Malt Whisky Society of Australia – Melbourne Tasting 12th Nov

 

 

Malt Whisky Society of Australia

Melbourne Malt Whisky Showcase

Whisky Tasting Event

 

 

12th November, 2009 – Presse Wine Bar, Elwood

 

This tasting showcases the difficult-to-find award winning malts from the 2009 Whisky Awards, conducted in August with the trophies and medals awarded in September 2009 in Adelaide. We judged 52 whiskies submitted by producers and agents. We awarded 26 medals – 3 Gold, 10 Silver and 13 Bronze. To be awarded any medal the whisky had to impress a panel of 9 judges and average a score over 80/100.

Highlights of the Awards include:

Lark Distillers, LD #39  was the Trophy Winner for best A ustralian malt and was Craig’s third highest scoring malt. The Benromach Peat Smoke (46%) was the second highest ranking malt overall and one of only three Gold Medal Winners. The Isle of Jura Superstition was awarded Craig’s Trophy or Best Value for Money.

Presented by MWSoA Chairman Craig Daniels, the Whiskies on offer at this one and only Melbourne tasting for 2009 are:

v  Glenmorangie 18 Extremely Rare 43% (Silver)

v  Bruichladdich 16 Cuvee E 46% (Bronze)

v  Lark Distillery LD #39 43% (Silver)

v  Isle of Jura Superstition 43% (Silver)

v  Benromach Peat Smoke 46% (Gold)

 

UPSTAIRS AT PRESSE CAFE & WINE BAR – 97 BRIGHTON ROAD, ELWOOD, VICTORIA

THURSDAY 12 NOVEMBER 2009, 6.15 FOR 6.30PM

COST $45 FOR MEMBERS -$50 FOR NON-MEMBERS

There is a limit of 25 attendees so BOOKINGS are ESSENTIAL

A light supper will be served. Please arrange to travel by public transport.

Bookings: Adam Walker of Presse on (03) 9537 7500 before 4.00pm on 11 November 2009

 

 

Tutto Benne Gelati – Saving Southbank…

Everyone has their own feelings about Southbank, yes? Tacky, tourist trap, overpriced, convenient, varied, hit and miss, the craft market on the weekend is pretty decent (I personally love those glass Kaleidoscopes). But rarely would you think of the Flinders St end for cuisine, what with Rockpool, Guilaume etc down the Crown end stealing all the limelight.

But Tutto Benne, the Italian restaurant on level 1, enshrines one of Melbourne’s hidden gems – the best damned gelati in Melbourne. Yes, I make the claim and dare you to prove me wrong. What makes it the best: well key in my mind is the diverse and interesting range of flavours, plus the fact that they keep the range small (12 flavours) but each one is amazing, and they vary the range up depending on the day and the season. It’s wonderful, fresh epiphenal-tasting gelati. Not to mention the fact that you can choose from regular size and baby-cup size, and even the baby cup is generous enough for a decent sized sweet. So far the flavours that have rocked my personal world include:

Pannetone (which was there yesterday 06 08 09 and I HIGHLY recommend).
Fig
Gin and Tonic
Campari and Blood Orange

plus the old favourites like chocolate, lemon, coconut, coffee, blood orange done very very well.

I can’t recommend this place enough. You’ll find it in the corner near the centre stairwell on Level 1 of Southbank, upstairs from the food court, outside Tutto Benne the restaurant. Winter isn’t normally the time one considers a gelati… but with flavours this great I’m pretty sure there’s an exception clause.

PS I owe this one to a tip from UM gastrosleuth Paul.  Cheers.

VNV Nation comes to Melbourne… Vegetarian Network Victoria that is

Once a month the Vegetarian Network Victoria hosts a social dinner at a different Vegetarian restaurant. If you want to stretch your tastebuds beyond the usual haunts it’s a good way to discover a new Vegie-friendly restaurant.

