Horsing Around

Thought we'd share a fun fact with you today. Did you know that today all horses in the southern hemisphere are officially one year older? Yup. Apparently all horses have the same birthday, so their ages can be standardised.

So if you happen to see a horse on your travels today, make sure you stop to give him/her a hug and wish them many happy returns. If you're in the northern hemisphere though, you need to hold off on the cake as all our northern toothy companions don't celebrate until January 1.

Angry Birds: The Movie

I absolutely had to share this video. So many of my friends (particularly the men) are absolutely obsessed with playing Angry Birds on the iPhone. If you or anyone you know is an Angry Birds addict then you will love this 'trailer' for Angry Birds the movie. Enjoy!

A new religion?

This is an actual photo of a sign outside a church in Joondalup, Western Australian taken yesterday. What do we think? Is this a fantastic attempt by a church to incorporate contemporary culture into religion or is this just a completely inappropriate sentiment for a place of worship?

You tell me, I can't decide. I am not an overly religious person and I just found it a little well, wrong, but what do I know? Perhaps if more churches like this more young people today would be going along. Perhaps the choir will be singing Eminem.

A day to remember

A reminder to all WA Style readers that today is Remembrance Day. The day we take some time to remember those who gave their lives in defence of our country. Traditionally at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month we take a minute of silence out of respect. 

Lest we forget. 

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.

Are your horses all lined up?

Melbourne Cup, like Christmas, rolls around every single year. So why is it every year I find myself surprised it is ‘that time again’ and completely clueless about what I am doing?

Perhaps this year it is also because I no longer have a workplace full of people to celebrate it with (a sweepstake of one isn’t quite the same). So what I want to know is what are you wonderful WA Style readers doing for Melbourne Cup? Will there be funny hats and fancy dresses all round?

If like me you’re stuck for somewhere to go, I like the sound of The Luxe Bar’s Top Hat function. $65plus booking fee gets you a glass of Veuve on arrival and lots of other great goodies. In their words:

“Top Hat is a day at the races for the dukes and dames of Beaufort Street, boasting a cocktail luncheon of royal proportions. Hand made for those with a taste for detail, Dish Catering deliver a menu fit for any aristocrat. 

“Hosted by Anths and Simon from RTRFM with Shifty Translation providing your soundtrack for the day. See the freshest fashion brought to you by Varga Girl complemented with this summers hottest footwear from Betts with ladies from Vivien's, hair by Scissor Sister and makeup from Napoleon Perdis.” 

Oh, and you you can watch the race as well. Call 9228 9680 or visit www.bamBOObamBOObamBOO.com for more info. 

So where are you planning to go? If you know of any other great events scheduled for November 2, let me know and we can share them here.

The best marketing ever

I went to see Wall Street at the movies yesterday and this ad ran before the film started. I have to say I think this is the smartest piece of marketing I have seen in a very long time. It is long but stick with it, it is clever and a very interesting piece of branding.

I have to admit I am influenced by a good piece of marketing and was considering buying a bottle just so they see the return for all their hard work.

What do you guys think? Love this video or not? Does it make you want to rush out a buy a bottle of Scotland's best? In case you are wondering, this post is in no way sponsored - I just had to share this really cool ad with you all.

Oxford dictionary moves with the times

I can’t believe the Oxford English Dictionary is hanging up the proverbial hat and admitting dictionaries are no longer needed as a hard copy product.

While it is good to see a company moving with the times, I do think there is something sad about losing this old tradition. There is something special about having so many words written down in the one place – or maybe that’s just me?

Bestselling British author and journalist Simon Winchester has backed the move by Oxford University Press to bring out the next edition of the Oxford English Dictionary in online format only. 
 
Winchester, who is in Australia to promote his new book, Atlantic, says that Oxford University Press is doing what is right and proper for consumers. 


“My view is they are entirely prescient in bringing the OED out in digital format only,” he says. “Although I will certainly regret the Oxford English Dictionary’s passing as a book, this is a move that is being repeated all over the world and its really only bowing to the inevitable."


 
In case you are interested (or even if you're not), Oxford dictionary’s word for the day is bouillon. The online dictionary is available at www.oxforddictionaries.com

Christmas in September

Have you guys been into the city this week? I was in this morning and couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw David Jones had already set up their Christmas display. It is just me or does it feel like it is getting earlier and earlier each year? It has only been spring for a few days!

Does this just mean Christmas is becoming even more commercial, or should we relish the opportunity to kick ourselves in to the celebratory season a little earlier?

To continue the Christmas theme of this post, I thought I’d also share one of the seasonal products that have already started arriving in my inbox. I thought this was pretty cool. This kids book True Blue Santa gives Santa and Christmas a distinctly Aussie twist. Not a bad stocking filler for the kids. It’s only $14.99 and will be available from October 1.

Two liger cubs born in Taiwan

They may be controversial but these two 'liger' cubs are adorable. The offspring of a male lion and female tiger were born in Taiwan at a private zoo this week. What do you think? Adorable and natural or morally objectionable?

