G'day media watchers, news media movers n shakers, punters, sports nuts, legal eagles, one and all. Today we probe the fun and games relating to James Warburton's early departure from Channel Seven, with the intention of starting at Network Ten, which has seen JW a regular in Australian court and talk of the Australian media landscape. Media Man and Gambling911 with the Warburton media war special...
AFL Rights Raised Via Warburton Stoush; Day 2 In Court Update...
Channel Seven's commercial director advised the process for awarding the Australian Football League's next sports broadcasting contract still had some way to run, the NSW Supreme Court heard on day 2 of the court hearing. Bruce McWilliam was giving evidence during the second day of Channel Seven's legal bid to postpone its former chief sales and digital officer James Warburton starting his new job as chief executive of Channel Ten. The current AFL broadcast deal, involving Seven, Ten and pay television operator, Foxtel, is in its final year. The AFL is understood to be seeking $1 billion in rights fees for the next 5-year deal. Quizzed by the super legal eagle - barrister for Warburton, John West, QC, whether the result of negotiations between the AFL and broadcasters would be known very soon, McWilliam said, "There's no end in sight in the current process in my mind." McWilliam then went on to say initial expectations were that the negotiations would be concluded at about the time of last year's AFL grand final but these kept being delayed. Channel's Seven and Ten made a preliminary presentation to the AFL recently, McWilliam told the court. He also said additional meetings would likely take place. "It just depends what the AFL requires and how they wish to conduct the process," McWilliam said. Ten announced Warburton's appointment as chief executive on March 2, with a commencement date of July 14 this year. Channel Seven states that conditions in Warburton's employment contract and participation in a management equity plan, dictate that Warburton has to wait until October 2012 before commencing work with any other media firm. That's quite a wait. Warburton's legal team says it believes the proposed transaction that will have Seven's media assets transferred to West Australian Newspapers Holdings, via a series of complex transactions, will cause the management equity plan to cease to exist. With that would disappear some of the restraints included in the plan on Warburton working for another media company. McWilliam said the proposed deal, due to be voted on by WAN shareholders later this month, would not dissolve the management equity plan. "'The scheme most definitely continues," McWilliam said. The case continues.
Media Contacts Printed Off By Warburton's Computer Prior To Resignation; Day 3 In Court...
Confidential contact details of clients, agencies and Seven Network staff were printed from James Warburton’s computer the day before he resigned from the company it has been alleged in court. On the third day of the trial brought by Seven, the NSW Supreme court also heard that Warburton’s knowledge of tech Channel Seven had acquired that allows products to be superimposed into programs had the potential to harm the business. Seven is attempting to hold back Warburton from switching to Ten to become its chief executive until October next year, claiming he is in breach of a management equity plan. Warburton wants to start at Ten in July this year. Referring to a document of good old fashioned Microsoft Outlook contacts, the network director of sales at Seven and Warburton’s former deputy, stated in an affidavit: "I note from the information at the bottom of the document that it appears to have been printed by Mr Warburton’s executive assistant… at 8.39am on 1 March 2011, being the day before Mr Warburton resigned from SMG. The contacts list includes the telephone and email contact details of numerous SMG employees and a number of SMG clients and agencies." Under a heading in his affidavit called "Virtual advertising", Burnette told how in December last year Channel Seven inked a deal with a company that provides technology which enables products to be superimposed into a program during the post production-phase. He said Warburton’s inside knowledge of a potential revenue stream it could deliver to Seven was information a competitor would value highly. Burnette also recounted a chat he had with Warburton in December last year after Seven’s direct group sales manager, David Bellamy, announced he was resigning to move to Ten. Burnette claims Warburton said: "OK. He needs to be put on gardening leave immediately and keep him from starting for the three months or whatever the maximum is." The hearing continues.
Warburton Advised Leave Channel Seven Immediately Sir...
Commercial director of Channel Seven, Bruce McWilliam, said it would have been "very impolite" for him to have told a departing executive, James Warburton, that he wouldn't be able to take up Ten's offer as chief executive for a year because of anti-competition rules within a management equity participation scheme. McWilliam advised he had requested HR staff to check the restraint period, and had been aware that a press release from Channel Ten stated Warburton would start with the network as chief executive in July. McWilliam said Warburton told him that Seven's chief executive, David Leckie, wanted him out of the building immediately. "I … wouldn't always take what is said at face value," McWilliam told the restraint of competition case brought by Seven against Warburton. He believed it was "harsh to someone who had been with the company so long". In an affidavit put forward in the court, McWilliam advised Leckie had told him he didn't want Warburton "mixing with staff and being around whatever deals are done, it is untenable". McWilliam said: "But you didn't imply he was terminated did you?", to which Leckie responded, "Of course not. I am not stupid. I said to him, "You have to go on gardening leave, or whatever it is called." The court was advised that while Warburton had run the numbers for Channel Seven's passing interest in MasterChef, and was the sole Seven executive who advised against broadcasting Wimbledon as it was a "dying tradition", Warburton could not retain so much confidential information in his head that would justify Seven restraining him from working in the television industry until October 2012. Warburton's barrister, John West, QC, rejected Seven's contention of Warburton's "total mastery". In one cheeky interlude with McWilliam, West said: "You really can't help yourself, you keep on over-egging the custard", to which McWilliam responded: "He doesn't just forward emails. If the information in the email was incorrect he would have gone back to them and corrected it …"
The hearing before Justice Michael Pembroke continues.
Warburton Didn't Steal Media Documents; Day 4 (18th Apri 2011)...
SMG (Seven Media Group) has withdrawn on claims that ex executive James Warburton stole confidential information upon his sudden departure from the firm. Warburton walked on Seven in March to join competitor Ten Network as chief executive officer, a move that pissed off Seven. Warburton was to have commenced with Ten in July, but Seven has taken legal action in the NSW Supreme Court in a bid to delay him starting until October 2012. Seven contends provisions in his employment contract and participation in a management equity plan at Seven constrain him from working at another media firm. Seven had also argued in court that Warburton had snatched confidential information when he left the group, including strategy reports as well as ratings and revenue data. In the NSW Supreme Court yesterday, Tony Meagher, SC, representing Seven told the court that this claim has now been retracted. "There is no longer a threat he will use the confidential information," Meagher told the court, according to news reports. The case continues today, with Seven Media boss executive David Leckie to take the stand after the media group's HR. Australian media has been talking about the case under watercoolers and in coffee shops since it commenced, and the legal eagles are understood to be making a financial killing, as is often the case on high level legal media battles. WAR...BURTON - sure sounds like he's ready for another round on Aussie media wars. James Packer might like to see him take on Ten's gaming arm (or whatever the secret project might be). Bang!
Readers... er, punters, how did you like our report? Tell us in the forum.
If you have a bet, please bet with your head, not over it, and for God's sake, have fun.
*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911
*Media Man http://www.mediamanint.com is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company. Gaming is just one of a dozen sectors covered
*The writer owns shares in Network Ten
Online Casinos, Online Poker and Sports Betting...
Ok readers, we hear you... you also want to know some of the best places to play online (that accept Aussies) if your in or around the Asia Pacific - Australia (including Tassie) and New Zealand, so here it is...
PartyCasino.com (Many of the world's best slot games. Aussies and Kiwi's welcome).
Captain Cooks Casino
Betfair (sports betting only)
PKR.com (poker, slots including Marvel slot games and sports betting)
PartyPoker.com (online poker at one of the world's most respected poker rooms and gaming brands)
Profiles
Australian Casinos
World Casino Directory
Global Gaming Directory
Casino Travel
Casinos
Australia
Media Man and Gambling911 remind our readers to keep the following in mind:
Take the time to research and learn games before placing down money
Media Man, Casino News Media and Gambling911 are website portals. Not casinos as such, however are recognised as world leading websites that cover the sector and act as central points to games, news, reviews and more.
If you have a bet, please bet with your head, not over it, and for God's sake, have fun.
*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911
*Media Man http://www.mediamanint.com is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company. Gaming is just one of a dozen sectors covered
Website Network
Media Man International
Media Man
Media Man Australia
Media Man Canada
Media Man Games
Media Man Brand
Media Man Network
Casino News Media
Poker News Media
Australian Casino News
Casino News Australia
Global Gaming Directory
Friday, April 08, 2011
Tuesday, April 05, 2011
TV Week Logies At Crown Casino Again: Nominations, by Greg Tingle - 5th April 2011
G'day punters, casino and gambling millionaires and billionaires, entertainment news junkies, one and all. The TV Week Logie Awards are coming up again in Australia. Nominations have been made and James Packer's Crown Casino in Melbourne has been chosen as the venue once again. Fancy that! Media Man and Gambling911 check the ballot box and walk the floor at Crown Casino with this special report...
2011 TV Week Logie Award Nominations...
Packed To The Rafters has performed brilliantly in the 2011 TV Week Logie Award nominations for another year, with the awesome cast scoring a collective 13 nominations and the show nominated for Most Popular Drama Series.
We also learn that Big Brother star and The Circle host Chrissie Swan has received four nominations including one for the gold Logie.
And, reader fav, Underbelly, has a total of four nominations, thanks mainly to actor Firass Dirani, who plays Sydney based nightclub owner and entrepreneur, John Ibrahim.
The 2011 TV Week Logie Awards will be held at Melbourne's Crown Casino on May 1st.
And the nominations are:
TV WEEK GOLD LOGIE – Most Popular Personality on Television
Adam Hills (Spicks And Specks, ABC1)
Asher Keddie (Offspring, Network Ten)
Chrissie Swan (The Circle, Network Ten)
Jessica Marais (Packed To The Rafters, Channel Seven)
Karl Stefanovic (Today, Nine Network)
Rebecca Gibney (Packed To The Rafters, Channel Seven)
TV WEEK SILVER LOGIE -- Most Popular Actor
Callan Mulvey (Rush, Network Ten)
Don Hany (Offspring, Network Ten / Tangle, Foxtel [Showcase])
Erik Thomson (Packed To The Rafters, Channel Seven)
Hugh Sheridan (Packed To The Rafters, Channel Seven)
Michael Caton (Packed To The Rafters, Channel Seven)
TV WEEK SILVER LOGIE -- Most Popular Actress
Asher Keddie (Offspring, Network Ten)
Jessica Marais (Packed To The Rafters, Channel Seven)
Margot Robbie (Neighbours, Network Ten)
Rebecca Gibney (Packed To The Rafters, Channel Seven)
Zoe Ventoura (Packed To The Rafters, Channel Seven)
TV WEEK SILVER LOGIE -- Most Popular Presenter
Adam Hills (Spicks And Specks, ABC1)
Chrissie Swan (The Circle, Network Ten)
Hamish Blake (Hamish & Andy 'Specials', Network Ten)
Karl Stefanovic (Today, Nine Network)
Shaun Micallef (Talkin' 'Bout Your Generation, Network Ten)
MOST POPULAR NEW MALE TALENT
Charles Cottier (Home And Away, Channel Seven)
Eddie Perfect (Offspring, Network Ten)
Firass Dirani (Underbelly: The Golden Mile, Nine Network)
Manu Feildel (My Kitchen Rules, Channel Seven)
Ryan Corr (Packed To The Rafters, Channel Seven)
MOST POPULAR NEW FEMALE TALENT
Chrissie Swan (The Circle, Network Ten)
Emma Booth (Underbelly: The Golden Mile, Nine Network)
Hannah Marshall (Packed To The Rafters, Channel Seven)
Julie Goodwin (Home Cooked! With Julie Goodwin, Nine Network)
Poh Ling Yeow (Poh's Kitchen, ABC1)
MOST POPULAR DRAMA SERIES
Home And Away (Channel Seven)
Neighbours (Network Ten)
Offspring (Network Ten)
Packed To The Rafters (Channel Seven)
Rush (Network Ten)
Underbelly: The Golden Mile (Nine Network)
MOST POPULAR LIGHT ENTERTAINMENT PROGRAM
Good News Week (Network Ten)
Hey Hey It's Saturday (Nine Network)
Sunrise (Channel Seven)
Talkin' 'Bout Your Generation (Network Ten)
The Circle (Network Ten)
MOST POPULAR LIFESTYLE PROGRAM
Better Homes And Gardens (Channel Seven)
Domestic Blitz (Nine Network)
Getaway (Nine Network)
Grand Designs Australia (Foxtel [The Lifestyle Channel])
Ready Steady Cook (Network Ten)
MOST POPULAR SPORTS PROGRAM
Before The Game (Network Ten)
The Footy Show (AFL) (Nine Network)
The Footy Show (NRL) (Nine Network)
The Matty Johns Show (Channel Seven)
Wide World Of Sports (Nine Network)
MOST POPULAR REALITY PROGRAM
Dancing With The Stars (Channel Seven)
MasterChef Australia (Network Ten)
The Biggest Loser Australia (Network Ten)
The Farmer Wants A Wife (Nine Network)
The X Factor (Channel Seven)
MOST POPULAR FACTUAL PROGRAM
Bondi Rescue (Network Ten)
Bondi Vet (Network Ten)
RPA (Nine Network)
Undercover Boss Australia (Network Ten)
Who Do You Think You Are? (SBS)
Most Outstanding Nominees
TV WEEK SILVER LOGIE -- Most Outstanding Drama Series, Miniseries or Telemovie
Hawke (Network Ten)
Packed To The Rafters (Channel Seven)
Rake (ABC1)
Rush (Network Ten)
Sisters Of War (ABC1)
Underbelly: The Golden Mile (Nine Network)
TV WEEK SILVER LOGIE -- Most Outstanding Actor
Erik Thomson (Packed To The Rafters, Channel Seven)
Hugh Sheridan (Packed To The Rafters, Channel Seven)
Jason Gann (Wilfred, SBS)
Richard Roxburgh (Hawke, Network Ten)
Richard Roxburgh (Rake, ABC1)
TV WEEK SILVER LOGIE -- Most Outstanding Actress
Asher Keddie (Offspring, Network Ten)
Catherine McClements (Rush, Network Ten)
Claire van der Boom (Sisters Of War, ABC1)
Justine Clarke (Tangle, Foxtel [Showcase])
Kat Stewart (Offspring, Network Ten)
GRAHAM KENNEDY AWARD FOR MOST OUTSTANDING NEW TALENT
Emma Booth (Underbelly: The Golden Mile, Nine Network)
Firass Dirani (Underbelly: The Golden Mile, Nine Network)
Richard Davies (Offspring, Network Ten)
Ryan Corr (Packed To The Rafters, Channel Seven)
Sarah Snook (Sisters Of War, ABC1)
MOST OUTSTANDING NEWS COVERAGE
"Afghanistan Rocket Attack" (Ten News)
"Election 2010" (Sky News)
"Laurie Oakes Election Leaks" (Nine News)
"New Zealand Mine Disaster" (Seven News)
"Pakistan Floods" (ABC News)
MOST OUTSTANDING PUBLIC AFFAIRS REPORT
"Brothers In Arms" (Sunday Night, Channel Seven)
"Hey Dad..! Scandal" (A Current Affair, Nine Network)
"Iraq's Deadly Legacy" (Dateline, SBS)
"Smugglers' Paradise" (Four Corners, ABC1)
"The Condemned" (Dateline, SBS)
MOST OUTSTANDING LIGHT ENTERTAINMENT PROGRAM
Hamish & Andy's Caravan of Courage: Great Britain & Ireland (Network Ten)
Luke Nguyen's Vietnam (SBS)
Spicks And Specks (ABC1)
Talkin' 'Bout Your Generation (Network Ten)
Yes We Canberra! (ABC1)
MOST OUTSTANDING SPORTS COVERAGE
2010 AFL Grand Final (Channel Seven)
2010 Melbourne Cup (Channel Seven)
Rugby League - 2010 State Of Origin - Game One (Nine Network)
The Ashes 2010 First Test - Day One at the Gabba (Nine Network)
XIX Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi (Foxtel)
MOST OUTSTANDING CHILDREN'S PROGRAM
Camp Orange: Castle Mountain (Foxtel [Nickelodeon])
Dance Academy (ABC3)
Dead Gorgeous (ABC3)
Hi-5 (Nine Network)
Prank Patrol (ABC3)
MOST OUTSTANDING FACTUAL PROGRAM
Bondi Rescue (Network Ten)
Miracle in the Storm (ABC1)
RPA (Nine Network)
Such Is Life: The Troubled Times Of Ben Cousins (Channel Seven)
Trishna & Krishna: The Quest For Separate Lives (Channel Seven)
Shane Bourne To Host Logie Awards...
