Shows Australia: Cosentino | The Grand Illusionist Tour Australi

Cosentino | The Grand Illusionist Tour Australia

Australia's world-renowned entertainer, Cosentino the Grand Illusionist, will be taking his spectacular new live show 'TWISTED REALITY' across the country in April - May 2015.

Join Cosentino as he performs never before seen death-defying escapes that will thrill your senses, mind boggling stage illusions and cutting-edge street magic that twists your view of reality.

Cosentino's trademark blend of dance and magic with a touch of hilarious audience participation will take you on a journey that will captivate fans, new and old, until the very last mind-bending moment.

"I've been working on my new live show 'TWISTED REALITY' for over a year. It's going to have even bigger stunts, crazier escapes and the best magic I've produced so far. I'm really proud of what we have created and I can't wait to hit the road and perform it live for my fans across the country", said Cosentino.

Tour Dates:

Thu 23 Apr Jupiters Hotel & Casino Gold Coast, QLD

Fri 10 to Sun 12 Apr The Palms at Crown, VIC

Sat 18 to Sun 19 Apr The Star Event Centre, NSW 

Fri 1 to Sat 2 May Regal Theatre, WA

Asian Cup 2015: From Keisuke Honda, Nasser Al-Shamrani and Shinji Kagawa, 10 stars to watch

With the Asian Cup just days away, we’ve heard plenty about Socceroos stars Tim Cahill, Robbie Kruse and Mile Jedinak in Melbourne, but what of their rivals?

The region’s best players have touched down in Australia, ready to aide their nations’ push for Asian supremacy when the tournament kicks off on January 9, 2015.

Here are 10 stars set to shine at the Asian Cup.

Keisuke Honda — Japan

Honda isn’t just Japan’s main man, he’s probably the best player in Asia. At 28, the midfielder is at the peak of his powers and has flourished since moving to Italian giants Serie A. The playmaker’s pedigree is impressive, having played in two World Cups and as a key part of Japan’s 2011-Asian Cup winning team, named the player of the tournament four years ago.

His speed, close control, vision, finishing (he has 28 goals in 65 national team appearances) and passing ability makes him a nightmare for defences, while the blonde-haired wizard is also a dead-ball wizard. An excitement machine, expect Honda to purr for the tournament favourites.

Japan’s classy midfield double act of Keisuke Honda and Shinji Kagawa. Source: Getty Images

Shinji Kagawa — Japan

Such is the class of the Japan squad, we felt it pertinent to include two members of the Samurai Blue, Shinji Kagawa just edging out Bundesliga rival and Japan’s all-time leading goalscorer Shinji Okazaki of FSV Mainz 05. Kawaga’s club form at present reflects that of struggling Borussia Dortmund, but the Asian Cup gives the 25-year-old the perfect stage to display his immense talents. 

He’s yet to find the back of the net under Japan coach Javier Aguirre, but having been moved back to his ideal central role after a fruitless spell on the left, you’d expect that to change when Japan’s defence kicks off against minnows Palestine on January 12 in Newcastle.

Nasser Al-Shamrani — Saudi Arabia

An attempted headbutt and spit at Matthew Spiranovic in the Asian Champions League final in November followed by last week’s altercation with a fan in Geelong have ensured Al-Shamrani will be the Asian Cup’s pantomime villain. His fiery nature means he’s never far from the action, but the Saudi Arabia striker is quite the player, his 10 ACL goals for Al Hilal helping him win the AFC’s player of the year award. It will be interesting to see and hear the welcome fans give him in Brisbane for the Saudis’ opener against China.

Son Heung-min — Korea Republic

A teammate of Robbie Kruse at Bayer Leverkusen, South Korean winger Son Heung-min is a genuine star and has flourished since moving from Hamburger SV. His five goals and two assists in 16 Bundesliga games this season have attracted interest from England, with Manchester United and Tottenham among his admirers. At just 22, Heung-min has a long career ahead of him, and if the South Koreans are going to upset Australia in Group A and go deep into the tournament, the winger will have to be at his best.

Ashkan Dejagah — Iran

Dejagah during the World Cup. Source: Getty Images

Iran attacker Dejagh played for Germany at youth level, was part of Wolfsburg’s 2008-09 Bundesliga-winning team and played in the Premier League with Fulham. In 2011 he pledged his allegiance to Iran, scoring twice on debut against Qatar in a World Cup qualifier. 

Now plying his trade for Al-Arabi in the Qatar Stars League (who paid Fulham a reported $12m to sign him), the lightning-fast attacker has the talent to wreak havoc on Group C rivals Japan, Iraq and Palestine if they give him too much space and time on the ball.

