging out with former WWE Diva Superstar Stacy Keibler (once known by such colourful names as "Miss Hancock" and "The Legs of the WWE" (because of her extremely long legs). Keibler was the only WWE Diva who ranked many times in the listed of Maxim's Hot 100. Either way, Ms Keibler nor Mr Clooney need not play second fiddle to anyone, so if they come to Australia together, it will of course be a huge bonus to media and fans.

Thanks to our friends at E! we learned the following. Ms K opened right up to the celebrity media heavyweight: "We're going to be having a lot of friends and family going together this year, so it will be fun" speaking about a Yuletide vacation with her parents—which, for the first time, will be feauturing a very special guest appearance by her Oscar-winning boyfriend. It's top secret if any of the family clan will be visiting Australia.

No word yet if Clooney will be making any public appearances, but you can bet he will be welcomed with open arms if he does.

George, thank you for visiting Sydney, Australia, and we hope to cross paths with you soon one way or another, and with the AussieWood - Hollywood connection, we think we've got a pretty good chance. You have to back yourself in life and business, and that's exactly what we're doing.

Quotes by George Clooney...

After doing One Fine Day and playing a pediatrician on ER, I'll never have kids. I'm going to have a vasectomy.

America can't beat anyone anymore.

As you get older and ease your way into being a character actor you have to be comfortable with where you are in life and career, and I'm very comfortable with what I'm doing - working on projects I'm proud of.

But I'm kind of comfortable with getting older because it's better than the other option, which is being dead. So I'll take getting older.

I bought a piano once because I had the dream of playing As Time Goes By as some girl's leaning on it drinking a martini. Great image. But none of it worked out. I can't even play Chopsticks. But I've got a nice piano at my house!

I don't believe in happy endings, but I do believe in happy travels, because ultimately, you die at a very young age, or you live long enough to watch your friends die. It's a mean thing, life.

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Casino And Gaming Stock Report: Australia And New Zealand, by Greg Tingle - 5th November 2011

2011-12-06T11:04:00.002+11:00

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Australian land based casinos continue their entertainment push, with big name celebrities and more expensive casino re-vamps in the works. The share market continues to react to the political hotbed that is the Aussie casino and gambling industry. Southern neighbour, New Zealand, is also prone to gaming being quite the punching bag. Can't wait to the next election. How about you?

Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 Index rose 0.8 percent to 4,321.3 at the close of trading in Sydney. New Zealand’s NZX 50 Index gained 0.6 percent to 3,301.22 in Wellington.

Echo Entertainment Group Ltd. (EGP AU) rose 1.3 percent to A$3.83 after the owner of four Australian casinos had its rating raised to “hold” from “sell” by Adam Alexander, an analyst at Goldman Sachs Australia Pty.

Sky City Entertainment Group Ltd. (SKC NZ) rose 0.3 percent to NZ$3.40 after the New Zealand casino owner agreed a NZ$185 million ($144 million) seven-year banking facility to repay U.S. private placement debt of around NZ$250 million.

Tabcorp Holdings Ltd. (TAH AU) declined 0.7 percent to A$2.80 after Australia’s biggest owner of betting shops was cut to “sell” from “hold” at Goldman Sachs Group Inc., which said earnings may stall in the next two years on higher license costs and a "lack of positive catalysts."

The Late News...

European gaming giant Bwin.Party Digital Entertainment, along with PKR and Virgin Games, are all understood to be keen to officially enter the Australian market. Bwin.Party has done some good warm up work on the political and business side, including now offering online poker players to win a seat at James Packer's annual poker championship in Melbourne 'Aussie Millions'. The Media Man agency has been filing regular reports here and on portals such as Casino News Media, Gambling911 and Poker News Daily are following suit. Mr Packer is understood to be pleased with the lead up news stories on the 2012 'Aussie Millions', at a time when Crown appear to be welcoming any balanced and especially positive coverage of Crown with open arms. Sydney's 'The Star' is also having a poker tourney, with much less fanfare than that of Crown. Any would be James Bond poker players out there? Comon' sport, try your luck and tell 'em the Media Man agency sent you.

*the writer owns shares in Crown Limited
*the writer is a member of The Star's 'Absolute Rewards' program

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Facebook To Enter Into Real Money Online Poker? - 1st December 2011

2011-12-03T18:10:00.002+11:00

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Rumors were abuzz yesterday about the possibility of the social networking behemoth Facebook entering into the online poker arena, but it may be that was the extent of the issue…simply rumors.

According to the popular blog “Friending Facebook” written by Emil Protalinski on ZDNet.com, Facebook has been rumored to be in discussions with several outlets regarding the future of online poker on the site. Currently, Facebook only offers “credits” that players can purchase to use to play a multitude of games that the site promotes, but it hasn’t stepped into the realm of a “real money” offering. Protalinski details out how some of the buzz regarding the possibility of Facebook stepping into online poker has gotten started.

Apparently, clandestine meetings were held over the summer between Facebook and “approximately twenty online gaming experts, consultants and social gaming entrepreneurs,” according to Protalinski. If this were to become a reality, it would happen at some point within the first three months of 2012, with the potential for up to eight licenses to be offered to potential online gaming operations through Facebook.

Protalinski notes, via eGaming Review Magazine, that two of those potential outlets have already been named as potential licensees. One of the top game developers, Gamesys, is potentially in the running for one of those licenses. Gamesys, which has been in the online gaming industry since 2001, offers bingo software as well as games based on television shows such as The Price Is Right and Deal or No Deal. The company also has a contract with Caesars Entertainment for CaesarsBingo.com.

The other operation named specifically as a potential suitor for Facebook also has connections with Caesars Entertainment, the owners of the World Series of Poker. 888 Holdings PLC, founded in 1997 and the ownership behind such offerings as 888Poker.com and the Caesars Entertainment owned WSOP.com online poker site, is rumored to be one of the companies at the front of the line for a potential Facebook partnership. 888Poker is currently the fourth ranked online poker network in the industry, having a seven day average of 2150 cash game players, according to PokerScout.com.

Protalinski points out several issues that will have to be overcome before any such partnerships can reach fruition. Age verification issues, something that anti-online gaming zealots have said would be problematic, are something that Facebook would have to deal with, as people do not always put their year of birth on their Facebook record for privacy reasons. Finding an outlet that could process real money transactions at a bulk rate would also be problematic as well as how Facebook and any partners would divvy up the proceeds.

In looking at how Facebook handles its “credits” transactions, Protalinski points out some significant numbers. Protalinski states that Facebook takes a 30% cut of revenues earned through the purchases of Facebook Credits, with the remaining 70% going to the developers of the games. To possibly see how much money is potentially involved in this partnership, PartyGaming – before it joined forces with Bwin early this year – pulled in $497.9 million in revenue in 2010. If that type of activity was seen with a Facebook gaming site – and using the same percentages as Facebook currently operates under – it would mean Facebook would make approximately $149.3 million and their partner company would pull in $348.5 million.

For American citizens, however, there is no glimmer of hope. Real money online poker through Facebook isn’t an option per the current status of online gaming in the United States. The offerings would first be done in the United Kingdom and potentially branch out to the rest of the world, Protalinski reports.

Then again, this could all just be conjecture. Protalinski contacted Facebook officials regarding this issue and quoted a representative of Facebook as saying, “We’re always in discussions with companies about lots of different ideas, but we don’t comment on future plans or speculation.” After the ringing in of the New Year, however, we may learn if these plans are true or false. (Credit: Poker News Daily)

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Marvel Entertainment News: Kenneth Branagh 'Wouldn't Rule Out' Another Marvel Film; 'The Avengers' Official Character Descriptions

2011-12-01T00:49:00.002+11:00

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Newsflash: Marvel Entertainment fans have recently being enjoying playing their favorite Marvel superhero characters at PartyCasino.com - the flagship casino brand of Bwin.Party Digital Entertainment.

Kenneth Branagh was always a fantastic choice as the director for "Thor." Even when Marvel first announced his involvement, the industry got excited, more so that usual when a director gets named.

When the film hit in theaters, critics generally praised Branagh for adding Shakespeare flavour to Thor.

Thor was a much higher quality Marvel flick than what superhero movie fans are a custom.

Branagh spoke to Variety about 'Thor'.

"Of all the American comics, 'Thor' was the only one I was really familiar with from my childhood, and it intrigued me, maybe because it was a bit more European, with those Viking helmets and its basis in Norse myth," Branagh said. "The scale was exciting, and I did love the character and the story. It had depth and gravity in addition to being an entertaining ride."

According to the Variety story, Branagh considered the entire project "a joy," and that his decision to turn down the sequel was not out of any bad feelings, but because of timing. "Monster" director, Patty Jenkins, will take over for "Thor 2."

Branagh is open to working with Marvel again, going on record with "I certainly wouldn't rule out a return to Marvel; we had an excellent collaboration."

Marvel is planning more projects after "The Avengers" this May. We're mainly looking forward to Spider-Man, Hulk and Thor themes. How about you superheroes?

'The Avengers' Official Character Descriptions...

Walt Disney Studios and Marvel Studios have provided us with official character descriptions for their upcoming release, The Avengers, in theaters on May 4, 2012. In Marvel’s The Avengers, it’s the Super Hero team up of a lifetime, featuring iconic Marvel Super Heroes Iron Man, The Incredible Hulk, Thor, Captain America, Hawkeye and Black Widow. When an unexpected enemy emerges that threatens global safety and security, Nick Fury, Director of the international peacekeeping agency known as S.H.I.E.L.D., finds himself in need of a team to pull the world back from the brink of disaster. Spanning the globe, a daring recruitment effort begins.

CAPTAIN AMERICA (Steve Rogers)
After a top secret Super-Soldier program transformed frail Steve Rogers (Chris Evans) into the powerful and heroic Captain America, his amazing WWII exploits made him a living legend. Steve saved New York City and turned the tide of the war, but crashed into the Arctic during his final mission. Awakening in the modern day, Steve learned that he had spent decades frozen in the icy tundra. Now, Steve Rogers finds himself alone in a modern world that he hardly recognizes. When Nick Fury, director of the international peacekeeping agency S.H.I.E.L.D., calls on Rogers to help save the world again, he quickly suits up as Captain America, taking up his iconic shield and bringing his strength, leadership and no-nonsense attitude to The Avengers.

IRON MAN (Tony Stark)
On top of being an eccentric genius, a billionaire, a playboy and a philanthropist, Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) is also the armored super hero known as Iron Man. Fresh off of defeating enemies the world over, Stark reluctantly agreed to serve as a consultant to Nick Fury’s top-secret peacekeeping and intelligence agency known as S.H.I.E.L.D. Now, with a global crisis on the horizon and the fate of the world in the balance, Stark must again power up his Iron Man armor to save the world, and become a full-fledged member of The Avengers.

THOR (The God of Thunder)
An arrogant prince from the distant land of Asgard, Thor (Chris Hemsworth) was banished to Earth after his irresponsible behavior threatened his homeland. While in exile on Earth, Thor learned humility and helped to save his new friends from a destructive threat sent by his brother Loki. In the process, Thor redeemed himself in the eyes of his father, Odin, the King of Asgard. After being welcomed back to Asgard as a hero, Thor must now return to Earth once again to prevent a cosmic-level catastrophe. With Mjolnir in his hand, a legendary hammer with immense power, the mighty warrior soon finds himself drawn into an unlikely alliance with Nick Fury’s secret initiative, The Avengers, lending his power to their cause against his wayward brother, Loki.

THE HULK (Bruce Banner)
After a gamma radiation experiment went awry, mild-mannered scientist Dr. Bruce Banner (Mark Ruffalo) found himself with a peculiar condition. When angered or provoked, he would transform into the uncontrollable, green-skinned monster known as the Hulk. Now, fearful of the damage that the Hulk could inflict, Dr. Banner chooses to live a discreet life in remote parts of the world, working to cure the sick and help the poor while trying to elude those who would take advantage of his ability to change into the enormous, green menace. When a mounting threat calls for Banner’s specialized scientific expertise, S.H.I.E.L.D. Director Nick Fury recruits him, knowing full well that the incredible strength of Banner’s alter ego, the Hulk, would be an asset to The Avengers.

HAWKEYE (Clint Barton)
One of S.H.I.E.L.D.’s most elite agents, Clint Barton (Jeremy Renner), code-named Hawkeye, is the greatest living marksman on Earth. Armed with his weapon of choice, the recurve bow, Hawkeye fires his arsenal of custom augmented arrows, specialized for any number of specific situations, with perfect precision. With the potential for global catastrophe on the horizon, he employs his amazing combat skills to fight along side The Avengers.

BLACK WIDOW (Natasha Romanoff)
S.H.I.E.L.D. Agent Natasha Romanoff, aka Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson), is one of the world’s greatest spies and quite possibly the world’s most skilled assassin. Armed with an extensive arsenal of specialized weapons like widow stings and cluster bombs, as well as a vast repertoire of martial arts skills, Romanoff’s unique talents make her one of director Fury’s top agents and an integral part in assembling The Avengers.

LOKI
After his bid to overthrow the throne of Asgard was thwarted by his brother Thor, the evil Loki (Tom Hiddleston) retreated to lands unknown to plot his revenge. Not just against his brother, but against Earth, whose inhabitants Thor now protects. Loki, now returns with a nefarious plot to conquer Earth and will stop at nothing to see his vision realized. When his misuse of power threatens the entire planet, it may take more than The Avengers to stop him.

NICK FURY (Director of S.H.I.E.L.D.)
As the legendary Director of the international peacekeeping organization, S.H.I.E.L.D., Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson) is humanity’s first line of defense against the world’s biggest threats. When S.H.I.E.L.D. becomes aware of an evil that threatens global safety, Fury assembles the planet’s most powerful beings and forms The Avengers.

