Walter Mitty On The Favourites List

I have a new film on my favourites list – welcome aboard, ‘The Secret Life of Walter Mitty’ (WM).

Having seen previews and mixed reviews of WM, I came into the theatre thinking this is not your usual Ben Stiller movie, for me that means the not stop hilarity of Zoolander, and Meet the Fockers and although not in the same vein, WM entertains and inspires.

This film is SO beautiful, the cinematography stuns with panoramas of Greenland and Iceland that will leave you breathless. Among the many scenes that stood out for me was the simple juxtaposition of the red Air Greenland Airplane set against the stark rugged terrain of the Greenland landscape. This scene left me wanting to leave the everyday behind and to follow my dream and take the next Air Greenland flight to Nuuk.

Every scene in the movie was beautifully crafted and the reason is Ben Stiller himself as he also produced and directed the film. He made ordinary city scapes take on a new deeper meaning which added to the perfectly balanced script and great cast. The cherry on the cake for me is WM still has dashes of classic Stiller humour, like the ‘Benjiman Buttonie’ scene on the porch with his gorgeous co-star Kirsten Wiig. I did LOL.

An added bonus is WM also features a brief but classic cameos by Sean Penn and Shirley Maclaine. And like all classic films with the laughter there is a tear, and the final scene is like reading the final line of a exquisite piece of poetry – and for me, that did bring a little tear.

Is it because of my love of everything Ben Stiller, his humour, my fond memories of Iceland and my yearning to visit the Himalayas and Greenland that I rate this movie so highly, probably yes, but I think I won’t be the only one who will be adding WM to their favourites list J

Now to download the awesome sound track!

5/5 A must see

FREE Christmas event in Robina Varsity: Lights on the Lake

Local businesses and community groups are putting on a free Christmas community event this Saturday 14 December 2013 at Sports House .

Organised by Varsity Lakes Community Limited and Varsity Lakes Community Bank, the ‘Lights on the Lake’ event is funded by local business and volunteers at no cost to Gold Coast ratepayers.

‘Lights on the Lakes’ will feature, activities for the kids, music, food and drink stalls and of course a visit by Santa as well as fireworks.

‘Lights on the Lake’ will also feature the announcement of the winner of the ‘Varsity in Lights’ competition – a month long competition awarded to the best decorated shop front window in the Varsity Central area.

Varsity Lakes Community Bank Director and Organising Committee Spokesperson Mr Gordon Watson said, “This is the inaugural ‘Lights on the Lake’ event which we hope to grow over the next few years. The committee is dedicated to creating events that bring locals together and attracts people to our area; events like other successful initiatives the Varsity Vibe and Varsity in Lights.”

“Best of all, ‘Lights on the Lake’ is a great way to celebrate the diversity of the Robina Varsity area. We have such a diverse and vibrant community who love where they live and ‘Lights on the Lake’ is a reason to bring the community together,” Mr Watson adds.

The event details are:

What: ‘Lights on the Lake’
When: Saturday 14 December 2013
Time: from 5.00pm – 9.00pm
Where: Sports House Christine Ave, Varsity Lakes
Bring: A rug and other comforts you may desire
RSVP: by ‘Liking’ the Varsity Lakes Events page on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/VarsityLakesEvents

The Robina Lions Club will also be selling their delicious Christmas cakes and puddings at the event, so if you haven't grabbed one yet, you will be able to on the night.

This is a grass roots event and sharing this event with other locals on social media or other online channels would be warmly welcomed.

Climbathon, Sabah, Malaysia - Challenge complete!

Words cannot describe the feeling of elation as I crossed the finish line in the 2013 Malaysian Climbathon at Mount Kinabalu in Sabah last month.

Without doubt this event lives up to its reputation as the world's toughest challenge and the reason is quite simple; you can read all the blogs, look at all the maps, and train your guts out for an event like this, but it is not until you are actually in this incredible mountain's presence and on your way that you have any idea of just how tough this challenge is.

The pain burning in your legs from ascending what is the tallest mountain in South East Asia acted as a constant reminder of my vulnerability and my insanity.

Half way into the race I found myself asking why did I think a new 40 year old without a track record of running in mountains, could have thought he was up to the challenge. And to top things off just as you put in place mental coping mechanisms so you can manage the pain, your lungs are slowly gripped by thinning oxygen and the effects of altitude.

That said, I do love a challenge, and to be honest there was one point between Layang Layang Hut and Mesilau Nature Resort I thought I can't take anymore, and tried to justify pulling out as at least having a go.

Click here for the race map.

