WWE Royal Rumble, Mike Tyson, The Great Gatsby, James Bond; Wrestling, Movies And Games

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The Media Man agency has tons of interesting news to report today. We've got pro wrestling WWE style, Hollywood, AussieWood, The Great Gatsby's Leonardo DiCaprio back in Sydney, Australia, James Bond and more.

3, 2, 1 and action...

Today at Bondi Beach, thanks to the wonders of pay TV and Murdoch's Foxtel, Aussies were able to enjoy one of the key WWE showcase events of the year - Royal Rumble, known for its 30 man battle royale, and for establishing stories and matches for pro wrestlers leading into WrestleMania (for which The Rock VS John Cena) has been inked in stone for about a year.

Match Results...

Sheamus aka "The Great White" won the battle royale. This sets him up for a world championship match at WrestleMania
WWE Champion CM Punk def. Dolph Ziggler (Special Guest Referee John Laurinaitis)
Brodus Clay def. Drew McIntyre
John Cena vs. Kane (Double Count-out)
Divas Champion Beth Phoenix, Natalya & The Bella Twins def. Eve, Kelly Kelly, Alicia Fox & Tamina
World Heavyweight Champion Daniel Bryan def. Big Show and Mark Henry (Triple Threat Steel Cage Match)


Mike Tyson Enters WWE® Hall of Fame...

The WWE has announced today that boxing legend Mike Tyson will be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame. The ceremony will take place at AmericanAirlines Arena in Miami, FL on Saturday March 31, 2012.

Tyson has a long and colourful history with WWE. In 1998, after a face-to-face confrontation with WWE Hall of Famer Stone Cold Steve Austin® on Monday Night Raw®, Tyson was named special enforcer for the main event at WrestleMania® XIV between Austin and "The Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels. In the match, Tyson declared Austin the winner, and delivered a knockout punch to Michaels. In 2011, Tyson made his WWE return when he guest starred on Monday Night Raw, teaming with Chris Jericho® against Shawn Michaels and Triple H®. Tyson joins comedian Drew Carey and notable sports figures Bob Uecker, William “The Refrigerator” Perry and Pete Rose in the WWE Hall of Fame.

"I am honored to be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame,” said Tyson, “I was the youngest heavyweight champion of all time, but the most fun I ever had in the ring was with WWE."

As one of the most iconic boxers in history, Mike Tyson was the undisputed heavyweight champion and holds the record as the youngest boxer to win the WBC, WBA and IBF heavyweight titles. In addition to his in-ring accolades, Tyson is also a pop culture icon with roles in the blockbuster Hangover movies and the subject of the critically acclaimed biographical film Tyson. His also have a new game application, Mike Tyson: Main Event, which is currently available on iTunes.

Tyson will be inducted alongside Edge®, The Four Horsemen, Mil Mascaras and others at the 2012 WWE Hall of Fame Ceremony Saturday, March 31 at the AmericanAirlines Arena in Miami, FL.

Austin is our tip to induct Tyson into the Hall.

Australian's don't have to fly to Miami to enjoy the action. You can order it on pay TV via Foxtel's Main Event, or by the time the event comes around, you may even be able to order it via the WWE official website.

The WWE will be back in Sydney, Australia on the 31st August via AllPhones Arena.


Leonardo DiCaprio back into Sydney for The Great Gatsby filming...

He's back - for work, and just a touch of play time with a special lady - (Erin Heatherton) we suspect. Leo's other flick, J. Edgar is currently showing in Australian cinema's. If your into Leo or political movies you will love it. Otherwise, you might want to check out something else with your hard earned cash.


James Bond's cars etc al showed off in UK...

The world’s most famous secret agent turns 50 this year and to celebrate a collection of 50 vehicles from the James Bond films has gone on show in England.

The National Motor Museum in Beaulieu has put together the show, Bond In Motion, to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the first Bond film, Dr No. It took over of planning to bring the huge variety of vehicles together in the one location.

The vehicles have been sourced from a variety of collectors including the Ian Fleming Foundation and Eon Productions as well as several private collectors.

Some of the star attractions include the Lotus Esprit submarine from The Spy Who Loved Me, the crashed Aston Martin DBS from Casino Royale and, of course, the Aston Martin DB5 from Goldfinger.

The exhibition will run for a year and will coincide with the latest Bond film, due for release later this year.


Mission Impossible 4 breaks own record...

'Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol' is the most successful film in the movie series' franchise.

The Brad Bird-directed film - which sees Tom Cruise return as operative Ethan Hunt, alongside Jeremy Renner and Simon Pegg - has made $571 million worldwide since its release late last year, and studio Paramount has admitted it is delighted with the success.

Rob Moore, Vice Chairman of Paramount, said: 'Brad Bird, Tom Cruise, J.J. Abrams and the entire team who worked on 'M:I4' created an incredibly entertaining film, one that fans worldwide embraced in record numbers.'

'Mission: Impossible II' is the next most successful film in the franchise, earning $546 million worldwide.

Brad has previously joked he was terrified about being the director who killed off Tom when he made him hang off the world's tallest skyscraper, the Burj Khalifa in Dubai for the fourth instalment of the movie.

He said: 'I think every director that has worked with him in these kinds of films probably has that feeling where your eyes snap open at three in the morning and you go, 'My god, what am I doing?' Definitely.'

Gaming fans can play the original Mission: Impossible game via Bwin.Party Digital Entertainment owned PartyCasino. See Media Man News for more details on the M: I gaming connection.


AACTA Awards At Sydney Opera House Tonight...

The who's who of the Australian film and television industry is in town for the AACTA awards.

Oscar-winners Geoffrey Rush and Cate Blanchett and Xavier Samuel (Twilight: Eclipse) were in the mix of the confirmed presenters for the event which will be broadcast via Channel 9 from 9.30pm.

The Aussie drama Red Dog is expected to make a huge showing at Australia's largest film awards.

The flick is based on a true story about a kelpie adopted by a remote West Australian mining community.

Red Dog has been nominated for six of the seven major awards at the Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts (AACTA) including Best Film, Best Director and Best adapted screenplay.

Other nominees for the top award include Mad Bastards, Snowtown and The Hunter.

The AACTAs, previously known as the AFI's, will be held in Sydney on Tuesday.

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AACTA Awards In Sydney, Australia Tonight - 31st January 2012

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It's the hottest ticket in town - the who's who of the Australian film and television industry is going to be on hand to experience the AACTA awards.

We've learned that Oscar-winners Geoffrey Rush and Cate Blanchett, along with Xavier Samuel (Twilight: Eclipse) are in the mix of confirmed presenters.

The mega event is to be held at the world famous Sydney Opera House and will be broadcast via Channel 9 at 9.30pm.

This year there's a ton of great flicks up for nomination and the nominations are loaded with talent. Out in front with 14 nominations is The Hunter, an thriller about an American mercenary (Willem Dafoe) who is hired to track down the last remaining Tasmanian tiger on the planet.

The Eye of the Storm, directed by Fred Schepisi's has 12 nominations - 2 for best actress (Judy Davis and Charlotte Rampling..

Snowtown by Justin Kurzel is also in with a strong chance, nominated for 10 awards. The film covers South Australia's "bodies in the barrels" murders. Daniel Henshall, up for best actor, plays serial killer John Bunting.

Red Dog, the tale of the Aussie kelpie who becomes everyone's best mate as he travels around Western Australia's Pilbara region, famous for its mining industry, is up for 8 nominations, including best film and best director. Red Dog was Australia's most financial successful film having taken in approximately $21.4 million to date.

AACTA AWARDS NOMINEES

AACTA AWARD FOR BEST YOUNG ACTOR
• Olivia DeJonge. Good Pretender.
• Emma Jefferson. My Place, Series 2 - Episode 17 '1848 - Johanna'. ABC3
• Lara Robinson. Cloudstreet - Part 1. FOXTEL - Showcase
• Lucas Yeeda. Mad Bastards.