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MARVEL, and all related characters and the distinctive likeness thereof are trademarks of Marvel Entertainment, Inc. and its subsidiaries, and are used with permission. Copyright © 2009 Marvel Entertainment, Inc. and its subsidiaries. Licensed by Marvel Characters B.V. All right reserved.

As Marvel living legend Stan Lee would say, Excelsior!

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Leonardo DiCaprio, Tobey Maguire told to ease off high stakes poker, by Greg Tingle

2011-11-29T14:30:00.001+11:00

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Tobey Maguire Ben Affleck Leonardo DiCaprio and Matt Damon

Now we know another reason that movie stars Leo DiCaprio and Tobey Maguire have enjoyed quite a bit of their time in 'Sin City' Sydney, Australia - they like a punt, and are fans of Australian land based casinos, with The Star being at the top of their list for the meantime. It's not known for certain if the twosome have played poker or gambled on Australian soil, but take a wild guess.

Many Hollywood (and AussieWood) stars love to gamble, and high-stakes poker is one of their favourite games. Privacy is high on their priorities and it's known that some forms of gambling don't sit well with the law in some parts of the world, including in the United States.

It's understood that Tobey Maguire and mates Leonardo DiCaprio and Ben Affleck are long time high stakes poker fans and may have participated in quite a few private games played mainly in Los Angeles and New York.

The word is that the FBI is probing into alleged Russian mob connections to those big dollar games.

A few months ago there was a lawsuit filed against Maguire claiming a big Wall Street investment guy paid his gambling debts with funds inappropriately acquired from his firm’s investors.

A longtime associate of both DiCaprio and Maguire is understood to have said "As much as those boys love to gamble, they don’t need this kind of hassle...It seems clear that a number of very unsavory people have used their own huge wealth to weasel their way into those games.

"No one needs a Frank Sinatra problem these days," added the leak, referring to the Mafia connections that followed Ol’ Blue Eyes most of his life.

DiCaprio and Maguire are currently enjoying a working holiday of Australia and both gents have been spotted at The Star (entertainment complex and casino - ex Star City Casino) more than once.

'Our Leo' is staring in The Great Gatsby. Maguire is not working Spider-Man, but has a number of exciting projects in the works. May the best player, er, actor Win.

All of this while online gaming companies such as Bwin.Party Digital Entertainment, which owns the World Poker Tour, attempts to get the green light from the US government to offer Americans totally legal online poker games.

Media Man is following up the story, and understands that McGuire is close to coming to terms with prosecutors on the Hollywood Poker investigation.

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Rocky tops sports film fan poll - 25th November 2011

2011-11-28T13:16:00.001+11:00

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Rocky has seen off all challengers to be named UK movie buffs' favourite sports film.
The 1976 boxing tale - starring Sylvester Stallone as fighter Rocky Balboa - is one of five movies set in the ring which feature in the top 10.

Other pugilistic stories in the list include Million Dollar Baby, Raging Bull and The Fighter, while another canvas-set movie, The Wrestler, also proved to be a knockout.

Comedy Cool Runnings, about the Jamaican Olympic bobsleigh team, was runner-up in the poll by movie rental and streaming firm Lovefilm to mark the UK release of new Brad Pitt film Moneyball.

"With the Olympics on their way and the anticipated release of Moneyball this weekend, sport is a hot topic - from living room to locker room," Lovefilm editor Helen Cowley said.

"Whether it is football favourites, bobsleighing blunders or boxing Balboas we love to watch sporting heroes cross the finishing line in style."

Top 10 greatest sporting movies voted by UK fans:

1. Rocky (1976)

2. Cool Runnings (1993)

3. Million Dollar Baby (2004)

4. Raging Bull (1980)

4. The Wrestler (2008)

6. The Blind Side (2009)

7. The Damned United (2009)

8. The Fighter (2001)

8. Invictus (2001)

10. Escape To Victory (1981)

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Frank Sinatra Film May Get Up With Martin Scorsese And Leonardo DiCaprio, by Greg Tingle - 27th November 2011

2011-11-27T16:27:00.001+11:00

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Industry talk is that the Frank Sinatra bio pic that Martin Scorsese pitched around town a few years ago is still very much on the cards to become a reality.

It was during the promoting period of his Hugo, genius director Scorsese slipped in that he was indeed going to get back to a new version of a Sinatra movie script he's had on the back-burner for a while.

DiCaprio was mentioned by name to play the lead. Rumours state Leo would not sing, as no one could ever do Frank better than Frank, so Leo would just lip sync the singing parts - not something Leo is all that much of a custom of doing, so hopefully the public (and investors) will buy into that.

Much like Sinatra, Leo likes to gamble at casinos a bit too, most recently spotted at The Star (formally Star City Casino) in Sydney, Australia, and last year Leo played some Hollywood poker for high stakes with friends including Tobey Maguire (Spider-Man), that made international headlines when the legalities of the games came into question.

It's understood that the Sinatra family have final script approval.

The first script presented too much of Sinatra's dark side to get to the next round, whereas this time around things appear to be sailing more smoothly.

The Sinatra Family have been interested in further developing their Frank Sinatra Enterprises, with games (via Bwin.Party Digital Entertainment) and memorabilia (Mattel etc) also part of a solid business model, and a movie deal would certainly get things to the next level.'

The Media Man agency, based out of Australia, will be following up the story in the coming weeks. As Sinatra said 'Hell hath no fury like a hustler with a literary agent.'

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Kerry Packer Dead Media And Gambling King Star of Channel Nine For 2012 Slot; Gyngell 'Best Ever' Year, by Greg Tingle - 24th November 2011

2011-11-25T18:20:00.002+11:00

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Kerry Packer in the grave still gives Channel 9 boss David Gyngell "sweaty palms."

Next year the Nine Network will be counting on on a TV mini-series about the late media and gambling mogul's life to deliver the massive ratings it needs to snatch back its former glory.

Unveiling its biggest investment in new television programming in the station's rich history, Gyngell championed Howzat: The Kerry Packer Story as a sure hit for Nine in a year he predicts will be its "best ever".

Staring down the gun barrel at an 18-month deadline to recapitalise company debt...and shake-up a rough-ish 2011 ratings performance - the Nine top brass gave his word his network would "deliver across the board" next year.

Confirming $120 million in new programming and business ventures at a sales lunch yesterday, a fired up Gyngell delivered: "On my watch you will not see anything go backwards in the Nine group.

"I've been part of this company my whole life and for the last 10 years we have been trying to build this company into something great. That will continue, I give you that solemn promise."

The magazine arm of the Nine entertainment business announced it will launch two new titles: Womens' Health and Elle.

Of the KP project, Gyngell told news media hounds that he's taken a hands-on approach to the TV biography, from the makers of hit ABC drama Paper Giants - to air after Nine's coverage of the London Olympics in August.

"This is obviously so close to me and we just have to get it right. It's the show I think will be our biggest hit and a story that has everything Australians love: the colour, the characters, cricket," Gyngell said.

His best mate James Packer is said to be "excited" about the production, starring Rob Carlton as his father, with shooting to begin within months.

Local content dominates Nine's lot for the new year, with another mini-series Beaconsfield reliving the rescue of Tasmanian miners Todd Russell (to be played by Lachy Hulme) and Shane Jacobsen as Brant Webb.

Smash hit reality TV series The Block and The Celebrity Apprentice return, along with singer search show, The Voice, and weight-loss challenge, Excess Baggage, which will be hosted by Kate Ceberano.

A new local drama Tricky Business, starring Shane Bourne and Debbie Byrne, will go to battle with Seven's Packed To The Rafters.

Bourne described the show at launch as a family show with a procedural element. The cast also includes Gigi Edgley, Debra Byrne and Lincoln Lewis.

"The show has a very warm heart but we're also debt collectors," he said.

Australia's most famous gold heist will also make it to the small screen with Nine's The Great Mint Swindle, starring Grant Bowler, Todd Lasance and Josh Quong Tart.

Nine is also bringing back the former Ten hit Big Brother with Sonia Kruger as host.

Hamish and Andy will be back with a series set in London in the lead-up to the 2012 Olympic Games which will also screen on Nine.

Make no mistake, the Kerry Packer mini series is the Main Event for Nine in 2012, and we tip it to be both a massive money maker, and well as act as quite a makeover for Nine, which will help them reclaim the undisputed spot as 'The One'. Knock em for six.

The late, great, Kerry Packer would be proud.

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Poker News Media: Qualify for the Aussie Millions at Crown Casino for free at PartyPoker

2011-11-25T16:17:00.001+11:00

Websites: PartyPoker.com Aussie Millions PartyPoker.com

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Room service for dogs anybody?

Gibraltar – 24 November 2011 – Qualifiers for the 2012 Aussie Millions are running at PartyPoker.com now. The online satellites to the southern hemisphere’s premier poker event are available until 8th January 2012. As ever, PartyPoker.com offers an industry leading variety of ways to secure a package, including freerolls.

In 2010 PartyPoker.com qualifiers Tyron Krost and Frederik Jensen finished first and second in the Main Event - Tyron went home with over AUD$2 million! Last year Team PartyPoker.com pro Tony G was accompanied in the high-rollers event by a dog and big mouth will again be there as the lead cheerleader for Party qualifiers.

Crown is famous for their fantastic hospitality and in the heart of summer and the Australian Open tennis Melbourne is a premier destination. Nobu room service for dogs is surely at step too far though?

The US$16,000 global prize package includes the $11,400 Aussie Millions Main Event buy-in, eight nights’ accommodation at the Crown Promenade hotel and $2,500 spending money. The US$14,000 Aussie Millions Australia satellites include the $11,400 Aussie Millions Main Event buy-in, eight nights’ accommodation at the Crown Promenade hotel and US$500 spending money. Click here for full information.

*World Domination continues at PartyPoker.com. Conquer cities and countries at PartyPoker.com until 31st December*

“Aussie Millions” and “Crown Aussie Millions Poker Championship” are registered trade marks of Crown Melbourne Limited. We are not licensed, sponsored or affiliated with Crown Melborne Limited and no such relationship is claimed, or should be inferred.

Aussie Millions At Crown Casino, Melbourne, Australia

If there’s one thing the Australians love more than gambling it’s sport and for them poker is fair game. This means that once the cards hit the felt at the Aussie Millions you can expect a raucous atmosphere from the crowds inside the Crown Poker Room. Indeed, since its inception the Main Event has grown immensely from just 133 runners in 2004, to 681 runners in 2009 and 721 in 2011.

The Aussie Millions is considered to be one of the game’s crowning majors – on a par with the WSOP or the WPT World Championship – and for good reason too. The Melbourne-based tournament is situated in one of the most desirable locations in the southern hemisphere and will again be hosted at the world-class Crown Casino complex, where all manner of poker action will unfold from January 12–30.

As ever the 2012 Aussie Millions schedule will be highlighted by the AU$10,600 Main Event, a five-day behemoth that last year awarded a staggering AU$2 million to winner David Gorr, but that will be just one of the 26 events on offer this year. Perhaps one of the more eye-catching side events taking place will be the $100,000 Challenge – a two-day event that will pit a granite-hard field of the game’s elite against one another for a total prizepool that last year exceeded AU$3,800,000. But while that blue chip tournament may well be out of reach for all but a select few of poker’s established Illuminati, there will be plenty of mid-high-stakes action for the more budget-conscious traveller, as outlined on the schedule at www.aussiemillions.com

Aussie Millions highlights

So, what should you be playing to keep yourself busy in January? Here’s our pick of the action over the fortnight. (All entries are in Australian Dollars.)

January 12–15 - $1,000+100 - NLHE Freezeout

January 16–18 - $1,000+100 - PLO

January 17–19 - $1,100+100 - NLHE Shootout

January 21–22 - $1,500+150 - NLHE Bounty Event

January 22–28 - $10,000+600 - NLHE MAIN EVENT

January 22–23 - $100,000+500 - NLHE $100,000 CHALLENGE

January 23 - $4,750+250 - Chinese Poker

January 25–26 - $2,250+250 - H.O.R.S.E.

January 29–30 - $10,000+500 - 8-Game Mix

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Best 5 Gangster Movies Of All Time, by Greg Tingle

2011-11-24T23:39:00.001+11:00

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The Godfather The Godfather 2 The Godfather 3 Al Pacino Robert Di Niro Casino (Movie) Movies Hollywood Mafia

Gangster movies are as cool as ever. In Australia we have to settle for Underbelly, Underbelly Razor (now in an Uncut DVD set), and then there was Dirty Deeds (collecting money from pokie dens et al) from a few years back. Gangster movies serve as history, entertainment and commentary. With a combination of violence, betrayal, power and family, it is no surprise gangster movies are so popular. Here's our Top 5 Gangster Movies of all time.

5. Scarface

Oliver Stone wrote the screenplay and Brian De Palma directed this movie that reflected the violent chaos that cocaine brought to Miami in the late 70s and early 80s. Al Pacino gave an epic performance as Cuban immigrant turned drug lord, Tony Montana. Lots of violence, done in a way that makes the movie even better.

4. Casino

“Casino” was written by Nicholas Pileggi and directed by Martin Scorcese. It is based on the real life story of Frank "Lefty" Rosenthal, but the protagonist’s name was changed to Sam "Ace" Rothstein. Robert DeNiro, Joe Pesci and Sharon Stone give excellent performances and Robbie Robertson did an excellent job providing the music for the movie. You don't have to be a fan of gambling to appreciate this classic movie.

3. The Godfather

Directed Francis Ford Coppola and written by Coppola and Mario Puzo, “The Godfather” is an epic tale of the fictitious Corleone mafia crime family and their struggles. Marlon Brando gives the performance of a lifetime and Al Pacino is amazing in his break out role.

2. Goodfellas

Nicholas Pillegi wrote and Martin Scorcese directed this real life story of mafia affiliate, Henry Hill. With its raw depiction of criminal life, “Goodfellas” takes away whatever romance and glamour that other movies have attributed to mob life.

