Metro Hotels Provides Spiritual Book to Guests as a Source of Inspiration

In a world-first, Australian-owned hotel chain Metro Hotels will place a book called Jing Si Aphorisms in all rooms in its NSW and Queensland properties, to enable guests to learn more about the Buddhist compassionate relief organisation, Tzu Chi Foundation.

The Foundation first came to the attention of the hotel chain when it went unasked to the aid of Ipswich residents, giving out care packages following the devastating 2011 floods. 

The hotel chain’s Ipswich property, Metro Hotel Ipswich International, built a relationship with the Foundation and offered to put books in its rooms so that its guests would learn more about the work and philosophy of the organisation.

Metro Hotels decided to extend this offer to other properties, with Metro Hotel Sydney Central General Manager Earl Muir yesterday accepting a special presentation of the books from Julia Wu, principal of Tzu Chi Foundation, Gold Coast, and Stephen Kan, CEO of Tzu-Chi Sydney.

The book, Jing Si Aphorisms, translates the essence of the Buddha’s teachings to exemplify life lessons. ‘Aphorism’ means original thought, or definition, and rather than being a religious text the book is meant to be an explanation of the Buddhist faith. 

Mr Muir said the Tzu Chi Foundation, which lives by the creed that it is more of a blessing to serve others than be served, believes in service to the community and has demonstrated its commitment to this belief through its actions in Ipswich.

“This organisation has shown tremendous compassion and service to Australian communities when they are in need and Metro Hotel believes it is an organisation which Australians may want to know more about,” he said.

“Placing Jing Si Aphorisms in our hotel rooms gives guests another reading option to the Holy Bible. The book is being supplied as a source of inspiration to our guests. This is not about converting people from one religion to another but rather promoting harmony and diversity.” 

See this press release and more at Metro Hotels News

Weekend Warriors Sweat for Charity

Paddlers in pink took to the water at Darling Harbour on Sunday to compete in the annual Dragons Abreast charity regatta to raise money for breast cancer research and support.

Meanwhile, two last-minute entrants took out the top spots in the inaugural Run Sydney half marathon, which was presented by The Sun-Herald and held at Sydney Olympic Park.

Dejen Gebreselassie, a 21-year-old from Kingsford, won the race, while the first woman over the line was Jane Fardell, 33, from Dubbo.
 
“It was a tough race but a great flat course,” Mr Gebreselassie said of the race, which was presented by The Sun Herald.

A spokeswoman said both Mr Gebreselassie and Ms Fardell had joined the race as last-minute entrants.

More than 6000 runners, joggers and walkers entered the three races: a three-kilometre children's run, a 10-kilometre run or walk and the half marathon course. The event raised more than $80,000 for charities across Australia, including charity partner beyondblue.

Elsewhere, Sydneysiders were out in force for the Seven Bridges Walk, which raised money for the Cancer Council.

Coming Soon to Capitol Theatre Sydney: Wicked - The Broadway Musical

Long before Dorothy dropped in, two other girls meet in the Land of Oz.

One, born with emerald green skin, is smart, fiery and misunderstood. The other is beautiful, ambitious and very popular. WICKED tells the story of how these two unlikely friends grow to become the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good.

When WICKED opened on Broadway, it worked its magic on critics and audiences alike. Winner of 35 major awards including a Grammy®, three Tony Awards® and six Helpmann Awards including Best Musical, WICKED has been described as the “Best Musical of the Decade.” Entertainment Weekly

After its success on Broadway, in North America, London, Germany, Japan and Australia, WICKED will return to Sydney in 2014 for a strictly limited season.

Click on the link and “Add to Favourites” to be the first in line to get tickets for this spectacular show in Sydney!

Sydney Festival Unveils 2014 Lineup

Mike Patton Performing Luciano Berio’s 1965 composition Laborintus II

Classical performances from Mike Patton and Sonic Youth’s Lee Ranaldo, and a tribute to Big Star’s cult 1978 albumThird/Sister Lovers lead the Sydney Festival program for 2014.