AACTA AWARD FOR BEST VISUAL EFFECTS
• Cloudstreet. Scott Zero. FOXTEL - Showcase
• Legend Of The Guardians: The Owls Of Ga'Hoole. Grant Freckelton.
• Sanctum. David Booth, Peter Webb, Ineke Majoor, Glenn Melenhorst.
• The Hunter. Felix Crawshaw, James Rogers.

AACTA RAYMOND LONGFORD AWARD
• Don McAlpine

TELEVISION

AACTA AWARD FOR BEST CHILDREN'S TELEVISION SERIES
• a gURLs wURLd. Noel Price. Nine Network
• Gasp! Suzanne Ryan. Nine Network
• H2O: Just Add Water, Series 3. Jonathan M. Shiff. Network Ten
• My Place, Series 2. Penny Chapman. ABC3

AACTA AWARD FOR BEST TELEVISION COMEDY SERIES
• At Home With Julia. Rick Kalowski, Greg Quail, Carol Hughes. ABC1
• Laid. Liz Watts. ABC1
• twentysomething. Nicole Minchin. ABC2

AACTA AWARD FOR BEST LIGHT ENTERTAINMENT TELEVISION SERIES
• The Gruen Transfer, Series 4. Andrew Denton, Anita Jacoby, Jon Casimir. ABC1
• Hungry Beast, Series 3. Andrew Denton, Anita Jacoby, Andy Nehl, Jon Casimir. ABC1
• Judith Lucy's Spiritual Journey. Todd Abbott. ABC1
• Junior MasterChef, Series 1. Tara McWilliams. Network Ten
• RocKwiz. Brian Nankervis, Ken Connor, Peter Bain-Hogg, Joe Connor. SBS

AACTA AWARD FOR BEST TELEVISION DRAMA SERIES
• East West 101, Season 3 - The Heroes' Journey. Steve Knapman, Kris Wyld. SBS
• Offspring, Season 2. John Edwards, Imogen Banks. Network Ten
• Rake. Ian Collie, Peter Duncan, Richard Roxburgh. ABC1
• Spirited, Season 2. Claudia Karvan, Jacquelin Perske. FOXTEL - W

AACTA AWARD FOR BEST TELEFEATURE, MINI SERIES OR SHORT RUN SERIES
• Cloudstreet. Greg Haddrick, Brenda Pam. FOXTEL - Showcase
• Paper Giants: The Birth Of Cleo. John Edwards, Karen Radzyner. ABC1
• Sisters Of War. Andrew Wiseman. ABC1
• The Slap. Tony Ayres, Helen Bowden, Michael McMahon. ABC1

AACTA AWARD FOR BEST DIRECTION IN TELEVISION
• Paper Giants: The Birth Of Cleo - Episode 1. Daina Reid. ABC1
• The Slap - Episode 1 ‘Hector’. Jessica Hobbs. ABC1
• The Slap - Episode 3 ‘Harry’. Matthew Saville. ABC1
• Small Time Gangster - Episode 1 'Jingle Bells'. Jeffrey Walker. FOXTEL - Movie Network

AACTA AWARD FOR BEST SCREENPLAY IN TELEVISION
• Cloudstreet - Part 3. Tim Winton, Ellen Fontana. FOXTEL - Showcase
• Laid - Episode 3. Kirsty Fisher. ABC1
• The Slap - Episode 1 'Hector'. Kris Mrksa. ABC1
• The Slap - Episode 3 'Harry'. Brendan Cowell. ABC1

AACTA AWARD FOR BEST LEAD ACTOR IN A TELEVISION DRAMA
• Rob Carlton. Paper Giants: The Birth Of Cleo. ABC1
• Alex Dimitriades. The Slap. ABC1
• Don Hany. East West 101, Season 3 - The Heroes' Journey. SBS
• Jonathan LaPaglia. The Slap. ABC1

AACTA AWARD FOR BEST LEAD ACTRESS IN A TELEVISION DRAMA
• Essie Davis. Cloudstreet. FOXTEL - Showcase
• Kerry Fox. Cloudstreet. FOXTEL - Showcase
• Asher Keddie. Paper Giants: The Birth Of Cleo. ABC1
• Sarah Snook. Sisters Of War. ABC1

AACTA AWARD FOR BEST GUEST OR SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A TELEVISION DRAMA
• Richard Cawthorne. Killing Time - Episode 2. FOXTEL - TV1
• Aaron Fa'aoso. East West 101, Season 3 - The Heroes' Journey - Episode 18 'The Price Of Salvation'. SBS
• Jacek Koman. Spirited, Season 2 - Episode 2 'Time After Time'. FOXTEL - W
• Todd Lasance. Cloudstreet - Part 3. FOXTEL - Showcase

AACTA AWARD FOR BEST GUEST OR SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A TELEVISION DRAMA
• Diana Glenn. The Slap - Episode 3 'Harry'. ABC1
• Rena Owen. East West 101, Season 3 - The Heroes' Journey - Episode 18 'The Price Of Salvation'. SBS
• Susie Porter. Sisters Of War. ABC1
• Lara Robinson. Cloudstreet - Part 1. FOXTEL - Showcase

AACTA AWARD FOR BEST PERFORMANCE IN A TELEVISION COMEDY
• Alison Bell. Laid. ABC1
• Jess Harris. twentysomething. ABC2
• Chris Lilley. Angry Boys. ABC1
• Celia Pacquola. Laid. ABC1

SHORT FILM

AACTA AWARD FOR BEST SHORT ANIMATION
• Forget Me Not. Emily Dean.
• The Missing Key. Garth Nix, Anna McFarlane, Jonathan Nix.
• The Moment. Justin Wight, Kristian Moliere, Troy Bellchambers, Shane McNeil.
• Nullarbor. Alister Lockhart, Patrick Sarell, Katrina Mathers, Merrin Jensen, Daryl Munton.

AACTA AWARD FOR BEST SHORT FICTION FILM
• Adam's Tallit. Justin Olstein, Marie Maroun.
• Cropped. Bettina Hamilton, Dave Wade.
• The Palace. Kate Croser, Anthony Maras, Andros Achilleos.
• The Telegram Man. James F. Khehtie, Victoria Wharfe McIntyre.

AACTA AWARD FOR BEST SCREENPLAY IN A SHORT FILM
• Afterglow. Nadine Garner.
• Cropped. Dave Wade.
• The Palace. Anthony Maras.
• Waiting For The Turning Of The Earth. David Evan Giles.

DOCUMENTARY

AACTA AWARD FOR BEST FEATURE LENGTH DOCUMENTARY
• Life In Movement. Sophie Hyde, Bryan Mason.
• Mrs Carey's Concert. Bob Connolly, Helen Panckhurst, Sophie Raymond. ABC1
• Shut Up Little Man! An Audio Misadventure. Sophie Hyde, Matthew Bate.
• The Tall Man. Darren Dale. SBS

AACTA AWARD FOR BEST DOCUMENTARY UNDER ONE HOUR
• The Ball. Yael Bergman, Laura Waters, Jessica Leski. ABC1
• Jandamarra's War. Andrew Ogilvie, Andrea Quesnelle, Eileen Torres. ABC1
• Leaky Boat. Penny Chapman. ABC1
• Orchids: My Intersex Adventure. Phoebe Hart. ABC

AACTA AWARD FOR BEST DOCUMENTARY SERIES
• Immigration Nation, The Secret History Of Us. Jacob Hickey, Alex West, Lucy Maclaren. SBS
• Outback Fight Club. Paul Scott, Isabel Perez. SBS
• Outback Kids. Mike Bluett, Mark Hamlyn, Marc Radomsky. ABC1
• SAS - The Search for Warriors. Julia Redwood, Ed Punchard. SBS

AACTA AWARD FOR BEST DIRECTION IN A DOCUMENTARY
• Life In Movement. Bryan Mason, Sophie Hyde.
• Mrs Carey's Concert. Bob Connolly, Sophie Raymond. ABC1
• Shut Up Little Man! An Audio Misadventure. Matthew Bate.
• The Tall Man. Tony Krawitz. SBS

AACTA AWARD FOR BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY IN A DOCUMENTARY
• Jandamarra's War. Allan Collins ACS, Jim Frater, Rusty Geller SOC. ABC1
• Mrs Carey's Concert. Bob Connolly. ABC1
• Out Of The Ashes. David Parer ACS. ABC1
• The Tall Man. Germain McMicking. SBS

