Sunday, December 30, 2012

Media Man entertainment news update - 31st December 2012

Media Man entertainment news update: WWE, pro wrestling, UFC, movies, Hollywood, celebrities, gaming and more...

Profiles

Entertainment Hollywood Movies WWE Wrestling Gaming Promotions Publicity Celebrities





The Media Man www.mediamanint.com agency with some of the latest and hottest entertainment news in Australia and across the globe. Happy New Year (getting in early) from "Sin City" Sydney, Australia.


UFC 155: Pro wrestlers react to main event result...

Cain Velasquez regained the UFC heavyweight championship by dominating Junior Dos Santos at UFC 155 yesterday.

Velasquez defeated Brock Lesnar to first win the belt at UFC 121 in 2010, but lost the title a year later to Dos Santos at UFC on FOX 1.

Several pro wrestling stars took to their Twitter accounts to comment on last night's title change. Here's some of their posts:

Steve Austin: "Congratulations to Cain Velasquez. Helluva damn performance. One bad ass cat. #UFC Dos Santos' heart, strength, and durability so impressive"

Alberto Del Rio: "Cainnnnn awesone... Welcome back to school Dos Santos"

Jim Ross: "I'd rematch @cainmma vs @junior_cigano and make sure Overeem doesn't have any 'issues.' Let Overeem fight/win & not be problematic. #UFC155"

Low-Ki: "Congratulations to Cain Velasquez for regaining the Heavyweight Championship. On a mission from bell to bell. WOW!"

Shad Gaspard: "Great F**king fight, Cain won, fans won, and the UFC Heavyweight division won"

Shane Helms: "Call me crazy but I think JDS won. http://twitpic.com/bqty2d"


Leonardo DiCaprio and Jonah Hill: Django Unchained co-stars on Sydney Harbour...

Leonardo DiCaprio and Jonah Hill enjoyed the weather during a boat trip on Sydney Harbour last Friday. The Django Unchained co-stars were with Hollywood friends Lukas Haas and Kevin Connolly. Girls about were in bikinis of course. Earlier in the day they arrived in lear jet with Jamie Foxx, which Media Man understands was organised by our friends at The Star (parent company Echo Entertainment), where the celebrities will be spending New Year's Eve tonight. They'll be joining a swag of other stars including Chace Crawford, Matthew Morrison, Colton Haynes and Samantha Ronson, who will be likely making appearances at Marquee, with a possibility of ducking into Cherry and grabbing a few drinks. We heard a little something about James Bond or Bond girls, but more on that later. Maybe later Leo and friends might play a bit of poker too.

After New Year's Eve is done and dusted many will fly back to the U.S so they can also enjoy NYE celebrations on their own soil. Hollywood or Las Vegas anyone?


Kids turning off TV: ABS figures...

New statistics demonstrate Australian kids are viewing less television than they were a decade ago.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) survey focuses on children between five and 14.

It found they have been watching an average of 15 hours of television a week this year, compared to 22 hours in 2003.

The proportion accessing the internet increased from 64 per cent to 90 per cent over the same period.

The ABS also found more children were taking up dancing and martial arts, with 27 per cent more pursuing an interest in dancing.

The number taking to the netball court fell 8 per cent, although netball still remains in the top three most popular sports for kids between 11 and 12.

Swimming remains the most popular activity for kids between five and 11.


FBI re-issues Marilyn Monroe files...

FBI files on Marilyn Monroe that could not be located earlier this year have been found and re-issued.

The files had previously been heavily edited, but more details are now public.

The files show the extent to which the agency was monitoring the actress for ties to communism in the years before her death in August 1962. They reveal that some in Monroe's inner circle were concerned about her association with Frederick Vanderbilt Field, who was disinherited from his wealthy family over his leftist views.

A trip to Mexico in 1962 to shop for furniture brought her in contact with Field, who was living in the country with his wife in self-imposed exile. Informants reported to the FBI that a 'mutual infatuation' had developed between Field and Monroe, which caused concern among some in her inner circle, including her therapist.

'This situation caused considerable dismay among Miss Monroe's entourage and also among the (American Communist Group in Mexico),' the file says. Field's autobiography devotes an entire chapter to Monroe's Mexico trip. He mentions that he and his wife accompanied Monroe on shopping trips and meals. He mentions politics only once, in a passage on their dinnertime conversations.

'She talked mostly about herself and some of the people who had been or still were important to her,' Field wrote in From Right to Left.

'She told us about her strong feelings for civil rights, for black equality, as well as her admiration for what was being done in China, her anger at red-baiting and McCarthyism and her hatred of (FBI director) J Edgar Hoover.'

Under Hoover's watch, the FBI kept watch on the political and social lives of many celebrities, including Frank Sinatra, Charlie Chaplin and Monroe's ex-husband Arthur Miller. The bureau has also been involved in investigations about crimes against celebrities, including threats against Elizabeth Taylor, an extortion case involving Clark Gable and more recently, trying to determine who killed rapper Notorious B.I.G.

The AP had sought the removal of edits from Monroe's FBI files earlier this year as part of a series of stories on the 50th anniversary of Monroe's death. The FBI had said that it had transferred the files to a National Archives facility, but archivists said the documents had not been received. A few months after requesting details on the transfer, the FBI released an updated version of the files that eliminate dozens of redactions.

For years, the files have intrigued investigators, biographers and those who don't believe Monroe's death at her Los Angeles area home was a suicide.

A 1982 investigation by the Los Angeles District Attorney's Office found no evidence of foul play after reviewing all available investigative records, but it noted that the FBI files were 'heavily censored'.

That characterisation intrigued the man who performed Monroe's autopsy, Dr Thomas Noguchi. While the investigation concluded he conducted a thorough autopsy, Noguchi has conceded that no one will likely ever know all the details of Monroe's death. The FBI files and confidential interviews conducted with the actress' friends that have never been made public might help, he wrote in his 1983 memoir titled Coroner.

'On the basis of my own involvement in the case, beginning with the autopsy, I would call Monroe's suicide 'very probable,'' Noguchi wrote. 'But I also believe that until the complete FBI files are made public and the notes and interviews of the suicide panel released, controversy will continue to swirl around her death.'


Movie Box Office numbers: Avengers #1...

The Avengers is #1 at Australian box office for 2012. The superhero brands Iron Man, Captain America, The Hulk and Thor besting rivals from Batman, TED, James Bond and The Hunger Games.

Top 10 Highest-grossing films of 2012 in Australia...

1. The Avengers $53,339,551 2. The Dark Knight Rises $43,163,860 3. Skyfall $42,300,000 4. Ted $34,415,560 5. The Hunger Games $32,019,203 6. The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 2 $27,850,360 7. Ice Age 4: Continental Drift $27,554,158 8. Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted $24,125,713 9. The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel $21,080,526 10. Snow White and the Huntsman $19,806,983


Stan Lee; Comics Legend Turns 90...

Stan Lee, the man almost synonymous with Marvel Comics, turns 90 Friday. Born in 1922, Lee refuses to slow down, making cameo appearances in films and staying active on Twitter.

Stan Lee was born Stanley Leiber. Before Lee defined comic books at Marvel Comics, he worked in nearly every aspect of the comics-publishing industry. Lee began as an assistant for Timely Comics, and his first writing credit was for text filler in “Captain America Comics." He became Timely's interim editor the same year, 1941.

It took nearly 20 years before Lee changed the comics landscape forever. After DC Comics created the Justice League of America - featuring Superman, Aquaman, Batman, Flash, Green Lantern, Martian Manhunter, and Wonder Woman -- Lee was tasked to create his own superhero team to compete with its success.

