Throughout the month of November, armies of blokes are banding together in workplaces, sporting teams and more, pledging to groom, trim and wax their “lip foliage” to perfection (or otherwise) in order to raise funds and awareness for men’s health, specifically prostate cancer and depression in men.

Kicking off in Melbourne back in 2003, the charitable event has grown massively to now boast over 1.1 million participants and pulling in over $72 million during last year’s event!

2011 promises to be bigger and better than ever and I’m personally hoping to contribute to this year’s event as much as possible. The careful cultivation of my very own “facial grub” has begun, and all that is missing now is the generous influx of donations and sponsorship dollars from you – my friends, family and loyal readers!

ALL I AM ASKING FOR THIS YEAR is for all of you to give up a couple of your daily coffees and instead donate $5 or more to my fundraising efforts!

Simply click on the “DONATE TO ME” button below to get started with your credit card donation!

To see how I’m going in my ongoing quest throughout Movember, make sure you swing by my very own “Mo Space” (http://mobro.co/masey) where you can view my running donation tally, leave messages of support, and also find out more about the men’s health issues that we are all rallying around.

Before grabbing a prime spot on the banks of the Brisbane River, however, I thought I’d scoot around to some of the many free attractions on show as part of the Festival and check them out while I can. First stop, the psychedelic “Liquid Interactive Light Scope”.

Liquid Interactive Light Scope

Positioned on the lawn out front of the Queensland Performing Arts Complex (QPAC), the long white tent housing the Liquid Interactive Light Scope installation is unmistakable. Stepping inside, you become immersed in a 30m long tunnel of pulsating light, colour, movement and reflection.

Thanks to a few strategically placed “XBOX Kinect” motion capture devices, the trippy patterns beamed across over 500 seamless LED screens, attached to 4 digital servers, is altered by the movements of those passing through the tunnel in front of the sensors, creating an always unique experience.

Before you check out the couple of shots I took while inside, here’s a “behind-the-scenes” look at the installation and how it came to be.

Peepdance Brisbane Tel-Aviv

With my eyes adjusting to the brightly lit world outside the confines of the Liquid Interactive Light Scope, I made my way to what I can only describe as, and I think I tweeted this, a “somewhat bizarre but strangely compelling” performance called “Peepdance Brisbane Tel-Aviv”.

The official description goes something like this:

Three artists from Israel’s Tami Dance Company directed by Nimrod Freed, join six Australian dancers to deliver seven unique performances at the same time, to the same music – inside seven peep cells. The audience is invited to ‘peep’ and experience contemporary dance through a new lens.

…and peep we did. This one had people talking – that’s for sure!

Golden Casket Light Sphere

Making my way to the far end of the South Bank precinct I found the large collection of mirrored discs that everyone had been tweeting about all weekend. When positioned together above a pit of white rock, the discs made up a perfect “light sphere” that reflects and spherically distorts the world of curious activity going on around it.

As the sun began to set over the city, the LED lights surrounding the sphere’s base came to life and a beautiful kaleidoscope of colour appeared completely spellbinding the swelling gathering of kids and families who were beginning to arrive on the river ready for the big event that was about to begin…

Santos City of Lights

I first touched on the “City of Lights” music, light and laser show back in June when details of the spectacle began to emerge and create a level of anticipation usually reserved only for the annual Riverfire fireworks which, incidentally, went off with a bang last night, but I’ll get to that shortly.

I really had no idea what to expect both from an entertainment and potential photographic perspective, so I simply set up my camera on a fairly wide angle composition so as to take in most of the river and the buildings that looked to be involved, and took it from there.

The brain child of Aussie lighting designer, John Rayment (Sydney Olympics Opening Ceremony) and producer Tony Assness (Fox Studios Launch, Moulin Rouge), the performance involves a number of light beams and coloured lasers which gyrate and project an array of shapes and other surprises onto surrounding landmarks and two huge screens of water mist, created by jets of water shot from 4 river-based barges.

It’s perhaps a little complex and wordy to explain it’s setup, but when it’s brought all together… Wow!