The performance of Big Star’sThird will see the last remaining musician from the band, drummer Jody Stephens, joined by REM’s Mike Mills, The Posies’ Ken Stringfellow and guest local and international artists. Lee Ranaldo will perform his new work Hurricane Transcriptions on a double bill alongside Mike Patton, who will be performing Luciano Berio’s 1965 composition Laborintus III, which is described as “a montage of spoken word, instrumentation and electronics.”

The festival, which will once again take over the city from January 9 – 26, also includes performances from former Battles frontman Tyondai Braxton, solo artist John Grant, post-punk survivor Edwyn Collins (Orange Juice), Daptone’s Lee Fields & The Expressions, electronic duo Matmos, avant-jazz saxophonist and Arcade Fire/Bon Iver collaborator Colin Stetson, punk-cabaret provocateur Amanda Palmer and former Bad Seed Mick Harvey revisiting his albums of Serge Gainsbourg’s interpretationsIntoxicated Man and Pink Elephants.

Other festival highlights include Laneway festival’s Kurt Vile playing two shows – a solo set and a full-band gig – off the back of his recent album Walkin on a Pretty Daze; Bombino, the acclaimed electric guitarist from Niger, playing a Falls sideshow; and Malian duo Amadou & Mariam returning to Australia with their “multi-sensory experience” Eclipse. While the festival has abandoned its traditional free opening-night party, disco star Chaka Khan will play a free show in the Domain gardens on January 11.

MAJOR EVENTS

Lee Ranaldo’s Hurricane Transcriptions / Mike Patton’s Laborintus III with Ensemble Offspring & The Song Company
City Recital Hall – January 16

Big Star’s Third
Enmore Theatre, January 23

Chaka Khan
The Domain – January 11

Amadou & Mariam’s Eclipse
Sydney Town Hall, January 9-11

So Frenchy So Chic in The Park – Lou Doillon, Lilly Wood & The Prick, Féfé and Circus Babylon
St John’s College, University of Sydney – January 18

Tyondai Braxton’s HIVE + Canyons & Daniel Boyd’s 100 Million Nights
Concert Hall Sydney Opera House, January 21

Matmos
City Recital Hall, January 15

Sun Ra Arkestra
State Theatre, January 18

Ambrose Akinmusire
City Recital Hall, January 11
The Spiegeltent, January 12

FESTIVAL VILLAGE

Amanda Palmer
The Spiegeltent, January 9-19

Tom Thum
Circus Ronaldo Tent, January 21-26

Ben Caplan & The Casual Smokers
The Spiegeltent, January 8
Parramatta Opening Party, January 10

Bombino
The Spiegeltent, January 9-10
The Lennox, Parramatta, January 11

Chris Thile
The Spiegeltent, January 14 – 15
The Lennox, Parramatta, January 16

Samaris
The Spiegeltent, January 16 – 17

Edwyn Collins
The Spiegeltent, January 19 – 21
The Lennox, Parramatta, January 18

The Staves
The Spiegeltent, January 22 – 23
Sutherland Entertainment Centre, January 24

Sinkane
The Spiegeltent, January 24 & 26

C.R. Avery & The Sojourners
Circus Ronaldo Tent, January 9 – 10

Dom Flemons
Circus Ronaldo Tent, January 11 – 12

Kurt Vile
Circus Ronaldo Tent, January 23

Colin Stetson
Circus Ronaldo Tent, January 25 – 26

Hot Dub Time Machine
The Spiegeltent, January 11, 18 & 25

Donny Benet & The Donny Benet Show Band
The Spiegeltent, January 10, 17 & 24

Lee Fields & The Expressions
The Spiegeltent, January 19

Funki Porcini
The Spiegeltent, January 16

Andrew Weatherall
The Spiegeltent, January 26

PARADISO AT TOWN HALL

John Grant and John Murry
January 16

Modular Night – Juan Atkins, Movement, Roland Tings, Wordlife and Softwar
January 17

