Albert Einstein (1879-1955)

Albert Einstein scientist, philosopher, and humanitarian was famous for his theory of relativity, first advanced in 1905. This theory revolutionized scientific thought with new concepts of time, space, mass, motion, and gravity. Expressed as E-MC Einstein's Theory of Relativity translates as "energy equals mass times the velocity of light squared. This theory equating mass with energy helped science to explode the atom.

Born in Ulm, Germany in 1879. Einstein came to the United States in 1932 and in 1940 became an American citizen. Einstein was a faculty member at the Institute for Advanced Study, one of the world's leading centers for theoretical research and intellectual inquiry, from 1933 until his death in 1955. His life and works are represented at the Smithsonian Institution in the collections of the National Museum of American History, the National Air and Space Museum, and the National Portrait Gallery. These museums hold one of his pipes, some of his manuscripts, many portraits of him, and much scientific apparatus that confirmed his theories altering our concept of the universe.

Text by Smithsonian Institution

Sno’n’Ski team Jalan mega famil

Sno’n’Ski Holidays’ first 2020 Mega Famil to Japan has ended on Saturday 29th February in Hakuba.

After experiencing the best of the Tohoku Region and Nagano Prefecture with four nights in each, the group of 30 agents from across Australia make a stop to the snow monkeys on their return to Tokyo to head home.

Beginning in Shizukuishi, the agents were amazed with the choices of runs and the lack of lift lines at this beautiful resort. Flight Centre Consultant Alannah Silva said, “While staying at the Shizukuishi Prince Hotel make sure to take advantage of the incredible onsen during your stay. Especially good to soothe muscles after a day on the slopes.”

“There are just so many runs to enjoy while here, make sure to try the night skiing, cat skiing and spend a day at Amihari Onsen Ski Resort or Iwate Kogen Snow Park to make the most of the whole region,” said Ms Silva.

After a traditional lunch of the regions iconic dish wanko-soba the agents headed for Appi Kogen Ski Resort, their second stop of the adventure.

“Appi was excellent, there were plenty of English-speaking instructors for anyone who had lessons, an excellent kids park and great runs for the more advanced people in the group”, said Nicole Bentley from Helloworld Travel.

“In terms of the terrain, Appi is a ski-in ski-out paradise and offers a really great split for all levels of skier. If you are travelling with children, they cater really well for families and have plenty of dining options to suit everyone. ”

Next, the group travelled by bullet train from Morioka to Nagano, which is a fun experience for anyone who hasn’t been on a bullet train before. Even with a large group the process was easy.

Pocket Travel Owner Claire Robertson-Holliday said, “Shiga Kogen was a winter wonderland, skiing through pine trees covered with snow was a magical experience. Japan’s reputation of powder snow lived up to it’s name in Shiga Kogen.“

The final stop of this 8-night itinerary was well known Hakuba in the Nagano Prefecture. Being the most well-known resort of the trip, agents were still pleasantly surprised by how much they learnt from visiting Hakuba.  Flight Centre Team Leader Paula Albers said, “Hakuba was so different to what I expected, it reminded me of Banff in Canada with lots of quaint buildings and a real village feeling.“

Overall, Sno’n’Ski’s 2020 Mega Famil was a mega success with 30 of Australia’s top-selling ski and snow travel agents experiencing four of Honshu’s ski destinations, lesser known resorts Shizukuishi, Appi and Shiga Kogen as well as Hakuba.

Sno’n’Ski General Manager, Daniel Walker, said their annual Mega Famil will return in 2021.  The official details of where agents will be heading is yet to be released.

“Each year we see more interest from agents, and we want to make sure we are maximising the first-hand experience of our top sellers to help them continue to develop their passion for selling snow holidays” said Mr Walker.

“The famil’s format allows attendees to completely immerse themselves in the intricate layers of each destination,” he concluded.

To check out this year’s Mega Famil highlight reel, search the Instagram hashtag #snonskimega2020.

Sno’n’Ski is currently promoting several unbeatable Japan ski packages, including a seven-night stay and ski deal from just $686 per person, based on twin share. Call 1300 766 754 or email info@snonski.com.au to find out more. 

Black Cat Trail - makes Kokoda look like a walk in the park

This track is not for the faint hearted, nor for the inexperienced bush walker. For those of you who have done the Kokoda Trail it makes that trek seem like a stroll in the park. The track is still in a very raw state. It is leech and snake-infested jungle, moss covered rocks and fallen tree stumps, precarious cliff crossings and potentially dangerous river crossings. This makes the Black Cat arguably one of the toughest treks in Papua New Guinea.

