Australians plan to take more than four devices away on holiday to ring in the New Year

Aussies create a digital home away from home

Optus research reveals Australians plan to take more than four devices away on holiday to ring in the New Year

It seems the nation’s gadget obsession continues, especially as we head into the new year. Optus research reveals that while 50 per cent of Aussies claim they would love to have a holiday free from all digital devices, almost a third are stressed by the thought of leaving home without their gadgets.

As a result, the average Australian family is planning to take more than four devices like mobiles, cameras, laptops and music players away on holiday. Despite dreaming of a digital-free holiday, more than half of us (58 per cent) don’t feel comfortable leaving for holidays without our devices, while 46 per cent think it would be quite boring to go away without them.

Almost one in three Aussies (32 per cent) consider gadgets as welcome distractions from their family, as well as people with kids. Meanwhile, men are especially keen to use technology to escape the family.

Clare Gill, Head of Government and Corporate Affairs, Optus said, “As we head on holidays, Aussies want to remain connected and entertained via our gadgets. The portability of mobile phones and tablets mean that even when we’re sitting by the pool or visiting relatives, we can still check-in or post our latest photos.”

Devices such as smartphones are set to play a huge role this season, with 22 per cent of Aussies planning to jump onto social media sites to wish friends and family a happy New Year. Optus forecasts that on New Year’s Eve, the peak load of mobile data will be 54 per cent higher compared to the same period last year .

However, texts are still popular with 34 per cent of Australians planning to SMS their friends and 29 per cent likely to SMS their work colleagues on New Year’s Eve.

Optus data supports this, with millions of its customers this New Year’s Eve predicted to :

• Send more than 72 million SMS messages – an increase of over 4 million from last year
• Make more than 44 million mobile calls
• Make more than 29 million local and national calls
• Spend more than 3 million minutes calling overseas friends and family

On Christmas Day this year , customers on the Optus network:

• Sent over 64 million SMS messages
• Made over 32 million mobile calls
• Made almost 25 million local and national calls
• Spent over 4.5 million minutes calling overseas friends and family

“Our customers can be confident that we have been working hard throughout the year to ensure our network is capable of providing optimum coverage, with upgrades to many popular holiday destinations around Australia in preparation for the holiday season,” Ms Gill continued.

Designs on Bangkok

Pullman Bangkok Hotel G - cheeky urban fun

One doesn’t simply build a hotel these days, it seems, they must be ‘created’.

On my most recent visits to the capital of charming chaos, Bangkok, I’ve had the opportunity to stay in a series of staggering hotels, each seemingly outdoing the other for style, design and ‘lifestyle’ elements.

Despite a reasonable degree of experience covering the hospitality industry, I’ve had to go back to school, so to speak, to acquaint myself with the latest vernacular in hotel-speak. Specifically the terms ‘designer’ and ‘lifestyle’ which, on their own, are fairly self-explanatory, but when applied to the new wave of sexy, chic hotels springing up in the world’s grooviest locales, it helps to understand the motivating philosophy.

 Read full story at:
http://kaojaithailand.blogspot.com/2012/12/designs-on-bangkok_12.html

Andrea Riseborough Wears Faberge to the British Independent Film Awards, London, England - 9th December 2012

She wore the rose gold and diamond Collier and gold and diamond Fine Bandeau rings from the Treillage collection. The collection features trellis-like lines of the quilted pattern, trailed with diamonds and reminiscent of luxurious button-backed furniture, of Belle Époque opulence. Treillage possesses a strong fashion flair, fusing fabric and jewel, mixing nostalgia with a contemporary edge.

With Erin O'Connor choosing to wear a rose gold and diamond Treillage ring to the Serpentine Gallery Summer Party earlier on this year, the Treillage collection is becoming the collection du jour.

Fabergé offers High and Fine Jewellery collections as well as timepieces and men's accessories. The collections are available at Fabergé boutiques in New York, London and Geneva, as well as at concessions within Harrods in London and Lane Crawford IFC in Hong Kong. Selected items are also available via Fabergé's online boutique at Fabergé.com.

JOHNNIE WALKER(R) ANNOUNCES THE OPENING OF JOHNNIE WALKER HOUSE BEIJING, CHINA

JOHNNIE WALKER, the world's number one Blended Scotch Whisky is proud to announce the grand opening of 'Johnnie Walker House Beijing', the world's largest embassy for luxury Scotch Whisky outside of Scotland.

Following the success of the first Johnnie Walker House in Shanghai last year and continuing the brand's mantra of 'Keep Walking', the Johnnie Walker House Beijing is located at the prestigious Ch'ien Men and creates a highly contemporary space, rich in authentic whisky story-telling for the discerning consumer along with the opportunity to participate in the art of blending.

"Johnnie Walker House Beijing is a multi-sensory experience, showcasing Scotch Whisky culture; it is a luxury boutique, selling the Master Blender's finest work; it is a private club, providing a new cultural platform for whisky appreciation; and it is an artistic space, providing inspiration for new forms of creativity," said Lawrence Law, General Manager, Johnnie Walker House.

