Kevin Rudd and RSPCA unite to support Aussie animals in need

Kevin Rudd and RSPCA unite to support Aussie animals in need, a set on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
Twining's tea endorsed by former Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd; Picnic and afternoon tea at Sydney University

The secret is out - Kevin Rudd really enjoys Twinings tea, and is a big supporter of the RSCPA.

This was the political message at Sydney University's Quadrangle Building's Lawn.

Mr Rudd's award-winning campaign has gone down the commercial path and the big sell is on.

After emerging as "master blender" at a Twinings nationwide competition to create the perfect cup of Australian tea, Mr Rudd - a self-confessed tea lover - won the right to have his own special flavour sipped by the nation on Australia Day. Mr Rudd had the tea tasted to perfection by members of his department and Abby and Jasper (Mr Rudd's household pets) in an online viral video.

As the winner of the challenge, Mr Rudd chose the RSPCA as the charity to receive 10c for each Australian Afternoon Tea packet sold.

"It was a cocktail of Irish Breakfast, Russian Caravan and Orange Pekoe. The guinea pigs were my staff," said Mr Rudd. "The win is a win for Australian animals.

"It's good to know you've had a cup of tea, when you've had a cup of tea," said Mr Rudd, who wanted the tea to be strong and drinkable with milk.

"I entered the competition because I thought it was a great opportunity to raise some extra cash for the RSPCA.

"I hope people like it.

"I certainly do."

Mr Rudd was part of 65 Australian celebrities who participated in the challenge. Broadcaster Alan Jones, TV host Kerri-Anne Kennerley and her husband John, former world surfing champion Layne Beachley and singer John Williamson were among the finalists.

Websites

Twining's (Australia)
www.twinings.com.au

Kevin Rudd MP (ALP website)
www.alp.org.au/federal-government/labor-people/kevin-rudd/

Sydney University
www.sydney.edu.au

Eva Rinaldi Photography
www.evarinaldi.com

ROSE BYRNE walks the pink carpet at the Australian Premiere OF I GIVE IT A YEAR

                                           
                                      

Rose Byrne returns home in Sydney to attend the Australian Premiere of her new film I GIVE IT A YEAR at Event Cinemas George Street.

The film also stars Simon Baker, Rafe Spall, Anna Faris, Minnie Driver and Stephen Merchant and comes from Working Title Films, the producers of Bridget Jones’s Diary, Love Actually and Notting Hill.

Starting where other romantic comedies finish, I GIVE IT A YEAR charts the trials and tribulations of a young, mismatched couple during their first year of marriage. Josh (Rafe Spall) and Nat’s (Rose Byrne) wedding is a dream come true, but family and friends think it won’t last. When Josh’s ex-girlfriend Chloe (Anna Faris) and Nat’s handsome new client Guy (Simon Baker) come into the picture, the situation gets a little more complicated. Neither wants to be the first to give up, but will they make it?

Featuring a brilliant ensemble cast, the London-set I GIVE IT A YEAR is a modern and thoroughly funny ride through love, chemistry and compatibility.

I GIVE IT A YEAR will be released Nationally on 28 February 2013.

Click here to watch the trailer

Rubber Duck, Darling Harbour Sydney Australia

Rubber Duck, Darling Harbour Sydney Australia, a set on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
One of the quirky highlights of Sydney Festival 2013 will be Dutch artist Florentijn Hofman's Rubber Duck.

The Rubber Duck - made of a PVC material similar to jumping castles - was constructed in New Zealand by a company that specialises in sewing stadium rooftops and large sails.

He's about 15m high by 15m wide and he's about 18m long," Mr Jessop said of the duck.

It took three people three weeks to sew it - it's about 6km of stitching.

Twenty-five to 30 minutes is all it takes (to inflate), that's using four blowers.

Spectators won't notice it from the shore, but the Rubber Duck, weighing in at 500kg, will be sitting on a 10-tonne barge, hidden by the surface of the water, to ensure it doesn't take flight in the event of high winds.

Just getting the duck into the harbour involves several tug boats, the opening of Pyrmont Bridge, plus a break in the monorail service.

Les Misérables red carpet movie premiere, Sydney, Australia

Les Misérables red carpet movie premiere, Sydney, Australia, a set on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
Les Misérables red carpet movie premiere, Sydney, Australia...

News...

Les Misérables enjoyed its Sydney, Australia red carpet premiere at the State Theatre in Sydney's CBD this evening.

Movie stars present for the red carpet premiere included Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe, Tom Hooper, and Sir Cameron Mackintosh.

Hundreds of fans and dozens of news media lined King Street to catch a glimpse of the stars.

News...

The screen adaptation of 'Les Miserables' is being discussed as potential Oscar worthy and its mega star, 'Our' Hugh Jackman has warmly welcomed the buzz as recognition of how hard it is to transform a musical to the screen, no matter how good the material.

The star-studded film version of the stage musical debuted to critics at screenings in New York, London, Los Angeles and Sydney last weekend and it did very well, with many standing ovations and strong reviews.

Popular show business website Showbiz.com advised Jackman was a sure contender for the best actor Academy Award for his role as Jean Valjean, the ex-prisoner who creates a successful new life for himself.

The Universal Studios flick, directed by Tom Hooper who won an Oscar for 'The King's Speech', also features fellow Aussies Russell Crowe as Jackman's nemesis Inspector Javert and leading lady Anne Hathaway as Fantine.

Jackman said he had not seen the final cut until the Sydney viewing and he was "pretty blown away by it".

"I think everyone understands that musical movies are probably the Mount Everest of movies," he told ABC TV.

"There's so many elements that need to come together. Les Mis has so much pedigree, not only in world literature, but as probably one of the most successful stage musicals of all time.

"So there was a lot at risk, but I loved it, I really loved it."

The stage version has been seen by more than 60 million people in 42 countries to date and in 21 languages around the globe, and is still breaking box-office records in its 27th year.

Jackman, who made his name on the stage but is best known for his role as Wolverine in the "X-Men" movie series, said his latest role, set against the backdrop of 19th century France, was the hardest of his career so far.

"There's no doubt that of all the things I feel I can do, this demanded more than anything," he said.

"As a pedigree of work, it's probably higher than anything else I've been in. The director, the ensemble, it was certainly one of those projects that felt like a once in a lifetime event."

It makes the early Oscar buzz all the more satisfying for the Sydney-based star.

"I would love nothing better than for the film to get recognised because I know how hard everyone worked and what was at stake, and we all know how musicals, when they don't come out well, can stink to high heaven," he said.

"So, any kind of positive buzz, of course I'm happy."

Stay tuned to Media Man, Music News Australia and the official Les Miserables and Universal Pictures websites for updates.

Websites

Les Miserables official website
www.lesmiserablesfilm.com

Les Miserables official website (Australia)
www.lesmiserablesmovie.com.au

Universal Pictures Australia
www.universalpicturesaustralia.com

Music News Australia
www.musicnewsaustralia.com

Media Man International
www.mediamanint.com