NOVAK WINS AUSTRALIAN OPEN 3 YEARS ON THE TROT – A WORLD FIRST
“What a joy. It’s an incredible feeling to win this trophy again. This is definitely my favourite grand slam. I love this tournament. I love this court. I have to congratulate Andy and thank him.”
Novak Djokovic became the first man to win three successive Australian Open titles in the professional era when he beat third seed Andy Murray 6-7 7-6 6-3 6-2 in a battle of attrition on Sunday.–SuperSport. photo: Gallo images.
~Posted by Horiwoodblog, Aotearoa New Zealand, Polynesia Asia-Pacific. 28.1.13~
ANDY MURRAY PREPS FOR MELBOURNE GRAND SLAM
I hope it's a painful match... because that means it will be a good one.
–Andy Murray gets in character for the Novak Djokovic grand slam final in Melbourne. (more…)
TENNIS – MELBOURNE OPEN FINALS DECIDED 2013
Tennis: It’s a Djokovic-Federrer final in Melbourne, with Novak’s 6-2, 6-2, 6-1 over David Ferrer. Li will meet Azarenka in the women’s final.
~Posted by Horiwoodblog, Aotearoa New Zealand, Polynesia Asia-Pacific. 24.1.13~
A MELBOURNE TENNIS UPSET – SERENA WILLIAMS INTRODUCES SLOANE STEPHENS TENNIS RISE – JANUARY 23RD 2013
Young Sloane Stephens, 19, caused an upset at Melbourne in the tennis. If you’ve lived in Melbourne as I did during special summer working vacation months, slugging it out working in the heat, in my New Zealand college years, you will know that the Australia Open is seen as one of the most fun festive tennis events in the world. People jet in from around the globe to celebrate the event. It’s an elite audience event. (more…)
NOVAK THROUGH TO AUSSIE OPEN Q-F’s JAN 2013
Novak Djokovic is through to Aussie Open quarter-finals.–ESPN sports.
~Posted by Horiwoodblog, Aotearoa New Zealand, Polynesia Asia-Pacific. 21.1.13~
COROMANDEL IS No.1 PREFERRED TRAVEL VACATION PLACE FOR NEW ZEALAND CITIZENS 2013
New Zealand’s no.1 & no.2 favorite places to visit in summer vacations are: Coromandel and Northland a new 2013 survey says. In third place was Nelson Tasman region.
It’s nice to know all three are set up for large tourist influx numbers. There are so many magical places all around New Zealand. Many aren’t really widely known of. (more…)
A NEW YEAR’S DIP ASIA-PACIFIC 2013
A new year’s dip was in order for a Melbourne resident, January 2013.
Kia kaha. Stay strong. Photo: Getty Images.
~Posted by Horiwoodblog, Aotearoa New Zealand, Polynesia Asia-Pacific. 4.1.13~
JOYABLE, PEACEFUL, SAFE OUTREACH – AUSTRALIA’S CHRISTMAS MESSAGE 2012
“However you and your family celebrate Christmas, whatever your own Christmas traditions are, I hope you have a wonderful day. To those without family, I say please reach out a hand and in this wonderful country you will find a hand of friendship reaching back out to you.”
“May it be enjoyable, peaceful and a safe time for everyone.”–Tony Abbott.
[Photo: Great Ocean Road, Victoria].
~Posted by Horiwoodblog, Aotearoa New Zealand, Polynesia Asia-Pacific. 25.12.12~
“MAORI NEED TO UNITE… COME TOGETHER” – A MAORI GRANDMOTHER TELLS ME TODAY…
“We need to unite. Come together”
–a Maori grandmother and her older brother said to me today. Their other brother works in Melbourne. With some of the money their bro’s business earns in Melbourne, the family do property developing on the land their father left them. I love their work in building lifestyle homes and gardens. So cool. Smart family. (more…)
JESSICA SIMPSON & JENNIFER LOPEZ – THE WORKING MOTHERS CLUB DECEMBER 2012
Always doing well is: Jessica Simpson…
Photo: Max and Emme doing some retail shopping in Melbourne, Australia with J-Lo and Casper Smart on Wednesday on a world tour. Photo: Splash News Online.
More celebrity pics at People Magazine.
~Posted by Horiwoodblog, Aotearoa New Zealand, Polynesia Asia-Pacific. 13.12.12~
LOVE & ROMANCE – 3rd DECEMBER 2012
Love + Romance rate quite highly with most viewers.
How can I say, the way I feel about you now. I guess you know my love depends on you. How can I explain, when time and time again it starts. It only happens, when I look at you.