Orquesta Tipica Fernandez Fierro
January 18

Mick Harvey: Intoxicated Man
January 19

Kurt Vile & The Violators
January 22

Georgia Anne Muldrow & Dudley Perkins with DJ Romes
January 23

Future Classic – Jacques Renault, Medlar, Touch Sensitive, Wave Racer
January 24

Soil & Pimp Sessions
January 25

The Soft Pink Truth
January 16

Andy Votel
January 19

Tyondai Braxton
January 22

- See more at: http://sydneycbdhotels.blogspot.com.au/2013/10/sydney-festival-unveils-2014-lineup.html#sthash.1Hh2SQZ4.dpuf

Denmark’s Crown Prince Couple Arrive in Sydney

On a stunning Sydney morning Crown Princess Mary and Crown Prince Frederick walked out onto the Sydney Opera House steps to wish “Happy Birthday” to the 40-year-old Australian icon.

The couple are patrons of the birthday celebrations, representing the perfect contemporary union of Denmark and Australia, a symbol for our union decades ago with Danish architect Jorn Utzon.

In the crowds is Jan Utzon, Jorn’s architect son, proud to be here to see his father’s work gleaming so brightly in the sunshine.

A throng of school children greet the Crown Princess who is the picture of elegance in a silver dress with blue floral designs and impressively towering Jimmy Choo heels.

The children are from class 5A of Redlands School. Ten-year-old Stephanie tells me she is incredibly excited to be here and has been practising her curtsey.

Her fellow classmate Carl Hansen is Danish and has been here in Sydney for four years. He’s the son of Danish Consul Michael Hansen and has met Crown Princess Mary before.

Carl is a huge fan of the Australian-born Crown Princess and thrilled to be able to share his special connection with his school friends.

Also in the crowd are retirees Shirley and Terry Perrott from Canberra. They’re in Sydney to see Lisa McCune and Teddy Tahu Rhodes South Pacific tonight but couldn’t resist the opportunity to see Crown Princess Mary face to face. And they weren’t disappointed.

As Mary walked along greeting the crowd she spied Shirley and shook her hand.

“She’s very beautiful” a thrilled Shirley tells me afterwards. “I won’t forget this day.”

As the couple left the throng of well-wishers many waving Danish fans, the crowd clapped and cheered.

This is the first stop on a four day tour which will see the Crown Prince Couple visiting a school, Randwick Children’s hospital, a wind farm, Danish designer shops, a clutch of events at the Sydney Opera House and later today meeting NSW Governor Marie Bashir at Government House.

Images - Taken by Prudence Upton

Article Source

Introducing Macro Photography Classes at Wild Life Sydney Zoo

For the very first time, WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo is offering children and adults the chance to take a photography class with a variety of live Australian native animals! Capture stunning macro images of bugs and butterflies, zoom in on our koalas and kangaroos and capture the essence of our beautiful native Australian animals like never before.

You will gain a fascinating insight into the world of close up photography with a lesson from renowned award winning macro photographer Angela Robertson-Buchanan. Classes are split into age groups to cater for those learning the basics of photography right through to those who would like to hone their existing skills further by learning about macro photography.

General photography skills

This is a chance for 5 – 8 year olds to learn general photography skills including a practical challenge where they can meet some of the animal residents at WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo, including kangaroos! Kids can learn how to improve their photography skills and at the same time soak up the Aussie animal atmosphere.

Who: 5 – 8 year olds
Date: Saturday 19th October
Time: 9am – 10:30am
Price: $40 each (Merlin Annual Pass holders pay $30)
Equipment: iPhone or point and shoot camera

Introduction to macro photography

In this class, 9 – 12 year olds will be introduced to the fascinating world of macro photography in the WILD Discovery Zone lab at WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo. Using live and pinned bugs, the class includes both theory and practical which covers background checks, horizons, avoiding shake as well as how to approach insects for the best shots possible. Kids will leave enthused and excited about capturing macro images of bugs like never before!

Who: 9 – 12 year olds
Date: Sunday 20th October
Time: 8:30am – 10:30am
Price: $50 each (Merlin Annual Pass holders pay $40)
Equipment: DLSR camera with a macro lens or lens with a macro setting OR Compact point and shoot that has a zoom or macro setting.

