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Sunshine Coast Local News

LEGO® brick event returns to the Sunshine Coast

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Building on last year’s success, the 2015 Sunshine Coast Brick Event made a return to Sunshine Coast Council’s Lake Kawana Community Centre over the weekend (March 7 & 8), bigger and better than ever.

Seven to eight thousand visitors enjoyed over 40 displays by Queensland LEGO® User Group members’ private collections with varying themes such as Space and Star Wars, City (with working trains), Friends, Harry Potter, Medieval, Castle, Duplo City, operating Technic vehicles, Pirates and much more.

Not only was there plenty to see, there was also plenty to do, with ‘build and play’ tables where children and adults let their imagination run wild.

Sales of Lego merchandise and kits was brisk with many adults rekindling their love of Lego which has marched ahead leaps and bounds since their time as kids.

Melbourne artist donates $25K to Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors

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Melbourne-based artist, Mitch Gobel, today announced a $25,000 donation from art sales to Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors in a very special demonstration at the Wildlife Hospital with the assistance of a few of Australia Zoo’s wildlife stars!

Over the coming days Mitch will create a custom artwork on site at Australia Zoo to hang in the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital, as a token of his generous donation to the charity. Some precious Australia Zoo residents including a koala and cockatoo have also been practicing their painting skills in anticipation of helping Mitch put the finishing touches on his artwork, which will represent the plight of their threatened cousins in the wild.

Inspired by Steve Irwin’s legacy to protect wildlife and wild places, Mitch quit his job in horticulture almost one year ago to pursue a life-long dream creating art that reflects the beauty of the natural world, and save wildlife in the process. His work with resin techniques are unlike any other, and as the art world recognises his talent, Mitch’s contribution to the conservation efforts of Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors grows.

Wildlife Warriors’ key conservation project, the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital, has treated over 55,000 native Australian wildlife patients in its ten year history. This generous donation from Mitch will go toward the ongoing treatment of sick, injured and orphaned wildlife at the hospital.

Spooky Sea Life Mooloolaba hosts Halloween

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The SEA LIFE Mooloolaba aquarium is turning into an ‘a-scarium’ this Halloween with children coming dressed as witches, ghosts and monsters as the attraction gears up for the coast’s most frightening day of the year.

Visitors were spooked to find a skeleton diving among the sharks, groupers and rays in the attraction’s Ocean Tank today with fascinated guests watching the animals being fed from a Halloween pumpkin.

SEA LIFE Mooloolaba is encouraging all families and children to visit the attraction in their favourite and most frightful costumes this Halloween and take part in an ‘a-scarium’ interactive quiz trail.

SEA LIFE Mooloolaba General Manager Craig Connor said there is plenty happening on the Sunshine Coast this year for Halloween, and is encouraging locals to dress up throughout the day as well.

“The Coast is really starting to pick up at Halloween, with lots on everywhere, which is fantastic to see,” he said.

“We want to encourage people to celebrate Halloween the entire weekend, not just trick or treating on Friday night.

“We are looking forward to welcoming all guests of all ages to visit SEA LIFE Mooloolaba in their favourite ghost, skeleton and oversized walking pumpkin costumes this year,” he said.

“SEA LIFE Mooloolaba is all about having a good time with families and our ‘a-scarium’ is going to offer some seriously scary fun and is perfect for families to come along to before they head out for a night of trick or treating.”

Mr Connor said that among the petrifying proceedings for Halloween, SEA LIFE Mooloolaba will be holding spooky, interactive quiz trails for any visitor brave enough to join them as well as colouring corners and so much more.

For more information about SEA LIFE Mooloolaba please visit www.underwaterworld.com.au

CareFlight Gala Ball goes Broadway

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Darren Percival

2012 The Voice runner-up Darren Percival to MC the Broadway themed event

RACQ CareFlight Rescue will bring all the glitz and glamour of Broadway to the beach for its 10th annual Gala Ball on Friday 31 October.

