Australian Casino Wars: Casino Strike Action!, by Greg Tingle - 9th September 2010

Australian and international pundits... you want casino and gambling action and news? Here it is maties. The world famous Australian Casino Wars continue to generate heat and excitement around the world. It's not only the main two players in Australia - James Packer owned Crown Casino and Tabcorp owned Star City Casino, but now almost certain strike action from the staff is on the cards. Rampant rumours suggest that another "strike" or two is also possible, but that may be jumping the gun! Media Man and Gambling911 don the bullet proof vests and grab the baton and plastic handcuffs. It's lights, cameras, action, strike!...

Crown Casino Workers To Strike; Rumours - Star City Casino And Others May Follow Trend...

Australian land based casinos can still operate in times of strike action, which is a very good thing for the powers that be at Crown Casino (and potentially a number of others).

Crown Limited is one of the biggest employers of Melbourne - ites - (for the moment). Let us also not forget that Crown are also a major supporter of our friend (and maybe yours) Andrew "Twiggy" Forrest.

Multiple thousands of workers at Crown Casino will likely be on strike during this year's Spring Racing Carnival as part of a significant industrial campaign for better pay, and perhaps conditions.

Crown staff will vote on the possible strike action in the coming weeks after Fair Work Australia approved the ballot. Insiders are hoping they don't get the equivalent of a hung Parliament, which was the state of Australia's senate for roughly 2 weeks, before Julia Gillard was reappointed the Prime Ministership.

Staffers are seeking out a 13.5% pay rise over three years and have flat out rejected Crown's 11% offer.

The LHMU (Liquor Hospitality and Miscellaneous Union) state secretary Jess 'Witty' (Media Man tag) Walsh said Crown Limited had posted a sizable $300 million profit and could afford the increase.

She advised any strike action would involve dealers, food and beverage staff and gaming staff.

"Members should be voting over the next few weeks, so the industrial action would occur in early October - it probably lines up with the spring racing carnival. Experienced, properly-trained staff are vital to ensuring gaming and alcohol are served responsibly at Crown. But Crown has sent a clear message it does not value the loyalty, dedication and experience of its staff. It only cares about one thing: making more money, whatever the cost to the community or its own staff. It has told staff it cannot afford a fair wage increase and needs to make changes that could cost experienced dealers almost $5000 a year, despite its $300 million profit."

Crown chief executive David 'Cashed Up' (Media Man tag) Courtney said talk of strike action was not unusual towards the end of long negotiations (the previous enterprise agreement ceased on 30th June).

He tipped Crown's 11% offer was equal to that accepted by staff at Burswood Casino in Perth, Western Australia, and more than the 9% accepted by staff at Sydney's Star City Casino.

He said Crown was hopeful of avoiding strike action.

If there was strike action the casino would continue to operate, Courtney said.

Tabcorp is tight lipped on the speculation and tip offs that another strike may hit their Star City Casino in 'Sin City' Sydney. Reef Casino and Lasseters in Australia's top end region would not disclose or confirm if they were about to suffer "strike action" (one kind or another), and no, we are not talking about aggressive boat people or the Australian or foreign Navy vessels, aircraft carriers or the like.

Insider rumors tip that they may be another kind of "strike", but that may be just heat coming from the readership of the likes of the very loud Media Man, Casino News Media and Gambling911.

A Media Man spokesperson said "Regarding the talk of another kind of strike in the Australian casino sector, don't look too deep into it. Our journalist and correspondent friends are known for talking things up, mind you, stranger things have happened in the past like the casino shaft man, Ferrari thief man, and even a couple of bomb threats a few years back, so I guess anything is possible. We think the hard working staff might just get the pay increase, and hopefully it won't negatively effect the share price. Mr Packer's operation is still pretty much head and shoulders about the competition so it should still be fair winds, and let us not forget the Packer and Warnie X factor, so Crown will keep powering for the foreseeable future in any event."

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Readers... er, punters, what's your view on the casino wars and potential strike action? Is other "strike action" on the cards? Keep checking daily for updates. If you have a bet, please bet with your head, not over it, and for God's sake, have fun.

Crown Limited Share Price: $8.320

*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911

*Media Man http://www.mediamanint.com is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company. They cover a dozen industry sectors including gaming and offer political commentary and analysis.

*The writer owns shares in Crown Limited

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Crown Casino Shaft Man Probed And Charged, by Greg Tingle - 2nd August 2010

Australian land based casino and pubs, clubs and hotels keep up their reputation as not exactly totally safe places to hang out. Some one should have told the 'Tool Man' er 'Shaft Man' who recently played fun and games at Crown Casino. Some of the dangers of land based casinos in Australia were touched on in the Productivity Report into gaming, but 'Shaft Man' stooped to a new level getting stuck, hot under the collar and escaping with his life. Media Man and Gambling911 bring in the ambulance chasers, plastic handcuffs and media pack with this special report...