Macro photography class
Students in this macro photography class will learn an array of skills to enable them to move forward with confidence in the world of macro photography. Using bugs and butterflies, skills taught include background checks, focal points, depth of field, ethical photography of animals, props and safety.

Who: 13+
Date: Saturday 26th October
Time: 8am – 11am
Price: $70 each (Merlin Annual Pass holders pay $60)
Equipment: DSLR camera with a macro lens, would expect student to have knowledge of their camera but be a beginner in macro photography. If you have a teleconverter or macro flash, please bring along. 

- See more at: http://sydneycbdhotels.blogspot.com.au/2013/10/introducing-macro-photography-classes.html#sthash.qVfysRRp.dpuf

Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine Conference – 2 to 4th Nov 2013

Join local and international colleagues during WFAS 2013 8th World Conference on Acupuncture, held at the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre, Darling Harbour, Australia from 2 – 4 November 2013.

Expect a clinically-relevant academic program presented by some of the world’s most highly regarded clinicians and researchers, plus an entertaining Gala Dinner and other functions in beautiful, central Sydney - close to the harbour and iconic Sydney sites. Download the First Announcement for more information.

The World Federation of Acupuncture-Moxibustion Societies (WFAS) is the peak international body for acupuncture and the Non-Government Organisation in official relations with the World Health Organization (WHO) on Acupuncture.

WFAS celebrates its 25th year in 2013, culminating in the 8th World Conference on Acupuncture in Sydney in November.

 AACMA, the leading Australian association of qualified Acupuncture and Chinese medicine practitioners, is celebrating its 40th birthday in 2013.

This unique professional development and networking opportunity is not to be missed. If you have any queries, please contact wfas2013@acupuncture.org.au

When: 2nd to 4th Nov 2013

Where: Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre, Darling Harbour, Australia

Stay close to the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre with this accommodation special by

Metro Apartments on Darling Harbour - with rooms offering spectacular views of Sydney Harbour:

Conference Accommodation

Melbourne Cup Carnival Fashions on The Field – 5th Nov 2013

An armistice of the traditional Melbourne-Sydney rivalry was evident on Monday (23 September) morning with Sydney’s style set celebrating the fashion of the Melbourne Cup Carnival in the courtyard of The Mint.
The inaugural Melbourne Cup Carnival Spring Fashion Moment, replete with live thoroughbreds, was headlined by Myer Ambassadors Kris Smith and Laura Dundovic.

A dramatic outdoor racewear parade showcased Myer’s must-have fashion pieces for each day of the Melbourne Cup Carnival, highlighting the key trends of monochrome, geometrics, florals and bold colours expected trackside this spring.

The Victoria Racing Club’s (VRC) 2013 Myer Fashions on the Field Ambassador Rebecca Bramich, a highly sought after model and accomplished endurance rider, made a grand appearance on horseback in a stunning Maticevski ensemble with millinery by Nerida Winter.

Leading Myer designers Wayne Cooper and Nicola Finetti and Myer milliner Ann Shoebridge provided VIP guests with expert racewear tips, with Channel 7’s The Daily Edition host and Dancing with the Stars contestant, Sally Obermeder, overseeing proceedings.

VRC Vice Chairman Amanda Elliott said the Melbourne Cup Carnival belonged to the people of Australia, with thousands visiting from Sydney each spring.

“Sydney and Melbourne share a healthy rivalry but we share much more, and racing has long been a conduit for social interaction between our two great cities,” Mrs Elliott said.

“Fashion is as intrinsic to the Carnival as the action on the track, and is a key driver of the fashion and millinery industries. The Melbourne Cup Carnival was responsible for generating an economic benefit of more than $751 million to the Australian economy last year alone.”

