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Aleenta Resorts: champions of conservation

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Ms Parichart Pajariyapong, admin coordinator at the Aleenta Resort & Spa Phuket-Phang Nga in Thailand, joined guests to release endangered baby leatherback turtles into the Andaman Sea.

By Rama Gaind

The spectacular luxury resort – Aleenta Resort & Spa Phuket-Phang Nga in Thailand – is more than just a holiday retreat in paradise.

The management is passionate about the environment. It was recently awarded the status of Thailand’s Best Small Green Resort. Natai Beach has also been awarded 5 Stars for cleanliness of the beach and water quality.

Located on the sunset side of the Andaman Sea and the pristine Natai Beach, the resort – just 20 minutes north of the Phuket International Airport – has to be applauded for its commitment to rebuilding damaged reef ecosystems in Phuket’s Phang Nga area.

Displaying further initiative, guests recently had the opportunity of a lifetime to help save indigenous turtles when they released 20 endangered baby leatherbacks into the Andaman Sea.

The event was part of the Aleenta’s Resorts & Spas Mai Khao Marine Turtle Initiative, managed by corporate social responsibility group, Pure Blue Foundation, which also pioneered the ground-breaking reef restoration project off the coast of the resort. The Pure Blue Foundation was created by Aleenta Resorts founder Anchalika Kijkanakorn.

Rewarding experience

These baby turtles have been raised by the resort over the last few years and it has shown its dedication to their cause by monthly support and funding the Turtle Sanctuary, housed at the Khao Lumpee-Haad Thaymuang National Park, just 20 minutes south of the resort.

These funds allow the resort to employ a full-time representative to tend to more than 200 turtle hatchlings and rehabilitate injured turtles, as well as taking guests to visit the park.

The baby turtles have been on the critically endangered list in Thailand since 1996.

“We are a resort built on guilt-free luxury and are delighted to continue this important work – as well as give our guests the opportunity to become involved,” Ms Kijkanakorn said. “It is the type of rewarding experience guests can enjoy when they stay with us.”

Following the turtle release, the resort donated another THB100,000 (A$3,300) to the project and has committed to supporting the foundation in the long-term. Furthermore, on check-in, Aleenta offers guests information on turtle conservation and matches donations made to the Turtle Sanctuary.

The Pure Blue Foundation continues to raise funds – so visit: http://auctions.weblite.ca/purebluefoundation/

Rebuilding reef ecosystems

During a visit to this boutique resort earlier this year, I met with Ms Kijkanakorn and resort management, inspected the sprawling site and realised the importance of their ongoing work to rebuild damaged reef ecosystems in the Phang Nga area.

Co-founded in 2010 by Aleenta Resorts and Akaryn Hospitality Management Services (AHMS) group, the innovative foundation is championed by Ms Kijkanakorn, following her proclamation that the natural environment would be safeguarded wherever Aleenta Resorts were located.

The foundation estimates the total cost of rebuilding various reefs will reach THB3 million over three years. Fundraising is on in earnest.

Working collaboratively with Coral Reef Creator (CRC), a Swiss-French company specialising in the development and creation of coral reefs based on artificial structures, an ambitious plan has been created to construct a coral reef park 20 metres offshore from the resort on Natai Beach.

The park is designed to attract schools of fish, crustaceans and shell species, which in turn will enable a new ecosystem to flourish.

Ms Kijkanakorn believes the journey to help protect the reefs is just beginning.

“My goals are to raise awareness of the urgent need to protect and preserve the environment, replenishing where necessary, given that most of the damage to our planet comes from mankind,” she said. “With the funds we have raised we are now in a strong position to start our first artificial reef project and will continue to raise funds via the Pure Blue Foundation until we meet our target.”

Ms Kijkanakorn also pointed out that the loss of the reef system along Thailand’s coastal areas could have a long-term detrimental effect on the nation’s tourism.

It is heartening to realise that the resort’s strong commitment to remaining both environmentally friendly and socially responsible does not detract from their dedication to ensure that holidaymakers have a memorable stay in this bountiful hideaway on one of the world’s most beautiful, natural and exotic beaches.

Rama Gaind was a guest of the Tourism Authority of Thailand.

DETAILS BOX

Contact the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Sydney, on (02) 9247 7549 or visit ww.tourismthailand.org

Thai Airways International flies from Australia to Bangkok, connecting with Bangkok Airlines services on national routes. Check www.thaiairways.com/

For details about Aleenta Resort & Spa Phuket-Phang Nga visit http://www.aleenta.com/

Holidaymakers release endangered baby leatherback turtles into the Andaman Sea outside the Aleenta Resort & Spa Phuket-Phang Nga in Thailand.

Tips on How to Burn a CD

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Many years passed, owning a copy of the audio compact disc of our favorite performers, singers and band means going to a retail store or purchasing it from an internet shop in the World Wide Web. With a average number of songs we should instead spend no less than ten dollars.

If we are one who does not want to buy an audio compact disk, we would probably have to wait for a local radio station to play the songs we like. Nowadays, there are several ways offered in the market offering methods on how to burn a CD. Although some music downloads shareware programs are able to purchase well known songs completely from other users and never having to go out and purchase them. Most of these programs will store the songs we downloaded to our hard drive or transfer it directly to our MP3 player if we want. One way the best way to burn a CD is If we tend to keep an extensive collection of the songs by storing them to a disc, we will need one piece of our computer and that is a CD burner. Other option tips on how to burn a CD is thru a CD burner that also comes in two forms; internal and external. External CD burner is not integrated with desktop computer. It might be associated with our desktop computers using USB connector which has its own power source. While the internal burner is integrated with our desktop computers. Today almost the entire new model of desktop computers that are being released in the marketplace has a built-in internal CD burner rendering it easy way on how to burn a CD. CD burner is a kind of digital equipment that we really need because it can copy one compact disc to another or even from a hard drive to a blank compact disc or vice versa. In order for us to use a CD burner we will need software for this. This software enables us to run our CD burner in the desktop computer. We can find some of the types of this software on the net with details on how to burn a CD which sometimes are for free download.

