Wednesday 31 August 2011

G-Shock Moment In Time Party At The Standard Lo-Fi Darlinghurst, by Eva Rinaldi - 31st August 2011



Darlinghurst's Lo-Fi Collective was pumping hard tonight as Casio (the watch brand) largely financed the liquor fuelled festivities.

Celebrities were a plenty, and as can be expected Big Boi...real name Antwan André Patton    (American Hip Hop Artist from Outkast) turned up late.

There were plenty of Casio watches on display. We're not sure if Casio knows about Patton's colourful biography and powerful news media portfolio.

Patton's mates DJ Mafia, DJ Cam Mahoney and a few of Bondi's Bondi Rescue boys and Maroubra's Bra Boy's also joined in the party festivities, whipping on and off the media wall where the pap's got their shots.

We think Lo-Fi collective is looking to become a well known cool place to hang out and party in Sydney, and if that's the case, they achieved it tonight, al-be-it, by having quite a few controversial characters on hand.

Male model type Didier Cohen also worked the media, as did countless others hoping to get their mug's in the celebrity section of the weekend newspapers.


Didier Cohen


 Nikki Phillips

Nacho Pop

G-SHOCK WATCH


Websites

Kinselas

Casio

Big Boi

Eva Rinaldi Photography Flickr

Eva Rinaldi Photography

SYDNEY REVEALS ITS NEW DARLING


The Darling, Sydney's newest hotel, will breathe new life into the Sydney hotel landscape when it opens in October 2011.  Nestled on the edge of Sydney harbour, The Darling will exemplify attention to detail, making this imaginative gem an indulgent and relaxing experience.  The boutique accommodation will boast panoramic views of the city skyline, Harbour Bridge and out to the Blue Mountains.   

The Darling will include 171 stylish rooms and suites, with the top floors dedicated to the ultimate in luxury, featuring two bedroom penthouse suites.  The suites, uniquely designed by renowned LA designer, Lawrence Lee, feature floor-to-ceiling Sydney harbour views, bespoke furniture, fireplaces, media rooms, butler service and a private VIP arrival. 

The Darling is a key feature in the $860 million refurbishment and extension of The Star, transforming it into a one-of-a-kind entertainment destination and a strong addition to Sydney’s overall leisure landscape.  The entire complex will be re-orientated to face Darling Harbour, plus will introduce over 20 new bars, cafes and restaurants, a shopping area and a fully refurbished casino when it re-opens towards the end of the year. 

The Darling has been designed as a stand-alone hotel, with its own arrival experience, amenities and alluring personality. It is the first five-star new build hotel in Sydney since the 2000 Olympic Games.  Built in addition to the existing hotel and apartments, The Darling will bring the total rooms and suites at The Star to over 650 across three towers. 

Introducing Drew Schlesinger

The new hotel General Manager, Drew Schlesinger, was hand-picked to manage the new hotel, based on his experience and success of opening and managing landmark hotels around the globe including the InterContinental at New York Times Square, The Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa and The Water Club in Atlantic City and the Mondrian Hotel Los Angeles. 

“Our philosophy of The Darling is to take every aspect, whether it is a water glass or a coat hanger, and pay close attention to its form and function. From the coloured, soft coat hangers, to the hand-made drinking glasses in guest rooms.  From the Egyptian cotton thread count bed sheets to the quality of the mattresses,” Drew explained.

The architecture and design is sleek with subdued hues, yet the ambiance is warm and inviting – and there's certainly nothing modest about our plush comforts.  The spa will round out the experience and be a welcome addition to Sydney,” he added. 

Spa and Restaurant

A luxurious day spa with 16 private rooms is set to deliver pampering to the highest levels.  An extensive array of Asian and European inspired treatments will feature at the spa, including an indulgent hamam, which is a Turkish variant of a steam bath, sauna or Russian Bath, distinguished by a focus on water.

The spa will be run by experienced international spa operator, Jeanette Haua.  Jeanette’s experience includes managing Shangri La CHI spas in Mactan, Boracay and Manila in the Phillipines, plus spa experience in Fiji and Turkey. 

