The Sydney Architecture Festival to Start Tomorrow

The 2011 Sydney Architecture Festival commences 20 October, focusing on how to create a sustainable, healthy and culturally rich built environment.

Its stated aim is to stimulate debate and offer fresh perspectives about what constitutes good architecture and design.

The Festival offers the chance to engage with ideas and architectural inspirations from around the world, and this year promises several new ways to engage in conversations about the city with events in venues across Sydney - tours, talks, workshops, exhibitions, lectures, films and children’s activities.

The Sydney Architecture Festival is a joint venture between the Australian Institute of Architects (NSW Chapter) and the NSW Architects Registration Board.

And for more information, to download the Sydney Architecture Festival 2011 program and to book for Festival Events visit: www.sydneyarchitecturefestival.org

Usher's Manager Has Stated

Usher's manager has stated

Dan Aykroyd coming to Fort Mill, Charlotte

The actor and comedian who once chased spirits on-screen in "Ghostbusters" is now distilling them.

And this week, he's promoting them in the Carolinas. Dan Aykroyd will visit the Frugal MacDoogal in Fort Mill, S.C., on Thursday and a Mecklenburg County ABC Store in Charlotte on Friday. The former "Saturday Night Live" star will greet fans and autograph bottles of his vodka -- Crystal Head Vodka.

This isn't entirely new territory for Aykroyd; he's been involved with producing and distributing wine and spirits for more than seven years. He recently created Crystal Head Vodka "as a result of his fascination with the supernatural."

The super-premium vodka is made "with water from a deep aquifer in Newfoundland, Canada, blended with selected grains for a creamy and slightly sweet finish, and triple crystal filtered through Herkimer diamonds, which, according to New Age belief systems, embody positive energy and goodwill." It comes in a skull-shaped bottle that "celebrates the mystical legend of the 13 Crystal Heads possessed by tribal cultures such as the Aztec, the Mayan and the Navajo and recalls the celebration of the Mexican 'Day of The Dead' tradition."

Aykroyd will be at Frugal MacDoogal (3630 Festival Drive) from 1-3 p.m. Thursday. The Charlotte appearance, on Friday, is taking place from 1-3:30 p.m. at ABC Store # 4 (125 Cherry St.).

[CLIP] Britney Spears - Criminal

4ème single de l'album "Femme Fatale", Criminal est un des titres préférés de Britney Spears et probablement celui qu'elle affectionne le plus dans son dernier opus (c'est donc d'autant plus incompréhensible qu'elle ne le joue pas en concert).

Un vrai bon hit pop très empreint - notamment vocalement - de la Brit-Brit Touch et servi depuis cette nuit d'un très beau clip.

Drôle (mention spéciale pour la scène à 1'22), beau et très bien réalisé par Chris Marrs Piliero (déjà auteur de celui d'I Wanna Go), il met en scène une Britney rayonnante tombée amoureuse d'un bad boy qui la sauve d'un goujat de bonne famille. Tout bonnement excellent.

VIDEO: Cody Simpson Serenades Screaming Sydney Girls

Check out this fan video of Cody Simpson performing at Warringah Mall in Sydney.

It’s doesn’t include the live audio... but there are still many close-ups of the cutie himself showing off his killer dance moves... and handing out roses to screaming girls *sigh*



View Source

Big Appetite? Visit the Sydney International Food Festival

After months of brisk winter weather, Sydney welcomes spring with open arms throughout the month of October by hosting the internationally acclaimed Crave Food Festival- the perfect dawn on a summer season ready to rise over Australia's biggest city. According to DialAFlight, one of the UK's leading travel operators, there's still time to book cheap flights to Sydney and join in the festivities- however you'll have to hurry.

Always popular within the local community and visiting tourists alike, the festival annually draws thousands of food lovers to its vast range of stalls, bars and specially organised events. This year's festival has so far lived up to its high expectations, with hundreds of extraordinary food events taking place across much of Sydney and the wider New South Wales region.

But there's still so much more to come- and great restaurant offers available too.

The most popular events at the festival are the night noodle markets- held weeknights from 5pm to 9pm. Here thousands congregate amongst dozens of fabulous food stands to taste different delicacies from around the globe. From the hot spices of India to classic sausage and mashed potato in the UK, the festival proudly provides an extensive range of cuisines fit for every tummy.

New for the 2011 festival: Breakfast on Bondi will see thousands hit Sydney's most famous beach, early at dawn on Sunday 23rd October, to celebrate..... eating breakfast. This 'bring your own breakfast' picnic event will host live orchestral music besides the waterfront and include food markets and appearances from guest celebrity chefs too.

With the gloomy British winter weather looming ever nearer, there's no better time to book a flight down-under and visit one of the world's most popular food festivals in one of the world's most famous cities.

Usher Has Been Spotted With

Usher has been spotted with

Want to see 'Paranormal Activity' 2 days early?