Details below… and more information ontheir website

Upcoming Events – 2009

SEPTEMBER	VNV SOCIAL DINNER – VEGETARIAN NIRVANA CAFE
	Date: Time: Where: Address: Details: RSVP:	Saturday, 5 September 7.30pm Vegetarian Nirvana Cafe 486 Bridge Road, Richmond North Indian cuisine. Food is high in taste and low in fat.Try the signature kofta and eggplant dishes. Vegan, wheat/gluten-free, allergy diets catered for; some dishes are free of onion, garlic etc. Fat-free dishes available on request. Please RSVP to Georgie at social.dinners@vnv.org.au by Friday 28 August at 8pm.
OCTOBER	VNV SOCIAL DINNER – WHITE LOTUS
	Date: Time: Where: Address: Details: RSVP:	Saturday, 3 October 7.30pm White Lotus Vegetarian Restaurant 185 Victoria Street, West Melbourne All vegan Chinese menu. We cater for travellers of all religious paths. A special wheat/gluten-free menu is available. All dishes are free of onions, leeks, garlic, chives and shallots. Please RSVP to Georgie at social.dinners@vnv.org.au by Friday 25 September at 8pm
NOVEMBER	VNV SOCIAL DINNER – PLUSH PIZZA
	Date: Time: Where: Address: Details: RSVP:	Saturday, 7 November 7.30pm Plush Pizza 85 Burwood Road, Hawthorn Order your pizza at Plush Pizza, then walk down the road to St James Park for a picnic (meet at the grandstand near the corner of Burwood Road and Barton Street). Plush Pizza seeks to provide its customers with an exciting and varied range of gourmet vegetarian and vegan pizzas. They are careful to select only the freshest and finest ingredients, ensuring that all their products (dairy in particular) are free from animal-derived food additives such as rennet and gelatine. No egg is used in any of their products. They make all of their sauces on site. Cheezly non-dairy mozzarella is available for vegans. They also make their own vegan garlic and herb breads. All pizzas are available gluten-free (extra charges apply). Please RSVP to Georgie at social.dinners@vnv.org.au by Friday 30 October at 8pm.

Astronomy Society of Victoria… August stargazing, membership and beyond

August Monthly Meeting

Date: Wed. 12th August, 8pm  Venue: National Herbarium, Birdwood Ave., Melbourne  Guest Speaker: Dr Bart Pindor (University of Melbourne)  Topic: The Evolution of the Universe - Our Cosmic Past: The history of the Universe is perhaps the oldest and most compelling question in astronomy. Over the past 80 years, astronomers have made a series of remarkable discoveries which have given us an ever more detailed understanding of the evolution of the universe. Our latest discoveries even give us a surprising hint of the future which awaits our distant descendants. Bart Pindor will deliver a fascinating non technical presentation on this subject that will be suitable for all to digest as he answers the ultimate questions of Love, Pain, the Universe and Everything!  All are welcome, there is no cost and supper is provided. Looking forward to seeing you there.  Special Reminder: The ASV Library is now open following the meeting, as well as the usual opening prior to the meeting.   Perry Vlahos, President

New Astronomers’ Group intake

If you are thinking of joining the August Intake of the New Astronomers’ Group (NAG) it was already 2/3rd full at the start of July. Applications close on 06th Aug so be quick. There are four Intakes per year in Feb, May, Aug, and Oct for this 12month course. To find out more visit the “What is NAG” and “How to join NAG” pages of this web-site. To apply send you ASV membership details to: nag@asv.org.au

Coffea Cafe – and castagnaccio

Coffea Cake is not exactly a hidden treasure of Melbourne’s hospitality scene.  It holds a proud position on the Elizabeth St side of the Victorian Markets, and does a thriving weekend trade, closing somewhere between 2 and 3pm each day. They sell a selection of  beans which you can also buy ground to take away – the coffee is definitely tasty and worth a try.  But that’s not revelatory news.   So why do I mention Coffea Cafe?  That’s easy.  It’s the Castagnaccio.  Those of you who have tasted it will most likely smile in satisfied agreement.  Those of you who have not tasted – or perhaps heard – of Castagnaccio need to amend this severe life deficiency pronto.

Castagnaccio is walnut flour cake.  Warmed (always ask for it to be warmed) it is like a sticky date pudding without the caramel sauce and with a slightly herbal flavour:  it is made with raisins (or sultanas) and rosemary.  There is no way to describe this sweet adequately.  On paper, unless one is italian and has grown up with it, it sounds like an odd mix of flavours.  But on the plate, it works oh so very well.  Especially with an espresso to accompany.

Recipes exist on the interwebs for making your own, but I recommend trying Coffea Cafe’s freshly baked version as the best introduction to Castagnaccio you could have.  And then you’ll be a convert, just as I and many before me have also been.

519-521 Elizabeth St Melbourne 3000 VIC

Phone: (03) 9326 7388

Ufologists take note: Spiritual Cinema is here!

This is a notice I received for a cinema group with a difference… those into UFOs and conspiracy culture: this might be the cinema night for you!

__________________________________________________________

Announcing a new Meetup for Truth Consciousness Cinema Group!