The “Broadway, A Night at the Theatre” Ball will be the charity’s largest endeavour yet.

More than 100 performers from local theatre troupes will entertain the audience with medleys from Grease, Les Miserables, Cats and 42nd Street.

CareFlight Deputy Chairman, Don Moffatt, says it will be an evening of fine dining, quality wines and outstanding entertainment.

“The CareFlight Gala Ball is a premier social event in the region,” he said.

“We are so grateful for the support we receive from all our sponsors, the local community and our talented performers, we’re set for a great night for an even greater cause.”

More than 580 people are expected to attend the glamorous black-tie Broadway affair, bringing in an estimated $150,000 for CareFlight’s rescue helicopters.

“It’s been a decade since this event first began and we’re proud to see the Sunshine Coast community embracing this event and supporting its growth over the past 10 years,” Mr Moffatt said.

The Ball, a highlight of the social calendar, serves a vital purpose in securing the funds necessary to keep CareFlight’s Sunshine Coast-based helicopters flying in the community.

Helping to raise funds on the night will be a silent auction with more than 100 prizes up for grabs.

Fitting with the Broadway theme, Novotel Twin Waters Resort has generously donated a five-night trip to New York City, valued up to $10,000. The incredible prize includes accommodation in Times Square, a travel voucher for flights, sightseeing and tours, as well as tickets to a Broadway show.

Other prizes include a Royal Enfield Classic 500 motorcycle, a Niseko Japanese ski trip, a Marriott Phuket trip, a Fraser Island holiday and a Superside Bus advertising package.

The event, held at Novotel Twin Waters Resort, will be emceed by 2012 The Voice runner-up Darren Percival with performances by local theatre companies Little Seed Theatre Company, USC PAK Performing Arts, XS Entertainment, Gavin Hamburger Productions and Darren’s band.

Tickets are $199 or a table of 10 for $1,990. Book now by phoning 5458 8700 or by emailing events@careflight.org.au

Gone Girl Review

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Gone Girl, see it for yourself, don’t let anyone tell you about it.

Last night I attended a preview of soon to be released thriller “Gone Girl”. Now let me say at the outset, I went into this movie cold. No research, nothing more than I knew someone’s wife has gone missing. That is how I’d recommend, and I DO recommend seeing it.

For those who would like a little more convincing, officially, the story goes like this.

“On the occasion of his fifth wedding anniversary, Nick Dunne (Ben Affleck) reports that his beautiful wife, Amy (Rosamund Pike), has gone missing. Under pressure from the police and a growing media frenzy, Nick’s portrait of a blissful union begins to crumble. Soon his lies, deceits and strange behaviour have everyone asking the same dark question: Did Nick Dunne kill his wife?”

It’s the case today, whenever there’s a missing person, abduction or the like, the spouse, concerned relatives and friends are rolled out in front of the media, whereupon their statements are delivered and critiqued. Not just for what is said, but for how it’s said and whether their demeanour matches the herd mentality of what is considered, appropriate.

The public, driven directly or indirectly by audience seeking media and well established stereotypes, cast their vote of innocence or otherwise on the key players. Public perceptions are often made up early in the piece, however as Gone Girl unveils its story you can never be certain. Even as one question is answered, new ones open up.

This is a good story, unravelled before you without special effects or gimmicks. If your a fan of thriller mysteries you’ll like Gone Girl. A final note for those who have read the book, the ending may or may not be the same as the book. I haven’t read it so you’ll need to let me know.

Gone Girl is showing now at Event Cinemas Maroochydore for showtimes visit http://www.eventcinemas.com.au/movie/Gone-Girl

Mayor helps re-create special painting for charity

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Co-creater Mark Jamieson under the watchful eye of Buderim artist Kendall.

Co-creater Mark Jamieson under the watchful eye of Buderim artist Kendall.

