Category Archives: General

Year In Review

General, Life

It’s hard to believe that 2006 is already a memory, the time seems to have just slipped by.

In January I completed the Story Bridge Climb as a birthday present from 2005; the views were spectacular. I became an uncle for the second time, with the birth of Maggie Grace.

Between January and April, a foolishly dedicated group of my colleagues and I undertook an insurmountable task. To this day, I’m not really sure why we did what we did; but I’m truly grateful to have gone through it with some of the finest people around.

In March, as an early birthday present for Claire, she received a very cute kitten which we named Princess. Throughout the year, Princess has given Claire and I a great deal of pleasure and we’re grateful that she came into our lives. Still on the pet front and it was time for the Lattimore family dog, Gizmo, to move onto greener pastures.

Somewhere around the middle of the year, MFS (the parent company of Stella Resorts Group) decided it was time to turn Stella Resorts Group into a force that the market would have to pay attention to. To that end, they started an aggressive acquisition trail, acquiring a slew of other tourism related businesses such as:

  • S8, which included Harvey World Travel, Gullivers, Travelscene, Travelsonic, Virgin Travel and others
  • Outrigger Australia & New Zealand
  • Tourism Hotels Leisure, which included brands such as Pacific International, Plaza Hotels, Grand Pacific and Golden Tulip
  • Sunleisure
  • and more

At the same time, Stella Resorts Group saw a need to replace their core IT infrastructure and software to accommodate the rapid expansion. The whole process has been an incredible eye opener, especially seeing first hand how swiftly changes of this magnitude can be executed in a large corporate. Its quite a daunting task however I and Stella Resorts Group are blessed to be working with a group of highly talented people and I can’t wait to see it all unfold.

August was a pretty huge month for quite a few reasons:

  • I clicked over 2 years with my current employer
  • Claire’s Grandfather Eric passed away
  • Claire’s first nephew, Oliver was born
  • We celebrated George’s 70th birthday
  • We found out that Belinda was pregnant

In September, Claire and I celebrated being married for a whole whopping year! It’s hard to believe that Claire and I have been together for the better part of ten years now, we’re old hands at this stuff.

Claire has been in almost constant employment with Education Queensland since she completed university. Unfortunately, that employment hasn’t come easily at all – at times its been a highly stressful and frustrating ordeal. Fortunately, on the last day of school last year; Claire was offered a permanent full time teaching position at a primary school! When Claire called and told me, I was jumping for joy knowing that we don’t have to worry about that aspect of our lives again. I’m really proud of Claire for continuing to kick the tyres and seeing it through. The Christmas break this year was fantastic, good company and great food. Following on from Christmas was my 26th birthday and the seeing in the new year!

2006 seemed like a big year, with quite a few lows and highs. Overall the year has been rewarding and I’ve learnt a lot about life and myself. I think 2007 is going to be even bigger but it’ll bring different challenges; which I’m really looking forward to.

26th Birthday

General, Life

It’s that time of the year again, today I turned 26!

After waking up in no particular rush, Claire prodded me to open some presents first thing. So, without getting out of bed I reached into a nearby draw to find some presents stashed away:

  • A new pair shorts to play sport in
  • A nice casual Calvin Klein shirt
  • A few DVD’s (Green Mile, X-men 3 & Hellboy)
  • Gulian chocolate

Since it was a weekend and it was a birthday, actually.. mostly because everyone loves a cooked breakfast; Claire and I went out for breakfast at Caf̩ Campanile in the Robina Town Centre. I had a ritualistic big breakfast (it really is superb, you should try it some time) and Claire had bacon, eggs and mushrooms Рmmm.

After returning from breakfast more than satisfied, we proceeded to tidy the house a little before Andrew and Belinda arrived at around twelve o’clock. The four of us fluffed around a little, decided it was time lunch and headed into Toscani’s in Surfers Paradise. Immediately after lunch, Claire and Belinda picked up some odds and sods from the shops whilst Andrew and I washed lunch down with a Mocha Fusion from Zarraffas.

For dinner, the only sane choice was Hogs Breath. Lorraine, Sterle and Jean arrived from Brisbane as a bit of a surprise. We all ate our fill of fine prime rib steak and dessert and whilst there a few more presents popped up:

  • An electric toothbrush
  • A button up shirt
  • Lindt chocolate

After dinner, we decided a movie was in order. Andrew and I saw Eragon, whilst Claire and Belinda watched The Holiday. Without seeing The Holiday, I’m pretty confident our movie was better for, but not limited to the following reasons:

  • it wasn’t mushy
  • it had dragons in it
  • it involved various magical acts
  • it featured a red flaming sword

If that isn’t reason enough, well I’m not sure what is! Thank you to everyone who travelled, phoned, SMS’d or IM’d me today; my 26th birthday was great. See you all this time next year!

John Butler Trio, Funky Tonight

General, Music, Photos

John Butler Trio: Live At The Empire Theatre 3rd December 2006The John Butler Trio are currently on their Funky Tonight Tour throughout Australia from the 19th November until the 10th December.