AACTA AWARD FOR BEST EDITING IN A DOCUMENTARY
• Leaky Boat. Lawrie Silvestrin. ABC1
• Mrs Carey's Concert. Sophie Raymond, Ray Thomas ASE, Nick Meyers ASE. ABC1
• Shut Up Little Man! An Audio Misadventure. Bryan Mason.
• The Tall Man. Rochelle Oshlack. SBS

AACTA AWARD FOR BEST SOUND IN A DOCUMENTARY

• Jandamarra's War. Laurie Chlanda, Glenn Martin, Ric Curtin, Ash Gibson Greig, Petris Torres. ABC1
• Mrs Carey's Concert. Sophie Raymond, Bob Scott, Doron Kipen. ABC1
• murundak - songs of freedom. Emma Bortignon, Michael Letho, Peter Smith, Christopher O'Young, Simon Walbrook. SBS
• Shut Up Little Man! An Audio Misadventure. Jonny Elk Walsh, Pete Best, Tom Heuzenroeder,
Emma Bortignon, Scott Illingworth.

FEATURE FILM

SAMSUNG AACTA AWARD FOR BEST FILM
• The Eye Of The Storm. Antony Waddington, Gregory Read, Fred Schepisi.
• The Hunter. Vincent Sheehan.
• Mad Bastards. David Jowsey, Alan Pigram, Stephen Pigram, Brendan Fletcher.
• Oranges And Sunshine. Camilla Bray, Emile Sherman, Iain Canning.
• RED DOG. Nelson Woss, Julie Ryan.
• Snowtown. Anna McLeish, Sarah Shaw.

AACTA AWARD FOR BEST DIRECTION
• The Eye Of The Storm. Fred Schepisi.
• The Hunter. Daniel Nettheim.
• RED DOG. Kriv Stenders.
• Snowtown. Justin Kurzel.

AACTA AWARD FOR BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY
• Griff The Invisible. Leon Ford.
• The Loved Ones. Sean Byrne.
• Mad Bastards. Brendan Fletcher, Dean Daley-Jones, Greg Tait, John Watson.
• Red Hill. Patrick Hughes.

AACTA AWARD FOR BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY
• The Eye Of The Storm. Judy Morris.
• The Hunter. Alice Addison.
• RED DOG. Daniel Taplitz.
• Snowtown. Shaun Grant.

AACTA AWARD FOR BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY
• The Hunter. Robert Humphreys ACS.
• RED DOG. Geoffrey Hall ACS.
• Sleeping Beauty. Geoffrey Simpson ACS.
• Snowtown. Adam Arkapaw.

AACTA AWARD FOR BEST EDITING
• Oranges And Sunshine. Dany Cooper ASE.
• RED DOG. Jill Bilcock ASE ACE.
• Snowtown. Veronika Jenet ASE.
• Wasted On The Young. Leanne Cole.

AACTA AWARD FOR BEST SOUND
• The Hunter. Sam Petty, David Lee, Robert Mackenzie, Les Fiddess MPSE, Tony Murtagh,
Tom Heuzenroeder.
• Legend Of The Guardians: The Owls Of Ga'Hoole. Wayne Pashley, Derryn Pasquill, Polly McKinnon, Fabian Sanjurjo, Phil Heywood, Peter Smith.
• Mad Bastards. Phil Judd, Nick Emond, Johanna Emond.
• Snowtown. Frank Lipson MPSE, Andrew McGrath, Des Kenneally, Michael Carden, John Simpson,
Erin McKimm.

AACTA AWARD FOR BEST ORIGINAL MUSIC SCORE
• The Hunter. Matteo Zingales, Michael Lira, Andrew Lancaster.
• Legend Of The Guardians: The Owls Of Ga'Hoole. David Hirschfelder.
• RED DOG. Cezary Skubiszewski.
• Snowtown. Jed Kurzel.

AACTA AWARD FOR BEST PRODUCTION DESIGN
• The Eye Of The Storm. Melinda Doring.
• The Hunter. Steven Jones-Evans APDG.
• RED DOG. Ian Gracie.
• Sleeping Beauty. Annie Beauchamp.

AACTA AWARD FOR BEST COSTUME DESIGN
• The Eye Of The Storm. Terry Ryan.
• The Hunter. Emily Seresin.
• Oranges And Sunshine. Cappi Ireland.
• Sleeping Beauty. Shareen Beringer.

AACTA AWARD FOR BEST LEAD ACTOR
• Willem Dafoe. The Hunter.
• Daniel Henshall. Snowtown.
• Geoffrey Rush. The Eye Of The Storm.
• David Wenham. Oranges And Sunshine.

AACTA AWARD FOR BEST LEAD ACTRESS
• Judy Davis. The Eye Of The Storm.
• Frances O'Connor. The Hunter.
• Charlotte Rampling. The Eye Of The Storm.
• Emily Watson. Oranges And Sunshine.

AACTA AWARD FOR BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR
• John Gaden. The Eye Of The Storm.
• Sam Neill. The Hunter.
• Robert Rabiah. Face To Face.
• Hugo Weaving. Oranges And Sunshine.

AACTA AWARD FOR BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS
• Morgana Davies. The Hunter.
• Louise Harris. Snowtown.
• Helen Morse. The Eye Of The Storm.
• Alexandra Schepisi. The Eye Of The Storm.

AFI MEMBERS' CHOICE AWARD
• The Eye Of The Storm. Antony Waddington, Gregory Read, Fred Schepisi.
• The Hunter. Vincent Sheehan.
• Mad Bastards. David Jowsey, Alan Pigram, Stephen Pigram, Brendan Fletcher.
• Oranges And Sunshine. Camilla Bray, Emile Sherman, Iain Canning.
• RED DOG. Nelson Woss, Julie Ryan.
• Snowtown. Anna McLeish, Sarah Shaw.

The Music News Australia agency congratulates everyone involved in the success of the AACTA Awards.

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Oliver Speidel Wins 2012 Aussie Millions Main Event Melbourne Native Earns $1,600,000 AUD

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The 2012 Aussie Millions Poker Championship Main Event was the talk of the land based casino and poker world.

With a field of 659 entrants from all around the world turning up at James Packer's Crown Casino in Melbourne, Australia. But in the end the title stayed down under, with Melbourne’s own Oliver Speidel emerging victorious.

The 26-year-old banker was well rewarded for his win, taking home a cool $1,600,000 AUD, a diamond-encrusted gold ring, a Rolex watch, and and Aussie Millions trophy.

The $10,600 no-limit hold’em Main Event began on January 22nd, and went for seven days.

Speidel entered the final table second in chips with 3.415 million, likely feeling confidant in his game after making two final tables already at the 2012 Aussie Millions.

Speidel took the chiplead early on at the final table, and continued from there. By the time that play was four-handed, he controlled more than half of the chips in play. Speidel maintained his lead all the way into heads-up play with Kenneth Wong, of Hong Kong.

Wong started the heads-up battle off with a small comeback, but his ambitions of victory were soon history. The final hand was definitely a bit of a downer, with Wong getting the last of his chips in the middle with 9 hearts and 9 clubs, only to find himself in bad shape against Speidel’s A spades A clubs. The board brought was useless, and Wong was eliminated in second place. For outlasting all but one of the 659 entrants, Wong was awarded $1,000,000 AUD.

Here's the details from the seven-handed final table:

Place Player Earnings (AUD) POY Points
1 Oliver Speidel $1,600,000 2,100
2 Kenneth Wong $1,000,000 1,750
3 Mile Krstanoski $610,000 1,400
4 Mohamad Kowssarie $405,000 1,050
5 Patrick Healy $300,000 875
6 Bjorn Li $230,000 700
7 Yann Dion $170,000 525

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Bwin.Party Digital Entertainment CEO Sees Legal Online Gaming In US Soon

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Legalized online gambling in the U.S. is now a case of 'when', not 'if', Bwin.Party Digital Entertainment PLC (BPTY.LN) Co-CEO Jim Ryan said Wednesday, adding that he expects the foundations to be laid this year.