These are the details that will assist us choose the best method on how to burn a CD, that him and I have to know to ensure we can do it efficiently.

Silver 'Offspring' star in Madman DVD release

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Asher Keddie, Silver Logie winner, stars in 'Offspring'.

By Rama Gaind

Asher Keddie, the star of Offspring (now available on DVD from Madman Entertainment) took out the Silver Logie at the 2011 TV Week Logie Awards at a ceremony in Melbourne on Sunday.

She received the Silver Logie for ‘Most Popular Actress’ in the Channel Ten drama for her portrayal of Nina Proudman.

This award has been won for the past two consecutive years by Rebecca Gibney.

Offspring was also nominated in a number of other categories. including ‘Most Popular Drama Series’, ‘Most Popular New Talent’ (Eddie Perfect) and the ‘Graham Kennedy Award for Most Outstanding New Talent’ (Richard Davies).

Offspring – The Complete First Series is available now on DVD ($59.95srp). The second series of Offspring premieres on Channel Ten this month.

Numerous SBS productions also appeared in this year’s list of nominees, including Jason Gann (Wilfred) for the ‘Most Outstanding Actor’ Silver Logie, Who Do You Think You Are? for the ‘Most Popular Factual Program’ and Luke Nguyen’s  Vietnam for the ‘Most Outstanding Light Entertainment Program’ category.

Multiple series of Wilfred, Luke Nguyen’s Vietnam and Who Do You Think You Are? are all available now on DVD – $29.95srp each.

Offspring (Madman Entertainment)

Offspring is the search for love, fulfillment and balance in the chaos of modern life.

Nina Proudman has a simple quest – to deal with her fabulously messy family, her ex-husband, the intensity of a job delivering babies and the hunt for a decent love life – whilst also handling her tendency to over-think, fantasise and wonder about life’s other little mysteries.

Created by Debra Oswald (with John Edwards and Imogen Banks), Offspring boasts a stellar Australian cast including Asher Keddie, Kat Stewart, Don Hany, Deborah Mailman and John Waters.

Fast and furious action

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Paul Walker and Vin Diesel in 'Fast and Furious: Fast Five'

Film Review

By Rama Gaind

Film: Fast and Furious: Fast Five

Stars: Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, Dwayne Johnson, Jordana Brewster, Chris Bridges, Tyrese Gibson, Sung Kang, Gal Gadot, Matt Schulze, Tego Calderon, Don Omar, Elsa Pataky, Joaquim de Almeida

Director: Justin Lin

Built on speed, this is one film where the story tends to move slowly, but the action is top notch.

Vin Diesel is Dom Toretto, a criminal with street-racing in his blood, who plans a heist in Brazil and in the process Dwayne Johnson becomes a part of the reunion of some of the stars from previous installments.

Former policeman Brian O’Connor (Paul Walker) and his girlfriend Mia (Brewster) help Dom to escape from a prison van and join him in Rio de Janeiro.

Director Lin takes the time to show some stunning cityscapes with the expertise of cinematographer Stephen F. Windon, together with some hair-raising action as they steal some luxury cars from a fast-moving train.

When they catch the eye of the corrupt local rich guy Reyes (de Almeida), no effort is spared in causing him a lot of grief.

As they are forced to confront a shared enemy, Dom and Brian engage in a new conviction that sets them on a path to outdo their common enemy. As a result, they push the limits from behind the wheel – all the while partaking in elaborate convoy heists and crossing international lines in meticulously executed tunnel crawls.

While screenwriter Chris Morgan throws in some light dialogue that invite some smiles, Johnson seems to have no trouble injecting some fun into delivering his faltering technique.

Walker and Brewster are anything but sophisticated and if you couple that with the knowledge that Fast and Furious Six is on its way soon, then you will really need to be a die-hard fan to continue watching this franchise.

Fast, furious and loud, this is one of those films that doesn’t require much concentration. It’s total escapism.

Film: Thor

Stars: Chris Hemsworth, Anthony Hopkins, Natalie Portman, Tom Hiddleston, Stellan Skarsgard

Director: Kenneth Branagh

Australian actor Chris Hemsworth has travelled well from his Home and Away days and proves his worth in this title role from a Marvel comic.

A spectacular torso is one distinguishing feature of this blonde, blue-eyed Adonis who has been banished from his world of Asgard and sent to live among humans on Earth.

On terra firma he falls right into the path of astrophysicist Jane Foster (Portman) and her offsiders Erik (Skarsgard and Darcy (Kat Dennings). It doesn’t take long for him to become one of this planet’s supreme defenders.

This is an energetic, funny fantasy directed by Kenneth Branagh, the Shakesperean actor-director who starred in his own movie versions of Hamlet, Much Ado About Nothing and Henry V.

The wonder and majesty of Thor’s world is well-conveyed by Branagh, who also stirs in some elements of fun as the God of Thunder competes with life in the human world.

While Hemsworth combines down-to-earth likeability with superhuman physical traits, Hopkins plays his father Odin with pride.

Special effects and high-spirited action can be overwhelming, at times – and it’s  certainly more overpowering than a figment of one’s imagination.

Chris Hemsworth and Natalie Portman in 'Thor'.

Heritage-listed treasures of the Blue Mountains

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Fairmont Resort in the Blue Mountains.

By Rama Gaind

The true brilliance of the lush, green, grassy plains of the Leura Golf Course was hidden by the flimsy, glittering mist as we drove past on our way to the Fairmont Resort in the Blue Mountains.

A haze cloaks the gigantic plateau, as it twists through the dark forests and coils around canyons and clifftops that comprise the Blue Mountains.