What: CONTACT HAS BEGUN: 3 FILMS 1 NIGHT 6 HOURS + 316 ALIEN UFO’s

When: July 4, 2009 6:00 PM

Price: AUD15.00 per person

Where: Click the link below to find out!

Meetup Description: CONTACT HAS BEGUN 3 FILMS 1 NIGHT 6 HOURS + 316 ALIEN UFO’s Saturday 4th July 2009 @ Glitchbar + Cinema $15.00 | 6:00pm – 12:00pm Contact Kelly: 0402 509 247 | weheartstuff@live.com.au

More Information: www.spritualcinema.wordpress.com

Join Truth Consciousness Cinema Group in a night of Alien and UFO exploration.

Front Bar: 630pm  STAR DREAMS STAR DREAMS, the movie is a precocious attempt at making definitions in the crop circle debate by illuminating various perspectives and insights gained by the major researchers in the field. This feature documentary by Genesis Communications on the Sunshine Coast of British Columbia seeks to present the latest circles, for all to see, by lifting them off the fields so to speak and putting them into public imagination through the medium of television and video release and public screenings. To date, there have been almost 11,000 recorded crop circles world-wide since 1980. There is a consensus among researchers that a higher intelligence is sending a communiqué to us. How are we to respond to this? By closing up, or opening up to these remarkable phenomena at this point in human history.

Robert Nichol’s take on it: “Crop Circles are the realization of a higher consciousness presented to humanity at this time to aid in a universal awakening to higher dimensions of being.”

Main Cinema: 730pm JZ KNIGHT IN UFO’S – Understanding our brains’ connection to alien life JZ Knight’s remarkable insights on UFOs and alien contact presented in this film bring the discussion of this subject to a whole new level: 1.What is the common ground that connects us to intelligent life scattered across space? 2.How does our brain work differently or similarly to theirs? 3.How come some people see UFOs and others do not? What is happening at a neurological level? 4.What UFO technology has quantum physics unraveled? What about time and timelines of possibility? 5.What can we do to advance forward as a civilization to meet our “future Now” and reach for the stars? JZ Knight’s multiple experiences of going through the tunnel or wormhole while channeling Ramtha, similar to near-death experiences, have given her a unique framework for understanding these questions. JZ Knight on UFOs is a candid and exciting DVD presentation of her knowledge, originally recorded live at Ramtha’s School of Enlightenment for the Extraterrestrial Civilizations & World Peace Conference held in Hawaii in June 2006.

Main Cinema: 930pm CONTACT HAS BEGUN “Contact Has Begun” is a documentary that DCT Enterprises LLC has done on James Gilliland. James has had contact with ETs and “off worlders”. The film also covers near death experiences, orbs, and the topic of coming Earth changes. Changes that will effect each and everyone of us. This film delivers a message that will change your world. • Earth Changes – the ones the Mainstream knows about but won’t address (even though scientists present compelling evidence that BIG changes are coming in the next two years – and that’s what our benevolent ET friends are concerned about as well). • SEE GENUINE FOOTAGE OF UFOs over James’ Trout Lake Sanctuary in Washington state. • See them “power up” in response to people on the ground – and learn how you can experience this too. • Learn how to film UFOs yourself. “Anyone can do it,” says James. • See an awesome fleet of UFOs filmed over Mexico. • See experts and authors reveal secrets of ancient history…AND coming earth changes. • Learn about UFOs literally turning off Nuclear Weapons. • Get a hint from Astronaut Gordon Cooper – he chased UFOs himself. • Understand – through superb animations – the effects of ice melt at the north and south poles. • See what will happen to our planet when the sun erupts – possibly as soon as 2010. • Learn who the “good guys” are, and where they come from – PLUS see photographs of their inter-dimensional craft.

Learn more here: http://www.meetup.com/truth-consciousness-cinema/calendar/10542237/

You + maths + geekage/time = fun: Maths Lectures 09

these guys rule.  that is the simple truth and no more needs be said.  Balance the equation of your life with some uber geeky math fun.  be there or be squared.

Pompeii & Museums A Free Public Lecture Series at Melbourne Museum. Presented by The Mathematical Association of Victoria in association with Museum Victoria.

One of the striking things about human development has been the role that ideas can play. Village life would have been impossible without fire and the wheel. Running water turned out to be pretty useful too. Metalworking as well. What comes first? The idea or the human need for that idea? Nowhere is this question more pertinent than with mathematics. And through history we can find cases where the idea quite clearly spurred development – the idea arose before or at the same time as the need became apparent. Equally, there are times where human need cried out for a mathematical solution, yet had to wait either because the solution was unknown, or, worse still, was ignored. Throughout, mathematics has made our world. What many of us need is someone to help us make sense of the mathematics that helps make sense of our world.