TV actor Shane Bourne will host the 2011 Logie Awards. In a statement announcing who would be the host, TV Week said Bourne "promises to deliver what he does best" at the 53rd Annual Logie Awards on May 1 at Melbourne's Crown Entertainment Complex. "I am genuinely thrilled to be involved in TV's night of nights," Bourne said. "It's an honour to be following in the footsteps of such television luminaries as Bert Newton et al - and the timing couldn't be better. "I've always enjoyed myself immensely at the Logies, and since the chances of a nomination coming my way this year look pretty slim, I figure it's not a bad way of making sure I score an invitation." Bourne currently stars in the Seven Network drama series City Homicide, but is also known for his comedic roles. Most recently, he hosted the popular show Thank God You're Here and was a regular on Hey Hey It's Saturday for many years. Thank God You're Here won a Silver Logie for most outstanding comedy in 2007. Bourne was also nominated for the most outstanding actor Logie in 2003 for his leading role in medical drama MDA. This year's Logie nominees will be revealed on April 3. Critics are at the read to praise or pan Bourne. Will Twitter-Gate strike again at Crown Casino. Don't blink!
Crown Casino News
Apple Store Tipped For Crown Casino, Melbourne...
Computer giant Apple is tipped to be opening a new retail store in Melbourne. Leaks advise us the firm is planning a in or very close by to James Packer's Crown Casino. The rumour mill says Ken Gracey reckons an associate is fitting out the new store. Apple also had a job posting on Apple’s website seeking staff and lists a 3205 postcode. Yep, you guessed it - Crown Casino's postcode.
Basketball Star Gary Ervin Named League MVP At Crown Casino...
Wollongong Hawks mega star Gary Ervin has claimed the Andrew Gaze Trophy as the NBL's Most Valuable Player for the 2010-11 season. Ervin accepted the prestigious award at the league's annual presentation dinner last night at Melbourne's Crown Casino. It was only the second time in the NBL's 32-year history that a Hawks player has earned the title as the competition's best player. Ervin was also selected in the All-NBL First Team alongside Kirk Penney, Julian Khazzouh, Damian Martin and Gary Wilkinson.
Last night's event provided a double celebration for the Hawks, as consistent forward Oscar Forman took out the Most Improved Player award. Wollongong's Gordie McLeod made a compelling case for his second straight Coach of the Year trophy, but that honour went to Townsville's Trevor Gleeson. And while Hawks veteran forward Glen Saville was one of five finalists for Defensive Player of the Year, Perth Wildcats guard Martin was a worthy recipient of the award. Ervin was an instant hit with the Hawks and the club is doing everything possible to snatch the guard back for a second season. The 27-year-old averaged a league-leading 20.1 points per game, 4.5 assists (fourth), 3.5 rebounds and 1.3 steals, earning enough votes to out-poll fellow MVP candidates Penney and Khazzouh. Ervin is expect to stay loyal with the Hawks for sometime yet. Well done to all players and the support team.
James Packer Online Deal; Not Gaming - Retail...
James Packer has snatched a good chunks of the online retail space via an investment in DealsDirect. Ellerston Capital, owned by the Packer family's Consolidated Press Holdings, took a "minority cornerstone" investment in the online retailing site Deals Direct yesterday. "It signals a real coming of age for online retail, with businesses like Ellerston getting into the game, it is well and truly 'game on'," advised DealsDirect's co-founder Paul Greenberg. The transaction, estimated by the AFR at $10 million, shows the keen interest in online retail by the media and investment sector. It will facilitate DealsDirect, one of the biggest online only retailers in Australia, to fund more rapid growth in an industry that is surging ahead to keep up with the market, all the while while traditional bricks and motar retail goes through tough times. "While traditional offline retailers are still facing the challenges of building a sustainable ecommerce strategy, we think we are well poised to build on our first-mover advantage and our years of learning and experience in online sales," said Mr Greenberg. "We intend to grow our market share and enthusiastically pursue growth opportunities and this vote of confidence by Ellerston Capital allows us to do this rapidly." DealsDirect has more than 1.5 million unique browsers each month buying an item about once every 20 seconds, the company said. The investment from the Packer-controlled Ellerston Capital will allow the online retailer to make acquisitions and access strategic support while it seeks to consolidate its position in the e-commerce space. DealsDirect was founded by Greenberg and Mike Rosenbaum in 2004, and grew rapidly within eBay's framework of online partner shops - and independently of the major retail network site. DealsDirect sells 23 categories of retail goods to online shoppers including electronics, kitchenware, watches, toys and games, shipping direct from a warehouse and distribution centre in Sydney. "Given our leadership position in the space combined with Ellerston's appetite, one would expect this to be a substantial cornerstone investment which ensures we are extremely well-capitalised and have the resources to capitalise on the many opportunities in front of us," said Greenberg. The sector is red hot. In January, Yahoo7 took over online group buying site Spreets for $40 million. Cudo, yet another asocial buying site, is owned by NineMSN. Rupert Murdoch - News Ltd backed investment firm netus took a stake in OurDeal, which was created in May 2010. DealsDirect also launched its own group buying site DealMe in February to gain exposure to the trend. Ellerston Capital is not granting interviews at this stage. Packer continues to surge ahead in land based casinos in Australia, Asia, and also via online with Betfair and now DealsDirect - Ellerston Capital.
Melbourne Press Club Does Crown Casino...
The Melbourne Press Club did Crown casino and interesting goss is coming in. Julia Gillard impersonator Amanda Bishop got em talking with a line on Crown Casino and media commentators Andrew Bolt's head...the venue reminded her of nothing so much as the inside of Andrew Bolt’s head. Bolt being a soft target, since he's currently in court fighting for his good name. The joke got mixed reactions. Crown media and events hotshot Anne Peacock is understood to be concerned about Crown's image with the Press Club connection. Master of ceremonies Peter Mitchell gave Peacock special thanks in his address to the crowd. There was no on the record response from Crown Casino powers that be. It's understood that its hard to censor a Press Club speech. or news media in general.
Readers... er, punters, how did you like our report? Tell us in the forum.
If you have a bet, please bet with your head, not over it, and for God's sake, have fun.
*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911
*Media Man http://www.mediamanint.com is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company. Gaming is just one of a dozen sectors covered
Online Casinos, Online Poker and Sports Betting...
Ok readers, we hear you... you also want to know some of the best places to play online (that accept Aussies) if your in or around the Asia Pacific - Australia (including Tassie) and New Zealand, so here it is...
PartyCasino.com (Many of the world's best slot games. Aussies and Kiwi's welcome).
Captain Cooks Casino
Betfair (sports betting only)
PKR.com (poker, slots including Marvel slot games and sports betting)
PartyPoker.com (online poker at one of the world's most respected poker rooms and gaming brands)
Profiles
Australian Casinos
World Casino Directory
Global Gaming Directory
Casino Travel
Casinos
Australia
Media Man and Gambling911 remind our readers to keep the following in mind:
Take the time to research and learn games before placing down money
Media Man, Casino News Media and Gambling911 are website portals. Not casinos as such, however are recognised as world leading websites that cover the sector and act as central points to games, news, reviews and more.
If you have a bet, please bet with your head, not over it, and for God's sake, have fun.
*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911
*Media Man http://www.mediamanint.com is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company. Gaming is just one of a dozen sectors covered
Website Network
Media Man International
Media Man
Media Man Australia
Media Man Canada
Media Man Games
Media Man Brand
Media Man Network
Casino News Media
Poker News Media
Australian Casino News
Casino News Australia
Global Gaming Directory
2011 TV Week Logie Award Nominations...
Packed To The Rafters has performed brilliantly in the 2011 TV Week Logie Award nominations for another year, with the awesome cast scoring a collective 13 nominations and the show nominated for Most Popular Drama Series.
We also learn that Big Brother star and The Circle host Chrissie Swan has received four nominations including one for the gold Logie.
And, reader fav, Underbelly, has a total of four nominations, thanks mainly to actor Firass Dirani, who plays Sydney based nightclub owner and entrepreneur, John Ibrahim.
The 2011 TV Week Logie Awards will be held at Melbourne's Crown Casino on May 1st.
And the nominations are:
TV WEEK GOLD LOGIE – Most Popular Personality on Television
Adam Hills (Spicks And Specks, ABC1)
Asher Keddie (Offspring, Network Ten)
Chrissie Swan (The Circle, Network Ten)
Jessica Marais (Packed To The Rafters, Channel Seven)
Karl Stefanovic (Today, Nine Network)
Rebecca Gibney (Packed To The Rafters, Channel Seven)
TV WEEK SILVER LOGIE -- Most Popular Actor
Callan Mulvey (Rush, Network Ten)
Don Hany (Offspring, Network Ten / Tangle, Foxtel [Showcase])
Erik Thomson (Packed To The Rafters, Channel Seven)
Hugh Sheridan (Packed To The Rafters, Channel Seven)
Michael Caton (Packed To The Rafters, Channel Seven)
TV WEEK SILVER LOGIE -- Most Popular Actress
Asher Keddie (Offspring, Network Ten)
Jessica Marais (Packed To The Rafters, Channel Seven)
Margot Robbie (Neighbours, Network Ten)
Rebecca Gibney (Packed To The Rafters, Channel Seven)
Zoe Ventoura (Packed To The Rafters, Channel Seven)
TV WEEK SILVER LOGIE -- Most Popular Presenter
Adam Hills (Spicks And Specks, ABC1)
Chrissie Swan (The Circle, Network Ten)
Hamish Blake (Hamish & Andy 'Specials', Network Ten)
Karl Stefanovic (Today, Nine Network)
Shaun Micallef (Talkin' 'Bout Your Generation, Network Ten)
MOST POPULAR NEW MALE TALENT
Charles Cottier (Home And Away, Channel Seven)
Eddie Perfect (Offspring, Network Ten)
Firass Dirani (Underbelly: The Golden Mile, Nine Network)
Manu Feildel (My Kitchen Rules, Channel Seven)
Ryan Corr (Packed To The Rafters, Channel Seven)
MOST POPULAR NEW FEMALE TALENT
Chrissie Swan (The Circle, Network Ten)
Emma Booth (Underbelly: The Golden Mile, Nine Network)
Hannah Marshall (Packed To The Rafters, Channel Seven)
Julie Goodwin (Home Cooked! With Julie Goodwin, Nine Network)
Poh Ling Yeow (Poh's Kitchen, ABC1)
MOST POPULAR DRAMA SERIES
Home And Away (Channel Seven)
Neighbours (Network Ten)
Offspring (Network Ten)
Packed To The Rafters (Channel Seven)
Rush (Network Ten)
Underbelly: The Golden Mile (Nine Network)
MOST POPULAR LIGHT ENTERTAINMENT PROGRAM
Good News Week (Network Ten)
Hey Hey It's Saturday (Nine Network)
Sunrise (Channel Seven)
Talkin' 'Bout Your Generation (Network Ten)
The Circle (Network Ten)
MOST POPULAR LIFESTYLE PROGRAM
Better Homes And Gardens (Channel Seven)
Domestic Blitz (Nine Network)
Getaway (Nine Network)
Grand Designs Australia (Foxtel [The Lifestyle Channel])
Ready Steady Cook (Network Ten)
MOST POPULAR SPORTS PROGRAM
Before The Game (Network Ten)
The Footy Show (AFL) (Nine Network)
The Footy Show (NRL) (Nine Network)
The Matty Johns Show (Channel Seven)
Wide World Of Sports (Nine Network)
MOST POPULAR REALITY PROGRAM
Dancing With The Stars (Channel Seven)
MasterChef Australia (Network Ten)
The Biggest Loser Australia (Network Ten)
The Farmer Wants A Wife (Nine Network)
The X Factor (Channel Seven)
MOST POPULAR FACTUAL PROGRAM
Bondi Rescue (Network Ten)
Bondi Vet (Network Ten)
RPA (Nine Network)
Undercover Boss Australia (Network Ten)
Who Do You Think You Are? (SBS)
Most Outstanding Nominees
TV WEEK SILVER LOGIE -- Most Outstanding Drama Series, Miniseries or Telemovie
Hawke (Network Ten)
Packed To The Rafters (Channel Seven)
Rake (ABC1)
Rush (Network Ten)
Sisters Of War (ABC1)
Underbelly: The Golden Mile (Nine Network)
TV WEEK SILVER LOGIE -- Most Outstanding Actor
Erik Thomson (Packed To The Rafters, Channel Seven)
Hugh Sheridan (Packed To The Rafters, Channel Seven)
Jason Gann (Wilfred, SBS)
Richard Roxburgh (Hawke, Network Ten)
Richard Roxburgh (Rake, ABC1)
TV WEEK SILVER LOGIE -- Most Outstanding Actress
Asher Keddie (Offspring, Network Ten)
Catherine McClements (Rush, Network Ten)
Claire van der Boom (Sisters Of War, ABC1)
Justine Clarke (Tangle, Foxtel [Showcase])
Kat Stewart (Offspring, Network Ten)
GRAHAM KENNEDY AWARD FOR MOST OUTSTANDING NEW TALENT
Emma Booth (Underbelly: The Golden Mile, Nine Network)
Firass Dirani (Underbelly: The Golden Mile, Nine Network)
Richard Davies (Offspring, Network Ten)
Ryan Corr (Packed To The Rafters, Channel Seven)
Sarah Snook (Sisters Of War, ABC1)
MOST OUTSTANDING NEWS COVERAGE
"Afghanistan Rocket Attack" (Ten News)
"Election 2010" (Sky News)
"Laurie Oakes Election Leaks" (Nine News)
"New Zealand Mine Disaster" (Seven News)
"Pakistan Floods" (ABC News)
MOST OUTSTANDING PUBLIC AFFAIRS REPORT
"Brothers In Arms" (Sunday Night, Channel Seven)
"Hey Dad..! Scandal" (A Current Affair, Nine Network)
"Iraq's Deadly Legacy" (Dateline, SBS)
"Smugglers' Paradise" (Four Corners, ABC1)
"The Condemned" (Dateline, SBS)
MOST OUTSTANDING LIGHT ENTERTAINMENT PROGRAM
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Shane Bourne To Host Logie Awards...