The hotel will also be home to a stunning, contemporary Japanese restaurant called Sokyo, from Chase Kojima, formerly with Nobu restaurants, delivering an exciting and unexpected menu.  

Luxury Retail Offering

A sophisticated new retail area will feature some of the leading luxury brands, including Chanel Fragrance and Beauty Boutique, Gucci and Bottega Veneta.  Boasting 5,500m2 of floor space, the upscale retail space will be conveniently located between the hotel, refurbished casino, restaurants and entertainment venues.

Other features of The Darling include:

  • An outdoor custom designed pool area with a deck, cabanas and bar.
  • Access to the 20 new restaurants, bars and cafes featuring renowned Australian and international chefs including David Chang, Teage Ezard, Stefano Manfredi, Adriano Zumbo, Flying Fish & Chips and Golden Century.
  • Access to the new retail collection including the following brands:
    • G Star Raw, Calvin Klein Jeans, IM lingerie, Chanel Fragrance and Beauty Boutique, Salvatore Ferragamo , LK Jewellery, Gucci, Bottega Veneta , Moda Emporio

Reservations for The Darling will start from August 2011, on 1800 800 830.  The Star will open its new bars, restaurants and retail collection from September whilst The Darling opens in late October 2011.

For further information, please visit http://www.thedarling.com.au/

Notes to Editors

Room features:
-          King and double/double size beds plus pillows designed exclusively for The Darling
-          Kitchens located in penthouse suites and spa tubs in selected suites
-          Sheets – 400 thread count Egyptian long-staple cotton throughout
-          High Definition HD LED TVs and cable TV with on demand features
-          Latest in-room entertainment centre (iPod, radio etc)
-          State of the art telecommunications systems with conference and speaker capability with fibre optics and IP TV’s.
-          Private/direct line access availability to specific rooms and data port connections for modem/fax hook ups

Drew Schlesinger- Bio

With 34 years of experience, Drew has served as General Manager and Director of Operations in major metropolitan cities, including New York City, Los Angeles, Philadelphia and Atlanta. Most recently he was the General Manager for the InterContinental at New York Times Square.

Drew has also managed operations of the The Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa and The Water Club in Atlantic City; managed the pre-opening and grand opening of 70 Park Avenue Hotel, The Kimpton Hotels & Resorts’ first hotel in New York City; and served as General Manager of Mondrian Hotel Los Angeles, an Ian Schrager Hotel. 



Tuesday 30 August 2011

Taylor Swift Adds Tour Dates to Australia

  • Taylor Swift
    (Photo: Reuters / Steve Marcus)
    Singer Taylor Swift arrives at the 45th annual Academy of Country Music Awards in Las Vegas, Nevada April 18, 2010.
Related Topics
Swift will perform in Australia on March 2 in Perth, March 4 in Adelaide, March 6-7 in Brisbane.
During her performances, Swift is well-known for doing cover songs of other artists, including songs by Uncle Kracker, Mumford & Sons, Bon Jovi, and Eminem. Before starting a rendition of Eminem’s “Lose Yourself,” Swift said to the crowd, “Please sing along loudly, ok?”
Mostly performing songs from her album “Speak Now,” Swift often also performs tunes from her sophomore album “Fearless.”
Currently in Los Angeles, Swift is performing a four-show engagement at the Staples Center that continues into the weekend. All four performances are sold out.
At the Staples Center during her concert on Tuesday, Swift appeared on stage with Justin Bieber, in a surprise cameo performance by the 17-year-old Canadian singing sensation.
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“Who wants to see my friend Justin?” Said Swift before Bieber hit the stage.
After singing his hit song, “Baby,” Bieber exited the stage - but not before the crowd of more than 13,500 people were beyond enthusiastic.

Tuesday 23 August 2011

Abduction' Premiere Via Fox Entertainment Quarter Sydney, by Eva Rinaldi - 23rd August 2011



Sydney movie hub - The Entertainment Quarter, went crazy tonight as 1000s showed up for the Abduction premiere.

