Adele, LMFAO big winners at Billboard Music Awards - 21st May 2012

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Adele and LMFAO were the big winners at the Billboard Music Awards in Las Vegas on Sunday, with the British soul singer snatching 12 trophies, including Top Artist and Top Female Artist.

Adele's Rolling in the Deep hit and her smash-hit album 21 earned her four awards, including Top Alternative Song, Top Billboard 200 Album and Top Pop Album.

She also won trophies for Top Hot 100 (singles) Artist and Billboard 200 (album) Artist.

LMFAO were the big winners at the ceremony, which Adele did not attend, claiming six awards - five for their 2011 smash-hit Party Rock Anthem and one for Top Duo or Group.

Other multiple winners included Coldplay who took home four awards, including Top Rock Album and Top Alternative Album for Mylo Xyloto.

But few music fans will be talking about who won what after a string of spectacular performances and showstopping tributes to 2012 Millennium Awards winner Whitney Houston, Donna Summer and late Beastie Boys rapper Adam Yauch.

LMFAO kicked off the show with a high-energy medley of their 2011/2012 hits Party Rock Anthem, Sorry For Party Rocking and Sexy & I Know It, but it was Cee Lo Green's and Goodie Mob's return to Las Vegas and Jordin Sparks and John Legend's tribute to Whitney Houston that stood out as highlights.

Sparks landed one of the night's many standing ovations after performing a pitch-perfect rendition of Whitney's I Will Always Love You and Cee Lo and his rap posse also brought the audience at the MGM Grand Garden Arena to its feet with their rousing rendition of the Beastie Boys' Fight For Your Right (to Party).

Other performance highlights came from Katy Perry, Justin Bieber, Usher, Carrie Underwood, Linkin Park and Chris Brown, while 2012 Icon Award winner Stevie Wonder closed out the show by performing a medley of hits, like Higher Ground and Overjoyed with Alicia Keys.

The blind soul man, joking, "This is my time ... and I'm looking good too", then asked for a birthday gift from his duet partner and insisted she sing her Jay-Z collaboration, Empire State of Mind, a capella. Keys gladly obliged as Wonder sang, "You gave me my gift."

The singer then handed over the Icon Award to her personal icon, prompting the soul legend to drop his dark glasses and pretend to look at his trophy.

He said, "I can touch it and see it more than seeing it." Wonder urged fans to "commit yourselves to using your heart and joining with me to putting your best love forward ... and committing yourselves that if we come together and bring our hearts together for unity, we can change the world by being as one".

Aside from the stunning performances, there were award wins for Bieber, Perry, U2, Foster The People and Coldplay while Taylor Swift was named Billboard Woman of the Year and Lil' Wayne was crowned Top Male Artist.

The winners of the 2012 Billboard Music Awards:

Social Artist of the Year - Justin Bieber
Top Artist - Adele
Woman of the Year - Taylor Swift
Top Female Artist - Adele
Top Billboard 200 Artist - Adele
Top Hot 100 Artist - Adele
Top Digital Songs Artist - Adele
Top Radio Songs Artist - Adele
Top Streaming Artist - Rihanna
Top Digital Media Artist - Adele
Top Pop Artist - Adele
Top Country Artist - Lady Antebellum
Top Alternative Artist - Coldplay
Top Latin Artist - Shakira
Top Christian Artist - Casting Crowns
Best New Artist - Wiz Khalifa
Top Duo/Group - LMFAO
Top Male Artist - Lil Wayne
R&B Artist of the Year - Chris Brown
Top Rock Artist - Coldplay
Top Touring Act - U2
Top Dance Act - Lady Gaga
Top Billboard 200 Album - 21 by Adele
Top Pop Album - 21 by Adele
Top R&B Album - 4 by Beyonce
Top Rap Album - Tha Carter IV by Lil Wayne
Top Country Album - My Kinda Party by Jason Aldean
Top Rock Album - Mylo Xyloto by Coldplay
Top Alternative Album - Mylo Xyloto by Coldplay
Top Latin Album - Formula: Vol. 1 by Romeo Santos
Top Dance Album - Born This Way by Lady Gaga
Top Christian Album - Come To The Well by Counting Crowns
Hot 100 Song of the Year - Party Rock Anthem by LMFAO
Top Rock Song - Pumped Up Kicks by Foster The People
Top Digital Song - Party Rock Anthem by LMFAO
Top Radio Song - Give Me Everything by Pitbull Feat. Ne-Yo, Afrojack & Nayer
Top Streaming Song (Audio) - Rolling in The Deep by Adele
Top Streaming Song (Video) - Super Bass by Nicki Minaj
Top Pop Song - Party Rock Anthem by LMFAO
Top R&B Song - Motivation by Kelly Rowland & Lil Wayne
Top Rap Song - Party Rock Anthem by LMFAO
Top Country Song - Dirt Road Anthem by Jason Aldean
Top Alternative Song - Rolling in the Deep by Adele
Top Latin Song - Danza Kuduro by Don Omar & Lucenzo
Top Dance Song - Party Rock Anthem by LMFAO
Top Christian Song - Blessings by Laura Story
Icon Award - Stevie Wonder
Spotlight Award - Katy Perry
Millennium Award - Whitney Houston
Battle of The Bands Dreamseeker Artist of the Year - Patent Pending

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The Avengers sequel gets green light from Disney; Disney chief executive Bob Iger also announces plans for Iron Man 3, Thor 2 and Captain America 2...

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The Avengers sequel gets green light from Disney; Disney chief executive Bob Iger also announces plans for Iron Man 3, Thor 2 and Captain America 2...

A sequel to superhero blockbuster The Avengers has been officially greenlighted after Joss Whedon's film brought in a massive $700m at the global box office in just two weeks.

Disney chief executive Bob Iger made the announcement as the studio admitted that its earnings for the first quarter of 2012 dropped 12% to $1.2bn compared to the same period last year. The film unit's $84m operating loss for the quarter was blamed largely on the box-office failure of $275m fantasy epic John Carter earlier this year.

Iger also confirmed that Iron Man 3, Thor 2 (both set for 2013) and Captain America 2 (due in 2014) will all be heading to cinemas through Marvel studios, which Disney bought for $4bn in 2009. He did not give a date or other details for the sequel to The Avengers (known as Avengers Assemble in the UK).

Meanwhile it has been revealed that The Avengers helped boost revenues for the $220m film via product placement for at least 18 companies. The luxury car manufacturer Acura was most prominent, having secured a multi-picture deal with Marvel, according to brand website portal Brand Channel. The company developed a special supercar especially for the movie, Tony Stark's NX Roadster, and also provided a number of other vehicles for key scenes. Other featured brands included ABC, aussieBum, Bose, CNN, Dr Pepper, Harley-Davidson and Southwest Airlines.

The Hollywood Reporter revealed that British actor Rebecca Hall is in talks to appear opposite Robert Downey Jr in Iron Man 3, following Jessica Chastain's decision to pass on the film due to scheduling issues. Shane Black, director of Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang, will take the reins on the third instalment.


The Avengers video game in the works...

Now that they've saved the world on film, The Avengers are teaming up for a motion-control video game.

Ubisoft Entertainment have announced a partnership with Marvel Entertainment to create a game based on the popular Marvel superhero posse. The game will be titled Marvel Avengers: Battle for Earth and will be released for both the upcoming Wii U console from Nintendo Co. and the camera-based Kinect system for the Xbox 360 from Microsoft.

"The idea that we're making a motion-control version of The Avengers is a unique proposition if you compare that to superhero games of the past," said Tony Key, Ubisoft's vice president of sales and marketing.

"This is the perfect type of game for that because these characters are very action oriented. They're always fighting and throwing things."

Marvel Avengers: Battle for Earth will focus on such characters as Captain America, Iron Man, Thor and the Hulk fending off an invasion of genetically altered Skrull aliens. The title will feature more than 20 characters from the Marvel universe and would be based on the Secret Invasion comic series, not the recent film.

No release date was announced, but Key said the disc-based title is expected to launch after Nintendo debuts the Wii U later this year. The successor to Nintendo's Wii will feature high-definition graphics, increased online capabilities and a touch-pad controller. He said more details about the game would be unveiled at next month's Electronic Entertainment Expo.

The game will be the latest addition to Ubisoft's motion-control arsenal. Previous titles released by the Canadian publisher that rely on gesture-based devices include the artsy shooter Child of Eden, street brawler Fighters Uncaged, superhero dueler PowerUp Heroes, the Your Shape fitness franchise and top-selling Just Dance series.