The new horror movie lands in theaters on Friday, Oct. 21, but lucky readers of CharlotteObserver.com can snag a free pass (good for themselves plus a guest) to the advance screening in Charlotte at 9 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 19. Act fast, though -- only 20 passes are available. Head to www.gofobo.com/rsvp and enter RSVP code GFB2F5F. If it accepts it, you'll be able to download and print the complimentary movie passes using your computer. (Seating is not guaranteed and available only on a first-come, first-served basis. Details about the location of the theater will be provided if you win.) Good luck!

[LIVE] Katy Perry - The One That Got Away @ X Factor UK

Ce week-end, en marge de ses nombreux concerts outre-Manche, Katy Perry était sur le plateau d'X Factor UK pour y intrepréter son dernier single, celui-là même qui doit lui permettre de battre le record de Michael Jackson.

The One That Got Away donc, dans une sublime version acoustique.

Of ESSENCE Magazine Usher

of ESSENCE magazine Usher

Sydney was Voted the World's Number One City

Sydney was voted the world's number one city in the Conde Nast Traveler Reader's Choice Awards held last night in New York.

NSW Minister for Tourism and Major Events, George Souris said Sydney has beaten tough competition from cities such as New York, Paris and Cape Town to take out the influential award.

It's the second major international award for the Harbour City with Sydney having been named the world's best festival and major events city by the International Festival and Events Association just last week.

"Winning this latest award demonstrates Sydney's position as a world leading destination and the gateway to Australia. It's a vote of confidence not by travel writers or agents, but by ordinary travellers.

"By definition, this makes us Australia's leading tourism and events city and will help the Government in its quest to restore NSW to its position as the nation's premiere state," Mr Souris said.

More than 8 million votes were cast in the Awards with readers rating cities according to ambience, friendliness, lodging, restaurants, culture, sight-seeing and shopping. "The many readers of Conde Nast Traveler have given Sydney the top spot in their Awards with a score of 85.1, ahead of the next highest scoring city - Florence (85.0).

"With its mix of world class events, cultural activities, stunning natural attractions and top-end food and shopping, Sydney and NSW continues to satisfy its visitors.

"NSW is Australia's number one destination for international and domestic visitor numbers, visitor nights and visitor expenditure," Mr Souris said.

Sydney hotels have also received award accolades at the ceremony, with 11 of the top 15 hotels in the Oceania region being from Sydney. The top hotel in Oceania goes to the Observatory Hotel Sydney (scoring 91.1) with another - the Sydney Harbour Marriott in Circular Quay, The Westin Sydney and Establishment Hotel Sydney also in the top five.

"It's encouraging to see so many of our excellent hotels recognised by world-wide travellers. They certainly deserve recognition and have helped to put Sydney in the top spot," Mr Souris said. He pointed out that Conde Nast Traveler readers are mostly based in North America.

"As one of our largest international tourism markets, North America is worth more than $516 million to the NSW economy. This expenditure includes overnight and day trip expenditure.

"Recognition at these awards will further raise our profile among potential travellers and will help the Liberals and nationals Government fulfil its pledge to significantly boost the State's economy," Mr Souris said.

Mr Souris said the Conde Nast Traveler poll follows a number of recent global awards for Sydney, reiterating its status as one of the world's best cities.

These include:

- International Festivals and Events Association (IFEA) Sydney was declared the world's best festival and event city for the second year in a row, winning the IFEA World's Best Festival and Event City Award 2011

- TripAdvisor has listed Sydney at number two on its annual Travelers' Choice Destination 2011 awards - ahead of global cities including Paris (4), New York (6) and London (8)
- Cruise International Awards Sydney was recognised as the Cruise Destination of the Year in 2011

- Lonely Planet's 700,000 Facebook and Twitter global followers named Sydney as one of the world's best summer cities.

(Source: travmedia.com)

Nice Usher Is Certainly A

Nice usher is certainly a

One Direction - Forever Young

Troisième billet déjà sur les One Direction. Depuis août dernier où le buzz qui les entourait a fait place à un single très efficace qui a directement trusté le top des charts britanniques, le boys-band anglo-saxon paufine son premier album attendu pour la fin de l'année et donnera une série de concerts qui font événement outre-manche.

En attendant Got To Be You, nouvel extrait officiel de leur premier projet à découvrir le 21 novembre, je vous propose ce qui aurait dû être leur tout premier single. Arrivés troisièmes de la septième saison d'X Factor en Angleterre, ils avaient enregistré le morceau ci-dessous afin qu'il soit le single de leur victoire, devant être disponible à la vente immédiatement après le show dans le cas où ils en remporteraient la finale (en France même concept, Matthew Raymond Barker proposait une reprise de Daniel Balavoine). Ils n'ont donc jamais eu plaisir de le sortir officiellement, mais le morceau a tout de même fuité sur Internet.

Forever Young c'est son titre est un classique des années 80 du groupe Alphaville. Si vous ne connaissez pas l'original, vous avez certainement en tête sa reprise par Jay-Z et Mr. Hudson sur "The Blueprint 3", Young Forever.

