Google Maps zip through suburban Townsville, Australia

I was sitting at my desk about 1/2 hour ago when a hatchback with Google Maps signage and a contraption on the roof zipped past. Never one to miss a story on my doorstep I chased him down the road and around the corner and photographed the car for my newspaper clients. Had a quick chat to the friendly driver and had a peek at his gadgetry inside the car. Basically it consisted of a midi tower PC in the trunk with a GPS processing unit, a Dell LCD monitor in the front screwed to a plank of wood, a GPS receiver and a pole with 5 cameras sticking up on the roof from the centre of a roofrack.

Whilst I have seen Google Maps of my local area it is nice to see that it is being updated and that "Streetview" is going to be included soon! I thought only "big" streets like 5th Ave, NY and Rodeo Drive made it into "Streetview". Too cool!

del.icio.us Tags: google,maps,streetview,mapping,gps,townsville,queensland,australia

Luke O'Donnell - ready to play!

Luke was back in the gym recently showing that he has fully recovered from a sickening 2007 injury that saw him miss much of the season. He looks to be back fitter than ever!

See my pics of Luke over his Cowboys years at http://www.cameronlaird.com/search/index.mg?searchWords=luke+o%27donnell&searchType=InUser&NickName=camlaird

Matt Bowen to stay a Cowboy until end of 2011 season

What great news for the Cowboys! Matt Bowen signature on a new three year contract seeing him through until the end of the 2011 NRL season. Now we have the most exciting fullback in the game joining the best halfback in the game, what a great combination for the next couple of years at least!

See all my pics of Matt over the years at http://www.cameronlaird.com/search/index.mg?searchWords=matt+bowen&searchType=InUser&NickName=camlaird

Cowboys too tough for Bulldog pups

Two wins in a row against the Bulldogs puts the Cowboys in a Sunday semi-final clash with the Warriors at home. Jason Smith was SUPER and really showed his years of experience when it came down to the final minutes. Combined with Thurston, Bowman and Matt Bowen their experience helped the Cowboys hold the Bulldogs off 20-18, something that would never have happened in seasons past.

See my pics from the match at http://www.cameronlaird.com/gallery/2572467/37/193427802#193428334

JT takes out the Dally M medal

JT picked up another Dally M medal as the NRL's player of the year in Sydney function last night. Well done JT, keep it up for the last few matches and 2007 could be a premiership year for the Cowbies!

See all my Johnathan Thurston pics at http://www.cameronlaird.com/search/index.mg?searchWords=johnathan+thurston&searchType=UserImage&NickName=camlaird&SortBy=Recent

Sexiest Man In League shoot

Just finished a commission for Adidas/Sunday Telegraph for the "Sexiest Man In League" competition. Wouldn't have minded swapping places with JT as he looped around Cleveland Bay in a beautiful Tiger Moth (from http://www.flyscenic.com.au/). Anyway, you can see a selection of my pics here (http://www.cameronlaird.com/gallery/2572467/113/192872513#P-8-15) or on the official site at http://www.sexiestmaninleague.com.au/week5_1.php

Cowboys prepare to battle to Bulldogs

Whilst Cowboys stars Johnathan Thurston and Matt Bowen were offered the opportunity to sit out tomorrow nights dead-rubber clash with the Bulldogs they refused, wanting to take part in Paul Bowman's 200th game with the Cowboys. "Bear" has been with the Cowboys since their inception in 1995 and he is sure to get a mighty roar when he steps onto the paddock tomorrow night.

Cowboys cruise towards the finals

A stellar performance by Matt Bowen, Jason Smith, Ray Cashmere and friends saw the Cowboys make it three wins in a row and secure a home game in the NRL finals series. Their 24-14 win came at the hands of the hapless Dragons in a season they would rather forget.

By the way, this is my seat on the sideline with my colleague Michael enjoying the spectacular views!

See my pics from the game at http://www.cameronlaird.com/gallery/2572467/27/185704842#185710798

Burdekin Dam in full flow

Yesterday I went for a drive out to the Burdekin Falls Dam to photograph its current level over the spillway for The Courier-Mail newspaper. Although it was only flowing about one metre over the spillway it was still pretty amazing. The Burdekin Dam is Australia's second largest dam behind the Warragamba Dam and holds 1.86 million megalitres. It is currently holding 108% of capacity and is well worth a visit when flowing!

Dad, let's move to Bowen!

No doubting young Oscar Jackman's love of Bowen(wood). He has been surfing at Horseshoe Bay, played in the local footy competition, played on Rose Bay sand dunes, baked pies with Paddy at Jochheims Bakery...... the list goes on and on. And it is rumoured that he has asked dad Hugh what the chances on moving to Bowen would be? And now, to plead his case in the strongest possible way - he comes out wearing this shirt. What, with Hugh's Broncos cap and Oscars "I Love Bowen" shirt - maybe a move to the sunshine state isn't beyond comprehension?

Nicole yells out a spoiler

In one of the closing scenes of "Australia" Nicole Kidman's character "Lady Sarah Ashley" screams "Nullah!" as she and Hugh Jackman's character fall to the ground near the the prone body of Brandon Walters character "Nullah". Around them fires are burning in the war torn Darwin/Bowen set. Is this an indication that Nullah dies at the end of the movie? Make of it what you will, I doubt anyone will even remember this once the movies hits cinemas sometime in the distant future!

See pics of this scene at http://www.cameronlaird.com/gallery/2849094#166033900

David Gulpilil freezes his butt off!