The Top Ten sections of content are:
| 1. Love | 1,304 |
| 2. Love | 1,300 |
| 3. Romance | 1,232 |
| 4. Authors | 1,213 |
| 5. Romance | 1,205 |
| 6. Hollywood History | 1,200 |
| 7. Authors | 1,195 |
| 8. Guest Commentary | 1,193 |
| 9. Hollywood History | 1,191 |
10. Billionaire HQ
I guess you know the way, the way I feel about you now, I guess you know my love depends on you. Now that you're by my side, I can forget about my foolist pride. It only happens, when I look at you.
Music: Renee Geyer and her hit song, It Only Happens. Renee is a cross-cultural Australian who loves Maori people and Maori people have always cherished and loved Renee. She’s got soul. We love her. Onto her 22nd record now, the maestro is a living legend.. A singer set upon a hill in timbred-bright song. As authentic as Melbourne Australia in her singing range. Distinctive to Australia, Renee is Aussie’s darling.
It only happens, when I look at you. It only happens, when I look at you.
Love is… your inner angel’s energy.
[Roses, Leo's Hollywood Store].
~Posted by Horiwoodblog, Aotearoa New Zealand, Polynesia Asia-Pacific. 12.3.12~
ADAM SCOTT WINS FIRST AUSSIE MASTERS
In LA, Angelenos are crazy about Adam Scott. That was before the Hemsworths hit it big at the box office.
In golf news: Poulter pipped at the post by playing partner Scott. Photo: AFP.
In Melbourne Adam Scott fulfilled a dream to follow in the footsteps of his childhood hero Greg Norman.
“I had to [win] or otherwise I could never have come back to a golf course,” the Aussie golfer said after a final round 67 gave him a tournament total of 17-under 271 around Melbourne’s Kingston Heath.
Ian Poulter, the defending champion was up by a shot. In the final round, Europe’s Ryder Cup man landed on a 72. (more…)
NICOLE KIDMAN GRACES DERBY DAY, MELBOURNE AUSTRALIA
Oscar winner Nicole Kidman kick started the Melbourne Cup with an appearance at Derby Day in Victoria, Australia.
Under the Swisse Marquee and in the VIP birdcage area, Kidman wowed Aussie onlookers in a “My Fair Lady” inspired ensemble designed by L’Wren Scott and complemented by milliner Stephen Jones.
“We decided to do something that was fun and a bit different,” Kidman said of her fashion choice. (more…)
KING KAPISI – SAMOANA KIWI HIP HOP
Old school Samoana Kiwi hip hop. King Kapisi.
The song reminds me of a Melbourne summer once.
~Posted by Horiwoodblog, Aotearoa New Zealand, Polynesia Asia-Pacific. 22.10.12~
NRL GRAND FOOTBALL FINAL BITES: MELBOURNE STORM 14. CANTERBURY BULLDOGS 4.
Photo: Melbourne Storm trio Billy Slater, Cameron Smith and Cooper Cronk celebrate the team’s grand final victory. Picture: Brett Costello. Source: The Daily Telegraph.
It was a high drama infamous NRL grand final this year. Melbourne Storms 14. Canterbury Bulldogs 4.
News.Com.Au reported: “Coach Craig Bellamy’s men put themselves back in the history books as premiers after defeating Canterbury 14-4 at ANZ Stadium last night.
It was a spiteful encounter with the Bulldogs, the aftermath of which will play out this week.
Halfback Cooper Cronk’s masterful display earned him the Clive Churchill Medal.
Captain Cameron Smith said Storm’s victory was one for grit and belief. “To all those players in the purple jerseys, you have
been outstanding his year,” he said. “We hit a rough spot, a lot of people were doubting where we would finish. We hung tough, we stuck solid, and we got the rewards.”
Melbourne dominated from the outset, controlling the ball in attack in a manner unheard of in a grand final.
For all of the drama, including a biting incident on star fullback Billy Slater, check it. Go Melbourne. Congratulations.
[Photo: Storm fullback Billy Slater is put in a head lock by David Stagg after Sam Perret scored a try for the Bulldogs. Picture: Gregg Porteous Source: The Daily Telegraph].
~Posted by Horiwoodblog, Aotearoa New Zealand, Polynesia Asia-Pacific. 1.10.12~
LIAM HEMSWORTH, MILEY CYRUS, A NEW HOBBIT MOVIE TRAILER & HOLLYWOOD NEWS BITES
A quick drive to LAX for Miley Cyrus to meet returning actor beau, Aussie’s Liam Hemsworth, is snapped by paparazzi in LA. Tres Karise Eden today. :)–The Daily Mail.