In attendence at the grand opening were Karen Mok, Chen Shu, Pace Wu, Zhang Yadong and many other celebrities.
 

The Maggies 2012 - And the winner is...

Grazia (January 30, 2012 issue) has beaten off fierce competition to be hailed as winner of The Maggies: Magazine Cover of the Year 2012. The stunning cover featuring a patriotic Miranda Kerr as Australia's Wonder Woman , beat titles across all eleven categories to be crowned overall Magazine Cover of the Year, as well as winning the Weeklies category.

Tornado Tower Doha Goes Green

The Tornado Tower in Doha, Qatar, has been lit up in green using energy efficient LED lights, for the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP18), in an effort to establish a strong focus on green technology innovation.

The Tornado Tower, an example of Siemens Total Building Solution, is located in the West Bay business district of Doha. Resembling a tornado in the desert, the impressive building is 200 metres tall and offers 58,000 square metres of world-class office space on 52 floors. Siemens' Tornado Tower intelligently integrates all building technology disciplines to make the tower a landmark for maximum security, energy efficiency, and flexibility while offering the highest level of comfort. Additionally, an ongoing monitoring and reporting system makes it possible to reduce energy consumption, save resources and minimise CO2 emissions.

iMac Available on 30 November

Apple® today announced the all-new iMac® will be available on Friday, 30 November. Featuring a stunning design, brilliant display with reduced reflection, faster processors and an innovative new storage option called Fusion Drive, the new iMac is the most advanced desktop Apple has ever made. The 21.5-inch iMac will be available through the Apple Online Store (www.apple.com/au), Apple's retail stores and select Apple Authorised Resellers. The 27-inch iMac will be available for order through the Apple Online Store and will begin shipping in December. 

Redesigned from the inside out, the new iMac packs high performance technology into an aluminium and glass enclosure that measures just 5 millimetres thin at its edge and features a reengineered display that reduces reflection by 75 per cent. The new iMac includes 8GB of 1600 MHz memory, a 1TB hard drive, third generation quad-core Intel Core i5 processors that can be upgraded to Core i7, and the latest NVIDIA GeForce graphics processors that deliver up to 60 per cent faster performance. Fusion Drive is an innovative new storage option that gives customers the performance of flash and the capacity of a hard drive by combining 128GB of flash with a standard hard drive to create a single storage volume that intelligently manages files to optimise read and write performance.

The 21.5-inch iMac is available with a 2.7 GHz quad-core Intel Core i5 with Turbo Boost speeds up to 3.2 GHz and NVIDIA GeForce GT 640M for a recommended retail price of A$1,429 inc. GST; and with a 2.9 GHz quad-core Intel Core i5 with Turbo Boost speeds up to 3.6 GHz and NVIDIA GeForce GT 650M for a recommended retail price of A$1,698 inc. GST. The 27-inch iMac is available with a 2.9 GHz quad-core Intel Core i5 with Turbo Boost speeds up to 3.6 GHz and NVIDIA GeForce GTX 660M for a recommended retail price of A$1,999 inc. GST; and with a 3.2 GHz quad-core Intel Core i5 with Turbo Boost speeds up to 3.6 GHz and NVIDIA GeForce GTX 675MX for a recommended retail price of A$2,199 inc. GST. 

Apple designs Macs, the best personal computers in the world, along with OS X, iLife, iWork and professional software. Apple leads the digital music revolution with its iPods and iTunes online store. Apple has reinvented the mobile phone with its revolutionary iPhone and App Store, and is defining the future of mobile media and computing devices with iPad.

CAMPARI UNVEILS 2013 CALENDAR THEME AND IMAGES

CAMPARI UNVEILS CALENDAR THEME AND IMAGES

Penelope Cruz and Campari present 'Kiss Superstition Goodbye'



Today Campari officially released the 2013 Calendar images, and superstitious theme, to the world.

Set to take the audience on a stunning visual voyage, the 2013 Calendar, entitled 'Kiss Superstition Goodbye', showcases Penelope Cruz in 13 vivid shots, as she engages with intriguing and mystical superstitions, such as black cats, broken mirrors and walking under ladders. Dressed in a variety of gorgeous red-themed dresses and shoes from top fashion houses including Emilio Pucci and Salvatore Ferragamo, as well as jewellery by Chopard, Penelope dazzles in every shot.

Colin Firth, Cameron Diaz, Alan Rickman and Tom Courtenay celebrate Gambit After Party at Corinthia Hotel London

(L to R): Alan Rickman, Cameron Diaz, Colin Firth and Tom Courtenay / Photos from corinthia.com

The stars of Momentum Pictures’ latest film were joined by A-list friends and VIPs as they celebrated the world premiere of the stylish new, art heist caper, Gambit.

After walking the red carpet at the Empire Leicester Square, the filmmakers and their famous fans made the short journey to the beautiful Massimo Restaurant & Oyster Bar at Corinthia Hotel London.