There’s a certain blue tinge that the range takes on when viewed from a distance.   The tinge is caused by mie scattering which occurs when incoming ultraviolet radiation is scattered by particles within the atmosphere creating a blue-greyish colour to any distant objects, including mountains and clouds. Some believe that it’s named after the blue haze of vapourised eucalyptus oil.

Consisting mainly of a sandstone plateau, the area is dissected by gorges up to 760 metres deep. A large part of the Blue Mountains is incorporated into the Greater Blue Mountains Area World Heritage Site, consisting of seven national park areas and a conservation reserve.

The area includes the local government areas of the City of Blue Mountains, the City of Hawkesbury, the City of Lithgow and Oberon.

There are many feel-good reasons why holidaymakers are being attracted to this 11,400 km² of NSW.

One of them is to stay at the Fairmont Resort which changed ownership 13 months ago and a new management team, under the Accor banner, was appointed to progressively restore it to its former position as the premier leisure and conference destination in the region.

Perched on the edge of Australia’s World Heritage-listed mountains, the sprawling resort is the perfect place for a special romantic getaway, a reunion or a celebration with family or friends or for a business retreat.

With more than 200 deluxe rooms, the Fairmont Resort is the perfect place for a romantic escape, a get together with a group of friends or family or a business retreat or conference. The resort is a haven from the madding crowd with views over the beautiful Jamieson Valley and an extensive array of leisure facilities including two restaurants, a bar lounge, indoor and outdoor pool, table tennis, gymnasium, tennis and squash courts and spa treatment facilities.

As part of the upmarket MGallery brand, renovations to Fairmont Resort at Leura are underway with a very close eye being kept on progress by general manager Geoff York.

The expansive resort, especially in the cool autumn and winter weather, is a delightful retreat with roaring log fires.

The resort is also a great base to explore the local attractions including Leura village, Wentworth Falls, the Three Sisters, Zig Zag railway and much more.

Simple pleasures of Oberon

You have to make your way down to Oberon located near the famed Jenolan Caves and the Kanangra-Boyd National Park.

Oberon has a population of 3600, while the shire has 5000. This is where the simple pleasures of life are very appealing: fish for wild trout, go mushrooming in pine forests or fossick for sapphires and precious stones.

Fossicking is a popular and rewarding activity in the Oberon district, with a number of designated fossicking areas accessible to the public, but these areas are preserved.

Who know, you could strike it lucky and come away with gold, sapphires, zircons, occasionally diamonds or smokey quartz.

Lynne Causer from the Oberon Information Centre said Arthur Streeton painted in Oberon – and no wonder – the surrounding countryside is fabulous!

Luke Ham, a resident of the Blue Mountains, with some freshly-picked Saffron Milk Caps.

Take pleasure in participating in an out-of-the-ordinary mission and go mushroom foraging.

Mushrooms are the quiet invaders of the NSW pine plantations.

Jack Simpson, a specialist in tree diseases with State Forests of NSW, and one of only a handful of mycologists (mushroom experts) in Australia says, pine plantations contain a number of recognisable, good, eating mushrooms.

If you see a little mound on the ground, push the needles away gently and there will be your mushroom and if you find one, look nearby, as it will have neighbours.

However, you must remember four things when mushrooming: never go without a knife, preferably pocket knife and cut the stems then cover them over with the pine needles so they will come again next year, walk slowly, but look quickly.

The onus is on the gatherers themselves to take responsibility for the correct identification of edible mushrooms.

Mr Simpson says the mushrooms are ecomycorrhizal with the pines, helping the tree to extract nutrients from the soil.

What’s more, the best thing about these exotic fungi is that they are free. The Saffron Milk Caps should be cooked quickly at a high temperature to avoid stewing. The stalks should be discarded.

Prized in Europe, coveted by top Sydney restaurants, these wood mushrooms are yours for the picking – absolutely free!

However, you must correctly identify your mushrooms as edible. Some mushrooms are poisonous and will make you extremely sick. If in doubt, do not eat them. Saffron Milk Caps and Slippery Jacks are in season for just a few weeks of the year in the pine forests and we found them in abundance.

The best of the Caps which were picked by our group, were later prepared for lunch at RoosterHill Guesthouse where hosts Wayne Cooper and Monica Vince made us feel very welcome.

It was the love of providing “food with flair” that has led to a unique business in the Central West – Two Birds and a Shed catering – which is run by Monica and her neighbour Kate Bird.

To further their love of cooking fresh local produce and in presenting food with flair, Monica and Kate have formed a unique partnership. They share a common passion for presenting and sharing fresh food in interesting and straightforward ways. The lunch we had was simply delicious!

Why not spend a night and sample the RoosterHill hospitality that involves total relaxation in your own queen-sized guest quarters and relishing some home-cooked delectable fare.

Over lunch, we were also introduced to Colin and Sue Roberts, owners of Lowes Mount Truffiere, in Oberon. Visitors to Oberon and the Blue Mountains can join them and their truffle dogs, Morris and Sully, on a truffle hunt during the truffle season in June, July and August.

Lowes Mount Truffiere grows, harvests and sells Black Perigord Truffle and makes truffles products for sale.

Fresh truffle and the products can be purchased on the hunts or at Farmer’s Markets in Oberon on the first Saturday of each month

This is where you learn about the truffle industry, see truffle dogs in action, find, smell and taste fresh black truffle and preserved truffle products are also on sale. As well, there’s a new crop of fresh hazelnuts.

It was at the entrance to RoosterHill Guesthouse that I made a surprising discovery: finding Australia’s oldest pine tree – a Wollemin Pine. A smaller version, of course, was thriving in their front yard – in a ceramic pot!

Tread Lightly eco

For Kate Bird, left, and Monica Vince, Two Birds and a Shed is about fine dining. They are “passionate about food and excited about using local produce”.

tours

Discover the region’s natural environment through nature-based touring with Tread Lightly eco tours. It supplies interpretive ecological tours in the Blue Mountains World Heritage area, 90 minutes west of Sydney, and specialises in fully guided bush walks and 4WD eco tours.