TV actor Shane Bourne will host the 2011 Logie Awards. In a statement announcing who would be the host, TV Week said Bourne "promises to deliver what he does best" at the 53rd Annual Logie Awards on May 1 at Melbourne's Crown Entertainment Complex. "I am genuinely thrilled to be involved in TV's night of nights," Bourne said. "It's an honour to be following in the footsteps of such television luminaries as Bert Newton et al - and the timing couldn't be better. "I've always enjoyed myself immensely at the Logies, and since the chances of a nomination coming my way this year look pretty slim, I figure it's not a bad way of making sure I score an invitation." Bourne currently stars in the Seven Network drama series City Homicide, but is also known for his comedic roles. Most recently, he hosted the popular show Thank God You're Here and was a regular on Hey Hey It's Saturday for many years. Thank God You're Here won a Silver Logie for most outstanding comedy in 2007. Bourne was also nominated for the most outstanding actor Logie in 2003 for his leading role in medical drama MDA. This year's Logie nominees will be revealed on April 3. Critics are at the read to praise or pan Bourne. Will Twitter-Gate strike again at Crown Casino. Don't blink!
Crown Casino News
Apple Store Tipped For Crown Casino, Melbourne...
Computer giant Apple is tipped to be opening a new retail store in Melbourne. Leaks advise us the firm is planning a in or very close by to James Packer's Crown Casino. The rumour mill says Ken Gracey reckons an associate is fitting out the new store. Apple also had a job posting on Apple’s website seeking staff and lists a 3205 postcode. Yep, you guessed it - Crown Casino's postcode.
Basketball Star Gary Ervin Named League MVP At Crown Casino...
Wollongong Hawks mega star Gary Ervin has claimed the Andrew Gaze Trophy as the NBL's Most Valuable Player for the 2010-11 season. Ervin accepted the prestigious award at the league's annual presentation dinner last night at Melbourne's Crown Casino. It was only the second time in the NBL's 32-year history that a Hawks player has earned the title as the competition's best player. Ervin was also selected in the All-NBL First Team alongside Kirk Penney, Julian Khazzouh, Damian Martin and Gary Wilkinson.
Last night's event provided a double celebration for the Hawks, as consistent forward Oscar Forman took out the Most Improved Player award. Wollongong's Gordie McLeod made a compelling case for his second straight Coach of the Year trophy, but that honour went to Townsville's Trevor Gleeson. And while Hawks veteran forward Glen Saville was one of five finalists for Defensive Player of the Year, Perth Wildcats guard Martin was a worthy recipient of the award. Ervin was an instant hit with the Hawks and the club is doing everything possible to snatch the guard back for a second season. The 27-year-old averaged a league-leading 20.1 points per game, 4.5 assists (fourth), 3.5 rebounds and 1.3 steals, earning enough votes to out-poll fellow MVP candidates Penney and Khazzouh. Ervin is expect to stay loyal with the Hawks for sometime yet. Well done to all players and the support team.
James Packer Online Deal; Not Gaming - Retail...
James Packer has snatched a good chunks of the online retail space via an investment in DealsDirect. Ellerston Capital, owned by the Packer family's Consolidated Press Holdings, took a "minority cornerstone" investment in the online retailing site Deals Direct yesterday. "It signals a real coming of age for online retail, with businesses like Ellerston getting into the game, it is well and truly 'game on'," advised DealsDirect's co-founder Paul Greenberg. The transaction, estimated by the AFR at $10 million, shows the keen interest in online retail by the media and investment sector. It will facilitate DealsDirect, one of the biggest online only retailers in Australia, to fund more rapid growth in an industry that is surging ahead to keep up with the market, all the while while traditional bricks and motar retail goes through tough times. "While traditional offline retailers are still facing the challenges of building a sustainable ecommerce strategy, we think we are well poised to build on our first-mover advantage and our years of learning and experience in online sales," said Mr Greenberg. "We intend to grow our market share and enthusiastically pursue growth opportunities and this vote of confidence by Ellerston Capital allows us to do this rapidly." DealsDirect has more than 1.5 million unique browsers each month buying an item about once every 20 seconds, the company said. The investment from the Packer-controlled Ellerston Capital will allow the online retailer to make acquisitions and access strategic support while it seeks to consolidate its position in the e-commerce space. DealsDirect was founded by Greenberg and Mike Rosenbaum in 2004, and grew rapidly within eBay's framework of online partner shops - and independently of the major retail network site. DealsDirect sells 23 categories of retail goods to online shoppers including electronics, kitchenware, watches, toys and games, shipping direct from a warehouse and distribution centre in Sydney. "Given our leadership position in the space combined with Ellerston's appetite, one would expect this to be a substantial cornerstone investment which ensures we are extremely well-capitalised and have the resources to capitalise on the many opportunities in front of us," said Greenberg. The sector is red hot. In January, Yahoo7 took over online group buying site Spreets for $40 million. Cudo, yet another asocial buying site, is owned by NineMSN. Rupert Murdoch - News Ltd backed investment firm netus took a stake in OurDeal, which was created in May 2010. DealsDirect also launched its own group buying site DealMe in February to gain exposure to the trend. Ellerston Capital is not granting interviews at this stage. Packer continues to surge ahead in land based casinos in Australia, Asia, and also via online with Betfair and now DealsDirect - Ellerston Capital.
Melbourne Press Club Does Crown Casino...
The Melbourne Press Club did Crown casino and interesting goss is coming in. Julia Gillard impersonator Amanda Bishop got em talking with a line on Crown Casino and media commentators Andrew Bolt's head...the venue reminded her of nothing so much as the inside of Andrew Bolt’s head. Bolt being a soft target, since he's currently in court fighting for his good name. The joke got mixed reactions. Crown media and events hotshot Anne Peacock is understood to be concerned about Crown's image with the Press Club connection. Master of ceremonies Peter Mitchell gave Peacock special thanks in his address to the crowd. There was no on the record response from Crown Casino powers that be. It's understood that its hard to censor a Press Club speech. or news media in general.
Readers... er, punters, how did you like our report? Tell us in the forum.
If you have a bet, please bet with your head, not over it, and for God's sake, have fun.
*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911
*Media Man http://www.mediamanint.com is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company. Gaming is just one of a dozen sectors covered
Online Casinos, Online Poker and Sports Betting...
Ok readers, we hear you... you also want to know some of the best places to play online (that accept Aussies) if your in or around the Asia Pacific - Australia (including Tassie) and New Zealand, so here it is...
PartyCasino.com (Many of the world's best slot games. Aussies and Kiwi's welcome).
Captain Cooks Casino
Betfair (sports betting only)
PKR.com (poker, slots including Marvel slot games and sports betting)
PartyPoker.com (online poker at one of the world's most respected poker rooms and gaming brands)
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Media Man and Gambling911 remind our readers to keep the following in mind:
Take the time to research and learn games before placing down money
Media Man, Casino News Media and Gambling911 are website portals. Not casinos as such, however are recognised as world leading websites that cover the sector and act as central points to games, news, reviews and more.
If you have a bet, please bet with your head, not over it, and for God's sake, have fun.
*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911
*Media Man http://www.mediamanint.com is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company. Gaming is just one of a dozen sectors covered
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Sunday, April 03, 2011
Wrestling News Media: Snooki, 'The Rock' and 'Mania: When Headlocks and Hollywood Collide - 1st April 2011
One is the queen of MTV's Jersey Shore; the other is WWE's resident Mexican aristocrat. One is famous for being perhaps the worst of the tanned, bouffant-wearing, gum-chomping Italian stereotype. The other invites fans' wrath with a wink and a smile as he drives the world's most expensive cars to the ring and insists on being introduced by his own personal ring announcer - in Spanish.
Only one entity - and one extravaganza - could bring these two very different stars together: World Wrestling Entertainment's 27th annual WrestleMania on Sunday. Snooki will participate in a six-person, inter-gender grudge match while Alberto Del Rio will vie for the World Heavyweight Championship in his WrestleMania debut. Both promise to thrill 70,000-plus screaming fans in Atlanta's Georgia Dome.
"It's going to be the peak of my career," said Del Rio, a native of Mexico. "My family, my entire country, is going to be proud of me because I'm going to go out there and become the new World Heavyweight Champion. I'm going to die out there trying to become the World Heavyweight Champion."
So what's behind the infatuation with WrestleMania? Why do fans come from around the world and dole out hard-earned money to watch this spectacle on pay-per-view? What is it about WrestleMania that makes fathers and sons and daughters jump out of their seats and grown, muscle-bound men in tights speak in hushed reverence?
Simply put, it is pro wrestling's greatest annual event. All wrestlers who grew up as fans dream of performing in it and look forward to watching it. Even in the choreographed world of professional wrestling, there is nothing staged about the emotion and excitement from anyone who performs at WrestleMania.
"As a kid, all I wanted to do was be a wrestler," said Del Rio. "Now that I'm here in WWE - WrestleMania is our NBA, our Super Bowl, our World Series of professional wrestling. As a wrestler, as a performer, I always dreamed of being in something like that."
For the fan, WrestleMania's appeal is as nuanced as wrestling's longtime popularity. Wrestling's magnetism goes hand-in-hand with the dawn of the television age in the 1950s, but WrestleMania took it to another level. It is a marriage of headlocks and Hollywood that began in 1985, when WWE Chairman Vince McMahon teamed up the charisma of Hulk Hogan and the diabolical lunacy of "Rowdy" Roddy Piper with the star power of Mr. T and Cyndi Lauper. (Credit: News Corporation)
Wrestling News Media: Shawn Michaels' Speech At WWE Hall Of Fame Induction 2011: 'Thank You' - 2nd April 2011
Thank you. ["HBK!" chant. "Thank you Shawn!" chant. Whoa! Some other chant.] The damnedest thing on my way to my Hall of Fame speech, a damn roast broke out. Thanks. I knew there was no way you was gonna say anything nice about me. For the 15 years we've known each other he never has, and he never will. He's like the Fonz trying to say he's sorry. [Muttering.]
I know how tough it was for you to say . That was a huge deal for him to even recognize that I worked in this line of work for 36 years. You're not aware of this, but we shared a big moment there. There's some psychiatrists going, "They're starting to heal."
I'm nervous, so don't give me cat calls. [Cat calls.] I've been going over what I'm gonna say. ["One more match!" chant.] You're killing me with the one more match thing. Seriously, I know it's good TV, he'll have a nervous breakdown. We sold out the building! He had a heart attack!
["We love you Shawn!"] I'm serious. For the love of God, help me out here. I don't even know where to start. You know there are things that go between ... I can't say, I'm not supposed to say. That's one of the reasons I was OK to retire. Coincidentally, this is the first year where we're not doing it live. They'll chop it up in post to make sure it's ok to air.
When I was 19 years old, I didn't want to be a sports entertainer. I didn't know at the time. I told my mom and dad, I want to do what those guys do it on TV. Making it was going to be going out in San Antonio and wresting in front of 25 people. Fast forward, and I'm a 45-year-old man, and I get to stand here and say thank you.
Along the way, I wasn't really aware of it. I was raised by a loving family, sitting right down here, who loved me every step of the way and supported me. But for whatever reason when I started doing this line of work at 19 I spent the next 26 years searching for validation. I don't even know why. But what my peers thought of me and what you thought of me was the most important thing in my life. And I worked myself into the ground. It was so important to me that you thought I did a good job. I know that sounds patronizing, but I want to thank you so much for giving me that.
I'm very thankful to all the other inductees and especially Triple H for making this fun and amusing. Because as much as I've tried to not make it a deep and heavy cry fest, I can't do it. There are no words to express how much I lived and breathed to do this every night for so many years. And it begs the question, how am I gonna be OK away from this?
Last Monday the Undertaker had mentioned Shawn Michaels will walk into the Hall of Fame with a ton of regrets. If this had happened in 1998, that might've been true. At that time, I was good at my job, but there's no way I could've stood here with no regrets. And although my family would've been proud of me, I know there would've been a little disappointment for them and a certain guy backstage whose name I'm not allowed to mention. [Crowd WOOs. Guy next to me says "RIC FLAIR!" I believe him!]
I came back in 2002 after being told I'd never wrestle again, for one more match. That was nine years ago. I'm thankful I can stand before you with absolutely no regrets. [Missed a part about God and his family. Sorry.] Since they came into my life, I've had not a regret. Not a second goes by that I'm not thankful. The most precious gift of all is my little family. I love you all so much, and I want to thank you for being so selfless and letting daddy finish what he started.
It was very important to me to come back and go away on my own terms. I love my two children more than anything in the world. Thank you so much for letting daddy go wrestle. [I have a daughter. Totally about to tear up.]
There are countless WWE superstars that I've had to create with. I'd love to mention everybody, but I don't want to make this too long. I don't wanna be that guy. [Crowd WOOs.] You guys are implying that. I'm not saying that. Every year there's somebody, and we're like, dude there's WrestleMania tomorrow. I'm gonna assume you know who you are.