On arrival, the star cast was greeted with a special Gambit cocktail made with eucalyptus-infused gin blended with orange bitters, wormwood bitters, and acacia honey. Created by the expert mixologist team at Bassoon, Corinthia London’s chic cocktail bar, “Gambit,” will be on the cocktail menu for a limited period for hotel guests and visitors to try.

Bets are on to see if the cocktail will be as popular as The King’s Speech, a Champagne and Chambord concoction created to celebrate the multiple BAFTA and Academy Award winning British film. The cocktail became a firm favorite with guests and was made a permanent fixture on Bassoon’s cocktail menu due to popular demand.

Guests at the after party were also treated to delicious warm and cold canapes including Monmouthshire pork and apple sausage roll with mustard sauce, baby asparagus tart with Beenleigh Blue cheese, and risotto beignet with Jerusalem artichoke and parsley.

“Last summer before shooting began, an intimate dinner for the cast and filmmakers was held in the private dining room of Massimo Restaurant&Oyster Bar. We are delighted that they have returned to toast the world premiere of the film,” said Matthew Dixon, General Manager, Corinthia Hotel London.

GAMBIT will be released in cinemas cross the UK&Ireland on November 21 by Momentum Pictures.

Save Our Marine Life

Photo: Ron and Valerie Taylor It's images like this that remind me just how amazing Australia's marine life really is. (Imagine being there for this photo – what a moment!) Introduce sweeping trawler nets or even an oil rig, and suddenly things look very, very different. But we have a new opportunity to protect some of the most pristine marine places along our continent's southern coastline forever. And we need your help before the deadline expires in 4 days. The South Australian Government is offering to protect the very best, the most spectacular marine icons along their State's vast coastline. These places are South Australia's marine equivalent of Kakadu, Kings Canyon, the Great Barrier Reef or the Blue Mountains. They are also havens for the world's most endangered sea lion, leafy sea dragons, giant cuttlefish and southern right whales. With less than 1% of South Australia's marine waters protected, and new threats such as faster, larger fishing charter vessels targeting pristine areas previously beyond reach, the opportunity can't come fast enough. Please make these new marine sanctuaries a reality while we can. Help protect these pristine and spectacular ocean environments by 'clicking n sending' the message of support here. The two minutes it takes will make a real difference in convincing the South Australian Government to protect these very special places for the future. Thanks for your support for our oceans. Together we're making a big impact. All the best, David David Mackenzie Save Our Marine Life www.saveourmarinelife.org.au PS - This opportunity has been almost 10 years in the making. Please click n send, and tell your friends too.

GRYMM - where your worst nightmares come true

Keith Austin

SOMETHING stirred in the gravelly yard beneath their window . . . A soft slippery nuzzle, the sort of sounds you’d expect a pig to make with its snout in a trough . . . The small mining town of Grymm perched on the very edge of the Great Desert is the kind of town you leave – but when Dad gets a three-month contract in the mine there, Mina and Jacob, unwilling stepbrother and sister, are reluctantly arriving. From a grotesque letting agent who seems to want to eat their baby brother, a cafe owner whose milkshakes contain actual maggots and the horribly creepy butcher, baker and candlestick-maker, Mina and Jacob soon realise that nothing in Grymm is what it appears to be. And then things get seriously weird when their baby brother disappears – and no one seems to even notice! In Grymm, your worst nightmares really do come true . .

Of which one reviewer said: "This book really does need to be read to be believed, and I only wish I could come up with a more coherent way of describing it. Dark, macabre, bizarre, hilarious, chilling - none of those words are really enough..."


Still not convinced? Then read the first chapter for FREE here:
http://grymmworld.wordpress.com/2012/10/17/read-chapter-on-for-free/



Grymm is available in all good book stores but also at www.amazon.co.uk (Kindle edition available too), where it's received 5 out of 5 stars from three reviewers, as well as www.amazon.com where four reviewers all awarded it 5/5 stars ... It's also available as an iTunes download.

• Paperback
• Publisher: Red Fox (July 5, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1849415560
• ISBN-13: 978-1849415569
• Product Dimensions: 7.7 x 5.1 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.9 ounces

Stolen: Porsche 997

The Porsche stolen overnight from Richard Perini is one of just 12 in Australia. Source: The Daily Telegraph

Source: news.com.au

POLICE are appealing for help after a rare silver Porsche was stolen from a home in Sydney's north.

The 2007 Porsche 997* - valued at $275,000 - was taken from the home at Hunters Hill overnight on Monday, police said.

There are only 12 cars of this type in Australia, and only two of which are silver.

Anyone with information is being asked to call Gladesville Police or Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000.

Read more: http://www.news.com.au/breaking-news/national/rare-car-stolen-from-sydney-home/story-e6frfku9-1226497420902#ixzz29V6FfVE1

 * the 997 is a special, limited production, high performance version of the popular and more common 911 model.

Abu Dhabi Film Festival 2012 supported by Jaeger-LeCoultre

Opening Ceremony of Abu Dhabi Film Festival 2012 supported by Jaeger-LeCoultre




Ali Al Jabri, Abu Dhabi Film Festival director opened the Festival last night.
On the picture with Renaud Pretet, Jaeger-LeCoultre Brand Manager for Middle East
and Jerome Favier, Manufacture Jaeger-LeCoultre International Sales Director.