Tim Tranter, award-winning head guide and owner-operator, has lived in the Blue Mountains for over 45 years and provides strong links to the local community and region.

He is quick to point out that the company is a specialist in the environmental and the cultural aspects of the region with tours that explore remote wilderness experiencing the natural beauty and ecology of this region.

Professional interpretive guides with extensive knowledge of geology, fauna and flora, Indigenous culture, astronomy and venomous creatures will accentuate your experience as you visit ancient rainforest, waterfalls and deep canyons in the area. Night tours offer a different view of this amazing place, exploring the southern night sky and glow worms.

In 2010, the company was acknowledged as one of the top 50 responsible, ethical and sustainable businesses in Australia.

Rama Gaind was a guest of Fairmont Resort and Blue Mountains Tourism.

DETAILS BOX

To book at Fairmont Resort telephone (02) 4784 4144 or visit

http://www.fairmontresort.com.au/

Bookings at RoosterHill can be made on (02) 6336 3136 or 0407 276 023 or visit www.roosterhill.com.au

For bookings at Lowes Mount Truffiere send an email to [email protected] or for more information visit http://www.lowesmounttruffles.com.au/

Tread Lightly eco tours can be contacted on (02) 4788 1229, 0414 976 752 or email [email protected]


Enamoured of the old and new in Bangkok

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Bangkok landscape as seen from the 15th floor of the Executive Club at the Cape House Serviced Apartments in Ploenchit Road.

By Rama Gaind

The hustle and bustle aside, it doesn’t take long to become enamoured of the quintessential blend of old and new in Bangkok. Located on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, the Thailand’s capital is both a gateway and principal destination for most travellers.

Bangkok has embraced modern development with a joyful exuberance: a picture of thrusting office towers, world-class hotels offering deluxe comforts, glittering shopping plazas with restaurants serving acclaimed Thai spicy specialities, as well as virtually all other delectable cuisines from the east and west.

The capital is a chic, urban city with a remarkable skyline. Comfort and relaxation was in abundance at the Cape House Serviced Apartments in Ploenchit Road.

Spiritual comfort was free-for-all at the Gurdwara Siri Guru Singh Sabha, while Bangkok’s ‘Little India’ was thriving at the the Pahurat Market which is home to a thriving Indian community made up largely of Hindus and Sikhs who have been living there for generations. The stallholders in Chakrawat Road and Sampeng Lane have their own special ambience.

One quaint feature is the seemingly endless array of Hindu shrines in the city streets. The building style of the shrines varies, but worshippers turn to each of the shrines with different objectives in mind. These temples have a protective function: to ward off negative influences.

Despite the fact that most Thais are Buddhist, there are a substantial number of Hindu Shrines in Bangkok. A total of at least six are located close to the Rajaprasong intersection. It seems to be that all major enterprises close to this intersection have seen the need to erect different Hindu shrines. Well known is, of course, the Erawan Shrine which is an elaborately-decorated Hindu memorial that houses a statue of Phra Phrom, the Thai representation of the Hindu God of creation – Brahma. However, all others can easily be reached by strolling around, and at each shrine you will always see at least a few worshippers.

Bangkok does not sleep. There is so much to see and do, but first you should not be deterred by the traffic congestion in Bangkok. There are numerous alternatives to ensure that you have a memorable sojourn.

Huge volume of traffic and traffic jams are a part of the course, but this has eased slightly with the introduction of the elevated monorail, the Skytrain. It provides a much easier alternative to the bus, running two lines above Bangkok’s central areas and provides a much quicker and easier alternative to the bus.

The Bangkok Metro, established in 2004, has one route and covers areas not connected by the Skytrain. The Metro intersects with the Skytrain at three points and has frequent services running until midnight. The extensive bus system has always been the main form of public transport and they are the cheapest, most frequent mode of travel around the city.

The fastest, easiest and most interesting way to get around is on the waterways of the Chao Phraya River where numerous river taxis, long-tail boats and large water buses make most tourist sites easily accessible.

Tuk tuks (colourful three-wheelers) are the standard way of making short journeys, and are cheaper and quicker than regular taxis. Make sure you negotiate the fare before you board. Metered and un-metered taxis are airconditioned, but make sure you have the right amount of cash as drivers don’t carry much change.

If you get caught in a gridlock and need to travel, then hire a motorcycle taxi, which is cheaper and faster, but use them only for short distances. They can be recognised by the colourful, numbered vests worn by drivers.

No matter where you are in the world, you need to be patient to tackle the challenges of public transport. As well, don’t forget your nerves of steel!

Cultural heritage preserved

Amid the dynamic modern world found in Bangkok, the city amazingly manages to preserve its cultural heritage.

The soaring roofs and gleaming spires of the Grand Palace and the more historic temples – Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Temple of Dawn and other evocative shrines – cast a classical halo.

Influences from the past are not limited to major monuments as it continues to colour daily life. Saffron-robed monks making their early morning alms round present a scene that has not changed in essentials with the passing of time.

One marvels at today’s backdrop of high rise buildings and other enduring sights from which the city continues to draw definition. The tower of the Centara Grand Hotel is integrated into the CentralWorld shopping centre; stalls at the Pahurat market or Little India in Bangkok, Chakrawat Road and Sampeng Lane, have their own ambience; and one of the sights to keep an eye out for are the various shrines and spirit houses dotted all over Bangkok streets.

Ultimately, however, Bangkok draws its unique flavour from its people who are easy-going and fun-loving. They possess a rare tolerance which instills the city with a real sense of freedom. At times it’s hectic, yet what is reflected is Bangkok’s good-natured acceptance of life with all its quirkiness.

You’ll marvel at the glories of the past and delight in the golden opportunities of the present.

Thailand’s ‘City of Angels’ is a captivating place where possibilities are limited only by one’s imagination!

