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Sunday 31 May 2015

Loyal dog in organ donor ad: VIRAL VIDEO

A new organ donation PSA from Argentina, titled 'The Man and the Dog', shows the bond between an elderly man and his dog - a story with an emotional twist (now going viral):




'Orange Is The New Black' Season Two: DVD Giveaway

Are you ready to immerse yourself in season three of 'Orange Is The New Black', set to debut on Netflix in Australia, as well as Foxtel?

Well, it's catch up, binge-watch time with season two, now on DVD!



The award winning television series, which took the world by storm is back for more, more, more… and damn, it's an addictive show. If you haven't yet immersed yourself, grab season one, then watch this. And Josie's Juice has two copies of the DVD to giveaway here! Scroll down for more.

Based on Piper Kerman’s bestselling memoir, Orange is the New Black is a fierce and funny series that goes inside the walls of an all-women’s prison with an unforgettable and irreverent group of prisoners.


“The real goal of season two is: more. It’s learning more about these women, telling more of their stories and continuing the journey.” Jenji Kohan, the Emmy Award-winning creator and executive producer.

The crew of flawed, funny, gloriously outrageous inmates played by an award winning ensemble cast, are joined this season by new inmate Vee (Lorraine Toussaint – Selma, Forever), and the integral flashback sequences include Piper, Alex, Red, Crazy Eyes, Taystee, Lorna, Poussey, Gloria, Miss Rosa, Sister Ingalls and Vee.


The special features on the DVD include:

- Audio commentary on episodes 3 "Hugs Can Be Deceiving" and 6 "You Also Have A Pizza" with: Adrienne C Moore, Danielle Brooks, Samira Wiley, Uzo Aduba, Vicky Jeudy

- 4 featurettes ‘Orange Peeled’, ‘ Vee.I.P Treatment’, ‘Back Before the Potato Sack’ & ‘A Walk Around the Block’.

DVD & BD SRP $39.95 –782 Mins – MA15+ – 4 DVD Discs – 3 BD Discs – 13 Eps

ALSO AVAILABLE:

ORANGE IS THE NEW BLACK SERIES 1 & 2 BOXSET:
* 20 MAY * $64.95 * MA15+ * 1562 MINS * 8 DISCS * 26 EPS *

ORANGE IS THE NEW BLACK SERIES 1 BLU-RAY:
* 20 MAY * $29.95 * MA15+ * 729 MINS * 3 DISCS * 13 EPS *
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Praise for Series 2
“...you could fill up all the slots on the Emmy acting ballots with these performers — and still not fit everybody who qualifies.... Orange Is the New Black is a cultural phenomenon and worthy crowd-pleaser — and is the one series everyone should watch this summer.”
New York Post

“Orange Is the New Black is certainly one of the best shows going.”
The Washington Post

“Orange returns with a new, binge-worthy season.”
Philadelphia Daily News

“I scarfed the rest of the season down as if it were a sleeve of Thin Mints. No regrets... Season 2 is stronger than Season 1, largely because it’s more uncompromising about its characters, at once more nuanced and more damning.”
The New Yorker

“Orange Is the New Black might be the closest thing we have to Charles Dickens right now: a sharp denunciation of an arcane system, driven by hardscrabble characters with whimsical names that define who they are and what they like.” 
Entertainment Weekly

“As always, this is absurd, horrifying, heartbreaking and very clever.” smh.com.au “It's even more addictive”.
Boston Herald

NOW! How to enter (to win one of FIVE copies on offer):



- Follow me on Instagram and Twitter if you are on the social media platforms. Also, share a 'OITNB prize photo on Instagram by taking a screenshot of it, then using these hashtags: #regram #josiesjuice #competitions #giveaways #prizes #OITNB

- Share this link on your Facebook wall

- Comment below on why you'd like to win this DVD (although it's on sale now on both formats, only DVD version - with ALL the extras above - on offer here) AND email me at josiegags@optusnet.com.au so I can contact you in case you are a winner. In the email, please provide your address (so many people forget these steps and don't enter a valid email address below, and I spend lots of time trying to track you down, or simply give the prize to the next person - not fun for anyone!)


(If you find it hard to comment below because your device won't let you - sometimes that happens on an iPhone, for example - simply send me your entry and mailing address via email at josiegags@optusnet.com.au).

*Competition is open to Australian residents only.