Jury President (Narrative competition) Bollywood legend Shabana Azmi chose a
Jaeger-LeCoultre Rendez-Vous watch that complemented her outfit



Egyptian star Ilham Shaheen wore Jaeger-LeCoultre Rendez-Vous watch in pink gold.
Egyptian actress Mena Shalabi graced the Red Carpet with a Jaeger-LeCoultre high jewellery watch, and jury member Ismael Ferroukhi – a Master Ultra Thin Tourbillon in pink gold.



The “Arbitrage” film premiere in the Middle East opened the Abu Dhabi Film Festival in the attendance of the film director Nicholas Jarecki and his wife Agata Bobola who chose to wear Jaeger-LeCoultre 101 watch for the evening.

James Bond's Aston Martin sells for nearly $400,000

London: A 2008 Aston Martin car used by Daniel Craig in the James Bond movie "Quantum of Solace" has been sold in an auction of Bond movie memorabilia for 241,300 pounds (around $389,000), Christie`s auction house said.

The cost of the 2008 Aston Martin 6 litre V12 DBS 2 door coupe, which went to an anonymous buyer, was 1.5 times higher.

The trading took place in the presence of 600 VIP guests, and many items of the auction were presented by the stars of the film.

Actress Judi Dench, who plays M, presented one of the most piquant lots, a pair of blue trunks worn by Daniel Craig in the film ‘Casino Royale’.

"All I can tell you, they are unwashed," the actress said.

The trunks were sold for 44,500 pounds and will be given to a charity fund Women For Women.

The second most expensive item in the auction was an Omega watch made of titanium and used by Craig in the upcoming James Bond movie ‘Skyfall’. The watch was expected to be sold for some 8,000 pounds but was sold for 157,300 pounds.

Former Bond Roger Moore presented a musical score of the soundtrack for the same film signed by the British singer Adele, performer of the title track. The lot was sold for 13,800 pounds.

The total cost of 11 pieces was 752,100 pounds. All proceeds will go to various charitable organisations. The auction was held to mark the 50th anniversary of the first James Bond movie.

Inside HBO's Game of Thrones

Bryan Cogman

An exquisite behind the scenes look at the most compelling TV series of modern times, Game of Thrones, with preface by George R.R Martin himself.

HBO's Game of Thrones reigns as cable's highest-rated series. This official companion book gives fans new ways to enter this fictional world and discover more about the beloved (and reviled) characters and the electrifying plotlines.

Hundreds of set photos, production and costume designs, storyboards and insider stories reveal how the show's creators translated George R.R Martin's bestselling fantasy series into the world of Westeros.

The book documents the painstaking and meticulous process of bringing Martin's richly imagined fantasy world of Westeros, and its cast of both heroic and despicable characters, to television. Featuring interviews with key actors and crew members that capture the best scripted and unscripted moments from the first two seasons, as well as a preface by George R.R Martin, this special volume, bound in a lavishly debossed padded cover, offers exclusive access to this unprecedented television series.
About the Author

Bryan Cogman is a script writer and editor. When not in Belfast shooting Game of Thrones, he lives in Los Angeles. He also serves as the unofficial 'keeper of the mythos' for the show and wrote the series bible outlining character and background information for other writers, actors and crew to consult.

Gollancz
9780575093140
$45.00
Hardback
October 2012
192 pages
Television

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Triumph Steve McQueen Edition

Triumph has released a new tribute to the legend of cool– actor and speed fiend Steve McQueen. The new Triumph Steve McQueen Edition Motorcycle is inspired by the Triumph TR6 McQueen rode in the 1963 World War II film The Great Escape, in which McQueen eludes Nazis in the German countryside. Always his own stunt man, McQueen famously jumped his motorcycle over a barbed wire fence in the film, in a manner that doesn’t seem possible. Off screen, McQueen was an avid Triumph rider, carving up the pavement on his own Triumph Bonneville in and around Los Angeles. The new Triumph Steve McQueen Edition is based on the Triumph Bonneville T100, but with styling and feature enhancements that recall the 1963 original. These include a military-style khaki-green paint job, a stencil-style Triumph logo on the tank and a licensed print of McQueens’s signature on the side. 1,100 of the McQueen Edition Triumphs will be produced.

Bangkok So Sofitel - So Cool

30-storey Sofitel So Bangkok

Water Element Room

Located on the corner of Rama IV and Sathorn roads, with a commanding site overlooking Lumpini Park and skycrapers, the 30-storey Sofitel So Bangkok has an interior design created around the Five Elements (Water, Earth, Wood, Metal and Fire) which, combined, frame and form a refuge of sense and balance energy at the heart of vibrant Bangkok. Indeed, here is a truly innovative hotel that promises visitors and locals alike with a new focal point, a place to stay, eat, meet and be entertained in stylish fashion and totally connected.

New 'Euro' Corolla Headed Down Under

Toyota has taken the wraps off its new Corolla hatch, revealing a sleek, sporty new look for the latest generation of the world’s best-selling car.