Lee collaborated with Jack Kirby to create the Fantastic Four. Timely became Atlas Comics in 1951, and it was Marvel Comics by 1961. The collaboration between Lee and Kirby during the 1960s created a slew of superheroes that would dominate the comic-book industry and, later, the film industry.

Lee, spearheading Marvel, co-created Spider-Man, Hulk, Iron Man, Thor, and the X-Men, among others, with Kirby illustrating many of the comics.

With “The Avengers” dominating movie-theater box offices this year, the successful reboot of “The Amazing Spider-Man,” and the forthcoming Wolverine and X-Men productions, Lee's legacy will continue for the next generation of comic fans. Lee -- with his trademark signoff, “Excelsior!” and humor -- made cameo appearances in “The Avengers” and “The Amazing Spider-Man,” and he took to Twitter to thank fans for all the birthday wishes.

And Lee did not pass up an opportunity to comment on the recent death of one of his greatest creations, Peter Parker. Lee sent a tweet to Dan Slott, the writer responsible for the death of Peter Parker in “The Amazing Spider-Man #700,” saying, “What a gift, some guys give a nice cigar, a watch, but no not you, I get a dead #PeterParker Thanks for the bday wishes my friend!”


Websites

Media Man International

Media Man

WWE official website

Marvel Entertainment

Australian Sports Entertainment

Wrestling News Media



Website Network

Media Man International

Media Man

Media Man News

Media Man Entertainment

Saturday, December 29, 2012

Bischoff Hervey invests in MX Gaming - 28th December 2012

Bischoff Hervey invests in MX Gaming; BHE Sets Sights on New Media & $80 Billion/Year Sector...

Profiles

Gaming Eric Bischoff Hulk Hogan Hulk-A-Mania Reality TV Social Media Entertainment Promotions Publicity Television





American television production firm Bischoff Hervey Entertainment Television has acquired a 50 percent stake in independent online games developer MX Gaming.

Established in 2008, Los Angeles-based MX Digital develops interactive casino and betting games distributed to partners in over 20 nations. Its management team includes interactive industry veterans Ike McFadden and Matias Montero in addition to Ted Lanes, who has 25 years of experience in the technology and consumer products sector.

“We’re incredibly excited about our partnership with MX Gaming,” said Eric Bischoff from Bischoff Hervey Entertainment Television.

“We’re expanding into an entirely new sector of entertainment and content. Combining the skill sets of Bischoff Hervey Entertainment Television with those at MX Gaming puts us at a unique advantage in this explosive business sector.”

Bischoff established Bischoff Hervey Entertainment Television in 2003 with Jason Hervey and the enterprise has since become a leading producer of reality programming for Discovery Channel, CMT, NBC, VH-1, TruTV, Spike TV and The CW Television Network. The company recently broke new ground by moving into the scripted comedy genre with the first season of See Dad Run, which airs on Nick At Nite starring Scott Baio. “With MX Gaming we’re excited to find ourselves at the forefront of an entirely new entertainment sector,” said Hervey.

“Combine the enormous growth in online gaming globally and the explosion in popularity of mobile and social games and you’ve got an emerging sector that’s already massive. Getting in on the ground floor of an entirely new medium is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”

Bischoff Hervey Entertainment Television cited a recent Morgan-Stanley report that found social network casino-style games may be worth as much as $7 billion by 2015 and stated that the interactive market is ‘an increasingly important revenue channel for networks and studios’.

“The partnership is the perfect strategic fit for us,” said McFadden.

“The relationships and experience Bischoff Hervey Entertainment Television has built in the entertainment and licensing world allows us to significantly broaden our content and access top entertainment brands quickly.”


Websites

Media Man International

Media Man

Bischoff Hervey Entertainment

MX Gaming

Australian Sports Entertainment

Wrestling News Media



Website Network

Media Man International

Media Man

Media Man News

Media Man Entertainment

Thursday, December 27, 2012

Bwin.party digital entertainment deal with casino in Belgium

Bwin.party digital entertainment deal with casino in Belgium



News

Financial News Business News Casino News Australian Casino News

Profiles bwin.party Digital Entertainment PartyCasino



Bwin.party digital entertainment deal with casino in Belgium...


Bwin.party put a plug on any possible criminal charges in Belgium against its chief executive by doing a deal with a licensed land-based casino operator that permits it to continue taking bets from Belgian citizens.

Norbert Teufelberger was last month quizzed by Belgian police in Brussels after attending an online gambling conference. He had until Monday to answer further questions about the company’s operations in Belgium.

Bwin.party has been on a blacklist of gambling operators taking bets in Belgium without a licence. Online gambling licences are only available to operators holding an offline gambling licence.

The company has now in effect achieved this by doing a deal with Belcasinos, a subsidiary of the land-based casino operator Groupe Partouche.

In a statement, Bwin.party advised Belcasinos was one of only four land-based casino operators eligible for an online gambling licence. Commercial terms of business were not disclosed.

Bwin.party advised that it had received approval for its alliance from the Belgian Gambling Commission and that the commission would be removing the group from its blacklist.

“The group and the commission have also agreed to drop all pending legal disputes and the group has begun to adapt its systems in order to comply fully with the prevailing licensing regime,” Bwin.party said.

The detention of Mr Teufelberger prompted Bwin.party and other online gambling companies to accuse the Belgian authorities of intimidation, and to appeal to the European Commission to insist that Belgium comply with EU laws on market competition.

Mr Teufelberger and co-chief executive Jim Ryan said: “Following recent developments in Belgium and after further dialogue with the local regulator, we have put our differences of opinion behind us and are now focused on the immediate commercial opportunity.

“Together with our new partner we are now in the process of securing the necessary approvals to meet the requirements set by the BGC and do not expect any interruption to our service for customers in Belgium.”

Gambling operators are under massive pressure in the European region – faced with regulators determined either to impose stiff tax burdens on online gambling, or restrictions on the companies that can apply for licences.

New stringent gambling regimes in Germany and Greece have prompted Betfair to pull out of those markets. Betfair this week said the “challenging” climate in Europe meant it would focus solely on regulated markets.

William Hill has also pulled out of Greece, where regulators have threatened penalties or criminal sanction on operators without licences.

In the meantime, bwin.party Digital Entertainment and a swag of other gambling companies continue to look for new opportunities and markets, with countries such as Canada, Australia and New Zealand all understood to be regions of great interest.

Bwin.Party operate popular gambling websites such as PartyCasino.com and PartyPoker.com


Stay turned to Media Man, Casino News Media and Global Gaming Directory for developments.


Media Man 'Online Casino Of The Month'...

Media Man's top online casino choice: PartyCasino.com PartyCasino is a multi-time Media Man 'Online Casino Of The Month' winner and have also won awards from EGR. Earlier this year PartyGaming merged with Bwin to create the worlds leading igaming company, Bwin.Party Digital Entertainment.



Website Network

Media Man Int

Media Man

Media Man News

Media Man Entertainment

Global Gaming Directory

Casino News Media

Poker News Media

Media Man Games

WWE officials continue to negotiate with investment company for the WWE Network

WWE officials continue to negotiate with investment company for the WWE Network ...

Profiles

WWE Wrestling John Cena Dwayne Johnson CM Punk The Miz Ric Flair Promotions Publicity Television


WWE is currently in negotiations with at least one investment company about partnering up for the WWE Network. The story is is that people will be amazed when they find out the current programming vision, which has reportedly changed greatly.

WWE rarely takes on partners in their business ventures because Vince McMahon doesn't like answering to other people and has a joke about how they don't play well with others.

In the negotiations, WWE is pitching that the Network would have extremely low programming costs compared to other networks since the majority of the programming would be their old wrestling tape library that they own and don't have to buy any licensing fees for.