Friday 29 May 2015

Open Slather Full Episode + Bloopers: VIDEOS

Have you watched 'Open Slather' yet?

Yah, you guys - it basically features much/all of Australian comedy royalty. Get into it. Some clips here:







Okay, FULL ep here (OH MY GOSH, 'LIZ HAYES'):



Tune in each Sunday on The Comedy Channel on Foxtel, at 7.30pm, and watch out for repeats throughout the week.


'My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2' - Date Confirmed

A date has been set for 'My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2'.




YES! It's true. Part two in one of the most loved wog movies of all time is happening - in fact, it has just started filming. Here is a shot below from Nia a few days ago:




The release date for Australia is: March 24, 2016. The date being reported for universal release date is: March 25, 2016 (could it mean that Australia sees it FIRST?!)

And here is a tweet from Nia on set:

And a pic of THE house being constructed earlier this month, from :


This is how excited this person is:



She says what ALL Greeks think...

“This is where life began. With the Greeks. Life began with the Greeks.”

Says the press blurb:

Gold Circle Entertainment and HBO present a Playtone production of MY BIG FAT GREEK WEDDING 2, the long-awaited follow-up to the highest-grossing romantic comedy of all time. 

Written by Academy Award® nominee Nia Vardalos, who stars alongside the entire returning cast of favorites, the film reveals a Portokalos family secret that will bring the beloved characters back together for an even bigger and Greeker wedding.


Kirk Jones directs the next chapter of the film that will be once again produced by Rita Wilson and Playtone partners Tom Hanks and Gary Goetzman. Paul Brooks and Steven Shareshian return to executive produce alongside Vardalos and Scott Niemeyer. Universal Pictures will distribute the comedy domestically and in select international territories.

Here is the original trailer, from 'My Big Fat Greek Wedding':


Thursday 28 May 2015

Periscope User's Guide + VIDEOS

Okay, you guys.

It's time to get yourself acquainted with Periscope.





You've likely heard of it, maybe a friend or two has mentioned that they've discovered it and have fallen down the rabbit hole of immersing themselves deep into it, and they are suddenly, inexplicably hooked.


Had I not had such a huge to-do list today I may have fallen down that hole… because it IS fascinating… but it can also be mind-numbingly boring. It really depends on who you are following. One thing is certain: it is wildly voyeuristic. Read on for more so I can familiarise you.


First of all, the sign up. Go to the App store or Google Play, and sign up with your phone number (they send you a confirmation code) or via Twitter.


Now, Periscope came onto my radar a few weeks ago - a friend flagged it on her Facebook page. So I downloaded the app immediately. When you pop your phone number in (drop the '0') you will be sent a confirmation code. I didn't get the code a few times over, so I gave up. Keep going - you will crack it. It really isn't that hard.

Here's what the Periscope people say about the live video streaming service (which has just been acquired by Twitter - follow some 'curated' Periscope clips here at 
@periscopetv):

Just over a year ago, we became fascinated by the idea of discovering the world through someone else’s eyes. What if you could see through the eyes of a protester in Ukraine? Or watch the sunrise from a hot air balloon in Cappadocia? It may sound crazy, but we wanted to build the closest thing to teleportation. While there are many ways to discover events and places, we realized there is no better way to experience a place right now than through live video. A picture may be worth a thousand words, but live video can take you someplace and show you around.

To see more, go to their site here.

It really is one of those must try it, but here is a rundown:







'Fifty Shades Of Grey' DVD giveaway

It's here.

One of the most talked about movie releases is now available on DVD: 'Fifty Shades Of Grey'.




Okay, maybe you're one of the squillions of women and men who have already seen it, but need to know just WHY you need to see it, with added bits.