The latest Corolla goes on sale in Japan today, just two months ahead of its local unveiling at the Australian International Motor Show in Sydney.

Although Corolla has been a mainstay of the Japanese car industry since 1966, the latest model is the outcome of extensive research and evaluation in Europe.

“LOST” MERCEDES FINDS A HOME FOR £2.8M AT £13.6 MILLION BONHAMS GOODWOOD REVIVAL SALE

Two Goodwood sales in 2012 realise a combined £35.6 million.

An extraordinary unrestored supercharged 'S' Type Mercedes that lay hidden in a garage for six decades led the pack at the Bonhams Goodwood Revival Sale at the Goodwood Motor Circuit in Chichester, UK, on Saturday 15th September, selling for more than £2.8 million. The sale achieved a selling rate of 84 per cent in front of a huge and enthusiastic crowd.

The "lost" 1928 Mercedes-Benz 26/120/180 'S' Type Sports Tourer, described as one of the most important motor car finds of the past decade, went for £2,801,500 to an anonymous bidder in the room.

Almost without precedent for motor cars of its age and type, the dark battleship grey 'S' Type was owned by the same family from new and had never been restored, retaining its original blue leather upholstery in its entirety.

Meanwhile an important collection of Maseratis owned by the Hartley family, from the Home Counties, sold for a collective £2.88 million. Leading the way was a unique 1929 Maserati Tipo 26M four-seater sports racing car with Brooklands Double Twelve, Irish Grand Prix and RAC Tourist Trophy racing pedigree, which realised £1,681,500.

Another strong performance came from the Lagonda V12 Team Car borne out of the desire of a pair of enthusiastic Lords – Lords Selsdon and Waleran – to go racing at the 1939 Le Mans 24-Hour Endurance Race. It realised in excess of £1 million, selling for £1,289,500.

Top Alfa Romeo in this sale was the ex-Leonard Headlam, Tourist Trophy and Irish Grand Prix Team Car, a 1929 Alfa Romeo 1750 SS Competition Tourer which sold for £1,099,100, doubling its presale estimate of £500,000,.

Other highlights in the £13.6 million auction included the sale of 'ARX 91B', the 1964 Austrian Alpine-winning, 1965 Targa Florio 1964 Austin-Healey 3000 MkIII Works Rally/Race Car, which beat its pre-sale estimate to go for £242,300 – an auction record for a rally Healey 3000.

The sale saw Bonhams continue with its success selling Ferraris, getting the 1965 275 GTS Spyder away for £400,000 in a post sale deal. A 1968 Ferrari 330GTC achieved £230,000.

A lot that generated much interest was a unique piece of art modelled on the 'Airfix' kits lovingly built by generations of children. The life-sized model of the Aston Martin DBR1 that won the 1959 Le Mans 24-Hour Endurance Race, measuring 6.35m wide by 3.3m tall, sold for £27,500 to an unknown telephone bidder.

James Knight, International Managing Director Collectors Motor Cars, who took the sale with CEO Malcolm Barber, commented after the sale: "Once again Bonhams has shown its ability to sell every kind of marque. Today we saw the wonderful unrestored Mercedes 6.8-litre S-Type make £2.8m. This was followed by strong prices for Alfa Romeo, Lagonda, Maserati, Ferrari, AC Cobra and Bentley. With the world records achieved for Bentley and Rolls Royce at the Goodwood Festival of Speed it has been a very good summer for Bonhams at Goodwood. Given the economic context of both these sales – the worst financial downturn since the 1930's - this is a sterling effort and a very encouraging message for collectors about the intrinsic and long-term value of collectors cars."

Formula One 2012 - Button wins Grand Prix of Belgium

Jenson Button won the Belgian Formula One Grand Prix from pole on Sunday after McLaren team-mate Lewis Hamilton and championship leader Fernando Alonso of Ferrari were taken out in a major collision at the start. The 2009 champion Button revived his title hopes by winning the 12th season race from reigning champion Sebastian Vettel of Red Bull and Kimi Raikkonen of Lotus.

dpa Picture-Alliance GmbH
www.dpa.com

Asia-Pacific Debut for Jaguar's F-TYPE Sports Car at 2012 Motor Show

In thrilling news for automotive fans across Asia-Pacific, the Australian International Motor Show can confirm that Jaguar will be revealing its all-new sports car, the F-TYPE at Sydney in October.

In what will be its second reveal in the world and first in the Southern Hemisphere, the F-TYPE's unveiling at the Australian International Motor Show will aid in marking Jaguar's return to the sports car market.

At this stage, teaser images are all that have been released of this all-new aluminium two-seater sports car, with the world waiting with baited breath for its covers to come off in its very first reveal at the Paris Motor Show in September.

The F-TYPE will be initially launched as a convertible with a choice of three petrol engines - 340PS and 380PS versions of Jaguar's all-new 3.0-litre supercharged V6 and a new derivative of its existing supercharged 5.0-litre V8.

All three variants of the Jaguar F-TYPE will be rear-wheel-drive with an eight-speed-transmission and equipped with Stop/Start technology.