Some Australian soldiers have described the Black Cat as the hardest walk they’ve ever done. The Lonely Planet guidebook quotes a local expatriate, as saying the Black Cat is “suitable only for masochists and Israeli Paratroopers”

There is so much WWII history attached to the “Black Cat”. Some of the bloodiest battles were fought here. 61 years ago in 1942 Salamaua was recaptured from the Japanese. We saw many war relics. Munitions pits, guns, clothing, a cargo plane wreck and huge bomb craters now full of water. The villagers went out and collected guns and live mortars for us to look at. They were everywhere and easily accessed.

On the 27th October'03 a team of us decided to experience for ourselves just what all the fuss was about. We walked from Wau down to Salamaua taking us four days. The track threw absolutely everything at us. Torrential rain, 3 hours walking in the pitch blackness of night and of course leeches en-mass.

But, it has to be some of the most awesome and exciting terrain we have ever trekked through.

The animals and birds of the jungle were prolific, magnificent flora and fauna. We saw Birds of Paradise bathing in a river. Had to negotiate round a huge mound of leaves where a Niugini Fowl had decided to build its nest right in the middle of the track. The Flame of the Forest tree was in full bloom. What a beautiful site, seeing streaks of red splashed through the jungle. Wild orchids were everywhere. Butterflies flitting around our hats.

Best of all though were the people. We overnighted in villages. The second village we stayed in was so isolated that the woman and children had never seen a white woman. When the children saw my red hair they scampered off into the jungle in fright.

We could not speak the language but the hand of friendship is the same all over the world. It was grueling 8-9 hour days but well worth the effort when you were greeted with such kindness and hospitality at the end of it.

On the last day after a 5 hour leisurely walk down to the San Francisco River we rafted out to Salamaua. The village on the banks of this river had been notified that we were coming and had offered to make the raft. It took 2 hours to raft out to the sea and Salamaua. So peaceful floating down the river with so much bird life to see.

Salamaua has to be one of the best kept secrets in this world and one of the most idyllic places I have ever been. I will say no more, except it is a great way to end a hard four day trek through the jungle.

There is so much more I could say but feel that some secrets should be kept for people to experience for themselves.

If you have a sense of adventure running through your veins give this a go. For those of you who just want to step out of the box and have an experience of a lifetime, have a go.

AAMI Victoria Derby Day

 

The gates to Flemington open at 8.30am today as Australia's premier racing destination welcomes racegoers and the who's who of entertainment, sport, business and media for AAMI Victoria Derby Day, the first raceday of the spectacular four-day Melbourne Cup Carnival.

 

The nine-race card is highlighted by Australia's oldest classic race, the $2 million Group 1 AAMI Victoria Derby (2500m). On a day dedicated to racing purists, the all black-type undercard features the stallion-making Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes (1200m), the Group 1 TAB Empire Rose Stakes (1600m) where Australasia's best fillies and mares will be on show over the Flemington mile and the Group 1 Kennedy Cantala also over 1600m. A final opportunity to race in the 2019 Lexus Melbourne Cup awaits the winner of the Group 3 Lexus Hotham Stakes (2500m).

 

General admission racegoers can enjoy Flemington's fashion and entertainment destination, The Park. The 10,000 square metre precinct features Myer Fashions on the Field along with a great lineup of music including ARIA chart-toppers Ball Park Music (5.10pm-6.10pm) and their melancholic pop melodies, and the cruisey surf-rock sounds of Lime Cordiale (3.50pm – 4.50pm).

 

Racegoers will be spoilt for choice in the culinary stakes, with an all-new selection of Melbourne's hottest foodie destinations popping up including The Bearded Jaffle from Melbourne Demon's ruckman Max Gawn and his brothers, fresh and sustainably-sourced seafood Pinchy's, Slider Diner burgers, Thai-inspired fare at Son In Law, Duke Pizza's delectable New York-style slices, swoon-worthy croissants and French pastries from Agathé Pâtisserie, Bao & Waffle's Chinese bao with funky Southern-style flavours, and Hello Jose serving up Mexican inspired bites.