Celebrating 100 posts of WA Style

Although this is technically the 101st post, I wanted to take this moment to celebrate reaching this pivotal first milestone. I hope you have been enjoying WA Style and will keep sticking with us for the next 100 posts and beyond. If you like the site, I hope you will show your support by becoming a follower by clicking on the icon on the right hand side of the page and by commenting on the articles. Don't forget to tell all your friends about us as well!

An inspirational WA success story

I read so many stories about lamenting the 'failures of the youth today' so I love it when I see someone young being recognised for their outstanding achievements. I couldn't help but be inspired reading the story of Matthew Lutton, an acclaimed young director and founder of the theatre company ThinIce, who was awarded a Western Australian Citizen of the Year Award last night.

Matthew, who at age 17 founded ThinIce while still at school, was the winner of the Youth Arts category – an award that recognises a young person aged 18-25 years who has been engaged in the pursuit of excellence in the arts.  Previous recipients of the award include celebrity choreographer Jason Gilkinson and now international fashion designer Michelle Jank.

Since completing university studies at the West Australian Academy of Performing Arts Matthew has worked with most of Australia’s leading theatre companies and directors, last year directing The Mysteries:Genesis at Sydney Theatre Company with Andrew Upton and Tom Wright.

Now at just 25 years of age, Matthew’s directing credits are numerous and well received, and ThinIce has emerged as one of the country’s most progressive theatre companies.  His most recent work Love Me Tender premiered at the 2010 Perth International Arts Festival, following on from previous festival productions of Antigone in 2009, The Lady Aoi in 2007.  

Due to his efforts, extraordinary theatre originating from WA is being seen around the country. His work has been staged Perth, Melbourne, Sydney and Hobart over the last 24 months.
 
ThinIce through Matthew, has adopted the premise of breaking down state borders to allow many WA actors and theatre artists the opportunity to work professionally interstate. Similarly, ThinIce continues to bring many of Australia's best actors to perform for Perth audiences.

In addition to his work with ThinIce, Lutton volunteers his time to work with students and teachers, and mentors other young aspiring artists.


The latest production from Matthew Lutton is Franz Kafka’s The Trial,  which will run for a one week season at Subiaco Arts Centre from October 22 to 30 October, 2010.  Tickets are on sale now through BOCS, www.bocsticketing.com.au.

Will you tiptoe through the tulips?

I find it really sad that Araluen Botanic Park no longer receives the support it needs to hold it’s annual tulip display. The lack of government support for the park and the impact of parking restrictions imposed, means this year’s traditional It’s Springtime at Araluen tulip festival will not be held again.

That said, Araluen Botanic Park and now calling on volunteers to plant what they call a ‘modest scale of tulip planting’ on May 29 & 30 and June 12 & 13 from 9.30am to around 12pm.

Rod Ross, park general manager, says: “In keeping with previous practice we are inviting the broader community to volunteer their services to assist in the bulb planting process.  Many have become regulars and most consider it to be a novel, educational and enjoyable wholesome family outing.

“Just imagine the satisfaction that participants experience when returning to Araluen in spring to see the bulbs they planted in full bloom.”

Volunteers are encouraged to bring suitable gardening clothes, gloves and kneepads.  Planting tools are provided and simple instructions are demonstrated on site.

For further information contact the park on 9496 1171.

Experience museum week

I am always one to promote a good event and I think the opportunity to promote WA’s museums and other cultural locations one too good to pass up. Today officially heralds the start of Museum and Gallery Week 2010 and the WA museum’s and galleries are definitely getting involved.

International Museum Day began in 1977 by the International Council of Museums (ICOM). Since then it has grown in popularity around the world.  In 2009, it experienced record participation of almost 20,000 museums, who organized activities in more than 90 countries. 
 
Running from May 15 to May 23, Museums Australia WA executive officer Jane King says the week is a good opportunity for WA galleries, museums and cultural centres to talk about what they have on offer. 


“This annual week-long celebration, encompassing International Museum Day, provides the opportunity for Western Australian museums and galleries to showcase their collections and stories to the public while taking part in the global celebration of International Museum Day,” she says.

Are you a celebrity stalker?

I use the word stalker quite loosely here (really I do) but I sometimes wonder if living in the media-soaked environment we do that living in WA - a state completely berefit of local celebrities of any kind - when we leave our sheltered home we turn into feindish celebrity stalkers. Or maybe that's just me. Please tell me I am not alone?

I recently returned from a trip to New York and now I intend to shamelessly name drop all the celebrities I had the pleasure to stalk see from a safe and respectful distance. The first and definitely the best on my list was Scarlett Johansson. I had the great pleasure of seeing Scarlett Jo and Liev Schreiber in their final Broadway preformance of A View From The Bridge. This show was absolutely fantastic. It was also an experience in itself to hang around at the 'stage door' outside the cinema for the celebrities to emerge.