"The all-new F-TYPE is guaranteed to amaze the world's automotive industry and its unveiling is certainly a momentous occasion in Jaguar's illustrious history," said Russ Tyrie, Show Director.

"As Jaguar have stated, the F-TYPE will break new ground by delivering stunning sports car performance while demonstrating its cutting-edge engineering technologies and world-class design excellence.

"We are honoured and excited that the 2012 Australian International Motor Show has been selected as the platform for the second official world unveiling of the all-new Jaguar F-TYPE convertible."

Jaguar will also have on display the 2013 models of its XF and XJ, making the 2012 Australian International Motor Show one of their biggest local shows ever.

The Jaguar F-TYPE convertible will join the all-new Range Rover from Land Rover as vehicles currently confirmed to make their second world reveal and Southern Hemisphere debuts at the Australian International Motor Show.

The 2012 Australian International Motor Show will be held at the Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre, Darling Harbour from October 19-28, 2012.

For further information about the Show and to purchase early bird tickets, visit www.motorshow.com.au, which is also compatible with all android and Apple mobile devices.

LEXUS LFA TO SHINE AT MOTOREX

• Australian customer becomes the first to chrome their $700,000 LFA supercar
• Vehicle to debut at Meguiar's MotorEx enthusiast car show in Sydney

An Australian owner of a $700,000 Lexus LFA supercar has taken their vehicle to the extreme - wrapping it in a unique chrome exterior.

LFA number 304 - one of only 10 Lexus LFAs in Australia and 500 in the world - is the first example to receive the chrome treatment.

Debuting at this weekend's MotorEx show at Sydney's Homebush Bay, the vehicle will certainly become the 'shining star' of the show, joining hundreds of modified, tuned and collectible vehicles.

Lexus LFA is a powerful, balanced and lightweight vehicle, featuring an advanced Carbon Fibre Reinforced Plastic (CFRP) construction for its chassis and bodywork to deliver a light, incredibly strong and highly rigid structure.

Sixty-five per cent of LFA's body structure is carbon fibre, while the remaining 35 per cent is aluminium.

At its heart is a bespoke 4.8-litre V10 engine producing 412kW of power and 480Nm of torque.

It propels the supercar to 100km/h in 3.7 seconds and is capable of revving from idle to a redline of 9,000rpm in just 0.6 seconds.

Top speed of the LFA is 325km/h.

Meguiar's MotorEx runs from July 21 to 22 at The Dome, Sydney Olympic Park, Homebush.

Ticketing and further information is available from www.motorex.com.au.

Amphibious airplane takes its first passengers

Spring was action-packed for LISA Airplanes. The founders, the first clients and LISA’s team boarded the AKOYA for a flight from Lake Bourget. All the passengers and pilots agree: flying in this amphibious airplane is an incomparable pleasure.

Since early May, the AKOYA has never ended flying. With an average of four days of flights per week, LISA Airplanes’ team could once more enjoy, and for the first time share, the AKOYA’s remarkable performance.

LISA Airplanes’ founders, Erick HERZBERGER and Luc BERNOLE were the first two passengers of the AKOYA. “To me, this first flight is both a professional and personal achievement. Our airplane’s performance goes beyond our expectations. I’ve flown many light aircraft in my life, so I can tell the AKOYA is incomparable. She behaves exceptionally well on water in terms of speed and easiness to take-off just as much as in terms of comfort brought by the airplane’s stability. All the work done on the Seafoils turns to be a real success. After my first flight, I proudly announced to the team that the AKOYA is perfect.” tells Erick HERZBERGER, LISA Airplanes’ CEO and AKOYA’s first passenger.

During this series of test runs with passengers, and after years of research, studies, design and tests, LISA Airplanes’ team had the great pleasure to enjoy the advantages of its innovations. One after the other, team members got in the cockpit to live this priceless moment: a flight in the AKOYA. In various weather conditions, smooth lake or rough lake with 16 inches waves (40 cm) and 18 knots of wind, take-offs and landings were all made softly and on short distances. The sensations of flying in the AKOYA will remain unforgettable for all.

With this symbolic event, LISA Airplanes has gone through a major step towards AKOYA’s deliveries: the clients’ discovery of this seaplane.

Some of AKOYA’s future clients have been invited to go on board for a demonstration flight departing from Lake Bourget, at the side of the test pilot Gerald DUCOIN. AKOYA’s new pilots unanimously sung the comfort of the high-end finished cockpit and the in-flight qualities of the airplane. Benoit SENELLART, LISA Airplanes’ VP of Development, attests this enthusiasm: “I‘ve been involved in every step of AKOYA’s development and the first delivery will be the most memorable. Therefore, it’s with great pleasure that I watched our clients’ first flight. Their feedbacks are all positive on the easiness to pilot as well as on the sensations in flight. They really appreciated the visibility, the comfort and the safe atmosphere of the cockpit. This flight definitely won them and I am delighted with that.”

The next demonstrations in-flight will occur from September on since the AKOYA is on its way for the United States where it will be exhibited for the first time at the EAA AirVenture Oshkosh in Wisconsin from July, 23-29 2012.

