QLD Floods: Help Needed & Offered

In this time of need Australia has come together as a whole, in support of those in need. Families drove to flood effected areas for supplies, to help pack up their homes and to hopefully get resources to help protect their homes - sandbags etc. During these trips, families have noticed that the centers are overloaded with incoming donations and decided to stay and volunteer their services.

I have seen many messages on Facebook and Twitter of many giving people, who are trying anyway they can, to help raise awareness of what is happening in Australia. From these messages, some of the Local and National News & Media, have been using these messages on television - so the word is getting out there and awareness is being raised more.

Many Residents have been offereing their homes and rooms to flood victims, food, goods and services have also been offered to families and individuals. The Donations, Goods & Services offered by the Government and Charity Organizations, do not reach most flood victims for days to weeks. Like the Victorian Bush Fires, alot of victims didn't received help until after the fires had been extinguished.Many of the families are still living in temporary make-shift homes and buildings.

It is people and residents like the mentioned ones, who help families and individuals right now, when it is actually needed. Goods and Services have been sent by the Government, but not everything that is actually needed has been sent - shelter, clothing, food, water and much more. It's the kind-heartedness of strangers coming together to make a difference when and where it is needed.

We mustn't forget that Floods affect everyone. When a natural disaster occurs, our minds rush into evacuation mode, when we began packing and trying to save our lives and belongings, we may sometimes forget the little things. During this time, alot of families had travelled away from home for the Christmas and New Year holidays. They were unable to get home in time to save their homes, farms and livestock.

Needs:

While aid is being given to flood victims, the following is still in need:

* Wildlife            * Farm Animals            * Pets

Offers:

Rowan Panther of Caboulture has offered room in her yards and stables for flood victims in need of temporary placement of their Horses. The Facebook Post read:

From Rowan Panther : Can everyone pls copy and repost this message. It is from a friend of a friend of mine in QLD. She has available Yards Stables for people not knowing where to take their horses. She has enough rooms to take 15 to 20 horses. Located at Caboulture. Her phone
number is 0418385774 ...if anyone needs emergency.

I am not apart of the Media, so I cannot get the news out there. But, I am an avid Tweeter & Facebook User. I send all messages this way, like a chain letter - it is sent through different people and countries. So, if you would like to offer land, yards, rooms or anything else, please post a comment after this post - I & Friends will get the word out there.

(This Post is still to be edited, am hoping to find links & phone numbers of assistance). 

If you'd like to make a donation or volunteer, please check QLD Floods, Donations, Goods & Services for phone numbers and links. 

Brisbane/Queensland Flood(s) Donations, Goods & Services

The Following has been supplied to help you access the information easier and faster. Many different Media Sites are advertizing about 'One' Relief Appeals, when there are many different companies and organizations who are also doing the hard-work. Occasionally you come across people who take advantage of other people during the time of disaster - All of these Links/Sites & HotLines are Official Organizations within Australia - check the links for Verification. Please check which Site is suitable for you to make a Donation if you are not within Australia.


The Queensland Goverment has organized a Relief Appeal - donations of Money will be accepted but not Goods & Services. The following is the link to their Official Website:

QLD Government - Flood Relief Appeal

The Brisbane Times - Premier's Disaster Relief Appeal

QLD Red Cross - Registration & Inquiry

LifeLine has organized a Call Centre of Cousellors for Families or Individuals who may be feeling the trauma or impact of devastation that Floods can cause. The Counsellors are fully qualified & experienced in handling your call/matter/problem.

LifeLine is also asking for Volunteers to help with the Call Centres and Organization of Donated Goods & Services. You will be Supervised during this time, and aided in the right direction.

LifeLine Cousellors: 13 11 14

LifeLine Volunteers: 1800 994 100

An Official HotLine has been set up for Families and/or friends who are searching for loved-ones who Reside in the Flooded Areas. Due to the High Demand in Phone Calls that have been received, your phone call may have you on hold for a few minutes... it's worth the wait to find about Friends and Family.

1300 993 191

Disaster and State Emergency Services have organized Call Centres, the floods are starting to spread to different areas of the country and these services may be needed if you find yourself in need of their Service.

Disaster Recovery HotLine: 1800 173 349

State Emergency Service (SES): 13 25 00

Volunteers who assist during natural disasters, road crashes, rescues and extreme weather.

The Queensland Floods

On 25th December 2010 Chirtsmas Day, as Cyclone Tasha downgraded to a Tropical low and people were warned about possible floods due to the change. The category one cyclone, which crossed between Gordonvale and Babinda around 5.30am that morning, continued to move inland, weakening but associated heavy rainfall  caused fast rising in a number of rivers and creeks.