But speaking at the ICE online gambling conference in London, the co-chief executive advised that establishing it up will take time.

The process of passing legislation, drawing up regulation, vetting and licensing operators will likely last through 2012, he said, and he speculates that actual operations likely won't happen before next year.

Partygaming, which last year merged with Austrian peer Bwin to form Bwin.Party Digital Entertainment, along with other European operators withdrew from the U.S. market in 2006 shortly after then-President George W. Bush signed a bill designed to prohibit U.S. banks and credit card companies from processing payments to gambling websites.

Partygaming paid a $105 million fine as part of a non-prosecution deal with the DOJ (Department Of Justice) in 2009, for admitting indirect contravention of US law, but in anticipation of a relaxation of the rules, Bwin.Party last year inked a joint venture with U.S. casino operators MGM and Boyd to operate online gaming if and when it became legal in the U.S.

Ryan's confidence comes after a recent ruling by the U.S. Department of Justice, which clarifies the scope of the Wire Act, a law that in the past has been used stop online gambling sites. The ruling essentially gives U.S. states the green light to allow gambling within their borders, according to online gambling experts.

Still, Ryan said this doesn't mean the company is in line to recoup any of the $105 million fine.

Bwin.Party and its joint venture partners have already applied for a preliminary suitability review in Nevada which will lay the groundwork for gaining a license there once regulation is agreed.

Ryan also told the press the sale process for its Ongame poker network is very advanced and he expects to be able to announce further news in the not too distant future.

He confirmed recent reports that the company is looking for an executive to head up its payments processing division CQR with a view to ultimately taking it public, but said this was several years away.

He said the company wants to expand its online payments operations outside of the gambling sector to build an online merchant market place, increasing the value of this asset and ultimately realising shareholder value by listing it on the stock market.

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J. Edgar Movie Review: Leonardo DiCaprio brilliant

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This is the biopic of J. Edgar Hoover, the founding director of the FBI.

Leonardo DiCaprio was sure brave in taking on this acting challenge.

At 37, he's already played billionaire Howard Hughes (The Aviator), junkie Jim Carroll (The Basketball Diaries), great impostor Frank Abagnale Jr. (Catch Me If You Can) and Shakespeare's Romeo.

In J. Edgar, DiCaprio plays Hoover in both his twenties and seventies.

He is America's most feared and hated top law enforcement official ... at the FBI.

DiCaprio is brilliant in this role, and without him the film would be a lot less interesting in my estimation. Leo pretty much saves the film.

Until his death in 1972, J. Edgar Hoover ruled the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Not even eight presidents could stop him getting his way more often than not.

For half a century Hoover nosed into private lives to keep his enemies in check, and he even kept files on some friends also. Hoover was not without his own secrets too - being gay being potentially the most dangerous.

Director Clint Eastwood, now 81, and Oscar-winning Milk screenwriter Dustin Lance Black, 37, have done a great job with what could have easily been fairly bland material. Those into Leo or political films will love it, but that's not everyone.

The matter of Hoover taking a liking to women's clothing is touched on, but not over-done.

The film spends a lot of time focusing on those closest to J. Edgar Hoover: his mum, Annie Hoover (Judi Dench); his protective secretary, Helen Gandy (Naomi Watts); and FBI associate director Clyde Tolson (Armie Hammer), the lawyer who became J. Edgar's constant companion.

Hoover's greatest love appeared to be the United States and his need to protect it from commies and radicals.

Eastwood covers Hoover's rise and sorts out fact from fiction. Hoover did popularize fingerprinting and the collection of forensic evidence, but he also had a penchant for giving himself credit where it wasn't due, for killing gangster John Dillinger, solving the kidnapping of Charles Lindbergh's baby, and being the ultimate G-man, making arrests and capturing bad guys.

Director: Clint Eastwood
Stars: Leonardo DiCaprio, Armie Hammer, Naomi Watts, Josh Lucas, Judi Dench

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Virgin Gaming surpasses the one million member milestone

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Virgin Gaming announced that they have surpassed the one million member milestone. To date, over $7 million in cash prizes have been awarded; over four million game challenges have been issued and registered members are spending an average of 72 minutes per visit Virgin Gaming...

Virgin Gaming, the online tournament gaming division of Richard Branson’s Virgin Group, has announced that it has snatched more than a million registered users for its prize-based online gaming tournaments.

Virgin has awarded more than $7 million in cash prizes. Four million game challenges have been issued and players are spending an average of 72 minutes per visit to the Virgin Gaming website as they play hardcore console games such as Electronic Arts Madden NFL 12 or Take- Interactive’s NBA 2K12.

“The numbers are increasing on a daily basis,” said Billy Levy, co-founder of Virgin Gaming and president of the group. “More than 700,000 of those players have signed on in the last four months.”

More and more publishers are adding new options for tournament play through the Virgin Gaming site. Besides EA’s EA Sports and Take-Two’s 2K Sports, other partners include Sony PlayStation, Ubisoft and GameStop.

“We knew we were on to something and that our service had significant potential, we just didn’t realize it would take off as quickly as it did,” said Rob Segal, chief executive of Virgin Gaming. “Our team continues to evolve the experience on a daily basis, and user feedback has been a key component in our upgrades.”

Virgin Gaming’s tournament play is integrated directly inside the games. The service can match similarly ranked players in tournaments. It can report the results of matches, categorize players into rankings, process secure payments, and provide customer support. Players can compete for online cash, knowing that cheaters will be rooted out of the system, since Virgin offers a “fair play guarantee” with automated game results validation.

Virgin commenced the service in June 2010. But Levy said the team worked out the kinks for a period of time and the biggest games have really ramped up in more recent times.

Virgin Gaming is now running the Challenge Series tournament on the PlayStation 3, where players are competing in Madden NFL 12, NHL 12, and FIFA 12 for a chance to win over $1 million in cash and prizes in a single tournament. That’s the largest prize money ever for a console-based sports tournament. That tournament will end in April with live finals in New York.

When that happens, Virgin Gaming will begin to compete with Major League Gaming, which sponsors both online and live tournaments around the country. The tournaments can involve players of all skill levels, not just professional gamers. GameStop is also involved in a $100,000 Gridiron tournament with 30,000 players.

“That shows our system can really scale up to large tournaments,” Levy said.

What really helped the tournaments take off was the introduction of “asynchronous play.” In previous tournaments, players had to start playing at 7 pm at night and keep playing all night until they lost.” But now, you can play a game at a time of your own choosing, as long as you can find another player of your same rank at that time. That gives players more flexibility about when they have to play in the tournament.

Levy advised that the tournaments are starting with online gaming but could be expanded to mobile and social games, where the company would compete with King.com, Worldwinner and GameDuell.

Levy started the company with his buddy Zachary Zeldin in 2007 during their days at a university in Florida. They followed some of the live tournaments but found those games were dominated by superstars. There wasn’t really a tournament gaming business for ordinary gamers. So they started one and teamed up with Segal, who ultimately introduced them to billionaire Richard Branson.

Branson was actually an early pioneer in video games. His company formed Virgin Games in 1981. The company made acquisitions and steadily expanded its operations, renaming itself Virgin Interactive in 1994. It fostered some great talent such as David Perry, Louis Castle, and Brett Sperry. Sperry and Castle’s Westwood Studios made memorable games such as the real-time strategy games Dune II and Command & Conquer. But Virgin also made some major duds, such as the movie-based game Demolition Man. In 1998, Virgin sold the game company’s U.S. assets to Electronic Arts, while it unloaded the British game studios in a management buyout.

If Virgin Gaming keeps growing, then Branson will be happy he got back into gaming.

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Discover the Gold Coast in style with Palazzo Versace's new Audi Endless Summer package

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QUEENSLAND, 25 JANUARY 2012 – Guests at Palazzo Versace Gold Coast are invited to cruise the Gold Coast at their leisure with the introduction of an exciting Audi accommodation package. The adventurous and stylish package combines the luxury of the haute hotel with an Italian inspired getaway in the sleek new Audi A3 Cabriolet convertible. Australia’s first and only fashion branded hotel has partnered with the Audi Centre Gold Coast to provide the stylish new Audi Endless Summer package which invites guests to tour the Gold Coast at their leisure before returning to a night of luxury at Palazzo Versace.