Twilight star Taylor Lautner advised he was shocked at the awesome reception he received when Leonardo DiCaprio, Carey Mulligan and Tobey Maguire were just a few metres away filming The Great Gatsby.

"It's amazing the support I get. You never really get used to it," he told the press at tonight's premiere of his flick Abduction.

"It's because of everyone here that I get to do what I do. I'm always thankful."

Lautner spent towards an hour getting snapped and signing autographs for his many fans, some of which slept overnight to get a top place in the fan barrier area.

The cat is out of the bag - Lautner is a black belt in karate and just loves doing most of his own stunts. His stunts appear to be world class, but I may be a touch bias.

The action thriller opens in Sydney cinemas September 22.

"I got to put some of that (martial arts) to use which is exciting and I managed to come out with just a few bumps and bruises."

In the movie there is a "Who can you trust" type of theme running.  I say you can trust this movie will not let you down if your looking for an action - thriller.





Websites

Abduction

Fox Studios Australia

The Entertainment Quarter

Village Roadshow

Lionsgate

Eva Rinaldi Flickr

Eva Rinaldi Photography

Sunday 21 August 2011

ZooKeeper Kevin James does Sydney, 21st August 2011

 
It's been two years since Paul Blart: Mall Cop was a sleeper hit for Sony, but Kevin James is still a big star with room, apparently, to grow. After all he was second-billed in the ensemble for Grown Ups, which grossed a stupefying $271 million worldwide, and he'll be back this summer with The Zookeeper, another PG-rated comedy like Paul Blart that Sony expects to be another massive hit. And even with that movie's release six months away, James is already planning to team back up with its director, Frank Coraci, to keep the money ball rolling.

According to Deadline, Coraci has been brought on to direct an untitled comedy that will star James as a high school physics teacher who moonlights as a mixed martial arts fighter in order to raise the money to save his school's music program. This being a Kevin James comedy, he rises in the ranks to the UFC, and presumably only encounters the kind of physical indignities that cause big belly laughs for the audience, not lasting damage.

Coraci's last film was Click, another surprise hit with James buddy Adam Sandler, and he also teamed up with Sandler for The Waterboy and The Wedding Singer-- basically, he's got exactly the pedigree you're looking for in something like this. And at this point you know whether or not you're going to want to see a Kevin James movie in which he falls down a lot, so make your plans accordingly. The Zookeeper hits theaters July 8 next year, and if it's a hit, expect the MMA movie around the same time in 2012.

Kevin James will walk the red carpet this evening in Sydney Bondi Juntion.

Tuesday 16 August 2011

Horrible Bosses Sydney Premiere, by Eva Rinaldi - 15th August 2011


Horrible Bosses premiere at Sydney's Event Cinema tonight, and it was a fun affair, unlike some horrible workplace experiences I've had in the past.

Bosses.  You can’t work with them, and your job doesn’t afford you enough time to plot their miserable demise. Well, I work for myself these days, but you get my point.

Most people can handle the day-to-day interactions with their hierarchical superiors. Don't forget, bosses make mistakes also.

Not in Horrible Bosses.  Kevin Spacey, Colin Farell and Jennifer Aniston play three very different, very inhuman employers who make their workers’ lives hell on earth. The employees in question are Jason Bateman, Jason Sudeikis and Charlie Day, who bear the brunt of their bosses’ quirky management styles with professionalism.  That is until one particularly tough day at the office leads the three to enter into a pact to remove their workplace tormentors forever. Horrible Bosses is Hollywood high concept at its best: “Disgruntled employees plot to kill their horrible bosses – hilarity ensues”.

It might seem odd that, in a film starring a swag of A-listers – we haven’t even mentioned Donald Sutherland and Jamie Foxx yet (although, now we have) – the central trio of Bateman, Sudeikis and Day should take the majority of the screentime.  But herein lies Horrible Bosses‘ genius.

Whether your a boss, worker, or even self employed, you need to see this film. It will make even your worse days pretty good.

Plot...