You can believe that other sports entertainment companies are watching developments closely, as well as the potential deal getting the attention of the television and programming world as a whole.


WWE top dog Vince McMahon prepared for Connecticut violence backlash...



There was concern at this week's TV tapings that the tragedy in Newtown, Connecticut may affect the product in some way because of an anti-violence media backlash, particularly when it comes to shows that draw kids. Vince McMahon told people that he expects to be targeted for the effect wrestling has on children, and that they will fight back with charity work and pushing the idea that WWE is family entertainment.


WWE issues press release re THQ filing for bankruptcy...

WWE issued the following press release regarding THQ filing for bankruptcy:

"WWE (NYSE:WWE) is listed in THQ, Inc.'s recent bankruptcy filing as an unsecured creditor holding a claim of approximately $45 million reflecting the entirety of the existing multi-year agreement. Any impairment of a current THQ account receivable would be immaterial to WWE's financial statements. Even if the impact of THQ's bankruptcy were detrimental to WWE, the Company does not believe that the ultimate economic impact for financial statement purposes would materially and adversely affect the results of operations or financial position of WWE in light of the strength of the WWE brand and the historical performance of WWE's video game business."


Websites

Media Man International

Media Man

WWE

Media Man Entertainment

Australian Sports Entertainment

Wrestling News Media



Website Network

Media Man International

Media Man

Media Man News

Sunday, December 23, 2012

Australian market to rise - 24th December 2012

Australian market to rise - 24th December 2012



News

Financial News Business News Casino News Australian Casino News

Profiles bwin.party Digital Entertainment PartyCasino


The Australian share market looks set for a positive start today despite falls on Wall Street on Friday as the US economy edges toward the so-called fiscal cliff.

The ASX looks set for a positive start today despite falls on Wall Street on Friday as the the so-called fiscal cliff approaches.

At 7am this morning (AEDT) the March share price index futures contract was up 25 points at 4,617.

Trading volumes are set to be light on Christmas Eve, and the market will close early at 2.30pm this afternoon (AEDT).

Shares closed lower on Friday, with the benchmark SP/ASX200 index dropping 10.5 points, or 0.23 per cent, to 4,623.6, and the broader All Ordinaries index dropped 11.4 points, or 0.25 per cent, to 4,635.2.

World Directory Global Gaming Directory World Casino Directory



Bwin.party digital entertainment deal with casino in Belgium...


Bwin.party put a plug on any possible criminal charges in Belgium against its chief executive by doing a deal with a licensed land-based casino operator that permits it to continue taking bets from Belgian citizens.

Norbert Teufelberger was last month quizzed by Belgian police in Brussels after attending an online gambling conference. He had until Monday to answer further questions about the company’s operations in Belgium.

Bwin.party has been on a blacklist of gambling operators taking bets in Belgium without a licence. Online gambling licences are only available to operators holding an offline gambling licence.

The company has now in effect achieved this by doing a deal with Belcasinos, a subsidiary of the land-based casino operator Groupe Partouche.

In a statement, Bwin.party advised Belcasinos was one of only four land-based casino operators eligible for an online gambling licence. Commercial terms of business were not disclosed.

Bwin.party advised that it had received approval for its alliance from the Belgian Gambling Commission and that the commission would be removing the group from its blacklist.

“The group and the commission have also agreed to drop all pending legal disputes and the group has begun to adapt its systems in order to comply fully with the prevailing licensing regime,” Bwin.party said.

The detention of Mr Teufelberger prompted Bwin.party and other online gambling companies to accuse the Belgian authorities of intimidation, and to appeal to the European Commission to insist that Belgium comply with EU laws on market competition.

Mr Teufelberger and co-chief executive Jim Ryan said: “Following recent developments in Belgium and after further dialogue with the local regulator, we have put our differences of opinion behind us and are now focused on the immediate commercial opportunity.

“Together with our new partner we are now in the process of securing the necessary approvals to meet the requirements set by the BGC and do not expect any interruption to our service for customers in Belgium.”

Gambling operators are under massive pressure in the European region – faced with regulators determined either to impose stiff tax burdens on online gambling, or restrictions on the companies that can apply for licences.

New stringent gambling regimes in Germany and Greece have prompted Betfair to pull out of those markets. Betfair this week said the “challenging” climate in Europe meant it would focus solely on regulated markets.

William Hill has also pulled out of Greece, where regulators have threatened penalties or criminal sanction on operators without licences.

In the meantime, bwin.party Digital Entertainment and a swag of other gambling companies continue to look for new opportunities and markets, with countries such as Canada, Australia and New Zealand all understood to be regions of great interest.

Bwin.Party operate popular gambling websites such as PartyCasino.com and PartyPoker.com


Stay turned to Media Man, Casino News Media and Global Gaming Directory for developments.


Media Man 'Online Casino Of The Month'...

Media Man's top online casino choice: PartyCasino.com PartyCasino is a multi-time Media Man 'Online Casino Of The Month' winner and have also won awards from EGR. Earlier this year PartyGaming merged with Bwin to create the worlds leading igaming company, Bwin.Party Digital Entertainment.



Website Network

Media Man Int

Media Man

Media Man News

Media Man Entertainment

Global Gaming Directory

Casino News Media

Poker News Media

Media Man Games

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

WWE Slammy Awards 2012 on RAW

WWE Slammy Awards 2012 on RAW...

Profiles

WWE Wrestling John Cena Dwayne Johnson CM Punk The Miz Ric Flair Promotions Publicity Television



The WWE Slammy Awards were issued during the 17th December 2012 (U.S) edition of WWE RAW....

WWE Slammy Award winners...

Tell Me I Did Not Just See That (Most Shocking Moment): Kofi Kingston walks on his hands to avoid Royal Rumble elimination

Comeback of the Year: Jerry Lawler returns after suffering a real life heart attack Kiss of the Year: John Cena and A.J.


Superstar of the Year: John Cena

LOL Moment of the Year: The Rock's promo on John Cena in Boston

Hashtag of the Year: Ryback for #FeedMeMore

Newcomer of the Year: Ryback

Match of the Year: Undertaker VS Triple H at WrestleMania 28. Triple H came to the stage to receive the award and advised we have not seen the last of The Undertaker WWE RAW offers tons of surprises...

This episode of WWE RAW was a breath of fresh air for many fans offering a variety of welcome surprises. The surprises included: Ric Flair 'The Nature Boy' returning. Flair got into a confrontation with CM Punk and Paul Heyman

Tommy Dreamer returning for a six man tag match

'The Bogeyman' ran onto the awards stage

WWE Hall of Famers "Mean" Gene Okerlund, Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat and Jim Ross came to the stage to announce the 'Match Of The Year' award

'The New Age Outlaws' Rodd Dogg Jesse James and "The Bad Ass" Billy Gunn announced 'Comeback Of The Year'

Big E Langston from NXT debuts with attack against John Cena

Vicki Guerrero is now feuding with Dolph Ziggler

Not a surprise, but it was great to see "The Shield" continue their attacks

Websites

Media Man International

Media Man

WWE

Media Man Entertainment

Australian Sports Entertainment

Wrestling News Media



Website Network

Media Man International

Media Man

Media Man News

Media Man Entertainment

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Skyfall James Bond movie teams up with Heineken

Skyfall James Bond movie teams up with Heineken; Producers of the 23rd Bond movie have exploited every possible brand connection...

Profiles

Movies Hollywood Skyfall James Bond Daniel Craig Heineken Entertainment Sydney Australia



The world's most successful movie franchise - James Bond, has been continuing its winning ways in strategic and intelligent product placement, and popular beer Heineken, appears to be one of the real winners in the latest Bond flick - Skyfall.