Marvel Avengers: Battle for Earth will mark the first time that the Assassin's Creed publisher has developed a game based on a franchise from Marvel, which was purchased in 2009 by The Walt Disney. The developers previously worked with Avatar director James Cameron to craft a third-person 3D action-adventure game set on the planet Pandora.

Sega created each of the games pegged to the films of The Avengers forerunners, including last year's Thor: God of Thunder and Captain America: Super Soldier, but there was no console game released this year alongside director Joss Whedon's blockbuster The Avengers, just the mobile game Marvel's The Avengers and Facebook title "Marvel: Avengers Alliance."

Fans freaked out last year over unofficial footage and concept art posted online of a first-person Avengers game that was reportedly in development by THQ. The footage of Iron Man, the Hulk, Captain America and Thor battling the infamous Skrull was yanked by Marvel from YouTube. A representative for Marvel declined to be interviewed for this story.

Traditionally, games based on Marvel movies have been released around the same time as their super-powered counterparts to benefit from parallel buzz. The open-world action-adventure title The Amazing Spider-Man from Activision. is set for release June 26, ahead of director Marc Webb's film of the same name on July 3.

The big-screen adaptation of The Avengers starring Robert Downey Jr. as Iron Man, Chris Evans as Captain America, Chris Hemsworth as Thor, Mark Ruffalo as the Hulk, Scarlett Johansson as Black Widow and Jeremy Renner as Hawkeye has smashed box office records, earning $US207.4 million in the US in its opening weekend.

"For us, that obviously raises the brand itself to an even higher level, and that's good for our video game because we have an opportunity to reach a broader audience than just the guys who love comic book characters," said Key, who added that Marvel Avengers: Battle for Earth would be family friendly despite the game's focus on fighting.

Marvel's superheroes have been a dominant presence throughout the history of games. They most recently assembled for the Capcom brawler "Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3" and the Activision role-playing sequel Marvel: Ultimate Alliance 2. Gazillion Entertainment is currently developing a free-to-play online game featuring them called Marvel Heroes. Website: www.AvengersBattleForEarth.com

Marvel online slot games continue to be available via Bwin.Party Digital Entertainment - PartyCasino, and full game reviews are available across the Media Man agency website network. Excelsior!


Avengers smash $1 billion mark

Marvel Entertainment: The Avengers video game in the works

The Avengers sequel gets green light from Disney; Disney chief executive Bob Iger also announces plans for Iron Man 3, Thor 2 and Captain America 2...

Profiles

Movies Hollywood Marvel Entertainment Marvel Studios Marvel Comics Disney Paramount Pictures The Avengers Entertainment Marvel Games

The Avengers has smashed through the $US1 billion mark in global box office earnings, official numbers demonstrate without doubt.

The comic book superhero blockbuster movie made $US103.1 million over the weekend in North America, following its $US207 million opening weekend - the highest-earning debut on record.

Globally, the Disney action adventure movie, directed by cult favourite Joss Whedon in collaboration with Marvel Comics, has made $US1,002,082,000, according to movie industry website IMDb.

The mega success of the movie - produced for an estimated $US220 million - will help offset Disney's huge $US200 million loss on sci-fi fantasy film John Carter in March, which acted as a catalyst for the departure of Walt Disney Studios boss Rich Ross.

The Avengers focuses on a superhero tag team including Iron Man, The Incredible Hulk, Captain America and Thor.


The Avengers sequel gets green light from Disney; Disney chief executive Bob Iger also announces plans for Iron Man 3, Thor 2 and Captain America 2...

A sequel to superhero blockbuster The Avengers has been officially greenlighted after Joss Whedon's film brought in a massive $700m at the global box office in just two weeks.

Disney chief executive Bob Iger made the announcement as the studio admitted that its earnings for the first quarter of 2012 dropped 12% to $1.2bn compared to the same period last year. The film unit's $84m operating loss for the quarter was blamed largely on the box-office failure of $275m fantasy epic John Carter earlier this year.

Iger also confirmed that Iron Man 3, Thor 2 (both set for 2013) and Captain America 2 (due in 2014) will all be heading to cinemas through Marvel studios, which Disney bought for $4bn in 2009. He did not give a date or other details for the sequel to The Avengers (known as Avengers Assemble in the UK).

Meanwhile it has been revealed that The Avengers helped boost revenues for the $220m film via product placement for at least 18 companies. The luxury car manufacturer Acura was most prominent, having secured a multi-picture deal with Marvel, according to brand website portal Brand Channel. The company developed a special supercar especially for the movie, Tony Stark's NX Roadster, and also provided a number of other vehicles for key scenes. Other featured brands included ABC, aussieBum, Bose, CNN, Dr Pepper, Harley-Davidson and Southwest Airlines.

The Hollywood Reporter revealed that British actor Rebecca Hall is in talks to appear opposite Robert Downey Jr in Iron Man 3, following Jessica Chastain's decision to pass on the film due to scheduling issues. Shane Black, director of Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang, will take the reins on the third instalment.


The Avengers video game in the works...

Now that they've saved the world on film, The Avengers are teaming up for a motion-control video game.

Ubisoft Entertainment have announced a partnership with Marvel Entertainment to create a game based on the popular Marvel superhero posse. The game will be titled Marvel Avengers: Battle for Earth and will be released for both the upcoming Wii U console from Nintendo Co. and the camera-based Kinect system for the Xbox 360 from Microsoft.

"The idea that we're making a motion-control version of The Avengers is a unique proposition if you compare that to superhero games of the past," said Tony Key, Ubisoft's vice president of sales and marketing.

"This is the perfect type of game for that because these characters are very action oriented. They're always fighting and throwing things."

Marvel Avengers: Battle for Earth will focus on such characters as Captain America, Iron Man, Thor and the Hulk fending off an invasion of genetically altered Skrull aliens. The title will feature more than 20 characters from the Marvel universe and would be based on the Secret Invasion comic series, not the recent film.

No release date was announced, but Key said the disc-based title is expected to launch after Nintendo debuts the Wii U later this year. The successor to Nintendo's Wii will feature high-definition graphics, increased online capabilities and a touch-pad controller. He said more details about the game would be unveiled at next month's Electronic Entertainment Expo.

The game will be the latest addition to Ubisoft's motion-control arsenal. Previous titles released by the Canadian publisher that rely on gesture-based devices include the artsy shooter Child of Eden, street brawler Fighters Uncaged, superhero dueler PowerUp Heroes, the Your Shape fitness franchise and top-selling Just Dance series.

Marvel Avengers: Battle for Earth will mark the first time that the Assassin's Creed publisher has developed a game based on a franchise from Marvel, which was purchased in 2009 by The Walt Disney. The developers previously worked with Avatar director James Cameron to craft a third-person 3D action-adventure game set on the planet Pandora.

Sega created each of the games pegged to the films of The Avengers forerunners, including last year's Thor: God of Thunder and Captain America: Super Soldier, but there was no console game released this year alongside director Joss Whedon's blockbuster The Avengers, just the mobile game Marvel's The Avengers and Facebook title "Marvel: Avengers Alliance."

Fans freaked out last year over unofficial footage and concept art posted online of a first-person Avengers game that was reportedly in development by THQ. The footage of Iron Man, the Hulk, Captain America and Thor battling the infamous Skrull was yanked by Marvel from YouTube. A representative for Marvel declined to be interviewed for this story.

Traditionally, games based on Marvel movies have been released around the same time as their super-powered counterparts to benefit from parallel buzz. The open-world action-adventure title The Amazing Spider-Man from Activision. is set for release June 26, ahead of director Marc Webb's film of the same name on July 3.

The big-screen adaptation of The Avengers starring Robert Downey Jr. as Iron Man, Chris Evans as Captain America, Chris Hemsworth as Thor, Mark Ruffalo as the Hulk, Scarlett Johansson as Black Widow and Jeremy Renner as Hawkeye has smashed box office records, earning $US207.4 million in the US in its opening weekend.

"For us, that obviously raises the brand itself to an even higher level, and that's good for our video game because we have an opportunity to reach a broader audience than just the guys who love comic book characters," said Key, who added that Marvel Avengers: Battle for Earth would be family friendly despite the game's focus on fighting.

