For those photography enthusiasts who have a particular interest in panoramic photography, this recent invention, patent pending, gives a whole new meaning to the words 'view from above'.
A camera in the shape of a ball, that captures spherical panoramas. It contains x36, 2 megapixel mobile phone camera modules, which, when thrown into the air, will capture panorama views at its highest point of flight. Images are taken instantaneously. A step up from having to spend time stitching photos together to obtain a panoramic shot.
About an hour and a half north west of Melbourne, Victoria Australia, lays the most amazing, mesmerizing little village called Daylesford, nestled in a region well known for its outstanding food and wine. Daylesford also has the highest concentration of natural mineral springs.
In 2009, devastating bush fires swept through Victoria, following that, in an attempt to boost tourism in Victoria again, an advertising campaign was created for Daylesford featuring the most spellbinding advertisement ... By day you wander, pure and innocent. By night you indulge in decadent food and wine – such a beautiful contrast.
Yes, I probably am biased, and will always be a Melbourne girl. What's not to love, it's the most beautiful state. But alas Sydney is now home, and it definitley has its pros. But this ad has got to be the most captivating one I've seen in a long time.
The campaign aims to reinforce achieving balance in your life. The indulgence of incredible food, but then encouraging you to restore your inner well being through spas, massages and the mineral water experience, a perfect way to cleanse and rejuvenate.
The food, wine and natural spas aside, Daylesford hosts a stunning botanic garden, Historical Society Museum, galleries, shopping, markets, and my favourite; the Convent Church, an icon in Daylesford. Those who have had the pleasure of visiting Daylesford will know how incredibly serene and mesmerizing the town is and all it has to offer. And those that live in Victoria, well worth a visit.
19 November 1991....20 years ago, a knock on the door by an official changed our lives forever.
Today marks the 20th anniversary of my brother’s death. Looking back, it’s surreal to believe two whole decades have passed since we said goodbye, in the literal sense … a telephone conversation ending with ‘bye and I love you’.
He came home for that weekend - army pass. Earlier that week, just turned 18 on the 15 November. So it was a definite cause for celebration and how quickly the time passed. Before we knew it, it was Sunday evening and he was jumping on a plane again back to Upington and calling us to say he’d arrived safe and I love you and good bye. Who knew several hours later he would take his last breath.
20 years later and the memories are still fresh in my mind. Everything is as clear today as it was back then. I remember his cheeky smile and mischievous personality. I remember the house sounding like a heavy metal concert every day. How the neighbours never complained, I don’t know. For all his faults and being a typical difficult teenager, Bobby had a beautiful side too and caring (when he thought no one was looking). A protective nature, wonderfully artistic and so full of life. For those who knew Bobby, would know that he lived every day with conviction. There was always some new adventure, some catastrophe, or some incident, good and bad. Yes, life with Bobby was never dull to say the least.
Every so often I’ll wonder what it would have been like to have an older brother (38 this year). What he would have gone on to accomplish in his life. Maybe nothing, or maybe something so outstanding. Would I have had nieces and nephews ... so many questions to ponder and will never have answers to.
This I do know. I am grateful for the few years we had together. Albeit, some of them were spent in shouting matches that left you exhausted afterwards. But I guess that's what siblings do. At the end of the day I knew I always had a brother there to protect me, love me and be there when I needed him.
… Bobby, you’ll live forever in my heart and never far from my thoughts. I love you always.
A little flashback. At the time this one was one his favourite bands, Guns 'n Roses. I recall vividly, when my mom wasn't around, he's blast us out of the house with music and there was no asking him to turn it down, even slightly. Although secretly I didn't mind too much. but I'd never admit that to him :) However when he played Anthrax, now that was when I was quite willing to throttle him.
As the silly season fast approaches yet again, one can’t help but be made intensely aware of a myriad of celebrations that usually accompany the festive season; the obligator client lunches, generally starting mid afternoon, proceeded by two glasses, that eventually become two bottles and a glance at the watch tells you the work day is practically over but no one will miss you if you don’t reappear and spend what is technically still 2 hours left of your official work day. Yes, hopefully the client has the good grace to invite you somewhere that overlooks the water. And so two bottles now becomes four and before you know it, you’ve watched the sun dip well below the horizon, and the beautiful glow of stars are casting a gorgeous shimmer on the Sydney Harbour. Oh yes, we definitely love the festive season, and this is generally the prelude to several weeks of repetitive wining and dining with those you so graciously suck up to throughout the year.
Next celebration on the list would be the famous or should that be the infamous annual office party. I’ve just read a few statistics in the paper tonight on the dangers of looking for love at the office Christmas Party, naturally referring to those who are Single. This could lead to a long term hangover long after the party has ended. And not the kind you get by immersing yourself in a delightful bottle of bourbon. We’re been warned to “put down that extra glass of champers and avoid making a beeline for their office crush! “A survey by dating website Zoosk.com.au found 70% of its members said it was not OK to get involved in an openly romantic interlude at the office. As the ramifications of it becoming public would be too much to bear”
I can’t speak for the rest of the Aussie population, but I’m obviously working for the wrong company, because the chance of witnesses anything that exciting are few and far between in my office. Whilst our staff definitely don’t shy away from a good night out and letting their hair down, it’s still done in a somewhat dignified, humorous and highly entertaining manner.
Mention office shenanigans and the first thought that comes to mind and elicits a good chuckle would be a vivid image of Bridget Jones barking out some horrendous tune, cigarette in hand, alcohol well and truly absorbed into those veins and that delicious head gear… and some very entertaining interludes that follow with the adorable Hugh Grant. I’m sure we can picture Miss Jones in the photocopy room engaged in some very interactive office flirtation.
In reality though, it’s hard to imagine these flirtations are common occurrences in the office environment .. or maybe that’s just the point. They’re shenanigans for a reason. And so I have to then applaud those few folks who are able to engage and keep it a secret. On the upside, I am a romantic at heart and an eternal optimist for others and so would like to believe that some office flirtations could very well lead to a very long and satisfyingly happy union. Two unsuspecting colleagues, a little alcohol to give you that little edge to be brave enough to make the first move, who knows where it’ll lead …
Every once in a while we’re lucky to find that unique individual who has the profound ability to alter our lives forever in whatever shape or form. For those hopeless romantics, those who have loved and lost, and those who wish they had the right words to truly express how someone has touched their lives and how it has or still does affect them. I think this sums it up …
"There's a place in me; where your touch still lingers your whispers still speak your gaze still pierces your kisses still wet your words still echo your arms still hold your heart still beats your soul still yearns It is in this place that you will forever be a part of me"