Khalfan Ibrahim — Qatar

Dubbed the ‘Maradona of Qatar’, and for good reason, Khalfan Ibrahim has a penchant for the spectacular. The Al Sadd winger was named Asian Player of the Year in 2006, aged just 18, and while his career ascent has somewhat levelled, the 26-year-old is still a deadly proposition. Ibrahim scored goals for fun (15 in 21 games) in the 2008-09 Qatar Stars League and won the Asian Champions League in 2011.

Reza Ghoochannejhad — Iran

Ghoochannejhad, nicknamed Gucci, scored Iran’s sole goal at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, and will lead the line for his country at the Asian Cup. The Charlton striker boasts a great strike rate for country (11 goals in 19 matches). Ghoochannejhad was a talented violinist as a child and will be hoping to strike a chord at the Asian Cup.

Omar Abdulrahman — United Arab Emirates

Another of Asia’s genuine superstars, the only doubt over Abdulrahman is his fitness, because if he is on song during the Asian Cup, look out. The 23-year-old Al Ain attacker trialled with Manchester City in 2012, with only work permit issues scuppering his move to England. There are question marks over his condition, having not played since the semi-finals of the Gulf Cup in November, but the big-haired attacker is a big game player and the UAE will be looking to him to help get them through a wide open Group C against Iran, Qatar and Bahrain.

Ali Al Habsi — Oman

Oman goalkeeper and skipper Al Habsi only arrived in Australia on Sunday, meaning he won’t have much time with the team before their Asian Cup kicks off against Korea Republic in Canberra, the city the Red Warriors have based themselves in. There’s plenty of experience in Oman’s squad, and Al Habsi is no different, having played 92 times of the national team, been to three Asian Cups and representing Wigan in the Premier League. The Socceroos attackers will have to be on their game when they face Al Habsi on January 13 at Stadium Australia, the 33-year-old has showed before he’s tough to get past.

Server Djeparov (Uzbekistan)

A two-time Asian player of the year (2008 and 2011) Uzbekistan forward Djeparov has been skipper of the side since 2011 and scored twice at the White Wolves’ semi-final finish at the last Asian Cup. Now at Korean side Seongnam FC, Djeparov’s country will look to their skipper to provide the goals in another wide open group featuring the Uzbeks, Saudi Arabia, Korea DPR and China.

View Source Article for Video Clips of these Star Players

Bonus WiFi at Metro Hotel and Apartments Gladstone

Book this Bonus Wi-Fi Hot Deal now for some great savings!  

Rate includes complimentary Wi-Fi and car parking.

In the heart of Gladstone, our serviced one bedroom apartments are perfect for short or long stays, each with its own fully equipped kitchen and laundry. 

Book this Bonus WiFi at Metro Hotel and Apartments Gladstone

http://www.metro-hotel-apartments-gladstone.bookings.metrohotels.com.au/index.site.packages.package.815.html

Jetgo's first flight from Sydney has landed

The first Jetgo direct from Sydney to Gladstone passenger flight arrives in Gladstone.

1st Dec 2014

THE first Jetgo flight from Sydney landed at Gladstone Airport just after 7am today with about 10 passengers on board.

The inaugural flight marks the start of regular flights between Gladstone and Sydney, filling a gap left after Qantaslink cancelled their route between the cities.

The airport's firefighters were on hand to do a water cannon salute for the arrival of the first flight.

The take-off from Sydney was smooth, according to Jetgo ground services supervisor Phil Burke, who was on board the first flight.

He said now that people could see Jetgo was operating, he expected bookings would be on the increase.

Jetgo is confident the route will be well supported by Gladstone residents.

The company is providing a direct jet service that will be twice as fast and a lot quieter than turbo prop jets currently flying out of Gladstone.

Flight times have been scheduled so passengers can easily do day trips between the two cities.

Source: http://www.gladstoneobserver.com.au/news/jetgos-first-flight-sydney-lands-today/2469974/

Degustation Christmas Lunch at Metro Hotel Ipswich International

The Ipswich dining scene has raised its game with the presence of international experienced English chef, Guy Farrow. Before arriving in Australia, Chef Guy worked in roles as Sous Chef at the famous five-star Savoy Hotel in London which has accommodated and dined hundreds of celebrity actors, rock stars, politicians and royalty.

Prior to that, Chef Guy worked at the equally famous stately home of Cliveden in Taplow, home of Lord and Lady Astor and also the setting to the world renowned ‘ Profumo Scandal’ that occurred in the 1960’s. Guy is classically trained in cooking and was inspired by his ‘idol’ Raymond Blanc, OBE when Guy started his cooking career at Oakley Court Hotel. The hotel is situated on the River Thames near Windsor where he was trained by Masterchef, Murdo McSween.

