On February 11, The Wellington Convention Bureau will showcase Wellington to the World .

Wellington Convention Bureau Sales Manager Martin Boland says the event is designed to give locals who plan meetings and events of all kinds the opportunity to inspect venues and meet service providers on-site.

A total of 72 businesses will be represented at 42 venues during the day.

Wellington On Show is a natural progression from the successful Wellington Conference and Events Expo run by the Wellington Convention Centre each October, Mr Boland says.

“The expo gives event planners the opportunity to find out what’s available and now Wellington On Show will allow them to see and experience it, without having to schedule meetings or arrange transport.”

Free transport between key venues, including up the Wellington Cable Car, will be provided for registered participants. Over 100 people signed up within 24 hours of event details being released to industry contacts, Mr Boland says.

Wellington On Show participants can be in to win one of 36 prizes, and events throughout the day will include cooking demonstrations by Martin Bosley and Ruth Pretty, and a South American carnival at the Opera House.

Wellington On Show is being held on Thursday February 11, 10am-3pm.

Throughout the day partners will also have their own promotions and entertainment. From a Zest Food Tour to a brunch with Martin Bosley at Chaffers Dock Function Centre, there will be plenty of options on offer. Here is a list of the exhibitors showcasing themselves as well a list of special promotions running through the day.

There will be a hop on, hop off shuttle service between the key venues for those that don’t wish to walk – and it's free! Here is a map of where exhibitors are showcasing and the shuttle service operating on the day.

We know your time is valuable so with Wellington on Show you choose who you want to see and when.

Registration – it’s free and easy, so register now.

To find out more or register visit WellingtonNZ.com/OnShow.

Marking the centenary of Scott’s epic voyage to the South Pole, the Getty Images Gallery, in association with the Scott Polar Research Institute, is presenting a new photographic exhibition which will feature the work of Herbert Ponting, the photographer who accompanied the expedition.

“The Journey South” will run from 4th February until 6th March. Herbert Ponting’s beautiful and graphic photographs record the conditions faced by Robert Falcon Scott’s team of men before their final push to the pole and before tragedy ultimately struck in 1912. Ponting also captured the stark beauty of Antarctica 100 years ago, in a series of landscape shots which remain iconic and timeless to this day.

The collection provides a stirring testament to the heroism and bravery of all involved and perfectly encapsulates the spirit of adventure and discovery that marked the epic journey. The glass plate negatives from which these images are taken are preserved in the Scott Polar Research Institute, University of Cambridge.

This part of the collection is represented by Getty Images. Herbert Ponting was a self-taught photographer who spent time travelling through the Far East, photographing people and places, before joining the crew of the Terra Nova on their journey south. He recorded the difficult living conditions under which the expedition members and their animals lived and worked.

Among the incredible collection of images is a photograph entitled “The Tenements”, showing the cramped bunks in Winterquarters Hut, which made up the living conditions of the team. Another image shows Evans and Crean sitting in front of shelves stacked with boxes mending their sleeping bags whilst smoking a pipe.

Lieut Evans is also pictured observing Jupiter through a telescope in the middle of the night, whilst dressed in a balaclava and heavy overcoat. Herbert Ponting himself is also captured working in the dark room and posing with his cinematograph (the tripod mounted film camera that he used to record the voyage).

Ponting’s brief was to also satisfy the expedition’s sponsors and so the collection includes humorous, advert-like images of crew members consuming Heinz baked beans and Fry’s chocolate. In one image, an expedition member sits on two boxes marked ‘Heinz Baked Beans’, on the snow. He holds a can in one hand and a spoon in the other. Getty Images Gallery Director, Louise Garczewska said, “Ponting’s images are truly awe-inspiring.

They capture both the otherworldly beauty of the bleak Antarctic landscape as well as the spirit of excitement, discovery and unknown danger etched across the faces of these brave men. The images recorded by Ponting set down a flag in the pages of history and marked a new frontier in photography. We are proud to commemorate the courage of those involved in this legendary expedition and to celebrate Ponting’s remarkable work.”

Heather Lane, Librarian and Keeper of Collections at the Scott Polar Research Institute said, “We are pleased that Getty Images are bringing Ponting’s stunning photographs to a wider audience, particularly in this year, which marks the centenary of the start of Captain Scott’s British Antarctic Expedition, 1910-13. Ponting was the first professional photographer of the Antarctic and his work has as great an impact today as it did one hundred years ago.”

Academy Award winner George Clooney stars in the title role of this suspense thriller, filmed on location in Italy.

Alone among assassins, Jack (played by Mr. Clooney) is a master craftsman. When a job in

Sweden ends more harshly than expected for this American abroad, he vows to his contact Larry (Bruce Altman) that his next assignment will be his last. Jack reports to the Italian countryside, where he holes up in a small town and relishes being away from death for a spell.