1. The Godfather II

Again written by Mario Puzo and directed by Francis Ford Coppola, “Godfather II” expands on the original by both going forward and backward, covering the origins of the original Godfather, Vito Corleone. The epic tale shows how crime took down Cuba and features great performances by Pacino and DeNiro as well as Lee Srassberg who played the Meyer Lansky based character, Hyman Roth.

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Richard Branson empathy for "Occupy Wall Street" protesters - 23rd November 2011

2011-11-24T13:45:00.001+11:00

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As the fourth richest man in the United Kingdom, Sir Richard Branson is not part of the "99 percent," a phrase coined by the "Occupy Wall Street" protesters to describe those making less than the richest one percent.

But the Virgin boss and self-made billionaire has empathy for protesters currently making headlines all over the world, FOXNews.com reported Tuesday.

"It is a very positive movement, it's a peaceful movement and it needs to make businesses all over the world sit up and listen," Branson said at the Rock the Kasbah party in support of his non-profit Virgin Unite foundation in Hollywood.

He said his new book, titled "Screw Business as Usual," actually has a message similar to that of the protests.

"Basically its saying that business should come to be a force for good, it should get out there and tackle the problems of the world," he explained. "In that way, it hopefully can regain its reputation and the need to 'Occupy Wall Street' will be less."

Branson also said he is optimistic that the movement will have a positive impact in turning the corporate world around for the better.

"It should happen in packs and I really think its capitalism is going to have a good name rather than a bad name," he said. "It's up to the people who are lucky enough to be in a position of power through businesses to utilize that power responsibly that's so very, very important."

As a teenager, Branson spent time running from police wielding batons as he marched on the American embassy in England in an effort to try to stop the Vietnam War.

"I'm a lad of the 60s and I think we had a social conscience in those days," he recalled. "So from quite a young age I set up an advisory for the young people and through the advisory center I got a great understanding of people who were struggling in life, and I'm in a position where I can make a real difference and I'm determined to make a real difference."

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Stan Lee's POW! Entertainment Inks Deals With YouTube and EQAL - 22nd November 2011

2011-11-24T00:17:00.001+11:00

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The comic business genius moves into digital content with exclusive programming and a new official website and more...

Comics creator and living legend Stan Lee and his POW! Entertainment is moving into the digital content production world, inking deals with YouTube and media company EQAL.

POW! is creating a YouTube channel called Stan Lee’s World of Heroes, which will be a joint venture with Michael Eisner’s digital studio Vuguru. The company announced it will launch the channel with “exclusive programming next year based on the company’s stories around amazing characters and extraordinary individuals.”

With EQAL, POW! plans to launch TheRealStanLee.com, a site to act as “all things Stan Lee.” EQAL is known for “building influencer networks around celebrities and brands,” creating websites and social media accounts for celebs such as Bethenny Frankel, JWOWW and Randy Jackson to name but a few.

Lee sure fits the bill as a celeb, thanks to his great work with Marvel Comics, Marvel Entertainment - Marvel Studios, and all that. He's a heat seeker and truly 'The Man' of the comic industry. Lee, who co-created superheroes such as Spider-Man, X-Men and Iron Man, will receive the Producers Guild 2012 Vanguard Award and is also being honored with the Visual Effects Society's 2012 Lifetime Achievement Award. Earlier this year, Lee received a star on the Walk of Fame.

Times are good for Lee and his army of brigadiers, and things look set to get even better. Excelsior!

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Sin City writer Frank Miller calls Occupy protesters a pack of thieves, louts and rapists - 22nd November 2011

2011-11-23T18:33:00.001+11:00

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Sin City Frank Miller Batman Comics Hollywood Politics

Sin City - (Frank Miller's Sin City) speaks out on the Occupy Wall Street protesters...

Miller who brought us flicks such as Sin City and The Dark Knight Returns believes the anti-capitalist movement is "a pack of louts, thieves and rapists".

An open letter on his blog accuses the protesters of harming America with their "political garbage" and tells them to wake up to the country's real enemy - al-Qaeda.

Miller, better known for his Sin City, 300 and Batman comic books scribed:
'Occupy' is nothing short of a clumsy, poorly-expressed attempt at anarchy, to the extent that the 'movement' – HAH! Some 'movement', except if the word 'bowel' is attached - is anything more than an ugly fashion statement by a bunch of iPhone, iPad wielding spoiled brats who should stop getting in the way of working people and find jobs for themselves.

Wake up, pond scum. America is at war against a ruthless enemy.

Maybe, between bouts of self-pity and all the other tasty tidbits of narcissism you’ve been served up in your sheltered, comfy little worlds, you’ve heard terms like al-Qaeda and Islamicism.

In the name of decency, go home to your parents, you losers. Go back to your mommas’ basements and play with your Lords Of Warcraft.

Or better yet, enlist for the real thing. Maybe our military could whip some of you into shape.

They might not let you babies keep your iPhones, though. Try to soldier on.

The post has ruffled feathers with some comic book fans and news media around the globe.

In this case Miller is clearly not going for the underdog. What would Mickey Rourke think!

Miller has pretty much forever been a champion of the right wingers. Just check out the sequel to The Dark Knight Returns, The Dark Knight Strikes Again, with Batman raising hell against the Government.

Check out the Persian army in 300 that takes it to the Spartans, and then there's an attack of sorts to Islam in Miller's Holy Terror book. That book has been banned in some parts.

Readers, what's your take on Frank Miller? Not sure? Pass a little time playing the Sin City or Batman games, and you'll be glad to hear that at least you have the option to play for free or play for money.

Stan Lee's POW! Entertainment Inks Deals With YouTube and EQAL - 22nd November 2011

The comic business genius moves into digital content with exclusive programming and a new official website and more...

Comics creator and living legend Stan Lee and his POW! Entertainment is moving into the digital content production world, inking deals with YouTube and media company EQAL.

POW! is creating a YouTube channel called Stan Lee’s World of Heroes, which will be a joint venture with Michael Eisner’s digital studio Vuguru. The company announced it will launch the channel with “exclusive programming next year based on the company’s stories around amazing characters and extraordinary individuals.”

With EQAL, POW! plans to launch TheRealStanLee.com, a site to act as “all things Stan Lee.” EQAL is known for “building influencer networks around celebrities and brands,” creating websites and social media accounts for celebs such as Bethenny Frankel, JWOWW and Randy Jackson to name but a few.

Lee sure fits the bill as a celeb, thanks to his great work with Marvel Comics, Marvel Entertainment - Marvel Studios, and all that. He's a heat seeker and truly 'The Man' of the comic industry. Lee, who co-created superheroes such as Spider-Man, X-Men and Iron Man, will receive the Producers Guild 2012 Vanguard Award and is also being honored with the Visual Effects Society's 2012 Lifetime Achievement Award. Earlier this year, Lee received a star on the Walk of Fame.

Times are good for Lee and his army of brigadiers, and things look set to get even better. Excelsior!

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EON PRODUCTIONS, METRO-GOLDWYN-MAYER STUDIOS AND SONY PICTURES ENTERTAINMENT ANNOUNCE 7th NOVEMBER IS START OF PRODUCTION FOR 23rd JAMES BOND FILM “SKYFALL”

2011-11-22T13:30:00.001+11:00

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EON PRODUCTIONS, METRO-GOLDWYN-MAYER STUDIOS AND SONY PICTURES ENTERTAINMENT ANNOUNCE 7th NOVEMBER IS START OF PRODUCTION FOR 23rd JAMES BOND FILM “SKYFALL”

London, UK (November 3, 2011) – Producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli today presented the cast of the 23rd James Bond adventure, entitled SKYFALL. The film, from Albert R.

Broccoli’s Eon Productions, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios, and Sony Pictures Entertainment, is directed by Academy Award® winner Sam Mendes and stars Daniel Craig, who returns for his third film as James Bond 007. The screenplay is written by Neal Purvis & Robert Wade and John Logan. SKYFALL, which goes into production on Monday, November 7th, will begin its worldwide roll-out in the UK and Ireland on October 26th 2012 and in North America on November 9th 2012.

Joining Michael G. Wilson, Barbara Broccoli and Director Sam Mendes were members of the cast of SKYFALL, including: Daniel Craig, Javier Bardem, Dame Judi Dench, Naomie Harris and Bérénice Marlohe. The filmmakers also announced Ralph Fiennes, Albert Finney and Ben Whishaw.

In SKYFALL, Bond’s loyalty to M is tested as her past comes back to haunt her. As MI6 comes under attack, 007 must track down and destroy the threat, no matter how personal the cost.

“We’re so delighted to have Sam Mendes direct SKYFALL and be working once again with Daniel Craig. We've a great script, an extraordinary cast and an incredibly talented creative team for this latest James Bond adventure,” said Wilson and Broccoli.

The Director of Photography is Roger Deakins, a nine-time Oscar® nominee who previously shot the films Jarhead and Revolutionary Road for Mendes. The Production Designer is Oscar® winner Dennis Gassner, who previously designed Quantum of Solace and collaborated with Mendes on the films Road to Perdition and Jarhead. The Editor is Stuart Baird, A.C.E., whose many credits include Casino Royale. Jany Temime, whose many credits include the Harry Potter series, In Bruges, and Children of Men, is the Costume Designer. Action specialist Alexander Witt is the 2nd Unit Director. Gary Powell is Stunt Co-ordinator, Chris Corbould is SFX Supervisor and Steve Begg is Visual Effects Supervisor, all of whom have worked on previous Bond films.

007 fans can learn more about SKYFALL at the James Bond franchise Facebook page at www.facebook.com/JamesBond007.

EDITORS NOTE: A title treatment for SKYFALL is available and may be downloaded at www.sonypicturespublicity.com.

About Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc.
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc. is actively engaged in the worldwide production and distribution of motion pictures, television programming, home video, interactive media, music, and licensed merchandise. The company owns the world's largest library of modern films, comprising around 4,100 titles. Operating units include Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc., Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures Inc., United Artists Films Inc., MGM Television Entertainment Inc., MGM Networks Inc., MGM Distribution Co., MGM International Television Distribution Inc., Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Home Entertainment LLC, MGM ON STAGE, MGM Music, MGM Consumer Products and MGM Interactive. In addition, MGM has ownership interests in domestic and international TV channels reaching over 130 countries. For more information, visit www.mgm.com.

About Albert R. Broccoli’s Eon Productions
EON Productions Limited and Danjaq LLC are wholly owned and controlled by the Broccoli/Wilson family. Danjaq is the US based company that co-owns, with MGM, the copyright in the existing James Bond films and controls the right to produce future James Bond films as well as all worldwide merchandising. EON Productions, an affiliate of Danjaq, is the UK based production company which makes the James Bond films. The 007 franchise is the longest running in film history with twenty-two films produced since 1962. Michael G Wilson and Barbara Broccoli took over the franchise from Albert R ‘Cubby’ Broccoli in 1995 and have produced some of the most successful Bond films ever including CASINO ROYALE and QUANTUM OF SOLACE.

About Sony Pictures Entertainment
Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) is a subsidiary of Sony Corporation of America, a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Corporation. SPE’s global operations encompass motion picture production, acquisition and distribution; television production, acquisition and distribution; home entertainment acquisition and distribution; worldwide television networks; digital content creation and distribution; operation of studio facilities; development of new entertainment products, services and technologies; and distribution of entertainment in more than 142 countries. Sony Pictures Entertainment can be found on the World Wide Web at http://www.sonypictures.com.

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James Bond in bed again with Virgin Atlantic; Virgin back after Casino Royale - 21st November 2011

James Bond is flying again with Richard Branson's Virgin Atlantic, after the airline inked a new sponsorship deal for the highly anticipated 007 movie Skyfall.

Years again 007 preferred British Airways but things can change over time, and when the price is right.

Daniel Craig is understood to have excited Branson's Virgin in Casino Royale, and that's when the first Virgin Atlantic deal with the Bond franchise came to pass.

Not only did Bond pick up a Virgin Atlantic frequent flyer card, but Branson snatched a brief cameo in that first Daniel Craig 007 film.

Some viewers may recall the scene as one of Bond's enemies enters Miami Airport to plant a bomb on a 'Skyfleet' plane.

The villain walks through the security gate on the left, while a passenger standing arms-spread on the right is sneaky Branson.

EON PRODUCTIONS, METRO-GOLDWYN-MAYER STUDIOS AND SONY PICTURES ENTERTAINMENT ANNOUNCE 7th NOVEMBER IS START OF PRODUCTION FOR 23rd JAMES BOND FILM “SKYFALL”

London, UK (November 3, 2011) – Producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli today presented the cast of the 23rd James Bond adventure, entitled SKYFALL. The film, from Albert R.

Broccoli’s Eon Productions, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios, and Sony Pictures Entertainment, is directed by Academy Award® winner Sam Mendes and stars Daniel Craig, who returns for his third film as James Bond 007. The screenplay is written by Neal Purvis & Robert Wade and John Logan. SKYFALL, which goes into production on Monday, November 7th, will begin its worldwide roll-out in the UK and Ireland on October 26th 2012 and in North America on November 9th 2012.

Joining Michael G. Wilson, Barbara Broccoli and Director Sam Mendes were members of the cast of SKYFALL, including: Daniel Craig, Javier Bardem, Dame Judi Dench, Naomie Harris and Bérénice Marlohe. The filmmakers also announced Ralph Fiennes, Albert Finney and Ben Whishaw.

In SKYFALL, Bond’s loyalty to M is tested as her past comes back to haunt her. As MI6 comes under attack, 007 must track down and destroy the threat, no matter how personal the cost.

“We’re so delighted to have Sam Mendes direct SKYFALL and be working once again with Daniel Craig. We've a great script, an extraordinary cast and an incredibly talented creative team for this latest James Bond adventure,” said Wilson and Broccoli.