Major flooding began occurring along the Mulgrave River with a peak of 15.5m - similar to the March 2008 flood - expected before midday that day. Moderate flooding was expected along the Russell River at Bucklands with a 7.5m peak later that day.

Moderate to major flooding was also expected in the Johnston River catchment with only a minor peak expected at Innisfail at this stage.

Further south, major flood levels in the Dawson River were approaching a peak of around 13.5 metres at Theodore, west of Bundaberg.

From there, the floods continued on to surrounding towns, causing widespread danger and fear. Today, statistics showed that 9 people have been killed so far, and 66 others are still missing. National campaign has gone out and assitance has been received - other states have been sending their SES Rescue crews, New Zealand has now joined.

As of 11th January 2011, the estimated cost of the damage and rising, was just over $6 billion. And, a $5 billion clean up fee.

The Queensland Government has launched an appeal to help Queenslander's who have been affected by the recent floods. The Government is only accepting Financial Donations and cannot accept Goods or Services.

Make a Donation

The Media has been all over the floods, reporting everything that has happened so far. From these news reports we have been able to see the devastation that has impacted the community. Natural Disasters are hard to recover from, but floods take away many unexpected things or people.

With the Ozone Layer changing constantly and natural disasters occurring more often, we have to ask ourselves: When will We as a 'Whole', come together to make a change for the better good? For many years, scientists, environmentalists and many other similarly related individuals, companies and organizations have known about the change. Many seminars and lectures had been held around the world (over the years), in hopes to make the change before it is too late.... But, that discussion is for another time.

As the floods continue, Riverland residents begin sandbagging around their properties in hopes of saving their homes. 

For some towns, when warnings were first given and evactuations began, some residents refused to leave their homes. "We'd rather stay and defend our homes, we've worked too hard to just let it go so easily. This is our life, without it... we don't exist anyway, so we have to at least try", said one resident. Fortunately for that family, the floods did not make it to their town.

It is not a good idea to stay in your home during a dangerous situtation, everything but lives can be replaced - it just might take a little bit longer, but that's what the appeal/relief is for.

The following are companies and organizations who have organized and Appeal

 and also offer information:

Australian Red Cross - Queensland Flood Appeal

The Brisbane Times Donation Page - Premier's Disaster Relief Appeal

Water for Elephants

 Water for Elephants is a historical novel by Sara Gruen. The novel centers on Jacob Jankowski and his experiences in a traveling circus called The Benzini Brothers Most Spectacular Show on Earth. Gruen originally wrote the novel as part of National Novel Writing Month. The story is told as a series of memories by Jacob Jankowski, a ninety-three year-old man who lives in a nursing home.

Jacob Jankowski, a "ninety or ninety-three"-year-old nursing home resident reminiscing on the time he spent as a circus veterinarian during the Great Depression. Marlena, the main love interest and a star performer with the circus. Marlena joined the circus after she ran away from home to marry August. She enjoys a special rapport with the horses and cares for them deeply.
  

The Story:

Jacob Jankowski a retired 93 year old circus veterinarian, who lives in a nursing home. He begins to reminisce about the past - In the beginning, he claims that he only worked for the circus and carried water for the elephants. Starting from when he was a 23 year old University Veterinary student and he receives news that his parents have been killed in a car accident. Before graduation, Jacob has a breakdown and leaves University - due to his father's own vet practice being in debt cause of free treatments and the pressures of life.

Jacob decides to go 'away' for a little while and decides to jump on a train in the middle of the night, only to learn that it is a circus train. After the owner Uncle Al, learns of Jacob's training skills, he hires him to take care of the circus animals and giving him refuge - which he shares with Walter (a person of short stature), also known as Gingko in the circus and his dog Queenie. After weeks of working for the circus, Jacob is summoned to look after Camel (an old man) -. Fearing that the sick man will be thrown from the train, Jacob hides him in his quarters.

Jacob learns of many things while working in the circus and discovers that August (head trainer)can be quite charming and yet brutual, to both humans and animals - especially the new elephant, Rosie. Marlena, August's wife and star performer in the circus, catchs the eye of Jacob and becomes his main love interest. Suspicious of Jacob and Marlena's relationship, August physically abuses Marlena, who then stays in a hotel when not performing. Uncle Al threatens Jacob to reunite August and Marlena as a happy couple, or Walter and Camel will be 'Redlighted' (Redlighting refers to throwing circus workers off the moving train as punishment or in order to avoid paying them).

Days later, Jacob discovers that August has tried to visit Marlena and goes to her hotel room to comfort her. After an intimate moment, they both declare their love for each other and Marlena returns to the circus to perform, while having secret meetings with Jacob. She then refuses to have August near her, which makes Uncle Al mad. Meanwhile, Marlena informs Jacob that she is pregnant.