Marvel's superheroes have been a dominant presence throughout the history of games. They most recently assembled for the Capcom brawler "Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3" and the Activision role-playing sequel Marvel: Ultimate Alliance 2. Gazillion Entertainment is currently developing a free-to-play online game featuring them called Marvel Heroes. Website: www.AvengersBattleForEarth.com

Marvel online slot games continue to be available via Bwin.Party Digital Entertainment - PartyCasino, and full game reviews are available across the Media Man agency website network. Excelsior!

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Underbelly: TV Movies And Real Life Report, by Greg Tingle - 17th February 2011

G'day punters, journos, entertainment news junkies, high rollers - casino whales, gambling millionaires and billionaires, media tycoons, politicians, insiders, outsiders, law enforcement agencies, legal eagles ... one and all. You know who you are. This is the TV Mini Movie Underbelly and Real Life Underbelly special!... Media Man and Gambling911 go beneath the underbelly of Australia's underworld, real and fake...

Underbelly 'Infiltration' A Hit...

The Underbelly telemovie 'Infiltration' has been well received by Australian audiences, but may insiders were expecting it to be a "piece of crap". The producers' task was huge...to create and shoot, interesting and suspense-filled drama based on the autobiographical book by former policeman Colin McLaren, who waged a covert campaign to bring down the Griffith-based mafia. Infiltration worked, and that casting of Sullivan Stapleton as McLaren was key. It was a tight, 3-week production. Stapleton was in nearly every one of the 200 plus scenes with little preparation. His rendering of the McLaren character solid to great. It was a portrayal of McLaren as gutsy, intuitive and fun - a bloke trying his best in the force, despite often internal problems in the department. Stapleton nailed it posing as an art dealer to infiltrate Calabrian gangsters tied to the death of anti-drug campaigner Donald Mackay. In addition, the casting of Jessica Napier as McLaren's colleague Jude backed it up. Jude's lingerie added spark and sexiness. Infiltration was very good to great, but how long can the Underbelly franchise keep going before it gets old? Mind you, James Bond has being going since the 60's, so maybe people will still be expecting the show's death in a few decades time.

Underbelly: Blood Brothers...

Our friends at Network Nine have commenced production on crime-based telemovie Blood Brothers. The 98 minute self-contained movie is based on Robin Bowles' book of the same name. The screenplay will be written by the amazing talent, Victoria Madden. Described as "a chilling portrait of crime and punishment, a compelling insight into human nature, and a relentless fight for justice", it will portray the horrific 1993 Gilham family murders. Lisa McCune (Blue Heelers, Sea Patrol), Tony Martin (False Witness, Wildside) and Michael Dorman (Daybreakers, Suburban Mayhem, The Secret Life of Us) will lead a cast which also includes Jonny Pasvolsky (Underbelly: A Tale of Two Cities), Jodi Gordon (Home and Away) and Frank Holden (Police Rescue, Underbelly, The Strip). Dorman plays Jeffrey Gilham, who was convicted of manslaughter of his younger brother Christopher. He claimed to have killed Christopher in a fit of rage after his sibling murdered their parents. However, Gilham was in fact suspected of murdering them, despite no charges being handed down on him. The story is told beautifully from the perspective of both Tony Gilham, the boys' uncle played by Martin, who campaigned for 14 to clear Christopher’s name. And Margaret Cunneen, played by McCune, the Crown Prosecutor who found herself arguing a seemingly unwinnable case to eventually convict Gilham of the murders. "Blood Brothers is the compelling drama of a shocking family tragedy," stated Jo Horsburgh, Network Nine's head of drama. "I have no doubt that 17 years after these awful murders, the audience will still be divided in their opinions about the truth of what happened. "The Blood Brothers telemovie is another creatively satisfying collaboration with Playmaker."
Nine will partner with production company Playmaker Media, who also produced Wicked Love: The Maria Korp Story for the network last year. "We are grateful for the support of the Nine Network, Screen Australia and Screen New South Wales," said David Taylor, Playmaker's principal alongside David Maher. "A great script has helped us attract an outstanding cast and one of Australia's leading directors, Peter Andrikidis (Underbelly, East West 101)." Production is set for just a few weeks away and insiders reckon it will air later this year on Network Nine of course, as the 9 dotter station attempts to be once again known by the masses as 'The One'.

Underbelly 'Tell Them Lucifer was Here' Ratings...

The first of the Nine Network's Underbelly telemovies, Tell Them Lucifer was Here, produced solid ratings for the broadcaster last week, but was nabbed in the final round by Channel Seven, says OzTAM numbers. Nine won the evening in primary channels, while in combined network shares, Seven took out total people and Nine won 16-39, 18-49 and 25-54. Underbelly averaged 1.377 million viewers, coming first in its timeslot and for the evening in total people, 18-49 and 25-54. It was second in 16-39. Bones proved to be a smart choice to go against the local crime franchise, holding up strong with 1.208m for Seven, while Brothers and Sisters tanked to 832.000. Ten struggled against the strong competition as Undercover Boss slumped to 608,000 and Good News Week returned to 461,000. Both programmes were 4th in their timeslot. In any event, viewers are getting treated to a great mix of crime drama and solid entertainment.

Underbelly's Babe Kassandra Clementi Could Be A Casino Babe If She Desires; Options Open For Hot Stuff Actress - Underbelly Files: Infiltration...

Underbelly's Kassandra Clementi plays one of the more goddess type characters in the TV series famous for being raunchy, but she has her own super sassy side (plus mind and body). Clementi, 20, plays Chelsea, the daughter of Colin McLaren, a Victorian detective who risked his life by going deep undercover within a local arm of the Calabrian mafia, in Underbelly Files: Infiltration. It's one of the more innocent roles in the racy crime franchise, known for its nudity and steamy scenes. "It's all pretty PG (for me)," she said. But Clementi shed the good girl image and amped up the sultriness in a fashion shoot of this season's animal prints, leather, feathers, and daring thigh-high boots. Clementi and her fellow actors met McLaren before filming the telemovie airing on Nine. "We all got to pump him full of questions. I wanted to get an understanding of Chelsea's home life, and the most important thing in her life, which was her father." Now the star of one of Australia's biggest shows, Clementi has her sights squarely set on the United States, with a hot and standout role in an American program in the works. The project is confidential you could say, but if all goes to the way she's mapped out, the Adelaide born-actress-babe, now based in Melbourne, will be causing waves this year, so blokes and babes, be prepared to be tantalised and titillated.

'No Ibrahim Link' To Sin City Sydney Gunfire...

Sydney coppers have now ruled out any link between a shooting in Sydney's south-west, and an attack on two members of the Ibrahim family just a night earlier. Police say 3 men were in a van at Leppington when shots were fired from a white Subaru car about 1:15am. A 39-year-old man sitting in the back of the van was shot in the stomach. The two men in the front were not injured, and they drove to a nearby house and called police. The injured man was taken to Liverpool Hospital where he is in a serious but stable condition. Police say there is no link to the previous night's attack on a nephew of nightclub owner John Ibrahim, Sam Sayour, and his cousin Gehad Hamid. The men were attacked on a suburban street at Old Guildford, and a third man was also shot. New South Wales Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione has complained that his officers are facing a wall of silence over the recent spate of shootings. He says even the smallest piece of information can help take guns off the street. "These crimes are not random attacks. Generally they're targeted and so they will always stay silent," Commissioner Scipione said. "What we need is people that are on the periphery, those that know just that little bit to come forward and talk to us. We will guarantee your anonymity and we will certainly investigate it."

Ibrahim Family: Real Life Underbelly?...