Available from February 1, 2012, the stylish new package includes luxe overnight accommodation with bountiful breakfast, a programmed GPS highlighting Gold Coast locations from the best surf breaks and secluded picnic locations to a selection of the award-winning hinterland wineries, an Italian-themed gourmet picnic hamper and a high-tech road trip kit allowing guests to create their own action-packed day filled with sun, discovery and beauty on the Gold Coast.

Taking to the open road in their Audi A3 Cabriolet (convertible), guests can travel beyond the famous coastline to explore the Gold Coast hinterland where the city gives way to beautiful wineries, quaint villages, sprawling National Parks and enchanting rainforest reserves that all come to life during the summer time. Alternatively guests can head south to discover the stunning coastline that winds its way through cosmopolitan Broadbeach, past the vibrant surf beaches of Burleigh and Snapper Rocks to the historic border towns of Coolangatta and Tweed Heads.

Available from February 1, Palazzo Versace’s Audi Endless Summer package includes:

Luxe overnight accommodation
Full day usage to an Audi A3 Cabriolet (convertible).
A programmed GPS system profiling ‘local knowledge’ of the best Gold Coast locations
An Italian-themed gourmet picnic hamper for two including assorted antipasti, crostini, pasta, pesce, insalata, fromagio and dolce with piccolo bottles of peach tea (family friendly hampers are also available upon request)
A sophisticated Road Trip Kit including sunscreen, beach towels and a picnic blanket
Style your own buffet breakfast at Il Barocco for two
Package rate: From $565 for two

To book Palazzo Versace’s Audi Endless Summer package call (07) 5509 8000 or visit www.palazzoversace.com.au/packages

Palazzo Versace
In 1998, Sunland Group, a publicly-listed company on the Australian Stock Exchange, together with Gianni Versace SpA had a bold vision to create the world’s first fashion-branded hotel and residence experience. In September 2000, the $300 million Palazzo Versace opened its doors on Australia’s famous Gold Coast and a new luxury address was born.

Palazzo Versace Gold Coast, the world’s first luxury designer hotel, incorporates 200 classically elegant rooms and suites, 72 neighbouring condominiums, three award-winning restaurants and a private marina, all on a historic site in Southern Queensland on the edge of the Gold Coast Broadwater.

2011 Awards:

2011 Best Luxury Hotel at the Australian Traveller Reader’s Choice Awards
2011 Ranked 7th Best Resort, Oceania Region and 2nd Best Resort, Australia at the Conde Nast Traveller (USA) Reader's Choice Awards
2011 Best Australian Hotel in Luxury Travel Magazine’s Gold List for the fourth consecutive year
2011 Best Luxury Asutralian Hotel at the World Luxury Hotel Awards

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MMA And Pro Wrestling News: UFC Returns To Sydney, Australia In March 2012; WWE News, CM Punk

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The rough and tough MMA based sport of UFC has announced its return to Sydney for 3rd March 2012.

Your main event will be a welterweight match-up between Thiago Alves and Martin Kampmann inside the octagon at a hopefully jam packed Allphones Arena.

The exciting MMA card will also feature the debut of the UFC’s flyweight division with a two-bout tourney to decide the top contenders at 125-pounds (56.7kg).

Tickets are now on sale, and we understand, selling fast, but not quite as quick as the past two Australian tours we've been leaked.

UFC Managing Director of International Development Marshall Zelaznik advised the UFC was wrapt to return to Sydney for its third live event in as many years.

"We’ve had tremendous success with our two previous events, with last year’s UFC 127 remaining the equal fastest sell-out in the organisation’s history," he said.

"I’ve got no doubt that our Aussie fans will be just as excited about our March event, especially as they’ll witness UFC history with the introduction of the flyweight division. The 125-pound contenders will absolutely put everything on the line is Sydney, knowing that the winners of those two bouts will then have a shot at the inaugural flyweight title. It’s going to be a great show."

Zelaznik said on the upcoming Australian tour: “Thiago Alves and Martin Kampmann are two seasoned mixed martial artists who are sure to go to all out in the octagon. Both athletes are coming off recent wins and will be looking to continue their streak to climb the welterweight ladder.”

Insiders will already know that just off his first round beat-up of UFC newcomer Papy Abedi at UFC 139, Thiago Alves (24-7) has returned once again in strong form that has previously seen him rampage through the welterweight division with wins over UFC greats such as Chris Lytle, Matt Hughes and Josh Koschek, before challenging for the welterweight title in July 2009.

Martin Kampmann (18-5) is looking to reinforce his unanimous decision win at UFC 139 over up-and-coming welterweight Rick ‘The Horror’ Story when he faces of against Alves in the Octagon on Australian soil. Whose face gets rubbed in the dirt er soil, remains to be seen.

The Dane has formidable knock-out power and an underrated ground strategy that has seen him score victory in 9 of his 12 fights in the Octagon, including bests over Carlos Condit, Jorge Rivera and Paulo Thiago.

In the flyweight division, ex No.1 WEC bantamweight contender Demetrious ‘Mighty Mouse’ Johnson (14-2) will go against the recently crowned Tachi Palace Fights flyweight champion, Ian McCall (11-2), while Joseph Benavidez (15-2) will challenge Japanese competitor, Shooto champ Yasuhiro Urushitani (19-4-6) in the weight division’s two semi-finals.

UFC / WWE Scoops...

Brock Lesnar May return to WWE

Potential opponents are rumoured to be The Undertaker and the recently returned, Chris Jericho (also a rumoured opponent at WWE WrestleMania against CM Punk)

WWE interested in former U.S Olympic wrestling superstar Kurt Angle for Royal Rumble; Angle says he's staying loyal to Impact Wrestling; Angle won't rule out UFC at some point.


CM Punk Talks UFC via MMA Fighting and more...

WWE star CM Punk appeared on "The MMA Hour" with Ariel Helwani of MMA Fighting. The highlights...

-Helwani introduced Punk and noted that he received a lot of heat for having him on as a guest because some people don't want any crossover. Punk noted that pro wrestlers are doing submission holds they've picked up for MMA, and noted that Alberto Del Rio battled Mirko CroCop.

-Helwani mentioned Triple H's comments about UFC needing to evolve more than WWE. "I think that's absolutely insane," Punk said. He said every sport or business needs to evolve. "Pro wrestling has, in my opinion, a lot of work to do," Punk said. He said he's spoken with Triple H numerous times about MMA. "He just doesn't get it," Punk said. "He doesn't watch it either. I think it's just an education thing. Saying UFC has to evolve, I guess he's not wrong, but he's missing the big picture that UFC is evolving."

-Punk was quizzed whether MMA has hurt the pro wrestling business. "Well, it hasn't helped," he said. "To deny that UFC isn't our competition is ridiculous." He added that everything from Cirque du Soleil to television shows such as "Breaking Bad" are competition to WWE.

-Helwani probed whether it surprises Punk that WWE hasn't looked at MMA to see things they can emulate. Punk said he's a wrestling guy and he believes it is a sport. "I'm a fan," Punk said. "I would love to see clean finishes, less run-ins, and I'd like to see wins and losses matter... Those are things that are based in reality." He questioned why guys get title shots time after time when they are losing. He said there are certain things that could be tightened up in that regard.

-Punk said some days are better than others when it comes to travel. He said some top guys have buses they travel in. He said he's getting to the point where he's considering that possibility. He said he enjoys traveling and the challenge of living on the road, but he said he would like to be at home for six months just to see what it was like. He added that he would probably go nuts seven days in.

-Punk advised he became an MMA fan early on going back to the first or second UFC event. He said he and his friend were hooked. He said Dan Henderson is probably his favorite wrestler.

-Punk said the last UFC event he watched live was Brock Lesnar vs. Cain Velasquez. He said he doesn't go out to find the shows when he's on the road. He said he despises Hooters, and doesn't think it would end well if a pro wrestler went to watch an MMA show with drunk people who want to prove something in the room.