One night, Jacob enters August's room, carrying a knife in between his teeth, intent on killing August. However, Jacob backs out and returns to his quarters, only to find Queenie. He then realizes that Walter and the camel have been 'Redlighted' and he is next.

Several former "Redlighted' employees of the circus return to liberate the abused animals and workers and cause a stampede of animals during one of the performances. August is killed by Rosie the elephant and the circus is shut down. Soon after, Uncle Al's body is found with a makeshift garrote around his neck. Marlena and Jacob leave, along with several circus animals (Rosie, Queenie and others), and begin their new life together as a family.

As the end draws near, 93 year old Jacob is waiting for his family to take him to the circus. It is uncovered that he and Marlena were married with 5 children, spending the first 7 years together working for another circus before being employed as a vet for the zoo. After receiving news that his family will not be visiting, Jacob makes his own way to the circus. After meeting the owner Charlie, he then begs him for a job, which is accepted and then accompanies the circus by selling tickets.... where Jacob believes he has 'finally come home'.

The Movie

 Robert Pattinson stars as (younger) Jacob Jankowski, Hal Holbrook portrays (older) Jacob Jankowski, Reece Witherspoon co-stars as Marlena and her husband Christoph Waltz as August. The film is based exactly upon the novel - creating the background for the great depression and all who struggled through that era. Filming began on 20th May 2010 and due to be released between April to June 2011.
 
I am currently on back-order for the Water for Elephants Novel. I would like to say more about the movie and novel, but I have not had the chance to experience either.

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 Water for Elephants Trailer(s)

Teaser Trailer (Finnish Version)   

Water for Elephants Trailer

 

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  World Release Dates via The Official  

Water for Elephants Website:

Russia April 14

Netherlands April 14

Norway April 15

Bulgaria April 15

Sweden April 15

South Africa April 15

France April 20

Switzerland

• April 14 (D-Schweitz)
• April 20 (Romandie)
• April 21 (German Switzerland)
• April 22 (Tessin)

Germany April 21

USA April 22 (changed from 4/15: read here & here)

U.K. April 22

Finland April 22

Belgium April 27

Italy April 29

Poland May 6

Denmark May 12

Brazil May 13

Singapore June 7

Australia June 9 (this date is not yet confirmed. click HERE to read the post)

Remember Me

On the release of Remember Me on the big screen, I'm not even sure if it even made it to the cinemas (where I live). I could not find any cinemas nearby that would have it advertised, while asking cinema operators of this, they too said that there has not been any showings of 'Remember Me' in their cinema(s).

I recently purchased a copy of Remember Me on DVD - most recent released movies are in the price range of $17.99 - $36.99, I purchased my DVD for $8.96 and it was not in the recent releases section. It was in the section of more older and budget looking DVDs, one such area that most people do not bother checking or viewing.

I have found the movie to be slow in the beginning, but more towards the point of things. Emilie de Ravin is one of Australia's most talented actresses of the new millennium. Robert Pattinson shows us that he can be more than just a young hearthrobbed vampire, with this stunning performance that out-does any of his previous movies - The Haunted Airman was not much to be desired, and the story line was confusing.

Remember Me shows how real life situations can suddenly change and have an impact on so many people's lives. We come to know these characters, as we see a bit of ourselves in them - from the hard times in the beginning, through to the rough and tough ends. We as a whole can connect with these people, we have feelings, we've all dealt with loss and through tragedy we all came together as a planet... to mourn. We can all relate to these characters and the movie - we try to do what we can with whatever minimal thing we may have, we survive only on what we need and take life one day at a time.

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In the summer of 2001, New York college student Tyler (Robert Pattinson) is still feeling lost from the tragedy that has strained his relationsip with his father (Pierce Brosnan) when he meet Ally (Emilie De Ravin), a girl who understands his pain.

The last thing Tyler's looking for is love, but through their passionate relationship, he frinds new possibilities for happiness.

It's an unforgettable story about the power of the heart, the strength of family, and the importance of treasuring every day of one's life.

Robert Pattinson (The Twilight Saga) and Emilie De Ravin (Lost) co-star in this brilliantly directed movie - Remember Me.

The Film:

In the romantic drama Remember Me, Robert Pattinson plays Tyler, a rebellious young man in New York City who has a strained relationship with his father (Pierce Brosnan) ever since tragedy separated their family. Tyler didn't think anyone could possibly understand what he was going through until the day he met Ally (Emilie de Ravin) through an unusual twist of fate. Love was the last thing on his mind, but as her spirit unexpectedly heals and inspires him, he begins to fall for her. Through their love, he begins to find happiness and meaning in his life. Soon, hidden secrets are revealed, tragedy lingers in the air, as the circumstances that brought them together threaten to tear them apart. Set in the summer of 2001, Remember Me is a story about the power of love, the strength of family, and the importance of living passionately and treasuring every day of one's life.