 

Adding to the culinary experience, The Park boasts a stellar line up of refreshing beverage offerings. Make your way to the Seppelt Prosecco Bar for a Prosecco Spritz and a quick photo opp in their social media hub, or get ahead of the curve and stop by Lion's new brand activation, featuring a new style of alcoholic drink, Quincy. You can also take a step back in time and slide into a pastel-hued booth at the retro diner-themed Pony Bar, complete with 1950s-inspired cocktails. Want to take your sips to new heights? Grab a drink and climb up Jim Beam's container bar to see the Park's entertainment up on the super screen.

 

Whether you enjoy a premium artisan roasted coffee from the Grinders Coffee Retro Caravan aka Short Black, a refreshing ale from the Furphy Beer Garden, or a cocktail garnished to perfection from Lillet at The Park, racegoers will have no trouble finding the perfect beverage accompaniment to their snacks.

 

And when it comes to play, The Park is sure to be a crowd pleaser with epic activations from the VRC's official sponsors.

 

For the first time racegoers can experience the Myer Glam Bar offering express hair styling, a brow beauty bar and bespoke cocktails. Situated next to the iconic Myer Fashions on the Field enclosure, there's a barber for the fellas too, along with great gift giveaways and styling tips.

 

In the Bumble Arcade you can show your competitive side on the giant claw machine, have a shot at basketball or challenge your friends to a quick round of air hockey for your chance to win some exclusive Bumble merchandise in their game room. Not feeling competitive? Relax in Bumble's lounge area and get acquainted with those around you!

 

The amusement continues at the Network 10 Carousel, the custom built carousel made to create all your most Insta-worthy moments, and an elegant Lexus photo opportunity will ensure you and your friends experience amazing this Melbourne Cup Carnival.

 

Capture every moment with a variety of photo opportunities in The Stables, four pop-ups sponsored by the VRC. Guests can bloom in the Flower Room, sweeten things up in Lollipop Dreams, find a new perspective in The Upside Down Café or play it cool in the classic Foto Automat.

 

The fashion stakes will be high with the commencement of Myer Fashions on the Field, co-hosted by Myer ambassador and Kris Smith and Network 10's Anna Heinrich. To take out the title and win a share of the $430,000 prize pool over the course of the Carnival, entrants will need to impress an expert panel of judges, including VRC special guest Candice Warner, VRC official stylist Elliot Garnuat, VRC ambassador Georgia Connolly, Myer Fashions on the Field ambassador Crystal Kimber, Myer ambassador Elyse Knowles, Stellar Editor-in-chief Sarrah Le Marquand, Executive Style editor Michael Harry.

 

This year's competition boasts a record breaking prize pool of over $430,000, including a brand new Lexus UX valued at approximately $51,345.

 

At 3:42pm, prior to the AAMI Victoria Derby, Network 10's Bonnie Anderson will perform the Australian National Anthem in the Mounting Yard.

 

The exclusive Birdcage will play host to celebrities including models Jordan Barrett and Montana Cox at Lexus, Melbourne Cup hero Michelle Payne at Tabcorp, model Rebecca Harding and media personality Andy Lee at Seppelt Wines, footballer Joel Selwood at Kennedy, cycling legend Cadel Evans at Mumm, footballer Jack Gunston at Furphy, media personality and fashion blogger Nadia Bartel at Network 10, and models Jordan and Zac Stenmark at Bumble.

 

The Birdcage is reimagined in 2019, with the all-new purpose built 20-metre-wide, two-storey-high installation inspired by the Grand Canyon. Guests will walk the exclusive Milan-sourced sparkly pink carpet and walk through artistically jagged silver walls with multi-coloured accents before entering the enclosure.

 

Pin & Win volunteers will be out in force selling Lexus Melbourne Cup pins in support of the VRC's charity partner Very Special Kids.

 

Located at the horse stalls will be two acknowledged retrainers from Racing Victoria's Off The Track program. Racegoers can visit the west end of the horse stalls between races 1 and 4 and speak to professional retrainers Amanda Porter and Briar Morris about the various careers options for retired racehorses.

 

Earlier this week, the Victoria Racing Club announced that 10% of all public ticket sales for this year's Melbourne Cup Carnival, and 5% of VRC annual membership fees will be redirected to the VRC Equine Wellbeing Fund for the care of racehorses.

 

The VRC's official wagering partner TAB is offering exclusive offers to punters betting with TAB on their devices at Flemington, including bonus bets, matched deposit bets and matched bets.