Les One Direction transforment l'esprit New Wave du titre - encore très présent dans Young Forever, notamment dans la nappe, le synthé en instru - en un véritable hymne pop aux envolées comme empruntées au gospel. Rien de bien innovant, mais une intreprétation plaisante et bien ré-orchestrée qui donne le sourire. De la musique qui rend heureux, what else ?

Forever Young, version One Direction

 

Forever Young, version originale, par Alphaville

Usher And Baby

Usher and baby

Usher And His Son,

Usher and his son,

[CLIP] David Guetta & Usher - Without You

Avec plus de 100 000 exemplaires de son dernier album "Nothing But The Beat" écoulés en moins d'un mois dans l'Hexagone et une tournée au printemps qui affiche déjà un Bercy complet, David Guetta a bien négocié sa rentrée.

Après Where Them Girls At et Little Bad Girl, en attendant Titanium dont on ne doute pas qu'il sera un single officiel dans quelques semaines, le clip de son 3ème single vient d'arriver.

Without You aura été un petit secret jusque dans le courant de l'été. Le titre étant un prestigieux duo avec Usher les deux parties avaient convenu de garder confidentielle leur collaboration quasiment jusqu'au dernier moment, peu avant l'envoi fin août du single aux radios américaines puis européennes.

Le clip de ce morceau reprend les codes des précédents : du placement produit, des plages ensoleillées, un David Guetta qui anime les foules derrière ses platines, des images venues de partout dans le monde (avec les mêmes synthés que dans Little Bad Girl)... Petite variante, au lieu de parvenir à arrêter le sens dans lequel elle tourne, David Guetta fait craquer la Terre, bouger les plaques et donc se rapprocher les continents pour n'en former qu'un, comme à cette bonne vieille époque de la Pangée. Et évidemment tout le monde est trop content et va serrer dans ses bras et danser collé-serré avec ses potes du continent d'a-côté avant de faire des coeurs avec ses mains. La belle image de la musique qui unit les peuples.

Martin Solveig - Big In Japan

Propulsé par le modeste Boys And Girls, l'efficace Ready 2 Go et surtout par le ras-de-marrée Hello, c'est peu avant l'été que Martin Solveig proposait son cinquième album : "SMASH". Son quatrième extrait débarque dans une version calibrée pour le succès : Big In Japan.

De près comme de loin, Big In Japan sent le remake de Hello à plein nez (en même temps, c'est son plus gros hit à ce jour, le titre est inusable en France et a eu du succès un peu partout dans le monde). Les sonorités sont les mêmes, la voix féminine aussi : c'est la chanteuse du groupe électro-pop canadien Dragonette.

Une nouveauté : la collaboration du girls-band japonais Idoling!!! sur les refrains, collectif qui se fait et se défait depuis 5 ans au gré du programme de TV-réalité local dont il est dépendant.

A contrario d'un David Guetta sur son dernier album, les artistes en featuring sur les titres de Martin Solveig ne sont pas des stars, mais résonnent uniquement grâce à la puissance des productions. Un pari audacieux et efficace porté par le second degré du DJ / Producteur français. Tout un univers, dont un visuel encore une fois très soigné où l'on aperçoit Martin Solveig en joueur de tennis (c'est tout le thème de son album "SMASH") en duel face à ce qui doit être un cousin de Godzilla, image plaquée sur une pochette de vinyle old-school.

Le titre est fort, ses paroles sont comme sa pochette drôles : vivement le clip !

Usher On Failed Marriage And

Usher on failed marriage and

Want to rappel down an uptown skyscraper?

There are two types of people in the world: Those whose eyes widen with excitement at the prospect of rappelling hundreds of feet down the side of a 51-story building … and those whose eyes widen with terror.

Which side are you on?

Well, if you're up for a little adventure -- OK, a big one -- on Saturday, Oct. 29, Special Olympics North Carolina is offering thrill-seekers an opportunity to rappel 35 stories down The VUE Charlotte, an uptown skyscraper that houses luxury condominium residences.

It's an experience that will take about 15 minutes. The price tag? $1,000. Sounds like a lot, and it is. But while you'll have to drop down the building by yourself, you won't have to come up with the money on your own if you don't want to. And better yet, all the dough goes to a good cause. Participants are asked to create an online fundraising page at Firstgiving.com; then family and friends can support you in helping to raise the minimum required donation of $1,000. The money ultimately will go to support the 38,000 Special Olympics athletes in North Carolina.

Assuming they don't chicken out, rapellers will start their descent from the 43rd floor of The VUE, at 404 W. Fifth St., and drop until they land on the eighth floor. Participants will wear a full-body industrial harness and use an industrial descender to go down; they can go as slowly as they like (or can go fast -- up to a point). No experience is necessary.

A similar event took place in Raleigh on Oct. 1 (read a story about the event here).

The minimum age requirement for the Charlotte event is 16, and anyone under 18 must have a waiver signed by a legal guardian. To rappel, you must weigh between 110 and 300 pounds.

So if you're feeling charitable and (very) brave, click over to the Over the Edge website for details. If you have additional questions, you can contact Susan Doggett at 704-358-1935, Ext. 4, at sdoggett@sonc.net.

