Well, the Oasis Ball pictures have been up for a about a week, so I guess it's time to actually write about them. The Oasis Ball is the annual awards banquet for the advertising industry in Perth. Every year the industry comes together to award the team/company that persuaded the Perth/Australian consumers better than the rest. And this year, what better way to celebrate than with an award show themed "Exotica."
The event took place at the Perth Convention Centre, a state of the art facility located directly downtown on the Swan River. For the Ball, the governing body had rented out of the main ballrooms with an outdoor balcony overlooking the downtown CBD (Central Business District), the Swan River, and South Perth. It was a beautiful site that only got more extravagant as the night progressed.
The Oasis Ball kicked off with drinks and music in the reception area outside the main ballroom. I arrived with Mark Pinney and Ronnie Duncan (Mark is my boss and Ronnie is one of the founders) around 6:30 in the evening and it was quite a site. Upon entering I was greeted with a royal reception as everyone, except for myself, was dressed in suits, tuxes, and ball gowns. I chose the more sensible route and wore jeans and a black button-down with aviators. I felt a bit under dressed for all of 27 seconds until I ran into Mike Edmonds, the other founder, who was wearing jeans, converse all-stars, and a button-down shirt with flaming skulls on the shoulders. Very classy. But, we were over-dressed compared to some; Namely the man and woman (both part of the "exotica" theme) dressed in only thongs and body paint. He looked like Tarzan and she was dressed/painted like a leopard.
The reception area was adorned with paintings, sporting memorabilia (Australian national rugby jersey signed, cricket bats and balls, posters), and other various items (a Les Paul guitar signed by Eric Clapton, a framed Sopranos poster signed by the entire cast) all up for grabs in the silent auction. Not much of the betting type, I opted to enjoy the free champagne, beer, and wine while listening to the sounds of a traditional African band (just think of the sound of drums from any movie involving Africa) playing in the corner.
Once the ceremony began the "exotica" theme took full figure as the crowd was thoroughly entertained by belly dancers, gypsy women, fire dancers, Middle-Easter prices/dancers, smoke machines, a Moroccan hookah bar, waiters in Japanese garb and masks, and most notably Tarzan and Leopard-woman. Intermingled were different presentations honoring people and their achievements, the vast majority being the achievements of not-for-profit organizations (for which all the proceeds of the Oasis Ball would go). Honorable cause (proceeds to charity) and a great idea considering the massive silent auction, the live auction (of different advertising things, such as insertions, TV spots, etc), and the raffle for a trip to Mauritius. Once all the different speakers and auctions were finished, the award ceremony began.
Meerkats was finalists in three different categories (there were only about 10); Namely Campaign of the Year, Advertisers of the Year, and Agency of the Year. With high hopes the ceremony commenced as we brought home the Campaign of the Year award for iinet, the second largest internet provider in Australia. Mike and Ronnie accepted the award with great humility as they gave the only speeches that weren't self-promoting and exceedingly arrogant. I felt proud to be part of such an organization.
Once the ceremony wrapped up and the emcee said his final thoughts, the formal stage was over. Now began the actual party as a massive dance floor was revealed behind the hookah bar (the dance floor looked as if someone had raided Vegas). It was about the size of a basketball court and full of flashing lights (just like the Vegas strip) and smoke machines. Practically everyone ended up on the floor dancing and having a great time shaking our butts to the sounds of Lynard Skynard and Madonna.
What a great night and a once in a lifetime experience. I hope my pictures do more justice than my writing, but I wanted to keep the text to the basic descriptions, otherwise I would be going on for ages.
Monday, March 24, 2008
Monday, March 10, 2008
Footy Camp and Rugby
Well, what a crazy weekend it was down here. Over Saturday and Sunday we had our footy camp, which is basically a weekend retreat for team building. Saturday morning started off nice and early with a scratch-match at 9 am. It was just an intra-squad scrimmage so the intensity wasn't full-on, but it was still a good litmus test for myself. I started off a bit nervous, but after the opening bounce I calmed down and got into the flow. I actually played pretty well (played half-back, my normal position), but unfortunately my side lost. Still though, the fitness and skills of the team were pretty good, so I'm looking forward to the season with confidence! Our next scratch-match is next week, so I should have much more confidence and play even better!
The game ended around 10:45, so after a quick shower the team took off to the camp grounds as we had to arrive by 11:45 (the grounds were 45 minutes away). Once at the grounds we had a quick lunch, broke into groups, and then straight into the activities. Our first activity was a team exercise where we had to solve a problem which involved moving eggs, two barrels, and two planks of wood from one end of a imaginary pit to the other. It wasn't difficult as we finished in 3 minutes. After that we had a game of basketball outside in the baking sun. It was only about 90 degrees...no big deal. It was a lot of fun as I realized the Australians aren't very good. I laughed the entire time. I knew it was going to be fun when the point guard threw the ball over the backboard on his first layup attempt.