What a shocking day to be stuck up a tower in just a traditional loincloth. It was absolutely FREEZING today in Bowen with a wind chill factor many degrees below what many Bowen locals have ever felt. David Gulpilil was provided with a fleece dressing gown, insulated foil blankets and a water bottle but it did little to help. I was disappointed I left my beanie at home, and then I saw Gulpilil up the tower. Instantly I felt warmer!

See my "Australia" pics at http://www.cameronlaird.com/gallery/2849094

Jason Smith to hang up his boots

North Queensland Cowboys five-eighth Jason Smith annouced today that he will retire at the end of the 2007 season. Smith has played 18 seasons in the top grade and in my opinion plays well below his age. One of the true 'thinkers' of the game, he will be missed. Congratulations on a super career Jason! I'm sure you'll get a more time for some of this below!

See my Jason Smith pics at http://www.cameronlaird.com/search/index.mg?searchWords=jason+smith&searchType=InUser&NickName=camlaird

Baz at work

Bazmark II has put out this image by onset photographer James Fisher of "Australia" director Baz Luhrmann at work. Hope all you Baz fans enjoy this fresh pic!

See all my "Australia" pics at http://www.cameronlaird.com/gallery/2849094

Two try Ty

After jumping out to an 18-0 lead against the Sharks, that post origin collapse that seems to happen every season happened again. The Sharks quickly closed in and with only 2 minutes left in the clash Cronulla were up by four. I'm not sure what I saw in that last play but by the look in the eyes of the backline players I KNEW something was on. Sure enough Ty Williams scored right under the posts to give the Cowboys a stunning 2 point win 26-24. Awesome!

See my pics of the game at http://www.cameronlaird.com/gallery/2572467#158647289

Kidman 1 - Wenham 0

With her riding instructor Craig Emerton watching closely Nicole put the finishing touches on the cattle drive scene yesterday. Things have got a bit quieter around town over the last day or two - seems as though Bowen locals just see it as another day at the office now but with the added bonus of having a quick peek at a Hollywood star during their lunch breaks!
Last night I went to the Queens Beach hotel for Monday night footy and a counter meal and who should be there but Bryan Brown and Ben Mendelsohn. They were having a great time too and seemed just as at home in country pub as any local.

Now, David Wenham's riding skills must be a little lacking compared to Nic, Hugh or Brandon. I'm yet to see Davo without a stackhat! Either he has a wild horse or he's taking to riding a bit slower than everyone else.

See my "Australia" gallery at http://www.cameronlaird.com/gallery/2849094

Hugh hits Horseshoe

MOVIE heart-throb Hugh Jackman took to the waves of Horseshoe Bay with children Oscar, 7, and Ava, 22 months, yesterday.The outing helped blow out the cobwebs following the massive party he and co-star Nicole Kidman hosted on Saturday night.
The two stars of the Baz Luhrmann epic Australia threw a thank you party for the 500-strong cast and crew at Bowen's Grand View Hotel.
It included a surprise performance by Kidman's husband Keith Urban, who was joined on stage at the hotel by a mix of local musicians that the singer dubbed the Bowen Carney Boys after the Carney cattle company featured in the film.
Urban played from 8.45pm until just before midnight. "It was an amazing performance," Grand View's assistant manager Mike Burgess said.
After a day off yesterday, the third week of filming will resume today.
Source: Amy Harris/The Courier-Mail

See my "Australia" pics at http://www.cameronlaird.com/gallery/2849094

Bowen's 'Running of the Bulls'

Ok, maybe I used a bit of creative licence with my headline but the stampede of cows down George St and Herbert St Bowen may as well have been in Pamplona. There were some pretty scary horns amongst the herd and as they swarmed past me I hoped like crazy that they didn't break through the barriers. Nic and Hugh kept their distance, playing it safe, and will undoubtably be edited in for the final release.
Speculation is still running through town about a possible concert by Nic's hubby Keith Urban at the Grand View Hotel tonight but to be honest, I doubt it. My feeling is that it would be somewhere where all the cast and crew could attend and the beer garden of the Grand View would be WAY too small. Anyway, let's see what happens!

See my "Australia" gallery at http://www.cameronlaird.com/gallery/2849094

Nic and Hugh together on horseback.....at last!

Today just seemed to drag on and on and on. After a few too many ales celebrating Queensland's win in the State of Origin I wasn't really in the mood for a long day. However it was a bit of a treat to win a 'battle of the wits' with publicists and security for long enough to come up with some quality images! Action centred around Carneys Cattle Co. with Bryan Brown yelling from the balcony and Hugh and Nicole doing their best imitations of seasoned horse riders. They sure looked the part and didn't fail to impress with their riding talents!
From what I hear shooting is falling behind schedule however I'm sure they will make that up over the coming weeks.
And while I have the chance, if you are ever in Bowen MAKE SURE you stop in at Jochheim's Bakery for a pie or a coffee. Jayne & Paddy run what must easily be the busiest pie shop in Australia and it is a Bowen landmark. And thanks to Erin for my 17 latte's in 4 days! (A free Hunky Hugh pie for that plug wouldn't go astray!)

See my "Australia" gallery at http://www.cameronlaird.com/gallery/2849094

Bryan Brown surfaces in Bowen

Looking like Larry "J.R" Hagman Bryan Brown made his first appearance on the balcony of the Carney Cattle Company headquarters today. The scene allowed Brown to have quite a number of slugs of whatever Baz Luhrmann had put in his bottle of Kanga Bitter. Cheers Bryan!

See my "Australia" pictures at http://www.cameronlaird.com/gallery/2849094