Bonus alert right here:


BONUS FEATURES EXCLUSIVE TO BLU-RAY:
  • Fifty Shades of Grey Unrated and Theatrical Versions
  • The World of Fifty Shades of Grey: Discover the artistry involved in creating everything Fifty Shades of Grey, including
    in-depth profiles of stars Jamie Dornan and Dakota Johnson, and the characters they play.
  • CHRISTIAN GREY: Inside the world of Christian Grey and what makes him so magnetic and mysterious.
  • CHRISTIAN GREY PROFILE: Illustrated with film clips: Who is Christian Grey?
  • JAMIE DORNAN PROFILE: Meet the actor behind the iconic character.
  • CHRISTIAN’S APARTMENT: Living room, dining room, bedroom, bathroom and the Red Room
  • CHRISTIAN’S WARDROBE: A look into Christian’s wardrobe.
  • A RICH MAN’S TOYS: Christian’s cars, the plane, the helicopter, all of the recognizable items from the book, now on screen
  • ANA: Discovering Ana and what makes her so compelling and relatable.
  • ALL ABOUT ANA: Learn more about the Ana character
  • DAKOTA JOHNSON PROFILE: Meet the incredible actress behind Anastasia Steele.
  • ANA’S WORLD: Beginning with her life as college student to her transformation into a woman living a life of luxury with Christian Grey.
  • ANA’S WARDROBE: A look into Ana’s wardrobe.
  • E.L. James & Fifty Shades: A chat with the creator of “Fifty Shades,” discussing the history of the novel and the experience
    making the film. Follow the author at the Premiere screening in New York and come full circle as the film is released to
    the fans.
  • Fifty Shades: The Pleasure of Pain: A discussion with the BDSM consultant and a show-and-tell with property master.
  • 360° Set Tours of Christian and Ana’s apartments including the Red Room
  • Music Videos from Skylar Grey, The Weeknd and Ellie Goulding
  • Behind the Scenes of The Weekend’s “Earned It” Music Video

    BLU-RAY AND DVD BONUS FEATURES:
  • The World of Fifty Shades of Grey—Friends and Family: Profiles of cast members including Eloise Mumford, Max Martini, Marcia Gay Harden, Luke Grimes, Jennifer Ehle, Victor Rasuk and Rita Ora
  • Behind the Shades: Follow alongside director Sam Taylor-Johnson, producers E. L. James, Mike De Luca and Dana Brunetti, actors Jamie Dornan, Dakota Johnson and the rest of the cast through the making of the movie, including a candid discussion about the most challenging aspects of the story.
There's so much to say about this movie, and the myriad reviews 'out there' are either passionate fans or vehemently not so - but both are very firmly positioned on this movie, and here is my review.

The PR blurb is right here, because let's face it, you've made up your mind about the flick and either want to see it (again and again) or don't:

The story of a searing love affair between a naïve college student and a billionaire entrepreneur Fifty Shades of Grey will have women around the world planning a special night in when the provocative love story comes home for the first time. The global phenomenon that grossed more than $500 million globally, comes to DVD, Blu-ray & Digital from May 21, 2015 from Universal Sony Pictures Home Entertainment.

Based on E. L. James’ best-selling novel, Fifty Shades of Grey fans will have the ultimate at- home movie experience with an exclusive, unseen version that features an alternate ending. In addition to this and exclusively to Blu-Ray, fans have access to two hours of all-new bonus features that go behind the scenes of this year’s hottest movie.

Shy and unassuming English literature student Anastasia Steele (Dakota Johnson) finds her life forever altered when she interviews the enigmatic Christian Grey (Jamie Dornan) and is dazzled by the charismatic entrepreneur and his high-flying lifestyle. As the pair embark on a passionate affair, Ana soon discovers that Grey has dark secrets and desires that will push her to the limits of her imagination—and beyond.

Jamie Dornan (TV’s The Fall, Once Upon a Time) and Dakota Johnson (The Social Network, 21 Jump Street) head up a talented cast that includes Eloise Mumford (TV’s The River), Max Martini (Captain Phillips), Marcia Gay Harden (Into the Wild), Luke Grimes (HBO’s True Blood), Jennifer Ehle (Zero Dark Thirty), Victor Rasuk (TV’s Stalker) and Rita Ora (upcoming Southpaw) in the wildly anticipated film adaptation of one of the fastest-selling book series ever published.

Here is the trailer:

  

FIFTY SHADES OF GREY:
Price: DVD RRP $39.95 BD RRP $44.95
Duration: 120 minutes Genre: Drama Rating: MA15+

NOW! How to enter (to win one of FIVE copies on offer):



- Follow me on Instagram and Twitter if you are on the social media platforms. Also, share the 'Fifty Shades Of Grey' prize photo on my @josiegags Instagram page by taking a screenshot of it, then using these hashtags: #regram #josiesjuice #competitions #giveaways #prizes #FiftyShadesOfGrey #DVD

- Share this link on your Facebook wall

- Comment below on why you'd like to win this DVD (although it's on sale now on both formats, only DVD version - with ALL the extras above - on offer here) AND email me at josiegags@optusnet.com.au so I can contact you in case you are a winner (so many people forget this step and don't enter a valid email address below, and I spend lots of time trying to track you down, or simply give the prize to the next person - not fun for anyone!)