Rama Gaind was a guest of the Tourism Authority of Thailand and accommodation hosted by Kasemkij Group

DETAILS BOX

Thai International flies from Australia to Bangkok, connecting with Bangkok Airlines services on national routes.

Contact the Tourism Authority of Thailand on (02) 9247 7549 or visit www.tourismthailand.org

An adorned shrine of Lord Ganesh in a Bangkok street.
This shrine, adjacent to a frangipani tree, features small toy-like statues.

'The Lincoln Lawyer': an engaging legal thriller

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Film Review

By Rama Gaind

Film: The Lincoln Lawyer

Stars: Matthew McConaughey, Marisa Tomei, Ryan Philippe, Josh Lucas, John Leguizano, Michael Pena, Laurence Mason, Bob Gunton, Frances Fisher, William H. Macy

Director: Brad Furman

 Matthew McConaughey proves himself as a solid actor in the role of a criminal defence lawyer in The Lincoln Lawyer.

As Mick Haller, he is street-smart in Los Angeles with an unusual mode of operation: working out of the back seat of his chauffer-driven black Lincoln Continental. You can read that he is conceited by his (NTGUILTY) number plate.  

He is slightly unprincipled, as he bribes court bailiffs for favours and uses underhand means to trick his opponents. His clients are mostly drug-dealing bikers, petty thieves, hookers and the infrequent low-level killer he handles by using his knowledge of exploiting the legal system.

However, his luck changes (or does it?) after he gets a rich Beverly Hills playboy (Phillippe) as a client, who has been accused of attempted rape and attempted murder of a woman called Reggie. He is the spoiled son of real estate mogul Mary Windsor (Fisher). The client adamantly declares his innocence, insisting that the whole thing is a set-up to extort money from him.

Haller, for once, thinks that might be the case and instead of deals and plea bargains, he may actually have to go to court to defend his client.

This client had come his way, thanks to bail bondsman (Leguizamo) whom he had paid-off.

Unfortunately, he fails to smell a foul odour which is picked up by his faithful investigator (Macy).

Mick believes there’s no client “as scary as an innocent man” (as his father used to say) and is more worried about failing to protect the innocent than he is about helping the guilty.

He’s perturbed by the apparent innocence of his latest client.

Moving at a speedy pace, the story introduces key characters: Haller’s ex-wife and a prosecuting attorney (Tomei) whose character is not used to advantage, opposing attorney (Lucas) and faithful chauffer (Mason).

This is a cut above the usual crop of crime storytelling, even though the themes are well-worn.

When it comes to crime, the hands behind The Lincoln Lawyer are experienced. Director Brad Furman chose crime in his first feature, The Take and screenwriter John Romano did time as writer-producer on L.A. Law, Monk and Hill Street Blues.   

The film is based on a Mickey Haller novel by crime novelist Michael Connelly.

The film oozes a heavy-duty aroma of déjà vu as it accomplishes what it sets out to do to entertain with sturdy performances, cool mannerisms and a toe-tapping rap soundtrack.

NTBAD!

 

 

Katie Noonan and Karin Schaupp Duo Show

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Friday 6th May, 8.00pm @ The Street Theatre, Canberra.
Ph: 02 6247 1223 www.thestreet.org.au
Tickets: Adult $39, Concession $35 (booking fees may apply)

With a voice spun from audible luminescence, Katie Noonan collaborates for the first time with internationally renowned poet of the guitar, Karin Schaupp. Noonan has an impressive 3 ARIA awards and 6 x platinum album sales to her
name while Schaupp’s career has taken her around the globe, performing as a soloist with the London Philharmonic Orchestra, appearing on international television, and as a member of ARIA award winning guitar supergroup Saffire.

After years of crossing paths, these two leading female artists are looking forward to finally sharing the stage together:

“For years we’ve been saying ‘We must do something together one day…’ and finally we found the time to make it happen! I am delighted to be collaborating with Katie – her voice is absolutely unique and she is a brilliant musician.
The combination of voice and guitar is very intimate but also very versatile. We’ve had a wonderful time putting together this British programme drawn from so many different styles of music, and we’ve become great friends in the process!” – Karin Schaupp

“The voice and the guitar have made beautiful music together for centuries and I am very excited to be collaborating with one of the most beautiful classical guitarists I have heard – Karin Schaupp. This concert will be a chance for me to rediscover the Celtic music I grew up around, the classical music I fell in love with when I discovered singing as a child, and the pop music that has informed my voice as a songwriter in more recent years. The British Isles are blessed with such a rich history of wonderful music making and I am looking forward to sharing some of it with Karin and our audiences! Karin and I will also be travelling with our children so we can swap mummy tips while our children play together!” – Katie Noonan

Noonan and Schaupp will present an intimate selection of some of the most beautiful songs from the British Isles; from Dowland, Vaughan-Williams and Britten, to Nick Drake, Peter Gabriel, Kate Bush, and traditional Celtic folk tunes.

Both virtuosos on their respective instruments, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity. Audiences will be drawn in by the sublime dialogue of these two masterful musicians.

Kookaburra Sits in the A.C.T. Gum Tree

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It’s April and young A.C.T. Kookaburras are out of the nest and taking on an important role in the Kookaburra family. If you see one Kookaburra around, it’s likely that a whole family is living near you – and there are plenty of things you can do to be a Backyard Buddy to Kookaburras.

Backyard Buddies is a free program run by Australia’s Foundation for National Parks & Wildlife. Each month, you get a Backyard Buddies email (B-mail) with tips to make your backyard inviting and safe for native animals. Download a free Kookaburra factsheet and get Bmail at www.backyardbuddies.net.au.

“Around this time of year, Kookaburras that were only chicks a little while ago are now old enough to begin helping out their parents,” said Ms Leonie Gale, CEO of the Foundation for National Parks & Wildlife. “These young birds stay with their family group for up to four years, raising siblings and helping their family to defend their home turf.”