Because I did my best to make sure before I left to tell you how awesome it was for me, and how much I appreciate you guys [makes crazy hand gestures] putting up with me when I wanna do something you don't do all that much. I appreciate your time and patience. I appreciate you being a part of my life. A lot of times all we've got is each other. We're like guys in a fox hole together. But when we're with each other, we're all we got. We can stab each other in the back, but can't nobody else do it.
I wanna thank you for allowing me to be a part of that fraternity. We're always gonna look at everybody else and say you're not gonna understand it. And that's OK. It's something we're gonna take to our graves.
And lastly there's all of you. The WWE universe, the fans. I love every one of you, even when you bother me at 5 in the morning, even when I cuss you, you still come back and forgive me. You have been a part of my life and family for so many years, it begs the question, why would a 19-year-old kid from a wonderful upbringing seek validation from strangers?
One thing people used to always say that separated me is that I could make a connection with you. I don't know if I did a good job, but for the last 26 years whether you were connected to me I have no idea, but I was connected to you. I have never won Most Popular, I wasn't the prom king, I wasn't the homecoming king, so I guess in my adult life the most important thing to me was that you believed in me and thought I was good. On this night, 2011 Hall of Fame, I feel it, I thank you, I love my ring. And I love each and every one of you.
I know this has been sappy. I can't help it. And if you're not down with that, I got two words for you. ("Suck it!" from the crowd.)
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Only one entity - and one extravaganza - could bring these two very different stars together: World Wrestling Entertainment's 27th annual WrestleMania on Sunday. Snooki will participate in a six-person, inter-gender grudge match while Alberto Del Rio will vie for the World Heavyweight Championship in his WrestleMania debut. Both promise to thrill 70,000-plus screaming fans in Atlanta's Georgia Dome.
"It's going to be the peak of my career," said Del Rio, a native of Mexico. "My family, my entire country, is going to be proud of me because I'm going to go out there and become the new World Heavyweight Champion. I'm going to die out there trying to become the World Heavyweight Champion."
So what's behind the infatuation with WrestleMania? Why do fans come from around the world and dole out hard-earned money to watch this spectacle on pay-per-view? What is it about WrestleMania that makes fathers and sons and daughters jump out of their seats and grown, muscle-bound men in tights speak in hushed reverence?
Simply put, it is pro wrestling's greatest annual event. All wrestlers who grew up as fans dream of performing in it and look forward to watching it. Even in the choreographed world of professional wrestling, there is nothing staged about the emotion and excitement from anyone who performs at WrestleMania.
"As a kid, all I wanted to do was be a wrestler," said Del Rio. "Now that I'm here in WWE - WrestleMania is our NBA, our Super Bowl, our World Series of professional wrestling. As a wrestler, as a performer, I always dreamed of being in something like that."
For the fan, WrestleMania's appeal is as nuanced as wrestling's longtime popularity. Wrestling's magnetism goes hand-in-hand with the dawn of the television age in the 1950s, but WrestleMania took it to another level. It is a marriage of headlocks and Hollywood that began in 1985, when WWE Chairman Vince McMahon teamed up the charisma of Hulk Hogan and the diabolical lunacy of "Rowdy" Roddy Piper with the star power of Mr. T and Cyndi Lauper. (Credit: News Corporation)
Wrestling News Media: Shawn Michaels' Speech At WWE Hall Of Fame Induction 2011: 'Thank You' - 2nd April 2011
Thank you. ["HBK!" chant. "Thank you Shawn!" chant. Whoa! Some other chant.] The damnedest thing on my way to my Hall of Fame speech, a damn roast broke out. Thanks. I knew there was no way you was gonna say anything nice about me. For the 15 years we've known each other he never has, and he never will. He's like the Fonz trying to say he's sorry. [Muttering.]
I know how tough it was for you to say . That was a huge deal for him to even recognize that I worked in this line of work for 36 years. You're not aware of this, but we shared a big moment there. There's some psychiatrists going, "They're starting to heal."
I'm nervous, so don't give me cat calls. [Cat calls.] I've been going over what I'm gonna say. ["One more match!" chant.] You're killing me with the one more match thing. Seriously, I know it's good TV, he'll have a nervous breakdown. We sold out the building! He had a heart attack!
["We love you Shawn!"] I'm serious. For the love of God, help me out here. I don't even know where to start. You know there are things that go between ... I can't say, I'm not supposed to say. That's one of the reasons I was OK to retire. Coincidentally, this is the first year where we're not doing it live. They'll chop it up in post to make sure it's ok to air.
When I was 19 years old, I didn't want to be a sports entertainer. I didn't know at the time. I told my mom and dad, I want to do what those guys do it on TV. Making it was going to be going out in San Antonio and wresting in front of 25 people. Fast forward, and I'm a 45-year-old man, and I get to stand here and say thank you.
Along the way, I wasn't really aware of it. I was raised by a loving family, sitting right down here, who loved me every step of the way and supported me. But for whatever reason when I started doing this line of work at 19 I spent the next 26 years searching for validation. I don't even know why. But what my peers thought of me and what you thought of me was the most important thing in my life. And I worked myself into the ground. It was so important to me that you thought I did a good job. I know that sounds patronizing, but I want to thank you so much for giving me that.
I'm very thankful to all the other inductees and especially Triple H for making this fun and amusing. Because as much as I've tried to not make it a deep and heavy cry fest, I can't do it. There are no words to express how much I lived and breathed to do this every night for so many years. And it begs the question, how am I gonna be OK away from this?
Last Monday the Undertaker had mentioned Shawn Michaels will walk into the Hall of Fame with a ton of regrets. If this had happened in 1998, that might've been true. At that time, I was good at my job, but there's no way I could've stood here with no regrets. And although my family would've been proud of me, I know there would've been a little disappointment for them and a certain guy backstage whose name I'm not allowed to mention. [Crowd WOOs. Guy next to me says "RIC FLAIR!" I believe him!]
I came back in 2002 after being told I'd never wrestle again, for one more match. That was nine years ago. I'm thankful I can stand before you with absolutely no regrets. [Missed a part about God and his family. Sorry.] Since they came into my life, I've had not a regret. Not a second goes by that I'm not thankful. The most precious gift of all is my little family. I love you all so much, and I want to thank you for being so selfless and letting daddy finish what he started.
It was very important to me to come back and go away on my own terms. I love my two children more than anything in the world. Thank you so much for letting daddy go wrestle. [I have a daughter. Totally about to tear up.]
There are countless WWE superstars that I've had to create with. I'd love to mention everybody, but I don't want to make this too long. I don't wanna be that guy. [Crowd WOOs.] You guys are implying that. I'm not saying that. Every year there's somebody, and we're like, dude there's WrestleMania tomorrow. I'm gonna assume you know who you are.
Because I did my best to make sure before I left to tell you how awesome it was for me, and how much I appreciate you guys [makes crazy hand gestures] putting up with me when I wanna do something you don't do all that much. I appreciate your time and patience. I appreciate you being a part of my life. A lot of times all we've got is each other. We're like guys in a fox hole together. But when we're with each other, we're all we got. We can stab each other in the back, but can't nobody else do it.
I wanna thank you for allowing me to be a part of that fraternity. We're always gonna look at everybody else and say you're not gonna understand it. And that's OK. It's something we're gonna take to our graves.
And lastly there's all of you. The WWE universe, the fans. I love every one of you, even when you bother me at 5 in the morning, even when I cuss you, you still come back and forgive me. You have been a part of my life and family for so many years, it begs the question, why would a 19-year-old kid from a wonderful upbringing seek validation from strangers?
One thing people used to always say that separated me is that I could make a connection with you. I don't know if I did a good job, but for the last 26 years whether you were connected to me I have no idea, but I was connected to you. I have never won Most Popular, I wasn't the prom king, I wasn't the homecoming king, so I guess in my adult life the most important thing to me was that you believed in me and thought I was good. On this night, 2011 Hall of Fame, I feel it, I thank you, I love my ring. And I love each and every one of you.
I know this has been sappy. I can't help it. And if you're not down with that, I got two words for you. ("Suck it!" from the crowd.)
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Wrestling News Media: WWE WrestleMania and WWE Hall of Fame News
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WWE Champion The Miz vs. John Cena (WWE website)
Snooki, 'The Rock' and 'Mania: When Headlocks and Hollywood Collide (Fox Nation)
WWE Stars Come to Atlanta, Show Off Artistic Side (My Fox Atlanta)
Mark Henry has wrestling in his grip (AAP)
Linda Hogan challenges Charlie Sheen to fight over dog abuse claim (The Daily Telegraph)
Fans still love getting close to Superstars at WrestleMania Axxess (Canoe)
Shawn Michaels' Speech At WWE Hall Of Fame Induction 2011: 'Thank You' (SB Nation Atlanta)
Top 10 WrestleMania celebrities countdown: No. 2 (Baltimore Sun 'Ring Posts)
WWE News (Pro Wrestling Torch)
The real story behind the first WrestleMania, and history: Untold story of biggest annual event (Wrestling Observer Newsletter)
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WWE Champion The Miz vs. John Cena (WWE website)
Snooki, 'The Rock' and 'Mania: When Headlocks and Hollywood Collide (Fox Nation)
WWE Stars Come to Atlanta, Show Off Artistic Side (My Fox Atlanta)
Mark Henry has wrestling in his grip (AAP)
Linda Hogan challenges Charlie Sheen to fight over dog abuse claim (The Daily Telegraph)
Fans still love getting close to Superstars at WrestleMania Axxess (Canoe)
Shawn Michaels' Speech At WWE Hall Of Fame Induction 2011: 'Thank You' (SB Nation Atlanta)
Top 10 WrestleMania celebrities countdown: No. 2 (Baltimore Sun 'Ring Posts)
WWE News (Pro Wrestling Torch)
The real story behind the first WrestleMania, and history: Untold story of biggest annual event (Wrestling Observer Newsletter)
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Thursday, March 24, 2011
Aussie Punter Fev Busted Playing Pokie Slots, by Greg Tingle - 24th March 2011
G'day punters, sports nuts, casino and gambling millionaires and billionaires, legal eagles, and politicians...one and all. Well, you could have bet money on it. Fortunately (or unfortunately), depending on your view of the world, 'Punter' Brendan Fevola has been caught gambling again, and no, its not just playing poker (by himself) this time. It was man VS machine at Berwick Inn down in 'Underbelly Mother' Melbourne. We're not going to give him a media beat-up, but we're here just to report the facts (Casino) Jack. Media Man and Gambling911 pull the 'one armed bandit' with this special report on Australia's most known, if not notorious, Punter...
Punter Fev Caught Still Punting; Horses, Now Slots...
Arguably Australia's most famous gambler of the modern era (with the possible exception of the late Kerry Packer) Brendan Fevola reckons he was not told to leave a pokies venue this morning, but admitted putting $50 in the machine to "muck about".
Fev, attempting to restore his footy career in the VFL, journeyed to the Berwick Inn in Melbourne's southeast this morning and put money into a slot. Not a crime by any means, not good good for someone who says they are trying to get their gambling addiction under control.
In an interview with the MTR radio station earlier today, he advised that playing the pokies had nothing to do with his gambling problem.
He said he thought he would "pop in" after getting some money from an ATM on the way to training with the Casey Scorpions ahead of his VFL debut this weekend.
"I put in 50 bucks...it obviously went, that’s why I left," he admitted.
When quizzed if he should be playing the slots after entering rehab, Fevola said he went to rehab for addiction to alcohol and gambling on horses.
"The horses are the problem, I don't understand what people don't get about this," Fevola said.
"It's my life, I can f---ing do whatever I want.
"(The rehab) was more for drinking in the end. It’s the horses mate, that’s the problem.
"It’s ridiculous. I’m just a normal person now who plays VFL and I can do whatever I want and it’s my money … It’s got absolutely nothing to do with anyone."
When probed if he should return to rehab, he replied: "What for? I’ve been sober since New Year's Eve."
When the interview Mr King pointed out that people were worried about him, Fevola said: "They shouldn't be worried, I'm as happy as Larry."
He denied being asked to leave or wearing a hoodie to help hide his identity, saying he had a jumper on instead.
He said life at Casey Scorpions was "really good" and again denied being sacked from management firm Velocity Sports, insisting it was his decision to leave them.
A spokesman for Australian Leisure and Hospitality Group, which operates the venue, said Fevola was wearing a hoodie when staff approached him.
"Our staff, (as we request them to do), requested that the hoodie be removed," the spokesman said.
"They realised it was Brendan Fevola. He realised they knew who he was at which point in time he immediately left the venue." Fev knew they knew who he was, and were in the loop with some of Fev's gambling issues.
It is believed Fev played the pokies for about 20 minutes before he was recognised, but its not totally clear what games he played. Cleopatra, Black Rhino, Gone Fishing and Where's The Gold are some of the most popular land based pokies found in Australian clubs.
Independent Senator Nick 'Mr X' (satire) Xenophon today called on the community not to judge Fevola.
"I know some in the community will be tempted to shake their heads and blame Fevola for being weak or giving in, "he said.
"We need to remember Brendan has an addiction and addicts aren't always able to exercise free will. Brendan has sought treatment for gambling addiction previously, and I would encourage him to seek further help to deal with this issue."
But Senator Xenophon questioned why staff at the pokie den did not ask Fevola to remove the hooded top he was wearing for an hour.
He said the venue was jointly owned by Woolworths and former Carlton powerbroker and pokies magnate Bruce Mathieson.
"The sad fact is that Brendan was lucky to be recognised by staff," Senator Xenophon said.
"If it was anyone else struggling with a gambling addiction, the venue would most likely have let them sit there all day and into the night losing their money."
Senator Xenophon hit out at Mathieson, saying he showed little sympathy for Fevola when he left Carlton and described him at the time as a cancer on the club and not someone you would do business with - but now was more than happy to take his money.
"Apparently Bruce's venue was happy to do business with Brendan, at least for an hour."
Senator Xenophon said poker machines were "designed to turn casual gamblers into problem gamblers", a claim yet to be proven scientifically, and no, we are not talking about whale research science conducted in Japan.
"I do believe in people taking personal responsibility for their lives, but the fact is that these machines are designed to be addictive and right now 100,000 Australians are addicted to poker machines and a further 200,000 Australians are showing the signs of developing a full-blown addiction."
Two weeks ago Fevola was ejected from Crown Casino after he played poker (by himself).
The Crown incident happened just hours before Fev's tell-all interview on Network Nine's The Footy Show, during which he confessed to gambling losses of nearly $1 million, that he suffered depression and attention deficit disorder and that he had attempted to take his life.
Just a couple of hours before that interview went to air, Fev was approached by a Crown casino employee while he was playing poker.