On 13th January this year, Kings Cross nightclub king John Ibrahim's mother Wahiba was on the front porch of her Merrylands home in Sydney's western suburbs. Also in the front yard were her bikie son Sam and the family's ever-present bodyguard, "Tongan Sam" Ngata. Before you know it a number of shots were heard and Ibrahim fell to the ground, a bullet wound in each thigh. The Ibrahims are a family under fire. Over the last couple of years 7 separate shootings have targeted both male and female members of the well know family and their associates. Two Ibrahim brothers were shot, one almost fatally. Even John Ibrahim's sisters are fair game, as are some relatives.
Research points to either some alleged bikie and / or drug links, and domestic - personal relationship matters also come up in the mix. Coppers believe the violence will go on for quite some time. "These things never end well . . . it's coming to a head somehow," a boy in blue shared. The first family member to be targeted in the most recent spray of violence was Fadi Ibrahim, shot at 5 times outside his Castle Cove home in 2009. Police have identified the man they think is behind the shooting, however he hasn't been charged as yet. The 2nd shooting occurred last November at the Ryde home of Armani Haddad, John Ibrahim's sister. Her house was sprayed with 25 bullets while she was at home with the kids. A police theory is that the drive by is linked to another...at the home of her husband's brother and that both happenings may be domestic-related. Sam Ibrahim came to comfort the situation. Now its Sam who has been attacked, just last month. He's a seasoned bikie and alleged attempts to reform the Nomads Parramatta chapter by recruiting members of the Notorious gang is one theory being talked about as a reason behind his shooting. Some think the reason may be more personal. Ibrahim's people notified police a jealous boyfriend of a woman who fell for Sam decided to take action with gunshot. Even young members of the Ibrahim family have also been targets recently. Hassan "Sam" Sayour (19-year-old Ibrahim nephew) and Jihad Hamid (23) shot on the street in Old Guildford just last Sunday. Two other shootings have targeted an Ibrahim family associate, Notorious Sergeant at Arms Saber Murad. In the first incident, last November, Murad was whacked by 2 bullets at his Doonside home. Police have charged two men, one a Comanchero, over that incident. Coppers talk a a "wall of silence" surrounding the attacks. Fadi and Sam Ibrahim and Armani Haddad have all politely declined to give statements to police about the crimes committed against them. Opposition Leader Barry O'Farrell made a statement saying police deserve co-operation and respect. "Given the recent escalation in gang-related crime, it's vital everyone, victims and witnesses alike, do everything possible to put the perpetrators behind bars," he said. John Ibrahim has had his dash of trouble with some of the Comancheros. Some members had left a calling card and message by trashing one of Ibrahim's Kings Cross nightclubs 3 years back and there has been an ongoing turf war in the region between factions of the Comanchero and Notorious, particularly over the security industry at Kings Cross. When police quizzed a Comanchero member why John Ibrahim had been targeted, he replied: "It's time." Ibrahim has a past linked with associations with bikies and underworld figures, including former 'King of the Cross' Louis Bayeh. He has been charged with murder and threatening witnesses in cases against two of his brothers but all charges were dismissed. A law enforcement source said: "There have been attempts on John's life. Some of the Comanchero are behind it." For Ibrahim, life goes on...having refused offers of police protection. He goes just about everywhere with Tongan Sam, or a similar bodyguard type. Coppers don't believe that all the shootings are an attempt to get to Ibrahim, who recently told friends he was planning to get out of "nightclub promoting" and focus on property development. Any rumours of a venture into pokies or casinos are just small talk, but never say never. Property development sounds like a safer bet at this stage of the game.

Underbelly - what's real, what's media beat up, what's made for TV movies? You be the judge, jury and executioner. Bang Bang.

Don't change your dial punters. We will be back soon with more Real Life Underbelly and AussieWood Underbelly.

Online Casinos, Online Poker and Sports Betting...

Ok readers, we hear you... you also want to know some of the best places to play online (that accept Aussies) if your in or around the Asia Pacific - Australia (including Tassie) and New Zealand, so here it is...

PartyCasino.com

Captain Cooks Casino

Betfair (sports betting only)

PKR.com (poker, slots including Marvel slot games and sports betting)

PartyPoker.com (online poker at one of the world's most respected poker rooms and gaming brands)

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Media Man and Gambling911 remind our readers to keep the following in mind:

Take the time to research and learn games before placing down money

Media Man, Casino News Media and Gambling911 are website portals. Not casinos as such, however are recognised as world leading websites that cover the sector and act as central points to games, news, reviews and more.

Readers... er, punters, how did you like our report? Tell us in the forum.

If you have a bet, please bet with your head, not over it, and for God's sake, have fun.

*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911

*Media Man http://www.mediamanint.com is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company. Gaming is just one of a dozen sectors covered

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Avengers smash $1 billion mark; Marvel Entertainment: The Avengers video game in the works...

Avengers smash $1 billion mark

Marvel Entertainment: The Avengers video game in the works

The Avengers sequel gets green light from Disney; Disney chief executive Bob Iger also announces plans for Iron Man 3, Thor 2 and Captain America 2...

Profiles

Movies Hollywood Marvel Entertainment Marvel Studios Marvel Comics Disney Paramount Pictures The Avengers Entertainment Marvel Games

The Avengers has smashed through the $US1 billion mark in global box office earnings, official numbers demonstrate without doubt.

The comic book superhero blockbuster movie made $US103.1 million over the weekend in North America, following its $US207 million opening weekend - the highest-earning debut on record.

Globally, the Disney action adventure movie, directed by cult favourite Joss Whedon in collaboration with Marvel Comics, has made $US1,002,082,000, according to movie industry website IMDb.

The mega success of the movie - produced for an estimated $US220 million - will help offset Disney's huge $US200 million loss on sci-fi fantasy film John Carter in March, which acted as a catalyst for the departure of Walt Disney Studios boss Rich Ross.

The Avengers focuses on a superhero tag team including Iron Man, The Incredible Hulk, Captain America and Thor.


The Avengers sequel gets green light from Disney; Disney chief executive Bob Iger also announces plans for Iron Man 3, Thor 2 and Captain America 2...

A sequel to superhero blockbuster The Avengers has been officially greenlighted after Joss Whedon's film brought in a massive $700m at the global box office in just two weeks.

Disney chief executive Bob Iger made the announcement as the studio admitted that its earnings for the first quarter of 2012 dropped 12% to $1.2bn compared to the same period last year. The film unit's $84m operating loss for the quarter was blamed largely on the box-office failure of $275m fantasy epic John Carter earlier this year.

Iger also confirmed that Iron Man 3, Thor 2 (both set for 2013) and Captain America 2 (due in 2014) will all be heading to cinemas through Marvel studios, which Disney bought for $4bn in 2009. He did not give a date or other details for the sequel to The Avengers (known as Avengers Assemble in the UK).

Meanwhile it has been revealed that The Avengers helped boost revenues for the $220m film via product placement for at least 18 companies. The luxury car manufacturer Acura was most prominent, having secured a multi-picture deal with Marvel, according to brand website portal Brand Channel. The company developed a special supercar especially for the movie, Tony Stark's NX Roadster, and also provided a number of other vehicles for key scenes. Other featured brands included ABC, aussieBum, Bose, CNN, Dr Pepper, Harley-Davidson and Southwest Airlines.

The Hollywood Reporter revealed that British actor Rebecca Hall is in talks to appear opposite Robert Downey Jr in Iron Man 3, following Jessica Chastain's decision to pass on the film due to scheduling issues. Shane Black, director of Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang, will take the reins on the third instalment.


The Avengers video game in the works...

Now that they've saved the world on film, The Avengers are teaming up for a motion-control video game.

Ubisoft Entertainment have announced a partnership with Marvel Entertainment to create a game based on the popular Marvel superhero posse. The game will be titled Marvel Avengers: Battle for Earth and will be released for both the upcoming Wii U console from Nintendo Co. and the camera-based Kinect system for the Xbox 360 from Microsoft.

"The idea that we're making a motion-control version of The Avengers is a unique proposition if you compare that to superhero games of the past," said Tony Key, Ubisoft's vice president of sales and marketing.

"This is the perfect type of game for that because these characters are very action oriented. They're always fighting and throwing things."

Marvel Avengers: Battle for Earth will focus on such characters as Captain America, Iron Man, Thor and the Hulk fending off an invasion of genetically altered Skrull aliens. The title will feature more than 20 characters from the Marvel universe and would be based on the Secret Invasion comic series, not the recent film.

No release date was announced, but Key said the disc-based title is expected to launch after Nintendo debuts the Wii U later this year. The successor to Nintendo's Wii will feature high-definition graphics, increased online capabilities and a touch-pad controller. He said more details about the game would be unveiled at next month's Electronic Entertainment Expo.

The game will be the latest addition to Ubisoft's motion-control arsenal. Previous titles released by the Canadian publisher that rely on gesture-based devices include the artsy shooter Child of Eden, street brawler Fighters Uncaged, superhero dueler PowerUp Heroes, the Your Shape fitness franchise and top-selling Just Dance series.

Marvel Avengers: Battle for Earth will mark the first time that the Assassin's Creed publisher has developed a game based on a franchise from Marvel, which was purchased in 2009 by The Walt Disney. The developers previously worked with Avatar director James Cameron to craft a third-person 3D action-adventure game set on the planet Pandora.