Australia's casinos are not exactly safe places to hang out, whether your a good guy or good girl, or a baddie.

Jupiters Hotel and Casino on the Gold Coast may be now considered one of the world's most dangerous according to numerous Media Man informers who don't wish to be named (funny that), but James Packer's Crown is no doubt the most colourful... you know, footballers run a muck, patrons Ferrari stolen, naked model runs wild at party, Sexpo patron party fun and games (count us in), and now the case of the 'Crown Shaft Man' who may have watched too many repeats of Pink Panther or The Godfather.

Only last week the Star City Casino gunman went to trail in what is viewed as attempted murder of the girlfriend, at the casino gym no less.

Crown Casino Shaft Man Greased Up, Probed And Charged - Shafted?...

A Melbourne man (or a mouse) who was rescued from a greased up ventilation shaft at James Packer owned Crown Casino last week has now charged with both trespass and criminal damage.

Should the man had of made more progress with his shaft and cavity activity its possible more series charges may have been laid, but he escaped without the 'lead treatment' and 'back room consultation' (see Casino film with Robert De Niro) but the situation is considered pretty anal none the less.

The 25-year-old from Sydenham 'shaft man' was questioned by police and charged this past Saturday, two days after paramedics and firefighters pulled him out, covered in grease and fat, from a duct above the curiously named Automatic Cafe. Out of the frying pan, into the fire, hey young buck.

Melbourne emergency services teams were called by restaurant staff about 10am on Friday after they heard noises and cries of HELP from above a pizza oven. Papaguisepi, Mama Mia. It was almost a case of International Rescue, without the Thunderbirds 2 and 4, but we got a FAB Virgil and Brains.

A paramedic dressed in special disposable overalls and a safety harness slid like a grass snake along the duct to assess the man's condition before firefighters aka 'Firies' extracted him, more than 11 hours after the mouse er man, climbed into the tiny confined space.

The 'shaft man' was taken to The Alfred hospital after the colourful incident.

He was bailed to appear at the Melbourne Magistrates' Court on October 7, and news media is hoping he might wear colourful attire to this appointment, to help further slip slide along the story and ongoing saga of SHAFT MAN, no relation to DANGER-MAN. Marvel Entertainment icon, Stan Lee, would not comment on the 'Shaft Man'. We think the story has Excelsior! type merit.

Speculation (pub and casino talk) remains as to if the 'Shaft Man' seeks to become a brand ambassador for KY Jelly and / or an Australian jelly wrestling promotion! The Pink Panther nor The Naked Gun franchise are not interested in his services.

The Network Nine rumour mill says producers are interested to obtain footage of the 'shaft man' for their 'World's Dumbest Criminals' television feature.

What casino is the most dangerous? There are a number of criteria to judge by... bashings and assaults, deaths and injuries, theft, guns and / or knives and so it goes on. Tell us in the forum.

Punters, er readers, stay glued to Media Man reports via Gambling911 for more "can't miss" information on Australian and global casino wars, land based and online.

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Online casinos, perhaps recognizing the sometimes crime link with land based casinos, going back to 'The Mob' in Vegas and Chicago have a number of game titles with dangerous titles such as The Godfather, Hitman, Heist, Mafia Millions, Predator, High Noon and Resident Evil? Just good Hollywood fun or something perhaps more sinister? In the meantime Aussies continue to call for an Underbelly and Kerry Packer themed slot game, but have to settle for Pink Panther within weeks and Andre The Giant likely before year end. Oh well, beggars can't be choosers. PartyGaming, Virgin Casino and Captain Cooks remain some of the world's must trusted, ethical and popular online casinos, with Party leading the charge down under followed by Captain Cook.

So, whether you prefer land based casinos or online, please take precautions and don't get shafted. As always, know the odds, bet with your head, not over it, and have fun. Good luck.

*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911

*Media Man http://www.mediamanint.com is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company. They cover a dozen industry sectors including gaming.

*The writer owns shares in Crown Limited

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Sparrow Cafe Shortlisted For The Bondi Junction Business Awards - 2nd August 2010

The sensational Sparrow Cafe of Bondi Beach has made the shortlist for The Bondi Junction Business Awards.

Owner and head barrister Pat Moritz, a French expat, has been operating at Bondi Beach, near the top of the hill in Gould Street for approximately one year and the cafe has developed a loyal following.