In New York City in 1991, an 11-year-old girl named Ally Craig witnesses the murder of her mother on a New York City Subway platform, on the F Line at the 18th Avenue and McDonald Avenue elevated station in Brooklyn. Ten years later, Ally (Emilie De Ravin) is a student at New York University. She lives at home with her overprotective detective father, Neil (Chris Cooper).

Tyler Hawkins (Robert Pattinson), a moody, directionless 21 year-old, is auditing classes at NYU and working in a bookstore. He has had a strained relationship with his businessman father, Charles (Pierce Brosnan) since his brother Michael's suicide. Charles appears to ignore his youngest child, Caroline (Ruby Jerins), to whom Tyler is very close.

One night, Tyler and his roommate Aidan (Tate Ellington) find themselves in trouble with Neil. Later, Aidan sees Neil dropping Ally off at NYU. He decides to retaliate against the detective by persuading Tyler to sleep with and ultimately dump Ally. Tyler reluctantly agrees to meet her. After spending some time together, Ally and Tyler bond over the losses in their lives and begin to fall in love. After Ally sleeps over at Tyler's house, she and her father have a fight, ending with Neil hitting her. Ally then moves in with Tyler and Aidan. Neil's friend, a cop, recognizes Tyler with Ally on a train coming from a beach holiday with his family. Neil breaks into Tyler's apartment and confronts Tyler. Tyler provokes Neil by confessing to Aidan's plan and his initial reason for meeting Ally, which in turn forces Tyler to confess everything to Ally. She leaves him angrily and returns to her father's home. The couple remain alienated until Aidan visits her to explain that only he is to blame, and that Tyler was sincerely in love with her. They are then shown to be back together, as they walk with Caroline in the park.

Shortly thereafter, Caroline is bullied by a group of classmates at a birthday party; they cut her hair off, and when they tease her in front of Tyler, he turns violent and ends up in jail again. Charles is impressed that Tyler stood up for his sister, and they begin to reconnect.

Later, Charles asks Tyler to meet with him and his lawyers at his office. Charles takes Caroline to school and is late, so Tyler waits in his office, where he sees, on Charles's computer, a screensaver of pictures of Tyler, Michael, and Caroline when they were younger.

Caroline is then shown in class and the teacher draws her attention to the board, where the date is revealed as September 11, 2001. Tyler looks out at Manhattan from the window of his father's office which is located in the World Trade Center. Once the 9/11 terrorist attacks begin, the rest of the family rushes to the site, only to see all that is left of Tyler his journal in the rubble.

Some time later, Caroline and Charles seem to have a healthy father-daughter relationship. Aidan, who has since gotten a tattoo of Tyler's name on his arm, is working hard in school and Ally is finally taking the subway again, after having avoided it since her mother's death.

Film Reviews:

Memorable cast... but the film will be quickly forgotten. Sandra Hall. The Sydney Morning Herald

"Remember Me" is a smart, engaging drama about young love flourishing amid
sadness and loss. Kirk Honeycutt.  The Hollywood Reporter

Much better than you might expect. David Edwards. Daily Mirror (UK)

R-Patz shows he can act, standing toe to toe with the fine Chris Cooper and looking like James Dean in comparison to the annoying Tate Ellington, who plays Tyler's "comedy" flatmate. Grant Rollings. Sun Online

Remember Me provides some mild domestic spats and lots of picturesque male brooding, but it's a pallid and oddly exploitative affair.Peter Bradshaw. Guardian (UK)

1/1/11

Happy New Year to Everyone! Another year has past and another has begun 1/1/11 - it has been one hundred years since we last saw the date like this, but it is not rare as it generally occurs every decade

In 2010, Mathematicians celebrated a rare numerical phenomenon when the time and date read 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10. The event is known as Sequential Day - it occurred at 12.34pm at 56.7 seconds, while the date completed the pattern with 8.9.10. The phenomenon is so rare that the last ‘pure’ sequence fell at 01.23.45am on 6.7.89 and the next will take place at 01.23am on 4.5.67 - in 2067.

With the new year just beginning, many resolutions have been made and some are still pondering. I have found, that when I make a resolution, it turns out the same wasy as if I hadn't made a resolution. This year, I am still pondering, I have so many thoughts and ideas of what I'd like to do. But, I also have many goals, that I have set out to achieve. I believe, that if you want something, you should go out and get it for yourselves. If you sit back and wait for it to come to you, you'll be waiting a very long time.

Have you set yourself some goals or new year's resolution?

My New Year Goals:

* Save $ for a House      * Save $ for a Car      *Write/type a Short Story/Novel