After basketball we had a ropes course. It isn't at all like it sounds as it was actually a ropes climbing course with rock climbing, repelling walls, a zip line, and cargo nets. What a great time. I've never done anything like it before and it was heaps of fun. Even though I'm scared of heights, it was great fun and pretty darn cool to jump off a building on a zip line. After that we had a quick dinner and then the nightly activities, which was a team meeting, watching a game of footy, and drinking beer. I was exhausted so I was in bed by midnight while some other people were up until 1...crazy Australians.
Well, those people who stayed up late sure regretted it as the entire team had a 6:30 am survivor challenge. The challenge involved a swimming leg, filling a pale with sea water only using shot glasses (which took forever), a digging section, and the putting together of a puzzle. My team came in second, which wasn't bad considering we couldn't find the puzzle pieces buried in the sand for 10 minutes. The only bad part was that it was freezing outside!!!
The rest of the day had some more activities: Cricket, Volleyball, and a scavenger hunt. Everything ended around noon, which was fine by me as I was rooted. All I wanted to do was to sleep, but that wasn't to be as that night Jared and I went to watch a rugby match between the Western Force and the Crusaders (out of New Zealand), who are part of the Super 14. We scored some free tickets from a friend on the Scarborough team as his girlfriend is a massage therapist for the Force. The game was incredible as our seats were in the corner of end zone three rows up from the field. Directly in front of us we saw three trys scored, a few scrums, and the game losing turnover. Each side featured players for their National teams, so the level of competition was superb. Nick, if you're reading this, these are some MASSIVE people. It's like watching an NFL linemen who is pure muscle, no fat, who can run a 4.5, and has a chest as thick as a tree. Not quite like DePaul rugby. Unfortunately my battery for my camera was drained so I didn't get to take any pictures, but I'm sure there will be more opportunities!!
The game ended around 10:45, so after a quick shower the team took off to the camp grounds as we had to arrive by 11:45 (the grounds were 45 minutes away). Once at the grounds we had a quick lunch, broke into groups, and then straight into the activities. Our first activity was a team exercise where we had to solve a problem which involved moving eggs, two barrels, and two planks of wood from one end of a imaginary pit to the other. It wasn't difficult as we finished in 3 minutes. After that we had a game of basketball outside in the baking sun. It was only about 90 degrees...no big deal. It was a lot of fun as I realized the Australians aren't very good. I laughed the entire time. I knew it was going to be fun when the point guard threw the ball over the backboard on his first layup attempt.
After basketball we had a ropes course. It isn't at all like it sounds as it was actually a ropes climbing course with rock climbing, repelling walls, a zip line, and cargo nets. What a great time. I've never done anything like it before and it was heaps of fun. Even though I'm scared of heights, it was great fun and pretty darn cool to jump off a building on a zip line. After that we had a quick dinner and then the nightly activities, which was a team meeting, watching a game of footy, and drinking beer. I was exhausted so I was in bed by midnight while some other people were up until 1...crazy Australians.
Well, those people who stayed up late sure regretted it as the entire team had a 6:30 am survivor challenge. The challenge involved a swimming leg, filling a pale with sea water only using shot glasses (which took forever), a digging section, and the putting together of a puzzle. My team came in second, which wasn't bad considering we couldn't find the puzzle pieces buried in the sand for 10 minutes. The only bad part was that it was freezing outside!!!
The rest of the day had some more activities: Cricket, Volleyball, and a scavenger hunt. Everything ended around noon, which was fine by me as I was rooted. All I wanted to do was to sleep, but that wasn't to be as that night Jared and I went to watch a rugby match between the Western Force and the Crusaders (out of New Zealand), who are part of the Super 14. We scored some free tickets from a friend on the Scarborough team as his girlfriend is a massage therapist for the Force. The game was incredible as our seats were in the corner of end zone three rows up from the field. Directly in front of us we saw three trys scored, a few scrums, and the game losing turnover. Each side featured players for their National teams, so the level of competition was superb. Nick, if you're reading this, these are some MASSIVE people. It's like watching an NFL linemen who is pure muscle, no fat, who can run a 4.5, and has a chest as thick as a tree. Not quite like DePaul rugby. Unfortunately my battery for my camera was drained so I didn't get to take any pictures, but I'm sure there will be more opportunities!!