At the Metro Hotel Ipswich International this Christmas, Guy brings his diverse experience in fine dining and event catering with a fabulous eight course Degustation Christmas Day lunch. There will be no traditional turkeys with all the trimmings or plum pudding with lashes of brandy custard, instead Guy will use local produce to include vegetables, seafood, salads, beef and a variety of home-made sauces,. Cost of the meal is $135 and a special vegetarian menu is also available.

Chef Guy understands foods that go with the climate and has not forgotten his days growing up in the UK. “I always remember waking up on Christmas morning, going for an early crisp walk to church with the family and the smell of log fires” he says. “When we arrived back home, it was opening of the presents and waiting for the hot traditional turkey complete with the trimmings, followed by huge servings of plum pudding with brandy custard” he adds.

After extensive travelling Guy set up home in Brisbane spending three and half years teaching cooking at the Private Hospitality Training School. His vision as Executive Chef at the Metro Ipswich International is to work even closer with as many local producers from Ipswich to the Lockyer Valle and present special themed meals according to the seasonality of the produce. He is also working on setting up a cooking school to share his passion with as many people who are enthusiastic to learn his culinary skills and techniques.

When asked what his tip was for cooking Christmas lunch, regardless of hot or cold, his reply “Give yourself plenty of time. Prepare as much as possible a couple of days beforehand and have minimum cooking on the day. Keep it simple and use nice flavours” he said. “And relax and enjoy the company around you” he added.

Enjoy a family getaway this summer at Metro Hotel Ipswich International. Terrific value from $150 per night including a full buffet breakfast (for up to 4 guests) in our own Platform 9 Restaurant and accommodation in a self-contained, family-friendly apartment. Featuring a kitchenette with dishwasher, LCD TV with DVD player and Foxtel, minibar and complimentary Wifi, they are the ideal choice for families visiting Ipswich. Complimentary car parking is also available on site.

Bookings can be made at Metro Hotel Ipswich International by calling the toll free Central Reservations line on 1800 004 321 or visitwww.metrohotels.com.au to book online.

View Christmas Day Menu at Metro Hotel Ipswich International

View this Press Release and More at Metro Hotels News

Tripadvisor guest review - Apartments G60 Gladstone - Aug 2014

Apartments G60 Gladstone

“Great Appartments in the City”

Reviewed 24 August 2014 by simon S

These are good new apartments in the centre of Gladstone with 2 bedrooms and two bathrooms. I have stayed here a couple of times and the staff are always friendly and the rooms are always clean. Great value for money especially if there are two people travelling.

Room Tip: I like the rooms overlooking the street

• Stayed August 2014, travelled on business
• Source: http://www.tripadvisor.com.au/ShowUserReviews-g255336-d5557280-r223973232-Apartments_G60_Gladstone-Gladstone_Queensland.html#CHECK_RATES_CONT

New Gladstone Shopping Centre Open for Business

IN BUSINESS: Developer Geoff Bonney, long-time resident Betty Mergard, and Foodworks owners Peter Kinder and Michelle Irvine cut the ribbon.

BETTY Mergard officially opened the new Agnes Water Central shopping centre on Saturday.

Twelve hundred square metres has been developed to create a much-needed full line supermarket for the town.

And while grocery shopping enters a new era in Agnes Water, it's the interactive floor that has everyone celebrating.

Developer Geoff Bonney said the structure would be highly beneficial to the community.

"We had a basic design but we sat down with the architect and tailored it to what the locals need," he said.

"There was only a convenience store previously but this new development has really opened up opportunities.

"The bigger centre means it will increase employment rates too."

The facilities the centre features are state-of-the-art, with only four like it in Australia.

A revolutionary refrigeration and air conditioning unit behind the scenes and 5m interactive floor is what has locals so excited.

Iconic local Betty Mergard said she'd seen nothing like it in her 75 years.

"It's got the wow factor," she said. "The moving flooring and post office layout is just amazing."

The Mergard family's long term tourist industry input made her the perfect candidate to cut the official ribbon.

"I was really representing the community and their future enjoyment of the facility," she said.

Betty's daughter Desley O'Grady said it was fantastic for the area, "especially for holiday makers who will have more of a range for shopping".

"We've been coming here for over 70 years, and it's a big moment for us," she said.

Backpacker Tamara Volk said the food looked pretty good.

"It's not too expensive so it's great for us," she said. "The interactive floor will be good for the kids."

While Mark Mergard said it would "help the growth of the area".

Joel O'Grady said it was nice and neat and not cluttered.

"The interactive floor is fantastic."

Currently Foodworks and the post office are operational.

View Source