-Punk was asked about the Brock Lesnar and Undertaker confrontation. He said he thinks he knows more about that situation than most people. He thought it was fantastic that two guys could exchange a glance at get the sports world talking. Punk said Dana White will never allow Brock Lesnar to get a WrestleMania payday while he's under UFC contract.

-Helwani asked Punk who he will face at WrestleMania 28. Punk said he doesn't know who he will face tonight on Raw because things change every three minutes. Punk said he would like to face Steve Austin, and joked that Austin would never duck a challenge. "As far as who I am actually wrestling at WrestleMania, I could tell you and it would probably change 162 times today."

MMA fans, that's a wrap.

As per usual, Australian fans who don't attend the matches in person can tune into Main Event TV on Foxtel.

UFC SYDNEY 2012 EVENT DATE:
Saturday 3 March - Allphones Arena, Sydney Olympic Park

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J. Edgar Movie Review: Leonardo DiCaprio plays convincing role

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This is the biopic of J. Edgar Hoover, the founding director of the FBI.

Clint Eastwood's 32nd film as director has been scripted by gay writer Dustin Lance Black (Milk). Black demonstrates the romantic nature of the bond between Hoover and Tolson, but doesn't actually show any physical side to the attachment other than the odd holding of hands and the like well out of public view.

The flick has a strong them of Hoover's obsessive service to the bureau, encouraged by his loving but strict mother Anna Marie (Judi Dench).

Known for his rather megalomaniacal pursuit of what he perceived to be "threats to common decency", Hoover was a hardliner, and darn proud of it.

Leonardo DiCaprio is brilliant in acting here, and shows further depth in his diverse career.

The film's narrative structure takes a bit of getting used to, but it effective.

All entry and exit points are guarded by Hoover throughout J. Edgar, key events are tied together by scenes of the elderly Hoover dictating his memoirs to a range of personal assistants - all which seem to know the tactics that their boss uses to maintain his power in the world of politics and law.

We learn that Hoover is not unbiased in his narrations. Just as Hoover cemented his career on finding out what others had to hide, there were a few indiscretions he needed to hide from public view himself.

Hoover publicly placed homosexuals closely behind communists as "enemies of the state", the true nature of his close personal relationship with long-time second-in-command Clyde Tolson (Armie Hammer) was let's say, platonically gay.

During Hoover's four-decade reign as America's self-appointed moral guardian he hid his union with Tolson, knowing that the public or the fraternity wouldn't accept it.

In an almost evil genius tactic, Hoover personally maintained detailed files on everyone he did not like, as well as anyone who did not like him. It was a huge file.

None of the serving US presidents was able to bury Hoover, since he had dirt on all of them too.
Hoover was so good at covering his tracks that those files disappeared within hours of his death.

Clint Eastwood and screenwriter Dustin Lance Black (Milk) do a great job at telling this story and both Leo as well as fans of political power themed movies will love it.

Director: Clint Eastwood
Stars: Leonardo DiCaprio, Armie Hammer, Naomi Watts, Josh Lucas, Judi Dench

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Aussie Millions At Crown Casino, Melbourne: Phil Ivey Wins 2012 Aussie Millions $250,000 Super High Roller

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James Packer’s Crown Casino continues to host the annual Aussie Millions Poker Championships. Here's the latest on one of the world's most prestigious poker tournaments.

The 2012 Aussie Millions $250,000 Super High Roller commenced on Saturday and went till the wee hours of the morning on Sunday.

Phil Ivey snatched the $2,000,000 first-place prize after defeating Patrik Antonius heads up.

The last live tourney Ivey showed for was back in November for the APPT Macau, but there was no win back then.

First, he placed 12th in the Main Event for $100,000, and then went on to get the largest score of his career by winning the Super High Roller.

The event attracted 16 players, and they all had to buy in with 6 figures - no misprint. The top three spots were set to be paid and a bubble of $800,000.

Among the stars taking part in the event were last year's champion Erik Seidel, last year's runner-up Sam Trickett, Tom Dwan, Jason Mercier, John Juanda and Sorel Mizzi. In addition, the event had a handful of businessmen including Richard Yong, Paul Phua and Winfred Yu.

The first player eliminated was Dwan, who went down at the hands of Gus Hansen. After the elimination of Nick Wong, Seidel busted during Level 5. He exited thanks to $100,000 Challenge winner Dan Smith after his pocket eights couldn't overcome Smith's jacks.

After Yu got out in sixth place and Mizzi in fifth, the largest bubble of the year was set to take place. The two players joining Ivey and Antonius were Daniel Negreanu and Gus Hansen. From that bunch, the only man not doing so well was Negreanu, who turned out to be the bubble boy.

On his final hand, Negreanu was all in from the big blind with the during the 5,000/50,000/5,000 level for around 750,000 after Antonius raised to 100,000 from the button. Antonius called holding two jacks and was able to hold up as the board ran out .

Hansen was the next to go down, collecting $800,000 for his finish after getting all in on the flop with the against Ivey's. Ivey built to full house and then the river completed the board.

When heads-up play began, Ivey held a slight lead with 2.2 million in chips to Antonius' 1.8 million. He won a big pot about 45 minutes into the match to extend his lead to 7:1 before the final hand came up.

Antonius was eliminated in second place. For his runner-up finish, Antonius snatched $1,200,000.

With his win, Ivey leaps over Negreanu into second place on the all-time money list. Even with his long absence from tournaments, Ivey performed awesomely at Aussie Millions. Many think Ivey is the greatest player in the world.

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Entertainment News: Hollywood And AussieWood - WWE, IGT, Stallone, Schwarzenegger, Hemsworth, Underbelly, by Greg Tingle

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The Media Man agency has a bush tucker of interesting news to report today. We're got Hollywood, AussieWood, Australia's own Chris "Thor" Hemsworth, "Underbelly" from the mean streets of Sydney, Australia, and more. 3, 2, 1 and action...

WWE Sign Son of Legendary Country Singer Kris Kristofferson To Contract...

Country singer and actor Kris Kristofferson is currently celebrating his son Jody being signed by WWE. Jody Kristofferson had a tryout match at WWE last Summer and impressed Triple H.

The deal has apparently been in place for some time now, but the deal was kept quiet. Jody had been going by the nickname ‘Big County’ in All Pro Wrestling. APW is a California-based promotion and has helped trained many big stars in the industry including: Crash Holly, Great Khali and Sara Del Rey.

Jody has appeared on an episode of SmackDown in 2010. He wrestled against Big Show in a 3-on-1 handicap match on August 13. At the time, Matt Striker referenced him as the ‘Highway Man’. The Highwaymen were a group of country singers comprising Jody’s Dad Kris, Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson.

After impressing WWE officials against Brodus Clay this past Summer, Jody was signed to a developmental deal and is expected to start working with Florida Championship Wrestling very soon.

Triple H notably worked with Jody’s Dad in the 2004 movie Blade Trinity.

The WWE will be in Sydney on 31st August with its RAW World Tour.


WWE Superstar David Otunga -- Slams Competition in Triumphant Return to His Lawyer Life...

WWE superstar David Otunga took a break from his full time wrestling gig to return to his previous career -- attorney-at-law -- and much like his "Monday Night Raw" matches ... crushed the competition.

TMZ found out Otunga returned to court Thursday morning to represent a man who believes he was wrongfully terminated and denied unemployment benefits. Otunga tells us he was repping the man in his appeal to the NY State Department of Labor.

The proceedings took place before an administrative judge who heard witness testimony and arguments from both sides.

Otunga -- who graduated from Harvard Law School before wrestling -- told us he "smoked the witness during cross examination." The judge agreed ... Otunga's client won the appeal and will now get unemployment benefits.

Otunga says he enjoys keeping his legal skills sharp, and adds ... "If the outcome of the case is any indication of how I'll do in the Royal Rumble this weekend, then it looks like I'll be the winner."

By the way, Otunga didn't do it for the cash -- he took the case, pro bono. (Credit: TMZ)


New Terminator film to be R-rated...