(If you find it hard to comment below because your device won't let you - sometimes that happens on an iPhone, for example - simply send me your entry and address via email at josiegags@optusnet.com.au).

*Competition is open to Australian residents only.


mX newspaper to close

In media news just in, it has been reported that mX - the Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane commuter newspaper - will be closed by publisher News Corp.


"The decision is a reflection of the changing reading habits of commuters who now turn to their mobile phones and tablets on their way to and from work," News Corp said in a statement.
"News will continue to invest in our extensive suite of print and digital products, which are purchased and read by millions of Australians every day."

The newspaper, which is distributed on train platforms and other CBD locations in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane, has been the highlight of many a train trip for me back in the day I was taking trains to work and smartphones weren't around yet.

I am sure lots of faithful readers will miss the freebie on their commute home, and it's always a sad day when a print publication gets the axe.



Tuesday 26 May 2015

Netflix Beginner's Guide + Must-Watch Shows

Netflix, the world’s leading internet television network, is now available in Australia. Trackie daks on, snack food ready, phone on silent.

Now, if this is your first foray into subscription TV, get ready to be blown away. And clear your diary for the next, oh, four weekends. And beyond. (The first few weeks = addiction/obsession. The next, oh, forever will be about managing your obsession and making it work with your life and work, and, you know, sleep).

New to it all?

Let me hold your hand through it!

You see, I am a bit of an expert now that I am a Netflix 'Steam Team' blogger (guys, I can do this in my sleep, and by "in my sleep" I mean I should be sleeping, as I am unashamedly a TV addict), and it means that I can now impart all my knowledge about what to obsess about next. Of course, we all have different tastes, and what you may like, may not be my cup of tea. But there is so much to enjoy on the Netflix menu nobody goes hungry for good, glued to your device TV.

You can watch Netflix on myriad Internet-connected devices: smart TVs, Blu-ray players, home theatre systems, PC and Mac, game consoles (PlayStation 3 and 4, WiiU, Xbox 360 and Xbox ONE), FetchTV’s second-generation box, Apple TV, Google Chromecast and Apple, Android and Windows tablets and smartphones. Dying to see it all? Head right this way.

Don't freak out about the cost: Netflix starts at AU $8.99 per month, and with no commitment, users can enjoy unlimited access to all content (series, movies, documentaries, stand-up comedy specials, kids programming) with no interruptions. Yep, no commercials, at all, ever. Love. (Don't worry - just pause to go pee).

Thanks to an intuitive and simple interface, members can easily watch, pause, and resume watching across devices, all without adverts or commitments. You can create up to five different user profiles, which means that everyone in your household can have their own. Family members can easily find their preferred programs with their own unique personalised experience.

Can I tell you how MUCH I love this feature?! We ALL have some kinda device in my home - two adults, and two kidlets age seven, and so all of us can watch what we want, when we want, anytime at all without having to be subjected to someone else's show (ugh) when you have the urge to watch what you like (confession: I am defs the remote control in this house.  And ain't nobody gonna wrangle my iPad from my hands, heehee).

And so, my first two weeks of Netflix has been pure bliss, you guys.

I put the word out on the Josie's Juice Facebook page - what should I watch? Now, the Netflix menu is super easy to navigate, so it's not hard to go "yep, tick, yes, want", I in two secs flat I started adding some shows to my favourites, then added more and more. And MORE.

But I know my audience are such early adopters so I just knew they'd add their tips on what I should be watching right now.

And so, the calls came loud and clear:

First, I was told, I MUST watch 'Grace and Frankie' immediately. I started. Hooked, boom.



(Confession: I am not a binge TV watcher, never have been. BUT: with Netflix, it's very easy to become one, which, trust me, is not a bad thing - gorge on a whole series of, say, 12 eps of your fave new show, at under half an hour each ep, in one lazy afternoon. BRILLIANT!).