Some Hollywood News:
Mila Kunis & Ashton Kutcher still together–People Magazine
Dave Matthews band bigger than Dylan–Huffington Post
Oliver Stone is a breast cancer advocte now. Lol!–Hollywood Tuna
‘The Hobbit’ trailer – Hollywood bloggers take a dive–PopWatch
Take 2: ‘The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey’–LA Times review
Miranda Kerr has major fans in the US still–DS.
AEG sports brand reshuffles–LA Times
Retro Family fun: Hanson covers Taylor Swift–The Daily Beast
Shakira is hapu–People Magazine
Beyonce blitzes the campaign trail–PopSuga.
Philly Stone Quiz: Salman Rushdie‘s not-so-hidden life–LA Times
Video: Ryan Gosling gets take out–The Huffington Post
Obama on Romney: ‘All Of Us Make Mistakes’–The Daily Beast
Oscars shake ups, Robin Swicord joins Oscars Board of Governors–NF
K-Stew, R-Patz still share jokes–The Daily Beast
Chelsea Handler branches out –FinkeInk
The Zuck as Apple’s wingman for Wall Street news–LA Times
Or Steve Jobs at Madame Tussauds–load your photo on Facebook.
Canada pimple news–ICYDN
That’s shocking! Miley Cyrus smokes on wheels–The Huffington Post
Kristen Bell & Dax Shepard actors humor–People Magazine
Marky Mark & The Rock‘s new movie drops at theaters April 2013–Woot!
~Posted by Horiwoodblog, Aotearoa New Zealand, Polynesia Asia-Pacific. 20.9.12~
MARVEL: THE AVENGERS EARNS $1.5 BILLION GLOBAL BOX OFFICE, JOINING JAMES CAMERON’S FILMS IN TOP 3 FILMS OF ALL TIME
Nikki Finke‘s Hollywood Industry website (the best!) reports:
“19 weeks Marvel’s The Avengershit the global box office. It has since earned $1.5billion. It is now the 3rd highest grossing film of all time, settling in behind James Cameron‘s two blockbuster films Titanic (no.2) and Avatar (no.1).”
The film’s earnings are viewed as impressive given the fact that Disney bought Marvel comics three years ago for $4b.
What does this show us? People actually do want to invest in long term franchised installment ideas. Books (comics) have already proven themselves and bring an audience with them. Their longevity and popularity easily translates into box office success. Low risk investments for good R.O.I revenue. People still have a need to see superheroes in all of that get up. Clearly that’s what this shows too.
More people should perhaps get writing. :)
[Photo: Variety]
~Posted by Horiwoodblog, Aotearoa New Zealand, Polynesia Asia-Pacific. 3.9.12~
NRL RUGBY LEAGUE NEWS: MELBOURNE STORM 20. CRONULLA SHARKS 18.
Sports News: Rugby League news was quite exiting today. Melissa Woods of The Roar reported, “Melbourne centre Will Chambers scored in the final minute to snatch a 20-18 win from the jaws of the Sharks in their NRL clash at AAMI Park.
Melbourne fought back from 18-10 with two minutes remaining, with second rowe Ryan Hoffman scoring and then Chambers for the heart-stopping win.”
Coach Craig Bellamy said post-match, “We were really lucky.”
Skipper Cameron Smith told the team it was a great effort. “It take[s] a special effort from a special team to get that result from the way we played and where we were with five minutes to go,” Smith said.
Although a heartbreaker for Cronulla‘s fans, it certainly was a classic league thriller match. Good stuff. It’s still good news for The Sharks today though. The club has landed $300 million funding for sports club development.
The Storm finish the regular season with a match against Wests Tigers next Saturday night in Sydney. Good luck!
Click left to watch sports football video.
[The Herald Sun's commentary has more].
~Posted by Horiwoodblog, Aotearoa New Zealand, Polynesia Asia-Pacific. 28.8.12~
INDIA HEMSWORTH’S DAD QUITS IFA TALENT AGENCY – TALENT BANKS MANAGEMENT SHAKE UPS
Nikki Finke writes of Australian actor Chris Hemsworth:
“He is Hollywood’s hottest new action movie star. Now Chris Hemsworth has quit his agency IFA Talent.
“He is not taking meetings for now but maybe in a few months,” an insider told Deadline Hollywood. The leading box office helmer is the star of Thor, Snow White And The Huntsman, The Avengers film franchise. Steven Spielberg has also eyed Chris for the upcoming Robopocalypse. In addition, Marvel’s action movies Thor 2 and The Avengers 2 will keep young Chris tres busy.