Steve Jobs - Discours à Stanford (2005)

Avoir un blog c'est avoir la chance de pouvoir partager ce qui vous passionne, ce qui vous touche. Beaucoup de musique dans mon cas. Petite exception pour revenir sur la disparition il y a tout juste une semaine de Steve Jobs, génie de notre temps et âme d'Apple.

Je n'en ai pas parlé ici avant, l'ayant bien assez fait sans doute sur Facebook et sur Twitter mais cette nuit, de clic en clic sur YouTube, j'ai revu son discours à Stanford en 2005. Revenant sur son parcours et les leçons qu'il en a tiré, Steve Jobs explique devant des centaines de jeunes diplômés sa philosophie et donne une remarquable leçon de vie.

#ThankYouSteve

Traduction disponible chez Mac4Ever (excellent pour tous ceux qui suivent la firme à la Pomme) : cliquez-ici.

Shows Australia: Madonna To Tour Australia

Madonna will tour Australia in April, 2012 according to a leaked Live Nation document.

Live Nation is the touring company Madonna signed with after leaving Warner Music.

Fansite drownedmadonna.com published a scan of the document. It include the following dates:

April 5, Sydney, ANZ Stadium
April 12, Brisbane, Suncorp Stadium
April 15, Adelaide, AAMI Stadium
April 18, Melbourne, Etihad Stadium
April 24, Perth, Patersons Stadium

According to the document Madonna will also play Auckland, New Zealand on March 31, 2012.

Madonna has only toured Australia once before. She was last here in 1995 for The Girlie Tour

Shows Australia: Madonna To Tour Australia

Australia to Renew Focus on Indian and Chinese Middle Class Tourists

Australia is set to renew its focus on wooing the cash rich middle class population of India and China at the Australian Tourism Directions conference in Canberra. According to a PTI report, the conference, to be held from tomorrow, will also analyse the progress of plans to double overnight visitor spending to USD 140 billion by 2020.

“Now more than ever we need to remain focused on the big picture improvements that can enhance the long-term competitiveness of the sector,” said Martin Ferguson, Federal Tourism Minister, Government of Australia. He added that the conference will renew the industry's focus on Asia and the rise of China as Australia's most valuable tourism market.

“It will also examine the need for more and better hotel accommodation, for higher investment in destinations and for increasing aviation capacity,” Ferguson said. Andrew McEvoy, Head, Tourism Australia will discuss the challenges of ensuring that Australia creates a long lasting appeal to global travellers.

A new report released by Tourism Research Australia has revealed that tourism's total contribution to the Australian economy in 2009/10 was USD 71.7 billion, or around 5.6 per cent of GDP.

Ushmeka

Ushmeka

Australian Open Golf

More of the world’s top 20 players are set for Sydney with World Number 9 Matt Kuchar, World Number 11 Nick Watney, former champions Robert Allenby and John Senden, and American Hunter Mahan all confirming they will be part of the action at the Emirates Australian Open at The Lakes Golf Club from 10-13 November.

Watney has won twice on the PGA Tour this year and plays the Emirates Australian Open for the first time.

“I’m really looking forward to being a part of the Championship in Sydney,” Watney said. “Most of my family are coming down for it”.

“There seems to be a real buzz around this year’s Open leading into the Presidents Cup and it is amazing how many top international players have won the tournament” he added.

Kuchar will play the Emirates Australian Open for the second time since his debut in 2000 at Kingston Heath Golf Club

Australian Open Golf

[CLIP] The Black Eyed Peas - XOXO

Alors que les rumeurs de séparation vont bon train, spéculations démenties à plusieurs reprises par Will.I.Am qui parle de pause comme le groupe l'avait déjà fait entre les albums "Monkey Business" et "The E.N.D.", les Black Eyed Peas continuent l'exploitation de leur dernier opus en révélant par surprise un nouveau clip : XOXO.

Alors que Whenever était envoyé il y a quelques semaines aux radios et que son clip n'a toujours pas été révélé, c'est une surprenante vidéo qui est apparue sur le web il y a quelques heures mettant en scène des Black Eyed Peas en 3D... en version mini-mini ! Les Baby Peas donc.

Un collectif pas si nouveau puisque déjà aperçus dans le clip de The Time (Dirty Bit) et adoubé par les Black Eyed Peas eux même début février comme étant "le fruit d'une idée de Will.I.Am pour immortaliser (NDLR, comprenez "empêcher le temps de s'abattre sur") les Black Eyed Peas, qui pourront vivre et divertir les fans sur plusieurs écrans". C'est ainsi qu'on le retrouve aussi dans l'application BEP360 sur iPhone, deux spots pour Chatter.com (à voir ici et ici)... et certainement bien d'autres choses, tout un business à l'horizon.