Coming the week after Sylvester Stallone confirmed that The Expendables 2 was to be a PG-13 movie, at the wishes of Chuck Norris, there’s better news surrounding the planned Terminator 5.

The project is stuck in limbo at the moment, with planned director Justin Lin committed to two more Fast And The Furious movies. But Megan Ellison, who is funding the new Terminator movie, has answered one key question about the new film: Will it be stuck with a PG-13 rating? The answer? No, it won’t.

She wrote on Twitter, “We can't really tell you guys anything about Terminator BUT it will be an R rated film as God and James Cameron intended.”

More on Terminator 5 soon.


Sly and Arnie 'killing thousands of bats'...

Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sylvester Stallone are under fire from animal activists after they woke up one of Europe's biggest colonies of hibernating bats to film their latest movie.

They say the bats may starve in their thousands because the lights and cameras disturbed their winter sleep, leaving them disorientated and confused.

Stallone, Schwarzenegger and their crew entered the Devetashka cave in Bulgaria to film The Expendables 2, due to be screened this summer.


Sylvester Stallone Responds to The Expendables 2 PG-13 Rumor...

A few days back we got wind that that The Expendables 2, the follow-up to Sylvester Stallone's 2010 action flick that starred about half of Hollywood's action stars, would be rated PG-13. The story was instantly thought as a a rumor after Chuck Norris told a Polish news site that he only agreed to appear in the sequel if the "vulgar dialogue" was dropped so the movie could avoid a R-rating that would exclude "many young people" from watching.

Was Norris misquoted? Or was the translation off? Many thought the story couldn't be true, because the first Expendables movie didn't end up earning $274 million worldwide by playing nice. While it may be disappointing for some, Stallone wrote to AICN and revealed that, yes, Norris was telling the truth after all. He also warns that before fans "pass judgement", Expendables 2 is still going to "deliver."

Harry, the film is fantastic with (Jean-Claude) Van Damme turning in an inspired performance... Our final battle is one for the ages. The PG13 rumor is true, but before your readers pass judgement, trust me when I say this film is LARGE in every way and delivers on every level. This movie touches on many emotions which we want to share with the broadest audience possible, BUT, fear not, this Barbeque of Grand scale Ass Bashing will not leave anyone hungry...Sly

The Expendables 2 brings back the Expendables crew — Barney Ross (Stallone), Lee Christmas (Jason Statham), Yin Yang (Jet Li), Gunnar Jensen (Dolph Lundgren), Toll Road (Randy Couture), Hale Caesar (Terry Crews) and newest members Billy the Kid (Liam Hemsworth) and Maggie (Yu Nan) — for a new mission where they will lose one of their own and seek revenge. Whether the movie will be the "barbeque" that Stallone promises remains to be seen, as the teaser trailer released in December spent its running time going through the movie's massive cast rather than revealing much footage from the sequel. We keenly await another trailer to help judge.

Directed by Simon West (Con Air), The Expendables 2 co-stars Bruce Willis and Arnold Schwarzenegger.


Underbelly 2012...

From the streets of 1920’s Darlinghurst to the back alleys of Melbourne in the 90’s, the Underbelly franchise has kept us engrossed by the extraordinary criminal stories in Australia. In 2012 Underbelly is back, along with one of its biggest characters ever...


Hemsworth in a constant honeymoon...

Chris Hemsworth and Elsa Pataky have been on a 'constant honeymoon' since they got married.

The couple - who are expecting their first child together - tied the knot in December 2010 after almost a year of dating and the actress says they have loved every minute of married life so far.

She said: 'Marriage has been wonderful. A constant honeymoon. I feel very lucky to have found the person who completes me.'

Though she doesn't know the gender of her unborn tot, Elsa is expecting their baby to be 'stubborn' because it is a characteristic shared by herself and her spouse.

She explained: 'Because it's our first child, we would be happy with either a boy or a girl. The only thing we care about is that it is healthy. But it's bound to be stubborn because we both have such strong personalities.'

Elsa - who is Spanish - also admitted she has no idea where she and Australian-born Chris will welcome their child into the world because her spouse is so busy.

Asked where the baby will be born, she told Britain's HELLO! magazine: 'We don't know yet. It depends where we are. We move about all the time. Chris has got a lot of projects on the go and at least four movies coming out this year, so it depends on that. Wherever he is, that's where I'll be.'


IGT Supports California Tribes Through Western Indian Gaming Conference Sponsorship...

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 27, 2012 - International Game Technology (NYSE: IGT) announced today that the Company will sponsor the 2012 Western Indian Gaming Conference hosted by the California Nations Indian Gaming Association (CNIGA). The conference runs from Jan. 31 through Feb. 2 at the Morongo Casino Resort and Spa in Cabazon, Calif.

"IGT is proud of our history of support for the California Nations Indian Gaming Association," said Knute Knudson, IGT's vice president of global business development. "We deeply value our relationship with CNIGA and our long-term commitment to CNIGA's member tribes as well as our continued support for the 2012 Western Indian Gaming Conference."

IGT has been a strong proponent of CNIGA for more than 10 years with contributions to their association to maintain Tribal Sovereignty and promote Indian Gaming. Most recently, IGT entered into an agreement with CNIGA called the IGT/CNIGA Wide Area Progressive (WAP). This mutually beneficial initiative included financial support for CNIGA while increasing MegaJackpots® WAP games on the floors of their members' properties.

"Revenues raised from the WIGC go directly to fund CNIGA's work to preserve and protect tribal government gaming rights," said Chairman Daniel J. Tucker, "Through this sponsorship, IGT continues their long standing support of the association. We are thankful to IGT for their ongoing dedication to the tribal government gaming industry."

About CNIGA
The California Nations Indian Gaming Association (CNIGA), founded in 1988, is a non-profit organization comprised of federally-recognized tribal governments. CNIGA is dedicated to the purpose of protecting the sovereign right of Indian tribes to have gaming on federally-recognized Indian lands. It acts as a planning and coordinating agency for legislative, policy, legal and communications efforts on behalf of its members and serves as an industry forum for information and resources. Visit www.CNIGA.com for more information.

About IGT
International Game Technology (NYSE: IGT) is a global leader in the design, development and manufacture of gaming machines and systems products, as well as online and mobile gaming solutions for regulated markets.

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Ronan Keating And Sharon Corr At State Theatre, Sydney, Australia - Australia Day

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The State Theatre in the heart of Sydney presented Ronan Keating and Sharon Corr on the evening of Australia Day.

Keating came out to a packed house at the beautiful and elegant State Theatre and received a strong ovation.

He was all smiles and genuinily looked pleased to be there. You could also see him charming the females in the audience, but that's all part of working the crowd.

The fashion conscious Keating, also looking to break into acting, came out in a very stylish grey suit.

My favourite song was the popular 'Life Is A Rollercoaster".

Keating, who most recently has been a judge on the television series The X Factor, was accompanied by a seven-piece band and a string quartet.

The Irish artist is enjoying success with his latest album 'When Ronan Met Burt', with the top-three album approaching platinum status. The album celebrates Keating's teaming with legendary composer Burt Bacharach.

The "When You Say Nothing At All" singer is heading back to the studio to work on solo material following an overseas tour with his group Boyzone last year.

"It's not folk. It's a mix! It's a pop album. Gregg Alexander and I are working together again. It's got that 'Life is a Rollercoaster' feel again. I'm having fun with it again, it's been five years since I've done a studio album. I'm a little bit nervous," the 34-year-old told media.

The theatrical lighting was another highlight of the impressive show.

The concert was great value for money.

Support Act: Sharon Corr

Sharon was brilliant on her first solo tour and was certainly the calibre of talent worthy of opening a show for Ronan Keating.

The Irish sensation wore a green elegant dress and her eyes were highlighted by glittery green eye shadow.

It seems that the artist and her violin are one, and that's not totally surprising since she's been playing since age 7.

She performed 'So Young', 'Joy Of Life' and 'Radio'.

Over the course of their 15-year career, The Corrs sold more than 40 millions albums worldwide, featuring massive singles such as ‘Runaway’, ‘Radio’, ‘Forgiven Not Forgotten’, ‘So Young’ and ‘Breathless’.

