"Heineken The Asteroids Galaxy Tour"

This infectious tune just makes you want to dance - unless you're just a fuddy duddy who is totally unmoved by a great beat.

Last week (was it really last week?), I previewed Heineken's great TV ad "The Entrance", which featured this very yummy young man on Heineken's s lavish set as well as this backing track.

This time around, the spotlight is on the track - the Asteroids Galaxy Tour’s hit single, The Golden Age.

It's the third single from the Danish pop group and this 90-second music video also features behind-the-scenes footage of the making of the ad in a palace near Barcelona.

Want to know more? Visit Facebook.com/Heineken.

'Heineken The Entrance'

I love clever ads. They grab the imagination, they entertain, they amuse and subtly, ever so subtly, they introduce the star of the ad.

I don't believe there is anything to be gained from envy. But it is a hard thing indeed to not envy people who can dream up, visualise and create such clever ads as Heineken The Entrance. I suppose once the germ of an idea has been planted, it just keeps bouncing all over the place - each new chain in that idea more creative and incredible than the last.

Heineken is most definitely one of my favorite lagers. In Bangkok, it is a toss-up (at least for me) between Singha and Heineken ... and if I am in a pub (of which Bangkok boasts more than its fair share), a thirst-quenching ale.

Wonder if I would ever have the chance to be part of a crazy clever ad.... hmmmmm.

'The Right Choice'

Education is big business and a thriving industry in several countries, Australia included.

If Thailand's annual education expo is any indicator, leading institutes of higher education from many countries look forward to "setting up shop" at the expo to attract business.

Australia remains among the top picks for students from several Asian countries. They head down under for short courses, summer school, boarding school and full degrees.

Melbourne is a favourite and I can understand why. My visits there have always been fun - the food is good, great sights and places to visit, good shopping, an eclectic mix of characters and - from what I've heard - a fine university.

Some will find it interesting to hear what these students have to say about their unique Melbourne experience.

WIN Top Christmas Gifts

Alyce, the Westfield Insider, gives us a peek at her top 10 buys at Westfield for loved ones, young and old, this Christmas.

It's simple - either save or splurge - and the goodies will bring smiles to the faces of the lucky recipients.

PLUS, shoppers have a chance of winning one of five "Save or Splurge Gift Packs" that are up for grabs. Read all about it and put in your entry by heading to facebook.com/thewestfieldinsider ... remember, you have to be in it to win it!

Good luck...

'A Pot Noeldle Christmas - by Pot Noodle '

Hands up, all those who just love instant noodles.

Thailand is instant noodle heaven.... a flavour to suit every taste. So is Malaysia, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Japan etc etc etc.

Apparently, the UK is also instant noodle heaven. In the land of bangers and mash, Pot Noodle is a big hit, not only for its popular ramen-style noodle in a cup but for its fundraisers.

I loved this cheeky clip for the festive season (including the doggie that showed how much it loved the rear tyre of the noodle van!). Cleverly done and cute.

I wonder whether anyone has a copy of Pot Noodle: The Musical, which made its debut at the 2008 Edinburgh Fringe Festival?

Strip Me Famous - Part 3

This is the conclusion of the world's most low-brow talent show ....

You don't want to miss desperate wanna-be divas Crystal Peters and ping-pong popping Tracy Winger going head to head to win the hearts and lower extremities of the audience and the judging panel.

This clip shows Crystal doing her thing with a vertically challenged elf as Tracy lolls in the wings popping those ping pong balls.

Which of the two will be the world's newest starlet - a product of a mini series of maximum bad taste... watch this and maybe you will find out....

The nail-biting, the suspense, the prayers.... hilarious.

"The Glades"

Every so often, this trailer will pop up on Foxtel, announcing the imminent arrival of The Glades (premieres December 5 on W, I think).

Australia's Matt Passmore (Underbelly, McLeod's Daughters - which I could get even in Bangkok!) has headed west to land this hot role in a show that has apparently had rave reviews in the US.

Passmore, as Jim Longworth is a homicide detective who is great at his job but (as is usually the case) not easy to get along with. He lands in hot water and forced into exile after being accused of getting it on with his former captain's wife....

He takes his payout and heads for Palm Glade, Florida, and a quiet life.

Of course, if that were the case, there would be no story.

But if any one out there wants to know what happens in the sleepy resort town of Palm Glade, they will simply have to watch the show. Happy viewing!!!

Christmas anecdotes Part I

A pinch and a punch for the first day of the month!

Aimee is in seventh heaven. Today, she gets to put up the Christmas tree.

Already, she has most of her pressies wrapped up (theme appears to be purple or shades thereof) and silver. Soooo many and each one individually picked by her for that particular little person or one of her BFFs.

Aimee is great at picking purrfect presents, organising, decorating, baking her should-be-famous fruit cakes, cooking, celebrating ...... we (read Stu and I) will have to do the cleaning up once another Christmas bites the dust.

I love Christmas but it is rather nice not having to worry about what to get so-and-so. I also love the preparations - making the pickle, pineapple tarts and on Christmas Eve slaving over a hot stove in the kitchen for all the festive favourites that we would dig into after Midnight Mass.

But those were the days.

Today, Allan is in Dubai and will be spending Christmas and New Year in Singapore and Malaysia, Niv is in Bangkok and Aimee and I are in Perth. A scattered bunch but love keeps us together.