In Other Marriage News: Usher

In Other Marriage News: Usher

Comedy Central star coming to Charlotte

It's not showing up on the Ovens Auditorium website just yet, but Live Nation issued a bare-bones press release late Monday announcing news that will be sweet music to Comedy Central fans:

Daniel Tosh, host of the cable channel's popular video clip show "Tosh.0," will perform stand-up at the Independence Boulevard venue on Saturday, Nov. 26. Tickets are set to go on sale at 10 a.m. this Friday.

"Tosh.0" is currently in its third season; the series premiered on June 4, 2009, and is the most-watched and highest-rated series on the network. It features razor-sharp humor and biting commentary from Tosh, and delves into all aspects of the Internet -- from the absolutely absurd to the incredibly ingenious.

Royals Visit Australia: Princess Mary to Pay Official Visit to Melbourne & Sydney

Denmark's Crown Princess Mary will attend two Alannah and Madeline Foundation events in Melbourne as part of her official visit to Australia in November.

Tasmanian-born Princess Mary and her husband, Crown Prince Frederik, will attend a lunch supporting the foundation's eSmart cybersafe program and its Starry Starry Night gala ball.

Princess Mary is the international patron of the Alannah and Madeline Foundation, a charity aimed at protecting children from violence.

The November 26 events will fill the last day of the royal couple's week-long official Australian visit.

Royals Visit Australia: Princess Mary to Pay Official Visit to Melbourne & Sydney

Tourism pulls in 5% of GDP - Sydney Tourism News

The proceeds of tourism were worth $72 billion, or about 5 per cent of the country's gross domestic product, to the Australian economy in 2009-10, new statistics show.

The latest research from Tourism Research Australia reveals that the direct proceeds from tourism in that year were at $33.9 billion, an increase of 3.2 per cent on the previous period.

Indirect proceeds, or funds generated because of tourism but through other industries, totalled $37.8 billion.

Tourism Minister Martin Ferguson said the sector was often overlooked but the figures proved what a significant money-maker tourism was for Australia.

"Tourism is much more than just travel agents and tour guides," Mr Ferguson said in a statement.

"It is clear that efforts to help tourism grow by cutting red tape, boosting skills and improving the quality and offering of tourism products will produce huge flow-on benefits."

The tourism industry is seen by statisticians as one of the top multipliers of the economy with an output value of 1.91.

This means that for every dollar tourism creates, another 91 cents is generated somewhere else, ranking it higher than retail (1.80), mining (1.67) and education (1.38).

According to the statistics, tourism also employs some 7.9 per cent of the workforce, or 876,400 people.

The government has promised to unveil an updated long-term tourism strategy before the end of the year.

It wants to achieve a new record for tourism dollars, having peaked in 2000-01 at 7.9 per cent of the economy thanks to the Sydney Olympics and the introduction of the GST.

Source: http://www.smh.com.au/travel/tourism-pulls-in-5-of-gdp-20111010-1lgii.html#ixzz1aQx8bXu9

Miss Tourism Australia 2011 NSW Preliminary at Roselands Shopping Centre

The Miss Tourism Australia 2011 NSW Preliminary at Roselands Shopping Centre.

Metro Hotels staff were in attendance, Mr Ricky Risal (Aspire Hotel Sydney Manager) who was one of four judges for this event and Mr Richard Amour (Business Development Manager).
Behind the Miss Tourism pageant are the producers of Miss Universe Australia, who use this competition to promote tourism and cultural exchange and find the Australian finalist to be entered into the international Miss Tourism pageant.

Judges for the competition include industry experts Carmel Pizzino of Dancing with the Stars fame; Peter Sereno the pageant expert who aided Jennifer Hawkins to her 2004 win; Sylvia Lee of Sylvia Lee Couture, designer and creators of this year’s Miss Universe Australia evening gown; and international model booker Rick O’Brien.

Contestants will be scored on three sections: Sportswear, Eveningwear and a Personality question and answer session. Fashion items will be provided by Centro Roselands retailers including Portmans, Sportsgirl, Myer, Target and Gigi’s Shoes.

Centro Roselands Marketing Manager, Marina Majeran encourages girls to come down and be a part of the competition. “It is such a great opportunity for our local customers to join in the major pageant; who knows, they could even take the title and become Australia’s newest worldwide tourist ambassador”.

Shows Australia: Little Orphan Annie is back - the Broadway Stageshow

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, Chloe Dallimore and Julie Goodwin also bring their talents to this delightful musical. And in a special treat, radio star Alan Jones (Sydney only) will join the cast in the role of Franklin D. Roosevelt.

Shows Australia: Little Orphan Annie is back - the Broadway Stageshow

Usher Raymond The Fourth And

Usher Raymond the fourth and

Artisans in the Garden - Art Festival in Sydney's Royal Botanical Gardens

Kathie Najar's "Bumble bee" is part of the new Artisans in the Gardens exhibition at The Royal Botanic Gardens.

Works by local North Shore artisans feature in the annual Artisans in the Gardens exhibition at the Royal Botanic Gardens.