Here is the trailer for 'Grace and Frankie'. Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin, brilliant comedic chemistry, original storyline, bloody funny. (BONUS: it's a Netflix original series, which means it is ONLY screening on Netflix, woohoo!):



Another series all my cool buddies were talking about: THIS ONE:


'Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt'. SO freaking good.




It's Tina Fey-created so you know it's gonna be good. Nope… it's EXCELLENT. Ellie Kemper - I am in love with this hilarious woman. She plays Kimmy Schmidt. You'll know her from 'Bridesmaids' and the US version of 'The Office', and she her comedic timing is SO good she hosted a whole episode of 'The Ellen DeGeneres Show'.

And, introducing: Tituss Burgess - as Titus Andromedon. As Kimmy's new BFF, he positively steals the show. His one-liners are pure Fey, and a huge reason you'll keep watching episode after episode. Too funny. Let's take a moment to admire:




Next on my list has been the original 'The Office', the UK one, in all its Ricky Gervais glory. I have watched this a million times, but how I crave to watch the whole thing in one hit, all over again. Voila! It's possible with Netflix. Added to the Netflix 'My List' personalised bunch of shows I want to watch, and, at any time I can press play on my iPad mini and it'll pick up EXACTLY where I left off. So, if I got tied mid-ep, press play again anytime and bam, it's where I decided to press pause. LOVE this feature.

So, how do you sign up?

Head to www.netflix.com or go to the Netflix App.

Then:

- SELECT YOUR MONTHLY STREAMING OPTION
- ENTER YOUR PAYMENT DETAILS
- CUSTOMISEYOUR PROFILES

That's it.

Now: scaddadle and start streaming (just a fancy word for press play and use the internet in your home) your favourite shows. See you, erm, when you surface.

A few more things:

Those clever little tech-heads at Netflix have set up sophisticated algorithms for each member, with personalised suggestions making it easier to find the content you love.

It also means that the more you watch, the better the suggestions get. (So, yeah, they're basically telling you to GO AND WATCH LOTSA TV!)

Again: never any commercials and - you’ll never have to pay above and beyond your subscription fee. Everything you see on Netflix is available for a low price of $8.99 per month.

Okay, byeee, and until next time, happy Netflixing folks.

Monday 25 May 2015

'A Beautiful Mind' John Nash and Wife Alicia Killed in Car Crash

In awful news just in mathematician and Nobel Prize winner John Nash, whose life was the subject of the film "A Beautiful Mind," was killed in a taxi crash along with his wife in New Jersey on Saturday.


Nash and Alicia Nash were in a taxi on the New Jersey Turnpike when the driver lost control and crashed into a guard rail, according to New Jersey State Police Sgt. Gregory Williams. Nash was 86; his wife was 82.
Authorities don't believe Nash or his wife were wearing seat belts since they were both ejected from the taxi, said Williams. The couple lived in Princeton, New Jersey.
Read more here.




Russell Crowe and Jennifer Connolly as John and Alicia Nash in the movie 'A Beautiful Mind'
Here is the movie's trailer:

Sunday 24 May 2015

Robert De Niro: "You're Fucked" - VIDEO

Robert De Niro was this year's keynote speaker at The Tisch School of the Arts and gave the 'Tisch Salute'. The speech also featured remarks by department chairs, a PHD hooding ceremony, student and faculty processionals as well as two live performances. 



He told the 2015 graduating class of New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts on Friday. “You made it,” before the Oscar-winning actor added, “and you’re f--ked.”
The majority of the audience roared with laughter.
The crowd of aspiring actors, dancers, writers, directors, photographers, and filmmakers was told by De Niro that the nursing graduates “all have jobs,” the business graduates “are covered,” and the law students they’re employed, ”And if they’re not who cares? They’re lawyers,” added De Niro cheekily.]
Adding that he admired the graduates of the accounting school, he knew the artists didn’t have a choice when it came to their career paths. “You discovered a talent, developed an ambition, and recognized your passion,” he said. “When you feel that you can’t fight it, you just go for it. When it comes to the arts, passion should always trump common sense.”
“Yeah you’re f--ked,” De Niro added. “The good news is, that’s not a bad place to start.” 
As to how to deal with the rejection that populates he added, “I hear that Valium and Vicodin work.” He then recounted some stories of his own rejections, including auditioning to play Martin Luther King, Jr. in Selma, a part he told the graduates he “could’ve played the hell out of.” WOW.