The Director of Photography is Roger Deakins, a nine-time Oscar® nominee who previously shot the films Jarhead and Revolutionary Road for Mendes. The Production Designer is Oscar® winner Dennis Gassner, who previously designed Quantum of Solace and collaborated with Mendes on the films Road to Perdition and Jarhead. The Editor is Stuart Baird, A.C.E., whose many credits include Casino Royale. Jany Temime, whose many credits include the Harry Potter series, In Bruges, and Children of Men, is the Costume Designer. Action specialist Alexander Witt is the 2nd Unit Director. Gary Powell is Stunt Co-ordinator, Chris Corbould is SFX Supervisor and Steve Begg is Visual Effects Supervisor, all of whom have worked on previous Bond films.

007 fans can learn more about SKYFALL at the James Bond franchise Facebook page at www.facebook.com/JamesBond007.

EDITORS NOTE: A title treatment for SKYFALL is available and may be downloaded at www.sonypicturespublicity.com.

About Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc.
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc. is actively engaged in the worldwide production and distribution of motion pictures, television programming, home video, interactive media, music, and licensed merchandise. The company owns the world's largest library of modern films, comprising around 4,100 titles. Operating units include Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc., Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures Inc., United Artists Films Inc., MGM Television Entertainment Inc., MGM Networks Inc., MGM Distribution Co., MGM International Television Distribution Inc., Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Home Entertainment LLC, MGM ON STAGE, MGM Music, MGM Consumer Products and MGM Interactive. In addition, MGM has ownership interests in domestic and international TV channels reaching over 130 countries. For more information, visit www.mgm.com.

About Albert R. Broccoli’s Eon Productions
EON Productions Limited and Danjaq LLC are wholly owned and controlled by the Broccoli/Wilson family. Danjaq is the US based company that co-owns, with MGM, the copyright in the existing James Bond films and controls the right to produce future James Bond films as well as all worldwide merchandising. EON Productions, an affiliate of Danjaq, is the UK based production company which makes the James Bond films. The 007 franchise is the longest running in film history with twenty-two films produced since 1962. Michael G Wilson and Barbara Broccoli took over the franchise from Albert R ‘Cubby’ Broccoli in 1995 and have produced some of the most successful Bond films ever including CASINO ROYALE and QUANTUM OF SOLACE.

About Sony Pictures Entertainment
Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) is a subsidiary of Sony Corporation of America, a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Corporation. SPE’s global operations encompass motion picture production, acquisition and distribution; television production, acquisition and distribution; home entertainment acquisition and distribution; worldwide television networks; digital content creation and distribution; operation of studio facilities; development of new entertainment products, services and technologies; and distribution of entertainment in more than 142 countries. Sony Pictures Entertainment can be found on the World Wide Web at http://www.sonypictures.com.

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Casinos Of The World: Land Based And Online; Media Man And Casino News Media Awards, by Greg Tingle

2011-11-22T12:13:00.001+11:00

Online Casino Of The Month: PartyCasino.com 2nd PKR Casino 3rd Virgin Casino

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

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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.

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Aussie Millions At Crown Casino, Melbourne, Australia

2011-11-21T22:33:00.001+11:00

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If there’s one thing the Australians love more than gambling it’s sport and for them poker is fair game. This means that once the cards hit the felt at the Aussie Millions you can expect a raucous atmosphere from the crowds inside the Crown Poker Room. Indeed, since its inception the Main Event has grown immensely from just 133 runners in 2004, to 681 runners in 2009 and 721 in 2011.

The Aussie Millions is considered to be one of the game’s crowning majors – on a par with the WSOP or the WPT World Championship – and for good reason too. The Melbourne-based tournament is situated in one of the most desirable locations in the southern hemisphere and will again be hosted at the world-class Crown Casino complex, where all manner of poker action will unfold from January 12–30.

As ever the 2012 Aussie Millions schedule will be highlighted by the AU$10,600 Main Event, a five-day behemoth that last year awarded a staggering AU$2 million to winner David Gorr, but that will be just one of the 26 events on offer this year. Perhaps one of the more eye-catching side events taking place will be the $100,000 Challenge – a two-day event that will pit a granite-hard field of the game’s elite against one another for a total prizepool that last year exceeded AU$3,800,000. But while that blue chip tournament may well be out of reach for all but a select few of poker’s established Illuminati, there will be plenty of mid-high-stakes action for the more budget-conscious traveller, as outlined on the schedule at www.aussiemillions.com

Aussie Millions highlights

So, what should you be playing to keep yourself busy in January? Here’s our pick of the action over the fortnight. (All entries are in Australian Dollars.)

January 12–15 - $1,000+100 - NLHE Freezeout

January 16–18 - $1,000+100 - PLO

January 17–19 - $1,100+100 - NLHE Shootout

January 21–22 - $1,500+150 - NLHE Bounty Event

January 22–28 - $10,000+600 - NLHE MAIN EVENT

January 22–23 - $100,000+500 - NLHE $100,000 CHALLENGE

January 23 - $4,750+250 - Chinese Poker

January 25–26 - $2,250+250 - H.O.R.S.E.

January 29–30 - $10,000+500 - 8-Game Mix

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Leonardo DiCaprio Sydney Party In Kings Cross Sin City Sydney; 80 Women, by Anonymous - 21st November 2011

2011-11-21T19:47:00.001+11:00

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Leo DiCaprio is starting to let it all hang out (well sort of in a fairly private way) in 'Sin City' Sydney, and in what better way than a party at an Kings Cross exclusive nightclub, followed by "after party" (I can't get much more specific - sorry Gals and Guys).

One may wonder if 'Our Leo' is trying to really nail the Jay Gatsby character for real, or is it more of a Hugh Hefner (in his prime) influence? Whatever the case, Leo sure knows how to throw a party, be it at a hot Kings Cross nightclub or on Room X of The Star (formally known as Star City Casino). The gamble to attend for sure many pretty young things (and a couple of slightly older and beefy ones) sure paid off handsomely. I'm still hurting (in a very good way). Oh god, my legs, my ass, my head, but it was worth it.

Just a week after celebrating his 37th birthday in the US, Leonardo DiCaprio held a down under birthday party last Flirty Friday night at his favourite 'Sin City' Sydney nightclub, Beach Haus in 'M+' rated Kings Cross. Some party-goers were still going strong some 24 hours later, but by that stage that party had spilled over in a delicious way to 'Room X' at The Star and at other undisclosed location. My girlfriend swears she counted about half a dozen condom packets scatted across the penthouse floor, with Ansell 'Lifestyles' looking to be the order of the day. I can recall a few jokes being shared about Ethan not "getting any" for a while, and this got the ladies' sympathy vote. Ethan lapped it up and the only complaint noted came a few hours later, apparently Ethan having a sore tongue and jelly legs. The word is that he slept in to about Noon.

Beach Haus was basically closed off to the public at large and a line of 80 something leggy and busty blondes and brunettes stretched down Roslyn St. We were in the mix with friends from Australia's Next Top Model. Darlings, I know you want a couple of names so here goes...Lola Van Vorst, Tahnee Atkinson, Rebecca Jobson and Alyce Crawford. The music was R'n'B tunes and gangster rap, and we made our own "music" later in the wee hours of the morning.

The club went all the way baby for DiCaprio who lifted the smoking ban, allowing the man of the moment - the too sweet to be sour one to enjoy his cigars, and believe us, the cigs did not hurt Leo's chances with the ladies one little bit. Lukas Haas (Inception) and former My Name Is Earl comic Ethan Suplee, kept close by to Leo, and why wouldn't they, such is his good luck, good looks and all that. That trifeca of boys was enough to make any girl go "oh ah more please."

The Great Gatsby co-star Tobey Maguire was spotted in a separated dance floor sector drinking water roughly 3am. The party at Beach Haus went on for hours and to our delight a couple of friends and I were told we were invited to join Leo and friends at The Darling - The Star casino, and a phone number was later supplied. Sure enough, the limos arrived, and we were on route to The Star. Talk about hitting the jackpot.

Come Saturday night, birthday boys DiCaprio, Suplee, Haas and a spread of others were seen at King's Cross new eatery Barrio Chino before darting across the road for a drink.

By all accounts Scorpio DiCaprio still has a delightful sting in his tail, and Spidy Maguire hasn't lost his touch in spinning his web. They boys sure know how to make a spine tingle and experience heaven from head to toe. My girlfriend, manfriend and I still have a bit of sore neck and booty-licious, but man was it worth it.

By all accounts Scorpio DiCaprio still has a delightful sting in his tail, and Spidy Maguire hasn't lost his touch in spinning webs as well. My girlfriend, manfriend and I still have a bit of sore neck and booty-licious, but man was it worth it.

My man doesn't ever let me get shared with anyone else, however they do say that the exception proves the rule - thank god. It's said that 2 is a party, and 3 is a crowd, but in this case a bakers dozen and 83 was a party of orgasmitic proportions.

If my writings seem a bit blurred here, its because they are. I'm still cumming down from a massive high, and I was rocked and rolled like never before. Please Leo, do invite us to come over again soon... just the three of us if you prefer, but I do have another very friendly girlfriend I would like you meat too.

Jay Gatsby, F. Scott Fitzgerald and maybe even the late J. Edgar would be proud.

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Super Heroes Slot Games Online At PartyCasino; Hollywood Movie Slots; Get Up To $3000 Sign Up Bonus

2011-11-21T13:36:00.003+11:00

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Casino in Adelaide, South Australia, refuses to pay punter $105,000 jackpot - 20th November 2011

2011-11-21T11:29:00.001+11:00

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An Adelaide pensioner punter is embroiled in a bitter feud with the Adelaide Casino over a $105,000 jackpot she won playing the slots.

The casino has refused to pay 75-year-old Cecelia Cubillo the money because she won it after playing a $1 credit on a gaming machine that was not being used. After admitting she won the $105,731.75 jackpot using the $1 credit on the abandoned "Fort Knox" machine, casino security staff accused Ms Cubillo of being a thief, describing her actions in playing the abandoned credit as "theft by finding".

A week later, though, the casino gave her a $250 food and drink voucher as a goodwill gesture. Ms Cubillo, an Aboriginal elder who has two university degrees and worked for ATSIC in Canberra and Adelaide before she retired, has lodged a complaint with Liquor and Gambling Commissioner Paul White, who has launched an investigation.

A senior Government legal source leaked that the investigation has raised a legal question concerning the ownership of abandoned credits on gaming machines and the consequences of those credits being played.

As a result, Mr White has conducted a formal review of the case and has now requested a legal opinion from Crown Solicitor Greg Parker.

Ms Cubillo arrived in Adelaide in 1974 with her five girls after being evacuated from Darwin following Cyclone Tracy. Her mother, noted elder Hilda Jarman Muir, was one of the Stolen Generation who took their case to the High Court in 1995.

When contacted by the press Ms Cubillo said she went to the casino - which has recently won the Major Tourist Attraction category in the SA Tourism Awards - on May 6 last year after visiting friends.

She does not drink or smoke and said she enjoyed playing the pokies "every few weeks or so when I have a few spare dollars". "To me, it was just fun, an outlet," Ms Cubillo said. "I like the bright lights of the casino."

Ms Cubillo said on the May 6 visit she had only $7 with her. She played several machines before moving to the "Fort Knox" machine. She noticed there was a single $1 credit on the machine and to clear it, had played the credit.

"That is when all the lights and noises started on the machine and the jackpot came up," she said.

After speaking to an attendant, she was told a cheque would be arranged - but then the casino's gaming operations manager and security guard became involved.

Ms Cubillo admitted she had played a credit that was already on the machine. Surveillance videos showed a man had been playing the machine.

Ms Cubillo said she was shocked when a female security guard then accused her of being "a thief" and said she would not be paid the jackpot.

"She told me it was theft by finding and I started to get scared that the police would be called and take me away," she said.

"It was very intimidating and overwhelming. I was scared that they would come and arrest me.
"I didn't steal anything, I didn't do anything other than play the credit on the machine and they accused me of theft."

Ms Cubillo said after being confronted and interviewed by security staff and a manager, she had left feeling "bewildered, intimidated and overwhelmed".

She returned to the casino a week later, accompanied by her daughter, and met gaming machine operations manager Frank Edwards.

She was again told the jackpot would not be paid and was given a $250 voucher for food and drinks.

"If I was not entitled to anything, why did they give me the $250 voucher?," she said.

"I have not used it and I will never go back to the casino."

Ms Cubillo has engaged an advocate, who is pursuing the matter.

"My parents brought me up with solid values and taught me principles, values and beliefs," she said.

"I am not a thief. I have never had a parking ticket in my life."

"I have worked hard in life to get the best for my children and I am not a dishonest person. I have done nothing wrong at all."

In a statement to the Sunday Mail on Friday, Adelaide Casino general manager David Christian said the casino "operates in a highly regulated and controlled environment".

"The statutory scheme prohibits customers stealing credits left on gaming machines," he said.

"At all times, Adelaide Casino followed its legal requirement, to the letter, and was therefore required to deny Ms Cubillo the jackpot.

"The entire amount of this jackpot was reseeded into the jackpot pool and was then legitimately won by a customer a week later."

Punters, know the odds, know your game, and know your casino.

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Online Gaming Talk Heats Up With Native American Tribes, by Greg Tingle - 19th November 2011

2011-11-19T12:03:00.001+11:00

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Native American tribes advised Thursday they want their cut of the jobs and revenue if online gambling is allowed in the United States but they don't want to lose their sovereignty to get it.

Internet gambling has been prohibited in the U.S. since 2006, which has seen players and their cash go to to websites and internet portals based offshore. With Congress searching for money to cut the deficit and create new jobs, supporters see an opening for legalizing at least some online gambling opportunities.

Should Congress act, the federal government will have to write rules and will likely collect taxes from proceeds. Native American tribes want the federal government to ensure they are allowed to operate, regulate, tax and license online gambling as well, if they choose to get in on the business.