But, just like Dori did in the movie Finding Nemo, I started saying to myself just keep going, one step at a time, or in this case one muddy, slippery, rocky, treacherous step at a time, because I knew if I could make the Nature Reserve, even though my legs had been punished and were stinging from the steep inclines, I would be able to run the rest of the 10km home. And as it turned out, I did and in a pretty good time for me, considering...

The added incentive for me to finish the race was Geoff at the finish line - I had dragged him all the way to the darkest jungles of Borneo for my 40th birthday and the least I could do is finish the race! The other reason was of course the money which we had raised for the Robina Lions Club and the Lions Club Prostate Cancer Research.

And as each remaining kilometre became less and less my sense of completing the challenge become overwhelming.  Even though I finished quite sometime after the winners, the locals were out in force cheering on every competitor and at every turn the event organisers were on hand with leg sprays and water and words of encouragement - which let me tell you means a lot when you are in a world of pain.

 I did shed a bit of a tear at the finish line but I was so proud of myself for sticking it out and rising to the challenge.

Of the over 570 competitors across the weekend only 393 completed this intense race.

I managed to fall across the line in 61st position in the Men's Veteran category in 5 hours and 2  minutes and we ended up raising $720.00 for the Robina Lions Club which is great.

So all in all, I had the best 40th birthday. And the added bonus is we met some wonderful new friends from around the world too! One of which (Irene) came 5th in the Veteran Women's and took home prize money!

This event makes Tough Mudder look like a bridal waltz so if you are looking for a real challenge, you have to get into Climbathon 2014!

Climbing for Cancer Cure | Malaysian Climbathon

Robina Lions Club member and Datapod Business Relationships, Marketing and Communications Manager Gordon Watson is taking part in the 2013 Mt Kinabalu International Climb-a-thon and is using the event to raise money for Lions Prostate Cancer Research.

The Climb-a-thon is a 23km half marathon up one on the Asia’s steepest mountains and set in the Borneo rainforest in Malaysia and doubles as a unique way to mark turning 40.

Gordon said, “I wanted a challenge my on my 40th birthday and I found this race on Google. And the fact that I can use it to raise money for the Club, through my Bendigo Community Bank Varsity Lakes, and support an important cause, provides me with so much more motivation to finish this punishing race.”

If you would like to make a contribution to Gordon’s fundraising efforts simply pop into the Bendigo Community Bank at Varsity Lakes or make a direct deposit to:

BSB 633000 Acc 150214435 and remember to tag your deposit with your details so a receipt can be forwarded to you for tax purposes.

The race attracts participants from all over the world and features two races starting at Kinabalu Park and finishing in Kundasang over the weekend of 19-20 October 2013.

For more about the event visit Climbathon Malaysia

Gordon's Gold Coast Gems

Justin Lane Burleigh

Gone are the days when Australia’s Gold Coast was just theme parks and the beach - a culinary and cultural revolution is taking place and it is the southern Gold Coast which is leading the charge.

If you are a visitor to the Gold Coast and your trip hasn’t taken you further south than your Surfers Paradise hotel you are missing out big time.

Surfers Paradise has been left behind and left wanting when you consider some of the #goldcoastgems emerging in a southern Gold Coast renaissance.

Whether you are on holiday or a local this post tells of my favourite hidden gems.

I am by no means a qualified chef or art critic but I do know good service, good menus and food along with innovative ambience and leading edge interior design when I see it. And the gems I mention below have one or all of these characteristics and are definitely worth checking out.

In no particular order be sure to check out these out:

Elk Espresso (Broadbeach) - Great coffee, innovative urban fit out, great organic menu, friendly service and close to the beach. Only trouble is getting a table.

Lake Cafe (Varsity Lakes) -  This family owned cafe restaurant is groovy nook lakeside at Varsity Central. Offering a classic menu and extensive wine list, Lake Cafe will not disappoint. (The pork belly is my favourite :))

Ambarella Fine Food (Burleigh Waters Bermuda Street) - This new cafe and deli bring a sophisticated market to the southern Gold Coast. The cafe is cute - if only the barista would smile occasionally.

Blackboard Coffee (Varsity Lakes) - Stylish modern urban surrounds, staff with spunk and a vibe that could have you thinking you were in London, this is a great place for a coffee and a snack.

The fishhouse (Burleigh - Goodwin Terrace) - Stunning food, stunning location, stunning wine list, fishhouse is a Gold Coast MUST. And don't just roll up, in most cases you will need to book ahead. You will not be disappointed and the chef's selection is culinary titillation.

Social Eating House + Bar (Broadbeach) Located in the new sophistication of the Oracle precinct Social has a relaxed vibe, is stylish by nature and is a great place to share great food with friends.