“The Kookaburra’s distinctive ‘koo-hoo-hoo-hoo-haa-haa-haa-haa’ isn’t just a belly laugh – it’s a territorial display.”

“Kookaburras make different sounds to communicate,” said Ms Gale. “At any time of year they chuckle to locate family members. During the breeding season from September to January they make a ‘chuck’ to find their family, and ‘squawk’ to beg for food from other Kookaburras in their group.”

“Their famous laugh tells other Kookaburras that ‘This is our home, and we will fight for it.’ If you listen out for these calls, usually made in chorus by a family of Kookaburras, you should be able to discover the boundaries of their territory.”

“Watch out if you hear a ‘Kooaa’ and a loud cackle – the first call is a warning to the family group, and the second signals aggression. Kookaburras cackle maniacally before two warring groups clash over territory.”

“To defend their home, the Laughing Kookaburras we have in A.C.T. dart sharply to and fro, passing each other in mid-air like trapeze artists. Barrages of sinister laughter reverberate between the disputing groups, amongst the bright flashes of their brown and blue wings.” Ms Gale said.

“One Kookaburra family’s territory can extend up to a hundred house blocks and include some parkland as well. Kookaburras are quite at home in urban areas, so they’re not an uncommon A.C.T. site.”

“As young Kookaburras don’t go off and start their own families for a number of years, the overall birth rate of the species is low. Kookaburras can find themselves in a lot of trouble if a sudden event such as habitat destruction or a misuse of pesticides wipes out a number of birds. It will take the local population a long time to recover.”

“But there are a lot of simple things we can do to protect this national icon, our laughing buddy. And Kookaburras are great to have around – not only do they provide lots of entertainment, but they eat the mice, insects and even small snakes from our gardens too!” said Ms Gale.

Simple tips to help protect our Kookaburras

• Avoid spraying chemicals in your garden as they could affect other species than the ones you’re targeting.
• Don’t put rodent poison outdoors as a Kookaburra could eat a poisoned mouse and become ill or die.
• Keep your pets indoors, especially cats at night, as they can disturb or even attack native birds.
• If you find an injured Kookaburra, call your local animal rescue and rehabilitation group or vet.
• Leave old trees around your area as these provide perfect nesting sites for Kookaburras, and plentiful shade and fresh air for us.
• Plant new gum trees so that there will be plenty of good nesting sites available in the future.
• If you want to see Kookaburras up close, try including some stumps and rocks around your garden—Kookaburras love to sit on them.
• Mulch your garden and this will attract lizards and insects. If you’re lucky, Kookaburras will discover that your place is a great place to catch a meal.
• Kookaburras have fantastic hunting skills, and make a great living catching their natural prey. They don’t need us to feed them or they could become dependent on people or become sick.

Kookaburra Facts

• Kookaburras can live for up to 20 years in good conditions.
• There are two species of Kookaburra – the Laughing Kookaburra and the Blue-winged Kookaburra.
• Laughing Kookaburras live in eastern Australia in QLD, NSW, ACT, VIC and SA. They have been introduced to TAS and south-western WA.
• Blue-winged Kookaburras live along Australia’s north coast in QLD, NT and WA.
• Blue-winged Kookaburras are smaller than Laughing Kookaburras, have blue wings and tail, and a white iris in contrast to the Laughing Kookaburra’s deep brown eye.
• Kookaburras have several different calls to communicate.
• Kookaburras are the largest kind of Kingfisher – but they don’t usually eat fish!

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DRAGONS ON LAKE BURLEY GRIFFIN

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2300 sports paddlers, the best that each state and territory has to offer, are converging on Canberra for a momentous battle of the dragons at the 2011 Australian Dragon Boat Championships.

Chinese dragon boat racing is the fastest growing water sport in Australia and the world’s fastest growing team sport. Visually impressive with 20 perfectly synchronized paddlers powering the dragon-headed boat to a dramatic drum-beat it is an event of pageantry and spectacle.

The explosive growth of the sport and the kudos of this annual event was recognised for the first time with an Opening Ceremony held on Wednesday 30th March at Commonwealth Place.

The opening was a truly multicultural experience that included awakening of the dragon via the eye dotting which is a Chinese tradition stretching back thousands of years, an Indigenous smoking ceremony, procession of flag bearers from all States and Territories and the Australian National Anthem.

Thursday 31 March to Sunday 3rd April will bear witness to nail biting moments as competitors endeavour to thrash the waters of Lake Burley Griffin into submission as they via for the highly coveted title of Australian Dragon Boat Champions with often only a dragons whisker between the boats.

This is a great opportunity to see Dragon Boating at its best with the top crews fighting it out for a place at the 2012 World Club Crew Championships in Hong Kong. Spectators will see racing over 200, 500 and 2000 metres.

The best vantage point is Commonwealth Place – from 7.30 am Friday, Saturday and Sunday – a great day out for the whole family – and if you fancy trying the sport yourself, there are lots of dragon boat clubs in Canberra that are always keen to welcome new paddlers.

Entry to the event is FREE.

Disturbing casualties of war

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Out on DVD, 'The Messenger' has been released by Madman.

DVD Reviews

By Rama Gaind

The Messenger (Madman Entertainment)

Stars: Woody  Harrelson  (Natural Born Killers), Ben  Foster  (3:10  to Yuma),

Samantha  Morton (Control)  and  Jena  Malone (Into the Wild)

Director: Oren Moverman

A poignant film about the lives of those on the frontline,  and how their death affects those who are left behind.

The Messenger is the story of  decorated  combat  soldier Will Montgomery (Foster), who has recently  returned  from  Iraq. He has been assigned to the Army Casualty Notification  service,  a unit  that’s tasked  with  informing  families  of  the  death of their  loved ones in the line of duty.