Her name, Sharon, means a princess of exotic beauty, and from what I witnessed that seems a fair assessment.

Sharon Corr will be the special guest support on all of the Australian shows.


Bio of Sharon Corr

Grammy Nominee/Brit Award Winner, singer/songwriter and violinist – hugely successful both as a member of legendary Irish group The Corrs and now as a solo artist.

Much has been written about the incredible talent for melodies The Corrs exhibited throughout their 15 year long career. Their unique blend of Celtic/Pop/Rock sold over 40 million albums.

They toured arenas and stadiums across the globe. With a string of massively successful albums and singles played to this day like Runaway, So Young, Radio, Breathless - The Corrs have been a household name on every continent. “Music is what makes me tick“ says Sharon and true to that when The Corrs took time off to focus on their growing families, Sharon – while having her own 2 children - began to write and record her debut solo album ”Dream Of You“ released in 2010.

“Dream Of You“ is a collection of beautifully crafted, melodic pop gems, a remarkable debut that demands to be listened to in full – each story and melody flowing seamlessly into the next. Album features a stunning version of Mna na hEireann with legend Jeff Beck. If the hits Sharon wrote for The Corrs were her songs of innocence her solo album can be described as her songs of experience.

Sharon has relished her new role as a solo artist: playing festivals such as Glastonbury and the Isle of Wight and touring extensively. Music remains Sharon’s great passion and it is simply who she is and what she does.

Sharon continues to support the causes she believes in. The Corrs were ambassadors of Nelson Mandela’s 46664 Campaign, they took part in Live 8, Pavarotti and Friends for The Children of Liberia and The Prince’s Trust 2004. They also supported the families and victims of the Omagh bombing. In recognition of their work the band members were awarded MBEs.

Today Sharon is the face of OXFAM Ireland with their recently launched campaign Make Space for OXFAM, she is also a patron of Console – who help prevent suicide and council the suicide bereaved.


Bio of Ronan Keating

With those dazzling poster-boy looks, Ronan Keating became one of Europe's most endearing stars as the leader of the Irish boy band Boyzone. The five Irish lads in Boyzone, who made their debut in 1993, built their charismatic style into one of the biggest European pop/rock acts of the '90s. But before he was winning over the world, Keating was a middle-class kid living in Dublin. Born Ronan Patrick John Keating on March 3, 1977, he was the last of four children in the Keating household. His father, Gerry, was a pub owner and his mother, Marie, was a hairdresser, so financially the Keating family was trying to make ends meet.

The working trudge instilled the desire to work in the youngest Keating. While working in a local shoe store, he noticed a search advertisement for an Irish Take That. The 14-year-old beat out 300 hopefuls with his own rendition of the Cat Stevens song "Father and Son" and was headed toward becoming a celebrity. Boyzone released four albums, every one debuting at number one in the U.K. They released 16 singles, each one charting in the Top Three on the U.K. charts. Most notably, Americans will recognize this five-piece as the dashing young men singing behind U2's Bono in "The Sweetest Thing" video.

Six years into being part of one of the U.K.'s brightest and biggest-selling pop bands, Keating searched for an alternate creative outlet. He began managing another male pop group called Westlife. He married Irish model Yvonne Connelly in April 1998 and the following year they had a son, Jack. Musically, however, Keating's intentions stayed in tune with his internal spirit. He couldn't possibly steer clear of the media spotlight for long and something positive was bound to come of it. He recorded his debut solo effort in early 2000 under the craftsmanship of artists such as Bryan Adams and Barry Gibb. His sensual and childlike persona was full-fledged. He is a working songsmith with the utmost class, and counterparts like Robbie Williams and Gary Barlow might be considered a bit shy of such inborn grace. Ronan was issued overseas in mid-2000, and a U.S. version followed in October.

For 2002's Destination, Keating collaborated with songwriter and ex-New Radicals frontman Gregg Alexander. This album was another smash overseas with hit singles such as "I Love It When We Do" and "I've Got My Heart on You," yet it failed to see a release in the States. Two years later, Keating issued Turn It On. His rendition of Terence Trent D'Arby's "Let Her Down Easy" and songs co-written with Deacon Blue's Ricky Ross were featured in another mature set from the former boy band singer. 10 Years of Hits followed in 2005, and a year later Keating released the studio album Bring You Home. In 2009 Keating released the heartfelt tribute album Songs for My Mother, which was dedicated to his late mother, Marie, who had passed away from breast cancer in 1998. Keating released a collection of duets, appropriately titled Duet, in 2010. ~ MacKenzie Wilson, Rovi

Websites

Ronan Keating official website

Sharon Corr

State Theatre

Michael Coppel Presents

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Eva Rinaldi Photography

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Virgin Bingo launches brand new advertising campaign

Profiles

Virgin Bingo Virgin Games Virgin Casino Richard Branson Virgin Enterprises Limited Bingo Television Advertising News Virgin News Entertainment News Casino News Bingo News

James Packer and Richard Branson

Wednesday 25th January, 2012: Virgin Games, the leading online gaming company, has launched a brand new television advertising campaign for its bingo site – Virgin Bingo.

The latest advert is part of a £500,000 marketing campaign to run in the first quarter of 2012. It is a new concept for Virgin Bingo and is a departure from its previous animated advertisements. The new ad takes on a Willy Wonka meets Virgin theme. Staged in an imaginary factory where Virgin Bingo is made, a woman is taken on a backstage tour of the fantastical premises where Oompa-Loompas have been replaced by happy, dancing Virgin staff. The new commercial also introduces Virgin Bingo’s new welcome bonus: “Deposit £10 and play with £35”, as well as new exclusive Virgin Group prizes.

The campaign focuses primarily on women aged between 25 and 54 - the core target market for online bingo - with day time scheduling on channels such as Five, a range of Sky UK and ITV digital channels.

The 30 second advert was produced by ABF Pictures with Manning Gottlieb OMD acting as media planners and buyers. The advert is scheduled to run for multiple campaigns throughout the year across both terrestrial and freeview channels.

Simon Burridge, CEO of Virgin Games, commented: “This new advert has a flavour of Willy Wonka for adults about it. It has lots of energy, excitement and fun – just what consumers have come to expect from a Virgin advert.

“We first advertised Virgin Bingo on TV in 2010 and have witnessed fantastic customer acquisition rates as a result. We’ve found that TV advertising is a natural fit for bingo. Consumer trust and a sense of security and familiarity are very important attributes for a bingo brand. Being part of the Virgin brand helps to reassure customers that they are playing with a reputable company, while TV ads raise awareness of our existence and help to reinforce that trust and brand awareness.”

Matt Barraclough, Creative Director at ABF Pictures, commented: “We were thrilled to have the opportunity of working with the Virgin Games team. A brand like Virgin allows us to think bigger and look at online bingo in a different way. We wanted to stand out from traditional bingo commercials and do it in a very Virgin way.

“The commercial itself was produced over three months. The action was captured on green screen and the entire factory backdrop was then created using 3D modelling and animation. The inspiration for the advert was the core Virgin brand values: Fun, Value for Money, Innovation, Quality, Competitive Challenge and Brilliant Customer Service. We combined these values and used iconic Virgin styles to create an exciting and memorable advert.”

Founded in 2004, Virgin Games has over 1,000,000 players and over 295 games on its site. Through the introduction of a custom built Virgin Games platform in 2008, Virgin Games seeks to provide its players with the widest possible choice of casino games.

*Sorry, Virgin Games does not currently accept U.S, Canadian, New Zealand or Australian players. See World Casino Directory.

Arnold Schwarzenegger and Richard Branson

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

Profiles

Bondi Beach Sydney Australia

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

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

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

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

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

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

2012 Beach activities included:

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

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

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

Websites

Havaianas Thong Challenge: Australia Day 2012

Waverley Council

Eva Rinaldi Photography Flickr

Eva Rinaldi Photography

Media Man News

Music News Australia

Bondi Beach Directory

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Australian Sports Entertainment

Bondi Beach Directory