"Although there is no legislation before the committee right now, one thing we are all aware of is the need for additional resources at the federal level," said Hawaii Sen. Daniel Akaka, chairman of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee, which held a hearing Thursday to air tribes' concerns on the issue. "The discussions surrounding potential Internet gaming legislation have only increased as Congress looks to the supercommittee to find revenue sources and Congress looks to create jobs ..."

The supercommittee Akaka referred to is a bipartisan committee of 12 lawmakers created this summer to find a plan to reduce government borrowing by least $1.2 trillion over the next decade. The committee is stalled in part over whether to raise new revenue.

A House Energy and Commerce subcommittee planned to hold its second hearing Friday on Internet gambling. There is bipartisan support for at least some Internet gambling. Rep. Barney Frank, D-Mass., has pushed for its legalization for years.

While there is no Internet gambling bill before the Senate committee, there is legislation in the House, though it already has opposition from tribal leaders.

Ernie Stevens, chairman of the National Indian Gaming Commission, said tribes have united behind some core principles, including no taxation of tribal revenues. Current Internet gambling proposals violate those principles, "and we oppose their passage," Stevens said.

One such measure, sponsored by Rep. Joe Barton, R-Texas, would legalize online poker. Spokesman Sean Brown said the legislation would allow tribes, like states, to opt out of allowing Internet gambling if they chose.

Some at Thursday's hearing expressed concern about proposals to allow the Department of Commerce to regulate operators of Internet games. Tribal leaders are calling for the National Indian Gaming Commission to continue to regulate their businesses.

The commission reported that last year, 236 tribes operated 422 gambling facilities in 28 states, generating $27 billion in revenue, evidence that the commission has the expertise to regulate tribal Internet gambling and won't have to start from scratch, learning laws particular to tribes as well as cultural considerations, witnesses at the hearing said.

Not all tribes support Internet gambling. Some see it as a potential competitor to their established brick-and-mortar casinos.

"The Tulalip tribe sees the legalization of Internet gambling as a direct threat to the economic growth in Indian Country," said Glen Gobin, vice chairman of the Tulalip Tribes of Tulalip, West Virginia.

"Do you think tribes are going to be able to compete with someone like Harrah's on Internet gaming?" Gobin asked.

Many U.S gaming companies including land based casinos are now starting to adopt online gaming into their business model, with MGM Resorts International recently teaming up with Bwin.Party Digital Entertainment (which owns and operates PartyCasino.com PartyPoker.com and World Poker Tour).

It's widely believed that the U.S will see legal online gambling up and running soon, but then again, that's been the world for years, so for much of the gaming industry, they will believe it when they see it.

In the meantime entities such as Global Gaming Directory, Casino News Media and a host of entertainment and gaming website portals should consider to do a healthy trade.

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Al Pacino Does The Star Lyric Theatre In Sydney, by Eva Rinaldi - 17th November 2011

2011-11-18T22:43:00.002+11:00

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The Star (formally Star City Casino) continues to push the celebrity angle, fresh off Leonardo DiCaprio enjoying his digs on site, and even welcoming Stevie Wonder on stage a couple of weeks ago.

Tonight the long awaited 'An Evening With 'Al Pacino' show hit an appriciative and near capacity Lyric Theatre audience.

Pacino aka 'Scarface' (Tony Montana) and 'The Godfather' (Michael Corleone) grasped the crowd from the get go, and kept them for most of the 2 hour performance. Pacino received a standing ovation from his loyal fans and you could tell immediately that the actor was there to give it his all.

Well known Australian media personality Ray Martin moderated / interviewed, which I think added to the overall show.

Cutting away to the big screen at Pacino's instruction to show some of his favourite and most powerful acting work was a nice touch and no doubt gave us Aussies the opportunity to see some snippets from some of his films that were never released in Australia. I also enjoyed hearing about what he calls his "experimental films" and it seems like Pacino is interested in getting into producing since he's funded so many of his personal projects largely by himself (despite a young Steven Spielberg warning him against that sort of thing back in the 70s and 80s.)

My favorite part of the evening was the Question and Answer session. I counted not one but three oddball type questions from the audience. If you do the math about 20% of the questions were pretty strange, but maybe that is just a reflection of different kinds of people in society. As they say, it takes all kinds.

The show was a thumbs up, however I felt that the first half of the show was more entertaining and I enjoyed his Hollywood angles and stories... especially his Marlon Brando "secrets" and The Actors Studio stories were wonderful.

The last half of the show was a bit too clever and arthouse for me, however I appreciate that many of the audience members are hardcore Pacino fans and almost worship the ground he stands on.

The show is back at The Lyric Theatre tomorrow, in what is quite likely the last time Australian audiences will have the opportunity to experience Pacino close up here.

Thanks for being so giving of yourself Al, and we hope to see you back on the big screen soon.

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Marvel Entertainment Movies Become Games At PartyCasino

2011-11-18T17:38:00.001+11:00

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As Marvel living legend Stan Lee would say, Excelsior!

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NextGen Gaming joins forces with Nyx Interactive AB - 10th November 2011

2011-11-16T22:04:00.001+11:00

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Stockholm, Sweden - Nyx Interactive AB ("Nyx") today announced the acquisition of NextGen Gaming Pty Ltd ("NextGen"), a leading independent provider of proprietary and branded slot games to the online and land-based gaming industry.

The businesses will merge to create a content-rich software provider combining NextGen's games catalogue and innovation in game design across the online, land-based, social and mobile distribution channels with the Nyx bingo, lottery and casino modules. The acquisition brings together two experienced international software providers leveraging their compatible customer base and complementary product offerings to deliver a broader roadmap of products and services to their customers. The combined business will own a catalogue of over 300 gaming titles with more than 40 customers and as a larger organisation is even better suited to meet the investment requirements of certain strategic regulated markets. Critically, the group will adopt a unified set of software standards enabling rapid delivery and distribution of content, including slots, table games, bingo, instant-win games and scratchcards to a notable customer-base that includes several World Lottery Association members, leading tier 1 operators and large casinos and sportsbooks. Furthermore, this will place the group in a strong position to profit from land-based casinos seeking to add an interactive offering to their portfolios.

The senior executive teams of both NextGen and Nyx will be combined, with games development continuing from the base in Sydney, software development and operations in Stockholm and certain client-facing roles and executive management in London.

NextGen is a privately-held company founded in 1999 which pioneered platform-independent slots content delivery. NextGen has focused on game development and has built a reputation as an innovator in the online gaming industry. NYX Interactive was established in 2006 in response to a paradigm shift in the gaming landscape, from legacy systems towards flexible, full-featured solutions able to support a multi-channel strategy for the emerging interactive gaming operators. NYX's focus on its core technology has resulted in an award-winning platform with leading edge products such as NYX Bingo.

In commenting on the acquisition, Matt Davey, CEO of NextGen added: "Combining NYX's proven bingo, casino and software solutions with the NextGen excellence in building engaging and profitable games enables us to massively improve our ability to offer market-leading product in a fast and flexible manner to our combined roster of customers. Leveraging our respective heritage in technology and product and our common employment cultures we are confident in our ability to develop, license and support a world-class suite of e-gaming products."

Also commenting on the proposed merger, David Flynn CEO of Nyx said: "Nyx and NextGen are a perfect fit. In addition to a shared set of values between the two organisations, we share a highly scalable business model and enjoy respected reputations. Our combined entity will be much stronger and our customers will benefit from NextGen's leading-edge games studio which produces some of the industry's best performing games. We are very excited about our future together." Staffan Lindgren, co-founder of Nyx added: "In light of the regulation of the European gaming markets, this strategic move puts us right in the sweet spot of what operators expect from their technology partners."

About NextGen Gaming Pty Ltd:

NextGen is a leading independent supplier of innovative games to the gambling industry. NextGen has delivered hundreds of games to our international partners and gained a reputation for delivering the best player experience. We partner with online, land based operators and software providers and our success has been built on the exceptional performance of the games we have delivered to our partners.

About NYX Interactive:

Nyx Interactive has in a short time become one of the world's leading independent and total suppliers of systems for digitally distributed gaming entertainment. Nyx Interactive specializes in developing gaming system solutions for World Lottery Association members, media companies and both private and publicly listed Gaming companies world-wide. Licensed in the Isle of Man and Malta, NYX is positioned as a provider of choice to the gaming market.

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Casinos Of The World: Land Based And Online; Media Man And Casino News Media Awards, by Greg Tingle

2011-11-15T16:51:00.001+11:00

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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.

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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.

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PartyCasino News: PartyCasino VIP Double Up; Palladium online slot; Promotions

2011-11-14T13:36:00.001+11:00

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PKR to Sign New Poker Star

2011-11-13T18:53:00.001+11:00

Team PKR Pro Welcomes Latest Member on November 17

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LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM - 11/11/11 - On 17 November, next-gen poker room PKR.com is set to unveil the latest addition to Team PKR Pro, the site's stable of sponsored professional poker players.

One of the year's most high profile signings, the new arrival is among the best poker players in the world, and will represent PKR in the biggest events across the globe.

Since Team PKR Pro was created in 2009, 13 players have flown the flag for the next-generation online poker site, each plucked from the wealth of homegrown talent which has emerged from PKR.com's tables. The current crop of six Team PKR pro stars includes EPT champion Vladimir 'Beyne' Geshkenbein and WSOP Europe bracelet holder Scott Shelley alongside rising stars Sofia 'welllbet' Lovgren, James 'james666' Sudworth, Sascha 'locodice' Walter and Marc 'Waswini' Bariller, a Frenchman who parlayed freeroll winnings into a successful online career. Former Team PKR Pros include GUKPT winner Andrew 'golfpro699' Teng and Adrien 'zlatan35' Allain who, after winning APT Macau as a $5 PKR qualifier, has recently gone on to claim a WPT Amneville title.

With current and former members drawn from the UK, Ireland, France, Germany, Sweden, Norway, Russia, Team PKR Pro has a long history of unearthing new talent from PKR's international player base, valuing not only poker ability but the community spirit with which PKR is so strongly associated. Aside from their participation in major live tournaments, Team PKR Pros create free-to-access poker strategy and lifestyle content for the PKR.com website, provide commentary on the Poker Channel's PKR TV show and contribute to the PKR Forums.

For more information on the Team PKR pro please visit PKR.com

About PKR

PKR.com is a revolutionary new concept in online poker that has changed the way the game is played. Featuring stunning real-time 3D graphics and a uniquely engaging and immersive gaming system, PKR.com brings an unparalleled and previously unseen level of realism to online poker. Developed by some of the brightest stars in the video games and poker industries, PKR.com continues to be the most innovative poker room in the world.

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Disney Acquires Sony's Merchandising Participation For The Amazing Spider-Man

2011-11-13T18:01:00.001+11:00

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"Marvel's Thor and Captain America were among the top 10 non-sequel releases of the year and we are pleased with the performance of both films and the true benefits of our Marvel acquisition should be quite visible in 2012. First, in May, Thor and Captain America will join Iron Man, The Hulk and Black Widow in Marvel's The Avengers, the first Marvel film to be marketed and distributed by Disney. The Avengers shows great promise with a record 10 million downloads on iTunes when the trailer debuted, and it is well on its way to being our next great franchise. Then in July, Sony Pictures will release The Amazing Spiderman. We're excited about the film and expect it will drive significant benefits for Spiderman consumer products."

Division is expected to benefit next year from the release of "The Avengers" and Sony's "The Amazing Spider-Man." Disney recently brokered a new deal with the studio that enables the Mouse House to collect most of the coin from Spider-Man movie products.

"To that end, we recently completed a transaction with Sony Pictures to simplify our relationship. And then in the deal, we purchased Sony Pictures' participation in Spiderman merchandising, while at the same time, Sony Pictures purchased from us our participation in Spiderman films. This transaction will allow us to control and fully benefit from all Spiderman merchandising activity, while Sony will continue to produce and distribute Spiderman films. We won't be specific about the economics of this 2-way transaction, but we expect it will drive attractive returns for Disney."

Marvel Entertainment and Marvel Entertainment movies on fire in Hollywood...

Who doesn't like a good superhero movie (or game) from our friends at Marvel Entertainment? That's what we thought.

You have to hand it to Marvel Entertainment and their movie production partners - they have been on a roll for the past few years.

Thor was awesome, so was Iron-Man 1 and Iron-Man 2, Captain America: The First Avenger - fantastic, and upcoming The Avengers may prove to be Marvel's best flick ever.

The Avengers, coming in May we understand, has signed Robert Downey Jr and its directed by Joss Whedon, so that's an awesome start.

Marvel president of production Kevin Feige recently went on record with Entertainment Weekly that Adventures of Tintin co-writer Edgar Wright "developed an excellent draft recently" for the movie. Nathan Fillion is tipped to play Henry Pym/Ant-Man.

Iron Man 3, opening in the US May 2013, re-teams Downey with Shane Black (Lethal Weapon). The writer-director, who launched Downey’s comeback in Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, has a gift for creating funny as stuff.

Thor 2 is also in the works, although without Shakespearean-actor-turned-action-director Kenneth Branagh at the helm. It's understood that Patty Jenkins, who helped propel Charlize Theron to an Oscar with Monster, will direct The Nine Worlds sequel.

Media Man readers, what's you're thoughts on the upcoming Marvel Entertainment movies? What Marvel Entertainment games have you played, or would like to play? Should Bwin.Party Digital Entertainment, Virgin Games, or another gaming brand get the next batch of Marvel Entertainment slot games?

The coming year sure looks to be as great for Marvel fans as the previous. As Marvel living legend Stan Lee would say, Excelsior!

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Echo Entertainment - The Star and Crown Limited AGM Pokie Cap Talk, by Greg Tingle - 11th November 2011

2011-11-11T17:24:00.002+11:00

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Times are a changing.

Echo Entertainment, with a capital E for entertainment, and its The Star (no longer Star City Casino)...red headed stepchild... are in some talks with James Packer's Crown Limited about... you guessed it - poker machine cap limits. The fierce rivals have found some common ground, or is it more about bit of a common enemy.