Ze Pickle (Burleigh) - This gastro burger place is to die for. Their chilli burger is hot even for a chilli lover like me. The burgers are all wagyu beef and the fit out is a sublime blend of copper number plates and bespoke tables and chairs.

The Wine Barrell (Mudgeeraba) - Capitalising on the trend of tapas, this unexpected gem in Mudgeeraba is fab. Menu and wine list are great - the batter on the tempura oysters was perfect - although it took a while for the service to kick in.

Justin Lane (Burleigh) - Urban casual dining at its best. The gourmet pizzas are superb, the staff are excellent and the vibe is pulsating - A MUST.

The Koffee Shack (Burleigh) - Great value, great friendly and youthful service, you can see why this cafe is a Gold Coast favourite. An excellent choice for breakfast.

Pablo Pablo (Palm Beach) - Behind the blue door lies a delectable array of latin delights, including imported beer. The asparagus, and the jarmon crockets are a couple of my favourites.

Canteen (Burleigh) - Tucked away in one of Burleigh’s cute laneways Canteen is one of the reasons Burleigh is becoming the mecca for great coffee on the Gold Coast.

Plantation House Cafe (West Burleigh) - Not open Sunday’s :( but when it is open, offers an atmosphere in which to enjoy a coffee and a friendly bite to eat in a pleasantly surprising location.

Borough Barista (Burleigh) - Arguably the Gold Coast’s best coffee and in the best location. Getting a seat is tricky and the doughnut muffins are the temptress from the land of sweet sensations. Quite simply this is an endulgance you could have everyday.

Barefoot Barista (Palm Beach) - This urban coffee and bite nook started a Palmy revolution, where others are now following. Great coffee and a delectable homemade rustic menu to match. 

Jellurgal Cultural Centre - (Burleigh Heads) - Recently opened by the Minister for Tourism herself Jann Stuckey MP this indigenous cultural centre is an escape to the Gold Coast’s orginal ancestral heritage. The centre is also a place to enjoy a coffee, a personal tour and a place to buy original local indigenous artworks.

Miami Marketta - Quite simply a sensation! Miami Marketta is arguably the cultural hub of the Gold Coast. The industrial precinct of  Hillcrest Road is transformed every second Friday of each month into a heaving meld of art, international music (Rabbit Radio), food, furniture, clothes and other gorgeousness.

Eurovision 2013 this is Australia calling

Aussie Eurovision tragic Gordon Watson 

#Aussieeurovisionfan Gordon Watson gives his assessment of the 2013 Eurovision song contest.

The event that stops Europe, and some other parts of the world, is on again!  Yes it is time for Malmo to roll out the glitter carpet for Eurovision!

The 2013 Eurovision is packed with class, great songs, great performances and the usual left field performance that leaves you thinking WT! 

After trawling through the Eurovision website and playing, and replaying, each song in this year’s competition I have come up with a definitive list of my favourites based on the song and the performance. And let me tell you, what a tough task it was and I think this year’s live voting will go right down to the wire.

Missing from this year’s Eurovision is some the usual ostentatious quirkiness and instead replaced with a competitive mix of new sounds, big ballards and dropping beats that will worm their way into your ear.

Classic ear worms (songs that get stuck in your head) from this year’s competition include Bonnie Tyler and Believe In Me and the beautiful Eg A Lif. But look out for Ireland with Only Love Survives, and Malta with Tomorrow. It is safe to say, my favourites for 2013 have kept it simple instead of trying to be everything to everyone and as a result have created some of the best music Eurovision has ever seen.

It was tough to pick a winner, but coming out on top for me, and I hope this is a good omen for Hungary was ByeAlex with Kedvesem. This cute song sung in Hungarian, translates to she’s the one for me, whirls around your ears and takes you on a melodic and hypnotic journey of love.

Like every year expect the unexpected. I think if there is a song that leaps out from left field it could be Igranka performed by Who See from Montenegro. This song deliberately avoids being mainstream and maybe just enough of a leap to take the music savvy audience with it. Cezar from Romania will leave you in vocal bewilderment, but I am not sure this will be enough for the vocally schizophrenic talent (I mean that in a nice way) to take the title.

Finally, watch out for Finland’s answer to Pink. Krista Siegfrids is a power packed performer with a gritty edge and with a song called Marry Me, could well be on a winner, especially with countries like France passing new marriage equality laws.