8-16 October 2011, Royal Botanic Gardens, Sydney. Free Entry

Works by North Shore artisans Tim Hankinson from Brock Metalwork (West Pymble) and Kathie Najar (Chatswood) will be featured in the annual Artisans in the Gardens, exhibition in the Royal Botanic Gardens in October. Artisans in the Gardens is an annual exhibition of fine art and sculpture presented by the Friends of the Botanic Gardens. This exhibition of vibrant works from some of Australia’s most innovative and exciting artisans will be held in the beautiful surrounds of the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney from 8–16 October, 2011. Entry to the exhibition is free.

Tim Hankinson began working fas an artisan ull time following a successful professional career in product design and manufacturing. His inspiration is to explore the potential of a material, such as steel, to create fluid and lifelike forms from it. Forms he feels are recognisable from nature but ones we pass by often without observing.

Inspired by Islamic culture, Kathie Najar’s work incorporates native Australian plants and insects into her stunning hand-painted tiles. With a fine arts degree from the College of Fine Arts, Kathie started hand painting tiles in the 1990s. For the past 20 years she has focused on tile painting, drawing and collage works winning awards and recognition nationally.

Now in its eleventh year, the popular Artisans in the Gardens exhibition showcases the highly individual works of emerging, contemporary and traditional artisans who draw their inspiration for their extraordinary hand-wrought works from the beauty of nature. The 2011 exhibition features the diverse works of new and emerging artisans together with a number of favourite exhibitors, invited back by popular request.

With artisans from as far a field as Tasmania, the exhibition will present works of glass, sculpture, exquisite jewellery, sculptural embroidery, hand made bags, hand painted tiles, pochoir prints, ceramics, wooden boats and bowls. For the outdoor enthusiasts; outdoor sculptures, whimsical weather vanes and engaging metal works will be framed against the perfect backdrop of the Royal Botanic Garden in spring.

Artisans in the Gardens curator Peta Rattray says, “The 2011 Artisans exhibition is filled with the fresh and innovative works of predominantly new exhibitors to this event. All of our talented artisans draw their inspiration from the natural world around them and this year that love of nature shines through in a menagerie of fanciful creatures. From bogan moths to seahorses, from delicate coral embroidery to fascinating fireflies, this exhibition will delight and surprise visitors to the beautiful Royal Botanic Garden, Sydney.”

THE ARTISANS IN THE GARDENS EXHIBITION:
Saturday 8 October to Sunday 16 October 2011, 10am to 4pm daily.

Art and About Sydney - Light Displays and more on NOW!

No, it is not an extra-terrestrial being or an amoeba flying over the night skies of Sydney CBD.

It's actually one of the many free street art displays that have popped up around Sydney as part of the annual Art About Sydney festival.

Find out when and where you can catch Art and About Sydney on there website:

http://www.artandabout.com.au/

Sydney Conferences: Clooney to Share Success Secrets in Sydney

George Clooney and Martha Stewart will head to Australia later this year to share their ideas on success and communication at the inaugural Global Leadership Forum.

The one-day seminar, which will take place at the Sydney Convention Centre on December 12, will give businesses and employees the opportunity to discuss future trends, brand management, business strategy and growth, technology and how to inspire people.

Clooney, who will speak at the event, has in recent years attempted to use his celebrity status to highlight important global issues, particularly the plight of those living in southern Sudan.

Sydney Conferences: Clooney to Share Success Secrets in Sydney

Havana Brown & Pitbull - We Run The Night

Et si les DJ's devenaient popstars ? David Guetta l'a fait, Havana Brown tente sa chance, mais pour cela elle a choisi de plus ou moins lâcher les platines.



Havana Brown : derrière ce nom étrange - celui d'une race de chats - se cache une DJette australienne que les fans de Britney Spears connaissent bien puisqu'elle l'a accompagnée sur tous ses shows européens du "Circus Tour" (en 2009).

Signée chez Universal Australie, Havana Brown se tourne rapidement vers les Etats-Unis en s'installant à L.A. puis en devenant résidente pendant un an d'un célèbre club à Las Vegas.

La voici prête à bondir sur le devant de la scène avec un nouveau single aux sonorités électro décapantes et entêtantes, au featuring de Pitbull (une sympathique garantie supplémentaire). Et surprise : la prod n'est pas d'elle mais de RedOne, l'homme qui a propulsé par ses productions la carrière de Lady Gaga.  

Havana Brown y est interprète (d'où le "elle a choisi de plus moins lâcher les platines" en début de post...). Une voix pas forcément très originale mais qu'importe le titre est très efficace.

Mani - Bang Bang

Nouveau venu de la grande et belle famille MyMajorCompany après la tout aussi incroyable Irma dont je vous parlais il y a quelques semaines : le groupe Mani.

Mani. Ce nom vous est très probablement inconnu, pourtant son leader est entré il y a près de 10 ans dans l'histoire contemporaine de la musique.

En effet, Mani Hoffman (Mani pour Manny Ray dans Scarface, Hoffman en référence au scientifique qui a découvert le LSD), a co-écrit et interprété le mythique Starlight des Supermen Lovers avant de partir en tournée mondiale, de travailler avec Toby Smith fondateur de Jamiroquai à la composition de titres pour la "Nouvelle Star" anglaise, de sortir quelques productions électro-house confidentielles puis de revenir en France où il fera la rencontre de My-T (Antoine Le Guern), Ben, Paco et Stan.