Sega created each of the games pegged to the films of The Avengers forerunners, including last year's Thor: God of Thunder and Captain America: Super Soldier, but there was no console game released this year alongside director Joss Whedon's blockbuster The Avengers, just the mobile game Marvel's The Avengers and Facebook title "Marvel: Avengers Alliance."

Fans freaked out last year over unofficial footage and concept art posted online of a first-person Avengers game that was reportedly in development by THQ. The footage of Iron Man, the Hulk, Captain America and Thor battling the infamous Skrull was yanked by Marvel from YouTube. A representative for Marvel declined to be interviewed for this story.

Traditionally, games based on Marvel movies have been released around the same time as their super-powered counterparts to benefit from parallel buzz. The open-world action-adventure title The Amazing Spider-Man from Activision. is set for release June 26, ahead of director Marc Webb's film of the same name on July 3.

The big-screen adaptation of The Avengers starring Robert Downey Jr. as Iron Man, Chris Evans as Captain America, Chris Hemsworth as Thor, Mark Ruffalo as the Hulk, Scarlett Johansson as Black Widow and Jeremy Renner as Hawkeye has smashed box office records, earning $US207.4 million in the US in its opening weekend.

"For us, that obviously raises the brand itself to an even higher level, and that's good for our video game because we have an opportunity to reach a broader audience than just the guys who love comic book characters," said Key, who added that Marvel Avengers: Battle for Earth would be family friendly despite the game's focus on fighting.

Marvel's superheroes have been a dominant presence throughout the history of games. They most recently assembled for the Capcom brawler "Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3" and the Activision role-playing sequel Marvel: Ultimate Alliance 2. Gazillion Entertainment is currently developing a free-to-play online game featuring them called Marvel Heroes. Website: www.AvengersBattleForEarth.com

Marvel online slot games continue to be available via Bwin.Party Digital Entertainment - PartyCasino, and full game reviews are available across the Media Man agency website network. Excelsior!

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Terminator 3 actor Nick Stahl reported missing; May be linked to drug use

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Terminator 3 actor Nick Stahl reported missing may be linked to drug use; Arnold Schwarzenegger says he'd be back for new Terminator movie...

Think of The Terminator, and you immediately think of Arnie classic cult film franchise, then there's The Terminator games and other spin offs, but today unfortunately the Media Man agency has some serious news to report...no hospital bed publicity shots with Expendables mate Sylvester Stallone today fans.

Los Angeles authorities were searching today for Terminator 3 actor Nick Stahl, whose disappearance his wife fears is linked to possible drug use.

Stahl's wife, Rose, filed a missing person's report with the Los Angeles Police Department on Tuesday, saying she last saw the 32-year-old actor on May 9, according to popular entertainment and celebrity news website TMZ.

Sources said his wife fears his disappearance could be connected to drugs, as he has reportedly been hanging out in the rough Los Angeles wholesale district, Skid Row, of late.

Stahl appeared in the 2003 film Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines, in the role of John Connor.

English actor Christian Bale took over the role of Connor for the fourth film in the series, Terminator Salvation, in 2009.


Arnold Schwarzenegger says he'd be back for new Terminator movie...

Schwarzenegger slammed the last Terminator film as awful, saying the Hollywood blockbuster starring Christian Bale and Sam Worthington "missed the boat".

The former governor of California - who did not star in 2009's Terminator Salvation - made the comments when asked if he would reprise his most famous role as the killer cyborg.

"(I'm open to) all those things, if it's True Lies, Terminator, a well-made Terminator . . . the last one was awful." he said.

He's currently working on a Twins sequel with Eddie Murphy set to play his and Danny DeVito's other long lost brother.

Profiles

The Terminator...

The Terminator is a 1984 American science fiction action film directed by James Cameron, co-written by Cameron and William Wisher Jr. and starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, Michael Biehn, and Linda Hamilton. The film was produced by Hemdale Film Corporation and distributed by Orion Pictures, and filmed in Los Angeles. Schwarzenegger plays the Terminator, a cyborg assassin sent back in time from the year 2029 to 1984 to kill Sarah Connor, played by Hamilton. Biehn plays Kyle Reese, a soldier from the future sent back in time to protect Sarah.

Though not expected to be either a commercial or critical success, The Terminator topped the American box office for two weeks and helped launch the film career of James Cameron and consolidate that of Arnold Schwarzenegger. Three sequels have been produced: Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991), Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines (2003), and Terminator Salvation (2009). In 2008, The Terminator was selected by the Library of Congress for preservation in the United States National Film Registry, being deemed "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant". (Wikipedia)


Terminator 2: Judgment Day...

Terminator 2: Judgment Day is a 1991 science fiction action film, the second installment of the Terminator franchise and the sequel to The Terminator (1984). Directed by James Cameron and written by Cameron and William Wisher, Jr., it stars Arnold Schwarzenegger, Linda Hamilton, Robert Patrick, and Edward Furlong. Terminator 2 follows Sarah Connor (Hamilton) and her son John (Furlong) as they are pursued by a new, more advanced Terminator, the liquid metal, shapeshifting T-1000 (Patrick), sent back in time to kill John to stop him from becoming leader of the human Resistance. An older, less advanced Terminator (Schwarzenegger) is also sent back in time to protect John. After a troubled pre-production characterized by legal disputes, Mario Kassar of Carolco Pictures emerged with the franchise's property rights in early 1990. This paved the way for the completion of the screenplay by the Cameron-led production team, and the subsequent accelerated 186-day filming schedule starting in October 1990. The production of Terminator 2 required an unprecedented budget of more than $94 million (1991 dollars), much of which was spent on filming and special effects. The film was released on July 3, 1991, in time for the U.S. Fourth of July weekend. Terminator 2 was a significant box office and critical success. It had an impact on popular culture, and is considered hugely influential in the genres of action and science fiction. The film's visual effects included many breakthroughs in computer-generated imagery, marking the first use of natural human motion for a computer-generated character and the first partially computer-generated main character.[6] It received many accolades, including four Academy Awards for makeup, sound mixing, sound editing, and visual effects. (Wikipedia)


Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines...

Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines (commonly abbreviated as T3) is a 2003 science fiction action film directed by Jonathan Mostow and starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, Nick Stahl, Claire Danes and Kristanna Loken. It is the second sequel to The Terminator (1984). After Skynet fails to kill Sarah Connor before her son is born and to kill John himself as a child, it sends back another Terminator, the T-X, in an attempt to wipe out as many Resistance officers as possible, since Connor himself cannot be traced. This includes John's future wife, but not John himself as his whereabouts are unknown to Skynet. John's life is placed in danger when the T-X accidentally finds him.


Terminator Salvation...

Terminator Salvation is a 2009 American science fiction action film directed by McG and starring Christian Bale and Sam Worthington. It is the fourth installment in the Terminator film series. In a departure from the previous installments, which were set between 1984 and 2004 and used time travel as a key plot element, Salvation is set in 2018 and focuses on the war between Skynet and humanity, with the human Resistance fighting against Skynet's killing machines. Bale portrays John Connor, a Resistance fighter and the franchise's central character, while Worthington portrays cyborg Marcus Wright. Terminator Salvation also features Anton Yelchin as a young Kyle Reese, a character first introduced in The Terminator, and depicts the origin of the T-800 Model 101 Terminator. After a troubled pre-production, with The Halcyon Company acquiring the rights for the franchise from Andrew G. Vajna and Mario Kassar and several writers working on the screenplay, filming began in May 2008 in New Mexico and ran for 77 days. Terminator Salvation was released on May 21, 2009 in the United States and Canada, followed by early June releases in the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa. Warner Bros. handled the North America release and Columbia Pictures the international one. The film grossed over $371 million worldwide. Review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes reports that 87 out of 265 critics, 33%, have given the film a positive review, with a rating average of 5 out of 10. Metacritic, which assigns a weighted average score out of 0–100 from film critics, has a rating score of 52 based on 35 selected reviews. (Wikipedia)

Terminator online game...

Terminator and Arnie movie fans may be interested to play The Terminator online game that was developed by bwin.party digital entertainment - PartyCasino, and is currently featured across the Man Man online network.

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Kristen Stewart and Chris Hemsworth Bring The Enchantment of SNOW WHITE AND THE HUNSTMAN on tour to Sydney this June

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Kristen Stewart, Chris Hemsworth and Charlize Theron at the world movie premiere of Snow White and the Huntsman in London.