The "Aussie casino wars" as they have been described in gaming business circles have taken on a bit of a new angle, with Australia's 'Big Brother' government cementing itself on the battlefield, taking fire from Echo, Crown and the Liberal - National coalition party. One Media Man news-hound joked "It's bigger than the release of Call of Duty 3. They should be an Aussie casino war videogame".

There's been some good news for Echo coming out of its AGM. The integrated entertainment complex and land based casino owner advised revenue was stronger in the first quarter of 2011-12 and earnings are tipped to surge in the second half.

Mr Packer, perhaps a touch busier than usual, thanks to both his AGM in Melbourne, friend Shane Warne doing his thing with Club 23 at the casino, and insider, golf champ Tiger Woods doing his thing in and around Burswood Entertainment Complex in Perth, got to share his mind to shareholders (this writer being just one of them).

The famous Australian gaming billionaire showed his interest competitor Echo Entertainment, of which Crown Ltd snatched a 4.9 per cent stake in the Tabcorp spinoff last June.

Speaking on behalf of Crown at Echo's shareholders meeting yesterday, long-time Packer confidant, Guy Jalland, quizzed the Echo board whether its talks with NSW and QLD governments had covered ridding Echo's ownership caps which currently limit investors to a 10 per cent stake.

"At the time of the demerger that matter was raised with governments of each of those jurisdictions," advised Echo Entertainment chairman John Story. "Each government indicated it wished to continue the current caps."

Mr Jalland went on to ask whether these ownership caps are in the interests of shareholders.

"It's up to the government to determine that outcome, that's not of our making," said Mr Story.

After the meeting, Echo chief exec Larry Mullen, was probed about if there was any discussions between Crown Limited and Echo Entertainment to which he disclosed that the two outfits have only had talks on common business issues such as the new poker machine regulations.

It's clear that on this point Packer's Crown and Echo (E for Entertainment) have evidently found common ground, if not a common target.

Story stayed on message as JP (that's James Packer) when he railed against the pokie reforms and how it would hit the casino and gaming industry at a time when Echo and Crown are spending a combined $4 billion on new "tourism infrastructure"...that's including the redevelopment of Echo's flagship Sydney land based casino, The Star.

He advised the tipped reforms (pre-committing being a big part), "are unproven and untargeted proposals, which are at risk of adversely impacting the casino and tourism industry without the desired improvement in the occurrence of problem gambling." He said they along with many members of the casino sector are in talks with the government to find a more effective solution.

Swinging back to the Echo AGM, Mullen told investors that trading for the current financial year was in line with expectations and "solid" given the cautious consumer environment and disruptions from its redevelopment program.

Revenues at Echo were up 15.2 per cent from July 1 to October 31 he said.

Mullen pointed out that while benefits of the redevelopment of The Star will be evident from this quarter, earnings for the half year will be impacted by $30 million worth of pre-opening costs and higher initial operating expenses.

Even in the casino business, you have to sometimes spend quite a bit of money to make money, and the stakes are often higher for the casino company than for the punters that might come in to try their luck on Cleopatra, Sinatra, Monopoly, Wheel of Fortune or any other one of hundreds of game titles.

Media agencies such as Media Man and Casino News Media are currently obtaining information from the public at large as to whether The Star or Crown Casino are seen at number one in Australia as well as if both casino groups are more about gambling or entertainment, or both. Information gathers and analysts at the likes of Roy Morgan and the Australian Government are expected to be very interested in the findings.

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Echo Entertainment: Entertainment name of the game at The Star casino, by Greg Tingle - 10th November 2011

2011-11-11T00:56:00.000+11:00

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Stop saying Star City Casino... owned and operated by Tabcorp Holdings. It's The Star, run by Echo Entertainment, and don't you forget it my friends.

Integrated entertainment complex and land based casino owner Echo Entertainment advised revenue was stronger in the first quarter of 2011-12 and earnings are expected to rocket in the second half.

If you missed it, Echo Entertainment demerged from betting and gaming outfit Tabcorp Holdings in June 2011, and today operates The Star in 'Sin City' Sydney, Jupiters Hotel and Casino at Surfers Paradise, The Treasury Casino (Brisbane) and Jupiters up in Townsville.

Chief exec Larry Mullin told the company's AGM that Echo's performance in the three months to September 30 had been in line with the firms expectations.

Revenues in the period were up by 15.2 per cent and up 14.4 per cent on a normalised basis, he said.

Full-year earnings would be hit in the first half from costs associated with opening the newly revamped The Star, Mr Mullin said.

Pre-opening costs are going to be in the region of $30 million, while operating expenses at The Star will initially be higher.

Strong earnings growth is expected in the second half, due to new products and expansions at The Star, Mr Mullin said.

Second-half earnings in Queensland are also forecast to accelerate, following the impact of floods in the previous corresponding period.

In the meantime Australia's most famous gaming billionaire James Packer, and his Crown Limited - Crown Casino empire are not going to roll over and die, with casino revaps of their own in Melbourne and Perth, with Burswood in Perth expected to be rebranded Crown.

Media agencies such as Media Man and Casino News Media are currently obtaining information from the public at large as to whether The Star and Crown Casino are more about gambling or entertainment, or both. Roy Morgan and the Australian Government are expected to be very interested in the findings.

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Advertising safe gamble via James Packer, John Singleton and Robert Whyte business, by Greg Tingle

2011-11-08T20:02:00.001+11:00

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Looking to advertise and have a pretty big budget? Then perhaps one of Australia's richest men, James Packer, and a couple of his business associates can help you out.

Got a not so big budget, maybe any number of agencies can help you out, including this one.

An impressive business outfit set up by by James Packer, John Singleton and Robert Whyte is cashing in on changes to planning regulations made almost 5 years ago that took away local councils of the right to approve advertising signs on motorways.

Ah, free enterprise.

Manboom has started to erect advertising billboards worth in excess of $500,000 each along Sydney's 21-kilometre M2 motorway.

Manboom, currently owned in equal share by companies controlled by Packer, Singleton and Whyte, bought a concession to erect signs over the M2 from the road's operator, Transurban, in 1998.

For about a decade the concession delivered next to nothing, but times are a changing. The M2 passes through 3 local councils and just one, Hornsby, would allow advertising billboards. Of Manboom's 7 applications to Hornsby Council, it approved just 3.

This situation changed in 2007 when the then planning minister, Frank Sartor, amended legislation to make his very office the sign off authority for motorways.

Last year, Manboom submitted development applications to build 15 advertising signs along the M2.

The Department of Planning approved 11, after the Roads and Traffic Authority objected to 4 on safety grounds. The RTA cited fears about "sign clutter" and concerns the angle of one billboard would distract motorists.

This year Manboom put forward part two of its "M2 signage masterplan". It requested planning approval for another 9 advertising signs, including five billboards and 4 on bus shelters. The development has not achieved approval, yet the RTA has objected to the bus shelters and one of the billboards, which would overhang the road at Cropley Drive.

A question make lays over much income Manboom, owned by the business entrepreneurs since the late 1990s, would expect to deliver from advertising over the M2. The estimated cost of works for the first 11 signs, according to the development application, comes to a cool $5.57 million. That's more than 5 times the amount of money Echo Entertainment forked out for the redevelopment of The Star (formally Star City Casino).

The firm will, however, have to return a portion of its advertising revenue to local councils.

Hills Shire, which does not allow large billboard advertising, in May elected to accept Manboom's offer of $30,000 a year from 2012-13 when the advertising starts.

In deciding the approval, the RTA states it relies on national guidelines. It does not permit, for instance, advertising signs that resemble RTA signs or electronic advertising signs.

But what constitutes a safe sign remains a difficult area of research, according to Raphael Grzebieta, chairman of road safety at the injury risk management research centre at the University of NSW.

"On some highways which are particularly boring a sign on the side of the road can wake you up," Professor Grzebieta said. "On other instances you get overloads of signs, of information, and with your cognitive capacity being overloaded you have to make a choice of what to do, and you might make the wrong choice and be in a crash."

Once Transurban's $550 million M2 upgrade is finished, Manboom will try to implement part three of its signage masterplan.

They say advertising makes the world go round, so little wonder Packer, Singleton and Whyte remain high on the idea.

A Media Man insider said "They should have little trouble getting advertisers. They could even advertise some of their own wares, be it Crown Poker, Magic Millions, Perisher, or get any number of their existing advertisers to advertise on their latest, greatest, advertising platform".

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Wrestling News Media: WWE, Kevin Nash, Vince McMahon, Hulk Hogan, Ric Flair, Mick Foley, Andre The Giant, Steve Austin, The Rock, John Cena, UFC - 7th November 2011

2011-11-08T15:34:00.003+11:00

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Kevin Nash aka 'Diesel' returns to WWE Raw on Monday's episode from the United Kingdon. Nash is scheduled to resume his feud with an "injured" Triple H as part of the build-up to an expected singles match in the near future. Plus, more build-up for The Rock & John Cena teaming up at Survivor Series. Nash continues to run his official website, sporting gaming in the mix, but his site could do with a major update, not that ours is perfect either. Great to see Nash become relevant again and Triple H should bring out the best in him, but don't expect a Shawn Michaels 5 star classic.

WWE TV Network News Update...

During WWE's quarterly conference call with investors this past Thursday, WWE CEO Vince McMahon had some harsh words about talk show host Oprah's cable TV network and contrasted the Oprah model with WWE Network plans, which McMahon was very optimistic about during the conference call.

"I would say I suppose the one of the notorious ones (branded TV Network models) would be the Oprah Network, which is a miserable failure on all accounts because you have a brand like Oprah and it does take a genius to figure out that, 'Okay, why don’t we have Oprah do what she does best in our very own network,' and that's the one thing that doesn't happen," McMahon said. "So, in terms of the introduction of a network theory, you're saying, 'Okay, let's take Oprah, but let’s don’t use, let’s not whatever we do, we don’t use her and what she does best. Let’s just try and take an Oprah name and try and brand that in a big round about way,' which obviously from a common sense standpoint, it doesn't make sense... We know what our WWE attributes are. So, we have the opportunity to enhance all of that and bring further viewers, lapse viewers, and as well as current viewers and new viewers from a younger age set of two to 11 into the network, which will be extraordinary, because we are giving the audience what they want, not what they don't want."

Mick Foley WWE Return...

Mick Foley returned to WWE at Wednesday's Raw house show in Dublin, Ireland, which started WWE's bi-annual European Tour. Foley, who has hinted at a WWE return for several weeks, is in the U.K. for his own promotional tour.

Piper campaigning for Piper's Pit with Rock & Cena...

WWE Hall of Famer Roddy Piper has taken to Twitter to campaign for a Piper's Pit segment with The Rock and John Cena prior to their tag team match at Survivor Series.

"IF THE WWE DOESN'T PUT THE ROCK, CENA, PIPER IN PIPER'S PIT THEY ARE CHEATING EVERY FAN IN THE WWE UNIVERSE. THINK THERE AFRAID? i'M NOT," Piper tweeted Friday. "SPAM THE WWE FOR PIPERS PIT WITH CENA AND ROCK. I PROMISE, IT WILL BE EPIC."

Ric Flair staying put in TNA; Interesting in more business deals...

For the meantime Flair will be staying in Impact Wrestling (formally known as TNA). Flair continues to endorse Carolina's Education Lottery, and is keen to see a Ric Flair online slot game become a reality, following in the footsteps of Hulk Hogan and the late Andre The Giant, both expected to have their slots online in a number of months.

WrestleMania 28 press release; Rock vs. Cena...

STAMFORD, Conn., November 2, 2011– WWE® announced today that tickets for its annual pop culture extravaganza, WrestleMania XXVIII, will go on sale this Saturday, November 5 at 10 AM ET. WrestleMania XXVIII will take place Sunday, April 1, 2012 at the Sun Life Stadium in Miami, FL. The event will be headlined by the highly anticipated main event featuring “the most electrifying man in all of entertainment,” The Rock® against WWE Superstar John Cena®.

Ticket prices range from $25-$850. There will also be a limited number of “Gold Circle” VIP Packages available for $1,500. The Gold Circle packages include seating in the first four rows ringside, an exclusive Gold Circle VIP Stadium Entrance, a collectible WrestleMania XXVIII ticket holder and the commemorative WrestleMania XXVIII take-home folding chair. Tickets can be purchased through all Ticketmaster outlets, www.ticketmaster.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000. All tickets are subject to service charges and facility fees.

Last year, a capacity crowd of 71,617 fans from all 50 states and 30 countries attended WrestleMania XXVII at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, GA. WrestleMania is more than just a one day event, it’s a week long celebration, as WWE will be taking over the greater Miami area during WrestleMania Week. In addition to WrestleMania XXVIII, other activities will include: WrestleMania Axxess – WWE’s four day interactive fan festival; WrestleMania Reading Challenge Finals; WrestleMania Pro-Am Golf Tournament and the 2012 WWE Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. Additional information on these events will be announced in the future at www.wrestlemania.com.

Sylvester Stallone speaks to Entertainment Tonight about his Steve Austin injury during 'The Expendables'...

Entertainment Tonight's Nancy O'Dell (one-time WWE Raw guest host) caught up with Sylvester Stallone on-set at his new movie, "Bullet to the Head," to discuss the film's progression before an April 2012 scheduled release date. Stallone noted he's still feeling the effects of neck surgery that was required after he suffered an injury at the hands of "Stone Cold" Steve Austin shooting "The Expendables" last year. Austin was required to tackle Stallone, who accidentally landed on a pile of bricks. Stallone said, "It's never really the same. "You're just able to function a little bit better."

Hogan and Diamond Dallas Page starring in new movie...

Hulk Hogan and Diamond Dallas Page are scheduled to be featured in an upcoming movie, "Black River," that is currently in production. According to a synopsis released by filmmakers Corn Bred films, the movie centers around several murders, a local town secret, and a father who lost his son and whose life "rapidly deteriorates into a storm of violence, murder, and small town intrigue."