A 5, ils dessinent une direction artistique ambitieuse, aussi rock que soul par la voix de Mani, le tout teinté de sonorités pop. Un peu comme peut l'être Olly Murs. Leur premier single est aussi détonnant que le clip et la prochette qui l'accompagnent sont aboutis visuellement. A suivre de près.

Usher Did Not "Got It Bad"

Usher did not "Got it Bad"

Marie-Mai - Comme Avant

Véritable star au Québec depuis qu'elle a atteint le podium de la première édition de la Star Ac locale, Marie-Mai part à la conquête de l'Hexagone.

Après avoir trusté le top des ventes et de l'airplay radio et TV en France cet été aux côtés des Simple Plan sur la version française de Jet Lag, la voici en solo avec Comme Avant.

Extrait de son troisième album, "3.0" paru il y a deux ans au Québec mais toujours en exploitation là bas, Comme Avant est un bon titre pop/rock de variété francophone comme on en manque trop. Une belle voix, un bon texte, une bonne mélodie sur un air de piano et de quelques guitares : idéal en cette rentrée très dance.

Bienvenue chez nous Marie-Mai !

Usher With Wife Tameka Foster

Usher with wife Tameka Foster

Get a deep discount on 'Weird Al' tickets

"Weird Al" Yankovic, the singing comedian behind parodies like "Eat It" and "White & Nerdy," will bring his "Alpocalypse Tour" to Charlotte's Ovens Auditorium on Saturday night.

If you were on the fence about whether or not you wanted to spend the cash, consider this: Ovens announced this afternoon a "buy-one-get-one" offer for customers purchasing through Ticketmaster. Just use the offer code "WEIRD" when selecting the "2 for 1 Tickets" deal and pit, orchestra and mezzanine tickets are just $34.35 each, while balcony seats can be had for as little as $28.20 apiece.

Click here to shop.

Usher And Baby

Usher and baby

Aspire Hotel Sydney: Harry Potter: The Exhibition at the Powerhouse Museum, Sydney

The first and only Australian stop of Harry Potter™:The Exhibition will open at the Powerhouse Museum on 19 November 2011, offering fans a first-hand look inside the famous wizard’s magical world and the opportunity to experience the amazing craftsmanship that went into creating the iconic props and costumes that have appeared throughout the Harry Potter film series.

Hundreds of authentic film artefacts will be displayed in settings inspired by locations from Hogwarts™ School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, including the Gryffindor™ common room, Hagrid’s hut, the Great Hall and many more. New original props and costumes from Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows™ – Part 1 and the series finale, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows™ – Part 2, will also be on exhibit.

Nearby Accommodation available at Aspire Hotel Sydney

Harry Potter: The Exhibition at the Powerhouse Museum, Sydney

Sydney Conferences: Updated Guide for Event Organisers - NSW Events

The Event Starter Guide, a free resource for NSW event organisers, was recently updated and the second edition is now available online.

The guide was developed by the Community Engagement and Events group within the NSW Department of Premier and Cabinet. Its easy-to-read, “quick tips” format provides general information on what is required, who to talk to and where to seek further guidance when organising an event.

Sydney Conferences: Updated Guide for Event Organisers - NSW Events

Sydney is the World's Best Festival and Event City…and That's Official

Sydney is the world's best festival and event city…and that's official, according to the international organisation that judges such matters.

It‟s the second year in a row that the Harbour City has won the International Festivals and Events Association (IFEA) World Festival and Event City Award, which was announced today.
Sydney was deemed the best world‟s best festival and event city for 2011 in the „over one million population‟ category and will accept the award at this year‟s IFEA 56th Annual Convention and Expo in Fort Worth, Texas, USA.

Minister for Tourism and Major Events, George Souris, said it was a source of great pride for Sydney to be named as the world‟s best festival and event city.

“There is no doubt winning this award demonstrates Sydney's position as a world leading destination for events and tourism and confirms it as Australia's international city".
“Securing major events is a priority for the NSW Government and will help us achieve our goal of doubling tourist expenditure by 2020,” Mr Souris said.

President and CEO of IFEA, Steven Wood Schmader, said the international panel of judges had many great world cities to assess in the category, but decided Sydney stood out from the pack.
“Sydney won due to the community leadership and ongoing, concerted efforts and support to provide a positive local environment that is conducive to and encourages the success and growth of festivals and events,” Mr Schmader said.

This award comes off the back of a string of major event wins since the Liberals and Nationals came to Government in NSW.