When well-known Buderim artist Kendall suggested Mayor Mark Jamieson help re-create a special painting for charity, the Mayor jumped in straight away.

Kendall, who works with the Bloomhill Cancer Centre in Buderim on frequent occasions, said she had decided to re-create an oil painting she had done, which she did not hang on to for long.

“I sold the piece in Singapore very quickly,” Kendall said.

“I work with Bloomhill a lot, and was trying to think of something unusual I could create as an auction item for Sunday’s Bloomhill fundraiser at Corbould Park, and thought ‘why don’t I get the mayor to help with this project’?”

Mayor Jamieson said he thought the idea was terrific.

“I was delighted to be asked,” he said from Kendall’s Buderim studio.

“I’m thoroughly enjoying this painting experience with Kendall.

“I’ve known her for years. Both of us are from Toowoomba.”

Kendall said the picture was developing as a “happy and alive” piece.

“It’s called Moroccan Dream,” she said.

But what will it fetch at the auction?

“I never put a value on these things – it’s worth what people are prepared to pay,” she said.

“That said, I am asking people to bid fiercely for it.”

The Bloomhill Cancer Race Day, which features the auction, takes place at Corbould Park on Sunday.

For more details visit www.bloomhill.com.au or call 5445 5794.

 

Winners announced for annual signature art prize

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014 Sunshine Coast Art Prize winner, Matthew de Moiser, Servo (state 3), 2014, Laminex on board, 60 x 60cm

014 Sunshine Coast Art Prize winner, Matthew de Moiser, Servo (state 3), 2014, Laminex on board, 60 x 60cm

More than 100 dignitaries, artists and guests, joined Sunshine Coast Mayor Mark Jamieson for the official opening and winner announcement of the 2014 Sunshine Coast Art Prize winners at Caloundra Regional Gallery on Wednesday, August 27.

Mayor Jamieson said the Sunshine Coast Art Prize is the annual signature arts event on the Sunshine Coast and is a cultural initiative of Sunshine Coast Council.

“As one of the richest regional art awards in Australia, the Sunshine Coast Art Prize has consistently attracted great interest and the highest of standards amongst two dimensional entries received from all over the nation,” Mayor Jamieson said.

“The Sunshine Coast Art Prize has certainly made its mark on the national arts calendar.”

Community Programs Portfolio Councillor Jenny McKay said it was an honour to welcome artists and guests to the Caloundra Regional Gallery – the home of the Sunshine Coast Art Prize.

“Each year we see a high level of creative talent that is certainly impressive and that talent is a challenge to the judge to select two winners from the 40 finalists,” she said.

“We are extremely fortunate to have secured highly respected judge Chris Saines, Director of Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art.”

Visually compelling and evocative are the words that Sunshine Coast Art Prize 2014 judge Chris Saines used to describe the overall winner and Highly Commended prizewinner’s artworks.

Chris Saines said Matthew de Moiser from Preston, Victoria was the outstanding winner of the prestigious national 2014 Sunshine Coast Art Prize.

“Matthew’s artwork entitled Servo (state 3) was the most visually compelling and entirely resolved work in the Prize and receives a $15,000 cash prize and an Artist in Residence at Arley Farm in Maleny,” Mr Saines said.

“It was the work which I kept coming back to; the work which excited my interest the most. I wanted to know more about it. I still do. With a striking economy of means, de Moiser conveys both the spare modernity of service station design and the kit-set composure and occasional emptiness of suburban life.

“There are, in the Australian context, allusions to the work of Callum Morton and Jeffrey Smart, and perhaps even an unknowing nod to the low viewpoints of one of Russell Drysdale’s outback towns. A meticulously wrought assemblage with all the appearance of a dead pan painting, Servo (state 3) is a worthy winner.”