For over 100 years that very purpose has driven the Mathematical Association of Victoria – the valuing of mathematics in society. In a virtually unbroken line from Professor Edward J Nanson at the University of Melbourne in 1906 through to two present day university mathematics lecturers, Drs Burkard Polster and Marty Ross, the MAV has been proud to put mathematics centre stage at public lectures designed to challenge and enthrall.

Thanks to the wonderful support of Melbourne Museum and the generosity of Marty Ross and Burkard Polster the MAV is proud to present the 2009 Public Lecture Series. Open to all, these lectures will help stretch mathematical understanding in minds of all ages – energised and exploring families, teachers searching for fresh approaches in their own classrooms, budding mathematicians and mathematics aficionados.

Although entry is free, these events are very popular. An online booking will ensure a seat is held in your name when the theatre is full. Book online NOW.

How to become a human lightning calculator Presented by Dr Burkard Polster
DATE:	Sunday, 21 June 2009
VENUE:	The Age Theatre, Melbourne Museum Nicholson Street, Carlton Melway reference: 2B J10
TIME:	11:30am to 12:30pm
COST:	Lecture Free! Note: Subscribers to MVTeachers can enter the museum free of change. For further details and registration instructions please visit museumvictoria.com.au/Education/MVteachers. Students, concessions and children free.
	Throughout history there have been some extraordinary people, performing incredible feats of mental mathematics: multiplying six digit numbers; winning fifty simultaneous games of blindfold chess; instantly declaring the day of the week of historical events; and, much more. Come and learn some of the best-kept secrets of these calculating magicians, and learn what it takes to become one yourself. Presented by Burkard the Lightning On-His-Fingers Counter, one of The Age’s Maths Masters (www.qedcat.com).
Rocky V, and other Roman contributions to mathematics Presented by Dr Marty Ross
DATE:	Sunday, 26 July 2009
VENUE:	The Age Theatre, Melbourne Museum Nicholson Street, Carlton Melway reference: 2B J10
TIME:	11:30am to 12:30pm
COST:	Lecture Free! Note: Subscribers to MVTeachers can enter the museum free of change. For further details and registration instructions please visit museumvictoria.com.au/Education/MVteachers. Students, concessions and children free.
	We all know of Pythagoras and Euclid, and the great mathematics of the ancient Greeks. But what of the Roman Empire? Yes, there are Roman numerals, very useful for numbering bad movies. But what else did the Romans contribute? Come on a tour of Roman mathematics, and see what lies beyond V and X and L. Your guide will be Martius Rossus, Mathematical Gladiator, and one of The Age’s Maths Masters (www.qedcat.com)
Rome vs. Mathematics Presented by Dr Burkard Polster
DATE:	Sunday, 23 August 2009
VENUE:	The Age Theatre, Melbourne Museum Nicholson Street, Carlton Melway reference: 2B J10
TIME:	11:30am to 12:30pm
COST:	Lecture Free! Note: Subscribers to MVTeachers can enter the museum free of change. For further details and registration instructions please visit museumvictoria.com.au/Education/MVteachers. Students, concessions and children free.
	The mighty Roman legions are approaching your city. One man stands in the way of total destruction: a mathematician. True story! Come and find out about the life and maths of the amazing Archimedes, who the Romans only defeated by cheating on the final exam. Presented by Burkardus the Conquerer, one of The Age’s Maths Masters (www.qedcat.com).
Primetime Mathematics Presented by Dr Marty Ross
DATE:	Sunday, 13 September 2009
VENUE:	The Age Theatre, Melbourne Museum Nicholson Street, Carlton Melway reference: 2B J10
TIME:	11:30am to 12:30pm
COST:	Lecture Free! Note: Subscribers to MVTeachers can enter the museum free of change. For further details and registration instructions please visit museumvictoria.com.au/Education/MVteachers. Students, concessions and children free.
	Prime numbers are mathematical diamonds. They are pure beauty, the simplest of numbers. But primes are also the most curious of mathematical creatures. Prime patterns have been studied for centuries, and are still engaging the greatest mathematicians, including Australia’s own brilliant Terry Tao. Join us on a trek into the jungle of prime mathematics. Learn what we know, and hope to know, of mathematics’ most mysterious family. Your guide will be Prime Hunter Marty, one of the Age’s Maths Masters (www.qedcat.com)

About the Lecturers:

Burkard Polster and Marty Ross are Melbourne’s tag team of mathematics. They write the Maths Masters column for The Education Age, appear at schools, and do whatever they can to convince whoever they can that mathematics is beautiful and fun. All their activities can be checked out at www.qedcat.com.