A Media Man staffer said "Sparrow Cafe has got to be one of the greatest cafes in Sydney, if not Australia. Word has spread like wildfire around Sydney, then interstate, and overseas. They even get postcards from overseas coming in. It's a combination of factors which see its success... the vibe, friendly staff, fantastic coffee and food, super fast internet wifi, beautiful decor and amazing value for money".

Sparrow Cafe is open 7 days a week from 8am to 8pm.

We highly recommend you come on over to experience world class coffee, service with a smile and a super relaxing and comfortable setting.

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A world class performance at the Aroma Festival in Sydney; Annique Azure and group makes the event a happening says Media Man

A world class performance at the Aroma Festival in Sydney; Annique Azure and group makes the event a happening says Media Man

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Aroma Festival, The Rocks, Sydney, Aust: A Divine World Of Coffee, Chocolate, Tea+Spice (+media babes, PR's) Sunday 25th July; 10am to 5pm

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Cafe's secret gaming den, by Lisa Carty - The Sydney Morning Herald - 4th October 2009

A Sydney cafe which was operating as an illegal gambling den has just been raided.

It doesn't take too much imagination to think that if this sort of thing happens in bricks and mortar premise, it also happens in the online gambling world.

I'm sure Gambling911.com would agree. For punters its a better bet to stick to brands and Internet portals that they know and trust, and gamble where its legal. Known entities of course include World Poker Tour, BetUS.com, PartyGaming, Virgin Games, Doyle's Room, PKR, Gambling911 and our Media Man Australia.

Just as not all pokies are the same, and there's strong rumours of a few dodgy and unregulated ones out there, not to mention last months Da Vinci Diamonds allegedly "rigged" machines in Canada (favoring punters in that case), not all online casinos are "above board". As always its a case of buyer beware.

Illegal gambling dens in Australia go back past the late George Freeman's time, as documented on Network Nine Australia's 'Underbelly" smash hit TV series.

*the writers' (Greg Tingle's) late grandfather, Eric Frazer Cameron Tingle was a famous Australian SP Bookmaker who used his barber shop at Newport Beach as a front. The premises also had classic pokies that accepted 10 cent coins! Tingle's friends, associates and clientele also included the late, great, Big Tim "Earthquake" Bristow. It's unknown if the Newport Beach premise was licensed to run pokies.

Article

EXCLUSIVE: INSPECTORS swooping on a suburban cafe during the morning coffee rush found nine illegal gambling machines, including five pokies.

Haberfield locals sipped lattes out the front, oblivious to the secret back room set up to look like a legitimate club.

Gaming Minister Kevin Greene said the machines confiscated in last month's raid would be destroyed.

He warned punters against trying for easy money in dodgy gambling dens.

"NSW laws heavily regulate poker machine numbers, usage and gaming safety so that people who choose to use them know they're getting the same chances as everyone else,'' he said.

''For instance, every one of the licensed machines in NSW is connected to a central monitoring system that ensures they work as they are supposed to.

"Even ignoring the illegal nature of backroom gaming dens, they have no such protections in place, and people gambling there illegally are risking everything from their wallet's contents to their own safety when they get involved.''

Mr Greene said the machines were spotted by a sharp-eyed council food inspector, who reported them to the NSW Office of Liquor, Gaming and Racing. "The air-conditioned room was brazenly set up like a gaming room, with machines spaced evenly in a row and a stool in front of each one and sports memorabilia on the walls,'' Mr Greene said.

He said anyone possessing, operating or trading gambling machines must be licensed.

"While reports of illegal gaming machines are rare, this sort of behaviour will not be tolerated," he said.

"We also have strict, responsible gambling laws to minimise the harm associated with problem gambling.''

Investigations of the coffee-shop casino continue. Anyone found guilty could face fines of up to $1100 and/or 12 months in jail.

The secret gambling den was empty of punters at the time of the late-morning raid. (Credit: The Sydney Morning Herald)

Starbucks sponsors new Virgin Media offering, by Fiona Ramsay - Media Week - 26th June 2008

LONDON - Starbucks has signed up as exclusive sponsor of a new celebrity and entertainment portal on Virginmedia.com.

Under the partnership, the coffee retailer and producer becomes sole sponsor of Take 5, an area on Virginmedia.com featuring celebrity, fashion, beauty, travel and games content, giving users the opportunity to catch up with the latest leisure information.

Launching today (Thursday), the deal will run for five weeks. The campaign, negotiated by Virgin Media's sales house IDS and agency Starcom, will also feature a commissioned campaign evaluation survey.