UFC 138 Gets Fox Sports...

After more than a devade of working his arse off and telling anyone who would listen that mixed martial arts would one day surpass soccer as the world’s most popular sport, UFC president Dana White has finally gotten to the super big time in the sports media world.

The UFC, the major league of MMA, will debut on network television on Saturday when Fox Sports airs the heavyweight title bout between champion Cain Velasquez and No. 1 contender Junior dos Santos live at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT from the Honda Center in Anaheim, Calif.

The seven-year deal between the UFC and Fox, which runs through 2018, is an affirmation of the brilliant work done in the last decade by White and UFC co-founders Frank and Lorenzo Fertitta (casino, gaming and entertainment entrepreneurs from Station Casinos) in building a sport from the ground up.

The Velasquez-dos Santos match up is an interesting clash of styles, pitting Velasquez’s top line wrestling and awesome conditioning against dos Santos’ terrific boxing and underrated jiu jitsu.

The match up would have been a huge pay-per-view main eventer, but when he finally landed the network deal, White didn't hesitated to offer it as the first Fox main event. The show will essentially serve as a one-hour promo for the UFC, and there could be no better way to showcase the sport at its best than by putting the two top fighters in the sport’s marquee division on network television in front of the largest possible audience.

“This is a throwback to the old days of boxing,” White said. “We are putting a big fight – a huge fight – on free TV to expose this thing to a new audience. Our goal has always been to bring big fights back to network television. We are thinking long-term for the future of this sport. It is an investment in the future of the UFC. Fans that have never seen the UFC before will see this show, and that’s why we decided to put Cain and Junior in this position.

“I know for a fact this is going to be an awesome fight. I know it is going to be great. That’s why it was these two [fighters] in this position. I have no worries at all this is going to be a great fight.”

As its popularity has grown, the UFC has added a vast array of businesses. There is now a UFC video game, a UFC magazine and UFC-branded gyms. There are DVDs, trading cards, action figures, fan festivals and tons of clothing.

The turnaround that White and the Fertittas engineered with the UFC, which they bought for $2 million in Jan. 2001, is every bit as impressive as what Vince McMahon did with the old WWWE -Titan Sports, bringing it to WrestleMania and sports entertainment level.

White and the Fertitta brothers engineered a similar turnaround with the UFC. Less than five years into their ownership, they were $44 million in debt and on the verge of selling the company.

White, though, believed deeply in the sport and in putting on the best, most evenly matched fights he could. Then, he encouraged his fighters to compete in a fan-friendly style, awarding cash bonuses for Fight of the Night, Knockout of the Night and Submission of the Night. In addition, White often pays fighters locker-room bonuses, which are above and beyond what fighters are contracted to earn, if he likes their matches. Those bonuses have gone in excess of $1 million at times.

Making the best fights he could and rewarding the fighters who delivered entertaining bouts are key reasons for the UFC’s skyrocketing popularity and is largely what made the Fox deal possible.

The UFC flourished on cable. Its deal with Spike saved the company and helped it to get to the point where every major broadcast network had some degree of interest.

It’s still got a long way to go however. UFC fighters aren’t nearly as well known as stars in other sports or sports entertainment. No UFC fighter is close to WWE's The Rock, John Cena, Steve Austin or Impact Wrestling's Hulk Hogan.

White is banking on the Fox deal to help bring the UFC into the mainstream. Lightweight contender Joe Lauzon, who fought on “The Ultimate Fighter” reality show on Spike, is convinced Fox will propel the sport to the next level.

“This is just the beginning,” Lauzon said. “The UFC took a huge jump when they got on TV with ‘The Ultimate Fighter,’ [though] no one really understood how big of a deal it was until after the fact. Look how far the UFC has come with just Spike, basically.

“Now that they have Fox, and it’s going to take another tremendous jump. I think that Lorenzo Fertitta was saying it’s a commercial for the UFC. They’re going to use these Fox shows to get attention and funnel people into the pay-per-view.”

Prior to this deal, Velasquez would be preparing to defend his belt on pay-per-view. But White, 42, grew up in an era when there was still plenty of live boxing on television. He religiously watched fights on the weekends on ABC’s “Wide World of Sports” and during the week on USA Network’s “Tuesday Night Fights.”

The biggest stars in the sport competed in those fights. But when pay-per-view came along, boxing promoters took their stars off network television and put them on PPV, where they were fighting in front of a significantly smaller audience.

White never forgot that, and when he took over the UFC, he vowed that he would honor the “Wide World of Sports” tradition and put big fights on free television when he got the opportunity.

There are few bigger bouts than a heavyweight championship match. Velasquez, who defeated former WWE megastar Brock Lesnar 13 months ago to win the belt, is an unlikely star in many ways.

A two-time All-American wrestler at Arizona State, he is soft-spoken and polite and not the kind of person to draw attention to himself. But he’s a fierce fighter who has become a fan favorite because of his aggressive, entertaining style.

He was on the set of Fox’s NFL pre-game show and has made dozens of appearances as he’s prepared to face dos Santos. Seeing the growth of the sport up-close has been mind-boggling to him.

“I saw it growing because it’s a very fun sport to watch, and it appeals to a young audience,” Velasquez said. “I never saw this, though. This is well beyond what I thought would ever be possible.”

And it’s only going to get bigger. The Fox contract will expose the sport to many who haven’t given it a chance and will help White cultivate an entirely new segment of fans.

The UFC may never become bigger worldwide than soccer, as White predicts, but that’s hardly a problem.

The combination of a network TV deal and White’s firm commitment to putting first-rate fights consistently on Fox will guarantee that the UFC’s growth spurt is nowhere close to being finished.

Make no mistake, UFC is right up their with WWE and most say its already far surpassed professional boxing (while taking away legions of fans from the sweet science).

White and his UFC are on top of the world, right next to WWE's Vince McMahon, who he has deep respect for.

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MGM Resorts, Boyd Gaming, Bwin.Party Digital Entertainment In Talks For US Online Poker; Casino, by Greg Tingle

2011-11-07T20:27:00.002+11:00

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Shares in Bwin.Party have jumped in recent days with news that the company has joined forces with leading casino brands MGM Resorts International and Boyd Gaming to offer online poker to US residents once legislation is passed in the States, a number of experts have advised not to get too excited, too soon.

Land based casino operators MGM Resorts International and Boyd Gaming this past week unveiled a plan to partner with online gambling company Bwin.Party Digital Entertainment, subject to the legalization of Internet gambling in the United States.

Gibraltar-based Bwin.Party, the world's largest publicly traded online gaming company, was formed earlier this year through the merger of Austria's Bwin and PartyGaming.

Bwin.Party would own 65 percent of a start-up company that would offer online poker to U.S.-based players, while MGM would own 25 percent and Boyd would have a 10 percent stake.

U.S. prosecutors earlier this year accused the owners of three of the largest Internet poker companies of tricking regulators and banks into processing billions of dollars in illegal gambling proceeds.

That crackdown derailed a similar deal between online gambling operator PokerStars and Las Vegas-based Wynn Resorts Ltd. Steve Wynn is understood to have gotten out of that deal in approximately one week.

MGM closed its original Internet gambling operations in mid-2003, citing regulatory uncertainties.

"There is now an overarching opinion in Washington that this needs to be addressed," MGM Chief Executive Officer Jim Murren told Reuters in a telephone interview. "U.S. citizens are putting their financial assets at risk on sites that the U.S. government has no comfort over how they are being operated."

Wynn, MGM and other land based casino operators have been lobbying hard in recent years for U.S. legalization of online poker...which they say is primarily a game of skill, rather than other forms of gambling where the customer is playing against the "house."

Their goal is legislation at the federal level, but legalization efforts are also underway in several states.

"Federal legislation is a vastly better solution ... to avoid any ambiguities in laws," Murren said.

Casino companies argue that millions of Americans are already playing online poker on websites operated from overseas and legalization would bring that revenue to the United States, where it could be taxed, jobs would be created and integrity could be assured.

Opponents, including groups like the Southern Baptist Convention, say online gambling is an irresponsible way to raise revenue.

Boyd Gaming and MGM Resorts also said each has agreements to use Bwin.Party's technology under its own brands.

MGM owns 10 casinos on the Las Vegas Strip, ranging from Circus Circus to the Bellagio, as well as casino-resorts in Mississippi and Michigan and joint ventures in New Jersey and Macau, the only place in China where gambling is legal.

Macau is currently seen as a more go ahead region for the gambling business than Las Vegas.

Boyd Gaming, which runs Las Vegas properties that cater mainly to local residents rather than tourists, owns and operates 16 casino properties in six states.

Bwin.Party Digital Entertainment is looking to expand in a number of countries. The United States is their key target, however they also have Australia and New Zealand squarely in their sights.

Bwin.Party Digital Entertainment is known around the globe for brands such as PartyCasino.com PartyPoker.com and World Poker Tour.

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Leonardo DiCaprio Leaves Sydney For LA; Lindsay Lohan Crashes J. Edgar Party

2011-11-07T18:33:00.002+11:00

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The Great Gatsby Baz Luhrmann Leonardo Dicaprio Tobey Maguire Hollywood Sydney United States News Financial News Casino News Poker News Entertainment News

Leonardo DiCaprio has left the building... the building / buildings being the old White Bay Power Station at Rozelle, Fox Studios Moore Park, and The Star (the revamped former Star City Casino, where he occupied an entire floor).

It's been a busy week or two for international celebs coming and going from Sydney and Melbourne, Australia), with some like Kim Kardashian not even making it to the races in Melbourne, but Sarah Jessica Parker and Ms Liz Hurley (accompanied by Shane Warne) did make it.

Sydney was however given a wide berth by action movie star Val Kilmer, who did both Brisbane and Melbourne via his appearance at the Supanova - comic book and pop culture etc festival.

Swinging up to LA, US of A, we understand that Leonardo DiCaprio is happy to be back on United States soil, after a bit of cat and mouse with Australian news media, namely at The Star, Fox Studios, White Bay and even his homely rented digs at Vaucluse.

Business, and a good spread of pleasure for Leo is what got him back to the US. We guess it helps motivate you to keep busy if your getting in the region of $20 million per film.

From Hollywood freight train smashing movie business records, enter Hollywood train wreck Lindsay Lohan.

Lohan crashed the party for Leonardo DiCaprio's upcoming movie J. Edgar, and many insiders say she was still sporting same hair and the makeup her Playboy nude shoot, that apparently netted her multiply hundred thousands. Some say about a million bucks, but that sounds like a bit of a stretch.

Lohan, who jumped across from her risqué Playboy shoot and has one foot just about in the jail cell for probation violations, told doormen and anyone else that would listen she was an invited guest to the party for the Clint Eastwood-directed biopic about FBI top brass Hoover and smooshed her way past security at the famous Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel.

Media tip offs came from the likes of AP, wires and the New York Post, and we figured they all can't be telling a mistruth.

"Lindsay was arguing with the security to let her in, dropping every celebrity's name to get in," a leak disclosed. "She could be heard saying, 'I have to go and see Leo.' Eventually they let her in, but she made everybody uncomfortable. She was aggressive and random, storming around. She tried to get to Leo, but he was surrounded by his security and a posse of his friends."

Gatsby director Luhrmann was delighted to have worked with Leo downunder, and is strongly rumoured to soon start shooting scenes at the Blue Mountains.

Leo is going to stay busy and the industry is a abuzz with news that he's close to an official sign on date with Quentin Tarantino via his new film production 'Django Unchained'.

Insiders tip that if Leo goes ahead with Tarantino it will see a new era for Leonardo, but will it be good, bad or indifferent?

The word is that Leonardo DiCaprio is very seriously considering the role of the main villain, Calvin Candie, who doesn't show on screen until the second half of the film. Think ala a 'Kill Bill' grand entrance.

Leaks who have put they eyes over screenplay tip Candie is the plantation owner who Django must kill, an eccentric who adores French culture and demands to be called "monsieur".

Hollywood (and AussieWood) have seen better days, but massive successes like Australia's 'Red Dog' are the exception, not the rule.

If the next few weeks are anything like the past couple, its sure going to be interesting to follow the likes of Leo, Lohan and Kardashian, but don't expect any of them to open right up to the media, with all having a bit of a love - hate relationship with the press.

Our money is on DiCaprio, Eastwood and Tarantino to all continue to go great guns in the business, but as to what happens to Lohan and Kardashian is anyone's guess.

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Marvel Entertainment Movies Become Games At PartyCasino

2011-11-05T18:04:00.000+11:00

PartyCasino.com Marvel website PartyCasino.com website

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Bruno Sammartino Honored - 9th October 2011

2011-11-05T13:03:00.001+11:00

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Italian promotion, Adriatic Wrestling League, gave paid tribute to legend Bruno Sammartino, who attended the show as a guest.

At the beginning of the show, the common of Pizzoferrato invited athletes in the ring of AWL and international guest star, former world champion in the WWF, the legend Bruno Sammartino to reward him with a plaque.Bruno Sammartino received a tribute on the part of Adriatic League Wrestling and began to retrace his early career, when he survived a serious illness, how he manages with great humility and hard work to train and fight in the Olympic weightlifting to become a professional and record-and calls on all the fans and wrestlers to work hard to pursue their goals.

-Il Marchese defeated Anatema by submission with a Torture Rack.

-Alextreme defeated Matt Mountain with a Fireman's carry Double Knee Gutbuster.

-Tyler Blaze defeated Andrew Winston with an irregular school boy. -Kid Kazama defeated Xander Fenix whit a Cross Legged Samoan Driver. -Low G defeated "Iceman" Flavio Pantaleo whit his Death Sentence.

At the end of the match Low G attacked Flavio Pantaleo helped by Marchese,Tyler Blaze, Xander Fenix e Matt Mountain. Come to help Pantaleo are Kid Kazama, Andrew Winston, Anatema e Alextreme, who save him from the beating.