He ended his speech by telling the crowd that he was there to hand out his photo to the directing and producing graduates.

Watch it in full here.

Jane Curry Publishing New Name: Ventura Press

Jane Curry Publishing - or JCP - is very dear to my heart.

They believed in me, and published my first book, 'The Australian Ageing Generation Handbook'. I will forever be grateful for the opportunity they gave me, the platform they provided, the enabling and realisation of several dreams coming true for me - seeing my book in print, and having my mother's story honoured in such that will last forever. Words - I should have a million of them here. But I only really have two: thank you.

Jane Curry, the woman in charge of JCP, and a wonderful human being (see pic below) - helped me transform into the person I always wanted to be, and fulfil a dream I could not let go of: to become an author.

Jane Curry, Australian Financial Review Magazine, photographed by Louise Kennerley
And now, JCP has transformed itself into another fabulous entity, closing the chapter of one book, and writing a whole other new tome (see what I did there!): they are becoming Ventura Press.

Yes, in August 2015, and after 12 years of successful publishing, JCP will be rebranding as Ventura Press. This also creates a new trade sales and distribution partnership with Simon & Schuster Australia.


They write in a blog post: 



After 12 years of successful publishing, we are delighted to announce JCP will be rebranding as Ventura Press from 1 August 2015.
The strategic decision to rebrand celebrates a new trade sales and distribution partnership with Simon & Schuster Australia, which will ensure the continued growth of our company across Australia and New Zealand.
The first title to be published under Ventura will be Six Degrees by award-winning author Honey Brown, one of Australia’s best contemporary fiction writers.
“This is a wonderful opportunity for JCP under the new name of Ventura Press to join forces with the trade strength of Simon & Schuster,” said Jane Curry, managing director of Jane Curry Publishing. “Ventura will continue to publish our signature brand of strong Australian non-fiction, health and high-end fiction titles to complement the excellent Simon & Schuster list.”
Dan Ruffino, managing director of Simon & Schuster Australia, said he is thrilled to welcome Jane Curry, one of Australia’s most well respected independent publishers, to the company.
“The experience that Jane and her team bring coupled with her passion and innovative approach both complements and enhances the values we have here,” he said. “We are looking forward to growing the sales and presence of Jane’s books across Australia New Zealand from 1 August.”
Simon & Schuster Australia will take over from current distributors NewSouth Books. The current Jane Curry Publishing frontlist and backlist will be rebranded Ventura Press as titles are reprinted.
Jane Curry told Josie's Juice: "Professionally and personally it is the final piece of the jigsaw. I have built the list over many years but needed to align myself with one of the major publishers to provide the growth we need to take us to the next level. It is an excellent alliance, and I am thrilled."

Jane Curry at her Sydney office


In their newsletter, they write:

As this is the last newsletter as JCP before we relaunch as Ventura, it is a good opportunity to pause and reflect on our first twelve years of independent publishing.

I left my good friends at Macmillan in late 2002 where I had been publisher for five years to establish my own company. My time as Managing Director of Weldon /Lansdowne Publishing and Macquarie Dictionary had instilled in me a love of the corner office, not for the location but for the chance to influence all the variables of a business. Product mix, marketing, financials, budgets, sales, and above all managing people – I enjoyed each and every aspect of being MD and wanted that back.

So to regain the MD’s chair, I had the option of waiting for a reshuffle of the local MDs and putting my name in the ring, going back to England, or setting up on my own here in Sydney.

And I chose the latter. And twelve years later I am delighted that I did. With the friendship and professionalism of Elspeth Menzies, my editorial colleague at Macmillan, we set up JCP in Paddington’s Fiveways and I started publishing under my own name.

I am delighted to say that the first author I signed is still in print– the wonderful Dorothy McRae MacMahon’s Rituals for Life Love and Loss which I acquired via Fiona Inglis at Curtis Brown. It was a moment I will not forget.

Then came Jonathan Chancellor’s (of SMH Title Deeds fame) Sydney Hot Property Guide – which gave us our first Good Weekend cover and was launched a glittering event at Elizabeth Bay House where all of Sydney society gathered. The book had 20 full-page colour advertisements which we sold to leading real estate agents – all wanting to keep in the author’s good books – so thanks to Sydney’s property obsession we had a war chest in our first year.