On Sunday, the Empire Theatre in Toowoomba had the privilege of hosting the John Butler Trio once more. The allure of the John Butler Trio’s blues and roots music was in effect as nearly all of the 2400 seats were in use for the concert. The Empire is a grand old theatre, originally opened in 1911 and used primarily to show silent movies. Unfortunately, the theatre was destroyed by fire in 1933. For many years the Empire Theatre remained unused until it was refurbished and reopened in 1993 where it established itself as the premiere theatre for performing arts in the Darling Downs region.

I have now had the pleasure of listening to the John Butler Trio perform three times in person:

  • December 3rd 2006, Funky Tonight Tour
  • December 11th 2005, Homeward Bound Tour
  • May 25th 2004, Sunrise Over Sea Tour

John Butler Trio: The Start Of The Concert, Live At The Empire Theatre 3rd December 2006The first encounter with John Butler in 2004 was the most amazing live concert experience I had ever been involved with. The exceptional guitar skills of John and the beautiful timbre the band creates, solidified me as a John Butler Trio fan in the same concert. The outdoor concert held at the Brisbane Riverstage in 2005 was a spectacle to behold with thousands of fans soaking up the wonderful music and great atmosphere. After having such an excellent experience at the Empire Theatre in Toowoomba two years earlier, I was eager to hear the John Butler Trio perform there again and they didn’t disappoint. Its the true sign of a quality band when they deliver consistently high standard performances live; not all bands can do it – but the John Butler Trio certainly can.

Below are some (rather ordinary) photos snapped throughout the concert on a little Canon Ixus 400:

I tell everyone about the John Butler Trio that cares to listen as I believe them to be one of the most unique bands that have come out of Australia. The guitar skills of John Butler will surpass everyone’s expectations, setting a new watermark for all other guitarists to strive for. With his unique style, you’ll walk away from the concert wondering how he manages to create the sounds, rhythms and where required incredible speed with his guitar. The John Butler Trio percussionist, Michael Barker, also brings a raft of wonderful sounds to the band. Due to the pace that a lot of the John Butler Trio music is played at, Michael would have to be the hardest working man on the stage; regularly wiping himself down after a song with a towel. In some of the fast songs, I don’t know how he keeps up; keeping different beats on either leg and his arms are going in every direction at once. Shannon Birchall on the bass is also great, the deep mellow sounds of the bass really add a special element to their music and when he busts out the solos, the audience really appreciates what they are hearing.

If you ever get the opportunity to get tickets to see the John Butler Trio, you really must treat yourself. The band really do deliver masterful performances which you’ll be sure to remember.

Australian Idol Winner: Damien Leith Vs Jessica Mauboy

General, TV

Tonight the finale of the fourth season of Australian Idol was held. For the last few months, contestants from all over Australia have been performing against one another to win Australia’s vote in the hope that they will be crowned the winner of Australian Idol 2006.

This year, Australian Idol travelled much farther across the Australian countryside to find the contestants. Without a doubt, the group that made it through to the final 24 for the 2006 season of Australia Idol were of a higher standard across the board compared to previous years. The most unique find in the history of Australian Idol would have to go to Bobby Flynn, who delivered some simply mesmerizing performances throughout the contest.

At the beginning of the competition, everyone was amazed to see Damien Leith perform with his extensive range and astounding falsetto. Throughout the competition this year, Damien has given some truly unique performances which include:

  • Leonard Cohen, Hallelujah
  • Giacomo Puccini, Nessun Dorma
  • Roy Orbison, Crying
  • Radiohead, Creep

Not to be short-changed, Jessica Mauboy has come such a long way. After being discovered in the Northern Territory this year and at only 16 years of age, Jessica has one of the most superb voices Australia has produced. From memory, Marcia Hines said whilst talking to her diva daughter Deni that they thought Jessica had the most natural and complete voice they had heard in a very long time. During her time on Australian Idol, Jessica has also delivered some fantastic performances:

  • Chistina Aguilera, Beautiful
  • Mariah Carey & Whitney Houston, When You Believe
  • Alicia Keys, Karma
  • Christina Aguilera, Impossible

This year, I am truly happy that Damien Leith and Jessica Mauboy made it into to the final two. Both performers are exceptional and I would have been as equally pleased to see either of them win. I am even more pleased to hear the Andrew G and James Mathison quietly announce that they won’t be rushing an album out for the winner this year, it’ll take time but it’ll be a full and complete album worth buying. That is great news as I always think it is just Sony BMG cashing in on the event by putting an album to market a fortnight after the competition as ended.

What are your thoughts on the two finalists and the eventual winner of Australian Idol 2006?

Remembrance Day

General, Life

Remembrance Day, a solemn day to remember the men and women who gave their lives in war over the last century. It is customary for all Allied countries to serve at least one minutes silence starting at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month each year.

On this day, I’d like to leave you with a famous poem which is synonymous with Remembrance Day around the world. The poem “In Flanders fields” was written by Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae on May 3rd 1915.

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved, and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

Please remember to show your respects to the men and women who gave their lives to provide you the luxuries and freedom which you enjoy every day of yours. For those people who find this site and don’t know or understand what this special day is about, please feel free to read about Remembrance Day online.