Three friends conspire to murder their awful bosses when they realize they are standing in the way of their happiness.

Director: Seth Gordon

Writers: Michael Markowitz (screenplay), John Francis Daley (screenplay)

Stars: Jason Bateman, Charlie Day and Jason Sudeikis





Friday 12 August 2011

Myer launches Spring Summer collection at Sydney's Carriageworks, by Eva Rinaldi - 11th August 2011


Sydney's Carriageworks caught fashion fever tonight as the Myer Spring Summer 2011/12 Collection launched.

Vintage maxi dresses, bikini, floppy hats and funky music was all the rage.

Myer ambassadors Jennifer Hawkins (former Miss Universe... just in case you forgot) and male model Kris Smith were the catwalk headliners. The new brands welcomed in were Sass & Bide, Fleur Wood and Jayson Brunsdon Black Label.

Hawkins opened the show for the 500 guests, in an eye-catching sass & bide ensemble, complete with a long, gold sequinned jacket.

'Our Jen' spruiked Cozi, which was fairly well received. Controversial Wayne Cooper did his thing, as did Leona Edmiston. Cooper featured lots of pink dresses, tops and trousers; a beige silk suit and a nude - white jumpsuit. Edmiston played it relatively safe with black dresses, complimented with fingerless gloves and head scarves.

Judy Coomber, Myer group general manager of fashion and accessories, went with a foursome of themes in the impressive collection.

The first is about bold colours including tangerine, emerald, gold, red, purple and fuchsia.

Myer's range also includes Riviera-inspired ensembles. Vintage remains popular, with softish florals, maxi dresses and big hats.

So ladies, believe me, there will be plenty of opportunities to splash your fashion dollar on this season in just about any fashion that takes your fancy.





Websites

Myer

Carriageworks

Eva Rinaldi Photography Flickr

Eva Rinaldi Photography

Thursday 11 August 2011

MADAME TUSSAUDS SET TO ROLL OUT THE RED CARPET


MADAME TUSSAUDS SET TO ROLL OUT THE RED CARPET
ON SYDNEY’S DARLING HARBOUR

·         Madame Tussauds confirmed to open in Darling Harbour in May 2012
·         First brand new Australian celebrity figure announced in the line-up of high profile stars, legends and heroes

Sydney, 11th August 2011: One of the world’s most famous attractions is set to change the local entertainment scene as Madame Tussauds arrives on the shores of Sydney in May 2012. The first ever attraction of its kind to launch in Australia, Madame Tussauds Sydney will be making its grand entrance on the Aquarium Wharf in Darling Harbour next year.

As the sixth attraction of Merlin Entertainments Group (‘Merlin’) in Sydney, the hugely successful Madame Tussauds franchise will offer the ultimate celebrity experience and add a completely new dimension to Sydney’s attractions by bringing the glitz and glamour to the local entertainment scene. The newest attraction will be situated next to Merlin’s other family attractions such as Sydney Aquarium and WILD LIFE Sydney, which will further reinstate Darling Harbour’s position as the go-to destination in Sydney.

Further reflecting Australia’s unique culture and personality, Madame Tussauds is also proud to announce that their first, unique-to-Australia celebrity figure to appear in the line-up of local and international figures will be Home & Away star Ray Meagher.

Meagher, who is popularly known for his role as Alf Stewart in the series Home & Away since 1988, will be one of the first local celebrities to be featured in Madame Tussauds Sydney amongst other Aussie celebrities and heroes.

Fans will be able to get up close and personal with their favourite Aussie stars including Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman who will be featured alongside other international A-listers like Johnny Depp and Lady Gaga; as well as politicians, literary and sports stars and many others.

The latest attraction will reflect the franchise’s 200 years of expertise and research, with each figure crafted with both a high level of artistry and accuracy. Most contemporary figures are also produced following sittings with the celebrities themselves – and talks are already well advanced with a number of Australian icons. Extensive research into producing wax figures includes hundreds of separate measurements, hours matching skin tone, eye and hair colour – with every individual hair inserted separately.  Celebrities and film studio wardrobe departments often supply clothing for their figures to Madame Tussauds, or designers will reproduce significant or iconic outfits as exact replicas.