In total, more than 65,000 hats and fascinators, 54,000 pairs of shoes, 53,000 dresses, 29,000 ties, 26,000 handbags, 23,000 items of jewellery, 17,000 suits, 14,000 pairs of sunglasses, 14,000 pairs of socks and pantihose, and 11,000 items of underwear were purchased specifically to wear to the four days of the Melbourne Cup Carnival at Flemington.

The VRC’s Myer Fashions on the Field Competition celebrated its 50th anniversary last year, and has been replicated around the globe.

Now a national competition, Myer Fashions on the Field will include the New South Wales state final at Randwick on Saturday 12 October.

The NSW winner will enjoy a 10 day trip of a lifetime to the 2013 Melbourne Cup Carnival valued at over $10,000 and will compete in the national final on Flemington’s Crown Oaks Day. The prize pool is valued at more than $400,000 and includes Myer shopping sprees and a brand new Lexus.

Share your Melbourne Cup Carnival Fashion Moment experience and connect with Flemington:

Cup Accommodation
at Metro Apartments on Darling Harbour

ExpoTrade – 5th Annual NSW Major Projects Conference – 6 & 7th Nov 2013

5th Annual NSW Major Projects Conference 2013

The 5th Annual NSW Major Projects Conference, will be held on the 6-7 November 2013 at the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre. This event continues to be the largest major projects and infrastructure conference in the state, attracting well over 200 delegates annually.

New South Wales is entering a once in a generation opportunity to reimagine how it plans and prepares for the State’s future growth. NSW will grow by more than two million people in the next twenty- five years, growth brings more jobs, opportunities and investment yet equally demands more housing, infrastructure and services to support it. Such priorities have been long overdue in NSW and the challenge looms large in ensuring communities are provided with the infrastructure needed  to support this inevitable growth.

At the NSW Major Project Conference you will hear from a diverse line up of speakers which will discuss the planning and delivery of the many critical infrastructure projects shaping New South Wales. From Barangaroo, the new Convention & Exhibition Centre and Darling Harbour revitalisation plans to Westconnex. We shall also review how the Growth Infrastructure Plans will work to support regional growth and allow more efficient planning, priority setting and infrastructure investment. Throughout the two day conference other sectors explored include housing, water, energy, land, road, rail, and many more.

The 5th Annual NSW Major Projects Conference will further provide delegates the perfect opportunity to discuss topics and issues presented and provide a fantastic networking opportunity amongst your own contemporaries and related stakeholders within the industry. The conference room will be set up in cabaret style with a question and answer segment in place to encourage and enable delegates' opinions to be presented.

When: 6-7 November 2013

Where: Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre, NSW

Stay close to the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre with this accommodation special by

Metro Apartments on Darling Harbour:

Expo Apartments

 

HealthShare NSW Expo – 8th Nov 2013

Welcome to the 2013 HealthShare NSW Expo

With great pleasure we invite you to be part of the 2013 HealthShare NSW Expo. With a theme of Shared Service Innovation, the 2013 Expo will present current innovations and also provide insight into future high-value initiatives for our customers and patients across the NSW health system.

A full exhibition space is once again anticipated, profiling our core service areas including food, linen, ICT and disability services, and providing a valuable opportunity for delegates to discuss current and future initiatives.

We look forward to once again producing an outstanding showcase of products and services for the NSW health community.

Guest Speakers

• Gruen Planet's Todd Sampson
• Social Media Guru Laurel Papworth
• Transport NSW, DDG Tony Braxton-Smith
• More speakers

Features

• Trade Exhibition showcasing 60+ organisations
• Complimentary Espresso coffee
• Fresh Juice Bar courtesy of PowerHealth Solutions

Registration

• FREE for all NSW Health Employees
• Register today!

 Expo Accommodation

Affordable Package

Pitbull & Kesha Australian Concert – 8th Nov 2013

The Pitbull and Kesha tour buzz started earlier this year when the international music star tweeted Kesha before they appeared at the Kids Choice Awards in the US with their North American tour announced the following day.