The assignment, as specified by a Belgian woman, Mathilde (Thekla Reuten of “In Bruges”), is in the offing as a weapon is constructed. Surprising himself, Jack seeks out the friendship of local priest Father Benedetto (Italian stage and screen veteran Paolo Bonacelli) and pursues romance with local woman Clara (Italian leading lady Violante Placido). But by stepping out of the shadows, Jack may be tempting fate.

Martirio, a flea-bitten Texan town. 

Vernon's best friend, Jesus, has just massacred sixteen of their classmates before killing himself. With the murderer dead, there's no one to blame for the tragedy. The town, hungry for a scapegoat, turns its sights on Vernon.

Every one wants a piece of the action and the bumbling cops and television reporters are out to exploit the killings. With his world crumbling before him, Vernon flees but the police and tv crews are in hot pursuit.

The controversial winner of the Booker Prize in 2003, Vernon God Little by DBC Pierre is a biting satire of the America we love to hate: the media, the judicial system, obsession with food, religion and adolescent angst.

 Downstage is proud to continue its commitment to encouraging and showcasing our next generation of artists. Overseas productions of Vernon God Little have been performed by adults for young people, this youth focused production gives the voice back to the generation it represents.

 About Long Cloud Youth Theatre

Long Cloud Youth Theatre is a unique training and production company for young actors aged 16-21 years.  With recent productions Spring Awakening, The Crucible and Titus Andronicus, Long Cloud has been celebrated as a hothouse for New Zealand's most exciting young theatre talent. Vernon God Little is Long Cloud Youth Theatre’s Summer School 2010 project, partnering students with Long Cloud’s core actors for six weeks.

 Vernon God Little

Dates: 4-13 FEB

Times: 6:30pm Tue-Wed and 8pm Thu-Sat.

Prices: $20 to $25.  Meet the Artists: Tue 8 FEB

Matinee: Sat 13 FEB @ 3pm

Directed by Sophie Roberts and Willem Wassenaar. Designed by Glenn Ashworth and Andrew Foster.

 Tickets can be purchased online, by phone at (04) 801 6946 or in person at Downstage’s box office. For up-to-date information visit www.downstage.co.nz Downstage is proudly sponsored by BNZ.  

A new image has been released from the upcoming DreamWorks Animation 3D movie HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON. Releasing in cinemas on 25 March this new image features our hero's dragon-slaying classmates.

Participating in Paris Fashion Week, the Spring/Summer 2010 Couture show of Lebanese designer Georges Chakra was held on January 25, 2010 in Paris, at L'École Nationale Supérieure des Beaux Arts.

Drawing inspiration from nature's beauty, Chakra's collection treads the fine line between reality and fantasy, while staying true to the feminity of women.

A collection of forty three dresses was presented characterized by varying geometric lines, contemporary designs, contrasting hues combined with delicate necklines and asymmetrical cuts.

All shades reflect summer tonalities: flamboyant pink-orange of sunset, flashes of metallic blue, sparkling gold and silver and the eternal beauty of black and white, create unparalleled elegance and sophistication.

Textures came in an endless variety ranging from luscious layers of chiffon, tulle, organza, lace, to satin and silk embroidered with sequins, feathers, rhinestones and pearls.

With its magical touch, this outstanding collection will undoubtedly leave in its wake a breath of sunshine and a gust of shimmering light.

Egyptian actress and well known pan-arab figure Youssra wearing a Chakra's dress, Egyptian director E'inas Al Daghidi, French actress Cyrielle Claire as well as a large audience of international press and VIPs gave the designer a well deserved standing ovation at the end of his show.
 

Three celebrated international authors are now joining award-winning

New Zealand writers in an already glittering line-up at the 2010 New Zealand Post Writers and Readers Week from 9-14 March.

The New Zealand International Arts Festival announced today the participation of 2009 Samuel Johnson Prize winner Philip Hoare, from the United Kingdom, The Time Traveler’s Wife author Audrey Niffenegger, from the United States, and noted British novelist Derek Johns. They will be joined by award-winning New Zealand writers Charlotte Grimshaw and Jenny Pattrick.

 In these challenging times, the desire for discussion and debate continues to grow, and demand for good books continues to increase. The 2010 New Zealand Post Writers and Readers Week promises big issues, remarkable minds and great stories.

 The week will kick off with a Gala Opening featuring Audrey Niffenegger, Neil Cross, Kamila Shamsie, Gil Adamson and Chloe Hooper in conversation with Kate De Goldi.

 Writers Upfront, a festival within a festival, offers readers an opportunity to spend time with contemporary literature’s great writers and thinkers. The programme will see radical philosopher Peter Singer argue how we can live responsibly, Simon Schama in conversation about making history, James Belich discussing colonialism, Chloe Hooper on race relations in Australia, and Geoff Dyer will riff on jazz, photography, travel and D.H. Lawrence.