Costing $14 million and featuring 1,800sqm of space, the new Madame Tussauds Sydney in Darling Harbour is the latest addition to Merlin’s four newly acquired attractions Sydney Aquarium and Oceanworld Manly, and the soon to be relaunched WILD LIFE Sydney and Sydney Tower Eye, which is set to offer endless entertaining and interactive fun for both locals and visitors alike. Madame Tussauds Sydney will be the 13th Madame Tussauds in the world and fifth in Asia Pacific  -  joining its highly successful sister attractions in Hong Kong, Shanghai, BangkokA short term travelling exhibition is also due to open soon in Tokyo. 



Tuesday 9 August 2011

Green Lantern review; Sydney, Australia braces for premiere, by Eva Rinaldi - 9th August 2011


Mind you, the competition in the superhero genre has been pretty stiff, with Captain America: The First Avenger, X-Men: First Class and Thor, but the general feeling is that the movie should have been considerably better - especially considering a budget of around $200 million.

The blurb goes something like this...A test pilot is granted a mystical green ring that bestows him with other worldly powers, as well as membership into an intergalactic squadron tasked with keeping peace within the universe.

Green Lantern is almost certain to live on via the big screen, but likely not with the same director.

Despite the big-budget superhero movie’s rather disappointing box office performance so far, Warner Bros. executives still want to find a way to make a sequel work. Bringing superheroes from its DC Comics unit to the big screen is a top priority for the studio, and executives believe that the problem with "Green Lantern" was in execution, not concept. When quizzed they were happy to share the following:

"We had a decent opening so we learned there is an audience,” said Warner Bros. film group President Jeff Robinov, pointing to the film’s box office debut of $53 million. “To go forward we need to make it a little edgier and darker with more emphasis on action…. And we have to find a way to balance the time the movie spends in space versus on Earth."

After its luke warm opening, “Green Lantern” went green at the U.S box office, ending up with only $114 million. Its overseas performance in important countries such as Great Britain, Germany and Russia has also been weak. Australia isn't looking crash hot we must report, but Aussies are big super hero film buffs, so we will know soon enough.

No, before you ask us, lead actor Ryan Reynolds will not be doing the red carpet premier in Australia, but I'll show up anyway to take some snaps and to (hopefully) enjoy the movie, but I know I will have my work cut cut out for me.

The secret to enjoying this movie is to enjoy the superhero genre, and not to expect too much. Excelsior (not). DC Comics or even Marvel Entertainment would struggle to get this into a thumbs up category, but DC Comics is going to do a sequel we hear - in order to attempt to at least break even.

Our friends at Box Office Mojo asked the well versed readers a question, and the results speak for themselves...

Do you want to see a sequel to 'Green Lantern?'

41.5%  No.
33.6%  Yes.
24.8%  I don't care.

Future Of DC Superhero Flicks...

The future is already speculative, and this is especially true for DC superhero movies. We've got "The Dark Knight Rises,” the final chapter of director Christopher Nolan’s Batman trilogy, coming out next season, followed by Zack Snyder’s Superman reboot, "Man of Steel," circa June 2013. Later that year or in 2014, Warner could very well move forward with a second Green Lantern or Flash movie. Robinov said the studio has "a solid script". The exec also remains keen in bringing DC heroes together for a "Justice League" movie.

We like his ambition, but let's get the basics right at DC first, before unleashing the best you may have to offer.

Green Lantern - slightly a green light, over a red light. See if for yourself and you be the judge... or Justice League, and make your vote count.

The green flick enjoys its Sydney, Australia premiere tonight.

The Players...

Director: Martin Campbell

Writer: Greg Berlanti

Actors:            Ryan Reynolds, Blake Lively, Peter Sarsgaard, Mark Strong, Angela Bassett, Tim Robbins

Producer: Greg Berlanti









Websites

Green Lantern

DC Comics

Warner Bros.