2014 Highly Commended Sunshine Coast Art Prize winner, Prudence Flint, Doll (detail), 2013, oil on linen, 122 x 102cm

2014 Highly Commended Sunshine Coast Art Prize winner, Prudence Flint, Doll (detail), 2013, oil on linen, 122 x 102cm

Chris Saines said he awarded the Highly Commended prize to Prudence Flint from St Kilda, Victoria, who receives $2500 prize money for her artwork Doll.

“Flint’s Doll is an evocative and finely calibrated painting, at once a self-portrait and a visual poem of reflection and quietude,” Mr Saines said.

“In a highly organised composition that has resonances of Australian modernist, John Brack, Flint looks longingly back into her childhood. It is a painting filled with measure and calm, as interesting for its abstract organisation of planes as for its more narrative subject.

“I would like to congratulate all artists named as finalists in one of the nation’s most prestigious art prizes – this is something they can be very proud of.”

The Sunshine Coast Art Prize exhibition will be on display at Caloundra Regional Gallery until October 26, 2014.

In addition to the major prizes, the careers of six young emerging local artists have also received a gigantic boost after being named finalists in the inaugural Sunshine Coast Art Prize 2014 New Media category.

Community Programs Portfolio Councillor Jenny McKay said the Sunshine Coast Art Prize 2014 New Media category was open to any emerging local artist aged between 15 to 30 years.

“The entries included artwork such as photography, video, animation and projection with a focus on innovative digital technologies,” Cr McKay said.

“I would particularly like to thank the sponsors, Analogue Digital, the University of the Sunshine Coast, Earthbase Productions and James Birrell Design Lab, for their valuable support. Without this support we would not be able to invigorate the emerging local arts community,” Cr McKay said.

“With prizes totalling $15,000 including cash, mentorships, a residency and exhibition – this is a great opportunity to launch the careers for these young artists.”

Division 2 Councillor Tim Dwyer said the finalists’ artworks will be exhibited at Caloundra Regional Gallery in February 2015.

“These finalists are the future of our arts industry and this opportunity is life changing for them,” Cr Dwyer said.

“I am very happy to announce the finalists for the Sunshine Coast Art Prize New Media category are Lauren Edmonds from Maleny, Conrad Gracie from Mooloolaba, Jess Doak from Highworth, Susan Bohmer from Sippy Downs, Isabella Summerfield from Buddina and Brayden Van Meurs from Wurtulla.”

The prizes for New Media category are valued at $15,000 and include:

  • $2,500 cash presented by Analogue Digital
  • $3,000 mentorship for a chosen applicant presented by Earth Base Productions to assist and develop the emerging artists practice
  • $2,500 public art project and mentoring for a selected entrant, presented by James Birrell Design Lab
  • in-kind design and web promotional advice provided by Analogue Digital for a selected entrant and the opportunity to showcase at Analogue Digital Brisbane 2015 for a selected applicant, valued at $2,500
  • a public exhibition of the artist’s work at a venue to be determined supported by Caloundra Regional Gallery staff, valued at $2,000
  • a four week residency at The Old Ambulance Building Nambour followed by an exhibition at Ground Zero Gallery.

 

For full details on the Sunshine Coast Art Prize 2014 including the extensive public program visit Council’s gallery website – www.gallery.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au.

Caloundra Regional Gallery is owned and operated by Sunshine Coast Council and is located at 22 Omrah Avenue and is open from Wednesday to Sunday from 10am to 4pm.

 

Inaugural Family Expo a rich resource for parents

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Excitement is building for the Sunny Coast Kids Family Expo. Event organiser Lara Hodgson with son Hawker Hodgson, Simon da Roza from iStaysafe who will be showcasing the TicTocTrack GPS watch at the Expo and Arianne Hoyle and Samantha Spunner, from Sinchies Reusable Pouches.

Excitement is building for the Sunny Coast Kids Family Expo. Event organiser Lara Hodgson with son Hawker Hodgson, Simon da Roza from iStaysafe who will be showcasing the TicTocTrack GPS watch at the Expo and Arianne Hoyle and Samantha Spunner, from Sinchies Reusable Pouches.