 

The official barrier draw for the $8m Lexus Melbourne Cup to be run on Tuesday at 3pm will be held in the Mounting Yard after the last race at 5.30pm for 5.45pm start. The barrier draw will be shown live on Network 10.

 

The Lexus Melbourne Cup Barrier Draw is by invitation only and media must contact Alexandra Factor at a.factor@vrc.net.au or in the Media Centre to request access.

 

AAMI Victoria Derby tickets will be available for purchase on arrival from 8:30am at the Hill Gate, Rose Arbour, Flemington train platform, Elms and Infield entrances. While Melbourne Cup Carnival tickets can be pre-purchased from Flinders Street, Southern Cross, North Melbourne, Essendon, South Yarra, Werribee and Richmond train stations or racegoers can jump the queues and buy online from Ticketek on their mobiles, even on raceday. Admission is free for children under 16 accompanied by an adult.

 

All the colour and excitement of Cup Week will be shown live and free on Network 10, the official broadcast partner of the Melbourne Cup Carnival. 

 

#DerbyDay @FlemingtonVRC #LoveCupWeek @AAMI (Twitter) @aami_insurance (Instagram)

 

 

Virus-free. www.avg.com

Candice Warner to attend AAMI Victoria Derby Day

The Victoria Racing Club (VRC) today announced that former athlete and national media personality Candice Warner will make her Melbourne Cup Carnival debut at AAMI Victoria Derby Day at Flemington Racecourse on Saturday 2 November as a special guest of the Club.

Candice and her husband, Australian cricketer David Warner, are racing enthusiasts and currently own thoroughbreds across Australia. They are also in the brewing business with jockey Tommy Berry and trainer Michael Freedman. Their boutique brewery is located at the Freedman family’s old training track, Markdel, which famously housed three-time Melbourne Cup-winning mare Makybe Diva.

Sydneysider Candice said she was excited to be heading to Melbourne for AAMI Victoria Derby Day.

“The Melbourne Cup Carnival has long been on my bucket list and I am very much looking forward to immersing myself in Group 1 racing as well as the fashion and the famous party atmosphere I’ve heard so much about in the VRC’s Birdcage Enclosure and I can’t wait to see 1 Oliver St,” she said.

“As a mother and former athlete, it’s nice to shake off the activewear from time to time and get into the spirit of a world-class race day. I’ve heard the fashion stakes are particularly high at Flemington, and I’m looking forward to embracing the classic black and white dress code for AAMI Victoria Derby Day and joining the thousands of other Sydneysiders flocking to Melbourne for the biggest week of racing on the Australian calendar.”

As the VRC’s special guest Candice will visit the VRC’s hero marquee in the world-famous Birdcage Enclosure, 1 Oliver St, and the VRC’s general admission precinct, The Park, where she will judge Myer Fashions on the Field.

VRC Executive General Manager Customer Engagement Caroline Ralphsmith said the Club was delighted to welcome Candice to Flemington for the first time.

“The Melbourne Cup Carnival kicks off in classic style on AAMI Victoria Derby Day and we look to our special guest, Candice Warner, to add some extra monochromatic chic to day one of the Carnival, a day that traditionally attracts the nation’s fashion set and racing purists,” she said.

“We are especially looking forward to sharing the delight and sheer happiness that comes with your first Melbourne Cup Carnival experience with Candice and all first-time Flemington visitors.”

Candice’s first visit to Flemington will come just months after the Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour caught up with her husband David in the UK ahead of Australia’s iconic Ashes series win.

AAMI Victoria Derby Day is widely regarded as one of the most prestigious days of racing in Australasia, with four Group 1 races worth A$1 million or more. The pinnacle of the day is the feature Group 1 AAMI Victoria Derby worth A$2 million in prize money and is Australia’s premier staying classic for three-year-olds. The day is known for sophisticated elegance and tasteful indulgence with a traditional dress code of black and white.

The Melbourne Cup Carnival, held at the iconic Flemington Racecourse, is the pinnacle social and sporting event in Australia, bringing together the biggest names in fashion, sport, business, entertainment and hospitality.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit: Flemington.com.au. Join the conversation across social media with #MelbCupCarnival and follow us on Instagram @flemingtonvrc and Twitter @flemingtonvrc and on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/flemingtonracecourse

Avis raises over $15,000 for Charity at their Art of Discovery Auction

 Leading car rental provider Avis raised over $15,000 at a charity auction last night for charity partners R U OK? and Cure Kids. The event saw Avis auction off the artwork from its 'Art of Discovery' campaign, heroing creative work from 12 local artists who this year embarked on road trips in Avis rentals across the Tasman, to inspire their artwork.