Bond (and Heineken) lovers - check out this multimedia promo... Heineken profile

Make no mistake - product placement helps funds great flicks and the switched on folks at James Bond HQ (and their advertising agency friends) are well aware of this... so are we.

Some news outlets have claimed that without the reported £45 million revenue Heineken poured into the film, Skyfall would not have gone ahead, but we don't have any way to get an accurate figure, so let's just continue shall we Bond fans.

We understand that with the the Dutch beer having forked out over £28m for the privilege of seeing Bond sip from a green bottle in an early scene helped cover almost a third of the film's estimated £93.7m ($150m) production budget in the process.

Bond (Daniel Craig) is a diplomatic spokesman and pitch-man of sorts on the issue of product placement, acknowledging that their reliance on brand associations is "unfortunate," before countering: "This movie costs a lot of money to make (and) nearly as much again to promote, so we go where we can."

That line is about as close as we're going to get to learning the film's actual marketing budget, given Sony Pictures International's track record is being reluctant to divulge details on such matters.

Fun financial fact: In 2006 it was reported that product placement across all media was worth over £3.3 billion.


Beer not your thing? According to Brandchannel, the most important "Skyfall" product placement isn't the beer Bond drinks but the gun he shoots!


Movie Plot Outline: Daniel Craig is back as Ian Fleming's James Bond 007 in Skyfall, the 23rd adventure in the longest-running film franchise of all time. In Skyfall, Bond’s loyalty to M is tested as her past comes back to haunt her. As MI6 comes under attack, 007 must track down and destroy the threat, no matter how personal the cost.

Promo...

Bond's loyalty to M is tested as her past comes back to haunt her. As MI6 comes under attack, 007 must track down and destroy the threat, no matter how personal the cost.

Director: Sam Mendes Writers: Neal Purvis, Robert Wade and John Logan Stars: Daniel Craig, Daniel Craig, Javier Bardem, Ralph Fiennes, Bérénice Marlohe, Naomie Harris, Ben Whishaw, Helen McCrory, Rory Kinear, with Albert Finney and Judi Dench as "M" Produced By: Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli

*Sponsored by Heineken


News...

Craig is the best Bond: Moore...




Bond legend Roger Moore, enthralled with ‘Skyfall,’ now thinks Daniel Craig is the best actor to play the legendary spy...

Moore, who began his stint as the action hound in the ’70s, once gave that honor to Sean Connery. ‘They’ve guaranteed Bond another 50 years of life,’ he said of the new film.

Bond alum Roger Moore used to think Sean Connery was the best James Bond, but now thinks that designation belongs to Daniel Craig.

"I went to a screening of ‘Skyfall,’ and I’ve changed my opinion. I think that he (Daniel Craig) is the Bond. He’s quite brilliant," Moore told TIME magazine.

Moore has been a fan of Craig’s ever since the opening scene of 2006’s “Casino Royale,” Craig’s first time in the role.


James Bond's world of movie intrigue explored in 'The Untold Story Of 007'...

“I thought ‘Casino Royale’ was tremendous,” Moore said. “I thought his action was quite extraordinary — he did more action in the first 30 seconds of the film than I did in 14 years of playing Bond. To me, he looks like a killer. He looks as though he knows what he’s doing. I look as though I might cheat at backgammon.”

Craig put his own spin on the iconic spy, just as Moore did when he first took over the role of 007 with 1973’s “Live and Let Die.”

On playing a role already associated with Connery, he said, “You don’t really think about that. How many millions of actors during the last 400 years have played Hamlet? They don’t worry about how the other fella did it — they just get on with doing it their way.”

Moore’s own way endeared his Bond to the public for seven consecutive films by Eon Productions. His third Bond film, “The Spy Who Loved Me,” is often considered his best, just as Connery’s third, “Goldfinger,” is often considered his.

Now Moore thinks Craig’s third performance is the best of the franchise.

"I wrote to Barbara (Broccoli) and Michael (Wilson) and said…they’ve guaranteed Bond another 50 years of life," he said.


Websites

Skyfall official website

James Bond 007 official website

Heineken official website

Eva Rinaldi Photography Flickr

Eva Rinaldi Photography

Music News Australia

Media Man News

Media Man



Skyfall James Bond Sydney, Australia red carpet movie premiere; Daniel Craig, Bond girls...


Profiles

Movies Hollywood Skyfall James Bond Daniel Craig Entertainment Sydney Australia



Australia paid tribute to Skyfall with rain coming down on the red carpet outside Sydney's State Theatre last night.

The parallel was picked up by new Bond girl Berenice Marlohe.

"It is Skyfall," she said on Friday night, gesturing at the rain.

"I remember on set it was raining before a scene I had to do. And it is like an homage to Skyfall."

The weather did not put off hundreds of the Bond franchise's fans.

They jammed in like cattle or sardines if you prefer, behind barriers on the sidewalk to get pictures and autographs from Craig, Marlohe and fellow Bond girl Naomie Harris, who's on her first trip to Australia and said, "The reception makes it sunny".

"It's been a two month whirlwind of going all around the world promoting the movie, but it ends in Australia, so I finally have some free time on my hands and I'm going to spend it in Byron Bay," Harris said.

Craig, who visited Australia for Casino Royale and Quantum of Solace, said he won't be doing any sightseeing this time around.

"This is the final leg," he said earlier.

"I spent like a week here the first time I came, so I've seen quite a lot.

"I always try and do something when I go to a new city."

Skyfall hasn't been released yet in Australia, but elsewhere in the world it's already grossed $446.5 million and is being pitched by critics as one of the very best Bond films.

Craig, who has admitted 2008's Quantum of Solace suffered from the writer's strike, was determined Skyfall, the 23rd film and released in Bond's 50th anniversary year, would be a step up.

"Just to be better," he said, about how he had wanted it to be different.

"So we kind of had a plan and Sam (Mendes, the director) and I had it from very early on that we wanted to make the best Bond movie we could, obviously, but to try and get some of ... the old style of it."

* Skyfall will be released in Australian cinemas on November 22.

News...


Skyfall is record breaking Bond movie...

The movie has broken records wherever it has been released.

It snatched the biggest US opening ever for a 007 movie at the weekend with a whopping $87.8 million in ticket sales.

Quantum of Solace debuted to a series-best $67.5 million in mid-November 2008, and Casino Royale - marking Craig's first turn as 007 - opened to $40.8 million in November 2006.

In the UK, the Sam Mendes-directed film has passed Titanic as the highest-grossing 2D film. The film opens Australia next Thursday.

The secret to Skyfall's success, according to exhibitors, is Craig's universal appeal.

"Women love him. Men love the action," said Samantha Philp, national film promotions and partnership manager at Event Cinemas.

Even seven-time Bond Roger Moore has given Craig the official stamp of approval, calling him the best Bond ever.

"To me, he looks like a killer. He looks as though he knows what he's doing. I look as though I might cheat at backgammon," he said.


Plot Outline: Daniel Craig is back as Ian Fleming's James Bond 007 in Skyfall, the 23rd adventure in the longest-running film franchise of all time. In Skyfall, Bond’s loyalty to M is tested as her past comes back to haunt her. As MI6 comes under attack, 007 must track down and destroy the threat, no matter how personal the cost.

Promo...

Bond's loyalty to M is tested as her past comes back to haunt her. As MI6 comes under attack, 007 must track down and destroy the threat, no matter how personal the cost.

Director: Sam Mendes Writers: Neal Purvis, Robert Wade and John Logan Stars: Daniel Craig, Daniel Craig, Javier Bardem, Ralph Fiennes, Bérénice Marlohe, Naomie Harris, Ben Whishaw, Helen McCrory, Rory Kinear, with Albert Finney and Judi Dench as "M" Produced By: Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli


News...