Two great local business owners,  Sunny Coast Kids family website owner Lara Hodgson and Kylie Martin owner of  Chatter-boxes Speech Pathology Services, have come together to create the inaugural Sunny Coast Kids Family Expo which will be held at Lake Kawana Community Centre on September 24.

Families will have access to a wealth of knowledge including how to get savvy with the technology their kids are using, family nutrition, the latest information on children’s activities and services and even GPS tracking to keep their kids safe.

Expo coordinator and owner of sunnycoastkids.com.au, Lara Hodgson said the expo was about providing an opportunity for families to learn and share ideas on how to nurture a family life that is healthier, happier and provides more time to spend together doing things they enjoyed.

“The Sunny Coast Kids Family Expo aims to provide parents with a central location to obtain as much relevant information from local businesses as possible,” Ms Hodgson said.

“Parenting raises lots of questions and we’d like to create an environment where parents can find some helpful answers and practical solutions to provide the best opportunities and experiences for their children.”

Sunny Coast Kids Family Expo“For example, Chatter-boxes Speech Pathology Services will provide expo goers with some insight into how they can identify whether their child’s speech and language skills are developing appropriately.  Other exhibitors include support for FIFO families and children with disabilities, sport and fitness programs, experts on child safety and GPS tracking devices, musical programs, photographers, entertainment and much more.”

Expo-goers will also be able to attend information sessions by keynote speakers focused on making family life easier, car seat safety checks, fun activities for the kids, food and coffee galore and entertainment for the whole family.

Ms Hodgson said the speakers will talk about diet, speech, exercise and first aid, amongst other topics.

“We have some excellent speakers confirmed including Nef Pearce from FIFO Families who will explore the difficulty of the FIFO lifestyle and how to resolve the isolation and loneliness it can cause, and how to turn a challenging lifestyle into one where you can reap the rewards,” Ms Hodgson said.

“Yvette Adams, author of ‘No Kidding – Why Our Kids Know More About Technology Than Us (and What We Can Do About It!), will explore the ever-growing technological gap between parents and kids and encourage parents to embrace technology to help stay connected to their kids, keep them safe and to take advantage of the benefits technology can bring to family life.”

Tickets to the inaugural Sunny Coast Kids Family Expo will be $5 for adults and free for kids.  The Expo will be open from 9am-4pm and for more information or to learn more about exhibiting at the Expo, visitwww.sunnycoastkids.com.au/expo.

Artist compelled to tell a story in Beauty and Tragedy on Fraser Shores at Butter Factory Arts Centre

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image001Noosa Council’s Butter Factory Arts Centre presents: Beauty and Tragedy on Fraser Shores, reimagining the Eliza Fraser saga, including paintings of Fraser Island by local artist and author, Judith Laws.

The magic and intrigue of Fraser Island is shown through the expressive and vibrant paintings of Judith Laws. Glowing colours of turquoise, emerald green, reds, oranges and golds of the perched lakes and the scribbly-gum forest with the flash of a brilliantly coloured parrot’s wing, and coloured sands and cliffs, Judith Laws has always been fascinated by the Eliza Fraser story and was compelled to show a female insight into this woman’s tragedy. Her interpretations in paint on canvas and vibrant pallet does not show Mrs Fraser as a romantic figure but rather as a brave, ordinary woman weighed down by circumstances beyond her control.

Members of the community are welcome to celebrate the combined official launch of the book: “Face of Tragedy” by Rex Backhaus-Smith and the opening of the Beauty and Tragedy on Fraser Shores exhibition, at the Butter Factory Arts Centre, Cooroy, on Friday 22 August at 6pm. Special guest speaker Jane Caraffi, (Gallery Director, Art on Cairncross) will officially open the show. All welcome, cash bar available. RSVP gallery@noosa.qld.gov.au<mailto:gallery@noosa.qld.gov.au> or phone: 5329 6580.