"He was told: "In the circumstances Mr Fevola, Crown believes that it would be better for you not to be on the gaming floor'," a casino spokesman said after the incident.
"He understood the point we were making and he left of his own volition."
Fevola recently returned from a trip to Los Angeles in the wake of his sacking from the Brisbane Lions. It's not known if Fev gambled while on U.S soil.
Popular Melbourne based radio broadcaster, author and media commentator, Derryn Hinch documented his thoughts on Fev for anyone interested to read:
It says something about football and the state it’s in doesn’t it when the season starts tonight with Carlton playing Richmond and the names that lead the news are not Chris Judd and Jack Riewoldt but Brendan Fevola and Ricky Nixon.
And they’re not even playing.
Nixon because of the latest developments in his cocaine and teenage sex scandal and Fevola ... because he’s Fevola.
As you would have heard on the news Fevola was spotted playing the poker machines at the Berwick Inn this morning while trying to disguise himself with a hoodie.
I just want to go back to what I said after he was escorted out of Crown earlier this month because nothing much has changed.
I said: "This may sound harsh but you have to remember here that Fevola is not a rebellious teenager. He is a 30-year-old man. A father. And at some time in your life you have to take responsibility for your own life and your own actions."
He has been acting like a drunken lout for more than a decade. And because he can kick a football, successive clubs have humoured him. Even Brisbane, which took him in when he was on the nose, has rewarded him with a million dollar plus payout. Some punishment.
Surely he was in breach of contract and had brought the club into disrepute.
The other thing to remember here is that football clubs are sporting clubs. They are not designed to be, their management are not equipped to be, psychiatric clinics, or Alcoholics Anonymous, or rehab centres.
I also said I believe the suicide attempt Fevola described on The Footy Show back then was at best a touch of attention-seeking, self-centred exaggerated drama.
He claims he ‘had a crack it’ by slashing a wrist. Yeah, right.
That recovered gambling addict and fellow footballer, David Schwarz, said he had tried to help Fevola since he admitted a gambling habit a year ago.
But, in a telling understatement, Shwarzsaid: ‘I think Fev’s biggest problem is he doesn’t listen’.
If people had stopped pandering to this boofhead years ago, had stopped covering up for him, stopped making excuses for him from Brownlow Night to Ireland and China, maybe he would have found some backbone to be a responsible human being.
And if you were a betting man: What are the odds that Fevola will turn up on Channel Nine in another paid interview and maybe reveal that his current lapse was caused by the pressure of something like an Intervention Order?
Hinch does not gamble, but did have a drinking demon for many years. 'The Human Headline' does enjoy one game, Scrabble, but he doesn't play it for money - in a gambling capacity.
A Media Man spokesperson said "We have not given up on Punter Fev. The bloke clearly needs more help with his addiction. In the past we found some merit in the mind, body and spirit course that are conducted at health retreats. That could be an option, as could either hanging out with the family or chilling at the beach. Life long friends can often be of some assistance when one is going through a touch time. Fev, if or when you and your minders read this report, know that we just want the best for you. Self responsibility is an issue, but when things are tough sometimes you only have a few close mates left to confide in. Work out who your real mates are and do your utmost to get back to your old self (without the indulgence in gambling). Maybe find a new addiction or hobby - sex, smoking or a new sport? Be strong. Know the odds and have fun, as they say".
Readers... er, punters, how did you like our report? Tell us in the forum.
If you have a bet, please bet with your head, not over it, and for God's sake, have fun.
*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911
*Media Man http://www.mediamanint.com is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company. Gaming is just one of a dozen sectors covered
Online Casinos, Online Poker and Sports Betting...
Ok readers, we hear you... you also want to know some of the best places to play online (that accept Aussies) if your in or around the Asia Pacific - Australia (including Tassie) and New Zealand, so here it is...
PartyCasino.com (Many of the world's best slot games. Aussies and Kiwi's welcome).
Captain Cooks Casino
Betfair (sports betting only)
PKR.com (poker, slots including Marvel slot games and sports betting)
PartyPoker.com (online poker at one of the world's most respected poker rooms and gaming brands)
Profiles
Australian Casinos
World Casino Directory
Global Gaming Directory
Casino Travel
Casinos
Australia
Media Man and Gambling911 remind our readers to keep the following in mind:
Take the time to research and learn games before placing down money
Media Man, Casino News Media and Gambling911 are website portals. Not casinos as such, however are recognised as world leading websites that cover the sector and act as central points to games, news, reviews and more.
If you have a bet, please bet with your head, not over it, and for God's sake, have fun.
*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911
*Media Man http://www.mediamanint.com is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company. Gaming is just one of a dozen sectors covered
Website Network
Media Man International
Media Man
Media Man Australia
Media Man Canada
Media Man Games
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Casino News Australia
Global Gaming Directory
Punter Fev Caught Still Punting; Horses, Now Slots...
Arguably Australia's most famous gambler of the modern era (with the possible exception of the late Kerry Packer) Brendan Fevola reckons he was not told to leave a pokies venue this morning, but admitted putting $50 in the machine to "muck about".
Fev, attempting to restore his footy career in the VFL, journeyed to the Berwick Inn in Melbourne's southeast this morning and put money into a slot. Not a crime by any means, not good good for someone who says they are trying to get their gambling addiction under control.
In an interview with the MTR radio station earlier today, he advised that playing the pokies had nothing to do with his gambling problem.
He said he thought he would "pop in" after getting some money from an ATM on the way to training with the Casey Scorpions ahead of his VFL debut this weekend.
"I put in 50 bucks...it obviously went, that’s why I left," he admitted.
When quizzed if he should be playing the slots after entering rehab, Fevola said he went to rehab for addiction to alcohol and gambling on horses.
"The horses are the problem, I don't understand what people don't get about this," Fevola said.
"It's my life, I can f---ing do whatever I want.
"(The rehab) was more for drinking in the end. It’s the horses mate, that’s the problem.
"It’s ridiculous. I’m just a normal person now who plays VFL and I can do whatever I want and it’s my money … It’s got absolutely nothing to do with anyone."
When probed if he should return to rehab, he replied: "What for? I’ve been sober since New Year's Eve."
When the interview Mr King pointed out that people were worried about him, Fevola said: "They shouldn't be worried, I'm as happy as Larry."
He denied being asked to leave or wearing a hoodie to help hide his identity, saying he had a jumper on instead.
He said life at Casey Scorpions was "really good" and again denied being sacked from management firm Velocity Sports, insisting it was his decision to leave them.
A spokesman for Australian Leisure and Hospitality Group, which operates the venue, said Fevola was wearing a hoodie when staff approached him.
"Our staff, (as we request them to do), requested that the hoodie be removed," the spokesman said.
"They realised it was Brendan Fevola. He realised they knew who he was at which point in time he immediately left the venue." Fev knew they knew who he was, and were in the loop with some of Fev's gambling issues.
It is believed Fev played the pokies for about 20 minutes before he was recognised, but its not totally clear what games he played. Cleopatra, Black Rhino, Gone Fishing and Where's The Gold are some of the most popular land based pokies found in Australian clubs.
Independent Senator Nick 'Mr X' (satire) Xenophon today called on the community not to judge Fevola.
"I know some in the community will be tempted to shake their heads and blame Fevola for being weak or giving in, "he said.
"We need to remember Brendan has an addiction and addicts aren't always able to exercise free will. Brendan has sought treatment for gambling addiction previously, and I would encourage him to seek further help to deal with this issue."
But Senator Xenophon questioned why staff at the pokie den did not ask Fevola to remove the hooded top he was wearing for an hour.
He said the venue was jointly owned by Woolworths and former Carlton powerbroker and pokies magnate Bruce Mathieson.
"The sad fact is that Brendan was lucky to be recognised by staff," Senator Xenophon said.
"If it was anyone else struggling with a gambling addiction, the venue would most likely have let them sit there all day and into the night losing their money."
Senator Xenophon hit out at Mathieson, saying he showed little sympathy for Fevola when he left Carlton and described him at the time as a cancer on the club and not someone you would do business with - but now was more than happy to take his money.
"Apparently Bruce's venue was happy to do business with Brendan, at least for an hour."
Senator Xenophon said poker machines were "designed to turn casual gamblers into problem gamblers", a claim yet to be proven scientifically, and no, we are not talking about whale research science conducted in Japan.
"I do believe in people taking personal responsibility for their lives, but the fact is that these machines are designed to be addictive and right now 100,000 Australians are addicted to poker machines and a further 200,000 Australians are showing the signs of developing a full-blown addiction."
Two weeks ago Fevola was ejected from Crown Casino after he played poker (by himself).
The Crown incident happened just hours before Fev's tell-all interview on Network Nine's The Footy Show, during which he confessed to gambling losses of nearly $1 million, that he suffered depression and attention deficit disorder and that he had attempted to take his life.
Just a couple of hours before that interview went to air, Fev was approached by a Crown casino employee while he was playing poker.
"He was told: "In the circumstances Mr Fevola, Crown believes that it would be better for you not to be on the gaming floor'," a casino spokesman said after the incident.
"He understood the point we were making and he left of his own volition."
Fevola recently returned from a trip to Los Angeles in the wake of his sacking from the Brisbane Lions. It's not known if Fev gambled while on U.S soil.
Popular Melbourne based radio broadcaster, author and media commentator, Derryn Hinch documented his thoughts on Fev for anyone interested to read:
It says something about football and the state it’s in doesn’t it when the season starts tonight with Carlton playing Richmond and the names that lead the news are not Chris Judd and Jack Riewoldt but Brendan Fevola and Ricky Nixon.
And they’re not even playing.
Nixon because of the latest developments in his cocaine and teenage sex scandal and Fevola ... because he’s Fevola.
As you would have heard on the news Fevola was spotted playing the poker machines at the Berwick Inn this morning while trying to disguise himself with a hoodie.
I just want to go back to what I said after he was escorted out of Crown earlier this month because nothing much has changed.
I said: "This may sound harsh but you have to remember here that Fevola is not a rebellious teenager. He is a 30-year-old man. A father. And at some time in your life you have to take responsibility for your own life and your own actions."
He has been acting like a drunken lout for more than a decade. And because he can kick a football, successive clubs have humoured him. Even Brisbane, which took him in when he was on the nose, has rewarded him with a million dollar plus payout. Some punishment.
Surely he was in breach of contract and had brought the club into disrepute.
The other thing to remember here is that football clubs are sporting clubs. They are not designed to be, their management are not equipped to be, psychiatric clinics, or Alcoholics Anonymous, or rehab centres.
I also said I believe the suicide attempt Fevola described on The Footy Show back then was at best a touch of attention-seeking, self-centred exaggerated drama.
He claims he ‘had a crack it’ by slashing a wrist. Yeah, right.
That recovered gambling addict and fellow footballer, David Schwarz, said he had tried to help Fevola since he admitted a gambling habit a year ago.
But, in a telling understatement, Shwarzsaid: ‘I think Fev’s biggest problem is he doesn’t listen’.
If people had stopped pandering to this boofhead years ago, had stopped covering up for him, stopped making excuses for him from Brownlow Night to Ireland and China, maybe he would have found some backbone to be a responsible human being.
And if you were a betting man: What are the odds that Fevola will turn up on Channel Nine in another paid interview and maybe reveal that his current lapse was caused by the pressure of something like an Intervention Order?
Hinch does not gamble, but did have a drinking demon for many years. 'The Human Headline' does enjoy one game, Scrabble, but he doesn't play it for money - in a gambling capacity.
A Media Man spokesperson said "We have not given up on Punter Fev. The bloke clearly needs more help with his addiction. In the past we found some merit in the mind, body and spirit course that are conducted at health retreats. That could be an option, as could either hanging out with the family or chilling at the beach. Life long friends can often be of some assistance when one is going through a touch time. Fev, if or when you and your minders read this report, know that we just want the best for you. Self responsibility is an issue, but when things are tough sometimes you only have a few close mates left to confide in. Work out who your real mates are and do your utmost to get back to your old self (without the indulgence in gambling). Maybe find a new addiction or hobby - sex, smoking or a new sport? Be strong. Know the odds and have fun, as they say".
Readers... er, punters, how did you like our report? Tell us in the forum.
If you have a bet, please bet with your head, not over it, and for God's sake, have fun.
*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911
*Media Man http://www.mediamanint.com is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company. Gaming is just one of a dozen sectors covered
Online Casinos, Online Poker and Sports Betting...
Ok readers, we hear you... you also want to know some of the best places to play online (that accept Aussies) if your in or around the Asia Pacific - Australia (including Tassie) and New Zealand, so here it is...
PartyCasino.com (Many of the world's best slot games. Aussies and Kiwi's welcome).
Captain Cooks Casino
Betfair (sports betting only)
PKR.com (poker, slots including Marvel slot games and sports betting)
PartyPoker.com (online poker at one of the world's most respected poker rooms and gaming brands)
Profiles
Australian Casinos
World Casino Directory
Global Gaming Directory
Casino Travel
Casinos
Australia
Media Man and Gambling911 remind our readers to keep the following in mind:
Take the time to research and learn games before placing down money
Media Man, Casino News Media and Gambling911 are website portals. Not casinos as such, however are recognised as world leading websites that cover the sector and act as central points to games, news, reviews and more.
If you have a bet, please bet with your head, not over it, and for God's sake, have fun.
*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911
*Media Man http://www.mediamanint.com is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company. Gaming is just one of a dozen sectors covered
Website Network
Media Man International
Media Man
Media Man Australia
Media Man Canada
Media Man Games
Media Man Brand
Media Man Network
Casino News Media
Poker News Media
Australian Casino News
Casino News Australia
Global Gaming Directory
'Captain America' begins to exact his revenge [trailer] - Los Angeles Times - 23rd March 2011
The full "Captain America: The First Avenger" trailer hit the Web today. And while it only fleshes out a little more of the summer movie's backstory — Chris Evan's Steve Rogers is the puny victim who joins the army for reasons of toughness, before becoming the super soldier of the title — there's still enough to keep the buzz above the "Green Lantern" line.
The Marvel film has an unusual challenge: it has to satisfy the modern appetite for superhero movies while staying true to the 1940's setting and all we're conditioned to know about it. So far it seems to be dancing the line.
The World War II vibe here is considerably more straight-laced than the last time we saw it in a summer movie, in "Inglourious Basterds." But the Joe Johnston film still manages to convey a sense of rise-of-Hitler importance without skimping on the flashy weaponry, origin story and mysterious villains now common to Marvel movies. (There's also a notable absence of American flags and other jingoism, no doubt a function of the movie's need to travel.)