Craig is the best Bond: Moore...




Bond legend Roger Moore, enthralled with ‘Skyfall,’ now thinks Daniel Craig is the best actor to play the legendary spy...

Moore, who began his stint as the action hound in the ’70s, once gave that honor to Sean Connery. ‘They’ve guaranteed Bond another 50 years of life,’ he said of the new film.

Bond alum Roger Moore used to think Sean Connery was the best James Bond, but now thinks that designation belongs to Daniel Craig.

"I went to a screening of ‘Skyfall,’ and I’ve changed my opinion. I think that he (Daniel Craig) is the Bond. He’s quite brilliant," Moore told TIME magazine.

Moore has been a fan of Craig’s ever since the opening scene of 2006’s “Casino Royale,” Craig’s first time in the role.


James Bond's world of movie intrigue explored in 'The Untold Story Of 007'...

“I thought ‘Casino Royale’ was tremendous,” Moore said. “I thought his action was quite extraordinary — he did more action in the first 30 seconds of the film than I did in 14 years of playing Bond. To me, he looks like a killer. He looks as though he knows what he’s doing. I look as though I might cheat at backgammon.”

Craig put his own spin on the iconic spy, just as Moore did when he first took over the role of 007 with 1973’s “Live and Let Die.”

On playing a role already associated with Connery, he said, “You don’t really think about that. How many millions of actors during the last 400 years have played Hamlet? They don’t worry about how the other fella did it — they just get on with doing it their way.”

Moore’s own way endeared his Bond to the public for seven consecutive films by Eon Productions. His third Bond film, “The Spy Who Loved Me,” is often considered his best, just as Connery’s third, “Goldfinger,” is often considered his.

Now Moore thinks Craig’s third performance is the best of the franchise.

"I wrote to Barbara (Broccoli) and Michael (Wilson) and said…they’ve guaranteed Bond another 50 years of life," he said.


Websites

Skyfall official website

James Bond 007 official website

Ian Fleming official website

Eva Rinaldi Photography Flickr

Eva Rinaldi Photography

Music News Australia

Media Man News

Media Man

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Media Man entertainment, Hollywood, gaming, sports and wrestling news

Entertainment, Hollywood, gaming, sports and wrestling news; WWE, boxing, UFC..

Profiles

WWE Wrestling WWE Studios Movies Hollywood John Cena Dwayne Johnson Steve Austin The Miz Advertising Promotions Publicity Brands Television DVD Sports Entertainment



Rock's 2013 schedule...



Pro wrestling and movie fans - add yet another production shoot to The Rock's commitments in First Quarter 2013. Rock noted Sunday during a "Rock Talk" Twitter Q&A that filming begins in February on his new TNT show, "The Hero."

"I wanted to create @TheHeroTNT to entertain millions & give people a shot at personal greatness. We shoot in FEB!" Rock tweeted. "My schedule is hellacious & my goals I've chosen to achieve are HARD. So, my daily focus on training is my anchor."

As for the first month of 2013, Rock reinforced that he's anticipating facing C.M. Punk, who is currently injured, for the WWE Title at the Royal Rumble.

"I can't wait to face @CMPunk for the @WWE Championship at Royal Rumble. Been training for months for this moment," Rock tweeted.

His favorite artist: “Sam Cooke is my fav artist. #Soul I love ALL genres of music – from hip hop to orchestral to traditional country..”

If he would post for Playgirl: “I’d pose for Playgirl, but there just ain’t enough pages to showcase me baby! << TONS of cheese on that answer.;).”

His upcoming movies: “Im excited for all my 2013 movies: SNITCH, GI JOE, PAIN & GAIN & FAST 6. Tons of hard work & eager for you to see… FAST 6 is gonna be killer. Stakes are higher, cars are cooler and Im tougher than a 2 dollar steak well done. Michael Bay’s PAIN & GAIN is a very unique & cool movie. The most challenging role I’ve ever played. April 2013.”

His new show on TNT, The Hero: “I wanted to create @TheHeroTNT to entertain millions & give people a shot at personal greatness. We shoot in FEB!”

His favorite co-star: “In Hollywood, I’ve been lucky to work w/ so many talented & beautiful leading ladies, but #JulieAndrewsIsQueen”

Future plans: “As an actor, producer or even in @WWE – the goal is to be a positive force & entertain the world. And keep growin!”

In addition to filming new movies and squeezing in WWE appearances to hype the Rumble and WrestleMania 29, Rock will also be promoting movies scheduled for theatrical release.


The Rock comments on heat with CM Punk...

When quizzed on Twitter if he has heat with Punk - Rock replied, "Of course not my friend. I love Phillip & he loves me."


WWE announcer Jim Ross blogs on The Rock and CM Punk...

What will close the Royal Rumble: "Already getting questions about what attraction will close the show at WWE Royal Rumble, @CMPunk vs. @TheRock or the Rumble match? I haven't a clue nor do I care as either choice would be fine with me but if I had to guess I'd guess it would be the WWE Title bout. Again, don't know and don't care as I will be watching one of my favorite PPV events of the year.

"My guess is that Punk will push Rock inside the ring from bell to bell unlike Rock has been pushed since, arguably, the @steveaustinBSR days. That's not taking any thing away from @JohnCena who wrestles at a different pace that Austin did or Punk likes to. How does even an athlete as gifted as @TheRock prepare for what awaits inside the 20 foot ring? Cardio is great but nothing replicates wrestling long matches better than wrestling long matches."


Mark Wahlberg and The Rock pump iron for Michael Bay's 'Pain & Gain'...



Based on a 1999 Miami New Times story, Pain & Gain is an action comedy that follows a pair of bodybuilders who turn to extortion, kidnapping, and murder. The film has long been the Transformers director’s passion project. In 2007, Bay told media that he became attached to the movie because he loved the characters, promising there wouldn’t be too many explosions. “It’s like a mixture of Fargo and Pulp Fiction and it’s all true,” he said. “And they’re all knuckleheads. It’s a fun character piece. No action. One car crash.” The movie tag-line - "Their American Dream is Bigger than yours".


50 Cent says boxing should be more like WWE...

World famous music rapper 50 Cent has an idea to make professional boxing regain some of its past popularity. That suggestion is to become more like WWE. In a news article with USA today, the rapper turned boxing promoter suggested the sport entwine some WWE like theatrics to spice up the struggling sport. 50 Cent went on to state that the mainstream public doesn't question the validity of boxing like they do professional wrestling. The statements made by 50 Cent are somewhat valid.

It's true that boxing may need to step up their overall game if they want to compete with the combative, circus like World Wrestling Entertainment and Ultimate Fighting Championship. Vince McMahon transformed pro wrestling in the mid eighties and revolutionized the sport that was formerly held in smoky bingo halls across the country. The Ultimate Fighting Championship league followed suite several years later. The flashier more pronounced representation led to a lucrative television series, engrossing merchandise deals and high pay per view buy rates. Professional boxing has been dragging its feet and hasn't hoped onto the sports entertainment bandwagon. If history is any indication, what worked for WWE and UFC, could also work for boxing.

50 Cent also mentions that pro boxing will not suffer from a more sports entertainment atmosphere because the public does not question the validity of professional boxing. This statement is untrue. For too many decades to list there has been reports of pro boxers taking a dive and mysterious phantom punches. If boxing does add more entertainment to their pay-per-views and programming, they do run a risk of being lumped into the predetermined world of pro wrestling.