The exhibition continues until Saturday 11 October, 2014. The community is invited to attend the following events programmed throughout the duration of the exhibitions:

Public Programs:

* Exhibition Guided Tour and morning tea: Friday 29 August, 10am. Join a guided tour and gain an insight into the artist and her work, exploring selected pieces. Free, bookings required, all welcome. RSVP: gallery@noosa.qld.gov.au<mailto:gallery@noosa.qld.gov.au>
* Time for Tots Storytelling: Wednesday 3 September, 9.30am
Free, exhibition-related art activities follow a guided tour for tots. Held in conjunction with Cooroy Library.

* Book Launch at Cooroy Library, Thursday 11 September, 11am-12.30pm
Celebrate the launch of the book: Face of Tragedy, written and compiled by Rex Backhaus-Smith, featuring the vibrant paintings of Judith Laws, currently on display at the Butter Factory Arts Centre. RSVP: Cooroy Library, 07 5329 6555.

* Get Creative: Saturday 20 September 10am – 12noon A series of free, family orientated art activities at the Butter Factory Arts Centre. Be inspired by the latest exhibition then spend time creating your own piece with family and artists. All ages welcome. No bookings required.
* KidsArt@BFAC, Tuesday 23 and Tuesday 30 September, $8 per person, bookings and pre-payment essential on: 5329 6145
Exhibition related art activities follow a guided tour for tots. Held in conjunction with Cooroy Library.

* Project Eliza – creative writing responses facilitated by Dr Sue Davis, Saturday 6 & 20 September, 10am-2pm, $10 per workshop, bookings and pre-payment essential on: 5329 6145

Participants will be invited to respond to Judith Law’s art works in the Beauty and Tragedy on Fraser Shores exhibition, to create their own creative writing pieces. Working in the genre of creative nonfiction, they will combine personal responses and factually based information into work that may be shared dramatically. They will be guided through a process of responding, creating and sharing.

Participants are also invited to bring along their smart phone or tablet and publish directly to a PlaceStories web-based project. They also have the option of participating in a promenade presentation of writing generated throughout the time of the exhibition to accompany the rehearsed reading of:

Figments of Eliza on Friday 26 September.

* Figments of Eliza + Promenade Presentations Performance, Friday 26 September,

Rehearsal workshop, noon-4pm, followed by promenade performance, 5.30pm-7pm

$10 per person, bookings and pre-payment essential on: 5329 6145

This presentation will include a promenade performance of writings generated from the Project Eliza workshops and responses throughout the exhibition and a rehearsed reading of Figments of Eliza featuring Sunshine Coast performer Mary Eggleston. Figments of Eliza was written by Dr Sue Davis, as part of the Sunshine Coast NeoGeography project in 2010 following several months of research and blogging in the role of Eliza Fraser.

The Butter Factory Arts Centre is located at 10 Maple Street, Cooroy and is open free to the public from Tuesday to Friday from 10am to 4pm and Saturday from 10am to noon. For further information about exhibitions and events, phone the centre on 5329 6580.

Robin Williams has died aged 63. (Update)

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Robin Williams

Robin Williams

Legendary actor and comedian Robin Williams has died aged 63.

Authorities are reporting that Mr Williams was found dead on Monday of an apparent suicide.

The official statement by the Marin County Coroner reads:

Investigation into Death of Actor Robin Williams

On August 11, 2014, at approximately 11:55 am, Marin County Communications received a 9-1-1 telephone call reporting a male adult had been located unconscious and not breathing inside his residence in unincorporated Tiburon, CA. The Sheriff’s Office, as well as the Tiburon Fire Department and Southern Marin Fire Protection District were dispatched to the incident with emergency personnel arriving on scene at 12:00 pm. The male subject, pronounced deceased at 12:02 pm has been identified as Robin McLaurin Williams, a 63 year old resident of unincorporated Tiburon, CA.