Where in the world are all the men?

oops - Where in the world are all the men? The Australian travel writing scene's newest blogger The Global Goddess asks this question and more in her latest post - www.theglobalgoddess.com - which delves into destinations and dating.

Francis Birtles

Francis Birtles

The stirring story of Australia's most unusual adventurer
Brown, Warren

This is the colourful story of FRANCIS BIRTLES, a fascinating individual who led a life of incredible adventure and exploration in Australia and throughout the world.

A narrative account of the life and times of one of Australia's most extraordinary adventurers - a man who crossed Australia more than 70 times in the early part of the 20th century - by bicycle and car.

In 1927 he achieved the greatest motoring feat of the times, driving a car from London to Melbourne. This story follows his exploits across scorching Arabic deserts, through steamy Indian jungles and mountain snowstorms.

In between these journeys he made a collection of documentaries and films of his encounters with the outback. He documented his exploration of Australia in his book, BATTLEFRONTS OF OUTBACK. He eventually travelled to the Northern Territory in search of gold and retired a wealthy man.

About the Author

Warren Brown is well known as a cartoonist for the Daily Telegraph, and has had regular programs on ABC radio and TV. He writes on Australian war history, and is the regular MC at the ANZAC Day ceremonies at Gallipoli. He is also passionately interested in, and involved with, the restoration of and all things to do with vintage motor vehicles.

• Hachette Australia
• 9780733628672
• $35.00
• Paperback - C Format
• October 2012
• 400 pages
• Biography: historical, political & military

A Royal Tour for the Princess of London Beauty Georgia May Jagger visits Rimmel’s Ashford Factory

As a London founded brand and currently the most popular colour cosmetics brand in Britain , it only makes sense that the great Rimmel products are produced less than an hour away from the eclectic capital. Only makeup made in UK could get you the real London look. Rimmel London girl Georgia May Jagger visited the Rimmel Ashford factory to discover the secrets behind the manufacturing of Rimmel products.

Georgia started her day by taking a tour of the production lines where she discovered how some of her favourite Rimmel products, like Scandaleyes Mascara, Match Perfection Foundation and Moisture Renew Lipstick, just to name a few, are made. Georgia even got to try her hand at making and assembling products as she helped staff mix pigments for lipsticks and top off mascaras with caps. Georgia helped the production staff to maintain their impressive production of one Scandaleyes mascara every 0.8 seconds.

Always one for a challenge, Georgia was then led to the R&D labs in the factory where she sat down with R&D Vice President Alan Farer to make her very own Match Perfection shade. Like a true pro, Georgia mixed ingredients, and worked away in the lab to create her shade and discover the fascinating and complex process and technology behind the Match Perfection foundation. She even got a special sneak peak at the new formula being released later this year.

In the afternoon Georgia then greeted journalists for an afternoon press event at the Rimmel Ashford factory. Journalists were given an exclusive opportunity to gain a sneak peek into the production lines of Rimmel products, have an exclusive lab session with Alan Farer and finally join Georgia and makeup artist Kirstin Piggott for a Makeup Masterclass and informal chat on beauty, tips, trends and why Rimmel is unique when it comes to getting the real beauty London Look!

“Who knew chemistry could be this fun!” said Georgia, as a true fan of makeup, “and it was such an incredible opportunity for me to be able to see how it is all made and even have the chance to make my own. I couldn’t wait to tell press all about my experience when I met with them in the afternoon to talk about Rimmel and eye trends for the upcoming season.”

I-Gucci Sport watch

Designed by Gucci's Creative Director Frida Giannini, the I-Gucci is Gucci Timepieces’ first digital watch and has become one of its best-selling models. The I-Gucci Sport collection is recognizable by a striking perforated rubber strap in three appealing color schemes of black, orange and cobalt blue. The I-Gucci Sport has been created in a larger size of 49mm and features a brushed steel and rubber case with four push-buttons. The watch boasts a range of technical components including a chronograph and dual chronograph, countdown timer, tachymeter, pedometer and a sailing function specifically designed for timing regattas.

Aston Martin V12 Zagato

Aston Martin confirms production of a strictly limited number of the new V12 Zagato following its successful unveilings. After winning the award for Design in the Concepts and Prototypes class at the prestigious Villa D’ Este Concours and then going on to prove its durability with the successful completion of the gruelling 39th ADAC Nürburgring 24 Hour race, Aston Martin confirms that there is overwhelmingly encouraging interest from customers to confirm production of the V12 Zagato.

Fairline to Showcase Award-winning Targa 58 GRAN TOURISMO at Sydney International Boat Show

Strong interest expected with Australian dollar exchange rate powering top sales market in Asia-Pacific

Hot on the heels of the recent success of Fairline Boats' Targa 58 GRAN TURISMO, the British luxury yacht-maker will exhibit its award-winning boat at the Sydney International Boat Show from August 2 – 6, 2012.

Since being voted 2011 Motor Boat of the Year in its category, the sporty Targa 58 GT has been a big hit in Australia – with four sold to date, including two at the recent Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show held in May in Queensland.