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Nothing Specific
Hello hello! Good to be here again as I have lots to report. The past few weeks have been full of fun and change. The most significant change is that I am no longer living with Brett and Zareena. I have moved in with Jared and James Brunmeier, who are about 10 minutes North of Brett. This past weekend we decided to make the move as I was getting along in my job. I am now living in Beldon, which is a small area right next to Joodalup. Their house is a nice place and so far I am loving it. Just a block away is a park, a small shopping center, and the bus stop. It is a bit further from the beach, but it's good motivation to go for a 15 minute run. My new address is: 102 Gradient Way, Beldon, WA 6027. I'll be sure and take some pictures soon.
Another change is that we are starting to get more into the footy season! Pre-season practices are still chugging along, but we are now adding warm-up matches on the weekends. This coming weekend (March 8) we have our first scratch-match. It's just intra-squad stuff so it won't be too difficult, but I'm really excited about it! Also this weekend we have our annual footy camp. After the scratch-match on Saturday morning, the team takes the rest of the day and the next morning to do team building stuff such as basketball, bocce ball, cricket, and a ropes course. We are also told to bring a shot glass, so this should get interesting. The entire team is sleeping in a rented unit (not sure what exactly), so Saturday night may get a bit wild. Most likely no pictures to come.
On a different note, I had to go see the Doctor this past week as a lump has formed on the back of my neck. It appeared within a couple of days and started to get painful, so it was a good idea. Well, it turns out I have a cyst. The doctor put me on antibiotics (Penicillin, apparently I'm not allergic) and it should either go away or it will have to be removed. Either way, it's not cool. I guess these Australians have started to infect me!! haha...bad joke.
Last, but not least is probably one of the most fun things I've done since I got here. Surfing. Last Friday James, Jared, and myself met our friend Luke (an Aussie) to go watch the West Perth Falcons reserves play (that's who James and Jared used to play for) in a scratch-match against East Perth. During the game, Luke asked if we wanted to try surfing seeing as James had just purchased a board. So, bright and early Sunday morning James and I headed out to catch some waves. I was a bit nervous at first because two Great White Sharks had been spotted off Rottnest Island the day before, but after twenty minutes it didn't even cross my mind. We spent the morning trying to surf, but only succeeded in falling off the board and getting smashed by the waves. The next day was spent in pain where the board chaffed our skin and the wax ripped out our hair, but it was worth it. It was a great time and I will be trying it again.
Anyways, it's nearly been three months since I left and I wanted to tell everyone that I miss them. I know I don't get to talk much, but know that I am thinking about you. Also, my phone number is +0447556249 (I forgot to mention earlier) if anyone needs to call me.
Another change is that we are starting to get more into the footy season! Pre-season practices are still chugging along, but we are now adding warm-up matches on the weekends. This coming weekend (March 8) we have our first scratch-match. It's just intra-squad stuff so it won't be too difficult, but I'm really excited about it! Also this weekend we have our annual footy camp. After the scratch-match on Saturday morning, the team takes the rest of the day and the next morning to do team building stuff such as basketball, bocce ball, cricket, and a ropes course. We are also told to bring a shot glass, so this should get interesting. The entire team is sleeping in a rented unit (not sure what exactly), so Saturday night may get a bit wild. Most likely no pictures to come.
On a different note, I had to go see the Doctor this past week as a lump has formed on the back of my neck. It appeared within a couple of days and started to get painful, so it was a good idea. Well, it turns out I have a cyst. The doctor put me on antibiotics (Penicillin, apparently I'm not allergic) and it should either go away or it will have to be removed. Either way, it's not cool. I guess these Australians have started to infect me!! haha...bad joke.
Last, but not least is probably one of the most fun things I've done since I got here. Surfing. Last Friday James, Jared, and myself met our friend Luke (an Aussie) to go watch the West Perth Falcons reserves play (that's who James and Jared used to play for) in a scratch-match against East Perth. During the game, Luke asked if we wanted to try surfing seeing as James had just purchased a board. So, bright and early Sunday morning James and I headed out to catch some waves. I was a bit nervous at first because two Great White Sharks had been spotted off Rottnest Island the day before, but after twenty minutes it didn't even cross my mind. We spent the morning trying to surf, but only succeeded in falling off the board and getting smashed by the waves. The next day was spent in pain where the board chaffed our skin and the wax ripped out our hair, but it was worth it. It was a great time and I will be trying it again.
Anyways, it's nearly been three months since I left and I wanted to tell everyone that I miss them. I know I don't get to talk much, but know that I am thinking about you. Also, my phone number is +0447556249 (I forgot to mention earlier) if anyone needs to call me.
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