An investigation into the cause, manner, and circumstances of the death is currently underway by the Investigations and Coroner Divisions of the Sheriff’s Office. Preliminary information developed during the investigation indicates Mr. Williams was last seen alive at his residence, where he resides with his wife, at approximately 10:00 pm on August 10, 2014. Mr. Williams was located this morning shortly before the 9-1-1 call was placed to Marin County Communications. At this time, the Sheriff’s Office Coroner Division suspects the death to be a suicide due to asphyxia, but a comprehensive investigation must be completed before a final determination is made. A forensic examination is currently scheduled for August 12, 2014 with subsequent toxicology testing to be conducted. 

Update:

Robin Williams Press Conference Prepared Statement 

issued by the Marin County Sheriff’s Office Coroner Division

On August 11, 2014, at approximately 11:55 am, Marin County Communications received a 9-1-1 telephone call reporting a male adult had been located unconscious and not breathing inside his residence located at 95 St. Thomas Way in unincorporated Tiburon, CA.

The caller was distraught and indicated an apparent suicide due to a hanging had taken place and rigor mortis had set in. The Sheriff’s Office, as well as the Tiburon Fire Department and Southern Marin Fire Protection District were dispatched to the incident with emergency personnel arriving on scene at 12:00 pm.

The male subject, pronounced deceased by firefighters from the Tiburon Fire Department at 12:02 pm has been identified as Robin McLaurin Williams, a 63 year old resident of unincorporated Tiburon, CA.
Preliminary information developed during the investigation by Coroner Division personnel has revealed Mr. Williams had been seeking treatment for depression.

Mr. Williams was last seen alive by his wife at approximately 10:30 pm on August 10, 2014 when she retired for the evening in a room in the house. It is unknown at this time when Mr. Williams’ retired for the evening in a bedroom in his home.

At approximately 10:30 am on August 11, 2014 Mr. Williams’ wife left the home believing Mr. Williams to still be asleep. Mr. Williams’ personal assistant became concerned at approximately 11:45 am when he failed to respond to knocks on his bedroom door.

At that time the personal assistant was able to gain access to Mr. Williams’ bedroom and entered the bedroom to find Mr. Williams clothed in a seated position, unresponsive, and with a belt secured around his neck with the other end of the belt wedged between the closed closet door and door frame. His right shoulder area was touching the door with his body was perpendicular to the door and slightly suspended.

Mr. Williams was cool to the touch with rigor mortis present in all of his extremities and livor mortis positioned appropriately for the position he was located in.

The inside of Mr. Williams’ left wrist had several acute superficial transverse cuts. A pocket knife with a closed blade was located in close proximity to Mr. Williams. The pocket knife was examined and dry red material was located on the blade which appeared consistent to dried blood. It is unknown at this time if the dried red material is in fact blood or if it is Mr. Williams’ blood, but scientific testing will be conducted to evaluate its investigative value.

Mr. Williams was transported from the scene to the Napa County Sheriff’s Office Morgue by the Coroner Division pending a forensic examination which was conducted this morning prior to this press conference.

The forensic examination, conducted by Dr. Joseph Cohen who is the Sheriff’s Office Chief Forensic Pathologist, did not reveal any injuries indicating Mr. Williams had been in a struggle or physical altercation prior to him being located deceased.

The preliminary results of the forensic examination revealed supporting physical signs that Mr. Williams life ended from asphyxia due to hanging.

Toxicology testing will be conducted to determine if Mr. Williams had any chemical substances in his system at his time of death. Toxicology results will not be available for approximately 2 – 6 weeks while the testing is being performed.

Please note this is an active investigation into the cause, manner, and circumstances of Mr. Williams’ death. The final cause and manner of death will not be certified until the conclusion of the investigation which is several weeks away.
When the investigation is concluded and our final results are ready for dissemination a press conference will be scheduled.