Petrea King’s You Me and the Rainbow followed, then Daniel Petre’s Father Time. Then in 2008, The Australian Autism Handbook was published which remains to this day the book on Autism most recommended by Australian paediatricians.

We have braved the GFC, the closure of Borders and A&R, the e book revolution and the advance of Amazon. And we have emerged stronger as we have recalibrated the business to face these headwinds.

Our new Ventura with Simon and Schuster is the next phase in our growth. We have the books and the authors and Simon & Schuster have the market strength to allow our sales to reflect the quality of our list.

No longer named after the founder, Ventura now proudly stands on its merits and the last twelve years have been well spent.

Jane Curry

As for my future in books, I am thrilled to announce I will be writing again, this time with the newly rebranded Ventura Press, and I am truly excited. I can't say much right now but I am looking forward to working with an exceptional team, an invigorated company who has partnered with equally inspiring people. Stay tuned.

Coco de Mer: 'X' - VIDEO

"We can help you think about sex."

That's the claim from erotic lingerie and sex toys brand Coco de Mer, with the launch of a new film which is entitled "X."



The only words are seen at the beginning: "They say you think about sex every six seconds" and at the end with: "Sex. We can help you think about sex more.".

The campaign breaks today online and in UK cinemas.

The NSFW (not safe for work) short film is the brainchild of veteran TBWA\London creative director Walter Campbell and was shot by a group of directors including celebrity and fashion photographer Rankin, with Vicky Lawton, Trisha Ward, and David Allain via production company Rankin Film.
In a statement, Rankin says: "What I loved about the concept was how it visualized the way in which we absorb information nowadays. It examines our appetite for visceral and engaging imagery, reflecting how we consume as quickly as a click."
Watch the whole clip here:



Starbucks Supervisor Yells In New York City Store: VIDEO

That Starbucks woman losing her shit story this week…?

You know the one. The Starbucks manager who refuses to give her customer a 'cookie straw'.


What made ME angry? That, as an Aussie, I had to Google 'cookie straw'! :)


Did you know?


They are those 'piccolo' long wafer biscuit things:




Okay, now that's out the way… here is that video:



The Starbucks manager in New York is no longer with the company. Ruby Chen, the customer on the receiving end of the rant, says that it all started when she ordered a Frappuccino and didn’t hear another employee ask for her name for the order.

The manager says she has quit (although it has been widely reported she has since been fired). Ruby, a customer at Queens store, complained about the interaction on Starbucks' Facebook page and posted the above video provided to her by another customer in the store who filmed the entire incident on Tuesday.

Ruby says she'd placed an order for a Frappuccino at the store on Broadway in Elmhurst, Queens, and was pulling up the Starbucks app on her phone to pay (actual money is so old school, you guys! I too am a PayPass fan). The Starbucks employee asked her name for her order - but Ruby says she didn't hear her.

And that's when the worker began shouting at her, Ruby says.

The worker then yanked away the app scanner when Ruby tried to pay, and then "told me to leave and never go back" to the store, Ruby says.

The worker then accused her of trying to steal the cookie straw she was holding. She asked a co-worker to call the police.

Next, Ruby was told: "You're talking to the manager," said the worker told Ruby asked who the manager was. "Get out. You're not going to be served here. Period. Bye. Bye. Bye." 

Actually, the worker was a shift supervisor, not a manager, according to a spokeswoman for Starbucks.

The shift supervisor is heard telling Ruby: "Give me the straw and leave. Or you can leave with the straw and not be allowed back in. Which one do you want to do? Because when I told you the price, you wanted to keep on arguing. So which one do you want to do? You're not going to be served here."

When other customers in the store began to speak in Ruby's defence, the supervisor began yelling at them, too.

"Excuse me, nobody's talking to you. Get out of here. Bye," the supervisor said.

However, a spokeswoman for Starbucks told NBC 4 New York the employee was in fact fired as soon as they learned of the incident - the shift manager had not quit.

"This customer's experience is not reflective of the service our partners provide to customers every day," the spokeswoman said in a statement. "Our leadership team is reaching out to the customer to apologize and make this right."

Ruby confirmed that Starbucks reached out to her in a comment on her Facebook video, saying that the district manager apologised and promised "the leadership team would do everything to prevent terrible customer service of this kind from happening ever again."

Ruby said she was offered a $100 gift card and assured that the company was taking her complaint seriously.

WOW.

Do you work in retail? Do you have any horror stories?