Pitbull’s latest album, Global Warming, is aptly-titled, featuring five scorching singles: “Back In Time” (the theme to Men In Black 3; triple platinum in Australia), “Get It Started” (featuring Shakira), “Don’t Stop The Party” (double platinum), “Feel This Moment” (featuring Christina Aguilera; double platinum), and the latest smash, “Outta Nowhere”.

Pitbull’s previous Top 10 hits in Australia include “Give Me Everything” (six times platinum), “I Know You Want Me”, “Hey Baby (Drop It To The Floor)” and “Rain Over Me”. He has also been the featured artist on smash hits for Jennifer Lopez (“On The Floor”), Usher (“DJ Got Us Fallin’ In Love”), Enrique Iglesias (“I Like It”), and Qwote (“Throw Your Hands Up”).

Kesha exploded with her debut single, “TiK ToK”, which spent eight weeks at number one in Australia, going seven times platinum. It was the world’s biggest-selling single in 2010 and the biggest-selling digital single in history by a female solo artist. Kesha also topped the Australian charts with “We R Who We R” (four times platinum), and hit the Top 5 with “Blah Blah Blah”, “Your Love Is My Drug”, “Take It Off” and “Die Young”. And she was the featured artist on Flo Rida’s “Right Round”, which spent seven weeks on top of the Australian charts.

Kesha has released two albums, Animal and Warrior, plus the perfectly-titled remix album: I Am The Dance Commander and I Command You To Dance. She also has her own MTV reality series, Kesha: My Crazy Beautiful Life.

Local sensations Justice Crew have had five hits since winning Australia’s Got Talent in 2010, including the number one blockbuster “Boom Boom”, which went five times platinum, followed by the double-platinum smash “Best Night”. Pitbull likes ’em so much, he signed them to his 305 label, and they were part of Pitbull and Kesha’s North American tour.

Pitbull and Kesha will tour with special guests Justice Crew. Tickets go on sale at 10am August 15.

Stay close to the concert venue with this affordable Metro Apartments on Darling Harbour package:

Concert Accommodation

Fire Australia 2013 Conference and Exhibition – 20-21st Nov.

Fire Australia 2013 Conference and Exhibition at Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre

Fire Australia 2013 is the premier fire protection industry conference, attracting a wide range of representation from businesses, government and associations. This year will see the introduction of a second presentation stream. The first stream will continue to be high level topics addressing fire engineering, managerial issues and the direction of the industry, while the new second stream will focus on practical, technically based content.

Start Date: 9:00am on the 20th November, 2013
End Date: 17:00 on the 21th November, 2013

Location: Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre, Darling Harbour, NSW, 2000
Phone: 03 8892 3131

Official Website: www.fireaustralia.com.au

Stay close to the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre with this accommodation special by
Metro Apartments on Darling Harbour:

Fire Conference Accommodation

Salt 'n' Pepper Australian Concert – 9th Nov 2013

 

One of the most iconic all-female hip hop outfits to survive the ’80s, Salt N Pepa have announced yet another tour of Australia. Their last Down Under trip was only back in 2011 so it hasn’t been too long between drinks for fans, but we don’t hear anyone complaining.

For more than 25 years, Salt N Pepa have continued to inspire countless of successors. From the moment they burst onto the airwaves, the duo have had an immeasurable impact on modern female MCs, and demonstrated via a cool 15 million album sales worldwide.

Salt N Pepa were also the first female hip hop crew to win a Grammy, and were one of the few rappers selected to perform on the zeitgeist penetrating Oprah Winfrey Show.

This November the pair will be bringing their internationally lauded high-voltage live performance to us, sure to be jam packed with era-defining classics such as Let’s Talk About Sex, Shoop, Whatta Man and Tramp. And while Australians might be accustomed to their dynamic performance, this time round Salt N Pepa will also be stopping off in NZ for the first time in 15 years!

When: Saturday 9th November
Location: State Theatre, Sydney
Tickets: http://www.ticketmaster.com.au
Call: State Theatre 1300 139 588

Stay close to the State Theatre with this Metro Apartments on Darling Harbour package:
Princess Accommodation

Get views like the one below, taken from the balcony at Metro Apartments on Darling Harbour!