Twilight superstar Kristen Stewart and Australian favourite Chris Hemsworth, hot off the phenomenal success of Avengers, join visionary Director Rupert Sanders on a tour to Sydney for the Australian premiere of their epic action-adventure SNOW WHITE AND THE HUNSTMAN, taking place in true style at Event cinemas, Westfield Bondi Junction June 19. The trio will be enchanting press on Tues 19th and Wed 20th June to promote the breath-taking new vision of the legendary tale, opening in Cinemas across Australia on Thursday June 21.

Kristen Stewart (the Twilight saga, On the Road) plays the only person in the land fairer than the evil Queen Ravenna (Academy Award® winner Charlize Theron of Prometheus, Hancock) who is out to destroy her. But the wicked ruler never imagined that the young woman who has escaped her clutches and now threatens her reign has been training in the art of war with a Huntsman named Eric (Chris Hemsworth of Thor, The Avengers) who was dispatched to capture her.

The epic action-adventure is brought to the screen by Joe Roth, the billion-dollar blockbuster producer of Alice in Wonderland, and, in his feature-film debut, acclaimed commercial director and state-of-the-art visualist Rupert Sanders.


Chris Hemsworth, Kristen Stewart Sydney bound for Snow White and the Huntsman premiere...

White-hot Aussie star and new dad Chris Hemsworth is set to return home and he's bringing Kristen Stewart along for the ride.

The Phillip Island-raised actor, who is currently starring in the world's highest-grossing flick The Avengers, is set to walk the red carpet at Bondi Junction on June 19 for the Aussie premiere of his upcoming blockbuster Snow White And The Huntsman.

The film's director Rupert Sanders and Stewart, who plays Snow White, will also attend, however co-star Charlize Theron will not.

The trip follows a hectic promotional schedule for Hemsworth, who has also juggled his Avengers commitments.

Hey, worldwide success can be rough.

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Underbelly: TV Movies And Real Life Report, by Greg Tingle - 17th February 2011

G'day punters, journos, entertainment news junkies, high rollers - casino whales, gambling millionaires and billionaires, media tycoons, politicians, insiders, outsiders, law enforcement agencies, legal eagles ... one and all. You know who you are. This is the TV Mini Movie Underbelly and Real Life Underbelly special!... Media Man and Gambling911 go beneath the underbelly of Australia's underworld, real and fake...

Underbelly 'Infiltration' A Hit...

The Underbelly telemovie 'Infiltration' has been well received by Australian audiences, but may insiders were expecting it to be a "piece of crap". The producers' task was huge...to create and shoot, interesting and suspense-filled drama based on the autobiographical book by former policeman Colin McLaren, who waged a covert campaign to bring down the Griffith-based mafia. Infiltration worked, and that casting of Sullivan Stapleton as McLaren was key. It was a tight, 3-week production. Stapleton was in nearly every one of the 200 plus scenes with little preparation. His rendering of the McLaren character solid to great. It was a portrayal of McLaren as gutsy, intuitive and fun - a bloke trying his best in the force, despite often internal problems in the department. Stapleton nailed it posing as an art dealer to infiltrate Calabrian gangsters tied to the death of anti-drug campaigner Donald Mackay. In addition, the casting of Jessica Napier as McLaren's colleague Jude backed it up. Jude's lingerie added spark and sexiness. Infiltration was very good to great, but how long can the Underbelly franchise keep going before it gets old? Mind you, James Bond has being going since the 60's, so maybe people will still be expecting the show's death in a few decades time.

Underbelly: Blood Brothers...

Our friends at Network Nine have commenced production on crime-based telemovie Blood Brothers. The 98 minute self-contained movie is based on Robin Bowles' book of the same name. The screenplay will be written by the amazing talent, Victoria Madden. Described as "a chilling portrait of crime and punishment, a compelling insight into human nature, and a relentless fight for justice", it will portray the horrific 1993 Gilham family murders. Lisa McCune (Blue Heelers, Sea Patrol), Tony Martin (False Witness, Wildside) and Michael Dorman (Daybreakers, Suburban Mayhem, The Secret Life of Us) will lead a cast which also includes Jonny Pasvolsky (Underbelly: A Tale of Two Cities), Jodi Gordon (Home and Away) and Frank Holden (Police Rescue, Underbelly, The Strip). Dorman plays Jeffrey Gilham, who was convicted of manslaughter of his younger brother Christopher. He claimed to have killed Christopher in a fit of rage after his sibling murdered their parents. However, Gilham was in fact suspected of murdering them, despite no charges being handed down on him. The story is told beautifully from the perspective of both Tony Gilham, the boys' uncle played by Martin, who campaigned for 14 to clear Christopher’s name. And Margaret Cunneen, played by McCune, the Crown Prosecutor who found herself arguing a seemingly unwinnable case to eventually convict Gilham of the murders. "Blood Brothers is the compelling drama of a shocking family tragedy," stated Jo Horsburgh, Network Nine's head of drama. "I have no doubt that 17 years after these awful murders, the audience will still be divided in their opinions about the truth of what happened. "The Blood Brothers telemovie is another creatively satisfying collaboration with Playmaker."
Nine will partner with production company Playmaker Media, who also produced Wicked Love: The Maria Korp Story for the network last year. "We are grateful for the support of the Nine Network, Screen Australia and Screen New South Wales," said David Taylor, Playmaker's principal alongside David Maher. "A great script has helped us attract an outstanding cast and one of Australia's leading directors, Peter Andrikidis (Underbelly, East West 101)." Production is set for just a few weeks away and insiders reckon it will air later this year on Network Nine of course, as the 9 dotter station attempts to be once again known by the masses as 'The One'.

Underbelly 'Tell Them Lucifer was Here' Ratings...

The first of the Nine Network's Underbelly telemovies, Tell Them Lucifer was Here, produced solid ratings for the broadcaster last week, but was nabbed in the final round by Channel Seven, says OzTAM numbers. Nine won the evening in primary channels, while in combined network shares, Seven took out total people and Nine won 16-39, 18-49 and 25-54. Underbelly averaged 1.377 million viewers, coming first in its timeslot and for the evening in total people, 18-49 and 25-54. It was second in 16-39. Bones proved to be a smart choice to go against the local crime franchise, holding up strong with 1.208m for Seven, while Brothers and Sisters tanked to 832.000. Ten struggled against the strong competition as Undercover Boss slumped to 608,000 and Good News Week returned to 461,000. Both programmes were 4th in their timeslot. In any event, viewers are getting treated to a great mix of crime drama and solid entertainment.

Underbelly's Babe Kassandra Clementi Could Be A Casino Babe If She Desires; Options Open For Hot Stuff Actress - Underbelly Files: Infiltration...

Underbelly's Kassandra Clementi plays one of the more goddess type characters in the TV series famous for being raunchy, but she has her own super sassy side (plus mind and body). Clementi, 20, plays Chelsea, the daughter of Colin McLaren, a Victorian detective who risked his life by going deep undercover within a local arm of the Calabrian mafia, in Underbelly Files: Infiltration. It's one of the more innocent roles in the racy crime franchise, known for its nudity and steamy scenes. "It's all pretty PG (for me)," she said. But Clementi shed the good girl image and amped up the sultriness in a fashion shoot of this season's animal prints, leather, feathers, and daring thigh-high boots. Clementi and her fellow actors met McLaren before filming the telemovie airing on Nine. "We all got to pump him full of questions. I wanted to get an understanding of Chelsea's home life, and the most important thing in her life, which was her father." Now the star of one of Australia's biggest shows, Clementi has her sights squarely set on the United States, with a hot and standout role in an American program in the works. The project is confidential you could say, but if all goes to the way she's mapped out, the Adelaide born-actress-babe, now based in Melbourne, will be causing waves this year, so blokes and babes, be prepared to be tantalised and titillated.

'No Ibrahim Link' To Sin City Sydney Gunfire...