Signed with IFA talent president Ilene Feldman for about 4 years, Chris has moved on. It does happen. When a star gets as big as Chris at the box office, within an agency an agent often drops their name and gets all of their rising talent signed to movie roles. Directors and producers sign the talent at the star’s agency recommend in the hope the new star could be the next Hemsworth. That’s all good and all a part of star-making the next wave of acting talent. A leading light is happy to loan their name to younger talent, in this way.
Yet, when the agent then forgets to negotiate strong deals the star’s way sharing bonus profits the agent has carved off the star’s back and parlayed across the unknown talent it does become an issue. Especially when the talent agent is more on the side of the studios than acted like an agent and inked suitable contracts for the leading star (now, the ‘gig’ of the agency) with the studios the actor was side to. That latter being the agents no.1 job to ensure. In such a case, a star is quite right to assume something is up.
Having lived in Hollywood, I would say the story in Chris Hemsworth’s case verges on being one of racism. The Aussie is the draw to the box office, and thus to the agency. All of Hollywood win when he shines. Yet behind the scenes, the agent is treating him like a non-American citizen within America. Fair? Not fair? Is it just the price of ‘immigration’ in Hollywood or the USA as a super heavy tax immigrants should endure? Or, is the star within their rights to just say, see you later? As Chris decided to do.
And so the love-hate relationship with newcomers continues in Tinsel Town with Hemsworth’s case. (more…)
AUSTRALIA NEWS BITES: ANTARCTIC MOUNTAINS SCENIC FLIGHTS, MEGAN GALE, NATALIA IMBRUGLIA, TOM HARDY & CHARLIZE THERON – 27.8.12
A view of the Antartic mountains, as Australia is the ninth most read topic today.–Photo: Lissa Christopher.
Here’s some News:
Music to Hollywood acting: Natalie Imbruglia may have sold millions of albums, yet acting is on the cards–The Australian.
Sports: Sharks & The Storm, what’s up?–Sydney Morning Herald sports journalists report.
Not a good day for Aussie drillers: Drilling rig deaths. Two workers go South-West. ABC.Net.
Gardening Guru Colin Campbell has died–Brisbane Times.
Naomi Watt is over the paparazzi–The Australian.
Hot casting: Tom Hardy and Charlize Theron to star with supermodel Megan Gale–Sydney Morning Herald
Cuisine, The Melbourne way. Where to dine out–The Age. Where to experience rock grunge–St Kilda.
Immigration: African and Muslim immigrants & Melbourne’s police force relations. ABC.Net.
Historical Tales: Sir Anthony Mason on the sacking of the Whitlam government–Canberra Times.
TV ratings: Howzat sits pretty on 3 million viewers–The Australian.
Industrial sector markets watch: China’s drop causes Aussie industrial market entities to dip. ABC Net.
Sports: NRL’s biggest flops 2012.–The Australian.
Sports: Aussie Olympians–Canberra Times.
New Poll: Julia Gillard is looking okay.–Canberra Times.
Sports: Caviar will race on.–The Australian.
Gun Control–how safe are the police?–The Brisbane Times.
Education Apartheid: Kenneth Davidson on The Gonski Report‘s findings.
Cool excursions: Getting to know Antarctica - Australia to Antarctica in a day.–SMH
Be quick: The Arctic Ice Cap is melting away.–SMH
Fashion Focus: Mercendez Benz fashion festival. On the runways of Brisbane–BT
Sweet Kitchen Hobbies: Tangelo & Buttermilk Syrup Cake.–The Age.
~Posted by Horiwoodblog, Aotearoa New Zealand, Polynesia Asia-Pacific. 27.8.12~
MELBOURNE OLYMPIANS TURN ON A SHOW
All smiles in Melbourne as the city’s special Olympians turned on a homecoming show. Too cute.
~Posted by Horiwoodblog, Aotearoa New Zealand, Polynesia Asia-Pacific. 22.8.12~
CHRIS HEMSWORTH AS JAMES HUNT IN RUSH – FORMULA 1 MOVIE STILLS
Photo: Getting into character, Chris Hemsworth stars as Formula 1 champion James Hunt in upcoming movie Rush.–UK Daily Mail.
~Posted by Horiwoodblog, Aotearoa New Zealand, Polynesia Asia-Pacific. 22.8.12~
ABSOLUTELY AMAZING – MAGIC MAKE HISTORY WITH WIN OVER VIXENS – ANZ CHAMPIONSHIPS
Today, one nation is very proud of our lady athletes:
The Magic made world history today being the local Kiwi Club to win a final against the Aussie’s Vixens.