Comics die-hards may parse each frame for details, but basically the trailer doesn't offer much more than a man becoming a soldier to fight Nazis and other enemies. It does provide the opportunity to watch Tommy Lee Jones bark orders to troops "Fugitive"-style. And the ever-versatile Stanley Tucci gets his Erskine on, even getting off perhaps the first antibiotics joke in the history of summer tent poles. (Credit: Los Angeles Times)
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The Marvel film has an unusual challenge: it has to satisfy the modern appetite for superhero movies while staying true to the 1940's setting and all we're conditioned to know about it. So far it seems to be dancing the line.
The World War II vibe here is considerably more straight-laced than the last time we saw it in a summer movie, in "Inglourious Basterds." But the Joe Johnston film still manages to convey a sense of rise-of-Hitler importance without skimping on the flashy weaponry, origin story and mysterious villains now common to Marvel movies. (There's also a notable absence of American flags and other jingoism, no doubt a function of the movie's need to travel.)
Comics die-hards may parse each frame for details, but basically the trailer doesn't offer much more than a man becoming a soldier to fight Nazis and other enemies. It does provide the opportunity to watch Tommy Lee Jones bark orders to troops "Fugitive"-style. And the ever-versatile Stanley Tucci gets his Erskine on, even getting off perhaps the first antibiotics joke in the history of summer tent poles. (Credit: Los Angeles Times)
Link
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Los Angeles Times
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Captain America
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Monday, March 21, 2011
PartyGaming Bwin merger nears completion, by Greg Tingle - 21st March 2011
The proposed merger between gaming giants PartyGaming and Bwin is set to be completed by 31 March, subject to the formal approval of the Gibraltar Supreme Court, after being formally entered into the companies' register by the Vienna Commercial Court last week.
In a statement released bwin revealed that trading in its shares on the Vienna Stock Exchange will cease at the close of business in 25 March with existing bwin shareholders receiving 12.23 bwin.party depositary interests for each bwin share free of charge on 1 April. Shareholders will then be able to trade them on the London Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol BPTY.L.
The new bwin.party depositary interests will carry a dividend entitlement with effect from 1 January 2010. The company's dividend policy will be determined by the new board of bwin.party digital entertainment plc over the next few months.
In addition to the approval of Germany's Federal Cartel Office and the Austrian Federal Competition authority the merger has also received anti-trust approval from authorities in Romania.
PartyGaming is regarded by most as the world's leading igaming company, and is currently looking to ramp up in many countries, with a re entry into the U.S as a major focus point. PartyGaming's World Poker Tour brand already enjoys strong press in the U.S, Canada, as well as other countries with a strong passion for gaming and gambling such as Australia. Pay TV, magazines and the internet are the main media platforms unitized by PartyGaming. They are also looking at sports and entertainment stadium sponsorships and naming rights opportunities, taking note of strategies used by the likes of Betfair and Centrebet in Australia.
PartyCasino.com remains the companies most popular and profitable brand, and also boasts the world's largest jackpots for the online casino sector. PartyGaming are currently taking steps to see their PartyPoker.com poker brand reclaim their number one position, and a return to the U.S would likely see that outcome within a number of months, possibly weeks. World Poker Tour continues to act as powerful media and marketing vehicle boosting awareness, thus business, across the entire PartyGaming portfolio.
Media Man advised that Party and a range of other igaming companies remain in close contact with a number of leading Australian and New Zealand media companies and brands, and that the Australian print, online publishing and television sector remains extremely interested in exploring b2b with Party, having become aware of Party's success with leading website portals that are available in the region, plus the popularity of Hollywood brands down under like Marvel Entertainment and Paramount Pictures.
Media moguls with strong ties to Australia such as James Packer, mate Lachlan Murdoch, and News Corp old guard, Rupert Murdoch, are all aware of Party's success in the Asia Pacific, pushed along by internet commerce, and are open to exploring business possibilities with the Gibraltar igaming powerhouse.
The PartyCasino.com website remains the most popular of the Party branded gaming sites.
By The Numbers
Overall revenue up 15% to €357m
Casino revenue up €15m from €136.8m to €151.4m
Bingo up €29m from €22.8m to €51.4m
Sports betting up €7m from €13.2m to €20.8m
Poker down €11m from €136.8m to €124.8m
World Poker Tour contributes €6.5m
B2B network services customers generate €2.4m
Media Man, Casino News Media and Global Gaming Directory do have a b2b relationship with PartyGaming, as they do with dozens of other companies in the gaming, igaming, media and entertainment industry.
Websites
PartyCasino.com
PartyPoker.com
World Poker Tour Casino
Profiles
PartyGaming PartyCasino PartyPoker PartyBingo Circus PartyCasino Marvel Slots The Big One Melon Madness Casino World Poker Tour PartyCasino Promotions
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In a statement released bwin revealed that trading in its shares on the Vienna Stock Exchange will cease at the close of business in 25 March with existing bwin shareholders receiving 12.23 bwin.party depositary interests for each bwin share free of charge on 1 April. Shareholders will then be able to trade them on the London Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol BPTY.L.
The new bwin.party depositary interests will carry a dividend entitlement with effect from 1 January 2010. The company's dividend policy will be determined by the new board of bwin.party digital entertainment plc over the next few months.
In addition to the approval of Germany's Federal Cartel Office and the Austrian Federal Competition authority the merger has also received anti-trust approval from authorities in Romania.
PartyGaming is regarded by most as the world's leading igaming company, and is currently looking to ramp up in many countries, with a re entry into the U.S as a major focus point. PartyGaming's World Poker Tour brand already enjoys strong press in the U.S, Canada, as well as other countries with a strong passion for gaming and gambling such as Australia. Pay TV, magazines and the internet are the main media platforms unitized by PartyGaming. They are also looking at sports and entertainment stadium sponsorships and naming rights opportunities, taking note of strategies used by the likes of Betfair and Centrebet in Australia.
PartyCasino.com remains the companies most popular and profitable brand, and also boasts the world's largest jackpots for the online casino sector. PartyGaming are currently taking steps to see their PartyPoker.com poker brand reclaim their number one position, and a return to the U.S would likely see that outcome within a number of months, possibly weeks. World Poker Tour continues to act as powerful media and marketing vehicle boosting awareness, thus business, across the entire PartyGaming portfolio.
Media Man advised that Party and a range of other igaming companies remain in close contact with a number of leading Australian and New Zealand media companies and brands, and that the Australian print, online publishing and television sector remains extremely interested in exploring b2b with Party, having become aware of Party's success with leading website portals that are available in the region, plus the popularity of Hollywood brands down under like Marvel Entertainment and Paramount Pictures.
Media moguls with strong ties to Australia such as James Packer, mate Lachlan Murdoch, and News Corp old guard, Rupert Murdoch, are all aware of Party's success in the Asia Pacific, pushed along by internet commerce, and are open to exploring business possibilities with the Gibraltar igaming powerhouse.
The PartyCasino.com website remains the most popular of the Party branded gaming sites.
By The Numbers
Overall revenue up 15% to €357m
Casino revenue up €15m from €136.8m to €151.4m
Bingo up €29m from €22.8m to €51.4m
Sports betting up €7m from €13.2m to €20.8m
Poker down €11m from €136.8m to €124.8m
World Poker Tour contributes €6.5m
B2B network services customers generate €2.4m
Media Man, Casino News Media and Global Gaming Directory do have a b2b relationship with PartyGaming, as they do with dozens of other companies in the gaming, igaming, media and entertainment industry.
Websites
PartyCasino.com
PartyPoker.com
World Poker Tour Casino
Profiles
PartyGaming PartyCasino PartyPoker PartyBingo Circus PartyCasino Marvel Slots The Big One Melon Madness Casino World Poker Tour PartyCasino Promotions
Website Network
Media Man International
Media Man
Media Man Australia
Media Man Canada
Media Man Games
Media Man Brand
Media Man Network
Casino News Media
Poker News Media
Global Gaming Directory
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Ric Drasin Personalized Training Programs
Ric Drasin, from the Golden Era of Bodybuilding is now offering Personalized Training Programs and structured eating plan designed especially for YOU and your goals in fitness and Bodybuilding.
Ric has been a name in bodybuilding and professional wrestling since the mid 1960's and was Schwarzenegger's workout partner for 4 years along with such greats as Draper, Columbu, Zane, Mentzer, Robbinson, Guiliani, Waller and more.
Ric has also trained such stars as:
Jeff Goldblum
Eric Estrada
Gene Simmons
Chuck Negron (3 Dog Night) and more...
As you know the Golden Era turned out the best bodies and the training and diet back then was like none other today. They had the formula and it worked.
This is NOT a plan just thrown to you at random, like other trainers do and your current workout and diet will be evaluated by Ric personally and then be restructured to suit your needs and desires. Ric will be available to you 7 days a week via email and will personally respond to your emails and questions as needed, to help you reach your goals and sticking points that you have been working towards for so long.
*Gain Size
* Cut Body Fat and lean out
* Restructure your eating habits for best results
* Increase lifts and get past sticking points
* Bring up lagging body parts and more...
* Restructure your program every 4 weeks for maximum results as change is very important and you will be evaluated weekly by sending your photo and breakdowns of your progress.
Most personal trainers charge minimum $50 to $125 per workout sessions for 3 times a week. This can become very costly and most have no knowledge of 'old schoo' methods that worked.
If you sign up today, it's just $200.00 a month and that's just $50 per week payable the first of every 4 week period. This program is geared for six months to get best results. As you know nothing happens over night so you must stick to the plan. Those who continue on for the 2nd 6 months will receive a discount.
This is a ridiculously cheap price and especially considering the knowledge you will obtain from the Golden Era Old School Methods of Bodybuilding without over training like we did back in the day. Grab it while you can as Ric is one of the few greats left and is now willing to share this knowledge. No more guessing on your part.
Upon sign up, please email Ric at the above email with the following information so he can start your program.
Name
Email address
Height, weight,
Current workout program
Current diet
Goals that you want to achieve.
Any injuries that you need to address
Any current problems that you are having with your workouts or development.
Media Man Int Profiles
Ric Drasin
Bodybuilding
Websites
American Wrestling Federation: Ric Drasin Personal Training
Ric Drasin official website
Ric's Corner
Ric has been a name in bodybuilding and professional wrestling since the mid 1960's and was Schwarzenegger's workout partner for 4 years along with such greats as Draper, Columbu, Zane, Mentzer, Robbinson, Guiliani, Waller and more.
Ric has also trained such stars as:
Jeff Goldblum
Eric Estrada
Gene Simmons
Chuck Negron (3 Dog Night) and more...
As you know the Golden Era turned out the best bodies and the training and diet back then was like none other today. They had the formula and it worked.
This is NOT a plan just thrown to you at random, like other trainers do and your current workout and diet will be evaluated by Ric personally and then be restructured to suit your needs and desires. Ric will be available to you 7 days a week via email and will personally respond to your emails and questions as needed, to help you reach your goals and sticking points that you have been working towards for so long.
*Gain Size
* Cut Body Fat and lean out
* Restructure your eating habits for best results
* Increase lifts and get past sticking points
* Bring up lagging body parts and more...
* Restructure your program every 4 weeks for maximum results as change is very important and you will be evaluated weekly by sending your photo and breakdowns of your progress.
Most personal trainers charge minimum $50 to $125 per workout sessions for 3 times a week. This can become very costly and most have no knowledge of 'old schoo' methods that worked.
If you sign up today, it's just $200.00 a month and that's just $50 per week payable the first of every 4 week period. This program is geared for six months to get best results. As you know nothing happens over night so you must stick to the plan. Those who continue on for the 2nd 6 months will receive a discount.
This is a ridiculously cheap price and especially considering the knowledge you will obtain from the Golden Era Old School Methods of Bodybuilding without over training like we did back in the day. Grab it while you can as Ric is one of the few greats left and is now willing to share this knowledge. No more guessing on your part.
Upon sign up, please email Ric at the above email with the following information so he can start your program.
Name
Email address
Height, weight,
Current workout program
Current diet
Goals that you want to achieve.
Any injuries that you need to address
Any current problems that you are having with your workouts or development.
Media Man Int Profiles
Ric Drasin
Bodybuilding
Websites
American Wrestling Federation: Ric Drasin Personal Training
Ric Drasin official website
Ric's Corner
Surfing aerial at Bondi Beach sho, by Greg Tingle - 12th March 2011
Bondi Beach is set for aerial assault from the world's best aerial surfers when the Boost Mobile Surfsho makes a splash its final comp day, and what great weather it is. Shame about the small waves, but that's surfing.
About 50,000 people are expected, up about 10,000 from last year.
ASP world tour competitors include Julian Wilson, Jordy Smith, Owen Wright, Josh Kerr and Taj Burrow. The are competing from bragging rights at $25,000 worth of prizes.
Other surfers ripping it up for the fans are Craig Anderson, Mitch Crew, Mitch Coleborn and Jack Freestone, and freestyle is the order of the day for this pool of thrashers.
Yesterday's open qualifying round saw a two-foot swell with Ben Godwin and Beau Foster qualifying to join two-time champ Wright. Waves expected to get to a metre with a slight south-westerly.
The cool and hip event, now in its second year, is the biggest professional contest held at Bondi Beach, say the organisers.
Aerial surfing is the theme, so even when the surf isn't exactly huge, its still great entertainment for news media, fans, hardcores or beach babes.
The event is yet another shot in the arm for the Bondi Beach business community who suffered poor crowds and weather for much of last year, but this year things have certainly picked up.
The comp runs from March 11 to 13. Surfs up enough for a fun day at the world's most famous beach.
Websites
www.boostsurfsho.com.au
Bondi Beach Directory
Website Network
Media Man International
Media Man
Media Man Australia
Media Man Canada
Media Man Brand
Media Man Network
About 50,000 people are expected, up about 10,000 from last year.
ASP world tour competitors include Julian Wilson, Jordy Smith, Owen Wright, Josh Kerr and Taj Burrow. The are competing from bragging rights at $25,000 worth of prizes.
Other surfers ripping it up for the fans are Craig Anderson, Mitch Crew, Mitch Coleborn and Jack Freestone, and freestyle is the order of the day for this pool of thrashers.
Yesterday's open qualifying round saw a two-foot swell with Ben Godwin and Beau Foster qualifying to join two-time champ Wright. Waves expected to get to a metre with a slight south-westerly.
The cool and hip event, now in its second year, is the biggest professional contest held at Bondi Beach, say the organisers.