Sydney coppers have now ruled out any link between a shooting in Sydney's south-west, and an attack on two members of the Ibrahim family just a night earlier. Police say 3 men were in a van at Leppington when shots were fired from a white Subaru car about 1:15am. A 39-year-old man sitting in the back of the van was shot in the stomach. The two men in the front were not injured, and they drove to a nearby house and called police. The injured man was taken to Liverpool Hospital where he is in a serious but stable condition. Police say there is no link to the previous night's attack on a nephew of nightclub owner John Ibrahim, Sam Sayour, and his cousin Gehad Hamid. The men were attacked on a suburban street at Old Guildford, and a third man was also shot. New South Wales Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione has complained that his officers are facing a wall of silence over the recent spate of shootings. He says even the smallest piece of information can help take guns off the street. "These crimes are not random attacks. Generally they're targeted and so they will always stay silent," Commissioner Scipione said. "What we need is people that are on the periphery, those that know just that little bit to come forward and talk to us. We will guarantee your anonymity and we will certainly investigate it."

Ibrahim Family: Real Life Underbelly?...

On 13th January this year, Kings Cross nightclub king John Ibrahim's mother Wahiba was on the front porch of her Merrylands home in Sydney's western suburbs. Also in the front yard were her bikie son Sam and the family's ever-present bodyguard, "Tongan Sam" Ngata. Before you know it a number of shots were heard and Ibrahim fell to the ground, a bullet wound in each thigh. The Ibrahims are a family under fire. Over the last couple of years 7 separate shootings have targeted both male and female members of the well know family and their associates. Two Ibrahim brothers were shot, one almost fatally. Even John Ibrahim's sisters are fair game, as are some relatives.
Research points to either some alleged bikie and / or drug links, and domestic - personal relationship matters also come up in the mix. Coppers believe the violence will go on for quite some time. "These things never end well . . . it's coming to a head somehow," a boy in blue shared. The first family member to be targeted in the most recent spray of violence was Fadi Ibrahim, shot at 5 times outside his Castle Cove home in 2009. Police have identified the man they think is behind the shooting, however he hasn't been charged as yet. The 2nd shooting occurred last November at the Ryde home of Armani Haddad, John Ibrahim's sister. Her house was sprayed with 25 bullets while she was at home with the kids. A police theory is that the drive by is linked to another...at the home of her husband's brother and that both happenings may be domestic-related. Sam Ibrahim came to comfort the situation. Now its Sam who has been attacked, just last month. He's a seasoned bikie and alleged attempts to reform the Nomads Parramatta chapter by recruiting members of the Notorious gang is one theory being talked about as a reason behind his shooting. Some think the reason may be more personal. Ibrahim's people notified police a jealous boyfriend of a woman who fell for Sam decided to take action with gunshot. Even young members of the Ibrahim family have also been targets recently. Hassan "Sam" Sayour (19-year-old Ibrahim nephew) and Jihad Hamid (23) shot on the street in Old Guildford just last Sunday. Two other shootings have targeted an Ibrahim family associate, Notorious Sergeant at Arms Saber Murad. In the first incident, last November, Murad was whacked by 2 bullets at his Doonside home. Police have charged two men, one a Comanchero, over that incident. Coppers talk a a "wall of silence" surrounding the attacks. Fadi and Sam Ibrahim and Armani Haddad have all politely declined to give statements to police about the crimes committed against them. Opposition Leader Barry O'Farrell made a statement saying police deserve co-operation and respect. "Given the recent escalation in gang-related crime, it's vital everyone, victims and witnesses alike, do everything possible to put the perpetrators behind bars," he said. John Ibrahim has had his dash of trouble with some of the Comancheros. Some members had left a calling card and message by trashing one of Ibrahim's Kings Cross nightclubs 3 years back and there has been an ongoing turf war in the region between factions of the Comanchero and Notorious, particularly over the security industry at Kings Cross. When police quizzed a Comanchero member why John Ibrahim had been targeted, he replied: "It's time." Ibrahim has a past linked with associations with bikies and underworld figures, including former 'King of the Cross' Louis Bayeh. He has been charged with murder and threatening witnesses in cases against two of his brothers but all charges were dismissed. A law enforcement source said: "There have been attempts on John's life. Some of the Comanchero are behind it." For Ibrahim, life goes on...having refused offers of police protection. He goes just about everywhere with Tongan Sam, or a similar bodyguard type. Coppers don't believe that all the shootings are an attempt to get to Ibrahim, who recently told friends he was planning to get out of "nightclub promoting" and focus on property development. Any rumours of a venture into pokies or casinos are just small talk, but never say never. Property development sounds like a safer bet at this stage of the game.

Underbelly - what's real, what's media beat up, what's made for TV movies? You be the judge, jury and executioner. Bang Bang.

Don't change your dial punters. We will be back soon with more Real Life Underbelly and AussieWood Underbelly.

Online Casinos, Online Poker and Sports Betting...

Ok readers, we hear you... you also want to know some of the best places to play online (that accept Aussies) if your in or around the Asia Pacific - Australia (including Tassie) and New Zealand, so here it is...

PartyCasino.com

Captain Cooks Casino

Betfair (sports betting only)

PKR.com (poker, slots including Marvel slot games and sports betting)

PartyPoker.com (online poker at one of the world's most respected poker rooms and gaming brands)

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Media Man and Gambling911 remind our readers to keep the following in mind:

Take the time to research and learn games before placing down money

Media Man, Casino News Media and Gambling911 are website portals. Not casinos as such, however are recognised as world leading websites that cover the sector and act as central points to games, news, reviews and more.

Readers... er, punters, how did you like our report? Tell us in the forum.

If you have a bet, please bet with your head, not over it, and for God's sake, have fun.

*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911

*Media Man http://www.mediamanint.com is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company. Gaming is just one of a dozen sectors covered

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Casino Cheat Gang In Court: Australia, Italy, UK, USA..., by Greg Tingle - 28th November 2010

G'day punters, casino and gambling millionaires and billionaires, poker nuts, politicians, super whales, journalists, politicians... (and cheats!) one and all. Two of the world's most successful casino cheats have been stopped in their tracks, sort of, having had their day in court. They hit Australia, Britain, China, Italy and god knows where else, cheating casinos across the globe out of millions of dollars. Media Man and Gambling911 play Pink Panther, and Cluedo and Heist with this special report...

Two of the world's most successful international casino cheats have had their day in court.

The rumour mill says the duo, understood to be part of a larger casino crime group, enjoyed time down under in Australia, having a soft spot for both Crown Casino in Melbourne and Star City Casino in 'Sin City' Sydney.

Last Friday they faced court and admitted they possessed hell of a lot of fake IDs, which they used in land based casinos they were banned from across the world. It's understood they didn't target online casinos.

Using a clever global strategy, the pro active gang upper ranked Francesco Baioni, 64, and Frank Camilleri, 61, travelled the world cheating casinos out of a bucket load of money.

Police and other law enforcement had described them as "notorious" and "professional". The crooks have served time in America after cheating their way to "vast" amounts of cash.

Baioni, of Rackstraw House, Primrose Hill, was handed down a 12-month sentence suspended for 18 months. Camilleri, of Derrick Road, Beckenham, was sentenced to nine months suspended for the same duration.

Both were also issued with an 18-month curfew between 11pm and 6am and were barred from all premises regulated by the Gambling Commission for 18 months.

Police would not discuss the tactics that landed the Italian duo so much money over the years but did reveal they had operated in countries including China, Australia America and Britain.

Roulette is understood to be a favorite of the duo, and industry talk is one of them would distract the dealer, and the other would move chips on the table into winning positions.

Both were busted on CCTV cameras at various central London casinos conducting reconnaissance visits, testing the water, and attempting to sign up for membership, using false identities. In one case, Baioni was filmed being refused membership at a casino after the false identity he was attempting to use was flagged up on the operator's computer system as "barred".

The daring pair were caught following an intelligence-led operation by officers from the Metropolitan Police Service's Human Exploitation and Organised Crime Command. On August 9 search warrants were executed at their homes and Baioni was arrested.

Detectives discovered "a large quantity" of fake Italian identity papers containing pictures of Baioni and Camilleri. All had false names.

There were also tons of false identities awaiting pictures and individual passport photographs of both fellas prepared to be attached to the documentation. On August 23 Camilleri was arrested at Gatwick Airport when he flew back from Malta.

Casino crooks and shady figures in the gambling industry have often come unstuck at airports, and this helps explain why some casino tycoons in the likes of Malta, Cyprus and Antigua do not travel on commercial airliner. Sometimes their private aircraft have also been intercepted.

Both crooks were charged and just last month Baioni admitted 9 counts of possessing false documents with intent, possessing articles for use in fraud, and making articles for use in fraud. Camilleri admitted 8 counts of possessing false ID documents with intent.