If you need proof of this possibility, one needs to look no further than Vince McMahon's foray into football. His XFL league took a more sports entertainment approach to pro ball. Despite being legitimate, the American public found the XFL to be somewhat tainted because of its new approach. The XFL didn't last more than one season and is widely considered a flop. WWE's Vince McMahon cut his losses and run - returning focus to pro wrestling WWE style.

50 Cent is on the money when he says boxing needs to add some entertainment to make it more hip and relevant. But they have to be cautious - it could make or break the already damaged sport which continues to take a weekly and monthly but kicking from the WWE and UFC in ratings, advertising rates, viewership, and just about any other sector you want to take a jab at.


Garry Cook to Expand UFC in the UK...

Global Director of UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship), Marshall Zelaznik, advised that the hand over to the UK under former Man City CEO Garry Cook will break new boundaries.

Cook has recently spent some time in Las Vegas, USA, to plan his strategy.

The UFC has already announced an event that will take place at Wembley Area on Feb 16th.

Cook said that “While we are working on finalising the fight card, UFC and fight fans can rest assured that we will bring another compelling card. You can bet that with us returning to London we will bring top fighters from the UK and around the world”.

Cook elaborated saying that there is a high demand for UFC events in London, the last event was wold-out (Bisping vs. Akiyama) and Cook believes they’ll have no problem selling tickets for future events.

Zelaznik recently said that the UFC has “a very good foothold in England” but he thinks that due to Cook’s insights into the England’s sporting culture he will take the UFC to “even greater heights.” Zelaznik went on to say that he believes under Cook the popularity of UFC will continue to grow in England and that more events will take place in the future.


2012 WWE Slammy Awards Taking Place On Next Week's RAW...

WWE has announced that the 2012 Slammy Awards will take place during next week's show from the the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, PA.

WWE will be using their RAWactive features and the WWE App for fan interaction during the Awards.

Sting Potentially Negotiating With WWE...

Is there anything happening?

- There has been speculation that WWE has been pursuing Sting for the WWE Hall of Fame and even a possible match at WrestleMania XXIX. This was due to Triple H recently mentioning him in interviews, WWE.com mentioning Sting more often than usual, and the fact that Sting's yearly TNA deal ends at the end of 2012. According to a source in the writing team, there is no truth to the rumors that he is coming in. A source stated the following…

"The current TNA lawsuit has everything frozen for the moment. WWE will not even internally discuss Sting. That just won't happen. Until this lawsuit settles, finishes or is dismissed, there's no way any discussion about Sting is going to happen. His name has never come up, and I can practically guarantee you that it won't."

The source also added the following…

"The idea of Sting vs. Undertaker, Sting vs. Punk, or Sting vs. Cena was something a lot of the young writers were dreaming about until a senior member reminded them there's not a chance of it happening this year."


2013 WWE Studios movie releases; Wrestling and movie connection; Dwayne Johnson thoughts...




WWE Studios has released the full line-up of their 2013 movie releases, some of which will be theatrical releases and others will be straight-to-DVD.

If the last few years of WWE Studios flicks are anything to go by, it will be a mixed bag, but the good news is that there should be one or two gems and pleasant surprises in there... not just B and C grade stuff. Wrestling fans... you got to wonder what it would take for 'The Rock' to sign up to Vince McMahon's WWE Studios - even for 1 or 2 films. Maybe the answer is more money than McMahon is currently willing to offer 'The Great One'. Speaking of The Rock, be sure to check out 'The Hero' when it finally hits television. Time will tell if it finally makes it to Rupert Murdoch influenced Foxtel, but it stands to reason if the public let Foxtel know they want more of 'The Rock', it may help achieve the positive result that fans are looking for.

The following is the 2013 WWE Studios movie schedule:

- "No One Lives" (Jan. 2013): WWE star in supporting role is Brodus Clay. - "Dead Man Down": WWE star in supporting role is Wade Barrett. - "Marine 3: Homefront": WWE star in the leading role is The Miz. - "12 Rounds 2: Reloaded": WWE star in the leading role is Randy Orton. - "The Hive": WWE star in a supporting role is David Otunga, plus Halle Berry in a leading role. - "Leprechaun: Origins": WWE star in the leading role is Hornswoggle. - 2014: Scooby-Doo themed movie when "Scooby Do and the Gang go to WrestleMania."

Keep checking the WWE Studios Facebook and Media Man network www.mediamanint.com for updates.


WWE World RAW Tour: Tours Australia in July 2013...



Presented by: WWE & Dainty Group

WWE’s unique brand of action packed entertainment is returning to Australia with WWE RAW.

Fans will be able to see all their favorite WWE Superstars and Divas including John Cena®, CM Punk™, Ryback™, Rey Mysterio®, The Miz™, Dolph Ziggler™, Kofi Kingston™, Zack Ryder™, Eve™, R-Truth™, AJ™ and many more*. * Line-up subject to change

TOUR DATES*: Friday 26 July - Rod Laver Arena Melbourne Saturday 27 July - Allphones Arena Sydney Sunday 28 July - Brisbane Entertainment Centre Monday 29 July - Adelaide Entertainment Centre Tuesday 30 July - Perth Arena


Foxtel to launch a new movie service...



Foxtel will launch a simplified movie service for its subscribers from next year.

The new Movies & Premium Drama package will replace the Showtime and Movie Network services, Foxtel announced on Sunday.

It will offer high definition ad-break free movies as well an increased On Demand offering.

Those who subscribe for the package will have access to seven Foxtel movie channels and the dedicated premium drama channel, showcase, which will screen award-winning drama series, many of which will be broadcast express from the US.

Foxtel chief executive Richard Freudenstein says this will change the way Australians will be able to experience movies.

"Our research told us customers want one destination for their movies, as well as simple navigation to find the movie they feel like watching. The seven dedicated and intuitively themed movie channels will ensure we make it as easy as possible for people to find and watch the movie they feel like watching," Freudenstein said in a statement.

Current subscribers to both movie packages will automatically receive all seven new Foxtel movie channels as well as showcase, World Movies and the two +2 channels (Premiere and showcase).

The new package will be available from January 1.


Richard Branson's £1 Million Wager on Virgin...

Billionaire Richard Branson is willing to bet that his flagship airline has a future—at least until 2018.

In a web blog post Monday, Branson proposed a £1 million ($1.6 million) wager with the chief executive of British Airways’ parent company (IAG), Willie Walsh, after Walsh said that Delta Air Lines (DAL) would likely acquire control of Branson’s Virgin Atlantic “and suggested the deal could ultimately see the end of the Virgin Atlantic brand,” the Guardian reported Dec. 9.

“This is wishful thinking and totally misguided,” Branson wrote on his company’s website, referring to the airline as “my baby.” “Will BA never learn? Let’s see how much they believe this. Let them put their money where their mouth is.” The Virgin Group founder is offering to pay the money to British Airways if the Virgin Atlantic name disappears within five years. If not, Branson proposed that BA pay Virgin employees the same amount. A British Airways’ representative in New York did not immediately return a call or e-mail seeking comment.

Delta is negotiating with Singapore Airlines (SIA) to acquire that carrier’s stake in Virgin Atlantic, according to media reports. On Monday, Bloomberg News reported that Delta is close to a deal and would pay $300 million to $500 million for Singapore’s 49 percent stake. Such a move would help Atlanta-based Delta bolster its presence at London Heathrow, one of the world’s most congested airports. In his comments to the newspaper, Walsh said, “I can’t see Delta operating the Virgin brand—Delta believe they are the No. 1 airline in the world.”