TVNZ reporter Steve Marshall described the match as a total “nailbiter.”
“The Waikato-Bay of Plenty Magic have made history by being the first New Zealand netball side to claim the ANZ Championship with their stunning come-back 41-38 win over the Vixens in Melbourne today.
After five long years the perennial finalists, competing in their third final, roared home as netball fans across the country embraced the moment.
A jubilant Irene van Dyk described the win as “absoloutely amazing”, the 40-year-old tutor having battled through a difficult week after losing her mother to a long battle with cancer shortly before last week’s preliminary final win oner the Northern Mystics.”
Absoluut ongelooflike inderdaad. Congratulations. Mauri ‘Ola. :)
The Champions: Photo Musae Studios.
Laura Langman, Irene van Dyk and Casey Williams celebrate. Getty Images.
“It (victory) wasn’t only for us here, it was for the whole of New Zealand.”–Irene van Dyk. Photo Getty.
Highlights: TV3.
Our sweet & tough golden girls of sport & World Champions of New Zealand 2012 are: Laura Langman, Casey Williams, Jess Waitapu, Khao Watts, Jess Tuki, Sulu Ione-Fitzpatrick, Leana de Brun and Arahi Wall.
Other golden girl World Champions of netball sports magic 2012 include:
Top coach: Noeline Taurua, Belinda Muller, Fiona Goddard and Te Ambassador of Te Sport: Temepara George, MNZM.
~Posted by Horiwoodblog, Aotearoa New Zealand, Polynesia Asia-Pacific. 22.7.12~
BLACK JACKET DUBSTEP CAKE MIX ANZUS FAMILIES & THE HORIWOOD TOP TEN – 5th NOVEMBER 2012
When the going gets tough, the tough put a black jacket on and up the game.–Barack Obama hits the trail in Dubuque, Iowa. AFP
The Horiwood Top Ten are:
1. Light’s Elevator – Helensville
2. One for Russia’s young adults: Pussy Riot – Nicole Kidman & Mario Testino
3. At the movie set office – Mark Wahlberg & Dwayne Johnson
4. Eli Young Band & Taylor Swift
5. Kerry Emanuel on Superstorms
6. Fast cars – fuel entertainment-USA
7. British Royal Senna Kowhai
8. The Horiwood Top Ten – 11.4.12
9. Camilla Belle for Schiaparelli & Prada – NYC
10. Anne St Vincent & Stefani Germanotta
Bonus:
No.11: Google zooms on Antarctica
No.12: Lawyer Greg King
No. 13: James K. Baxter - oil wrangling, war & politics poetry
No. 14: Vintage Photo: Presidents in a Rose Garden
No. 15: Art: Silver Fern by David Wall
No. 16: Renee Stewart
No. 17: Maria Tutaia‘s winning smile
NZ News: All Black’s European Tour & Maori All Blacks England Tour.
Miley Cyrus News: Miley Cyrus hits 10 million followers on Twitter.
Awkward! Miley Cyrus pashes fiance Liam Hemsworth in music vid.
Miley Cyrus Working With Porn Star For New Video.
According to Israeli producer Boregore, Miley Cyrus is doing way too much starring in the music video for his dubstep track, ‘Decisions.’ Boregore and Miley chant: “I wanna eat the whole cake. I’m not sharing. I’m not sharing. You shoulda learned how to bake,” whilst writhing around in chunks of frosting and cream. Jessie Andrews stars in the video with Smilers.
Last week – The Garner Affleck family took the kids to cake mixing class at Duffs Cake Mix in Hollywood. Photo: People Magazine. It’s all about cake in the USA then. (See Benjamin Franklin‘s thoughts on cake. A cake is like a nation. The edges of the cake are its coastlines). The USA is a sweet tooth obsessed people.
Crazy fun American kids! :)
Dubstep Cake Mixers it is then… the vibe from USA today.
~Posted by Horiwoodblog, Aotearoa New Zealand, Polynesia Asia-Pacific. 5.11.12~
November 5, 2012 | Categories: Actors, ANZUS, Barack Obama, Ben Affleck, Benjamin Franklin, Boregore, Cake Art, Comedians, Confectionary, Dubstep, Entertainment Celebrity News, Entertainment Distribution, Entertainment News, Hollywood Entertainment News, Horiwood Top 10, Humor, Israel, Jennifer Garner, Jessie Andrews, Liam Hemsworth, Melbourne, Miley Cyrus, Nashville, Ohio, Phillip Island Australia, Politics, Pop Cultural Commentary, Tennessee, Twitter, USA, West Hollywood, Young Hollywood | 1 Comment »