He is mentored by Captain Tony  Stone (Harrelson), but Montgomery  has to  learn to detach himself  from  the emotional  challenges  that  the  job  brings. However, the walls come crumbling down when Olivia  (Morton) comes into the picture.

A disturbingly close look at the various ways in which people handle news about loved ones who die in a war. Grief, pain, anger and subdued sentiments – everyone deals with it differently – and our messengers are no exception.

It would not be wrong to say that the true scars of war are often shaped at home, not on the battlefield.

Nominated for two 2009 Academy Awards, The Messenger brings forth some fine acting from Harrelson and Foster, together with the support cast.

Restrepo (Madman Entertainment)

Director: Tim Hetherington and Sebastian Junger

Restrepo is a 2010 National Geographic documentary that deals with modern warfare and its casualties.

It is set in what is considered to be one of the most dangerous postings of the war – the remote Korengal Valley in eastern Afghanistan. This is where the American soldiers of Second Platoon have secured a strategic outpost and named it in honour of PFC Juan Sebastián Restrepo, a Colombian-born naturalised U.S. citizen platoon medic who was killed earlier in the campaign.

Directed by American journalist Sebastian Junger and British photojournalist Tim Hetherington, the film explores the year they spent in Afghanistan on assignment for Vanity Fair.

Told in their own words, Restrepo is the unwavering, on-the-ground story of the day-to-day lives of a group of men who came to rely on each other under constant danger and  emotional  hardship. They became renowned as the ‘tip of the spear’ for the American war effort in Afghanistan.

The fearless patriotism of the soldiers of the Second Platoon must be admired.

'Restrepo' is on DVD from Madman Entertainment.

Publisher States Ebooks Are Definitely Not The Future

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“Ebooks are not the future. Tomorrow has become today. Ebooks are now,” a spokesman for Boson Books of North Carolina USA states. Development and heavy promotion of ebook readers has forced publishers to expand their ebook lists, and the public is now embracing that wider choice. “We certainly think ebooks are a solution for readers who live in rural areas where visiting bookstores may be difficult. Boson has been releasing ebooks for over seventeen years and know readers appreciate quality.”

“As part of catering to diverse tastes, we have signed author Chris Scott Wilson who writes historical novels, history books and westerns and we believe the authenticity of his stories appeals to readers worldwide. Chris’ first release with us in Australia is Double Mountain Crossing, an atmospheric western. Another four Old West adventures will follow.”

Chris comments, “If our parents’ generation grew up on Hollywood westerns, then my generation grew up on TV westerns. Wagon Train, Rawhide, Bronco Lane, Have Gun Will Travel and many others. We loved them. There’s something raw and exciting about a man, his Winchester and his horse, standing up to whatever that untamed country can throw at him.” Asked about Double Mountain Crossing, Chris reflects, “People think money is the answer to everything. It isn’t. When Morgan Clay finds a mountain full of gold, he thinks his troubles are over, but they’re just beginning.”

While reviewer John Barchan wrote “Chris has provided the ‘E’ (Entertainment) factor in this action-packed tale,” another reviewer Mike Eastwood stated Chris is “a clever descriptive writer with a wealth of knowledge about all his characters. Whether real or fictional, painstaking research into the subjects and places really has paid off. I strongly recommend this book.” He awarded it five stars. Best-selling author Clive Cussler perhaps has the last word, writing of Chris that he has, “a beautiful way with words…”

Find out for yourself. Double Mountain Crossing by Chris Scott Wilson is available now from BooksU.com, Whitcoulls or Infibeam and other leading on-line retailers. To read a sample chapter visit : http://www.bosonbooks.com/boson/fiction/crossing/crossing.html or the author’s own website: http://www.chrisscottwilson.co.uk

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Scott Cameron presents Buddy: The Concert

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“I’ve shared the stage with many ‘Buddys’, both internationally and locally. Scott Cameron is right up there with the best”
– Doug Parkinson – Australian Legend

“Scott Cameron brings life back to the legend of Buddy Holly”
– Lonnie Lee – Australian Rock Pioneer and star of Class of 59

“Having personally known Buddy and now Scott Cameron it sends tingles down my spine how close he is”
– Peggy Sue Gearon from Lubbock, Texas, U.S.A

“Scott is the best Buddy I’ve ever seen or worked with”
– Donny Edwards – International award winning Elvis star from Las Vegas, U.S.A

Buddy Holly was one of the greatest pioneers of Rock and Roll in the 50’s, a career spanning only two short years but bringing with it a wealth of material that made a lasting impact on popular music. Donning his trademark horn-rimmed glasses, his ever so engaging and charismatic figure and a lilting vocal hiccup… Scott Cameron returns to the roll that made him famous, presenting Buddy: The Concert.

23-year-old Scott “Buddy” Cameron – as he is known – found his calling in 2005 with his uncanny look and eerily similar voice allowing him to continue a legacy left behind by Buddy Holly. Scott is one of the most recognised Buddy Holly performers in the world receiving rave reviews for his portrayal of the 50’s legend in the International smash hit musical Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story in productions staged from 2005 through to 2009. Scott also toured internationally with “Memories Of Buddy Holly” concert production from 2006 to 2008.

In 2010, Scott toured the country playing the role of Buddy Holly in the concert production Elvis Meets Buddy and in 2011 with the Class of 59 concert tour. Sydney’s Daily Telegraph says Cameron’s performance is “winning in the role”, described by the Gold Coast Bulletin as being “amazing as Buddy Holly” and the ABC describes Scott as “literally seeming to channel Buddy Holly at times”. They elaborate, “This guy has a great voice and an incredible amount of energy that simply sweeps the rest of the cast, and the audience, along with him”.

Scott’s passion for Buddy is evident within a minute of speaking to him. “It’s amazing that in such a short amount of time he wrote so many massive hit songs. The best thing about playing Holly is hearing someone your own age say to you, you made me go out and buy Buddy’s records and now I love him or seeing someone cry remembering having their first kiss to a Holly Song and when that man has been your hero since 8, being able to play him every day is a dream come true”.