Walsh’s comments came as Virgin Atlantic announced plans to begin offering its first domestic service next spring, with as many as two dozen daily flights among Manchester, London Heathrow, and Scotland. The new flights, operated by Aer Lingus (AERL), would help to feed domestic traffic to Virgin’s long-haul service from London, which suffered a blow when British Airways’ parent, International Consolidated Airlines Group, acquired British Midland International.


*Special thank you to WWE, Pro Wrestling Torch, Wrestling Inc, Jim Ross and Google News for assistance and references in compiling this news report.

Websites

Media Man International

Media Man

WWE

WWE Studios

WWE Studios Facebook

Media Man Entertainment

Australian Sports Entertainment

Wrestling News Media

Pro Wrestling Torch

JR's Blog

Website Network

Media Man International

Media Man

Media Man News

Thursday, November 22, 2012

Australian and international gaming, business and interactive entertainment news

Australian and international gaming, business and interactive entertainment news: Crown Limited; Echo Entertainment, IGT, Virgin Games, Aussie Millions, Bwin.Party Digital Entertainment, WWE, THQ, Marvel Entertainment, Disney, Warner Bros and more...Media Man reports


Profiles

Bwin.Party Digital Entertainment PartyCasino.com PartyPoker.com Gaming Virgin Games Disney Casinos
Mobile Games Echo Entertainment Crown Limited IGT World Casino Directory World Directory



Contender in Echo Entertainment CEO race drops out: report...


An undisclosed senior United States casino executive has emerged as the frontrunner to replace departing Echo Entertainment Group Ltd chief executive Larry Mullin after frontrunner Grant Bowie reportedly pulled out of the selection process, according to News Limited owned newspaper The Australian.

The New Zealand-raised Mr Bowie is president of US giant MGM Grand's Macau operations, and was seen as an ideal candidate given his record in Australia while working with Park Place Entertainment and Asian experience.

With Mr Mullin set to depart the company January 31, Echo is expected to name his replacement by the end of the year.

Marina Bay Sands casino head Andrew MacDonald and Skycity Entertainment's Nigel Morrison had been named as candidates, and the leading internal candidate is Echo chief financial officer Matt Bekler, according to The Australian newspaper.


IGT debuts trio of mobile slots...

American computerised gaming equipment and systems designer and manufacturer International Game Technology (IGT) has released mobile versions for three of its most popular slots.

Las Vegas-based IGT stated that Elvis: A Little More Action, Wolf Run and Kitty Glitter have been ‘optimised for the industry’s fastest growing sector’ and are now ready for users of iOS and Android-enabled smartphones and tablet devices to enjoy via its remote game server Casino series.

“The size of the mobile market is expanding by the day and a selection of superior branded content and consistently high performing games helps make IGT a driving force behind this growth,” said Leigh Nissim, Interactive Commercial Director for IGT. “Choosing the right casino game supplier in the world of mobile gaming is crucial [and] our experience, expertise and compliance record at IGT is second to none.”

Elvis: A Little More Action is a 50-payline slot with stacked wilds that features audio from one of Elvis Presley’s most recognisable tunes, A Little Less Conversation. It also offers players up to 255 free spins via its Free Spins Bonus. IGT described the 40-payline Wolf Run and the 30-payline Kitty Glitter slots as two of its ‘all-time best performers’ and revealed that the mobile new versions come complete with the titles’ expected free spins bonuses.


Three New Games Launch on Virgin Mobile Casino...

Virgin Games, the leading online gaming company, has today announced the release of three new mobile games - Elvis, Kitty Glitter and Wolf Run. All are by leading game developer, IGT, and will be available exclusively at Virgin Mobile Casino.

Virgin Mobile Casino, which now accounts for more than 10 per cent of Virgin Games' gross revenue, was launched in December of 2011 to offer a range of slots, table and instant win games. It currently has content partnerships with both IGT and Microgaming, with the intention of introducing additional partners later down the line in order to offer the same variety and choice through the Mobile app as customers experience at the web based Casino.

Joshua Morris, Commercial Director at Virgin Games, commented: "The three latest mobile games to be added to Virgin Mobile Casino continue the trend of bringing our best games from the web onto mobile. We are already seeing 10% of our gross revenues come from Mobile in less than a year since launch and with the addition of top titles such as those launched today we are strengthening our position as a multi-game aggregator."

Virgin Games has attached its single wallet system to the new mobile product, meaning its players use the same account to play at Virgin Casino, Virgin Bingo, Virgin Poker and now mobile casino. Customers can register, manage their account, play for bonuses, deposit and withdraw seamlessly, whether they are on the web or on the move. Launched in 2004, Virgin Games is one of the UK's leading online gaming sites.


Aussie Millions Poker Tournament coming up...

The Aussie Millions (Jan 17th – 3rd Feb): Held at the awesome Crown Casino, the average temperature in Melbourne in January is about 26 degrees. Not only that the tournament runs at the same time as the Australian Open Tennis. Sweet!


PKR Gains Five Millionth User; 3-D Online Poker Room Hits Milestone After Seven Years...

PKR, the 3-D online poker room, has registered its five millionth user. The website was launched in 2006.

Simon Prodger, marketing director for the company, said, “We’re delighted to hit this major milestone, and we look forward to continuing to welcome more and more poker players from around the world to PKR.

“We have a range of marketing initiatives and product developments scheduled for launch in 2013 that we’re sure will continue to grow the PKR brand, including new TV advertising campaigns and the eagerly-awaited launch of our first mobile poker product.”

The company, which is hosting the upcoming World Poker Tour Dublin event, recently told the E-Gaming Review newsroom that it had launched a seven figure investment prospectus.

PKR told the industry magazine it had been unofficially searching for an investor for two years and it was not ruling out a sale.


Crown Limited sweet tax deal?

In Australia, Crown Ltd.’s controversial ‘unsolicited proposal’ to build a second casino in Sydney won’t be of much benefit to the taxpayer, according to ex Citigroup analyst and current independent research consultant Jenny Owen. Crown’s plan is for an international VIP-focused casino, meaning the applicable tax rate would be 10%, about one-third the rate applied to other gambling revenue, like most of the action going on down the street at Sydney’s existing casino, The Star. Ms. Owen told the Sydney Morning Herald this made for "a very attractive business model, certainly one that I would have thought would go to public tender and should attract a reasonably significant license premium. Clearly that doesn’t appear to be the case.". Time will tell as "It sure looks like the casino - hotel will be going ahead" according to a Media Man gaming spokesperson.


Online Gaming Execs Respond to Detention of bwin.party CEO...

Leaders of the world’s top online gaming firms are mad as hell and they’re not going to take it anymore. In response to last Tuesday’s detainment of bwin.party co-CEO Norbert Teufelberger in Brussels, Belgium, 14 executives from 12 internet gambling companies penned a public letter to the Financial Times saying that enough is enough when it comes to European Union (EU) countries ignoring EU law.

To recap, Teufelberger was set to make the closing remarks at Responsible Gaming Day, put on by the European and Betting and Gaming Association (EGBA), of which he is Chairman, when he was detained by Belgian police. The authorities reportedly kept him for two hours (he was allowed to make his speech first), questioning him about bwin.party’s activities in Belgium.

bwin.party has found itself on the short end of extremely strict Belgian gaming regulations, which, among other things, require online poker operators to have a brick-and-mortar presence in the country in order to be granted an online gaming license. Only six operators – PokerStars.be, Poker770.be, Partouche.be, Win2day, GoldenPalace.be, and Unibet – have received licensed. To make matters worse, some of bwin.party’s websites have been put on the Belgian Gaming Commission’s (BGC) blacklist. Despite the blacklist status, bwin.party has continued to operate in Belgium.

While Belgium’s regulations may be cut and dry, they are not without controversy. bwin.party, as well as other gaming companies and organizations, feel they run contrary to EU law and have been fighting them for several years.