The playlist of songs

• Nick Wales – Lantern Boy
• Goyte – Heart’s A Mess (Supermayer Remix)
• Phillip Glass – The Light
• Lamb – The Spectacle
• Daft Punk – Outlands
• The Irrepressibles – In This Shirt (Röyksopp Remix)
• Wagner: Götterdämmerung – Act 3: Fliegt Heim Ihr Raben

Cheers to @BrisFestival for supplying that list for me!

To give you a better idea of what to expect, here’s a quick grab of video from talented Brisbane photographer David de Groot.

The “Santos City of Lights” laser light show, the first of its kind in Australia, runs twice a night (7pm & 8pm) for the next 3 weeks so there’s absolutely no excuse not to check out the spectacle for yourself!

I’ll definitely be heading down after work a few more times over the next couple of weeks to try a few different photographic locations and techniques. Exciting!!

Sunsuper Riverfire 2011

While we’re on the subject of stunning night time displays, it would be remiss of me not to mention last night’s Riverfire! Without doubt one of the city’s premier annual events, over half a million people crowded numerous bends of the winding Brisbane River to bear witness to Brisbane’s biggest and best annual fireworks display.

While the trademark after-burning F111s are no longer a feature with the remaining fleet of fighter jets being put to pasture after last year’s event, colourful explosions leaping from no less than 6 barges and, of course, the Story Bridge kept onlookers, including myself, enthralled for almost half an hour.

I was particularly fortunate this year to be invited by my boss at my new work to join him and his family at his Aunt’s perfectly positioned apartment, elevated over a bend in the river that afforded views in two directions – both up to the Story Bridge, and also along the South Bank reach. PERFECT!

Thanks again Scotty!

The only thing left to do is to share with you some of the action from last night’s event, below.

Remember, the 2011 Brisbane Festival runs for another couple of weeks until September 24th and there’s a wealth of great things to see and do in that time which can all be explored on the official Festival website:

http://www.brisbanefestival.com.au/

Check it out, get involved and tell me what you find in the comments section below! I’d love to hear from you!

With the results tallied and information gathered from the 2011 Census, the country’s “powers that be” will be more accurately able to plan and legislate for the future with a better idea of what the population is likely to look like in the future.

In the last couple of days, my initial questioning of the relative silence on the event was answered as the Federal Government released a multi-media campaign, consisting of print, radio & TV spots as well as a clever online viral campaign, all aimed at spreading the word throughout Australia.

I wanted to take a few moments to briefly take a look at the online viral campaign titled “Spotlight”, that whipped around the Interwebs today. Although obviously targeted at online Aussies, the interactive piece is pretty damn impressive and should be checked out by anyone around the world working in online comms.

Drawing on information collated during the last National Census in 2006, the interactive presentation takes a look at a number of aspects of your life like where you live, how old you are and what you do for a living, and shows how your situation stacks up as compared to the rest of Australia.

The presentation features an excellent, light-humoured commentary provided by popular Aussie comedian and TV host, Shaun Micallef, who talks you through the mini-survey which lasts just a few minutes.

Like I said, whether you’re an Aussie or not, take a few minutes to check out the “Spotlight” site even if it’s just to appreciate the way it has been put together. Make up some answers if you need to, and at the end of it all, you’ll be presented with a nifty infographic (which, let’s face it, are all the rage these days), which you can then share with all your friends and family on your respective social networks.

Before I get into the troubles, however, I firstly want to congratulate the Boston Bruins on an incredible come-from-behind effort in winning the Stanley Cup by taking out this evening’s 7th game of the final series. With goalie Tim Thomas leading the way by proving to be an impenetrable pillar of strength in goal, the Conn Smythe trophy winner made it near impossible for the Canucks to score and generate any kind of winning momentum throughout much of the series, and the Bruins ultimately proved they were the better team this season.

To the Canucks I say THANK YOU. Thank you for showing the grit and determination to fight it out to the very last hurdle of the season. TRUE FANS of the club and the game of ice hockey salute you on a job well done. We have every confidence in you taking it to ALL opposition again in season 2011/12. Keep your heads up, you have a lot to be proud of.

The Riots

As for the ugly side of tonight’s events, I am so saddened and embarrassed by what has happened tonight. Since moving back to Australia about six weeks ago, I have been singing the praises of just how amazing the city and the people of Vancouver are, and just how awesome it had been calling Vancouver my home for the past 6 years.