Aerial surfing is the theme, so even when the surf isn't exactly huge, its still great entertainment for news media, fans, hardcores or beach babes.
The event is yet another shot in the arm for the Bondi Beach business community who suffered poor crowds and weather for much of last year, but this year things have certainly picked up.
The comp runs from March 11 to 13. Surfs up enough for a fun day at the world's most famous beach.
Websites
www.boostsurfsho.com.au
Bondi Beach Directory
Website Network
Media Man International
Media Man
Media Man Australia
Media Man Canada
Media Man Brand
Media Man Network
Thursday, March 10, 2011
WWE Hall of Fame 2011
Shawn Michaels
The Heartbreak Kid. The Icon. The Showstopper. Mr. WrestleMania. The amazing Shawn Michaels has gone by many names and he can now add WWE Hall of Famer to that list.
Sunny
A trailblazer and a true original, Sunny changed the way women were viewed in sports-entertainment. This unmatched influence has earned her a spot in the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2011.
Bob Armstrong
The patriarch of one of sports-entertainment's great families, "Bullet" Bob Armstrong is a wrestling legend, a Georgia hero and a member of the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2011.
"Hacksaw" Jim Duggan
With his trademark 2x4 slung over his shoulder and an American flag held proudly in his hand, "Hacksaw" Jim Duggan was a true patriot who brawled his way into the hearts of the WWE Universe.
WWE Hall of Fame 2011 Rumours
Randy "Macho Man" Savage
John "JBL" Layfield
The Fabulous Freebirds
Lex Luger
Ron Simmons
Profiles
WWE Hall of Fame
WWE
Wrestling
News
Wrestling News
News
Entertainment News
Sports News
The Heartbreak Kid. The Icon. The Showstopper. Mr. WrestleMania. The amazing Shawn Michaels has gone by many names and he can now add WWE Hall of Famer to that list.
Sunny
A trailblazer and a true original, Sunny changed the way women were viewed in sports-entertainment. This unmatched influence has earned her a spot in the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2011.
Bob Armstrong
The patriarch of one of sports-entertainment's great families, "Bullet" Bob Armstrong is a wrestling legend, a Georgia hero and a member of the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2011.
"Hacksaw" Jim Duggan
With his trademark 2x4 slung over his shoulder and an American flag held proudly in his hand, "Hacksaw" Jim Duggan was a true patriot who brawled his way into the hearts of the WWE Universe.
WWE Hall of Fame 2011 Rumours
Randy "Macho Man" Savage
John "JBL" Layfield
The Fabulous Freebirds
Lex Luger
Ron Simmons
Profiles
WWE Hall of Fame
WWE
Wrestling
News
Wrestling News
News
Entertainment News
Sports News
Monday, March 07, 2011
NRL And AFL Boys And Codes Under Spotlight, by Greg Tingle - 7th March 2011
G'day punters, sports fans, legal eagles, law enforcement officials, player agents, politicians...one and all. Today Australia's ARL and NFL football codes are back under the spotlight, and its not all good news, but some positives may result from the extra attention. A star NRL player is done for assault, plus the AFL is tipped to ban agents from having a punt, and the AFL sex scandal teen speaks to 60 Minutes. Media Man and Gambling911 with the battle of the codes, on and off the field...
Police To Probe Wests Tigers Benji Marshall On Altercation In Sin City Sydney...
Benji Marshall, Wests Tigers star and the new face of the NRL, is tipped to chat to police following an alleged altercation in the Rocks, Sydney, after a kid's fundraising event.
'Our Benji', the new face of NRL, is thought to have been at the scene of a physical altercation at 3am Saturday morning at The Rocks in 'Sin City' Sydney.
Marshall, 26, had spent the night hosting Children’s Cancer Institute Australia’s (CCIA) first annual Footy Rocks.
Police released a media statement into the public domain confirming an incident involving a 26-year-old male.
Police attached to The Rocks Local Area Command are investigating an alleged assault outside a fast food restaurant in Sydney’s CBD overnight. It's believed it was McDonald's, but the meal (or the chat) was not happy!
About 3.20am Saturday 5 March, a verbal altercation allegedly occurred between a 24-year-old man and a 26-year-old man in George Street, near the intersection with Bridge Street.
The 26-year-old bloke and another bloke allegedly assaulted the 24-year-old before clearing the area.
The 24-year-old sustained a small cut on the face and reported the alleged incident to The Rocks Police Station.
An probe is underway into the circumstances surrounding the alleged incident, and police are hoping to speak with a 26-year-old man who may be able to assist with inquiries.
The event comes just three days after Marshall confidently declared he "wants to be the player that kids want to be when they grow up".
This follows a string of negative headlines on both the NRL and AFL. The AFL has copped the most heat lately from betting scandals in addition to the drink-driving charge against reigning Dally M medallist Todd Carney.
It was 2 years back when Manly's Brett Stewart was a key figure in the NRL's marketing campaign before he caused the game's flagship television commercial to be re-edited when he was banned after an alcohol-fuelled evening and charged with sexual assault ahead of the 2009 season. Stewart was eventually cleared of the charge, but the damage was done.
Marshall had been doing his best to avoid negative off field experiences. In fact, he was the chosen one to launch the 2011 season in the NRL's heartland of western Sydney.
"After the past couple of years it was sort of a curse they reckon. It's not going to change what I do away from the game or what I do in the game. I want to be the player that kids want to be when they grow up. I've had a pretty clean image and I want to keep it that way. I'm pretty wary of where I am and what I do to make sure I keep the same image because I know image goes a long way in life and at the end of my career I want to still have that image."
Wests Tigers have already undertaken to make a full report to the NRL.
"It is always important that the club is given the opportunity to examine the facts and report to the NRL before we determine whether there is a need for intervention on our part,” NRL Chief Executive David Gallop said.
"This will also no doubt depend on some of the issues being investigated by police. Clearly it is in everyone’s interests to determine the matter as soon as possible."
AFL To Ban Player Agents From Having A Punt?...
The AFL has ruled out banning accredited media from gambling on games, but it is in continuing discussions on whether player agents should be allowed to bet on the game.
But it is in continuing discussions on whether player agents should be allowed to bet on the sport.
AFL football operations manager Adrian Anderson said that as a result of the NRL betting scandal that saw Canterbury prop Ryan Tandy, player manager Sam Ayoub and former player John Elias charged by NSW police last week, the AFL was considering adding agents to the list of people who are banned from betting on matches.
"We are talking to the Players' Association accreditation board about that," Anderson said.
While it has been suggested that the AFL, which punished several league and club officials for minor breaches last year, would also include accredited media in the ban, Anderson denied that was the case.
AFL St Kilda Teenager Lied She Was Pregnant; Network Nine's 60 Minutes Runs Story...
The young lady at the centre of the St Kilda nude photo scandal has admitted she lied about being pregnant to AFL footballer Sam Gilbert.
She told 60 Minutes last night: "I was a stupid immature little teenager … (But) I don't think I owe anyone an apology other than Sam."
The scandal involving the girl, 17, has swallowed AFL player manager Ricky Nixon, who is under investigation by the AFL Players Association for his alleged sexual involvement with the teenager.
Nixon returned to Melbourne last night following a two-week trip to Ireland and Britain and vehemently denied television news reports that he was planning to stand down from his role this week, saying he would be at his Flying Start office today.
He also unequivocally rejected suggestions that he was scheduled to check into a clinic to help resolve his personal issues.
Channel Nine news had reported that he would stand down as a player manager and check into a clinic by the end of the week. "The reports (on the Nine Network) are not true," Nixon told Fairfax Media. "Apparently I'm running for prime minister as well."
The teen showed Channel Nine text messages and emails from Nixon in which he told her what she should say to the press if she wanted their relationship to continue, warning that if she didn't 100 of his associates would want revenge on her for the rest of her life.
He told her she should tell the media: "I want to put on the record that there was no sex and no drug-taking."
The network named the schoolgirl and showed her image on 60 Minutes last night.
A media lawyer, who asked to remain anonymous, said last night the action appeared to contravene a court suppression order.
Nine executive producer Hamish Thomson said: "Nine denies that it contravened any laws."
Fairfax's Sunday Age yesterday reported claims that more than 80 Victoria Police officers had looked at the girl's case file on the LEAP database.
The Office of Police Integrity confirmed there was an investigation into alleged inappropriate use of the database.
"We are hopeful that the spotlight on the games, players, agents and officials may have the effect of cleaning up the sport", a Media Man staffer said.
Online Casinos, Online Poker and Sports Betting...
Ok readers, we hear you... you also want to know some of the best places to play online (that accept Aussies) if your in or around the Asia Pacific - Australia (including Tassie) and New Zealand, so here it is...
PartyCasino.com
Captain Cooks Casino
Betfair (sports betting only)
PKR.com (poker, slots including Marvel slot games and sports betting)
PartyPoker.com (online poker at one of the world's most respected poker rooms and gaming brands)
Profiles
Australian Casinos
World Casino Directory
Global Gaming Directory
Casino Travel
Casinos
Australia
Media Man and Gambling911 remind our readers to keep the following in mind:
Take the time to research and learn games before placing down money
Media Man, Casino News Media and Gambling911 are website portals. Not casinos as such, however are recognised as world leading websites that cover the sector and act as central points to games, news, reviews and more.
Readers... er, punters, how did you like our report? Tell us in the forum.
If you have a bet, please bet with your head, not over it, and for God's sake, have fun.
*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911
*Media Man http://www.mediamanint.com is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company. Gaming is just one of a dozen sectors covered
*the writer is a fan of Sydney Roosters And South Sydney Rabbitohs
Website Network
Media Man International
Media Man
Media Man Australia
Media Man Asia
Media Man Canada
Media Man Games
Media Man Brand
Media Man Network
Casino News Media
Poker News Media
Global Gaming Directory
Police To Probe Wests Tigers Benji Marshall On Altercation In Sin City Sydney...
Benji Marshall, Wests Tigers star and the new face of the NRL, is tipped to chat to police following an alleged altercation in the Rocks, Sydney, after a kid's fundraising event.
'Our Benji', the new face of NRL, is thought to have been at the scene of a physical altercation at 3am Saturday morning at The Rocks in 'Sin City' Sydney.
Marshall, 26, had spent the night hosting Children’s Cancer Institute Australia’s (CCIA) first annual Footy Rocks.
Police released a media statement into the public domain confirming an incident involving a 26-year-old male.
Police attached to The Rocks Local Area Command are investigating an alleged assault outside a fast food restaurant in Sydney’s CBD overnight. It's believed it was McDonald's, but the meal (or the chat) was not happy!
About 3.20am Saturday 5 March, a verbal altercation allegedly occurred between a 24-year-old man and a 26-year-old man in George Street, near the intersection with Bridge Street.
The 26-year-old bloke and another bloke allegedly assaulted the 24-year-old before clearing the area.
The 24-year-old sustained a small cut on the face and reported the alleged incident to The Rocks Police Station.
An probe is underway into the circumstances surrounding the alleged incident, and police are hoping to speak with a 26-year-old man who may be able to assist with inquiries.
The event comes just three days after Marshall confidently declared he "wants to be the player that kids want to be when they grow up".
This follows a string of negative headlines on both the NRL and AFL. The AFL has copped the most heat lately from betting scandals in addition to the drink-driving charge against reigning Dally M medallist Todd Carney.
It was 2 years back when Manly's Brett Stewart was a key figure in the NRL's marketing campaign before he caused the game's flagship television commercial to be re-edited when he was banned after an alcohol-fuelled evening and charged with sexual assault ahead of the 2009 season. Stewart was eventually cleared of the charge, but the damage was done.
Marshall had been doing his best to avoid negative off field experiences. In fact, he was the chosen one to launch the 2011 season in the NRL's heartland of western Sydney.
"After the past couple of years it was sort of a curse they reckon. It's not going to change what I do away from the game or what I do in the game. I want to be the player that kids want to be when they grow up. I've had a pretty clean image and I want to keep it that way. I'm pretty wary of where I am and what I do to make sure I keep the same image because I know image goes a long way in life and at the end of my career I want to still have that image."
Wests Tigers have already undertaken to make a full report to the NRL.
"It is always important that the club is given the opportunity to examine the facts and report to the NRL before we determine whether there is a need for intervention on our part,” NRL Chief Executive David Gallop said.
"This will also no doubt depend on some of the issues being investigated by police. Clearly it is in everyone’s interests to determine the matter as soon as possible."
AFL To Ban Player Agents From Having A Punt?...
The AFL has ruled out banning accredited media from gambling on games, but it is in continuing discussions on whether player agents should be allowed to bet on the game.
But it is in continuing discussions on whether player agents should be allowed to bet on the sport.
AFL football operations manager Adrian Anderson said that as a result of the NRL betting scandal that saw Canterbury prop Ryan Tandy, player manager Sam Ayoub and former player John Elias charged by NSW police last week, the AFL was considering adding agents to the list of people who are banned from betting on matches.
"We are talking to the Players' Association accreditation board about that," Anderson said.
While it has been suggested that the AFL, which punished several league and club officials for minor breaches last year, would also include accredited media in the ban, Anderson denied that was the case.
AFL St Kilda Teenager Lied She Was Pregnant; Network Nine's 60 Minutes Runs Story...
The young lady at the centre of the St Kilda nude photo scandal has admitted she lied about being pregnant to AFL footballer Sam Gilbert.
She told 60 Minutes last night: "I was a stupid immature little teenager … (But) I don't think I owe anyone an apology other than Sam."
The scandal involving the girl, 17, has swallowed AFL player manager Ricky Nixon, who is under investigation by the AFL Players Association for his alleged sexual involvement with the teenager.
Nixon returned to Melbourne last night following a two-week trip to Ireland and Britain and vehemently denied television news reports that he was planning to stand down from his role this week, saying he would be at his Flying Start office today.
He also unequivocally rejected suggestions that he was scheduled to check into a clinic to help resolve his personal issues.
Channel Nine news had reported that he would stand down as a player manager and check into a clinic by the end of the week. "The reports (on the Nine Network) are not true," Nixon told Fairfax Media. "Apparently I'm running for prime minister as well."
The teen showed Channel Nine text messages and emails from Nixon in which he told her what she should say to the press if she wanted their relationship to continue, warning that if she didn't 100 of his associates would want revenge on her for the rest of her life.
He told her she should tell the media: "I want to put on the record that there was no sex and no drug-taking."
The network named the schoolgirl and showed her image on 60 Minutes last night.
A media lawyer, who asked to remain anonymous, said last night the action appeared to contravene a court suppression order.
Nine executive producer Hamish Thomson said: "Nine denies that it contravened any laws."