-end-

 

Guardians of the Galaxy – Bandits to the rescue

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In the latest release from Marvel, the studio that brought you the blockbusters of Iron Man, Thor, Captain America and The Avengers, comes a new team, the Guardians of the Galaxy.

It’s an action packed epic space adventure where American pilot/outlaw hero Peter Quill (Chris Pratt) after stealing a mysterious orb, is hunted down and thrown into an inter-galactic prison.

In order to secure his freedom, Quill reluctantly joins forces with alien bandits. The revenge-driven Drax the Destroyer (Dave Bautista), the deadly and enigmatic Gamora (Zoe Saldana), gun-toting genetically engineered raccoon Rocket (voiced by Bradley Cooper) and a tree-like humanoid with a limited vocabulary, Groot (voiced by Vin Diesel) to form an alliance of misfits known as the Guardians of the Galaxy, and with the all-powerful villain Ronan (Lee Pace) hunting the orb.

When Quill discovers the true power of the orb and the menace it poses to the cosmos, he must do his best to rally his ragtag rivals for a last, desperate stand–with the galaxy’s fate in the balance.

Guardians borrows heavily from adventure film favourites of the past. The stolen relic and chase of Raiders of the Lost Ark the disparate creatures, beings, and arch adversaries of Star Wars stitched together with lots of humour and a soundtrack that while it may be new for some, will be very familiar for those who lived through the 70’s.

As the story unfolds, the bandit’s self centred objectives give way to teamwork, to fight a common enemy and no longer purely for selfish purposes but for a greater good.

Visually it’s a special effects masterpiece. A fast paced, shoot em up action packed adventure with characters and story that are warmly familiar and entertaining. Take the whole family.

Word of advice though, stay for the credits.

 

The 100 Foot Journey, Feast for the Senses

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In “The Hundred-Foot Journey,” Hassan Kadam (Manish Dayal) has a culinary gift, an innate instinct for food and cooking. Displaced by political unrest in their native India, the Kadam family, led by Papa (Om Puri), set out to make a fresh start in Europe. Fate has them break down in the quaint village of Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val in the south of France. Papa decides this is the ideal place to settle down and open an Indian restaurant, the Maison Mumbai.

Filled with charm, it is both picturesque and elegant. That is, until the chilly chef proprietress of Le Saule Pleureur, a Michelin starred, classical French restaurant run by Madame Mallory (Helen Mirren), gets wind of it.

Her haughty opposition to the new Indian restaurant a hundred feet from her own escalate to all out war between the two establishments. That is until Hassan’s passion for French haute cuisine and for Madame Mallory’s enchanting sous chef, Marguerite (Charlotte Le Bon), combine with his unmistakable, talent blending the very best of their two cultures that even Madame Mallory cannot ignore. At first Madame Mallory’s culinary rival, she eventually recognises Hassan’s gift and takes him under her wing.

There is something to be said for the popularity of both traditional and reality cooking shows that has seen a greater awareness, a greater appreciation for what we eat, particularly the ingredients and preparation. Central to the cast as any of the actors, food plays its role in anchoring the story around culture, creativity, innovation and excellence.

The movie, as the name says, is a journey. A journey through a series of conflicts and resolutions, through ignorance and intolerance. Each time leading to a better place and an ultimate realisation. None are laboured and the momentum is always positive.

There’s romance, a liberal sprinkling of humour and visually, the movie is a feast with each scene a piece of art in itself.

Some may have criticised the movie as predictable, a piece of confection. Few movies these days aren’t predictable. So yes, perhaps it is confection. It looks good, it feels good. It leaves a pleasant taste in your mouth and reminds us while there are cultural divides, with understanding, the more we are different the more we are the same.

Gauging by my session’s applause at the end, many will find this movie to their taste.

The Hundred-Foot Journey
Rating: PG
Cast: Manish Dayal, Helen Mirren, Om Puri, Charlotte Le Bon
Director: Lasse Hallstrom
Running time: 2 hours, 2 minutes