In one foul swoop this evening, however, the actions of a SMALL group of people (including this despicable individual) have made me look like a liar and have tarnished the incredible job we all did in showcasing the city to the world during the 2010 Winter Olympic Games.

I stress it’s a SMALL group of people to blame here. Not for one moment would I ever dream to paint all Vancouverites with the same brush. Responsible, Canuck-loving, hockey-loving fans dealt with the loss in their own private ways and no doubt looked on with as much shock and disappointment as me – from behind closed doors.

Hooligans from last night didn’t riot because of a hockey game. They used the hockey game as an excuse to riot. ~ @canuckshockey

What can you do to help?

As I type this, Vancouver’s sizable and active social media community is rallying together and setting up two noteworthy projects. The first is a “name and shame” Facebook page and group where people can upload their photos of the rioters and looters so that they may be tagged to help out the authorities.

• Vancouver Riot Pics
• Tag the Vancouver Rioters Group

The second is a “Post Riot Clean Up” Facebook Event page where people are committing to meeting in Vancouver’s down town tomorrow to help clean up after the mess tonight. So far there are over 8,000 people attending this clean up which, if they are true to their word, will be an amazing effort.

If you can help out in any way with either of these initiatives, please do so. The Vancouver Police and Fire Departments have done an amazing job tonight, but you can certainly make their jobs a lot easier with your assistance. I sincerely hope that at least some of the individuals responsible for these events tonight are brought to justice over the coming days. Vancouver’s good name and reputation needs to be protected from the actions of these low-life bottom feeders. Plain and simple.

Sure, tonight’s loss was gut-wrenching and tough to take, but it pales in comparison to the disappointment we’ve all felt from the events which followed…

Held at the Gaythorne Community War Memorial in Sid Loder Park, the march and hour or so long service was participated in by surviving diggers, their families, soldiers, community groups and school children, ensuring that the ANZAC legend rightfully lives on across multiple generations.

Once again, I’m proud to have been able to attend the service and hope that the images I snapped (below) give you a bit of an idea of what the ceremony was like.

Lest we forget.

But first, a quick shout out to all who swung by my #1 watering hole in Vancouver, the “Yaletown Brewing Company” for a pint on Saturday night. It was fantastic to see so many faces belonging to friends that I have and will cherish for life! You guys are what makes a 6-year stint in ANY country worth while, so thank you, thank you, thank you!

South America – Here I come!

With some help and thanks to my buddy Erin (@EzzaAtGap), I’ve got myself booked on a 31-day tour of Peru and Bolivia on G Adventures’ “Altiplano Expedition” tour which kicks off this Friday in Lima, Peru. Taking in some of the highlight destinations on the South American continent like the ancient and mysterious “Machu Picchu” as well as the salt flats of “Salar de Uyuni” in Bolivia, the tour consisting of 12-15 other people will take in the following rough itinerary:

Day 1 – Lima

Free day to explore Lima, the capital of Peru in my own time.

Day 2 – Pisco

Free morning in Lima before travelling by bus to Pisco,

Day 3, 4 – Nazca

Optional visit to Ballestas Island before travelling to Nazca. En route stop at a winery and at the Oasis of Huacachina. Guided tour of Nazca desert cemetery and potters studio. Optional flight over the Nazca Lines before the night bus to Arequipa.

Day 5-7 – Arequipa/Chivay/Colca Canyon

Free day in Arequipa for an optional visit to the Catalina Convent or individual exploration. Guided tour to Colca Canyon to spot condors. Optional visit to local hot springs. Return to Arequipa on Day 7.

Day 8 – Cuzco

Fly to Cuzco. Take an optional city tour or explore the city’s markets, museums and plazas.

Day 9 – Ollantaytambo

Full-day guided tour of the Sacred Valley and Ollantaytambo ruins. Shopping opportunities at a local market.

Day 10-13 – Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

4-day guided Inca Trail hike with visit to Machu Picchu. Optional climb up to Huayna Picchu or a visit to the Inca Bridge before returning to Cuzco.

Day 14-16 – Cuzco

Free time to explore Cuzco or relax. Active options include whitewater rafting, horseback riding and mountain biking.