Virginmedia.com has been developing its entertainment portal areas in recent months, adding more video content and developing integrated on-air and online sponsorship deals.

Virgin Media recently merged its female-focused Siren portal with its LivingTV website, as part of a plan to create one of the country's top five women's websites, accessible via the main Virginmedia.com website.

Greg Tingle comment

Awesome. Caffeine mixed with celebrities and media, along with a dash of the right music is highly addictive. Games on the portal also. Sounds like an addictive combination. We here at Media Man better lift our game, and if we play our cards right we might get a deal with a caffeine sponsor ourselves, to go into the Virgin and Media mix, down under in Australia. Cheers.

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Starbucks axes 61 stores and 685 jobs, by Daniel Emerson - The Sydney Morning Herald - 29th July 2008

About 685 employees of coffee mega-chain Starbucks will lose their jobs in five days after the company this afternoon announced it would close 61 of its 84 Australian stores.

NSW employees were told the news at a meeting at the Novotel Hotel in Darling Harbour at 4pm.

After August 3, only Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane will have Starbucks outlets.

Speculation of widespread closures was sparked when every Australian store was ordered to close at 2pm so all staff could attend 28 meetings around the country but they were not given prior indication of the move.

Starbucks announced in a statement embargoed until 5pm today that the decision to close 61 "underperforming" locations was made "to concentrate its attention and resources on profitable growth, operational efficiencies and an enhanced experience for customers and partners [employees] globally".

Starbucks calls its employees "partners".

Starbucks Asia Pacific president John Culver would not reveal which stores would close, saying he wanted employees to be told first.

"Obviously a decision like this is a very difficult decision for any company to make and really more so from a Starbucks perspective because of the impact that we have on our people," he said.

"We wanted to make sure we handled these announcements the right way and put our people first."

The locations of the closures will be made public on July 31 when they will be posted on the chain's Australian website.

Mr Culver said the company had set up an "employee assistance line" offering counselling to its "partners" and redundancy packages would be offered.

Casual staff would also be offered redundancy.

He refused to say why the employees were give such short notice of the massive closures.

"As part of the decision all partners, whether they have worked for the company for week or multiple years, will be eligible for a redundancy package," Mr Culver said.

"Depending on length of service and position, it ranges anywhere from a maximum of 20 weeks of redundancy pay that we will be paying. All partners at a minimum will receive at least a week's notice-period pay as well as two weeks' severance pay.

"This is above and beyond what we are legally required to do but we feel it's the right decision to support our partners and show the value we place on them as people."

Mr Culver said about 685 employees would lose their jobs but he would not reveal what proportion of them were full time and casual.

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Packer's 'white elephant' leased, By Justin Vallejo - The Daily Telegraph - 27th June 2008

Bondi's most famous white elephant has sat vacant beneath James Packer's beachside palazzo for the past six years.

Now the ground floor of Packer's former bachelor pad is to be converted into a Jurlique "wellness sanctuary".

The Campbell Parade block will house the pursuit of "beauty and connecting oneself to the earth" rather than dirty nappies.

The space had been boarded up since iconic retailer Jones The Grocer shut up shop in 2002, and was eventually placed into voluntary administration with $1 million in debts.

The site was supposed to have provided a rental income of more than $3000 a week for Packer, with the grocery shop paying $148,000 a year for panoramic views of Bondi Beach.

International coffee chain Starbucks almost took up residence in 2003 but pulled out after residents' protests - an American chain, puh-lease.

Gelateria & Pizzeria owner George Pompei was also keen but couldn't get permission for outdoor seating.

Packer settled on Jurlique, a cosmetics company in which his CPH Investment Corp paid $25 million in 2002 for a 25 per cent share.

Contractors have already begun converting the site, scheduled to open in July - and it's no dodgy kebab shop operation, either.

According to chief executive Eli Halliwell, Jurlique "is passion" and a chance to connect with the "living energy" of their skincare products.

"Beauty is sustainable connections to the earth," her website says.

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We have recently had the pleasure of dining at some of Bondi Beaches greatest cafes including:

Bondi Trattoria, Lamrock Cafe, Cafe Lorenzini, The Sun Cafe, Starfish Cafe and Brave Cafe Restaurant.

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Best Regards
Greg Tingle
Director
Media Man Australia
e: greg@mediaman.com.au
w: www.mediaman.com.au

Cafe's in Sydney's eastern suburbs

See our Bronte Beach and Bondi Beach profiles which are currently being updated.

Best Regards
Greg Tingle
Director
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e: greg@mediaman.com.au
w: www.mediaman.com.au

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Best Regards
Greg Tingle
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