Fairfax's Sunday Age yesterday reported claims that more than 80 Victoria Police officers had looked at the girl's case file on the LEAP database.
The Office of Police Integrity confirmed there was an investigation into alleged inappropriate use of the database.
"We are hopeful that the spotlight on the games, players, agents and officials may have the effect of cleaning up the sport", a Media Man staffer said.
Online Casinos, Online Poker and Sports Betting...
Ok readers, we hear you... you also want to know some of the best places to play online (that accept Aussies) if your in or around the Asia Pacific - Australia (including Tassie) and New Zealand, so here it is...
PartyCasino.com
Captain Cooks Casino
Betfair (sports betting only)
PKR.com (poker, slots including Marvel slot games and sports betting)
PartyPoker.com (online poker at one of the world's most respected poker rooms and gaming brands)
Profiles
Australian Casinos
World Casino Directory
Global Gaming Directory
Casino Travel
Casinos
Australia
Media Man and Gambling911 remind our readers to keep the following in mind:
Take the time to research and learn games before placing down money
Media Man, Casino News Media and Gambling911 are website portals. Not casinos as such, however are recognised as world leading websites that cover the sector and act as central points to games, news, reviews and more.
Readers... er, punters, how did you like our report? Tell us in the forum.
If you have a bet, please bet with your head, not over it, and for God's sake, have fun.
*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911
*Media Man http://www.mediamanint.com is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company. Gaming is just one of a dozen sectors covered
*the writer is a fan of Sydney Roosters And South Sydney Rabbitohs
Website Network
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Media Man
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Friday, March 04, 2011
Aussie Media: Network Ten Musical Chairs, Packer...by Greg Tingle - 4th March 2011
G'day punters, media, gaming and casino millionaires, billionaires, legal eagles, politicians and everyone else. Today we learn if yet more musical chairs at Network Ten, but as we learn, its for good reason, and no one should hit the emergency button... not quite yet anyway. Media Man and Gambling911 dance around with the Aussie media in a few rounds of the childhood favorite, Musical Chairs...
James Packer Aussie Media And Gambling King Quits Ten For Good Of Team; New Blood And Holistic Plan...
In a surprise move, James Packer resigned his directorship of Ten Network as a matter of principle, so the story goes, after his mate and co-investor Lachlan Murdoch's raid on a Seven executive breached a truce with Kerry Stokes, so the story goes...
It was circa September 2009, Packer and the Seven Network top dog made a truce in which they split up the offerings of what is described as the the new media landscape. This past Wednesday's announcement that Ten had successfully lured a Seven executive, James Warburton, to come on over and head up the network was a crystal clear breach of that arrangement. It's good to hear that some people are still as good as their word, billionaire or not. While there was speculation Packer's resignation reflected a fresh falling-out between him and Mr Murdoch, the move satisfies both Murdoch and, more importantly, Stokes, who is said to be "Vesuvian" at Warburton's defection. Murdoch still gets the main man to run Ten and Stokes can see 'Our James' is a man of his word. For the best part of a year, Stokes had been eyeing off Packer's then sole remaining media asset, Consolidated Media Holdings, the company that owns a 25% share in Foxtel and a half-share in Fox Sports. The Perth media magnate had snatched a 19.9% stake in CMH and appeared poised to make a takeover bid for the pay TV investment platform. However at the 11th hour a deal was cut, thus giving Stokes 2 seats on the CMH board so long as he backed off from buying more shares for 12 months. Its also understood that a further reaching deal was also put in place...both gents agreed to not undercut each other or tread on each other's media turf. The Network Seven boss actually kept his end of the bargain, surprising some, and since has been rewarded in an indirect fashion by a share buyback scheme at CMH under which Packer has moved up to 49.87% and Stokes to 24.4% Note that Packer put forward $285 million for a 10% stake in Ten towards the conclusion of year. Stokes and Packer met up in the U.S - the Colorado ski fields to be precise back in January and it is believed Stokes has been keen to keep things pleasant, or at least not piss off, the Murdoch family and friends after his substantial $200 million legal eagle court action against the Packers and Murdochs some five years ago. Time may help heal old wounds, and he doesn't wish to aggravate the situation in the slightest. Mind you, moods can change quickly, depending upon "art of war" strategy. Within the last 48 hours it was Murdoch, who appointed acting chief executive just last week, who recruited Warburton from Channel Seven. "We're sorry to lose him" was the official company line from Seven boss David Leckie, wishing Warburton "well in his new role". Industry exec hinted Seven had taken their eyes off the game re staff and management, apparently failing to lock in tight Warburton. Warburton will start at Network Ten this July. Murdoch and Packer remain mates despite ups and downs over the years, and no one will ever forget One.Tel, the telephone company which was a major bomb of the worst kind. Packer's push for control since last year has seen the exec chairman Nick Falloon, a former Packer family exec at the Nine Network, get the 'Don't come Monday', but in a more diplomatic fashion. Before Packer and Murdoch could take their seats on the Ten board, Grant Blackley was named as the chief executive. He was swiftly removed of his duties last month, linked to his criticism of the network's costly news programming strategy. Ten's new shareholders had been keen to snatch a new man into the role and it is understood Murdoch approached Warburton less than a fortnight ago, leading to his defection and Packer's surprise response Wednesday. Warburton has sphere headed Seven's sales and digital businesses arm since 2008. He's in line to snatch up a cool base salary of $2.2 million that could be boosted towards $4.4 million a year should bonuses kick in. Warburton had previously gone on the record via press that he had a goal to lead a company. Following the latest corporate moves at Seven, in which its long-term boss, Leckie, was promoted to head the proposed merger between West Australian Newspapers and Seven Media Group, Warburton was seen to be being forced to wait a tad longer to assume the top job at Seven. The chairman of Ten, Brian Long, said Warburton was "a high-calibre media executive with an enviable track record in television and digital media sales'. He has forged an exemplary reputation in the media sector in Australia and has strong relationships within the media and advertising community". The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, which is already examining the move on the Ten register, declined comment.
Packer Step Down From Ten Board Linked To Gents Deal With Seven's Stokes...
James Packer resigned from the board of Ten Network Holdings in order to honour an agreement he had with Seven's boss Kerry Stokes. A deal was made with history going back to September 2009, after Stokes had built up a 19.9 percent stake in Packer's Consolidated Media Holdings (CMH). Had Stokes added to his holding, he would have been required to launch a formal takeover bid. Packer headed off that possibility by offering Stokes two seats on the CMH board, in return for an assurance that the Seven chairman would not buy any further shares for 12 months. The gents had reportedly agreed on a further truce, under which the pair would agree not to undercut each other or tread on each other's patch. That agreement was breached when Ten Network Holdings poached James Warburton to serve as its chief executive. News Limited's The Australian had reported that Packer voted against Warburton's appointment. Packer's resignation from the Ten board yesterday was announced abruptly to the stock exchange in a one-sentence statement. No reason was given for his exit. Warburton had not tried to hide that he had higher ambitions in the corporate world, advising media journal AdNews last year that he desired to run a company. His leadership aspirations were highlighted by a report last November that Seven had been constructing a "succession plan" that would see the sales chief take over from David Leckie, Seven Media Group's current chief exec. Ten appears back on track, and we don't expect world war III between Ten and Seven anytime soon.
James Packer Awesome Family Gifts; Best Money Can Buy...
Erica Packer's mum, Sheelah, celebrated a birthday, and 'Our James' delivered an awesome gift...American country singer legend Kris Kristofferson, for some good old ho down with the clan. Our friends at News Limited secured "Sheelah is a huge Kristofferson fan so all her children sang his biggest hits and then the man himself stepped on to the stage". Packer Grandchildren Indigo and Jackson, young members of the tribe, were understood to have really enjoyed the celebration.
Online Casinos, Online Poker and Sports Betting...
Ok readers, we hear you... you also want to know some of the best places to play online (that accept Aussies) if your in or around the Asia Pacific - Australia (including Tassie) and New Zealand, so here it is...
PartyCasino.com
Captain Cooks Casino
Betfair (sports betting only)
PKR.com (poker, slots including Marvel slot games and sports betting)
PartyPoker.com (online poker at one of the world's most respected poker rooms and gaming brands)
Profiles
Australian Casinos
World Casino Directory
Global Gaming Directory
Casino Travel
Casinos
Australia
Media Man and Gambling911 remind our readers to keep the following in mind:
Take the time to research and learn games before placing down money
Media Man, Casino News Media and Gambling911 are website portals. Not casinos as such, however are recognised as world leading websites that cover the sector and act as central points to games, news, reviews and more.
Readers... er, punters, how did you like our report? Tell us in the forum.
If you have a bet, please bet with your head, not over it, and for God's sake, have fun.
*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911
*Media Man http://www.mediamanint.com is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company. Gaming is just one of a dozen sectors covered
*The writer owns shares in Ten Network and Crown Limited
Website Network
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Media Man Network
Casino News Media
Poker News Media
Global Gaming Directory
James Packer Aussie Media And Gambling King Quits Ten For Good Of Team; New Blood And Holistic Plan...
In a surprise move, James Packer resigned his directorship of Ten Network as a matter of principle, so the story goes, after his mate and co-investor Lachlan Murdoch's raid on a Seven executive breached a truce with Kerry Stokes, so the story goes...
It was circa September 2009, Packer and the Seven Network top dog made a truce in which they split up the offerings of what is described as the the new media landscape. This past Wednesday's announcement that Ten had successfully lured a Seven executive, James Warburton, to come on over and head up the network was a crystal clear breach of that arrangement. It's good to hear that some people are still as good as their word, billionaire or not. While there was speculation Packer's resignation reflected a fresh falling-out between him and Mr Murdoch, the move satisfies both Murdoch and, more importantly, Stokes, who is said to be "Vesuvian" at Warburton's defection. Murdoch still gets the main man to run Ten and Stokes can see 'Our James' is a man of his word. For the best part of a year, Stokes had been eyeing off Packer's then sole remaining media asset, Consolidated Media Holdings, the company that owns a 25% share in Foxtel and a half-share in Fox Sports. The Perth media magnate had snatched a 19.9% stake in CMH and appeared poised to make a takeover bid for the pay TV investment platform. However at the 11th hour a deal was cut, thus giving Stokes 2 seats on the CMH board so long as he backed off from buying more shares for 12 months. Its also understood that a further reaching deal was also put in place...both gents agreed to not undercut each other or tread on each other's media turf. The Network Seven boss actually kept his end of the bargain, surprising some, and since has been rewarded in an indirect fashion by a share buyback scheme at CMH under which Packer has moved up to 49.87% and Stokes to 24.4% Note that Packer put forward $285 million for a 10% stake in Ten towards the conclusion of year. Stokes and Packer met up in the U.S - the Colorado ski fields to be precise back in January and it is believed Stokes has been keen to keep things pleasant, or at least not piss off, the Murdoch family and friends after his substantial $200 million legal eagle court action against the Packers and Murdochs some five years ago. Time may help heal old wounds, and he doesn't wish to aggravate the situation in the slightest. Mind you, moods can change quickly, depending upon "art of war" strategy. Within the last 48 hours it was Murdoch, who appointed acting chief executive just last week, who recruited Warburton from Channel Seven. "We're sorry to lose him" was the official company line from Seven boss David Leckie, wishing Warburton "well in his new role". Industry exec hinted Seven had taken their eyes off the game re staff and management, apparently failing to lock in tight Warburton. Warburton will start at Network Ten this July. Murdoch and Packer remain mates despite ups and downs over the years, and no one will ever forget One.Tel, the telephone company which was a major bomb of the worst kind. Packer's push for control since last year has seen the exec chairman Nick Falloon, a former Packer family exec at the Nine Network, get the 'Don't come Monday', but in a more diplomatic fashion. Before Packer and Murdoch could take their seats on the Ten board, Grant Blackley was named as the chief executive. He was swiftly removed of his duties last month, linked to his criticism of the network's costly news programming strategy. Ten's new shareholders had been keen to snatch a new man into the role and it is understood Murdoch approached Warburton less than a fortnight ago, leading to his defection and Packer's surprise response Wednesday. Warburton has sphere headed Seven's sales and digital businesses arm since 2008. He's in line to snatch up a cool base salary of $2.2 million that could be boosted towards $4.4 million a year should bonuses kick in. Warburton had previously gone on the record via press that he had a goal to lead a company. Following the latest corporate moves at Seven, in which its long-term boss, Leckie, was promoted to head the proposed merger between West Australian Newspapers and Seven Media Group, Warburton was seen to be being forced to wait a tad longer to assume the top job at Seven. The chairman of Ten, Brian Long, said Warburton was "a high-calibre media executive with an enviable track record in television and digital media sales'. He has forged an exemplary reputation in the media sector in Australia and has strong relationships within the media and advertising community". The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, which is already examining the move on the Ten register, declined comment.
Packer Step Down From Ten Board Linked To Gents Deal With Seven's Stokes...
James Packer resigned from the board of Ten Network Holdings in order to honour an agreement he had with Seven's boss Kerry Stokes. A deal was made with history going back to September 2009, after Stokes had built up a 19.9 percent stake in Packer's Consolidated Media Holdings (CMH). Had Stokes added to his holding, he would have been required to launch a formal takeover bid. Packer headed off that possibility by offering Stokes two seats on the CMH board, in return for an assurance that the Seven chairman would not buy any further shares for 12 months. The gents had reportedly agreed on a further truce, under which the pair would agree not to undercut each other or tread on each other's patch. That agreement was breached when Ten Network Holdings poached James Warburton to serve as its chief executive. News Limited's The Australian had reported that Packer voted against Warburton's appointment. Packer's resignation from the Ten board yesterday was announced abruptly to the stock exchange in a one-sentence statement. No reason was given for his exit. Warburton had not tried to hide that he had higher ambitions in the corporate world, advising media journal AdNews last year that he desired to run a company. His leadership aspirations were highlighted by a report last November that Seven had been constructing a "succession plan" that would see the sales chief take over from David Leckie, Seven Media Group's current chief exec. Ten appears back on track, and we don't expect world war III between Ten and Seven anytime soon.
James Packer Awesome Family Gifts; Best Money Can Buy...
Erica Packer's mum, Sheelah, celebrated a birthday, and 'Our James' delivered an awesome gift...American country singer legend Kris Kristofferson, for some good old ho down with the clan. Our friends at News Limited secured "Sheelah is a huge Kristofferson fan so all her children sang his biggest hits and then the man himself stepped on to the stage". Packer Grandchildren Indigo and Jackson, young members of the tribe, were understood to have really enjoyed the celebration.
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