Day 17 – Puno

Travel day by bus from Cuzco to Puno.

Day 18, 19 – Lake Titicaca

2-day excursion to visit the floating Islands of Uros and take a guided tour of Lake Titicaca with a homestay in a small village. Optional visit to Sillustani burial site.

Day 20, 21 – La Paz

Travel by bus and cross the border into Bolivia, arriving to La Paz.

Day 22 – Uyuni

Travel by train and bus to the town of Uyuni.

Day 23-25 – Uyuni/Salt Lakes Excursion

3-day 4×4 excursion to the Salar de Uyuni and surrounding desert altiplano with spectacular scenery.

Day 26 – Potosi

Bus journey from Uyuni to Potosi. Optional excursion to a working silver mine or free time to explore the city.

Day 27-29 – Sucre

Continue by bus to Sucre. Optional visit to the nearby dinosaur tracks, or explore the beautiful colonial city.

Day 30 – La Paz

Fly to La Paz. Optional city tour and free time to explore the markets and winding streets.

Day 31 – La Paz

A final free day in La Paz to explore this amazing high altitude city.

If you want to read into the itinerary in any further detail, check it out on the G Adventures website here.

With that said I’d better get to it – see you on the flip side!

The product known as “Wavegarden”, can be installed in new or existing lakes and ponds in an environmentally safe and friendly way that involves wave generation technology being hidden, either underground or underwater. The entire dealio just looks dead set cool and presents an exciting opportunity for inland communities to have access to waves in an economically viable way.

To find out more about the concept, check out the official “Wavegarden” website and check out the promotional video below.

Living in one of the naturally most picturesque cities in the world means that Vancouver also provides some of the best webcams to check out throughout the dryer Spring/Summer months which, coincidently, we are heading towards at a great rate (am I the only one noticing how much the year is flying by??).

Below are four of the best and most scenic of the web cams currently available on a reliable and ongoing basis. It’s no surprise that all of the best ones, with the exception of the awesome “Kat Kam” are all facing in a northern direction towards those beautiful mountains!

Click on any of the images to be taken to the website for each of the respective cams.

Vancouver.com North Webcam

Kat Kam Webcam

Jericho Beach Webcam

Kits Cam Webcam

Following the extreme snowboarding antics of top boarders Travis Rice, John Jackson, Mark Landvik, Scotty Lago, Jake Blauvelt, Nicolas Muller, Gigi Ruf, DCP and Pat Moore, “The Art of Flight” looks like it’s going to provide another exciting visual feast of adventure from the “Red Bull” stable.

But don’t take my word for it, watch the trailer below. If that 3:30min masterpiece doesn’t turn you on just a little bit, then you, my friend, are not human!

PS. The killer track used for the trailer above is “Fire Shall Devour Them” by “The Three Corners of the Earth”, a collaboration between Anthony Gonzalez from “M83″ and Curt Morgan from “Brain Farm”.

Why am I digging up the subject now though? Well believe it or not, this weekend marks the one year anniversary of the games and Vancouverites desperate to feel that party atmosphere again, that proud chill on the back of the neck, that buzz that enveloped the entire city for the month of February a whole 12 months ago, will be filling Granville Street and the surrounding down town core today as a smorgasbord of events are dished up to revellers in an attempt to recreate the magic we all felt back then.

From street hockey, to buskers, Olympic Medal viewings, athlete meet and greets, multimedia presentations beamed onto the sides of the Sears building and even a rumoured flash mob are on the cards! For all of the details on what you can be part of and where, check out the VancityBuzz.com event information page, Miss 604′s wrap-up, or the “Downtown Vancouver” Facebook page.

Keep an eye on the Twitter hash tag #ReliveIt, as I’m sure the active Vancouver social media community will be throwing a large collection of 140 character gems out there throughout the day pointing you in the right direction so that you don’t miss out on anything.

If the excitement level just isn’t quite there for you yet and you need a quick refresher of what it was like to be in Vancouver this time last year, look no further than this awesome video put together by the talented Jordan Megahy.

See you out on Granville later today! If you see me – come say hi!

Olympic Cauldron

“Jets Overhead” perform in Robson Square

Granville Street