Joining Cameron on this concert is his band – the 59’ers starring James Nation-Ingle and Simon Bentley.

James Nation-Ingle started performing at age 10 with his first roles for Waikato Opera in Hamilton, New Zealand. This is the third time James has been in a production of “Buddy”, his first being for Hamilton Operatic in 2002 and again in 2005 with Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story musical. His musical theatre credits include productions of Jesus Christ Superstar and The Hot Shoe Shuffle for Showbiz Christchurch, The World Goes Round and My Favourite Year, amongst others. James has been playing guitar and bass for 11 years and played in the onstage band for the RENT musical. James Nation-Ingle also joined Scott and Simon Bentley again in 2009 for the national tour of Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story.

Simon Bentley has clocked up an impressive amount of stage time in his career – performing from an early age in such shows as The Sound of Music, Les Miserables, Man of Steel, The Secret Garden, Into the Woods, Pippin and Big. Simon’s professional career started by playing Tom Sawyer in Wellington Downstage Theatre’s Big River in 2004, followed by touring NZ with Capital E National Theatre for Children’s The Farm at the End of the Road in 2005. In 2006 Simon took a lead in Smokey Joe’s Cafe with Wellington based production company Marshall Stack. In 2008 Simon crossed the ditch to perform in the National Tour of Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story where he played the supporting role of Jerry Allison.

Buddy: The Concert will see Scott belt out Holly’s catalogue of songs whilst also performing the tracks that shaped the 50’s culture from artists including Bo Diddly, Chuck Berry, Elvis Presley, Eddy Cochran and more.

Set one of Buddy: The Concert will see Buddy and the band styled back to the days when they were just three young guys having fun and playing the music that shaped that era. Performing a string of hits by the legendary artists that were close friends and brought with it a strong significance to Buddy’s career including close friend of Buddy, Eddy Cochran; Roy Orbison (who recorded at the same studios as Buddy), Bo Diddly (Inspired Buddy), Elvis Presley (Inspired Buddy, also close friends so much so that Buddy made Elvis a leather wallet), Bobby Fuller Four (Buddy and Sonny Curtis wrote both their hit songs: ‘I fought the law’ and ‘Loves Made a Fool Of You’), Bill Hayley and the Comets (Buddy covered their song “Shake Rattle And Roll”), Chuck Berry (who Buddy toured with several times just after the Apollo Theatre performance) and Richie Valens (an artist Buddy wanted to manage Richie and work with him before the plane crash).

The second set represents Buddy and The Crickets with all the class and showmanship that they were renowned for. Performing a collection of all of Buddy’s hits including That’ll Be The Day, Rave On, Oh Boy, Maybe Baby, Heartbeat, Peggy Sue, Well All Right, Everyday, Not Fade Away, True Love’s Ways and It’s So Easy, just to name a few!

Oh Boy!, it’s time to Rave On with Buddy Holly coming to a theatre near you!

EVERY TICKET GIVES THE CHANCE TO WIN 1 OF 40 EXCLUSIVE PEGGY SUE MEMORABILIA
Whenever a punter buys a ticket to BUDDY THE CONCERT each ticket automatically goes into the draw for the chance to win a RARE PEGGY SUE SIGNED collectable piece of memorabilia worth $1000. This will be drawn on the night at each show on the tour and presented to the lucky winner by Scott “BUDDY” Cameron.

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Beardo: Keeping you warm this winter!

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“THE FACIAL HAIR FAD: GROWING GLOBALLY”

Even Those Who Can’t Grow Their Own, Can Now Simply Order Facial Hair Online.

A Canadian company appropriately named ‘Beardo’ has developed a knit toque with a foldaway and adjustable beard (Photo). A unique design to say the least, founder and Gold coast resident Jeff Phillips noted, “it is a bit odd, but also quite comfortable and functional”. He added that the Beardo Bearded Beanies have been very popular, mainly with winter sports enthusiasts, but surprisingly women make up 70% of our customer base … they are mostly buying as gifts for their boyfriends and husbands though.” Phillips first came up with the idea when he converted a scarf into a makeshift beard while on a snowboarding trip on Whistler Mountain, in 2007, he says “its a long stretch from ripping a hole in a scarf … the design has changed so much, and I never would have imagined they would generate such an interest.”
last year, Beardo launched their online store www.beardowear.ca to coincide with ‘National Beard Month’ and ‘Movember’ (the annual fad of growing a mustache during the month of November). In its first week, the site generated interest in over 50 countries from Korea to Kazakhstan. All this interest was shocking to Phillips who says ” I knew that we had a quirky product, but within the first day online there were already blogs [about the Beardo] popping up in South Korea!” The website is now receiving over 200 hits a day from all over the world.
Though the month for letting your facial hair run wild is far over, Phillips hopes the nearing cold weather, will ensure a continued interest in the ‘Beardo’. Phillips noted that in June, Alice Springs, Australia holds the world’s largest beanie festival (www.beaniefest.org), where he plans to attend. “I never would have imagined winter wear being popular in the hottest part of Australia, but it also gets down to zero degrees out there, so beanies are very popular with the locals… especially artistic styles” Phillips added. At the moment, the Beardo is available in a one size fits all, slouchy fit toque (6 colors) and an dettachable, foldaway and adjustable beard. Phillips says of the companies’ plans for the future, “our goal is to continue bringing out different colors as well as new products every season… we do have a few ideas, not all are related to body hair, but I don’t want to ruin the surprise.” Only time will tell if the beard culture will continue to grow in popularity, or if this is a trend that will simply get the cut.
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WEBSITE: www.beardowear.ca CONTACT: Jeff Phillips EMAIL: [email protected]
If you would like more information about The Beardo, promotional pictures, or to schedule an interview
please contact Jeff Phillips via email: [email protected]

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