At the end of the show, they celebrated the 76th birthday of Bruno Sammartino.

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Australian Sports Entertainment Website Updated

2011-11-05T10:57:00.003+11:00

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2011-11-05T10:57:00.001+11:00

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Shane Warne To Sign for Big Bash League, by Greg Tingle - 4th November 2011

2011-11-04T16:10:00.001+11:00

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International - Australian jet setter and living legend of cricket (and celeb poker player) Shane Warne is set to be unmasked as the marquee signing for the Melbourne Stars in the Twenty20 Big Bash League next week.

Only last fortnight, Warnie was in Sydney promoting his 'Hot Wheels Spin King', but not cricket and his new club at Melbourne's Crown Casino have snatched his focus.

KFC chicken or not, this cricket thing is set to grow wings and fly like the wind.

The Sydney Morning Herald reports that Warne has been temped out of retirement with a lucrative financial deal that includes a spot on the Big Bash League's pay television coverage and a marketing - promotional deal for the 42-year-old's new business enterprise, Club 23, at Melbourne's Crown Casino.

The legendary leg-spinner has not played top line cricket in Australia since the 2006-2007 Ashes flogging over England.

Warne's spot in the new Twenty20 games will provide a much-needed media and exposure lift for Cricket Australia, who will chip in with a marketing bonus in the region of $50k in return for Warne promoting the eight-team league around the Australia.

It's hoped Warnie will be playing in a few games, including in the opening match against Sydney Thunder on December 17.

Warne's manager, James Erskine, tipped he would be fine to take a year off from his commentary duties with Network Nine Australia in order to play hard in the Big Bash League.

It's believed that Warne mate, media and gaming magnate, James Packer, from Crown Limited fame, is looking forward to seeing Warnie play some cricket again.

"He has a non-exclusive arrangement with Channel Nine," Erskine explained.

"It's not a contract, it's a handshake deal, so he decides (what) he wants to do, and if he was going to play full-time it would probably mean taking a year off commentary in Australia."

"Twenty20, I played it for four years in India," Warne said on The Footy Show.

"I love the Twenty20, I think it's great that the Big Bash is coming here to Melbourne ... I'm definitely going to play a few games, which will be good fun and help out some young players.

"I'm not leaning one way or the other [Renegades or Stars] but I'm definitely going to play a few games and have some fun."

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Bwin.Party Shares Jump On News Of MGM, Boyd Partnership - 3rd November 2011

2011-11-03T23:52:00.001+11:00

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Shares in Bwin.Party have jumped in recent days with news that the company has joined forces with leading casino brands MGM Resorts and Boyd Gaming to offer online poker to US residents once legislation is passed in the States, some experts have advised not to get too excited, too soon.

Share prices rose 11p at 120.7p following the press releases. The firms have entered into a long term 15-year deal.

“This is a potentially huge long-term deal that, along with bwin.party’s excellent European assets and brands, supports our bull stance. Short-term risk remains over changes to German legislation, but we think this is priced in and the shares are good value on current estimates.” Said James Hollins of Evolution Securities.

Paul Leyland at Investec was a bit more low key with his thoughts. “We would not get carried away for three reasons. One, legalisation of poker is still likely to take some time and bwin.party’s ‘suitability’ is not guaranteed. Two, a US regulated poker market is likely to be far less lucrative than historical ‘.com’. Three, medium-term performance should still focus on Europe.”

Bwin.Party Digital Entertainment is known around the globe for brands such as PartyCasino.com PartyPoker.com and World Poker Tour.

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Bwin.Party Digital Entertainment agrees American joint venture with MGM Resorts and Boyd Gaming - 2nd November 2011

2011-11-03T15:00:00.000+11:00

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Bwin.Party Digital Entertainment Plc has announced details of a joint venture agreement with US bricks and mortar casino groups MGM Resorts International and Boyd Gaming Corp that will see them offer online poker in America should it become regulated and licensed.

The deal will see bwin.party, MGM and Boyd form a jointly-owned US-based company (‘Federal NewCo’) with bwin.party owning 65%, MGM owning 25% and Boyd owning 10%. Should federal legislation be enacted the joint venture would offer online poker to US players via the World Poker Tour and PartyPoker brands with bwin.party providing the software and support. Should US poker be legalised at the state rather than federal level a new stand-alone company would be created to develop opportunities on a state by state basis.

“Our strategy has been designed to address any and all legislative outcomes, whether federal or state-by-state.” said Jim Ryan and Norbert Teufelberger, the Co-CEOs of bwin.party. “We are particularly excited to be working with MGM and Boyd. Combining their significant assets and regulatory expertise with the strength of our PartyPoker and World Poker Tour brands, all supported by our in-house technology, makes us perfectly positioned for any future opening of the US online poker market.”

In addition to the customer facing deal, bwin.party, MGM and Boyd also revealed details of a two separate 15-year business to business agreements that would “enable them to offer real money online poker services under their own brands in the US using the bwin.party technology platform and associated services.”

Jim Murren, Chairman and CEO of MGM Resorts International, said 'MGM has long been supportive of federal legislation to strengthen UIGEA and provide the needed regulations and consumer protections for online poker. MGM is proud to have bwin.party as our partner as they have the assets and experience that, combined with our brands, can ensure a secure, fair and entertaining online poker experience.”

Keith Smith, President and CEO of Boyd Gaming, added “We believe the right approach to offering legal online poker in the United States is through a federal regulatory structure that ensures the games are conducted with the greatest possible integrity and security. Should Congress enact legislation to legalise Internet poker, this agreement will allow us to partner with the world’s most experienced and prestigious online operator to offer a secure, fair and entertaining experience for players in the United States.”

Bwin.Party also confirmed that it is set to enter a preliminary suitability review with the Nevada Gaming Control Board in order to secure an advanced finding of suitability in anticipation of future US-facing real money poker opportunities.

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Leonardo DiCaprio Filming The Great Gatsby In Sydney, by Greg Tingle - 1st November 2011

2011-11-01T15:23:00.002+11:00

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Leonardo DiCaprio had enjoyed his first appearance on the Sydney set of The Great Gatsby yesterday.

The megastar, who portrays millionaire Jay Gatsby, walked around the White Bay set with co-star Tobey Maguire.

It's understood they worked on matters such as rehearsing lines. They two were also seen in a vintage yellow auto to shoot a scene while driving.

DiCaprio was looking dashing in this three-piece suit. Make no mistake, he's the picture perfect Hollywood leading man, but is anyone looking to topple 'Our Leo', we wonder.

The Great Gatsby is a Baz Luhrmann-directed film which has some key scenes shot in Sydney's inner west (Balmain - Rozelle region), with production budget in the region of $88 million. Word is budget may be raised if need be, such is the importance of the project.

Rozelle's abandoned White Bay power station has been recreated to resemble a wasteland on the outskirts of 1920's New York.

Insiders understand the movie will pour about $120 million into the New south Wales economy over the four-month shoot.

The project is a real shot in the arm for the entertainment industry with about 1300 people working on the film in some capacity, including 275 full-time crew and 150 in post-production.

Film locations in Sydney include Fox Studios at Moore Park, Rozelle - White Bay, but we're yet to know the location of the mansion which will home 'Our Leo's' character.

DiCaprio and co-star Tobey Maguire have been enjoying their time on set and have been rehearsing lines and leaving nothing to chance.

DiCaprio looked dashing in a period suit and trim straw hat, right out of the 20s. Maguire was right there next to him, playing perceptive narrator and character Nick Carraway, seeing right through the deceptiveness and flaws of Jay Gatsby.

Sydney appears to have caught Leonardo DiCaprio fever in a big way. Expect to hear all sorts of gossip on the man today - Melbourne Cup Day. We're betting that The Great Gatsby will prove to be some of the greatest work ever by DiCaprio, much of the cast and of course by celebrated director, Mark Anthony "Baz" Luhrmann.

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Australia Day 2012 At Bondi Beach, Sydney - Havaianas Thong Challenge - 26th January 2012

Hulk Hogan Pro Wrestling God Tours Casinos; Sports Entertainment News Update, by Greg Tingle

Kapow! EPIX Pre-empts Stan Lee Documentary Before Slamdance Debut

"Spider-Man" Broadway producers sue director Taymor - 18th January 2012

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James Bond Skyfall Movie Shooting In London

Movie Box Office News: Tom Cruise leads US box office for 2011

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

Cruise rings in New Year at top of box office - 2nd January 2012

Alan Jones Joins Cast Of Annie The Musical At Lyric Theatre; The Star

Marvel Studios 2004 Films; Marvel Entertainment News; Thor II Director Announced

The Star Lyric Theatre To Open Annie The Musical In Sydney

'Mission: Impossible' Energizes Holiday Box Office With Robust $46.2M

Bwin.Party Digital Entertainment Profiles; PartyCasino And PartyPoker Get New Promotions And Games

Australian Sports Entertainment Website Updated

UFC® Sydney Alves vs. Kampmann

Battle of the Smashers II At Drummoyne Oval On 18th December 2011

Crown Casino And Crown Limited News Update

Frank Sinatra's Rat Pack Birthday Extravaganza

Marvel Studios Considering ‘Game of Thrones’ Vets Alan Taylor and Daniel Minahan to Direct ‘Thor 2′; Will Also Hire a New Writer

Casino Executive Based In Las Vegas Not A Fan Of Online Gambling; Competitor Is Pro Online Casino - Poker, by Greg Tingle - 8th December 2011

Martin Scorsese Confirms Next Project Is "Silence", by Greg Tingle - 7th December 2011

Poker News Media: Andrey Pateychuk Wins WPT Prague - 6th December 2011

George Clooney Hollywood Star To Speak In Sydney Australia Next Week - 5th December 2011

Casino And Gaming Stock Report: Australia And New Zealand, by Greg Tingle - 5th November 2011

Facebook To Enter Into Real Money Online Poker? - 1st December 2011

Marvel Entertainment News: Kenneth Branagh 'Wouldn't Rule Out' Another Marvel Film; 'The Avengers' Official Character Descriptions

Leonardo DiCaprio, Tobey Maguire told to ease off high stakes poker, by Greg Tingle

Rocky tops sports film fan poll - 25th November 2011

Frank Sinatra Film May Get Up With Martin Scorsese And Leonardo DiCaprio, by Greg Tingle - 27th November 2011

Kerry Packer Dead Media And Gambling King Star of Channel Nine For 2012 Slot; Gyngell 'Best Ever' Year, by Greg Tingle - 24th November 2011

Poker News Media: Qualify for the Aussie Millions at Crown Casino for free at PartyPoker

Best 5 Gangster Movies Of All Time, by Greg Tingle

Richard Branson empathy for "Occupy Wall Street" protesters - 23rd November 2011

Stan Lee's POW! Entertainment Inks Deals With YouTube and EQAL - 22nd November 2011

Sin City writer Frank Miller calls Occupy protesters a pack of thieves, louts and rapists - 22nd November 2011

EON PRODUCTIONS, METRO-GOLDWYN-MAYER STUDIOS AND SONY PICTURES ENTERTAINMENT ANNOUNCE 7th NOVEMBER IS START OF PRODUCTION FOR 23rd JAMES BOND FILM “SKYFALL”

Casinos Of The World: Land Based And Online; Media Man And Casino News Media Awards, by Greg Tingle

Aussie Millions At Crown Casino, Melbourne, Australia

Leonardo DiCaprio Sydney Party In Kings Cross Sin City Sydney; 80 Women, by Anonymous - 21st November 2011

Super Heroes Slot Games Online At PartyCasino; Hollywood Movie Slots; Get Up To $3000 Sign Up Bonus

Casino in Adelaide, South Australia, refuses to pay punter $105,000 jackpot - 20th November 2011

Online Gaming Talk Heats Up With Native American Tribes, by Greg Tingle - 19th November 2011

Al Pacino Does The Star Lyric Theatre In Sydney, by Eva Rinaldi - 17th November 2011

Marvel Entertainment Movies Become Games At PartyCasino

NextGen Gaming joins forces with Nyx Interactive AB - 10th November 2011

Casinos Of The World: Land Based And Online; Media Man And Casino News Media Awards, by Greg Tingle

PartyCasino News: PartyCasino VIP Double Up; Palladium online slot; Promotions

PKR to Sign New Poker Star

Disney Acquires Sony's Merchandising Participation For The Amazing Spider-Man

Echo Entertainment - The Star and Crown Limited AGM Pokie Cap Talk, by Greg Tingle - 11th November 2011

Echo Entertainment: Entertainment name of the game at The Star casino, by Greg Tingle - 10th November 2011

Advertising safe gamble via James Packer, John Singleton and Robert Whyte business, by Greg Tingle

Wrestling News Media: WWE, Kevin Nash, Vince McMahon, Hulk Hogan, Ric Flair, Mick Foley, Andre The Giant, Steve Austin, The Rock, John Cena, UFC - 7th November 2011

MGM Resorts, Boyd Gaming, Bwin.Party Digital Entertainment In Talks For US Online Poker; Casino, by Greg Tingle

Leonardo DiCaprio Leaves Sydney For LA; Lindsay Lohan Crashes J. Edgar Party

Marvel Entertainment Movies Become Games At PartyCasino

Bruno Sammartino​ Honored - 9th October 2011

Australian Sports Entertainment Website Updated

Australian Sports Entertainment Website Updated

Shane Warne To Sign for Big Bash League, by Greg Tingle - 4th November 2011

Bwin.Party Shares Jump On News Of MGM, Boyd Partnership - 3rd November 2011

Bwin.Party Digital Entertainment agrees American joint venture with MGM Resorts and Boyd Gaming - 2nd November 2011

Leonardo DiCaprio Filming The Great Gatsby In Sydney, by Greg Tingle - 1st November 2011

Bruno Sammartino Honored - 9th October 2011