For everything Eurovision visit http://www.eurovision.tv/page/malmo-2013

Gordon’s Eurovision Points for 2013

Douze points -  Kedvesem (Zoohacker Remix) performed by ByeAlex  - Hungary
Dix points  - Only Love Survives performed by Ryan Dolan  - Ireland
Huit points  - Tomorrow performed by Gianluca  - Malta
Sept points  - Eg A Lif performed by Eythor Ingi  - Iceland
Six points  - Believe In Me performed by Bonnie Tyler – United Kingdom
Cinq points  - What If performed by Dina Garipova  - Russia
Quatre points  - L’enfer Et Moi performed by Amandine Bourgeois  - France
Trois points  - I Feed You My Love performed by Margaret Berger  - Norway
Deux points  - Only Teardrops performed by Emmelie de Forest - Denmark
Un point  - Marry Me performed by Krista Siegfrids – Finland

Then….
11. Identitet, performed by Adrian Lulgjuraj & Bledar Sejko – Albania
12. Love Kills performed by Roberto Bellarosa – Belgium
13. L’Essenziale performed by Marco Mengoni – Italy
14. You performed by Robin Stjernberg – Sweden
15. Igranka performed by Who See – Montenegro
16. Contigo Hasta El Final (With you until the end) performed by ESDM – Spain
17. Glorious performed by Cascada  - Germany
18. Straight Into Love performed by Hannah – Slovenia
19. Its my life performed by Cezar – Romania
20. Hold Me performed by Farid Mammadov - Azerbaijan
21. Mizerja performed by Elitsa Todorova, Stoyan Yankulov  - Croatia
22. Shine performed by Natália Kelly – Austria
23. You and Me performed by Takasa – Switzerland
24. Waterfall performed by Nodi Tatishvili & Sophie Gelovani - Georgia
25. Ljubav Je Svuda performed by Moje 3 – Serbia
26. solayoh performed by Alyona Lanskaya - Belarus
27. Something performed by Andrius Pojavis  - Lithuania
28. Birds performed by Anouk – The Netherlands
29. An Me Thimasai performed by Despina Olympiou – Cyprus
30. Et Uus Saaks Alguse performed by Birgit – Estonia
31. Gravity performed by Zlata Ognevich – Ukraine
32. Lonely Planet performed by Dorians - Armenia
33.O Mie performed by Aliona Moon - Moldova
34. Alcohol Is Free performed by Koza Mostra feat. Agathon Iakovidis - Greece
35. Pred Da Se Razdeni performed by Esma & Lozano – FYR Macedonia
36. Samo Shampioni performed by Elitsa Todorova, Stoyan Yankulov – Bulgaria
37. Crisalide (Vola) performed by Valentina Monetta – San Marino
38. Rak Bishvilo performed by Moran Mazor – Israel

Last place…….Here We Go performed by PeR – Latvia (sorry Latvia :()

PS - I will be watching Eurovision live via the live stream and will be tweeting like a crazy man - you can follow me at twitter.com/gordonwatson or friend me on Facebook at facebook.com/gordonjameswatson

Vote for Troy Simpson in the Biggest Baddest Bucket List Competition

Friend, author, former lawyer and local Canberra funny man, Troy Simpson is taking part in the Biggest Baddest Bucket List Competition.

Vote for him simply by clicking on the icon above or by clicking Troy Simpson.

If Troy wins he could be visiting six continents in six months thanks to the fantastic people at hotels.com, Travelex and Viator.

For more about the competition check out mydestination.com

New Datapod App Streamlines Data Centre Design

The Datapod App will streamline data centre design

CIO’s from around the world can now design their own data centres and produce a personalised proposal within minutes thanks to a new App released by innovative Australian data centre manufacturer, Datapod.

The Datapod App enables CIO’s to design their own data centre and Datapod Founder and Director Scott Carr said the new App is another way Datapod is better servicing the needs of the industry.

The free Datapod App for the iPad is available for download from the App Store. Once the App is downloaded customers can start designing their next data centre.

Using the Datapod App customers have a number of data centre design options from which to choose, including how many racks, the density, the type of cooling and build in redundancies as well as other infrastructure.

Once the data centre requirements have been selected the App then generates a personalised report for the customer which can be viewed as a PDF document.

The Datapod App empowers data centre designers by streamlining the design process.

“The Datapod App is an extension of the efficient modular Datapod system. The App cuts down the time required to design a data centre by helping customers better identify their needs. Better still, because our modular data centres are manufactured and tested before deployment our customers can have a fully operational data centre within three months of accepting a proposal,” Mr Carr said.

 

Datapod has government and business customers in Australia, the Asia-Pacific, Europe and the United States. For more information about Datapod visit www.datapod.com.au