 

The auctioned pieces included Jacob Spokes' take on Lightning Ridge in north-western New South Wales where he retraced his father's footsteps as a miner, and Rachel Hirabayashi's trip to Southland where she was inspired to capture the calmness of the landscape. Other art featured included work by Sally Willbanks and Belynda Henry, both Australia-based and New Zealand artists Angela Maritz and Kris Waldin. The highest selling piece on the night was Lake Pukaki with Aoraki/Mt Cook in the distance by New Zealand artist, Holly Zanbergen selling at $2,700.

 

To inspire and encourage travellers to plan their own road trip to view the scenic Australian and New Zealand landscape, the 'Art of Discovery' campaign allows customers to see the countries through the eyes of local contemporary artists.

 

Tom Mooney, Managing Director, Avis Australia said: "We are thrilled with the overall success of the night and the money raised for R U OK? and Cure Kids. We look forward to working with more artists through our 'Art of Discovery' campaign over the next year to show the true beauty of the Australian and New Zealand landscape, and inspire more road trips around the Pacific."

 

Brock Q Piper, one of the Australian artists involved in the campaign said: "It was such an honour to be a part of this very worthy campaign and work alongside Avis to create art that connects people with the Australian landscape. I'm personally so inspired by the work that R U OK? does to help so many in their personal struggles, so I am really pleased that the proceeds towards my work are going towards such a great cause."

 

The donation from Avis Australia demonstrates its commitment to its charity partnerships with R U OK? and Cure Kids will add to other contributions fundraised via a range of community charity initiatives.

 

To own one of the pieces of art, visit the online auction which closes on the 20^th October 2019 please follow this link: https://AODCharityAuction.famb.bid.

 

To watch Jacob Spokes on his 'Art of Discovery' journey, please visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JDPpcCUQEgc.  To learn more about the 'Art of Discovery' campaign, please visit https://www.avis.com.au/en/discover-australia/art-of-discovery. 

 

People’s Cup celebrates 25 year anniversary on Tour in Euroa

The Lexus Melbourne Cup today visited Lindsay Park Racing in Euroa for a special community event celebrating the 25th anniversary of trainer David Hayes' 1994 Melbourne Cup win with imported galloper Jeune.

The visit to the picturesque stables in the Victoria High Country was part of the 17th annual Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour and saw Hayes unite with Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour Ambassador Wayne Harris, who rode the British thoroughbred to victory 25 years ago.

As part of the event, local school children and members of the Euroa community were treated to a special Q&A from the champion trainer and jockey, with both men sharing their memories of the race. Melbourne Cup Carnival Ambassador Tegan Martin also joined the celebrations.

Hayes said it was wonderful to welcome the 2019 Lexus Melbourne Cup to Lindsay Park and reflect on his Melbourne Cup memories.

"Whenever [people] find out you're a horse trainer they always ask, have you ever won the Melbourne Cup and that's what it is, it's the iconic race of Australia."

Hayes also spoke about Lindsay Park's chances for this year's Lexus Melbourne Cup, highlighting the form of Constantinople and Rostropovich.

"Constantinople has really good Cross Counterish form from last year and we've got another horse that ran 5th in the Melbourne Cup last year called Rostropovich," Hayes said.

Euroa is also one of this year's Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour National Sweep destinations, which will see 24 rural and regional tour destinations across Australia be allocated a barrier for the 2019 Lexus Melbourne Cup.

Barriers will be drawn at random as part of the Cup's visit and the town which draws the barrier of the Lexus Melbourne Cup-winning horse will be presented with a cash prize of $50,000 to put towards a charity for a local community initiative.

Local member for Euroa Steph Ryan drew the barrier on behalf of the town and selected barrier 12, a starting gate which has not produce a winner since 1949.

Since its inaugural year in 2003, the Tour has travelled more than 600,000 kilometres and visited more than 450 regional, rural and metropolitan destinations, providing communities with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience the magic of the Lexus Melbourne Cup.

For further information about the 2019 Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour please visit melbournecuptour.com.au.

#lovethehorse #PeoplesCup #MelbourneCup