 It isn’t just the nonfiction writers who are asking the big questions. The legacies of colonisation echo through the work of novelists Kamila Shamsie, Ilija Trojanow, and Joan London. In her novels, Susanna Moore’s characters negotiate sex, place, family and identity often with shocking results.

Lisa Moore chronicles the story of a widow in the wake of a maritime disaster. Sarah Waters plays with genre, Daniel Kehlmann imagines a historical encounter, and Emily Perkins writes a disturbing portrait of a marriage. Margo Lanagan and Neil Gaiman challenge our ideas about children’s literature.

Poetry takes centre stage as the Festival welcomes Bill Manhire, Glyn Maxwell and Kevin Connolly – three very different poets, all at the forefront of contemporary literature.

 The Town Hall Talks are a new series of events featuring three of literature’s superstars: controversial biologist Richard Dawkins, celebrated historian Simon Schama and literary rock star Neil Gaiman.

 Readers can also enjoy an Afternoon Tea with Jenny Pattrick, extraordinary writer and winner of the 2009 New Zealand Post Mansfield Prize, who will be talking about her new book and her amazing career.

 Free events

In an effort to make writing accessible to everyone Writers Upfront will host two free events. The first will be a poetry reading featuring New Zealand poets Ian Wedde, Kate Camp, and Geoff Cochrane who will be joined on stage by visiting poets Glyn Maxwell and Kevin Connolly. The second session will see fiction writers Fariba Hachtroudi, Charlotte Grimshaw, Joan London, Lisa Moore, and Anna Taylor reading from their work.

 New Zealand’s only writing marathon Once Upon a Deadline returns on Monday 8 March when seven writers hit the streets of Wellington. The 2010 race has David Geary defending his title against challengers including Pip Hall, Eli Kent, Miria George, Dianna Fuemana, Neil Cross and Lucy O’Brien. Be prepared to encounter writing where you least expect it, and then join the writers at the Town Hall at 6.30pm for the Read-Off, where the writers will read their stories and the audience will help decide the winner. This event is free.

 New Zealand Post has been a New Zealand International Arts Festival Partner since 1994. A Gold Partner for the past six Festivals, New Zealand Post Writers and Readers Week has blossomed during this time and is a significant part of the New Zealand International Arts Festival programme. New Zealand Post Writers and Readers Week is one way that New Zealand Post shares its commitment to enhancing literature and literacy in New Zealand.

 Ticketing

Concession passes and tickets to all New Zealand Post Writers and Readers Week events, including the Gala Opening, are available through Ticketek. A concession pass entitles the holder to discounts and preferential booking for all Writers Upfront sessions. Public booking for all New Zealand Post Writers and Readers Week events is available from Tuesday 9 February, 2010.

I was lucky enough to meet some of the best Lifestyle reporters in Wellington during the launching of 2010 Downstage Season One last Friday.

I saw our friend Camille Guzwell of Classic Hits FM, Mr. Jim Chipp of Wellingtonian and Heather Mac Donald of Wotzon.com among others.

Ms. Hilary Beaton, the CEO and Director of Downstage and Marketing Manager Mr. Chris Basette entertained the media. Click here for images during the launching.

They explained to us,some of the upcoming shows for their  2010 Season One  which includes the comeback of Biography of  My Skin, a comedy about love,marriage and acting up on April 9 to 24.

Here are the shows you will be expecting this 2010 Downstage Season One :

From  February 4 – 13, Downstage,Whitirea and Long Cloud Youth Theater present VERNON GOD LITTLE.

Vernon is fifteen years old and lives with his mother in a flea-bitten Texan town. His best friend just massacred sixteen of their classmates before killing himself. The town wants vengeance and turns its sight on Vernon. 

Next is the Apollo 13: Mission Control from February 27 up to 9 March.

As three astronauts trapped 200,000 miles from earth fight for their lives,audience members seated in "Mission Control' must make the critical decisions necessary to bring the heroes safely homes.

On March 18-27,the Downstage and NZ Fringe Festival will present a two stand out shows from the 2010 NZ Fringe Festival , "Pick of the Fringe".

The Downstage will Laud out loud with two incredible shows that explore the theatrical side of comedy as they join the New Zealand International Comedy Festival on May 4 to 15.

After that, Lullaby Jock will be on centre stage on May 18 to 29 follow by Dave Armstrong's hilarious political satire  show " Le Sud " (Jun 1-19).

Lastly, The Te Rada – eating the Dog show (29 Jun -10- Jul).

I pretty excited about the upcoming shows and for more information you check their website at www.downstage.co.nz
 

Our friend from Paramount Pictures ,Mr. Nicky Stewart sen us this images for the upcoming film IRON MAN 2.

Releasing on April 29 and starring Robert Downey Jnr and Gwyneth Paltrow, IRON MAN 2 also stars Mickey Rourke as Whiplash and Scarlett Johanssen as The Black Widow.