Event Cinemas

Eva Rinaldi Photography Flickr

Eva Rinaldi Photography

Monday 8 August 2011

TAYLOR DAYNE will be touring Australia in October 2011


ABSTRACT ENTERTAINMENT
proudly presents
Dance Pop Diva and Multi-platinum Singer-Songwriter
TAYLOR DAYNE
AUSTRALIAN TOUR - SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2011
Featuring Special Guest ANDREW LAWSON of "X Factor" fame.

Dance Pop Diva, Multi-platinum recording artist and world-class performer TAYLOR DAYNE will be touring Australia in October 2011 performing all her top ten hits: "Tell It to My Heart," "With Every Beat of My Heart," "Prove Your Love," "I'll Always Love You," "I'll Be Your Shelter," "Don't Rush Me", "Heart of Stone", "Love Will Lead You Back" and many more. New York-born Taylor’s three albums, "Tell It To My Heart", "Can’t Fight Fate", and "Soul Dancing", produced twelve Top 20 singles, among them the chart-topping “Love Will Lead You Back.” “Tell It To My Heart” sold more than 75 million albums and singles worldwide, garnering three Grammy nominations along the way. On her new album entitled "Satisfied", TAYLOR DAYNE co-wrote four of the songs, including the first single, “Beautiful,” with Norwegian tunesmith Hitesh, as well as “Love Chain,” “The Fall” and “Hymn.” The album featured top-name producer/writers - they included Mike Mangini (Baha Men, Digbable Planets, O-Town, Bruce Hornsby, David Byrne), Peter Wade (Jennifer Lopez, Rihanna, Natasha Bedingfield), and the New Radicals’ Gregg Alexander (“You Get What You Give”) & Rick Nowels (Stevie Nicks, Madonna, k.d. lang, Nelly Furtado, Santana), among others. There are also marvelously soulful covers of the Red Hot Chili Peppers’ “Under the Bridge,” the Rolling Stones’ “Fool to Cry” and Des’ree’s “Kissing You,” from the soundtrack of Baz Luhrmann’s William Shakespeare’s Romeo + Juliet, reminiscent of her hit version of Barry White’s “Can’t Get Enough of Your Love.”

http://lionelmidfordpublicity.com/profile_taylor_dayne.html

Wednesday 3 August 2011

Red Dog Sydney Movie Premier; Paws Up For Aussie Flick, by Eva Rinaldi - 2nd August 2011



Koko, the canine star of feel good and Australian outback culture film, Red Dog, has embarked on his Australian tour ahead of the August 4 release of his feature film.

Tonight Koko and cast did the red-dog carpet at Sydney's Event Cinema in George Street, after doing the media circuit in most major Australian capital cities.

Producer Nelson Woss has being accompanying the four legged mega star across our great land and recently legally adopted Koko, such was the mutual attraction.

Red Dog director Kriv Stenders (Lucky Country) and a number of the flicks Australian stars Arthur Angel, John Batchelor, Luke Ford and Rohan Nichol joined Koko at various red carpet screenings and media appearances around the nation.

Earlier today the six-year-old got up in Melbourne and dropped in to the ABC studios for an appearance on the Kids' show Studio 3, then took a cab out to Tullamarine Airport for a flight to Sydney where he and his owner, Nelson Woss, enjoyed 5 star plus digs at the Sebel Pier One. After a power nap he headed to George St for the premier.

The movie - it's predominately feel good, with a few sad moments, lots of mateship and Australian outback culture themes. The storyline is a touch predictable but makes sense. More of a dog lovers film, but even cat lovers will get something out of it too. It's pretty good PR for the Australian mining companies but that doesn't detract from the film. New Australians should be encouraged to see this film to help them get a grasp on what it means to be an Aussie, in the traditional sense. 3.5 paws out of 5. Dog dam, go see this film and be prepared to be entertained Aussie style.

Websites

Red Dog

Roadshow Films

Event Cinemas

Eva Rinaldi Photography Flickr

Eva Rinaldi Photography