Norbert Teufelberger himself was one of the 14 executives to sign the letter to the Financial Times, along with co-CEO Jim Ryan. The others were:

Michael Carlton – CEO, Victor Chandler International Denise Coates and John Coates – Joint CEOs, bet365 Stéphane Courbit – President, Betclic Everest Group Canel Frichet – CEO, Winamax Noel Hayden – Managing Director, Gamesys Denis Kelly – CEO, Stan James Brian Mattingly – CEO, 888 Holdings Andrew McIver – CEO, Sportingbet Magnus Silfverberg – CEO, Betsson Ralph Topping – CEO, William Hill Ed Ware – CEO, 32Red

In the letter, which was posted at FT.com, the executives expressed their resentment towards both the EU Belgian law enforcement, saying, “While the Belgian authorities are free to intimidate Europe’s leading online gaming groups with threats about the consequences of challenging their domestic gambling laws, the European Commission has yet to receive an answer to its own concerns regarding the regulatory regime in Belgium that have remained unresolved since issuing its detailed opinion back in 2009.”

The letter reminded the Financial Times’ readers of the complaints against Belgium two years ago, quoting the head of the European Commission, Michel Barnier, from 2010 , “’…ensuring compliance of national law with the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU (TFEU) is a prerequisite of a successful EU policy on online gambling…if blatant infringements persist, I will not hesitate to propose to my colleagues that the appropriate proceedings be taken or relaunched.’”

The letter concluded, “We hope that the commission will now enforce compliance with the European treaty and do so swiftly. Countries such as Belgium and Greece that are in clear breach of EU law and that are seeking to enforce those laws domestically are likely to be at the top of the list. The time for polite rhetoric is now over. It is time for deeds not words.” (Poker News Daily)

THQ being sued by tattoo artist...

Chris Escobedo, creator and owner of Elite Tattoo, has sued THQ because one of his tattoos has been used by the developer in their game, UFC Undisputed 3 without his consent.

His tattoo, a lion, has been used on the arms of current welterweight champion of UFC Carlos Condit in the game. Escobedo claims that THQ never came to him to seek permission to use the tattoo in the game.

People often believe that they own the images that are tattooed on them by tattoo artists,” said Escobedo’s lawyer Maria Crimi. “In reality, the owner of the tattoo artwork is the creator of the work, unless there is a written assignment of the copyright in the tattoo art.”

Escobedo said: “I would not have agreed to the recreation of the tattoo by an animator.”

Well, it certainly is a violation of the copyrights, as silly as it may seem.

"WWE ’13" receives rave reviews from video game gurus..

“WWE ’13,” available in stores now, gives WWE fans the most seamless, realistic and exciting WWE video game experience to date. With the new addition of WWE Live, enhanced Predator Technology and an enormous Creation Suite and talent roster based on the Attitude Era, it’s no surprise that “WWE ’13” is a hit with reviewers. Look at what some of the leading reviewers have to say about “WWE ’13” and pick up your copy today!

IGN Review score: 8.4 out of 10 “At its core, ‘WWE ’13’ continues last year’s legacy with already solid gameplay refined via a few new moves. Aptly named OMG Moments let you tackle opponents through barricades and break the ring with top-rope suplexes, while the creation suite has been slightly upgraded with improved arena types that should facilitate better community creations.” (MORE)

Game Informer Review score: 9 out of 10 “I’ve always pointed to 2000’s WWE No Mercy as the best wrestling game I’ve ever played, but nostalgia is certainly a factor in that. After playing ‘WWE ’13,’ I’m hard pressed to think of a more enjoyable and complete wrestling game in history.”

Official XBOX Magazine Review score: 8 out of 10 “Of particular note is the game’s superb single-player experience, which should serve as the foundation for all future endeavors. If anything, the smart objective design and use of archival WWE footage makes us want more.”

AtomicGamer Review score: 8 out of 10

Bleacher Report Review score: 8 out of 10

Canadian Online Gamers Review score: 85/100

Click Online Review score: 4.5 out of 5

GamesBeat Review score: 86/100

GamesRadar Review score: 4 out of 5

IRB Gamer Review score: 4.5 out of 5

PlayStation Official Magazine – UK Review score: 80/100

RTV Review Score: 4 out of 5

TotallyGN Review score: 8 out of 10

Disney honors Black Friday in Avengers Alliance, Gardens of Time et al...

When it comes to the biggest shopping day of the year, Disney ain't playin' no games ... or something like that. The company's social gaming arm has lots planned for Black Friday in its most popular Facebook games, namely a number of enticing deals for in-game boosts and items for Marvel: Avengers Alliance, Gardens of Time, Ghosts of Mistwood and Blackwood & Bell Mysteries.

Each game will offer reduced prices on in-game currency in addition to specific offers for in-game goodies. Here's the list of the delectable deals straight from Disney and Playdom:

Marvel: Avengers Alliance: Starting Nov. 23, Mockingbird will be on sale for all players until Nov. 26. Mockingbird was originally only available as the ultimate reward for achieving 15 mastery stars in the first Special Operation, but starting on Black Friday, players will have four days to recruit this secretive S.H.I.E.L.D. Agent from the Heroes section and get her before she is gone.

Ghosts of Mistwood: From Black Friday through Cyber Monday on Nov. 26, the hit Facebook game, Ghosts of Mistwood, will be having a special Black Friday bundle sale to help players solve the mysteries of Mistwood Estate. Players can gobble up lantern oil, coins, special ingredients and a Limited Special Stardust Relic for a limited time in the Market and at a festive price.

Gardens of Time: For Disney Social Games' super sales weekend, Gardens of Time players will be able to purchase any of the in-game gold decoration items at a discount when sending them to their friends. That's over 100 items discounted for this offer.

Blackwood and Bell & Threads of Mystery: Two more amazing hidden object games from Disney Social Games, Blackwood and Bell & Threads of Mystery, will be having sales on in game gold. Players need to head on over to take advantage of these limited time Black Friday Sales.


Tolkien's estate sues over Hobbit gambling games...

JRR Tolkien's estate is suing the makers of The Lord of the Rings and Hobbit movies for allegedly overstepping their merchandising rights by making gambling games based on the books' characters.

Tolkien's family and publisher HarperCollins are suing Warner Brothers, its subsidiary New Line Cinema and Saul Zaentz for $80 million.

In papers filed in a Los Angeles court, they accuse the defendants of copyright infringement and breach of contract.

They say the companies are entitled to develop and sell only tangible merchandise such as clothes, figurines and stationery, not downloadable video and gambling games.

The Tolkien estate has asked for an injunction on such products, which it claims have caused irreparable damage to the author's legacy and reputation.

"Not only does the production of gambling games patently exceed the scope of defendants' rights, but this infringing conduct has outraged Tolkien's devoted fan base, causing irreparable harm to Tolkien's legacy and reputation and the valuable goodwill generated by his works," the lawsuit stated. The suit claimed Warner Brothers has earned millions of dollars from legal merchandise licensing revenue related to The Lord of the Rings trilogy of films, which have grossed nearly $3 billion at the global box office.

Representatives for Warner Brothers, Tolkien's estate and HarperCollins were not immediately available for comment.

The lawsuit comes a week ahead of the New Zealand premiere of The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, the first of a new trilogy of films returning to Tolkien's world of elves, goblins and wizards of Middle Earth, based on the Lord of the Rings prequel novel, The Hobbit.


Websites

Media Man Int

PartyCasino.com

PartyPoker.com

Casino News Media

Poker News Daily

Global Gaming Directory

Media Man Entertainment



Website Network

Media Man International

Media Man

Media Man News