The iconic English boatbuilder now anticipates keen interest in the model in Sydney's Darling Harbour, which is a thriving hub for the luxury boat market.

"Market feedback is extremely positive, partly due to an exceptional buying environment and the power of the Australian dollar exchange rate," said Bryan Jones, President of Fairline Boats Asia.

The express cruiser combines the coveted hallmark of the Fairline Targa with forward-thinking design and functionality, and a spacious 3-cabin layout with optional fourth-crew cabin / en-suite.

It provides expansive full-width accommodation with the master cabin / en-suite forward in the hull. A striking sense of open space is enhanced with plenty of natural daylight and a fully flat floor, not widely available in mid-cabin arrangements.  

"This model is especially popular for its innovative design, functionality and Targa style with sleek design and high performance," added Mr Glen Moltoni who will be representing the brand as authorised dealer for New South Wales, in addition to his current representation of Fairline Western Australia.

Complementing the Targa 58 GT's popularity are the continuing sales of sister Squadron 42 and 65 flybridge motor yachts.

"Sales continue to grow not only in Australia but across the Asia-Pacific, with annual growth of nearly 600 per cent since 2008," adds Jones.

Fairline Boats has targeted the Australia market with dealerships extending from Western Australia to Queensland and Victoria, representing one of the biggest and most respected global brands.

View Fairline's Targa 58 GRAN TURISMO at Cockle Bay Marina Darling Harbour during the Sydney International Boat Show from August 2-6, 2012

 www.fairline.com

 

The Launch of the London Grand Prix by Santander at the Royal Automobile Club London

(L to R) F1 driver Jenson Button, Olympian Amy Williams, radio presenter Sarah Jane Crawford, TV presenter Melanie Sykes and F1 driver Lewis Hamilton attend the launch of the London Grand Prix by Santander at the Royal Automobile Club on June 28, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images)

Prince William: Born to be King

Penny Junor

H&S Non Fiction 9781444720402 $32.99

The definitive portrait of the man who will be King, written by the bestselling royal biographer Penny Junor.

Prince William has emerged as the people's prince, surfacing from a lifetime of scrutiny and speculation as a discerning and charming young man, determined to serve the nation he loves.His wedding to long-term sweetheart Kate Middleton last year was watched by over two billion people around the world. Protective of his new bride, William has emphasised that he's keen to avoid repeating the mistakes of the past. William has inherited her instinctive empathy for others and in both his professional and personal life he has demonstrated a rare ability to get on with people from all walks of life.In BORN TO BE KING acclaimed royal writer Penny Junor tells his fascinating story - from growing up in the spotlight; the tragic death of his mother; his career serving in the RAF; the love story with Kate and their fairytale wedding.This is the definitive portrait of a remarkable young man.

About the Author

Penny Junor is a writer and broadcaster. She is the author of many best-selling biographies including ones of both the Prince and the Princess of Wales and two British Prime Ministers. She also co-wrote best-selling autobiographies of Pattie Boyd and Sir Cliff Richard. For many years she presented The Travel Show on BBC2 and Channel 4's award-winning consumer programme 4 What It's Worth. She is married with children and grandchildren and lives in Wiltshire.

Elton's Bentley Under the Hammer

A 1975 Bentley Corniche convertible formerly owned by Sir Elton John, goes under the hammer at Bonhams sale in Oxford on 16th June, estimated to sell for £50,000 to £60,000. The sale is held in Association with the VMCC (Vintage Motor Cycle Club) Banbury Run.

The current owner bought the Corniche when a selection of cars from Sir Elton's collection was auctioned in 2001, at which time the odometer reading stood at a little over 43,000 miles. Sir Elton speaks highly of the Bentley, which was one of a handful of his cars used extensively. He said: "I've had a lot of people in it, Princess Margaret's been in it, everyone's been in it."

The car is one of only 45 Bentley Corniche 'Series 1' convertibles built between 1971 and 1976. It was purchased new by Elton John in September 1975 and supplied finished in Silver Mink with beige interior and matching hood. In 1998, the year of his knighthood, Sir Elton sold the Bentley to his Personal Assistant, Robert Halley, from whom he repurchased it in 1999. During Mr Halley's ownership the car was repainted in its present livery and updated with later alloy wheels.

Construction of these cars involved moving the bodyshells between the Crewe factory and MPW's Willesden plant, a process that took all of 20 weeks for the saloon and slightly longer for the more complex convertible. These exclusive cars were hand built in the best traditions of British coachbuilding using only materials of the finest quality including Wilton carpeting, Connolly hide and burr walnut veneers, such painstaking attention to detail resulting in a price some 50% higher than that of the standard Silver Shadow or T-Series Bentley.

Used sparingly since acquisition, the Corniche benefits from refurbishment of the interior, carried out by marque specialists P & A Wood four years ago at a cost of circa £10,000, but otherwise is un-restored and in generally good condition. The interior, needless to say, is excellent. Accompanying documentation consists of Sir Elton's letter of provenance, current MoT and Swansea V5 document.