Remember, crime doesn't pay, unless you're very good at it. You're throw of the dice.

Awards...

It's been a big month for casino awards. Ok, as you read earlier, Macau's Altira Macau was awarded the prestigious Forbes Five Star Ratings for the second year in a row, so Packer and the Ho family continue to work their magic.

PartyGaming's PartyCasino has also come back with seconds, picking up another Media Man 'Online Casino Of The Month Award' for November, and also the parent company, PartyGaming, picked up the prestigious EGR Slots Operator Of The Year Award ...Some other top picks of ours who picked up awards at the EGR night of nights were:
Virgin Games (Affiliate Programme)
Betfair (Innovation, Mobile Operator and UK Sports Betting Operator)
Bwin (European Sports Betting Operator
PKR (Poker Operator)

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Wrap Up...

Readers... er, punters, how did you like our report? Did you enjoy learning all about the international casino fraudsters? Tell us in the forum.

If you have a bet, please bet with your head, not over it, and for God's sake, have fun.

*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.

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Australian Casino News: Burswood Casino Patrons Targets For Crime, by Greg Tingle - 12th November 2010

Australia, namely Perth, and its Burswood Casino aka Burswood Entertainment Complex is the subject of today's extremely disturbing news report. The Western Australian Police Force, the casino and patrons are looking for solutions on how to stop an apparent crime wave that is seeing criminals target Burswood patrons. Media Man and Gambling911 with not what you want to hear, but what you need to know...

Police in Perth, West Australia are confident that criminals appear to be targeting people as they leave the James Packer - Crown Limited owned Burswood Casino.

West Australian Police are investigating a number of attacks on women who were apparently followed home from the casino in the wee hours of yesterday morning and had their handbags and contents stolen.

Sergeant Graham Clifford advised that in both cases the women were about to open the front door at their homes in Fremantle and Cannington when they had their handbags nabbed from their person.

"We don't believe the two incidents are connected with the victims but by the same token it would appear that some of the criminals out there are taking advantage of people when they leave the casino and attacking them when they are by themselves just about to enter their home," he said.

Police are now also investigating a third incident where a woman was targeted by the thieves.

The woman has contacted WA police saying she was attacked just outside her home in Warnbro this morning after returning from the casino.

It is understood she had several thousand dollars in her bag.

Gaming industry insiders strongly believe that the latest string on attacks in Perth will see more people stay at home and play slots, poker and other games online, such is the current perceived risk of a visit to Burswood. Media Man and Gambling911 both feature and review some online casinos available for Australians.

Police say further information about the thieves will be released soon.

WA Police, Media Man and Gambling911 encourage Burswood Casino patrons to please take precautions at the casino and on your journey back home.

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Readers, what would you do with the situation at Burswood Casino? Will this news see you more likely to play casino games on the internet? Tell us in the forum.

If you have a bet, please bet with your head, not over it, and for God's sake, have fun.

*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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American Wiseguys; Australian Wiseguys Uprising?, by Greg Tingle - 4th October 2010

Wiseguy hey? What is a wiseguy? The United States has them... heard of 'The Mob'? So does Italy. The casino and larger gambling industry is understood to be home to a few "wiseguys", some recently busted lurking in the entertainment - ticketing sector, and now speculation rises as to who may be a wiseguy down under in Australia. Media Man and Gambling911 load up the Cadillac, shovels, knock squad and navigate the odd horses' head with this special 'Wiseguys" report...

American Wiseguys online ticketing scheme...

Legal eagles for a foursome of Americans accused of illegally purchasing more than 1 million concert tickets online, then going on to sell them for a massive $30 million profit, are seeking to have the case thrown out of court.

The four Californian natives are charged with the serious offences of conspiracy and fraud.

They are accused of bypassing safeguards meant to restrict the number of tickets each customer can buy.

The US government alleges their company... wait for it...Wiseguy Tickets, resold the tickets for $30 million in estimated profit.

According to a 43-count indictment unsealed in March of this year, the foursome used a nationwide network of computers to flood websites such as Ticketmaster and Major League Baseball and even developed a computer program that could automatically get past web pages that require purchasers to manually type in sample words before they can proceed. Cleaver cookies hey.

The quad squad focused on highly coveted premium tickets to high-profile events such as concerts by Bruce Springsteen, Bon Jovi, Dave Matthews and Hannah Montana and sporting events such as the baseball playoffs, the 2009 Sugar Bowl and the 2007 BCS college football championship game, federal authorities have gone on record with.

The case is being prosecuted in New Jersey as many of the live events were held at Giants Stadium, Izod Centre and Prudential Centre; others were spread across the United States at venues in New York City, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and Tampa, Florida, according to the indictment.

Kenneth Lowson, Kristofer Kirsch and Faisal Nahdi, all of LA, and Joel Stevenson, of Alameda, California, face charges that include conspiracy, wire fraud and unauthorised computer access.

The wire fraud counts are the most serious and carry a maximum prison sentence of 20 years per count upon conviction.

Lowson, Kirsch and Stevenson have been freed on bail since their arrests, while Nahdi is a fugitive and is believed to be abroad... on the run, as they say.

Mark Rush, a lawyer for Lowson, argued in federal court on Monday that the foursome might have violated websites' terms of service - use, but are not liable under existing federal law.

Federal prosecutors sought to play down the unusual nature of the men's alleged crimes.

"We see cases like this in federal court all the time," Assistant US Attorney Erez Lieberman said during a motion hearing before US District Judge Katherine Hayden.

Lieberman said the defendants "lied, lied and lied some more" when they purchased tickets using hundreds of fake internet domain names and created a method of bypassing safeguards meant to limit the number of tickets available to individual buyers.

"Each and every step of the way it was a traditional fraud," Lieberman said.

The judge heard arguments on the defence's motion to dismiss the indictment on the grounds that federal law does not cover what Rush said were merely violations of the terms of use on internet sites including Ticketmaster.

Rush argued that while the defendants' actions might be deemed unsavoury to say the least, they did not rise to the level of criminal activity but should more appropriately be taken up as a civil matter.

"This isn't Ticketmaster versus Wiseguy, but perhaps it should be. But it shouldn't be the United States of America versus Wiseguy. Congress has not criminalised ticket brokers or ticket scalpers. What if they hired 100,000 people to all get on the site at the same time? Would we be here?" Rush asked.

"Or was it because it was a computer? If we are struggling to figure out if this is a violation of federal criminal law, then the indictment should be dismissed."

Australian Wiseguys Background And Uprising?...

Australian history books show a bit of ticketing "funny business" going back to Harry M. Miller circa 1982, with Computicket but that's ancient history now. If you want to find out more about Harry and Computerticket, you can buy his book 'Confessions of a Not-So-Secret-Agent'.

Speculation is rife about who is, or will be, the new breed of Australian born and breed "Wiseguys".

Casino, gambling and sports betting types have likely heard of the "Australian Gumleaf Mafia", but are they also the "Aussie Wiseguys"?

It's often been joked that "The Mafia" runs American media, Hollywood and Australia's entertainment, gambling, but how much is talked up and what's fact or fiction can be very difficult to ascertain.

Talk around 'Sin City' Sydney of late speculates that Kings Cross nightclub owner - operator John Ibrahim may be described as a "wiseguy". What is interesting is that in July 2009, Ibrahim's bodyguard, Semi "Tongan Sam" Ngata, was arrested following a raid on his home by a special gang violence taskforce that netted bulk quantities of a methamphetamine precursor. Ibrahim is portrayed by Firass Dirani in the 2010 television miniseries Underbelly: The Golden Mile. Media Man talent, part time bodyguard, and new 'Aussie Gumleaf Mafia' recruit, John 'Vulcan' Seru, also featured with Dirani on a number of 'Underbelly' episodes last season. A few months back Durani scored a role opposite Robert Di Niro in 'The Killer Elite'. Readers will recall that it was De Niro who played Sam "Ace" Rothstein (Frank 'Lefty' Rosenthal) in the Martin Scorsese film 'Casino'. Ah, small world isn't it.

So, who are Australia's real life 'Wiseguys'? Are they more likely to be Harry M. Miller types? 'Gumleaf Media types', sports betting fixes seen around the Australian - Indian - Pakistan cricket matches, or more of the types that are invisible to all but those in the underworld? We would suggest the later wiseguys!

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Punters, a friendly reminder... bet with your head, not over it, and have fun... Wiseguys!

*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.

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