“These really are world class public lectures. And to make them work for such a diverse audience is a splendid achievement.“
Dr Max Stephens, MAV Life Member.

Burkard Polster is a maths lecturer, and Monash University’s resident Mathemagician, mathematical juggler, origami expert, bubble-master, shoelace charmer, and Count von Count impersonator. When he is not doing fun mathematics he has fun investigating perfect mathematical universes.

Marty Ross is a mathematical bum. At the age of 2, he ran away from America to join the circus. After some controversy involving an elephant, he returned to America to do his PhD on minimal surfaces at Stanford University. After a stint at Rice University, he came back to Australia. Since then, he has wandered from Maths Department to Maths Department, aimless but happy.

Read what Burkard and Marty lectured about in 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005 and 2004.

Watch and listen to Marty’s 2006 “Maths vs GOD” presentation here.

Click here to sign up!

Bump and Grindhouse! Burlesque @ the Toff In Town! May/June 09

Sunday 31 May

MZ JOSEPHINE’S CABARET FANTASTIQUE starring MZ JOSEPHINE, NANA DORIS, WILLOW LA CHATTE, SPARKARELLA, THE EVIL TWINS,  DAVE EVANS, JOHN O’HAGAN & THE KAHUNA DADDIES

Mz Josephine’s Uber  Productions presents, an ebullient evening of burlesque, comedy, music, dance, performance and variety cabaret. Join Mz Jo’s disparate ensemble of artful entertainers, for a funky evening of very low brow and high brow acts of surprise and wonder. Guaranteed to raise your eyebrows if not your shirts, engage your nipples and simultaneously stimulate your immune system. Sassy Songs, Saucy Girls, and one grossly disinhibited Nana let lose on the kindness of strangers.

The startling Nana Doris leads the cast, armed with only a pink satin glove, lubricant and her handbag of engaging funnies – adventure before dementure is this old gal’s motto. The elegant Mz Josephine and her tight two piece Dave Evans and John O’Hagan swing into tangos, jazz, blues and cabaret tunes with panache The winsome Willow La Chatte,  Mistress  of Bottoms Up Burlesque entertains with her fabulous Two Faces Striptease. Sparkarella Circus Pole Diva gets everyone into a fever with her spectacularly sexy acrobatic pole display. The exotic lounge sounds of The Kahuna Daddies recreate the novelty and romance of Tiki club music; for your dancing pleasure. The Evil Twins  tightly monitor the crowd, conducting statistical Stasi spy games that can only result in an uproar of protest and a playful invasion of  personal boundaries. Have your papers ready! Doors 7.30pm.
www.josephinefisher.com
www.myspace.com/MzJosephine

Sunday 7 June – QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY EVE

Melbourne Zombie Shuffle 2009 – Saturday May 9th

It’s on!

Three Thousand Magazine provides the following details for eager droolers, lurchers and blood dripping brain eating undead types who want to join the mutant hordes of shufflers:

What:
Melbourne Zombie Shuffle 2009

Where:
Starts at the Carlton Gardens, Cnr of Rathdowne St and Victoria St, Carlton.

When:
Sat May 9, 1-4pm
The horrific horde of flesh eaters that annually culminate in the CBD in search of BRAAAAIIINNS will depart the Carlton Gardens and head down this path: La Trobe St, Swanston St, Southbank, Crown Casino. (Not sure how many brains they will actually find at Crown Casino, but whatevs). Once this war path has been tramped, Roxanne flings open its doors to host The Official Zombie Shuffle After Party (from 5pm) for all those monstrous freaks who feel the urge to continue wreaking havoc upon the night.

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EDIT:  10 05 09

2009 PHOTOS POSTED HERE:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/timeyles/

Australian Tattoo Convention – Anzac Day Weekend

Not a great deal of info about this one but apparently it’s a huge convention with Tattoo judging and more:

here’s what’s known.  If you want more info I suggest emailing the addy below. If anyone has more info, I’d appreciate any additions.

PTAA NATIONAL TATTOO CONVENTION
April 24th,25th & 26th 2009
Sebel on Albert Park
Melbourne
Inquiries: tat2tapestry@optusnet.com.au
Web: http://ptaa.net/