Major event wins by Destination NSW for Sydney and NSW include:

- Harry Potter: the exhibition at the Powerhouse Museum Sydney from November 2011 – March 2012, Sydney exclusive
- Richard III show starring Kevin Spacey at the Lyric Theatre, Sydney in December 2011, exclusive Sydney season
- Sydney is home to first-run musicals, including World Premiere of An Officer and a Gentleman from May 2012, Australian Premiere of ANNIE from January 2012, Australian Premiere The Addams Family from March 2013 and World Premiere of Strictly Ballroom from September 2013
- Tiger Woods to join an all-star line-up at this year‟s Australian Open Golf at The Lakes, Sydney from 10 – 13 November
- The Bledisloe Cup ten year deal, where at least one Bledisloe Cup game will be played in Sydney each year from 2012 to 2021
- Sydney International Rowing Regatta, including the opening rounds of the Samsung World Rowing Cup at Penrith in 2013 and 2014
- The first ever Australian Open of Surfing to be held in Manly in February 2012 in conjunction with Hurley and Billabong
- Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour held annually from March 2012
- Sydney secured three World Cup Qualifier Games in the lead up to the 2014 FIFA World Cup
- The Davis Cup World Group Play-off between Australia and Switzerland at Royal Sydney Golf Club
- 2015 Touch Football World Cup, including range of national and international Touch Football events from 2011 – 2015
- 2011 NAB AFL Draft secured for Western Sydney this November
- Australian Open Grand Prix Gold (Badminton) at Darling Harbour in April 2012, moved from Melbourne.

NSW Premier, Barry O‟Farrell, said the award yet again proves that Sydney is Australia‟s leading major events and tourist destination.

“We can all be proud of the recognition Sydney has received, placing it in its rightful position as the major events capital of Australia.

“Destination NSW, the state's tourism and major events authority, is focused on strengthening the Events Calendar and upholding our position as the number one tourism and events city and state in Australia.

“Sydney is Australia's global city and being honoured with such an award will drive even more visitors to our city and state,” he said.

Songs from the Summit to Celebrate 13 Years (Sydney Bridge Climb)

BridgeClimb Sydney has celebrated their 13th anniversary with songs from the summit of the Sydney Harbour Bridge by Australia's leading choral organisation, Sydney Philharmonia Choirs.

The Choir's beautiful serenade rang through the air from 134 metres above Sydney Harbour as they sang the 'Hallelujah Chorus' and 'Happy Birthday'.

In a double celebration, one lucky Climber who shares the same birthday as BridgeClimb, David Lawrence from Epping, was surprised with a very unique 50th celebration as the choir welcomed him to the summit in song.

David climbed with his wife Elizabeth and two children Clare, 14 and Nick, 13, having received the BridgeClimb experience as a surprise for his special day.

"Being surprised with a BridgeClimb for my 50th was one thing, but getting serenaded at the summit was another experience altogether, and will be a birthday I will never forget!" David said.

Sydney Philharmonia Choirs also had a reason to celebrate; the 500 strong chorister body has recently celebrated their 90th anniversary. Over the years Philharmonia has performed with Pavarotti and Barbra Streisand, sung on film sound tracks such as Happy Feet, at the opening of the Sydney Olympic Games in 2000 and in the London Proms in 2002 and 2010. Regularly appearing in concert with the Sydney Symphony, Philharmonia welcomes new members throughout the year.

"It's a privilege and delight to help our friends at Bridgeclimb celebrate their birthday" said chorister Dr Carolyn Lowry who has been singing with Philharmonia for 22 years.

"Both our award-winning organisations are unique, strive for excellence and both make an important contribution to the cultural life of Sydney. What better way to celebrate nine decades of choral singing and the Bridge's 13th birthday than by singing on top of the Bridge overlooking our sensational city?"

Over the past thirteen years BridgeClimb has made remarkable developments from the initial Day Climb, with Climbers now having the choice to experience a Dawn, Day, Twilight or a Night Climb. Climbers also now have the choice between three Climbs; The Bridge Climb, The Discovery Climb and The Express Climb.

BridgeClimb are currently in preparations for the upcoming 80th anniversary of the Sydney Harbour Bridge on March 19th, 2012, with celebrations to pay homage to the famous coathanger and the heroes of its past and present.

Whether it is watching the city awake, capturing the energy of the city during the day, taking in the romance of twilight, or the city at night, BridgeClimb offers a unique and memorable Sydney experience. For booking enquiries call (02) 8274 7777 or book online at www.bridgeclimb.com

Sydney Philharmonia Choirs: www.sydneyphilharmonia.com.au

Metro Apartments on Darling Harbour: THE NEW PLAYGROUND AT DARLING QUARTER IS NOW OPEN!

Does your local playground have a 21-metre flying fox? How about a water play area with pumps and water buckets? Well you will be glad to know Darling Quarter's new playground is one of Australia's best.

With water games, climbing ropes, swings, slides and flying foxes will keep toddlers and teens entertained for hours, this playground is fun, thrilling and best of all FREE! Only a short stroll form Novotel Sydney on Darling Harbour, what better way to enjoy time out with the family.

Metro Apartments on Darling Harbour: THE NEW PLAYGROUND AT DARLING QUARTER IS NOW OPEN!

In Other Marriage News: Usher

In Other Marriage News: Usher